The Swanlinbar Kildallon Group of Parishes in the Church of Ireland Kilmore Diocese. Corrawallen Kildallon Kinawley Newtowngore Swanlinbar Templeport Tomregan

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Newsletter No 53 Febuary 2012
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'The Price We Pay '

 Church of Ireland Cross

Richard with his Malasian haircutAfter Christmas we visited Pauline's family in Malaysia. With the rush of Christmas I hadn't had my hair cut here so decided to get it done inMalasia Malaysia. Pauline's father took me to his barber of 40 years! It was wonderful to just get a small insight into my father in-law’s friends and past as well as the changes over the years. There was however a cost I never envisaged. I found my hair trimmed sufficiently shorter than I planned, looking more like a Buddhist monk! I came out thinking, ‘that was a valuable experience but wow! I never expected that cost. Thank goodness hair grows again!’
That's in one sense a trivial story. There was a blessing - I had caught precious insights into my Father in-law’s life and Chinese culture. There was however the shock of an unforgettable haircut. As we approach Lent we enter wonderfully into the life of Jesus . It was in so many ways a thrilling journey for the disciples. There was the incredible privilege of hearing Jesus’ incredible teaching. There was the thrill and amazement of Jesus’ miracles. I suspect the disciples secretly must have felt quite privileged as they hung out with ‘the chosen one.’ Yet it was to end with a terrible and great shock. Jesus stripped and hanging on a cross. This was an ending they never saw coming - a journey of such cost.
Chinese New Year 2012Lent, the journey to the cross and the celebration of Easter only really take root in us when we take time to consider the cost. Jesus gave everything for us.
It strikes me even taking time is a cost in itself. For example, have we the time to make the Lent services? Have we time to consider fully the events of Easter and their implications for us.
Yes taking time is costly but it is a small price to pay. I thank God for the great and many hymns both old and new that take us to the cross and help us take time to think about and question and be amazed at the great cost and price paid for us. I’ve discovered since coming here a particular favourite for many is the great hymn by Charles Gabriel, “I stand amazed in his presence.”

Lent symbolsLent CrossAmazing love, O what sacrifice
I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene
And wonder how he could love me
A sinner, condemned unclean.
How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be
How marvelous! How wonderful!
Is my Saviour’s love for me.

Only by entering the story, only by putting ourselves at the foot of the cross are our lives transformed.
Lent and Holy week are so precious I’m all too aware that farms are busy with calves, lambs and new life, but please, wherever and whenever possible enter the story and consider the cost of the Son who died for us.
This year we are planning a holy week with a difference.
Richard's signatureCaptain Richard Beadle
We hope to follow the events of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday as closely as we can, a story that didn’t end at 9pm but went through the night. To enter fully there will be a cost. You will give time. You will possibly even lose sleep but the rewards will be great. We will see His story afresh and we will appreciate in a new way the great cost Jesus paid for us.
Church of Ireland CrossAs Spring time marks new growth, may the journey of Lent and Easter this year truly deepen our experience of our heavenly Father’s amazing love for each of us.

 

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News Items

Hospital SignImportant Notice Regarding Hospital Visiting!

Clergy (including our Hospital chaplain) are no longer able to access hospital patient lists. We are therefore dependant on parishioners letting us know if anyone is in hospital. If a parishioner is in hospital and would appreciate a visit please contact Captain Richard Beadle.


 

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Mothers Union logoMothers Union

Our next meeting is on St Valentine's day, Tuesday, 14rh February 2012 in Kildallon when Rev Andrew and Joanne Quill will speak on the recent "Mission Team's Visit to South Carolina" at 8 pm in Kildallon Church.
Please would members who are going on the MU outing to Dublin on Saturday 5th May 2012 bring a deposit of €15 to the February meeting. There will also be a Mothers’ Day Voluntary contribution collected at the February meeting for the "Make a Mother's Day" Mothers’ Union campaign.
Our March meeting will be on Tuesday 13th March at 8pm in Newtowngore when we will have a painting demonstration by Freda Young.

The Mother’s Union website may be found at: www.kilmore.mothersunion.ie

Margaret Crawford & Vi Breen


 

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Richard BeadlePauline BeadleWorld Day of Prayer

The World Day of Prayer service will be held in St Paul's Church Kinawley on Friday 2nd March 2012 at 8 pm and in Christ Church Kildallon at 8.30 pm. The service has been prepared by Christian Women of Malaysia, the theme of the service is "Let Justice Prevail." The speakers will be Mrs Pauline Beadle in Kinawley and Captain Richard Beadle in Kildallon. Everyone is welcome to attend these services.


 

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Vestry meetingUnited Group Vestry Meeting

Please remember the United Group Vestry meeting on 16th February at 8 pm in the Tomregan Old School.


 

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Breffni Health CentreBreffni Holy Communion Service

The next service of Holy Communion will be led by Canon Steve Clark on Shrove Tuesday, February 21st at 2 pm.
Please come along if you can, it’s great when other parishioners come and share in the service with the residents. .

 

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DancersSwanlinbar Social Evening

Social dancing has been taking place in the Old School, Swanlinbar under the guidance of local couple Michael and Josie Davis. This has become a very popular nights entertainment for all and numbers attending and skills acquired are growing week by week. Before Christmas a festive supper was provided and a donation was presented to Mike and Josie by Mr Thomas Fisher to pass on to the Swanlinbar Day Centre which was the charity chosen to support. Dancing will continue each Thursday night at 8pm and there will be a warm welcome to anyone interested in improving their skills or just having a bit of fun.


 

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Beryl in her clinicLent Jar of Grace Collections for Beryl Baker

Jar of Grace nearly emptyHaving witnessed Beryl at work in the Chaco doing her rounds visiting patients, I know first hand how much our collections in Lent make a difference. All our gifts enable Beryl to buy the medicines she needs to run a most effective clinic. I witnessed patients hitchhiking some 30 kilometres to see her. I saw the affection and high regard Beryl is held in as she visited among the local Indian communities. I still marvel and praise God for her devotion and sacrifice, having given over 30 years of her life to the people of the Chaco.
Blind man with his sonBeryl really does share the love of Jesus in love and action and is making a real difference, thanks in part to our generosity. I know that we are in difficult times but I would ask again that we give as we can. Even with our giving there are times there are simply not enough medicines for the need. Our primary giving will be through our loose plate giving at Lent services and through the Lent jars of grace.
Here's a quick reminder on how to engage with the jars of grace. It would be wonderful if you joined in again or perhaps for the first time.
In our churches you will be able to get a self adhesive label with the words "JAR OF GRACE" printed on it. From the 22nd February Ash Wednesday, I would ask that you stick this on a jam jar and place it in the centre of the table where you have most meals. Each time you sit to have a meal, I would invite you, along with every participating home in our parish grouping to pray a simple prayer for Beryl and for those less fortunate than ourselves.
This year I have included a prayer topic for each day relating to Beryl on a separate leaflet. If you choose to use it I have no doubt it will help you think about Beryl's ministry lifting it before God. Use it to say a simple prayer for Beryl and her work in the Chaco.
JKar of Grace fullBeryl talking to one of her patientsPlease do try and remember this each meal as a note shoved in at the end to make amends for forgotten coins and prayers really is not the same as regular giving and prayer. On Easter Sunday we will collect in all the offerings and give thanks to God in his grace giving.
Yesterday at the SAMS annual Friday night live in Craigavon Bishop Ken described grace as "outrageous generosity." I urge us all to help make a real difference.

Please click on the thumbnails on the right to see the full sized pictures which will open in new windows. Alternatively click here to see the index of all the photos Richard took while in the Chaco with Beryl Baker and the team.


 

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Claire HolmesKilleshandra - Paraguay!

One highlight of Richard's visit to Paraguay was the leadership of Claire Holmes (our Harvest speaker in Corrawallen last year.) I am thrilled to report that our neighbouring group in Killeshandra are shortly to help support her ministry as she returns to Paraguay. Beryl and Claire are good friends in Paraguay and this can only deepen the sense of partnership that we have in this part of the world.


 

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G. F. S. G.F.S. Logo

The G.F.S. Enrolment Service will take place in Tomregan Parish Church this year at 11.30am on Sunday 26th February.
To enable families to attend the G.F.S. service, there will be no service in Corrawallen on Sunday 26th February. This is a change from the previous newsletter following consultation with parishioners.


 

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2012 - A Year of Mission for Our Group

MissionBut you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Beginnings -A Lent Exploration
At a challenging and very helpful meeting in January parishioners had the opportunity to explore what a year of mission might look like for us. We began by asking ourselves what mission means. We also recognised that every year should be a year of mission so this year really is but a beginning of a process for us.
We agreed the following aim.
Our aim is to enable people in our parishes, people in our communities and all people whose lives we touch to:
1. Feel accepted, valued and cared for.
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world". James 1:27
2. Understand and respond to the Good News of Jesus
Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,1 Corinthians 15:1-4
3. Engage with the Church
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Recognising that each parish community is different in their hopes, needs and longings we want to look at what the mission year might mean in each locality.
The following parish meetings are planned on the following Thursdays at 8pm. Please note these are open to all parishioners, they are not vestry meetings.

Date Parish Location
Thursday 23rd February Kildallon Christ Church Kildallon
Thursday 1st March Tomregan Tomregan Church
Thursday 8th March Templeport St Peter’s Church
Thursday 15th March Swanlinbar Kinawley Minor hall
Thursday 22nd March Newtowngore St Patrick’s Church
Thursday 29th March Joint Parishes Venue to be advised

These meetings really are an exciting opportunity for us to develop our parish life together. Please do come along.


 

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Book - Going For GrowthMidweek Lent Services - Going For Growth

While the Bishop is encouraging us to look at mission many of you will be aware Bishop Ken has written a book on Peter called “Going For Growth”. We will therefore use the book as a background to our Lent services.

Date Location
Ash Wednesday 22nd February Kildallon
29th February Kinawley
7th March Corrawallen
14th March Templeport
21st March Newtowngore
28th March Tomregan

 

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Operation mobilisationSummer Children's Club

Following our mission meetings for children it is really exciting to announce that we will be having a children's summer club in August. A team from Operation Mobilisation will help and work with us the week commencing Sunday 19th August. I am thrilled that Operation Mobilisation want to come to support us and our hope is that they will continue the contact beyond the summer. For those who want to help with this exciting work we will have a meeting on Saturday 10th March at 4 pm in the Old Central School, Ballyconnell.


 

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Tomregan Hall

Tomregan Hall Roof replacement Tomregan Hall Roof replacementRefurbishment work on Tomregan Hall is progressing well and as you can see from the photographs the old asbestos roof has been removed for safe disposal and the new cladding roof is now on the main building. The kitchen and toilet lean-to is currently being re-roofed and should be complete by the time you read this. There then remains refurbishment of the plumbing and electrical services and redecorating to complete the project.


 

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Newtowngore schoolNewtowngore School Enrolment September 2012

Parents wishing to enrol their child in the school in September please contact the school on 049-4333955. The closing date for enrolment is Friday 27th April 2012


 

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Gospel Evening

Gospel EveningA wonderful evening of praise and thanks to God was held on Tuesday 31st January 2012 in Swanlinbar Church. The Church was full of people who enjoyed being entertained by Victor Hutchinson, a gospel singer from Coleraine who talked to us, sang several pieces, played the accordion, he also did community singing. Lorraine Vance from Arva played the keyboard and sang several songs beautifully. Captain Richard Beadle told us about his favourite time of year which is Easter, he explained what Easter meant and explained the pieces which he then played on his cornet. We were then entertained by the Rev Brendan McCarthy who told us some real life stories of people he had met, some of them people he had met in London, chatted to them, then he wrote songs about the real life stories and put music to the words of the songs he had written. Cara McCarthy accompanied by her father singing and playing the guitar sang the songs beautifully. He finished his part with that wonderful piece which reminds us what life is all about "I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Galilean". The young people then entertained us, we had Cara McCarthy, Caolan McCarthy, and Michael Kelly who are all part of the "Johnny Walker Wisdom" band from Omagh. They sang some Gospel pieces and a Tom Waits song "Old Shoes." Victor Hutchinson concluded a most enjoyable evening and the Rev Brendan McCarthy thanked everyone who had taken part and said, "The Grace" for the supper which was served in the Old School across the road from the Church. A most delicious supper was provided by the ladies of Swanlinbar Parish and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it on a very frosty night. We are pleased to tell you that £470 and €325 was raised for the Indian Orphanage.


 

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Bowling playerDiocesan Outing to DundonaldSkaters

The annual Diocesan ice skating, bowling and shopping trip to Dundonald, Belfast will be on 10th March. Forms are available from Richard Beadle or from Isla Poyntz at the Royal School, Cavan or any youth council member. Application forms are also available from the diocesan website (www.kilmore.anglican.org/Belfast On Ice 2012 Form.pdf) or our own on the Newsletter page The closing date for completed application forms will be Wednesday 22nd February.


 

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Dancing coupleSwanlinbar Social Evenings

Social dancing has been taking place in the Old School, Swanlinbar under the guidance of local couple Michael and Josie Davis. This has become a very popular nights entertainment for all and numbers attending and skills acquired are growing week by week. Before Christmas a festive supper was provided and a donation was presented to Mike and Josie by Mr Thomas Fisher to pass on to the Swanlinbar Day Centre which was the charity chosen to support. Dancing will continue each Thursday night at 8pm and there will be a warm welcome to anyone interested in improving their skills or just having a bit of fun.


 
 

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Tiny TotsTiny Tots

Mother and childrenThe Tiny Tots parent and toddler group meet in the Old Tomregan School, Ballyconnell every Tuesday morning from 9.30 to 11.30. The group is open to everyone. If you have or look after a young child or children you would be most welcome to come along.

 
 

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Recycle clothesSchool Clothes Collection

Ballyconnell Central National School needs your unwanted clothes, shoes, handbags, linen, etc! They are fundraising and would appreciate your support. Please leave bags in school during the week beginning 27th February.

 
 

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Templeport Development Assocation logoTempleport Development Association

The Annual General Meeting of the Templeport Development Association will be held on 23rd February at 8.30 pm in the Templeport Resource Centre. The A.G.M. will be preceded by an ordinary meeting beginning at 8 o’clock to discuss damage to the chapel ruin on St Mogue's Island, finalise the boathouse accounts and deal with any other outstanding business.
Anyone with an interest in the future of the Templeport and Bawnboy area would be most welcome to come along.

The Templeport Development Association web site may be found at www.templeport.ie


 
 

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Prayer Meetings

Weekly Prayer meetingOur weekly prayer meetings continue every Tuesday from 10 to 11 am. With this, the beginning of a real focused time of mission in each of our parishes, our continued prayer is so important. Perhaps you have never been to the prayer meetings before or you’ve not been for a while. Why not come along. You will be most welcome.

14th February Beatrice Crawford
21st February Vi & Mackie Breen’s
28th February Beatrice Crawford
6th March Vi & Mackie Breen’s
13th March Beatrice Crawford

 
 

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The empty tombEaster Plans

We are really excited about our plans for Easter this year. Please note there will be no services at the start of Holy Week. Instead we will be putting our energy into exploring in a new way the events of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. These will run right through Thursday evening and night into Friday and include events right across the group. Full details of venues and times will follow in the next newsletter and Scribe. For now we urge anyone who wants to enter into our Easter plans fully, to ensure the night of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are as free as possible in your diary.

 

 

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Children's Pancake PartyPancake tossing

Pancake party

To mark the coming of Shrove Tuesday and the start of Lent we are planning a Pancake Party once again. As well as games and some light food, the children will have the chance to make and flip pancakes. The party will be on Sunday 19th February from 3.30 to 5.30 pm in Kildallon Community Centre.

 

 

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Newtowngore hallStop Press - Newrowngore Hall

At the time of going to print we are delighted to say that work on the Newtowngore parish hall is about to start.


 

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SmileTime for a Smile!

 

Quotable Quotes

  • I stopped believing in Santa Claus when my mother took me to see him in a department store, and he asked for my autograph. -- Shirley Temple
  • A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don't need it. -- Bob Hope
  • I know that there are people in this world who do not love their fellow man, and I hate people like that! -- Tom Lehrer
  • I was going to buy a copy of The Power of Positive Thinking, and then I thought: What good would that do? -- Ronnie Shakes
  • Television - a medium. So called because it is neither rare nor well-done. -- Ernie Kovacs
  • Always remember this: If you don't attend the funerals of your friends, they will certainly not attend yours. -- H. L Mencken
  • A good novel tells us the truth about its hero; but a bad novel tells us the truth about its author. -- G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936)
  • The trouble with being punctual is that nobody's there to appreciate it. -- Franklin P. Jones
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Church of Ireland Cross   Prayer Points for the Remainder of February and March  Church of Ireland Cross

Let us continue to listen to God in prayer and develop a daily routine of praying for the following on the day of the week indicated;

Sunday: For our plans for mission to be rooted in a growing love for Jesus who gave everything for us. May our plans be a response to his incredible love;
Monday: Pray for those who struggle to relate to the body of the church for all sorts of reasons. May they feel valued and loved;
Tuesday: Tuesday Pray for all involved in work in our halls. Pray especially for ongoing work to improve significantly our opportunities to use them;
Wednesday: Wednesday: Pray for our local schools in a worrying time of threatened cutbacks, that they may look forward with hope;
Thursday: Thursday Pray for governments to make wise decision and give them ears to listen to local needs;
Friday: Pray for all who are effected by the decline in our economy – we ask for hearts and minds that would know not despair, but instead the hope and provision of Christ;
Saturday:

Pray for those presently struggling with illness or personal tragedy. May the peace of Christ be real in the middle of the storm.

C of I CrossemptyC of I Cross

 

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C of I Cross<empty>Schedule of Church Services until the end of March <empty>C of I Cross

Date

Time

Location

Service

Leader

Sunday 19th February

10am

Swanlinbar

MP1

Richard

10.30

Newtowngore

MP2 Family

Brendan

11.30

Templeport

MP1

Richard

11.30

Tomregan

MP1

Mervyn

Noon

Kildallon

MP2 Family

Brendan

21st Shrove Tuesday

2pm

Breffni

HC1

Canon Steve Clark

22nd Ash Wednesday

8pm

Kildallon

Lent Service

Richard

Sunday 26th February

10am

Kinawley

MP2 Family

Richard

11.30

Tomregan

GFS Service

Richard

Noon

Kildallon

HC1

Brendan

Wednesday 29th February

8pm

Kinawley

Lent Service

Richard

Sunday 4th March

10am

Swanlinbar

HC2

Brendan

10.30

Newtowngore

MP1

Richard

11.30

Templeport

HC2

Brendan

11.30

Tomregan

MP1

To be arranged

Noon

Kildallon

MP1

Richard

Wednesday 7th March

8pm

Corrawallen

Lent Service

Richard

Sunday 11th March

10am

Kinawley

MP2

Brendan

10.30

Corrawallen

MP2

Richard

11.30

Tomregan

HC2

Brendan

Noon

Kildallon

MP2

Richard

Wednesday 14th March

8pm

Templeport

Lent Service

Richard

Mothering Sunday 
18th March

10am

Swanlinbar

MP1

Richard

10.30

Newtowngore

HC2

Brendan

11.30

Templeport

MP1

Richard

11.30

Tomregan

MP1

Mervyn

Noon

Kildallon

HC2

Brendan

Wednesday 21st March

8pm

Newtowngore

Lent Service

Richard

Sunday 25th March 

10am

Kinawley

MP2 Family

Richard

10.30

Corrawallen

MP2 Family

Brendan

11.30

Tomregan

MP2 Family

Richard

11.30

Kildallon

MP2 Family

Brendan

Wednesday 28th March

8pm

Tomregan

Lent Service

Richard

1 after Service type indicates Traditional    2 after Service type indicates Contemporary


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