The Columban S T COLUMBA’S CHURCH, KNOCK. JULY 2020

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SERVICES IN JULY Please follow the July Readings to assist with your personal devotions throughout the

month.

Sunday 5th The Fourth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-30 Some people were convinced by John the Baptist’s stern message; some were convinced by Jesus’ more compassionate style and followed him. But many criticised both of them. Who can recognise Jesus as the world’s Saviour? Often, a child-like heart sees truths which the clever and learned are blind to. Sunday 12th The Fifth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23 God’s presence and God’s word are broadcast everywhere, like seed falling in every kind of soil and climate. Sunday 19th The Sixth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43 The parable of wheat and tares seems simple to us because it is so familiar. But those who first heard it needed the explanation that the evil in this world is allowed by God to exist alongside the good of the kingdom; but there will come a time when only the good survives. Sunday 26th The Seventh Sunday after Trinity (Green) Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52 Most of Jesus’s teaching about the kingdom of heaven came in parables. Not everyone could instantly understand them, but they were cherished by the first Christians. Here, he gives four such illustrations to show the immense value and the vast size of his kingdom.

Lessons, Collects and Prayers are available from the Church of Ireland website

at the bottom of our parish website home page: www.coiknock.org

Click on “Prayer and Worship”, then “Lectionary” then select the correct date.

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PARISH PRAYER

God, 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

AUGUST PARISH MAGAZINE

Any Articles or photographs for publication in the August parish magazine should be handed

or e-mailed to the editor, Billy McAlpine, by Wednesday, 8th July.

His contact details are: -

10 Old Quay Court, Holywood BT18 0HT

Tel: 9042 4390 Email: colmaged@outlook.com

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.

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Reflections of Canon Ken Smyth

Canon Ken writes…

As I prepare this month’s reflection, with the sun streaming in the window, I’m

listening to a song composed in the 1980’s at the height of the civil unrest here

in N. Ireland. Entitled ‘The Island’, the song compares the tragic events of the

Lebanese Civil War with the Troubles on our doorstep. In some respects, the

song is a form of protest, contrasting the peace and serenity a couple hope to

experience on an island with the violence into which young people have been

drawn in pursuit of political ideals and beliefs. As the singer reflects on life, she

is torn between expressing her thoughts in a song of sadness OR one of beauty.

One of those caught up in the vicious civil war in Lebanon was Terry Waite. As

an envoy of the Church of England and a representative of the Archbishop of

Canterbury, he travelled to Lebanon in 1987 to try to secure the release of four

hostages. Instead, he was kidnapped and held captive for over four years, most

of which was in total isolation. He was finally released in 1991. Details of his

ordeal and sense of isolation can be found in his autobiography ‘Taken on Trust.’

There must be countless negative effects that social isolation and distancing

can have on our minds and bodies. These could include loneliness, depression,

anxiety and fear. Few people, whether forcibly or otherwise, could endure long

periods on their own. In the early Christian Church, we read of hermits who

dwelt alone in mountaintop caves for over 25 years (Elijah in the Old Testament

did so for a while), and of others like Simeon Stylites, reputed to have lived on

top of a pillar for a similar period. They achieved fame and notoriety, but what

we don’t know, is the effect their chosen way of life had, on their mental,

spiritual and physical well being.

One of the best known quotes in the English language is that of John Donne,

a poet and Dean of St. Paul’s London who lived shortly before the outbreak of

the English Civil War. He stated that ‘no man is an island entire of itself: any

man’s death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind.’ Recent tragic

events have made us aware of the relevance of some of those words. As a

human race, we have endured together the tribulations of the pandemic, Covid

19. The lockdown has imposed strict forms of isolation on many people. That

may have led to insecurity and loneliness. Those who have lost loved ones have

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suffered grievously while the daily recital of death has diminished all of us.

However, despite isolation from one another, it has given us an opportunity to

display the benefits of belonging to a faith community – in our case, St.

Columbas Knock.

Long ago, St. Columba left his native land and sailed across the sea to the island

of Iona where he lived for much of his life. Hopefully, having known the effects

of civil strife in Ireland for which he was partly responsible, he found peace and

joy with God on that small island. Columba is reputed to have written the

following:-

‘Alone with none but thee O God, I journey on my way

What need I fear when thou art near, o king of night and day ?

More safe am I within thy hand, than if a host did round me stand.’

The music and words of the song ‘The Island’ to which I’ve been listening,

remind me of a particular island, access to which has been denied to virtually

everybody since the virus struck in March. The island is Rathlin off the North

Antrim coast. Two singers associated with the song, Frances and Mary Black,

have family links with Rathlin. Some parishioners and friends travelled to the

island a few years ago and were able to participate in a service of Holy

Communion in St. Thomas Church, at which the rector presided. I visit the island

regularly where I experience not only peace, tranquillity and beauty, but an

acute sense of being in the presence of God.

Of course, we cannot isolate ourselves and escape from the challenges and

difficulties of life. For many, that would seem to deny any suggestion that we

are in the ‘real world.’ However, wherever we may be, in trouble or in joy, we

can know and experience the peace of God. As we emerge slowly from

lockdown, may all of us be assured that the Lord who shares our sorrows and

joys, will never leave us comfortless.

Ken Smyth

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Thought for the Month

A Positive Approach Coronavirus; the word that hasn’t left the tip of our tongues for what feels like an eternity. However, in times of such negativity and pessimism, I believe there is nothing more important than trying to be positive in what we do and try to have an optimistic approach as much as possible. Whilst we have been unable to do a lot of things during quarantine, it has provided an opportunity for so many other things we perhaps didn’t do a lot of before we got used to this ‘new normal’ such as cooking, regular exercise or spending more time with family. In the Auchmuty family we have had the so called ‘privilege’ of having the Canon’s presence in the Rectory on a Sunday morning. Whilst it has been incredible to be Head Prefect of Campbell College throughout this academic year, unfortunately like so many other things, it has come to a premature end without a formal, prize day or leavers night. Despite all this, there is still so much uncertainty with regards to exams and university, from what grades we will be given to what university life will look like in September (if it even starts in September). It goes without saying, that Campbell has given me so many opportunities since I arrived as a feeble six year old in 2008 and whilst my time at the college was cut short, I will always look back with fond memories, from playing on the rugby pitches to joking about with friends and teachers alike. In many ways, Campbell is similar to St Columba’s as they both have a unique community atmosphere with people of all ages mixing well together to provide support for each other. Henry Auchmuty Come September I hope to be studying Maths with Finance at Exeter University and I personally have used quarantine to improve my non-existent cooking skills, maintain my maths ability and keep fit for the much-anticipated day that rugby returns to everyday life. Having lived at home for 18 years, university will certainly be a whole new experience but one that I am eager to begin, an opportunity to meet so many new people, play new sports and perhaps even attend a lecture or two. It’s unfortunate that we haven’t been able to share a smile with each other in church every Sunday for the last few months but it makes us realise how important the little things are in life and hopefully we will embrace drinks with friends or activities all the more when we get back to a closer sense of normality. Stay positive and stay safe. Henry Our sincere thanks to Henry for sharing this ‘Thought’ with us.

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CRADLE OF LOVE The Rector writes… Here in St. Columba’s we have a long tradition through your generosity of supporting Mission and Charity work both locally and overseas. On the Sunday after Christmas Day, Laura Gillespie gave a most inspirational and informative talk in church about the work of Cradle of Love in Tanzania. We had hoped to organise refreshments for Cradle of Love on a Sunday in March, but due to the lockdown restrictions, we had to close the church doors. As a result, the Select Vestry at their May meeting agreed to make an advance payment of £750 from the 2020 Mission and Charity contributions to support Cradle of Love. Laura has sent this article along with some photographs expressing grateful thanks for your generous support. We continue to include Laura and all those in her school in Tanzania of our prayers together with all those at Cradle of Love. It is so very important that we continue to support Mission and Charity projects at this difficult time. You are most welcome to leave your church envelopes at the Rectory until we can reopen our church doors. Greetings from Tanzania I met with Psteen and handed over the very generous donation of £750 (or 2.2 million shillings!) for Cradle of Love today. As with the rest of the world, it has been a difficult few months here in Arusha as the tourism industry has come to a halt. This has sadly meant that volunteers have also been unable to travel and contribute to the vital work of Cradle of Love. This donation will be used to cover the weekly shopping for the next two weeks, new nappy covers for the younger babies and 300kg of maize. Even though times are tough, Cradle of Love have been trying to adapt to the 'new normal'. They have set up hand washing and temperature checks for all members of staff as they enter the gates for their shifts. There has also been some very happy news as baby Gift has been adopted to a wonderful family after being abandoned at birth and spending his first eight months in the baby home. Last month also saw the reunification of twins Brian and Briana with their father and grandparents! The team have also been providing food to some of the children who are now living with their families including the very sweet

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Sarah who has settled into life back with her father, stepmother and grandmother. I would like to pass on the thanks of Psteen, the manager, and the rest of the Cradle of Love team who are incredibly grateful for the support of St Columba's at this difficult time. I have included pictures of the weekly shopping, the team visiting Sarah and the nannies washing their hands as they arrive at work. Laura Gillespie

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Do you want to help but are not sure how?

We all want to help our church, but sometimes it can be difficult to know how.

Every single person can make an impact if we join together. There are several

ways you can help!

1. A spot of gardening and tidying of the church grounds – as per our

recent article, we would be grateful for any help to do this. Please be

aware of social distancing regulations and bring along whatever

equipment or tools you may require.

2. Use Standing Order for your church contributions. Details are available

in the June Columban.

3. Deliver any filled church envelopes you may have through the Rectory

Door letterbox at any time.

4. Use Gift Aid to enhance your church gifts if possible. Speak to the Parish

Administrator on 07966 379128 if you require any assistance.

5. Keep in contact with each other safely – by social media, telephone or

any other method, as long as you remember to keep to the social

distancing regulations.

6. Provide email addresses to the Parish Administrator so that we can keep

in touch with you.

7. Use the monthly Prayers for Your Comfort whenever you can.

8. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, STAY SAFE! We want to see you all again

soon!!

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Members of the Ladies Guild, I want to tell you that I have not

forgotten you all. As the weeks have become months and we

all strive to adjust to the many changes in our lives it would

be easy to think that we could drift apart. Not being able to

meet at church or share fellowship at our meetings leaves a

gap that is not easily filled. All of us have had to find new

ways to communicate with families and friends and even how

we do our shopping. Have you ever seen so many delivery

vans? Where I live there are several passing through each day

bringing goods of every sort.

Whilst not seeing our oldest and dearest friends, many of us

will have made new ones – neighbours who usually rushed past

our door on their way to work or school have become a lifeline

to many. Fetching shopping, having a chat over the gate or

hedge, sharing home cooking and baking, above all, offering

reassurance that we are not on our own. Just doing the things

that we and our parents took for granted in times past.

Looking out for each other in good times and bad.

The future is uncertain and it will be some time before we can

gather in the Choir Vestry for our meetings. I think we have a

challenge now in trying to find an alternative way of coming

together. I would love to hear from you with ideas about how

we can connect as a group. Would a monthly newsletter be a

possibility? Do give some thought to the problem and contact

me by phone, text, e-mail, what’s app or even a letter.

In the words of that well known daily soap introduction-

“Neighbours should be there for one another, that’s when

neighbours become good friends”

Take care everyone. Keep safe and keep well.

Eleanor

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Our Sunday School year finished rather abruptly on 8th March. Consequently,

our plans for Easter crafts, All Age Worship anthems, and our special end of year

Prizegiving service have all been put on hold. We have not forgotten you,

however, and we hope you all coped (and your parents too) with home

schooling.

Thank you to all the children, supported by their parents who made doves for

the patronal service in June. They made a lovely display in the church.

As the lockdown eases, we hope to have a day for our young families in July or

August to meet up and celebrate together. We will let you know in due course

how this will happen.

In the meantime, all the Sunday school teachers send their best wishes to you

and look forward to catching up in August.

Joyce

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The themes for the May Flying Colours challenge were:

• Still life – Fruit and Vegetables

• Cityscape

• Brown-eyed girl

• Stormy weather

The paintings on these themes can be viewed on:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/GvojfVGb9GqehzZj7

AFTERNOON BADMINTON

Greetings fellow players, I hope you are all keeping fit

and well. I am hoping that by September we will be able

to resume our weekly game, meantime I have been

enjoying this lovely weather, a real blessing. Keep fit and

be ready for action!

Anne

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The following letter lists are the first line of well-known hymns with some or all

of the vowels removed and then the remaining letters arranged in groups of 2,

3 or 4. Can you replace the vowels and identify the hymn?

NB the vowels removed are given in brackets.

1. WP LOU GHT HFI LDSA NDS CAT TR (E)

2. GO DRST YO UMR RYG NT LMN (E)

3. DER LO RDN DFT HE ROF MNKI ND (A)

4. BETH UMY VISI NL RDFM YHE ART (O)

5. WHL ESH EPHE RDS WTCH EDTH ERFL CK SBY NGHT (E)

6. NCN RYL DVDS CTY (A,E,I,O)

7. THR ISGR NHIL LFR WY (A,E)

8. THK IN GFLV MYSH PHR DIS (E,O)

9. PRA SM YSO ULTH KN GOF HAVN (E,I)

10. ST NDPS TND PFO RJ ESS (A,U)

11. NWT HN KWE LLU RGD (A,O)

12. JS USL VSM TH ISI KNW (E,O)

13. LL THN GSBR GHTN DBEU TF UL (A,I)

14. MM RTA LNVS BLEG DNL YWSE (I,O)

15. MZI NGGR CHO WSW TTHS OU ND (A,E)

16. BDW THMF STFL LSTH VNTD (A,E,I,O)

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CHURCH ROOF On Tuesday 9th June the Rector, Hon Secretary and the two Glebewardens met with Chris McCollum of McCollum Conservation (Diocesan Surveyor) in the Parish Hall whilst adhering to Covid-19 guidance to discuss the scheme design drawings for the replacement of the church roof. The Works The works would include replacing the upper roofs with new Bangor Blue slates and re-using any salvageable slates to re-slate the lower roof and with all the lead flashings and valley gutters to be replaced with new lead. All the high-level gutters would be replaced with new gutters and where possible the lower roof gutters to be refurbished and re-used and all downpipes replaced. Also discussed and agreed was that McCollum Conservation would work up the drawings and proceed with the Building Control application as this will be required to assist us to pursue grant applications. Diocesan and RCB Consent Prior to this meeting McCollum Conservation had submitted scheme design drawings to the Diocesan Secretariat. The Diocesan Secretariat informed us on the 9th June that they are content to recommend the scheme to the RCB (Representative Church Body) and are content for the Select Vestry to pursue funding options. The matter will be presented go the RCB for consent in September. Funding Current cost estimates are in the region of £400,000. Whilst fundraising and donations are progressing at an impressive rate (approaching £120,000), the Select Vestry are keen to pursue grant funding, where it is available, and a sub-committee has been working on options for some time. The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been selected as the best potential option. As a prerequisite, our church has been listed as being of special architectural and historic interest. McCollum Conservation’s services have been extended to support a grant application to this fund. Members of the sub-committee are working on the grant application and visiting other churches and organisations to learn from their experience of making a successful application. Heritage A key element of a successful bid is likely to involve a concerted focus on the heritage of our parish in the community and increasing levels of engagement with other local organisations and people outside of our congregation. Several themes are being considered: our organ, choir and musical heritage; our war memorials, and the stories behind the names of the fallen; and, our place in the context of other heritage buildings and sites in the area – perhaps even a heritage walk. In all cases, we will need to increase the level of access to the building and involve our parishioners as guides and volunteers. The imperative to maintain our building by replacing the roof will become an exciting new opportunity for us to engage with each other and others in the local area.

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A MASSIVE THANK YOU! Thank you very much to those parishioners who are keeping in contact

during the Covid-19 lockdown and the easing of the regulations. Your help

over the recent weeks has been greatly appreciated. From assisting with

the tidying of the church grounds and carpark, delivery of items, leaving

your church envelopes at the Rectory, supporting the work of The Larder

and kind words by email or on the telephone, everything you have done has

provided both valued help and encouragement.

The work continues in the background as we find new ways of working

together and keeping in contact. We hope that we will all be able to return

to church for private prayer safely and soon, when we are confident that

we can provide a safe environment for everyone.

This has been a wonderful opportunity for us to review our working

practices and how we can continue to keep in contact in these uncertain

future times. We have:

1. Created online services on our Facebook page, at 10.30am each

Sunday

2. Continued with recorded services on our Website: www.coiknock.org

3. Produced a “home made” version of our monthly magazine, The

Columban

4. Contacted every home by email or phone where possible

5. Produced a monthly “Prayers for your Comfort” leaflet for email

6. Created a weekly newsletter for those who normally attend our

Thursday Morning Holy Communion service

7. Encouraged our Sunday School and Creche children to make doves for

our Patronal Festival

8. Conducted Zoom meetings for Select Vestry and Diocese business

9. “Rector’s Thought for the Day” recorded message online on our

website on Monday and Fridays each week

We continue to learn as we go along, and it is very fortunate that we

have a wonderful team of clergy who have been available throughout

this pandemic to offer support and comfort.

We thank everyone who is helping us, keeping in contact and who

are continuing to provide help wherever it is required. What a

wonderful parish we have!

Stay safe.

Karen Patterson

Parish Administrator

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ZOOM SELECT VESTRY MEETING

During these weeks of lockdown, new procedures are being

adopted as we all observe social distancing. The work of

the Select Vestry is no exception!

We had our first ever Zoom meeting at the end of May.

For me it was my first experience of using Zoom.

Fortunately, Charles and Henry gave me a few tutorials

about using Zoom in advance of the meeting. It is always

helpful if the Chairman understands the technology being

used!

There was a full attendance and we worked our way

through all the agenda items without difficulty.

It was a truly historic occasion in the life of St. Columba’s.

ZOOM Select Vestry Meeting in progress

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I’M ON A COMMITTEE

Oh give me your pity I’m on a committee

Which means that both morning and night

We attend and amend and contend and defend

Without a conclusion in sight

We confer and concur, we defer and demur

And re-iterate all of our thoughts

We revise the agenda with frequent addenda

And consider a host of reports

We compose and propose, we support and oppose

And the points of procedure are fun!

But though various notions are brought up as motions

There’s terribly little gets done

We resolve and absolve, but we never dissolve

Since it’s out of the question for us

What a shattering pity to end our committee

Where else could we make such a fuss?

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St Columba’s, Knock invites you to:

THE GREAT BIG PARISH

PRIZEGIVING AND PICNIC!

Sunday 26th July

12.30pm – 2.00pm

(Venue to be confirmed)

Everyone is welcome to

bring their own picnic, to

share fellowship, fun and friendship (while

carefully observing social distancing

regulations!)

Please come and join us for some craic

and a catchup – we have missed you!

Please bring your own bags for your rubbish – we want to

leave these magnificent grounds as tidy as we found them.

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HYMNS – ANSWERS

1. Hymn 47 We plough the fields and scatter

2. Hymn 158 God rest you merry gentlemen

3. Hymn 549 Dear Lord and Father of mankind

4. Hymn 643 Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart

5. Hymn 188 While shepherds watched their flocks by night

6. Hymn 177 Once in royal David’s city

7. Hymn 244 There is a green hill far away

8. Hymn 20 The King of love my shepherd is

9. Hymn 366 Praise, my soul, the King of heaven

10. Hymn 488 Stand up, stand up for Jesus

11. Hymn 361 Now thank we all our God

12. Hymn 100 Jesus loves me: this I know

13. Hymn 25 All things bright and beautiful

14. Hymn 6 Immortal, invisible, God only wise

15. Hymn 642 Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)

16. Hymn 62 Abide with me, fast falls the eventide

Everybody, Somebody, Anybody & Nobody

This is a story of four people named Everybody,

Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.

There was an important job to be done and

Everybody was sure Somebody would do it.

Anybody could have done it but Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry with that because it was

Everybody’s job.

Everybody thought Anybody could do it but Nobody realized that Everybody

wouldn’t do it.

It ended that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody

could have done.

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