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The Columbanst. columba’s church, knock, november 2020
Rector’s Letter
Dear Parishioner,
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY – 8th NOVEMBER
On Remembrance Sunday we will remember with thanksgiving those brave men and women who gave “their today that we might have our tomorrow”. This is the greatest sacrifice of all and is something which we must never be allowed to forget. No one can take their place or make their unique contribution to society as they gave their lives – they gave their all for our freedom today.
During this pandemic it is important that we have opportunities to remember with gratitude those who made the supreme sacrifice as we carefully follow all the Covid-19 Guidelines. This year we will be unable to come together in large numbers for our Remembrance Day service in St. Columba’s. Due to our careful observance of the 2 metre social distancing in the church our seating capacity is restricted to 65. We will therefore be having three separate but related services to remember before Almighty God those who lost their lives in war and conflict:
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY SERVICES
10.30am Morning Prayer with Act of Remembrance on Facebook
This pre-recorded service with the Churchwardens placing the wreaths on the Nave Pillars. The Organist, a Cantor and myself will be participating in this service.
10.30am Morning Prayer with Act of Remembrance in Church
Our traditional service with the exception of the Churchwardens placing the wreaths on the Nave Pillars as they are currently unable to walk through the pews with a congregation present.
THURSDAY 12th NOVEMBER
10.30am Morning Prayer with Act of Remembrance in Church
Our Remembrance Day Service will be repeated for those unable to attend St. Columba’s on the previous Sunday.
The safety and well-being of all those attending and participating in our worship this year must be our priority at this challenging time. Although so many things are different during these days we need to remember those who made the supreme sacrifice and fought for the freedom we have today.
“They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old:Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”As we rightly remember we are also called to rededicate ourselves to the cause of peace. Peace needs to be sustained upon those great principles of love, justice and respect for each other. That is a great challenge for us all – how do we demonstrate such important qualities in our lives both on Remembrance Sunday and throughout this pandemic? As we receive the love of God so we, like a mirror, must beam it out to those we meet through our words, thoughts and actions, not just when it suits us but every moment of every day.I encourage you to include this Act of Commitment in your daily devotions:Lord God our Father, we pledge ourselves to serve you and all humankind, in the cause of peace, for the relief of want and suffering, and for the praise of your name. Guide us by your Spirit; give us wisdom; give us courage; give us hope; and keep us faithful now and always. AmenYours in His service,
PARISH PRAYERGod, our Heavenly Father, make the door of our Church wide enough to welcome all who need human love, fellowship and a Father’s care;
but narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and hatred. Here may the tempted find help, the sorrowing receive comfort and the penitent be
assured of your mercy. And here may all your children renew their strength and go on their way in hope and joy; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.Bishop Thomas Ken 1637-1711
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SERVICES IN NOVEMBERSunday 1st All Saints Day (White)10.30am All Age Worship Matthew 5: 1-12 The Beatitudes
Thursday 5th (Green)10.30am Holy Communion
Sunday 8th Remembrance Sunday (Green)10.30am Morning Prayer with Act of Remembrance John 15: 9-17 The life of Jesus’ chosen people Thursday 12th (Green)10.30am Morning Prayer with Act of Remembrance.
Sunday 15th The Second Sunday before Advent (Green)10.30am Morning Prayer Matthew 25: 14-30 The Parable of the Talents Thursday 19th (Green)10.30am Holy Communion
Sunday 22nd The Kingship of Christ (White)10.30am Holy Communion Matthew 25: 31-46 Jesus speaks about the end of time, and the kingly power that will be seen in the coming of the Son of Man.
Thursday 26th h (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion
Sunday 29th The First Sunday of Advent (Purple)
10.30am Advent Carol Service
Online ServicesEach Sunday at 10.30am, there will be a service of Holy Communion on our
parish Facebook page (St Columba’s, Knock) and on our parish website under
“Recorded Services” at www.coiknock.org
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LEST WE FORGETDuring the years of the First World War, 48 parishioners from St. Columba’s served in H.M. Forces, the vast majority in the Army. Tragically, twelve did not return, a truly horrific rate of attrition. The names of both the fallen and the survivors are shown on the memorial plaque in the south transept where, in 1919, the beautiful memorial window was erected to their eternal glory. No less than three MC’s, one MM and one DFC were awarded for gallantry. In the Second World War, reflecting its far greater global reach, 120 parishioners from St. Columba’s served in HM Forces, not only in the Army but also in the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy, the Merchant Navy, the Women’s Royal Naval Service, the Auxiliary Territorial Service and the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. Tragically, twelve also did not return, eight from the ranks of the Royal Air Force alone, as high a rate of attrition as that suffered by those parishioners who served in the army during the First World War. In more recent times, Constable Mark Evans was killed on 7th September 1981 whilst serving with the RUC in Pomeroy, and his name is displayed on a memorial glass case towards the rear of the church.
St. Columba’s Roll of Honour in two World Wars, inscribed on the front two pillars of the nave, reads as follows:
1914-1918 1939-1945 J. Burke A. S. Craig A. D. Deane R. A. A. Doherty T. B. Elliot M. D. Green H. Hooton J. C. Harris I. C. McCormick A. R. Hill H. McCormick M. C. Hind R. Nelson H.G. Montgomery W. Nelson R. N. Morgan J. Purvis C. McConnell A. Rodgers A. McFarland W. H. Unsworth J. H. Rice G. W. Webb N. TurnerMindful of all current ongoing military operations, let us pause on Remembrance Sunday to remember those men and women who, in countless conflicts, made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and for our freedom. We also remember all worldwide victims of war, brutality, terror and oppression. Let us above all pray for those valiant young men who set forth from this parish in those dark and storm filled days, never to return home nor see their loved ones again.
They knew their duty and they died for it
LET US HONOUR THEIR MEMORY
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The Tomb of The Unknown WarriorOn Sunday the 8th November 2020 at thousands of memorials throughout the United Kingdom the fallen of two World Wars and subsequent conflicts will be remembered. Vast as the war cemeteries are, over three quarters of those killed in the First World War have no known grave. Whilst the nation’s tribute will be focused on the Cenotaph in Whitehall in it’s centennial year since it was unveiled in 1920. There is another very significant and poignant memorial nearby in Westminster Abbey.
In 1916 a Church of England army chaplain the Reverend David Railton (1884-1955) was passing through the French town of Armentieres which had been obliterated by shellfire when he noticed a grave in a back garden marked with a rough wooden cross on which were pencilled the words “An Unknown British Soldier”. This event profoundly affected him and remained with him throughout the war. Subsequently in August 1920 he wrote to Dean Ryle of Westminster Abbey proposing that an unidentified British soldier from the battlefields in France be buried in due ceremony In Westminster Abbey “amongst the kings” thus to represent the many hundreds of thousands of Empire dead. The idea was initially opposed by King George V who feared that the ceremony would reopen the wounds of a recently concluded war. However the Dean was strongly in favour and was ably supported by the then Prime Minister David Lloyd George. This proposal resulted in a great surge of emotional support from the great number of bereaved families throughout the nation and thus ensured its adoption.
Arrangements were placed in the hands of Lord Curzon who prepared in committee the service and location. The body was chosen from four unknown British servicemen exhumed from four battle areas. The Aisne, the Somme, Arras and Ypres (the 36th Ulster Division fought at three of these battle sites.) The remains were brought to the chapel at St Pol near Arras on the night of 7th November 1920. The General officer commanding in France and Belgium Brigadier General L.J. Wyatt accompanied by his staff officer Lieutenant Colonel E.S. Gell entered the chapel alone. The bodies had been laid out on stretchers and each body was covered by the Union Flag. The officers had no idea which battle sites the soldiers came from. The General selected one body by closing his eyes and placing his hand on the Union Flag and the two officers then placed it in a plain pine coffin. The coffin remained in the chapel overnight under guard. The remaining three bodies were immediately removed for re-burial. In the morning the chaplains of the Church of England, The Roman Catholic Church and non conformist churches held a service before the body was escorted to the citadel at
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Boulogne where a company of the French 8th infantry regiment recently awarded the Legion d’Honneur en masse stood vigil at the coffin overnight. The next day two undertakers placed the coffin inside a casket made of solid oak timbers sent from Hampton Court Palace. The casket was banded with iron and a medieval Crusaders sword personally chosen by the King from the Royal Collection was affixed to the top and was surmounted by an iron shield bearing the inscription “ A British Warrior who fell in the Great War 1914-1918 for King and Country.” The coffin was wrapped in the alter cloth that Rev David Railton had used during the war ( known as the Ypres or Padre’s flag it now hangs in St George’s Chapel). The casket was drawn on a French military wagon by six black horses. All the church bells of Boulogne tolled as the massed trumpets of the French Cavalry and Infantry sounded the Aux Champs (French Last Post). The mile long procession was led by one thousand French school children accompanied by a division of French soldiers as it made it’s way to the harbour. At the quayside Marshal Foch saluted the casket as it was piped on-board the destroyer HMS Verdun with an Admiral’s call. HMS Verdun was accompanied to Dover by six British battleships. On arrival it received a 19 gun Field Marshals salute. On the 10th November 1920 the casket proceeded by train to Victoria Station where it remained on platform 8 under guard overnight. A plaque is placed at this location and every year on the 10thNovember a small Remembrance service is held between platforms 8&9.
On the morning of the 11th November 1920 the casket was placed onto a gun carriage of the Royal Horse Artillery drawn by six horses and escorted by contingents of the three armed services through immense silent crowds, silent except for the sound of weeping as the cortège passed. The route followed via Hyde Park Corner, down the Mall and onto Whitehall where the newly erected Cenotaph was unveiled By King George V. At 11am a 2 minute silence was observed. The cortège was then followed By the King, Royal Family and Ministers of State to Westminster Abbey where the casket was borne into the West Nave flanked by a guard of honour of one hundred recipients of the Victoria Cross. A group of around one hundred women were special guests of honour because each had lost their husband and all of their sons in the war. Every woman so bereaved was granted attendance if it was their choice.
During the shortened form of the burial service and after the hymn” Lead Kindly Light “ the King stepped forward as the casket was lowered into the grave and sprinkled soil brought from the Battlefields of France onto the coffin. At the close of the ceremony after the hymn “ Abide with Me “ the congregation sang the solemn recessional “ God of our Fathers” to words written by Rudyard Kipling whose only son John was killed at the Battle of Loos in 1915 whilst serving as a lieutenant in the Irish Guards. Later the grave was covered by a black marble slab donated by the people of Belgium. It is the only tomb in the Abbey on which
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it is forbidden to walk and is perpetually surrounded by poppy wreaths. It bears the inscription composed by Dean Herbert Edward Ryle, Dean Of Westminster and is engraved with brass melted down from wartime ammunition.
BENEATH THIS STONE RESTS THE BODY OF A BRITISH WARRIOR
UNKNOWN BY NAME OR RANK BROUGHT FROM FRANCE TO LIE AMONG THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS OF THE LAND AND BURIED HERE ON
ARMISTICE DAY
11 NOVEMBER 1920 IN THE PRESENCE OF HIS MAJESTY KING GEORGE V
HIS MINISTERS OF STATE THE CHIEFS OF HIS FORCES
AND A VAST CONCOURSE OF THE NATION THUS ARE COMMEMORATED THE MANY MULTITUDES WHO DURING THE GREAT WAR OF 1914-1918
GAVE THE MOST THAT MAN CAN GIVE LIFE IT SELF
FOR GOD
FOR KING AND COUNTRY
FOR LOVED ONES HOME AND EMPIRE FOR THE SACRED CAUSE OF JUSTICE AND
THE FREEDOM OF THE WORLD
THEY BURIED HIM AMONG THE KINGS BECAUSE HE HAD DONE GOOD TOWARD GOD AND TOWARD HIS HOUSE
Around the main inscription are four texts:
side. THE LORD KNOWTH THEM THAT ARE HIS
side GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS
top UNKNOWN AND YET WELL KNOWN DYING AND BEHOLD WE LIVE
base IN CHRIST SHALL ALL BE MADE ALIVE
On the 17th October 1921 the US Congressional Medal Of Honor was conferred to the Unknown Warrior by General Pershing, it hangs on a pillar near the burial site. The ships bell of HMS Verdun hangs near the grave in the Abbey. The named ship had been specially chosen to reflect the great
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sacrifice made by the French army during the Battle of Verdun. Later on 11th
November 1921 the United States of America Unknown Soldier was reciprocally awarded the Victoria Cross Britain’s highest award for gallantry.
When Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon married the future King George VI on the 26th April 1926 she laid her bouquet at the tomb in memory of her brother Fergus killed during the war before proceeding to the alter. This gesture has since been copied by every royal bride married at the Abbey, but on the way from the alter instead of to it. Before she died in 2002 the Queen Mother expressed the wish for her family wreath to be placed at the tomb. This wish was fulfilled by her daughter Queen Elizabeth II the day following the funeral.The tomb is one of the most visited memorials in the world.
The body of the Unknown Warrior may be from any of the three main services, Army -Navy or Air Force and from any part of the British Isles, Dominions or Colonies and represents all those who have no other memorial except KNOWN UNTO GOD.
Gerald (Gerry) Cupples - parishioner Ex 42 Commando Royal Marines.
Christmas 2020 - Let’s Raise the Roof!As outlined last month, the Roof Fundraising Committee is continuing to develop options around the phasing and funding of works urgently required to our roof.Whilst we continue to pursue all funding opportunities, it is clear that there will likely be a shortfall in grant funding and we are therefore seeking your continued support in this regard.An envelope will be attached to the December/January edition of The Columban, along with details of our Christmas Roof Fundraising Appeal.If you make a charitable donation in lieu of Christmas cards, please consid-er our appeal as part of your giving. Similarly, given that social events will be curtailed this Christmas, why not consider a donation in lieu of a gift for a friend that you will not be seeing?Details to follow next month.With grateful thanks,The Roof Fundraising Committee.
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The Battle of Passchendaele:31st July – 6th November 1917
The Battle of Passchendaele, during the Great War, is sometimes referred to as the Third Battle of Ypres.The lowlands surrounding the Belgian coastline were perfect areas for the German troops to advance and to quickly secure for their own purposes, and so plans were drawn up by British Commander Sir Douglas Haig to prevent the German subma-rines from using the Belgian coastline as bases for attacking ships bringing troops and supplies to the front.The area had seen two previous battles during this time, in 1914 and 1915, both of which had been hard-fought with no noticeable advance in territory. The ground had suffered through an almost constant barrage of shellfire, resulting in damage to the drainage system, and days into the attack in 1917 saw some of the heaviest rainfall for around 30 years. The heavy clay earth quickly became a quagmire of stinking mud that swallowed up men, horses and tanks. Soldiers found themselves fighting the Germans while also trying to deal with these atrocious conditions.The sucking, sticky and stinking mud swallowed up the bodies of the dead and in-jured. This is why there are around 90,000 bodies never identified in the area. Many may have survived if they had been fighting on firmer earth, but as the wounds quickly festered in the damp fetid air, the injured simply sank into the mud while their comrades continued fighting around them.Despite the horrific conditions and loss of life, the Battle of Passchendaele was declared a success when, along with assistance from the Canadian forces, victory was declared on 6th November 1917. The battle gained 5 miles of advancement yet suffered around a quarter of a million deaths of British and Empire forces. The Prime Minister David Lloyd George had disapproved of the plan and in his War Memoirs, published in 1938, he wrote: “Passchendaele was indeed one of the greatest disasters of the war ... No soldier of any intelligence now defends this senseless cam-paign”.It was here that my Great Uncle John McCance lost his life, in these most squalid and energy-sapping conditions. His body was never identified, and he was among the youngest of those who lost their lives in this area. My family were told later that he had received bullet and shrapnel wounds which weakened him, then he sank into the mud as he awaited assistance.Each year, I like to remember the sacrifice he made, and I have attached a poem which means a lot to me. It is not as well-known as some others but is particularly poignant to me. It is a reminder to me of the loss made by so many, and lives cut short, opportunities missed, and the pain of those left behind. If you haven’t heard it before, I hope you enjoy it. Karen Patterson
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A Love of Cathedrals In the late 1960’s I was a Sales Representative for McCleery & L’Amie Ltd. a new textile company and made my first
overseas sales trip to Montreal.
Having completed my first day visiting potential customers, I was feeling quite apprehensive and under pressure to make my visit
successful. When returning to my hotel, I was passing the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal and on impulse decided to go inside to spend a half hour reflecting on my day. This became a daily routine for the remainder of my trip, when I would sit and think of my family and friends back home and I feel it inspired me over the following days. Little did I know then that those visits would lead to a love of cathedrals and to many visits to cathedrals in other cities on my future travels. Some of these beautiful buildings have left lasting memories with me.
I visited Cologne Cathedral and although the city was heavily bombed during the Second World War the cathedral was left relatively unscathed. A German colleague told me that he had spent many days sheltering in a cellar during that time and when he finally
emerged, the city had been virtually destroyed, however, the cathedral was still standing like a beacon of hope.
In Barcelona I visited the Sagrada Familia and although not the main cathedral in the city it is rather unique in that it is still a work in progress. Funded by private donations, building started some 140 years ago and is still a long way from being finished. I’m sure McLaughlin and Harvey would have had it completed years ago!
Of all the cathedrals I have visited over the years, I think my favourite would be the Santa Maria Cathedral in Palma which I have visited on many occasions. It is beautifully situated on a raised site overlooking the Mediterranean. Amongst its many stained glass windows are two enormous circular rose windows. On two particular days during the year — one in February and one in November I think —- when the sun shines through them, the two rose windows reflect a perfect figure of 8 on the opposite wall above the Mirador Portal. Much as I have enjoyed visiting these beautiful buildings, it is still such a pleasure to come home to our own “ Mini Cathedral “ — St. Columba’s on Kings Road.
Our sincere thanks to Hedley for sharing this ‘Thought’ with us.
The December/January ‘Thought for the Month’ will be written by Patrick Good.
Thought for the Month
Hedley Best
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ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS 2020
The Rector and Parish Organist write…
We sat down in the Rectory back garden recently, under a blue sky, to chat about the weeks and months ahead. Given the growing number of new cases of Covid-19 since September onwards, it seemed to us that there were few prospects of any radical changes in the Government’s stance on social distancing and the various other protocols in place to keep everyone safe between now and the end of the year. So, what are we to do about our traditional pattern of services in the lead up to Christmas?
In recent years the parish choir has joined with the choir of Cregagh Presbyterian Church to provide two Advent Carol Services, one in each church. With regret, this will not be feasible this year, but we will organise an appropriate service of readings and music on Sunday 29th November at 10.30am to mark the first Sunday of Advent.
Christmas provides us with a much bigger dilemma. Given that church buildings are required to have a period of 72 hours between public services, or have the building undergo a deep clean, we cannot offer our normal Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve followed, only a few hours later, with two separate services on Christmas Day. It seems the best option will be to hold the Carol Service on Sunday 20th December with a Family Communion Service at 10.00am on Christmas Day. As has been our practice since the month of March, the music at these two services will be led by our solo cantors and will duplicate the same seasonal favourites on both occasions.
We would however ask you to consider one important matter. The church building is limited in the number of worshippers who can attend at any one time, for reasons which we all fully understand. Please look at your diary and decide which of the Christmas services (20th / 25th) you would prefer to attend as it will probably be necessary to organise some means of booking in advance to avoid the distasteful prospect of people being turned away
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from the door if a first-come, first-served system were to be used. It is hoped that both these services will be live streamed on our parish Facebook page and will also be available in the audio format on our parish website. Further details will be announced later.
Finally, may we thank everyone for the very kind comments that followed the live broadcast of Morning Service on Sunday 4th October on BBC Radio Ulster. We are indebted to Christine and Lynda for their singing and to the Reverend Bert Tosh and his team for capturing the atmosphere in St Columba’s so well on that occasion. We are all also most grateful to Mark Ryan and Alan Boyd for putting the dress rehearsal for the broadcast service, recorded the previous day, up on Facebook and on the parish website. This all involved a great deal of work. Many thanks.
SUNDAY SCHOOLSunday 8th November 10.30 - 11.15
Sunday 22nd November 10.30 - 11.15
Sunday 29th November 10.30 - 11.15
It was a delight to see the children’s artwork in church for the harvest celebrations.
Although we hadn’t met in Sunday school, I contacted six families and asked them to produce harvest craft. I would like to thank Susannah and Emily Roleston, Alex and Sam Kerr, Michael and Rebecca Albery, Peggy and Ruby Hirst, Hazel and Robert MacPherson, Emily, Thomas and Molly Morrow for all their hard work.
Sunday school opened its doors for the first time since March on 11th October. We had fourteen children and it was lovely to hear the chat and laughter in the hall once again. Thanks to Christine, Emma and Barbara for their willingness to teach the classes thus enabling us to reopen.
Joyce
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Prayers for your comfort
A prayer for All Saints Day (1stNovember)We give you thanks, our God and Father, for all those who have died in the faith of Christ: for the memory of their words and deeds and all they accomplished in their time: for the hope of reunion with them in the world to come, and, for our communion with them in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
A prayer for All Souls Day (2ndNovember)Welcome Lord, into that place you have prepared for them, those, who, out of this present life, have departed to be with you. Grant them eternal rest and give them the life that knows not age, and the reward that passes not away, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
A prayer for Remembrance Sunday ( 8thNovember)/ Day (11thNovember)Almighty God, as we look back today and remember with gratitude and sadness those known to us who have died in time of war or civil conflict, enable us also to look around us and think with compassion of those who still suffer and bear the marks of violence – the bereaved, the lonely, the disabled, the mentally ill. Comfort those who suffer, uphold their faith and give them peace, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen
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A prayer for peace and reconciliationEternal God, in whose perfect world no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, and no strength known but the strength of love: we pray that all peoples may be gathered under one banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one God and Father of all, to whom we give glory now and for ever. Amen
The Prayer of St. Francis 13thCenturyLord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.Where there is injury, pardon.Where there is discord, vision.Where there is doubt, faith.Where there is despair, hope.Where there is darkness, light.Where there is sadness, joy.O divine Master,Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;To be understood as to understand;To be loved, as to love;For it is in giving that we may receive,It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
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A prayer for those seeking work (this may be a personal prayer) God our Father, in praying for the unemployed and those insecure in their workplace, be our rock of safety when we lose courage and hope while searching for work. At such a time, help us to employ our skills and gifts in other directions and to find a measure of fulfilment in the service of our church or community. Help us to discern in the events of our time the direction of your will, and give us (them) courage to declare what we (they) believe to be right, and the ability to carry it through. Amen
A prayer for our parish Almighty God, through our parish you have given us a neighbourhood to serve and a gospel to proclaim. We pray for our rector, and all who have responsibility for preparing and leading worship at St. Columba’s. Bless those chosen to serve as churchwardens , all members of the Select Vestry and those who have been elected to any office in our parish. We thank you for the work of our parish secretary, Karen, and countless numbers who serve you in other ways. Renew all of us with your Spirit, that in worship and in service, we may be true to our calling as fellow workers with Christ in his mission to the world, to the glory of his name. Amen
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A prayer for those the sick and those engaged in medical researchGod of grace, we pray for all who are suffering from illnesses which are beyond the reach of human skill. Grant success to all engaged in medical research, that their work may be used to alleviate pain and to further the ministry of healing among people of every nation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
A prayer for family, neighbours and friendsHeavenly Father, we pray for those we know and love from whom we are parted because of the current health crisis. Protect them from anxiety, loneliness and danger. Despite our inability to be with them, deepen our love and friendship and assure us that you are always near, and, that we are one in you for ever, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
A prayer for guidance (attributed to St. Patrick) May the strength of God guide usMay the power of God preserve usMay the wisdom of God instruct usMay the hand of God protect usMay the way of God direct usMay the shield of God defend usMay the love of God guard us against the dangers and temptations of the world . Amen
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PARISH OFFICE BEARERS 2020-2021
RECTOR – The Revd Chancellor John R AuchmutyASSISTANT PRIEST – The Revd Canon Ken Smyth
ASSISTANT PRIEST – The Revd Canon Walter Laverty
RECTOR’S CHURCHWARDEN – Martin MoorePEOPLE’S CHURCHWARDEN – Scott Rutherford
RECTOR’S GLEBEWARDEN – Jim Stevenson PEOPLE’S GLEBEWARDEN – David Kelly
HONORARY SECRETARY – John Macpherson
HONORARY TREASURER – Gillian SadlierASSISTANT HONORARY TREASURER – Victor Dukelow
SELECT VESTRYRector, Churchwardens, Glebewardens,
Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Assistant Hononary Treasurer, Brian Acheson, Suzanne Allen, Richard Caldwell, Andrew Hirst,
Ian Johnston, John Kerr, Jayne Martin, Jonathan Stewart, Linda Wilson
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERSMurray Hunter, Niall Armstrong
PAROCHIAL NOMINATORS Victor Dukelow, Patrick Good, Elizabeth Leonard, Linda Wilson
SUPPLEMENTAL PAROCHIAL NOMINATORSDavid Craig, Moranne Noad, Karen McAlpine
DIOCESAN SYNOD MEMBERSPatrick Good, Elizabeth Leonard
DIOCESAN SYNOD MEMBER AGED UNDER 30 Hollie Wilson
SUPPLEMENTAL DIOCESAN SYNOD MEMBERS David Craig, Elizabeth Miller
ST COLUMBA’S PARISH CHURCH KNOCK
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FINANCE COMMITTEEThe Rector (Chairman)Gillian SadlierVictor DukelowRichard CaldwellStephen Armstrong
PROPERTY COMMITTEEThe Rector (Chairman)David KellyJohn McKeownJohn ProctorMark ReidJim StevensonMark WilsonIan Johnston
FUNDRAISING COMMITTEEThe Rector (Chairman)Josephine KellyElizabeth LeonardLouise MercerClodagh ReidLinda Wilson
COVID-19 COMMITTEEThe Rector (Chairman)Jim StevensonDavid KellyMartin MooreScott RutherfordAndrew HirstRonny MartinJayne MartinElizabeth Leonard
St. Columba’s Covid 19 Sub Committee Update.For the health protection of ourselves and those around us the committee want to emphasise the following points for in-church worship in St Columba’s:
1. Do not attend church if you have any viral symptoms or if you have had a Covid test done and are awaiting results.
2. Wear a face covering ( mask ) and sanitise hands on entering and leaving church property.
3. You will not be able to sit in your former pew…you will be shown to your seat. The church is filled from by starting at the front and working towards the back.
4. Social distancing is to be observed at all times.5. Avoid physical contact.6. Leave promptly and in an orderly manner as directed.7. Install the Stop COVID NI HSC app on your mobile phone.
Thank you for your co-operation as we support each other at this difficult time
Dr. Elizabeth Leonard.
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RECTOR’S CHURCHWARDEN, MARTIN MOOREI am very grateful for the opportunity to serve as Rector’s Churchwarden at St Columba’s, albeit in very unusual times. As a ‘son of the rectory’, I have observed the hard work of many churchwardens over many years and I am now about to find out for myself. I was born in Lisburn and brought up in Belfast and Newtownabbey in the parishes of Holy Trinity, Joanmount, and St Patrick’s, Jordanstown, where my father Canon Jim Moore was rector. I studied at the University of Edinburgh, graduating in 1992 and then returning to Northern Ireland. I now work as a civil servant in the Department of Justice. I joined St Columba’s in 2006 after moving into the parish shortly after getting married to
Kelly. We have two sons, Adam and Jack, who enjoy Sunday School and occasionally reading at All-Age Worship.
PEOPLE’S CHURCHWARDEN, SCOTT RUTHERFORDI would like to thank the parishioners of St Columba’s, for the opportunity and great honour to serve them as Churchwarden. My wife Melissa and I, are relatively new members of the church and were delighted to get married there in October 2019.
I am originally from Killinchy, Co. Down and Melissa is from Derry City, but after moving to East Belfast five years ago, we were both very grateful of the warm welcome we received from all at St Columba’s.
In my spare time I enjoy sailing on Strangford Lough in the summer months, and in the winter I can often be found hiking in
the Mournes, or at Ravenhill as a long suffering fan of Ulster Rugby.
I look forward to the coming year, serving you as People’s Churchwarden and getting to know more of the wonderful congregation of St Columba’s.
Covid 19 – advice from KayleenTake care – it’s not rare to be very sick with the pandemicWith a hard cough and high temperature be aware for such a snare could lead to death.So to keep your health BE SMART AND STAY APART.
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CHURCH STAFF
SELECT VESTRY
Chancellor John Auchmuty Rector
Canon Ken SmythAssistant Priest
Canon Walter Laverty Assistant Priest
Martin MooreRector’s Churchwarden
Jim Stevenson Rector’s Glebewarden
David KellyPeople’s Glebewarden
Ian Johnston Richard CaldwellBrian Acheson Andrew Hirst
Scott RutherfordPeople’s Churchwarden
Jonathan Stewart
Suzanne Allen John KerrJayne MartinLinda Wilson
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CHURCH STAFF
OFFICE BEARERS
PARISH OFFICERS
Karen Patterson Parish Administrator &
Financial Giving SecretaryJoe McKee
Organist & Choral DirectorBrian Clements
Assistant Organist
John Macpherson Honorary Secretary
Gillian Sadlier Honorary Treasurer
Victor Dukelow Asst. Honorary Treasurer
Jack Dunlop Gift Aid Secretary
Murray Hunter Honorary Sacristan
John Proctor Honorary Sexton
Stewart Beckwith Premises Convenor
Karen McAlpine Diocesan Reader
Mark Laverty Crucifer
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CongratulationsIn the Queen’s Birthday Honours Andrew Hirst, a member of the Select Vestry, was awarded the British Empire Medal for his voluntary service to leukaemia research and to the Lagan Search and Rescue team.
RAILWAY AND MODEL CLUBOur photo this month shows three of our layouts up on the wall. This allows us to “distance ourselves” in the extra space it gives on the floor. The one at the top is our World War II airfield and the lower two are our “n” gauge layouts.
The main action in the last month, was our much overdue Annual General Meeting. This was completed smoothly with the following result.
Chairman/Secretary Stewart Beckwith
Treasurer Jack Dunlop
Other appointments; Ian Is Technical Support, John is Quartermaster/Photographer, Geoff is ‘Elf and Safety and I am still Mag Man.
Work still rolls on with Ian finalising the new wiring on a layout, Jack setting up scenery on his layout, John trying to sort out the mess on our materials and tools and Stewart working hard on the dockside layout with Geoff and yours truly. Arthur has returned to the fold and is starting to get to grips with the banter. He usually builds/operates the big models you can sit on, so we are starting to wonder about the corridor as a possible place for a layout.....Just joking.....I think!!!
Keep safe everyone, and keep ‘er roll in’.
David.
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We have started a general tidy up in the garden. Cutting things back, dividing and repositioning plants that have outgrown their space and planting for spring. The paths around our home are uneven and this autumn we will be repairing these treacherous surfaces. The preparation for this work has brought to my memory the refrain of a song that reminds us that on every journey Jesus is with us as the guide and support. He is something to hold to in these uncertain times.The Mothers’ Union Ireland poetry competition has been judged and the winning poems have been published on the website. Angela Kerr and Nan Armstrong wrote poems and submitted them on behalf of this branch, copies are reproduced here with their permission.Best wishes,Barbara
Covid TimesThe virus appeared quite suddenlyAnd overnight everything changed.The plans that we’d made, events we’d arrangedAll disappeared out of sight.
Home schooling began, and working from home,Some folks were afraid and alone,No longer could visit or have people callThey felt they were all on their own.
Lock down was imposed and we couldn’t go farBut there were some lovely daysWhich were spent out of doorsDoing gardening or much needed chores
Then there arose the question of masksWhich were needed to use of some tasks,And while there were protest from manyOthers thought it not too much to ask
We all want to thank the NHS,Other essential services tooFor all that they have already doneAnd still will have to do.
So while this pandemic rumbles onWith God’s help we’ll soldier on tooAnd listen to the rules we hearWhile hoping lock down’s end is near.
Nan Armstrong
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Harvest Thanksgiving - LunchThank you very much to those parishioners who very kindly used their Harvest Lunch envelopes. Although we couldn’t celebrate a
lunch together, it was very generous of those who sent photos and money to the parish. At the time of writing, the amount raised was an amazing £1200, including Gift Aid! Thank you for your generosity and ongoing support for St Columba’s.
Karen Patterson
Parish Administrator & Financial Giving Secretary
Covid-19 Early 2020 a pandemic took place The Government recording case by case Coronavirus was its name Spreading like wildfire-life would never be the same.
Government guidance gave us daily advice Remain in your homes- often not so nice! Exercise was a daily run or walk Social distancing making it hard to talk.
Despite all this folk became ill Covid-19 had the power to kill Hospitals soon were overflowing Doctors, nurses and carers good seeds were sowing.
At times it was as if the world stood still But soon folks showed exceptional goodwill! Each Thursday on streets,roads and drives Clapping heard for those staff who risked their lives.
Life for a child with no school to attend Was particularly hard as they missed a friend Parents were anxious as the schools were put on hold But modern technology they soon could behold.
Life before Covid-19 has been left behind Selfishness and materialism no longer we find Acts of kindness have come to the fore Let’s dream of tomorrow and open a new door.
Angela Kerr
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Organ Scholarships
On Sunday 27th September a service of Choral Evensong was held in St Anne’s Cathedral Belfast in thanksgiving for church and cathedral organists, church musicians and the work of the Down, Dromore and Connor Organ Scholarship Board. Our Rector ,Chancellor John Auchmuty is the Chairperson of the Board.Each year the Board invite applications for scholarships which are awarded annually. Sadly this year due to Covid 19 there has been a delay in completing these awards due to tutors being unable to teach because of social distancing. Lessons will continue once the present restrictions ease and awards will be made.The scheme, in its 30th year, helps provide and equip organists for public worship. It was established in 1990 when an anonymous benefactor, recognising the importance of the ministry of music in parish life and worship provided a very generous endowment to train organists in the dioceses. A Trust fund was set up and administered by the Church of Ireland Trustees and a Board of Management. Following the introduction and welcome by the Dean, The Very Reverend Stephen Forde, the beautiful service of Choral Evensong began under the direction of cathedral organist Matthew Owens. He was assisted by Mr Jack Wilson who accompanied the choir on the organ. Lessons were read by Board members Lady Brenda Sheil and Mr Gerald Hill. Board member Reverend Julie Bell, Minor Canon of the Cathedral delivered the sermon and our own Rector used most meaningful prayers for the occasion. The Reverend Bell mentioned an article she had recently read in a science publication about birds in San Francisco that started to sing differently in the silence of the pandemic shutdown. Covid-19 shutdown created a proverbial “silent Spring”! She compared this to the times we were living in and hoped for what God can do for us in many ways not least in the restoration of church music during the pandemic. In his prayers our Rector firstly gave thanks to God for the gift of music. Secondly he gave thanks for the work and ministry of the organ scholarship tutors, Dr Joe McKee, Mr Michael McCracken and Reverend Dr. Ian Mills. He
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NOVEMBER FLOWER ROTASunday 1st Eleanor and Geoff LaunchburySunday 8th REMEMBRANCESunday 15th Carol WillisSunday 22nd Helen and John ProctorSunday 29th Rosemary Simpson
NOVEMBER PARISH MAGAZINEAny articles or photographs for publication in the December parish magazine should be handed or emailed to the editor, Billy McAlpine, by Wednesday, 11th November.
His contact details are:-10 Old Quay Court, Holywood BT18 0HT
Tel: 9042 4390 Email: [email protected]
We all love to see photographs of people enjoying our church activities. So we can all benefit fully from this and for reproduction purposes, it is very important that photographs are clear and in focus.
Many thanks
also prayed for the scholars, their parents and families and the work of the Scholarship Board. He asked for God’s blessing that what we sing wth our lips we show in our hearts. Our Rector then remembered with thankful-ness and gratitude all those who had served on the Board and were now no longer with us but had left a wonderful legacy behind. In conclusion prayers were offered for all those who had been infected with Corunavirus.There are currently five scholars in the 3rd year of training, four in their 2nd year, two in their first year and four new scholars ready to begin their train-ing.When someone has shown enough enthusiasm and early talent for the church to want to invest some time, money, energy and expertise this gives us the asurance that they are almost universally positive, keen and willing to play for very little monetary reward, just being able to call themselves an Organ Scholar of their parish. A thought for the future!Angela Kerr
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New members are always welcome at any of our organisations!Sunday Sunday School
Bubbles (3-5 years)Splash (5-8 years)X-treme (8-11 years)The Grid (11-14 years)
2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays10.30am
Superintendent:Joyce Stevenson 9058 3381
Crèche 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays Christine Johnston07811 599291
Monday Craft and Hobby Circle 1st and 3rd Monday each month 10.30am
Carol Willis9079 9997
Ladies Bowling 2.00pm Helen Coates9065 8977
MU Afternoon Group 2nd Monday each month 2.30pm Joy Montgomery9029 5427
Mens’ Club 7.30pm John Robb9058 1438
Tuesday Ladies Badminton 10.30am Gillian Popplestone9080 3799
Ladies Badminton 2.00pm Anne Clarke9065 1412
Activity Group Except 1st Tuesday7.30pm
Maureen Irwin9079 5155
Mothers’ Union 1st Tuesday each month8.00pm
Barbara Laverty9573 8743
Wednesday Railway and Model Club 7.00pm David Beattie9028 5868
Ladies Guild 3rd Wednesday each month7.45pm
Jennifer Beattie,9028 5868
Thursday Art Club 9.30am Billy Nelson9048 3889
Bible Study Group 2.30pm - 4.00pm Eileen Anderson9020 3684
Choir 7.30pm Dr Joe McKee07976 294574
Friday Mums and Tots 10.00am Joyce Stevenson, 9058 3381
Bi-monthly Pause As arranged Eileen Anderson9020 3684
Monthly Youth Etc.(11-15 years)
As arranged Jonathan Martin, 07980 885990
Young Families Social events as arranged Rachel Stewart07812 247343
Requests for the occasional use of the church halls must be submitted to the Premise’s Convenor.
PARISH ORGANISATIONS
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WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBASParish website: www.coiknock.org
Rector The Reverend ChancellorJohn R Auchmuty
St. Columba’s Rectory29 Kings Road
BT5 6JG028 9047 1514
Assistant Priests
The Reverend CanonKen Smyth
The Reverend Canon Walter Laverty
3 Mount RoyalBangor BT20 3BG
028 9145 8706
6 Hanwood HeightsDundonald BT16 1XU
028 9573 8743
Diocesan Lay Reader Karen McAlpine [email protected]
Rector’s Churchwarden Martin Moore
People’s Churchwarden Scott Rutherford
Rector’s Glebewarden Jim Stevenson 028 9058 338107973 392448
People’s Glebewarden David Kelly
Honorary Sexton John Proctor 028 9087 052607989 469773
Select Vestry
Rector, Churchwardens, Glebewardens,Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Assistant Honorary
Treasurer, Brian Acheson, Suzanne Allen, Richard Caldwell, Andrew Hirst, Ian Johnston, John Kerr, Jayne Martin, Jonathan Stewart,
Linda Wilson
Honorary Secretary John Macpherson
10 Sandhill GardensBT5 6FF
028 9028 [email protected]
Honorary Treasurer Gillian Sadlier70 Kensington Road
BT5 6NG028 9040 3278
Assistant Honorary Treasurer Victor Dukelow 028 9029 0625
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Gift Aid Secretary Jack Dunlop 028 9065 4103
Parochial Nominators Victor Dukelow, Patrick Good,Elizabeth Leonard, Linda Wilson
Diocesan Synod members
Patrick Good, Elizabeth LeonardHollie Wilson (under 30)
Organist and Choral Director Dr Joe McKee 07976 294574
Assistant Organist Brian Clements 028 9079 3641
Sidesperson’s rotaCo-ordinator Rosemary Coffey 028 9754 2198
Magazine Editor Billy McAlpine 028 9042 [email protected]
Parish Webmaster Ivan Roche 028 9514 [email protected]
C of I Gazette Distributor Moranne Noad 028 9079 3704
Bible Reading Fellowship notes Joan Madill 028 9065 6591
Church flowers Eleanor Launchbury 028 9028 1204
Premise’s Convenor Stewart Beckwith 028 9048 6622
Crucifer Mark Laverty 028 9573 8743
Parish Office Administrator/
Financial Giving Secretary
Karen PattersonOffice hours: Monday to
Friday9.00am-1.00pm 028 9065 6891
CHURCH CAR PARKINGWhen parking to go to church services or Parish Organisations please be sensitive to the residents in the local community by taking care not to block entrances or pavements.Thank you!
FacebookSt Columba’s Parish Church is now on Facebook. ‘Like’ our page to see updates on events, services and photos. Search coiknock on Facebook or Messenger to find us easily.
For those who are new to St Columba’s and would like more information about the life and membership of the parish, please give your name and phone number to our Churchwardens or contact the Parish Office during office hours Monday-Friday, 9.00am-1.00pm on 028 9065 6891.
Pastoral Care: If anyone has a pastoral concern and would like to speak to someone, please contact the Rector (028 9047 1514) or Canon Ken Smyth (028 9145 8706).
SAFEGUARDING TRUST
The Rector, Select Vestry and parish leaders are committed to upholding good practice in the parish’s ministry with children and young people. Should you have cause for concern or suspicion regarding child welfare in the parish, please contact: The Rector ..........................................................028 9047 1514Patrick Good ......................................................028 9065 6908Elizabeth Leonard ...........................................028 9065 3162
