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Newsletter No 67 May 2013 |
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 Returning from England recently I had a helpless moment. You know those times when you feel you are stuck. There is a problem and you know about it but can do absolutely nothing to change things. Something is going wrong and you are completely powerless to do anything about it. I had arrived at East Midlands airport to get my flight back to Dublin. I was early. In fact I had some 4 hours to wait.
 Fortunately, in this age of modern communication I could always connect with the world of the internet to check for messages. I connected and all was not well. I could see my email address was receiving messages that showed very clearly that my account had been hacked. Messages of a very dubious nature were going to everyone on my address list and I had no control. It was a definite helpless moment and stuck in an airport I could do very little.
I took a walk around. East Midlands is a small airport where there is very little of interest. There is one coffee shop, one aircraft model shop for enthusiasts (and I’m not!) and one very small newsagent. There was only one other room to explore – the chapel or prayer room!
In our multi-faith world I was pleas antly surprised to discover the main area of worship was very Christian in feel. It was an oasis of quiet in this transport hub that had been put together with some thought. Here I stayed for some while. Time in silence, time to read, time to listen, time to explore.
At the back there were a number of Christian resources on a table. I had a good look. I was particularly struck by some little booklets produced by the Methodist church. One was called “Joy in my pocket”. Another “Grace in my pocket”. Another Hope. Another Peace. Each small booklet of 16 pages was simply a collection of thoughts and prayers around each theme.
Of course the books had a great catchy title “.... in my pocket” Yet I couldn’t but think that grace, hope , peace and joy needed to be found not in our pocket but in our hearts! In a crisis we find out what our heart is really like. We can respond in all sorts of ways and many may not be pleasant.
It strikes me that it’s when we feel helpless we discover who we really are. It’s in a crisis that we discover what we are really like. The little books in the chapel pointed to a deep well in the most difficult times. When times are at their darkest can we see hope and peace. When we are in difficult situations can we respond with grace and joy?
These gifts of peace, grace, joy and hope are not a natural response. They are a gift from God. As we approach the season of Pentecost we are reminded of the power of the Holy Spirit. We are reminded again of our great need of God. How we need him more and more.
The early Christians were recognised by their fruit. The fruit of lives given to God, the fruit of God’s spirit in their lives. Galatians chapter 5 points to such fruit - Patience, kindness, self control, faithfulness, gentleness, generosity, love, joy, and peace. It is no different today.
I thank God for that place of prayer in the airport. There I glimpsed another perspective.
May we live by the Spirit, may we be guided by the Spirit. May Christ reside in our hearts and may our fruit be seen.
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 Breffni Holy Communion Service
 Our Breffni service of Holy Communion will be lead by Rev Brendan on Thursday 23rd May and on Thursday 20th June by Rev. Tanya Woods.
As usual visitors are most welcome to join us. .
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Possible New Appointment
It is now in the public domain that the new Bishop Ferran Glenfield has already worked behind the scenes to see if a Bishop's curate might be appointed to the diocese to work in the Swanlinbar Kildallon Group. This outcome will only be decided following interviews. We do not as yet know if the interviews will lead to a successful appointment. Should the appointment be made, the curate will be working full time within our group alongside myself.
As far as we understand it this would mean Rev Brendan's part time assistance in the group would then end. When we know this is definitely the case we would want to thank him I am sure. I for one have greatly appreciated his leadership in what we have always known to be a temporary situation.
Our group of parishes has now been in a vacancy for four years and will benefit enormously from the full time leadership that would be possible. The appointment of a Bishop's curate is already a model that we have seen successfully employed in other parishes of the diocese. The Bishop's curate would also be able to administer communion.
While we don't have all the answers yet, please feel able to talk with myself or Archdeacon Craig McCauley and Dean Raymond Ferguson about the possible change with your concerns and questions.
 I do also ask that we please pray for the interview progress in the next few weeks, that the right decisions and an appointment will be made.
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 Mothers Union
We are sad to announce the retirement after very many years service of Vi Breen & Margaret Crawford and thank them for all their work over those years.
Lorna Graham is to take over the chair and Linda Lovett is to be secretary. We wish them every blessing with success in all their efforts.
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We were shocked and sorry to hear of the death of William Dobson from Mohill, brother of Hazel Howden. The pain of parting is very real and we bring the whole family before God, seeking his way, his strength and his hope.
Our sympathies are also with the friends and relations of Myrtle Harrison nee Tegart late of Balliness who died in Waringstown near Lurgan on 17th April aged 98 years. She was a parishioner of Templeport many years ago and was an Aunt of Joan Marsden, Ballyconnell.
Bereavement Prayer
Heavenly Father, give us faith and light in times of darkness. May our trusting in you help us live with questions unanswered. Grant us a certain hope in You, that will grow to surpass immeasurably the greatest depths of despair felt now. In you our Lord we put our trust.
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Easter Vestries 
The remaining Easter Vestry meetings will take place on the following dates:.
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Day & Date |
Time |
Venue |
| Newtowngore |
Thursday 16th May |
8.30 |
Newtowngore Hall |
| Swanlinbar Kinawley |
Tuesday 21st May |
8.30 |
Kinawley Minor Hall |
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 Flower Festival
Our neighbours in Killesher Parish, Florencecourt have a flower festival running from Friday 24th May at 2pm to Monday 27th ending at 6pm. Fuller program details can be found in the Scribe.
Key events in the weekend include an opening service at 8pm on the Friday and a Gospel concert at 7.30pm on the Monday. Why not pop along to St John’s church to experience the theme, ‘The Beauty of the Earth’ by Timothy Elliott, Manor Garden Centre? |
Letter from Beryl
Casilla 1124, Asunción, Paraguay, Beryl Baker
Ephesians 3 : 20 "Now All Glory Be To God Who Is Able Through His Mighty Power At Work Within Us
To Accomplish Infinitely More Than We Might Ask Or Think."
Dear Praying Friends,
Our problems are no problems for God to handle if we invite him to handle situations which appear daunting. I know God is faithful and will never fail us or forsake us.
The real purpose of belonging to a church has been highlighted at many recent services. As believers in Jesus we should find ourselves in a new loving, caring family where we can support and be supported by our spiritual brothers and sisters. Real life experience of this was in March when I was in the Chaco 5 hours away from Asunción when my presence was needed immediately in town due to the unexpected death of Aminda at my house. A phone call to the church received immediate response from Teodosio, Mags, Gwen, Miriam and Sharon all of whom were on the spot to handle this tragic event. By the time I reached town the funeral was arranged as God's family put love, compassion and practical help into action.
Comforting 20 year old Ana, Aminda's daughter who lived with her, was my number one priority and along with the church and Ana's fiancée Jorvy, her future was made a little more secure by their civil wedding the following Tuesday of Easter week. Now the ongoing battle continues with Ana's adult brothers and sisters who demonstrate hatred , envy and malice to myself, Ana and Jorvy - but the Lord is in control.
The brakes of the 16 year old Toyota failed but praise the Lord I came to no harm neither did anyone else. The truck is now in the workshop, thanks for the generous help with the enormous bill from Rhett and many kind friends in the U.K. By next Monday I should have it back D.V.
Summer like temperatures are still with us and we look to the Lord for cooler days.
Several people need cataract surgery and as soon as I have transport they will be a priority
The presidential elections went smoothly and the old Colorado party will take over the leadership of the country next April.
Every day there are plenty of patients that come from near and far and I praise the Lord for all the donations I receive to make sure they all receive adequate treatment. Each day I pray for wisdom and discernment to identify the underlying reasons for the patients’ visits as some are not immediately obvious. Counselling and sharing God's word often is all that is needed.
Over the years the Chaco health problems have changed. Cases of tuberculosis are considerably less along with diarrhoea, vomiting and contagious diseases. Clean drinking water, vaccines and health education has really paid off. Now many Indians as well as non indigenous people suffer from high blood pressure, gallstones and obesity. Bad eating habits and stress are very much on the up.
People with specific prayer needs are;-
Jorvy, Ana's husband for a fulltime steady job.
Ana, still getting over her Mum's sudden death and adapting to married life.
Mags, Gwen and all the teachers at St. Andrew's school with all the extra work involved in celebrating its 50th Anniversary.
Praise for Gwen's good recovery from her recent fall.
73 year old Sharon running La Puerta, the house for abused young women and for her health problems.
New good homes for some of the cats and dogs.
Cooler weather!!! Rhett's health and the future of the ranch.
In the U.K. -:
 Doreen adapting to life without Trevor.
Derrick Blacker's and Ron Handy's health
Catherine Fincham - Harlow for full recovery from her very serious illness.
David, my nephew Alan's best friend, with cancer of the oesophagus
John and Julie Fagan for blessing strength and encouragement every day.
Love to you all and prayers,
Beryl
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 Sunday School Prize Giving and the Big Red Bus
A team from Operation Mobilisation and the Big Red Bus are returning for a few days in June. This will be our first opportunity to see the new bus that we donated towards last year. The OM team will be visiting local schools from Wednesday 19th to Friday 21st June. We hope they will then do a special event in the group on Saturday 22nd before helping us with our Sunday school prize giving service at 3.30pm on Sunday 23rd June.
I will be looking for accommodation and help with food for the OM team members shortly. If you might be able to help please let Richard know.
 Holiday Bible Club – Help required
We are investigating whether we can do another summer club with OM and the Big Red Bus again this year. We are considering August 19th to 23rd as a possible week. If you are free in the day and able to help please let Richard know ASAP so we can make sure everyone is registered with Safeguarding Trust. The week can only happen if we have enough help to help the visiting team. |
 Bishop’s Installation
We are of course delighted that our new Bishop will soon be sharing in the life of the diocese. Rev Ferran Glenfield will be enthroned as Bishop in Armagh on Friday 31st May. Bishop Glenfield will then be installed in Silgo on Sunday June 9th and in Kilmore on Sunday June 16th at 4pm.
Please pray for Bishop-elect Rev Samuel Ferran Glenfield, his wife Jean and their three children Michael, Richard and Esther. |
Synchronicity - 2 Generations
A joint solo exhibition of quirky landscape photography combined with synchronized oil paintings on canvas. Local photographer Jennifer Richardson embarks on this exhibition with her mother (Artist Grace Dixon) at the Solas Art Gallery, Main Street, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim on Friday 7th June 2013 at 7.30pm. Jennifer & her Mum Grace look forward to your presence & sharing their world of art. |
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Lugnaquilla Mountain Challenge
  Alan Morton from Kildallon Parish is taking part in the Barnardos Lugnaquilla Challenge on Saturday 25th May.
He will be trekking the highest peak in Leinster through the Wicklow Mountains. Alan is doing this to help raise vital funds for Barnardos Homes. Barnardos is a child focused charity with 40 community based centres which aim to provide practical and professional support to vulnerable families and children. He would appreciate any help you can give him. His phone number is 083 9675243. |
 Templeport Fitness Classes
Zumba is a new fun way to get yourself fit and loose a bit of weight. Zumba combines Latin and International music with a fun and effective workout system.
Come along to the Templeport Community Centre on any Tuesday evening at 7.30 pm for 45 minutes. For more details contact Ann-Marie Brady at 0858123821 or send an email to annmarie.brady@btopenworld.com
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GFS Winners
Congratulations to those who won prizes at the recent GFS service in Billis. Our local GFS branch did very well this year.
Abigail who got first in 13-15 yrs handcraft,
Maria got first in 11-13yrs handcraft,
Eleanor first in 9-11yrs handcraft.
Ella first in 5-7yrs handcraft.
Carla third in 9-11yrs handcraft.
Emma third in 13-15 yrs Bible study.
Holly third in 5-9 yrs Bible Study.
Thank you once again to leaders and parents for supporting the great work of GFS. .
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Bowling
Kinawley Bowling Club recently held it's annual tournament among the members, the Senior cup was won by Sam Wilson and the Junior Cup by Craig Gould. The season ended with the annual dinner held in Gransha Hall. This year the dinner was hosted by Derrylin Bowling Club and members of Gransha Bowling Club also attended. Club Captain George Graham expressed thanks to all the members for their continued support throughout the year and best wishes were sent to Club Secretary, Raymond Humpreys who has been unwell recently and unable to attend the weekly meetings. |
 Cash for Clobber
Ballyconnell Central School Parents’ Association would like to thank you for your fundraising help with the collection of unwanted clothing. Together we have raised €348!! If you missed the last collection, there will be another collection on 12th June. De–Clutter for a good cause! Thank you!.
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A Thought to Read 
When did you last visit the Christian bookshop? There are branches in Cavan and in Enniskillen.
What was the last Christian book that you read? Our Sunday schools I suspect are the largest users, with prize giving and wee prizes through the year.
The Christian Bookshop in Enniskillen has served the people local to Enniskillen for many years. Letitia Moffitt the manager has also worked hard to help support the smaller Cavan Christian bookshop.
In a time of recession and internet these wonderful resources need our support. They serve a huge area and their loss would be keenly felt in those times something is genuinely needed. They also serve as a Christian presence, places of Christian witness and community in our towns.
Here are a few ideas that would both encourage the bookshops and increase our own faith at the same time.
- We could have one of a few newsletter articles that share about Christian books that have helped us. If you’ve read a Christian book that has really spoken to you. Let us know.
- We could have a bookstall on a special Sunday or a particular event in the year.
- Staff from the bookshop could happily speak to a group on the role of the bookshop with a stall available.
- Instead of using the internet please pay the bookshops a visit.
- If you’ve never been – next time your in Cavan or Enniskillen check out the Christian bookshops.
Please support our local bookshops if you possibly can. We are the losers when they are no longer there.
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 Change to Derrylin Healing Service
The service has been replaced by a new monthly Praise and Ministry Service. This informal approach to praise and worship has prayer available afterwards. The first of these monthly services will be on Saturday 25th May at 8 pm in Derrylin Hall. |
 India Update
Many thanks to all who have given generously to India, both in this group and in the wider dioceses.
For 2012 £2582 and €2760 has been given in child sponsorship, and we have £1960 and €4670.93 in other fundraising. Money that is not specifically to sponsor children will be used for building a hospital next to the orphanage. We hope to have an exciting update about this during Harvest.
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| Time for a Smile! |
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Good Samaritan
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan. She asked the class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?" A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, "I think I'd throw up." |
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Did Noah Fish?
A Sunday school teacher asked, "Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark ?" "No," replied Johnny. "How could he, with just two worms.
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The Lord Is My Shepherd
A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible - Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter. Little Rick was excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, "The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know. |
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Unanswered Prayer
The preacher's 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why. "Well, Dear," he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages. "I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon." "How come He doesn't answer you?" she asked.
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Being Thankful
A minister said to a precocious six-year-old boy, "So your mother says your prayers for you each night? That's very commendable. What does she say?" The little boy replied, "thank God he's in bed!"
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All Men / All Girls
When my daughter, Rebecca, said her bedtime prayers, she would bless every family member, every friend, and every animal (current and past). For several weeks, after we had finished the nightly prayer, Rebecca would say, "and all girls." This soon became part of her nightly routine, to include this closing. My curiosity got the best of me and I asked her, "Rebecca, why do you always add the part about all girls?" Her response, "Because everybody always finishes their prayers by saying 'All Men'!
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Say A Prayer
Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away. "Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer." said his mother. "I don't need to," the boy replied. "Of course, you do" his mother insisted. "We always say a prayer before eating at our house." "That's at our house." Johnny explained. "But this is Grandma's house and SHE knows how to cook. |
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The Bible
Did you know that... when you carry the Bible, Satan has a headache. When you open it, he collapses. When he sees you reading it, he faints. Let's read the Bible every day so he keeps on fainting. Maybe one day he'll have a stroke and never wake up. And, did you also know that when you are about to send this on to friends and colleagues the devil will discourage you, but send it anyway and give a few of your friends a little chuckle.
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  Schedule of Services to the end of June
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Date |
Time |
Location |
Service |
Leader |
Sunday 19th May |
10am |
Swanlinbar |
MP2 |
Richard |
10.30am |
Newtowngore |
Family Communion |
Brendan |
11.30am |
Templeport |
MP2 |
Richard |
11.30am |
Tomregan |
MP |
Mervyn |
Noon |
Kildallon |
MP2 |
Brendan |
Thursday 23rd May |
2 pm |
Breffni Centre |
Holy Communion |
Brendan |
Sunday 26th May |
10am |
Kinawley |
MP1 |
Richard |
10.30am |
Corrawallen |
MP1 |
Brendan |
11.30am |
Tomregan |
MP1 |
Richard |
Noon |
Kildallon |
Family Communion |
Brendan |
Sunday 2nd June |
10am |
Swanlinbar |
Family Communion |
Brendan |
10.30am |
Newtowngore |
MP1 |
Richard |
11.30am |
Templeport |
Family Communion |
Brendan |
11.30am |
Tomregan |
MP |
George Taylor |
Noon |
Kildallon |
MP1 |
Richard |
| Sunday 9th June |
10am |
Kinawley |
Service of Word |
Brendan |
10.30am |
Corrawallen |
MP2 |
Richard |
11.30am |
Tomregan |
Family Communion |
Brendan |
Noon |
Kildallon |
Service of Word |
Richard |
| Sunday 16th June |
10am |
Swanlinbar |
MP2 |
Richard |
10.30am |
Newtowngore |
Family Communion |
Brendan |
11.30am |
Templeport |
MP2 |
Richard |
11.30am |
Tomregan |
MP |
Mervyn |
Noon |
Kildallon |
MP2 |
Brendan |
| Thursday 20th June |
2 pm |
Breffni Centre |
Holy Communion |
Rev. Tanya Woods |
| Sunday 23rd June |
10am |
Kinawley |
MP1 |
Richard |
10.30am |
Corrawallen |
MP1 |
Brendan |
11.30am |
Tomregan |
MP1 |
Richard |
Noon |
Kildallon |
Holy Communion |
Brendan |
| Sunday 30th June |
10am |
Kinawley |
MP 2 |
Richard |
| 10.30am |
Corrawallen |
Family Communion |
Brendan |
| 11.30am |
Tomregan |
MP 2 |
Richard |
| Noon |
Kildallon |
Holy Communion |
Brendan |
1 after Service type indicates Traditional 2 After Service type indicates Contemporary |
e & oe
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