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

Home page
Newsletter No 75 February 2014
Weekly Notices
Breffni Services
Quick links - Find your way quickly to:
Vestry Meetings
Mothers Union
Bishop's Visit to our Group
Tomregan Dances
Lent Services
Hospital Visits
Children’s Ministry Training Day
Bereavements
Prayer Points
Youth Weekend
Mothers Union Next Meeting
Congratulations
Service schedule
Cash for Clobber

Newtowngore Quiz & Supper
How about a Smile
Previous Newsletters

Water Under the Bridge
Church of Ireland Cross

Warmest greetings to everyone in the Kildallon Swanlinbar Group of parishes and to everyone else who may pick up this newsletter and read through its interesting and informative pages.

Water under the bridge, a painting by Maris-SherwoodI am sure many of you have heard the saying “There has been a lot of water under the bridge since we last spoke, or saw each other.” You would be forgiven if you thought I was referring to the incredible amount of rainfall that has fallen over the last two months. Fields that would normally have been colored in one of the forty shades of green have taken on a transparent glassy sheen. Homes and livelihoods have been affected and people have had to find refuge with neighbours and friends. Bridges that have stood for decades and were adequate to accommodate their watery purpose have proved to be insufficient and in some cases now need rebuilding.

Another way to understand “There has been a lot of water under the bridge since we last spoke”, is to see it as a proverbial statement. By that I mean there have been a lot of things, some good and some bad, that have happened in the last two months. There has been joy and excitement in some homes as a new addition to the family has been added, maybe a first child or perhaps a brother or a sister for an existing child. For some it may be the presentation of a sparkling diamond. Others may have celebrated the homecoming of a loved who has been away for a long time. And of course the season of Christmas has come and gone with its emphasis on the giving and receiving of presents. Whatever the reason for happiness it is a time to be thankful.

Sadly, others have experienced the cold chill of sadness and grief. Over these last two months the group has had several deaths, some of them more unexpected than others, but each felt deeply by family, friends and the wider church community. The pain and heartache may take a long time to ease, but God’s grace is sufficient and ‘underneath are the everlasting arms’.

Whatever the ‘water ‘ has been for you; be assured that you are remembered in prayer and that God’s love and care for you has not decreased nor can ever be swept away no matter how intense the flood.

Many thanks to those who were able to come to the meal in the rectory on the 20th of December which I hope you enjoyed – Stephanie and I certainly did. A huge thank you to those who helped wash dishes and tidy up afterwards. There was lots of food left over so I will be eating chicken and beef for the next two months! I look forward to the summer months when you will be invited to take part in a modest hill climb (for those who are able), followed by afternoon tea at the rectory for everyone.

As the season of Lent quickly approaches may I encourage you to look out for events during the Lenten period and try to come along. This is a special time in the life of the Church when we can take time to think and learn more of the passion and work of Christ for us.

This short story reminds us of the importance of Easter: A little boy and his father were driving down a country road on a beautiful spring afternoon. Suddenly out of nowhere a bumble bee flew into the car window. Since the little boy was highly allergic to bee stings, he became petrified. But the father quickly reached out, grabbed the bee, squeezed it in his hand, and then released it. But as soon as he let it go, the young son became frantic once again as it buzzed by the little boy.

His father saw his panic stricken face. Once again the father reached out his hand, but this time he pointed to his hand. There still stuck in his skin was the stinger of the bee.

Rev John     Rev John Woods
“Do you see this?” he said. “You don’t need to be afraid anymore. “I’ve taken the sting for you.” And this is the message of Easter. We do not need to be afraid of death anymore. Christ has faced death for us. And by his victory, we are saved from sin. Christ has taken the sting! St Paul asks in 1 Corinthians 15:22 “Where, oh death, is your sting?” Christ has taken the stinger for us. He has risen! Fear is gone. New life is ours.

May God grant you his richest blessing.


 

+++
TOP   

Bishop to Visit Us Bishop Ferran Glenfield

The Bishop will be visiting Newtowngore and Kildallon next Sunday, 16th February. He will be leading services in Kinawley and Tomregan Parishes on Mothering Sunday March 30th. Please come along to these special services on this day.


 

+++
TOP   

Breffni Health CentreBreffni Holy Communion Service

ChalisOur February Breffni service of Holy Communion led by Rev John will be at 2pm on 25th The next services will be on 25th March and on 15th April.   Visitors are always welcome to join us.


 

+++
TOP   

Vestries Meetings

Vestry MeetingVestry meetings continue.
The vestry meetings continue. Unfortunately some had to be postponed last month.
The vestry meeting will start at 8pm

Date Vestry Location
Thursday 13th February Tomregan Tomregan Hall
Tuesday 18th February Swanlinbar Usual locatioin
Wednesday 26th* February Vestry members Group meeting Tomregan hall

* N.B. This date was wrong in the print verion


 

+++
TOP   

Hospital SignHospital Visits

As we can no longer check hospital lists can we ask you to please let Rev John or Captain Richard know if a parishioner is in who would appreciate a visit.


 

+++
TOP   

DancingTomregan Dances

sandwichThe Tomregan Dances are regularly held as a fun social evening in support of the hall renovation. The next dance is on St Valentine’s Night, Friday 14th February with Music by Vincie Carr & Anna McGorey. Everyone will be most welcome. Music starts at 10 pm. A light supper will be served . Admission €10.00 on the night. .


 

+++
TOP   

Diocesan Youth Weekend

Youth MinistryBoating on Lough ErneYou have hopefully seen in the Scribe that there will be a youth weekend in the Share Centre near Lisnaskea from 7th to 9th March. This is open to all young people of secondary school age and above - but perhaps particularly good for those preparing for confirmation or those who have been confirmed in the last couple of years. We have only 80 places - so first come first served. There will be many fun indoor and outdoor activities to choose from as well as teaching times and good worship music lead by young people. All meals included - cost €50 per person.
Please contact Richard or John for further information.

 

+++
TOP   

  align="center" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
Cross
Bereavements
Cross

It was a shock for us all when Mary Thornton died suddenly in our midst. We would offer sympathy to husband Alan and all who counted Mary as family and friend. Mary has been an active member of Swanlinbar Parish for many years and has been wonderfully supportive of Parish life and the life of the group.
We would also offer our deep sympathy and prayer to husband Stephen Black and the wider family circle following the death of Patricia (Tomregan Parish). Patricia had been ill these past few years and while there is relief that Patricia is no longer suffering, the pain of parting is very real.
We also pray for the Garland family in Kildallon following the death of Anne’s father Jack Stewart. We thank God that Jack from Killoe in Longford lived to a great age.

Please pray for all those who struggle with the pain of losing loved ones.

Heavenly Father, when a friend dies, part of us dies as well. But part of the friend lives in us. Give us strength and understanding to honour and cherish that gift. Help all those who are bereaved to know depths of hope found in your love and the comforting power of the resurrection of Jesus. Amen.


 

 

+++
TOP   

QuizNewtowngore and Corrawallen Parish Table Quiz and Supper

Quiz lovers will be delighted to know this will be held on Saturday 22nd February. Please arrive at 7.45 for 8pm start. (Note change of date since last Newsletter) Entry is €10 each including supper. Please come along and support this fun evening..


 

+++
TOP   

Mothers Union logoMU January Meeting

Swanlinbar Kildallon MU deeply regrets the recent deaths of two of its members, Mrs Sarah Smyth and Mrs Mary Thornton. Mrs Sarah Smyth was one of the founder members of the Swanlinbar Branch and both her and Mary were faithful and dedicated members who were excellent attendees at all MU meetings, Diocesan services and MU events. Their presence will be greatly missed in the Branch and sincere sympathy is offered to their families at this sad time.

Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 11th February in the Swanlinbar Old School at 8pm.
The speaker will be Mrs Letitia Moffatt from Real Life Bookshop, Enniskillen. She will also bring a sample of books and literature from the Bookshop which may be purchased if desired.

Dates for the Diary
Saturday 22nd March - An evening with All-Ireland President Phyllis Grothier in the Cavan Crystal Hotel at 7.30pm.
Thursday 29th May - Festival service in Derrylin Parish Church at 8pm
Friday 20th June – Eve of General Meeting Service in St. Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast at 7.30pm
Saturday 21st June – General Meeting of MU for UK and Ireland, Waterfront Hall, Belfast.
(Please see The Scribe for information about how to order tickets for Annual General Meeting Events)


 

+++
TOP   

Cash for ClobberCash For Clobber

Ballyconnell Central School Parent & Teacher association are asking for fundraising help with a collection of unwanted clothing, bags, shoes (please tie shoes together) hats, belts, towels, curtains and bed linen. Each kilogram earns the school 60 cents! If you would like a bag to collect up your unwanted clothing please ask a parent from the school. Filled bags will be collected from the school on 19th February. De–Clutter for a good cause!!


 

+++
TOP   

TnT Youth MinistryChildren’s Ministry Training Day

For attention of GFS and Sunday School leaders.
On Saturday the 29th March 2014 there will be a Children’s Ministry Training Day taking place for all those who are involved with children’s ministry in the diocese. It would be great to see as many as possible on the day and to this end we have tried to make the location one we can all get to without much travelling. We will be meeting in Florencecourt in the Killesher Parish Hall from 9:30 for 10am-3pm. Our prayer is that the day will encourage, equip and enthuse those who are involved with teaching Sunday school, BB, kids clubs, holiday clubs, GFS etc.
As with last year we are privileged to have TNT facilitate the training day again. Rory Bell will be teaching two sessions in the morning on children’s intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual development. After lunch we will be spending our time learning more about using story telling as an effective way to convey the truth. It promises to be time well spent and will be worthwhile for all our volunteers who we have entrusted with teaching the Bible to children to come along. Please speak to Richard or John to find out more and organise our registration.

 

+++
TOP   

Diary DatesDiary Dates

Saturday 31st May Newtowngore BBQ
Friday 14th November Newtowngore Sale of Work


 

+++
TOP   

Wedding CongratulationsWewdding rings and hearts

Wedding RingsSarah Jane Crawford of Kinawley married Neville Henry Leary of Magheraveely in Wanaka, New Zealand on 12th November last year
Rev. Reg Weekes officiated.
Sarah is the daughter of Robert and Irene Crawford of Kinawley

 

 

+++
TOP   

 

Fiona KiernanBaptism Congratulations

New Baby CongratulationsWe were delighted to celebrate with parents Rebecca and Gerry Kiernan, the baptism of baby Fiona in Corrawallen. We pray God would bless this young family richly and that Fiona would discover in time the fullness of God’s riches for her. May Christ be a light to Fiona as she grows up. .

 

 

+++
TOP   

 

Lent

Lent
Lent BibleWhen the early Christians were persecuted they didn’t need Lent. God’s presence in Jesus, for whom they suffered, was very real to them. Persecution tends to sharpen the mind and senses! In earlier times Christians often have found a need to recover the sense of God’s presence, an annual spring clean! It’s a time to examine our lives and service to Jesus in the light of his priceless gift to us. It’s a time to consider the distractions and clutter we hold on to that stop us growing in faith.

Lent is a precious time of heart preparation to celebrate the glorious wonder of Easter. Lent became the forty day period of fasting, prayer and generosity that we know today. One helpful way to mark this special season would be to come to the Lent evening services. Beginning with a service of Holy communion on Ash Wednesday the venues of services are below. All services are at 8pm. Further details will be in the next newsletter.

Ash Wednesday 5th March in Templeport
Wednesday 12th March in Corrawallen
Wednesday 19th March in Swanlinbar
Wednesday 26th March in Newtowngore
Wednesday 2nd April in Tomregan
Wednesday 9th April in Kildallon!


+++
TOP   

Smile!

How about a Smile?

 

A Christian Pet

Dog standing on hind legsThis Christian couple felt it important to own an equally Christian pet.
So, they went shopping. At a kennel specializing in this particular breed, they found a dog they liked quite a lot.
When they asked the dog to fetch the Bible, he did it in a flash. When they instructed him to look up Psalm 23, he complied equally fast, using his paws with dexterity. They were impressed, purchased the animal, and went home.
That night they had friends over. They were so proud of their new dog and his major skills, they called the dog and showed off a little. The friends were impressed, and asked whether the dog was able to do any of the usual dog tricks, as well.
This stopped the couple cold, as they hadn't thought about "normal" tricks. Well, they said, "Let's try this out." Once more they called the dog, and they clearly pronounced the command, "Heel!"
Quick as a wink, the dog jumped up, put his paw on the man's forehead, closed his eyes in concentration, and bowed his head. ?


 

+++
TOP   
   

Church of Ireland Cross     Prayer Points for 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;
In light of a season of thanksgiving let us give thanks to God;

Sunday: Give thanks To God. Praise him for his help through the past year. Thank him for the joys, his help and healing in times of trouble and suffering;
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: Pray for those who are struggling with the pain of bereavement, that they would know deep comfort and purpose in the coming weeks and months;
Wednesday: Pray for those employed in the caring profession – that their work would bring comfort, peace and healing to those in pain;
Thursday: Pray that we would see new works of healing in the coming year, healing of relationships, healing of hearts, healing of emotions, healing of physical pain. We pray for Christ’s renewing;
Friday: Pray for our children and young people – that our church would be a place of welcome for them
Saturday: Pray for all those or their loved ones who are sick or suffering and – pray for healing in their lives and peace for all those who are depressed.

C of I Cross Continue to thank God for so many bounties and gifts as you look around. C of I Cross


 

+++
TOP   

align="center" cellpadding=1 cellspacing=1 >
C of I Cross<empty> Schedule of Church Services until the end of March<empty>C of I Cross
Date Time Church Service Minister
Sunday 16th February
3rd Sunday Before Lent 		10am Swanlinbar MP 1 Richard
10.30 Newtowngore MP 1 John / Bishop
11.30 Templeport MP 1 Richard
11.30 Tomregan MP 1 Mervyn
Noon Kildallon MP 2 John / Bishop
Sunday 23rd February
2nd Before Lent 		10am Kinawley MP 2 Richard
10.30 Corrawallen Family Communion John
11.30 Tomregan MP 2 Richard
Noon Kildallon Holy Communion John
Tuesday 25th February 2pm Breffni Holy Communion John
Sunday 2nd March
Sunday before Lent 		10am Swanlinbar Holy Communion John
10.30 Newtowngore MP1 Richard
11.30 Templeport Holy Communion John
11.30 Tomregan MP 2 TBA
Noon Kildallon MP1 Richard
5th March   Ash Wednesday 8pm Templeport Holy Communion John
Sunday 9th March
Lent 1 		10am Kinawley Service of Word John
10.30 Corrawallen MP 2 Richard
11.30 Tomregan Family Communion John
Noon Kildallon Service of Word Richard
Eve Lent 2   Wednesday 12th March 8pm Corrawallen Lent Service John
Sunday 16th March
Lent 2 		10am Swanlinbar MP 2 Richard
10.30 Newtowngore Family Communion John
11.30 Templeport MP2 Richard
11.30 Tomregan MP1 Mervyn
Noon Kildallon MP2 John
Eve Lent 3  Wednesday 19th March 8pm Swanlinbar Lent Service John
Sunday 23rd March
Lent 3 		10am Kinawley MP1 Richard
10.30 Corrawallen MP1 John
11.30 Tomregan MP1 Richard
Noon Kildallon Holy Communion John
Tuesday 25th March 2pm Breffni Holy Communion John
Eve Lent 4 Wednesday 26 th March 8pm Newtowngore Lent Service John
Sunday 30th March
Lent 4 Mothering Sunday 		10am Kinawley Service of Word Bishop Ferran
10.30 Corrawallen MP 2 Richard
11.30 Tomregan Service of Word Bishop Ferran
Noon Kildallon MP1 Richard
Services below this line are subject to confirmation
Sunday 6th April
Lent 5 		10am Swanlinbar MP 2 John
10.30 Newtowngore MP 2 Richard
11.30 Templeport MP 2 John
11.30 Tomregan MP 2 TBA
Noon Kildallon MP 1 Richard


e & oe   

* * * o0o * * *
Home page
Previous Newsletter (January)
Previous Newsletters

oooo+C of I Cross+oooo

 ©     
TOP