The Lion S EPTEMBER 2017

Transcription

1 The Lion MAGAZINE OF ST MARK S, DUNDELA S EPTEMBER 2017

2 St Mark s Church Parish of Dundela Diocese of Down and Dromore Church of Ireland Anglican Communion PARISH OFFICE: Heyn Hall, 2 Sydenham Avenue, Belfast, BT4 2DR T: E: office.dundela@down.anglican.org Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. RECTOR: Revd Helene T. Steed, St Mark s Rectory, 4 Sydenham Avenue, Belfast, BT4 2DR T: , M: dundela@down.anglican.org CURATE: Revd Christopher St John, M: curate.dundela@down.anglican.org HON. ASSISTANT PRIEST: Revd Ivan Betts, T: EMERITUS DIOCESAN READER: Miss Joan Frame, T: ORGANIST & CHOIRMASTER: Mr Jack Wilson, M: , jack.rwilson@yahoo.com HONORARY ORGANIST: Mr W. Adair, L.T.C.L., T: PARISH ADMINISTRATOR: Mrs Linda Nicholson (contact at Parish Office) SEXTON: Mr Richard Lyons (contact at Parish Office) HONORARY SECRETARY: Mrs Eileen Anghel, T: HONORARY TREASURER: Mr Peter S. F. Bayliss, T: RECTOR S CHURCHWARDEN: Mrs Joan Eakin, T: PEOPLE S CHURCHWARDEN: Mrs Angela Kerr, T: RECTOR S GLEBEWARDEN: Mr Richard Acheson, (contact at Parish Office) PEOPLE S GLEBEWARDEN: Ms Laura Hillis, T: HONORARY VERGER: Mr Harry Whiteside, T: FWO RECORDER: Mr Max Livingstone, 24 Wanstead Road, Belfast, BT16 2EJ T: GIFT AID SECRETARY: Contact Parish Office BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP: Miss Christine Johnston T: SAFEGUARDING TRUST PARISH PANEL Revd H. T. Steed, T: , Mrs L. Donaldson, T: , Mr M. Newman, T:

3 From the Rector Dear Parishioners, Some years ago, the crime writer P. D. James was asked in a radio interview to read her favourite prayer by Thomas Cranmer from the Book of Common Prayer. She chose: A General Thanksgiving. It is a lovely prayer, with the alliteration of humble and hearty ; the memorable phrases: for the means of grace and for the hope of glory ; and not only with our lips but in our lives. The only problem is that the prayer is not written by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. As a matter of fact, he was long dead when the prayer was include in the 1662 version of the Book of Common Prayer. This prayer was written by the Puritan Bishop, Edward Reynolds. Some would argue that Bishop Reynolds had based it on a prayer used by Queen Elizabeth I for her personal devotions, in the late 1590s. A General Thanksgiving is a most suitable prayer for the month of September, as we in this prayer thank God for all God s goodness and loving kindness. Hopefully we all have something we want to thank God for as the summer is now coming to an end. The prayer also reminds us about our gratitude for everything that has been given to us, the creation, the fruits of creation and indeed life itself. That is why we come together on the last Sunday in September (24 th ) for a service of Harvest Thanksgiving. This year our Harvest Celebration begins in the morning with the celebration of Holy Communion at both the 8.30 a.m. and the a.m. services. The main prayer in this service is called The Great Thanksgiving (starting on page 209 in the BCP). In this prayer we thank God that he is continuously present with his people, us, and that his Son has given us a meal to remember everything that Christ has done for us. At these services, our gratitude to the almighty is two-fold. We thank God for providing a harvest which gives us food for our bodies, and we also thank God for giving us a holy meal, which sustain our souls and assures us that

4 Christ dwells in us and we in him. In evening, the Youth Fellowship will lead our service and after the service, we are invited to harvest supper in the Heyn Hall. You are all most welcome to this day of thanksgiving! I am delighted to welcome Revd Chris and Mrs Andrea St John and their family to St Mark s. I very much look forward to work with Revd St John. We as a parish are privileged to have them with us and Revd St John s talents and inspiration will richly benefit St Mark s Church and Parish. Yours in Christ, A General Thanksgiving Almighty God, Father of all mercies, We thine unworthy servants Do give thee most humble and hearty thanks For all thy goodness and loving kindness to us, and to all men. We bless thee for our creation, preservation and all the blessings of this life: But above all, for thine inestimable love In the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; For the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, That our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, And that we show forth thy praise, Not only with our lips but in our lives; By giving up ourselves to thy service, And by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, To whom with thee and the Holy Spirit Be all honour and glory, World without end. Amen.

5 From the Curate I am really excited about commencing shortly as curate at St Mark s. Nowadays it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a parish which combines a strong liturgical and musical tradition, with a healthy infusion of contemporary worship. One of the strengths of the Church of Ireland is that it can very successfully utilise traditional forms of worship whilst exploring new ways to approach God in line with how the Holy Spirit is moving. Throughout my Christian life I have enjoyed a diversity of worship styles, musical approaches and continuity with the past. It is my expectation that St Mark s will provide a similar environment yet with its own unique rewards and challenges. I was one of the first infants baptised at St Peter s Church of Ireland in Londonderry. I grew up attending the Church of the Holy Spirit at Mossley where I was confirmed at the age of 13 years. When I was 17, I attended a youth fellowship where the Gospel was preached in a way which really connected with me. I came to see that only Jesus could provide access to God and the power which raised him from the dead could actually live in me. I asked Jesus into my life and he came. I had the assurance that my sins were forgiven and I was in a restored relationship with God. I met my wife Andrea at Belfast Royal Academy where we were both pupils. We have been married since We have three children Karl, 24, who is a company secretary; Chloe, 23, a journalist and Melissa, 21, a trainee nurse. We have lived in Holywood for over twenty years with all of the children attending Sullivan Upper, before going on to university.

6 Before ordination training, I was heavily engaged in protecting the vulnerable within society. I was also employed in delivering adult education for many years. I believe God has called each one of us to do what we can, where ever we are placed in order to demonstrate love in a practical way. Some call this social praxis, but I think of it as discipleship. I am a strong believer in lifelong learning, in the past taking degrees in theology, philosophy, history, pedagogy and human rights. I regularly visit Italy, in particular Venice, and I have been trying to learn Italian for a number of years. I am always available to share holiday tips. In my free time I restore and ride motorcycles and scooters, particularly from Italy. I also enjoy lesser known grappling sports in particularly Russian Sambo wrestling and Kurash. I have recently been graded to 6 th Dan in Jujitsu by the IBF and 4 th Dan in Judo with the BJA. Combat sports have allowed me to sample many different cultures and discover that pain is the same in any language. I do not know if grappling skills will be of any benefit in the ordained ministry except perhaps verbal judo, but Jacob appears to have had an epic wrestling match in Genesis 32:22-32 which should have been available on pay per view! I feel very blessed to be joining the Christian community at St Mark s and I look forward to working with, and learning from the Revd Steed. It is a real privilege to be involved in leading worship amongst you and I pray that we shall all get to know and grow in God together. Yours in Christ Revd Christopher St John

7 From the Parish Registers H O L Y BAPTISM 2 nd of July 2017 Erin Hollie Lyon 20 th of August 2017 Alice Laura Brooder You have received the light of Christ; walk in this light all the days of your life. Shine as a light in the world to the glory of God the Father C H R I S T I A N BURIAL Funeral was held for parishioners of St Mark s on: 26 th of June 2017 Mrs Carol Mary Sullivan 17 th of July 2017 Mr Gerald Beattie Walker Prayer for the bereaved Give faith and comfort, O Lord, to all who are bereaved Strengthen them to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience, not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your mercy in the past, and waiting for a joyful reunion in heaven in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Articles for the October 2017 edition of The Lion should be with the Parish Office by Wednesday 13 th September

8 Calendar of Worship September Sunday 3 rd of September: Twelfth Sunday after Trinity 8.30 a.m. Holy Communion a.m. Family Service 6.30 p.m. Holy Communion and Ministry of Healing Wednesday 6 th of September: The Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary (trd) a.m. Holy Communion 7.30 p.m. Late Evening Office with Intercessions for the sick Sunday 10 th of September: Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity 8.30 a.m. Holy Communion 9.30 a.m. Contemporary Service in the Heyn Hall a.m. Morning Prayer and Dedication of Youth Leaders 6.30 p.m. Compline Wednesday 13 th of September a.m. Holy Communion 7.30 p.m. Late Evening Office with Intercessions for the sick Sunday 17 th of September: Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity 8.30 a.m. Holy Communion 9.30 a.m. Contemporary Service in the Heyn Hall a.m. Morning Prayer and Holy Baptism 6.30 p.m. Evensong Wednesday 20 th of September: St Matthew (trd) a.m. Holy Communion 7.30 p.m. Late Evening Office with Intercessions for the sick Sunday 24 th of September: Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity Harvest Celebrations 8.30 a.m. Holy Communion 9.30 a.m. Contemporary Service in the Heyn Hall a.m. Harvest Thanksgiving and Parish Communion 6.30 p.m. Youth Service, followed Harvest Supper in the Heyn Hall

9 Wednesday 27 th of September a.m. Holy Communion 7.30 p.m. Late Evening Office with Intercessions for the sick Sunday 1 st of October: Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity 8.30 a.m. Holy Communion a.m. Family Service 6.30 p.m. Holy Communion with Ministry of Healing Wednesday 5 th of October a.m. Holy Communion 7.30 p.m. Late Evening Office with Intercessions for the sick C O L L E C T I O N COUNT ROTA SEPTEMBER To assist the counters could parishioners please write the amount on the collection envelopes. Thank you. Convenor: Max Livingstone Counters: Derek Wallace Tom Machenry Brian Moore F L O O D L I G H T I N G SEPTEMBER 2017 Donations for church floodlighting gratefully received from: 3 rd Mr and Mrs Young of 20 Sydenham Avenue, Belfast in loving memory of their parents. 10 th Mrs E Dowling in loving memory of her parents, brother and sister 17 th Miss Margaret Hamilton of 25 Bryansford Meadow, Bangor in memory of her mother.

10 Flowers September 2017 Margaret Grahame T: Miss Margaret Thompson 14 Norwood Avenue In loving memory of her parents, Robert and Bertha Thompson. SIDE CHAPEL Mrs Annie McCullagh 7 Edgecumbe Park In loving memory of my husband Desmond 10 Mr and Mrs Geoff Pitt 84 Castlehill Road In loving memory of our parents 17 Mr and Mrs Livingstone 24 Wanstead Road In memory of Mr and Mrs William Livingstone 24 HARVEST THANKSGIVING Confirmation Class A confirmation class will begin during the autumn. The class is primarily for teenagers. For more information, please contact the rector. If any adults are interested in confirmation, again, please contact the rector.

11 St Mark s Select Vestry The new sound system has now been installed in the church and it is a wonderful improvement to our worship. It has been received very positively by parishioners. There are still some minor matters to address, before it is all complete. It was, without doubt, long overdue! The old system is to be installed in the main hall, in the Heyn Hall, and hence we can utilise and make good use of it for another few years. However, a new loud speaking system comes with a cost. Our new, digital system cost 31,000. All electronic equipment is expensive. The Select Vestry worked hard on sourcing an appropriate system for the church. In according with the Charity Legislation, we sought three quotations and made sure we acted in the best interest of the parish. As it is a significant expenditure, the Select Vestry appeals to the generosity of our parishioners as we need to raise funds for it. All donations are received with gratitude. In addition, there will be some fund-raising events to defray some of the cost. In this regards, the Select Vestry would like to thank the Youth Fellowship who initiated the fundraising for the system by running the Belfast Marathon Fun Run in May. As a parish we are concerned that all our parishioners can participate and attend events in the hall and church. Hence, we do our best to facilitate for those who suffer from various food allergies. The Select Vestry has been informed that there are individuals in the parish who suffer from severe nut allergy. We would therefore appeal to all who kindly help us with catering, to not bring in any produce that contain nuts to our events. Thank you for your understanding. Over the last few months, St Mark s parish has received several generous donations. These, as well as the loud-speaking system will be dedicated at a service in October. We would like to acknowledge with gratitude the receipt of the grand piano for the choir room, kindly donated by Dr Ronald Armstrong. Sincere thanks to all parishioners for your support of St Mark s Church and parish.

12 St Mark s Road Show in the Hall On Thursday the 14 th of September at 7.00 p.m. you are all cordially invited to an open evening in the Heyn Hall. During this evening, the groups and organisations in the parish will introduce themselves and launch their programmes for the autumn. This evening is an excellent opportunity for us to find out more about what is happening in the parish, and it is plenty. This evening is like a road-show or a fresher s event. In the main hall, parlour and foyer, there will be tables with information, people to talk to and programmes to pick up. Do join us for an evening of enlightenment. It is an opportunity for us to learn and socialise. Light refreshments will be served. All warmly welcome. St Mark s Dundela European Heritage Open Days Saturday 9 th September a.m p.m. Sunday 10 th September p.m p.m.

13 Safeguarding Trust Safeguarding Training The Safeguarding Trust panel has arranged Safeguarding training for Tuesday 5 th of September at 7.30 p.m. in the Parlour of the Heyn Hall. This training will be provided by the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer. The training will provide all participants with a good understanding of the Church of Ireland s protocols for the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. It is essential that anyone who is leading a church based group and activities that caters for children or vulnerable adults undertakes this training to ensure that they have up to date knowledge of the agreed protocols. Our last training session was in April If you attended that session you do not need to attend this session. If you have had safeguarding training prior to this date you do need to attend. For those in the uniformed organisations who receive safeguarding training from those organisations, we would ask that you also attend this training session so that you are familiar with the Church of Ireland protocols. We look forward to seeing you all there. Michael Newman Lesley Donaldson Helene T. Steed Safeguarding Trust Panel

14 Parish Organisations CRÈCHE Crèche meets every Sunday during the a.m. service, except on the first Sunday of the month which is a family service. SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday School meets every Sunday during the a.m. service, except on the first Sunday of the month which is a family service. RAINBOWS, BROWNIES & GUIDES The Rainbows for girls (4-7 years) Resumes Monday 18 September, p.m. The Brownies (age 7-10 years) Resumes Monday 18 September, p.m. Guides (age years) Resumes Monday 18 September, p.m. MUMS & CHUMS Resumes Wednesday 6 September at a.m. YOUTH FELLOWSHIP Resumes Sunday 10 th September at 7.30 p.m. CREATIVE STITCHING GROUP Resumes Tuesday 12 September at 7.30 p.m. MOTHERS UNION Resumes Wednesday, 20 September at 7.30 p.m. EVERGREENS Resumes Wednesday 11 October at 2.30 p.m. DRAMA Meet on Wednesdays at 8.00 p.m. CHOIR Meets every Thursday at 7.30 p.m. BOOK CLUB Resumes Tuesday 5 September at 8.00 p.m.

15 Autumn Events in the Parish From the Social Committee We are delighted to invite you to the following events this autumn: Friday 22 nd September 7.30 p.m. Join us for a film evening at the Tudor Cinema in Comber. We will watch the drama-comedy Quartet (2012), directed by Dustin Hoffman and starring Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Gwyneth Jones, Michael Gambon and Billy Connolly. After the film we will enjoy some refreshments. The cinema holds 66 people. There is a bus, seating 33, booked for those who prefer not to drive. Cost 15. Tickets are available from Joan Eakin and Angela Kerr. Wednesday 4 th October 8.00 p.m. Miglio Jewellery Evening. This is an opportunity to perhaps purchase some early Christmas gifts. Rebekah Hamilton, the leading representative in Ireland will showcase some of the new ranges. Tickets 5, available from Joan Eakin or Angela Kerr or at the door. Miglio Designer Jewellery is best known for its versatility and interchangeable qualities. Necklaces can be worn long or short and enhanced with clip-on pendants. Bracelets can be linked and layered, or extended to create neckpieces. Earrings can be personalised with designer charms. Rings can be stacked or worn alone for everyday simplicity. Saturday 18 th November 7.30 p.m. Join us for a Parish Dinner in CIYMS more details will follow in a subsequent issue of the Lion. It is our hope that there will be something for everyone. For more information about the events, please see posters on notice boards and the Church News.

16 Mothers Union From Pauline Scott The Autumn meetings will resume on Wednesday 20 th September when we attend the usual mid-week service in church at 7.30 p.m. and later adjourn to the Heyn Hall to enjoy a cuppa and catch up. We would assure anyone interested in MU of a warm welcome at this meeting or indeed at any of our meetings. Heather Grindle has arranged for an Enterprise box to be available. It will contain some items for sale from the MU shop Christmas cards, diaries, and calendars may be of particular interest. Please bring some money with you and beat the rush as Christmas approaches. Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal Many members from St Mark s have supported this project generously in recent years. MU members have taken charge of checking and delivering the filled boxes to the local distribution centre and hope to do so again this year. It is wonderful to think of the joy children, who would not otherwise receive a gift, get from opening one of the boxes. The boxes and relevant labels will be available in Church shortly. Suitable items for inclusion are toys, school supplies, caps, scarves, gloves, jewellery sets, hygiene items, wrapped sweets dated March 2018 or beyond. A contribution of 3 towards transport costs should also be included with each box. Date for the diary Linda Abwa, from CMS Ireland will be our speaker on October 18 th. She has responsibility for developing partnership links with Kenya, Nepal and South Sudan.

17 Book Club The book club meets on the first Tuesday of the month. Our next meeting is on Tuesday the 5 th of September at 8.00 p.m. in the rectory when we discuss Witch Wood by John Buchan. The book opens with the narrator recalling a legend when the minister was spirited away by the fairies or as some say, the devil. In this book Buchan raises questions about religious tolerance. Do join us for an interesting discussion. Looking ahead, we plan to read the following books during the autumn: October: The People s Act of Love, by James Meek. This is a historical novel set in an isolated and cold part of Siberia in Here we meet a Christian sect and a beautiful, independent widow who is raising her son in challenging circumstances. November: The Power and the Glory, by Graham Greene. The title of this novel is taken from the last line in the Lord s Prayer. It is set in Mexico during the 1930s and we follow a Roman Catholic whiskey priest during a time when the church was outlawed. December: Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson. This is fictional autobiography of an elderly Congregational minister, Revd John Ames, that takes us to a small town in Iowa during the 1950s. All readers warmly welcomed. For more information, please contact the rector.

18 Walking Group Walking Group Update During the summer months, we enjoyed walks through Victoria Park and Titanic Quarter, along the Newry Canal from Scarva, and around Knock Chree in Co Down, with spectacular views of the Mournes. Many thanks to each of the walk leaders, for coordinating arrangements, providing interesting background information as we walked, and ensuring that coffee and toilet stops were included as required! Looking forward to the Autumn now, we will take a leisurely walk around our local area, perhaps up to Stormont, on Saturday 2 nd September, meeting at the Heyn Hall at 1.00 p.m. as usual. On Saturday 7 th October we plan to walk along the Lagan Towpath, stopping at the Lock-keepers Cottage for refreshments. Please contact Lynn Wilson ( ) or Hannah Nelson ( ) for details of either of these walks and do come and join us.

19 A big thank you to St Mark s From Lesley and Philip Burton A big THANK YOU to all who supported the quiz night! It was wonderful that so many supported the table quiz at CIYMS in aid of CMSI and the mission-team going to Nepal. We were overwhelmed by the number of parishioners who attended the event or sent donations. Around one hundred people took part in the quiz and the atmosphere was wonderful. Lots of chat and laughter were heard throughout the evening. Mr Michael Wilson and Mr Steven Allen hosted the event and their humorous banter set the mood for the evening. The level of difficulty of the questions and the variety of topics was appreciated by all and the feedback from those attending was positive. We all had a great evening. The raffle of a variety of lovely goodies was well received and a signed Ulster rugby shirt was auctioned. In total the evening raised 1,280, which is incredible. Thanks also to all who supported the event with gifts for the raffle, cakes for the supper and to those who helped serving tea and coffee. Further fund-raising events include four more bag packing days. And those of you who want to learn more about the Church in Nepal are warmly welcome to a lecture given by Mr Christopher Steed on Wednesday the 25 th of October in the Heyn Hall at 8.00 p.m. Many thanks again for your continued support and enthusiasm for CMSI and the mission project in Nepal which Lesley and Philip Burton will visit in November. We are very grateful for the opportunity to be part of a mission team and are excited about the links we establish with Sundar Dhoka church and all the amazing work that it does with children and adults with disability.

20 Parish outing on the Wee Tram From Angela Kerr There are things and places that should never be forgotten the history of the Titanic and the shipbuilding in Belfast being among them. A group of parishioners from St Mark s visited the Titanic Quarter on Thursday the 17 th of August. The Revd Chris Bennett was our guide and cicerone. He gave us wonderful insights into the history of the area before thirty eager parishioners boarded the Wee Tram. It was a delight to meandering around the area, seeing the different significant sites and hearing more about the shipyard, its past, present and future. Our tour lasted almost an hour and his informative commentary was entertaining and amusing. Revd Chris love for the area was clear for all to see. The tram tour included passing the film studios where the series Game of Thrones is filmed, the giant cranes, Samson and Goliath, and the refurbished Nomadic tender that was the original vessel that conveyed passengers from shore to embark on to the Titanic. Following the tour we visited the Dock Café for refreshments with everyone enjoying the craic. We were well looked after by Hannah Nelson who volunteers in the Dock Café every Thursday afternoon. This tour was enjoyed by all and it is hoped to arrange a visit to the Ulster Museum either late October or early November to view the Weeping Window commemorating all those who lost their lives during the First World War. Participants modelling the Dunsher flat caps, these caps were worn by the workers in the shipyard from yesteryear.

21 Music in St Mark s One Song' An Appreciation of Hymns From Jacqui Dickinson On Saturday 17 th of June 2017, a special event was held to mark the 500th Anniversary of the start of the Reformations. St Mark's, in association with the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM Ireland), hosted an All-day Hymn Sing day. We started with 'A Mighty Fortress' written by Martin Luther. After that the hymns were sung in historical order, beginning with hymns from the 16 th century and continuing to the present day. Mr Nick Burrows sang the original tune in German, 'Ein feste Burg'. People came in and joined us throughout the day. Some stayed for the whole day, others for an hour or two and we were delighted that Bishop Harold Miller joined us in the afternoon. Before each hymn was sung a short description of its history and use was given. It was a most relaxed atmosphere and people shared their own memories of the various hymns. As time passed, we were able to include extra favourites and some wonderful impromptu organ pieces which were played by our Organist and Choirmaster, Mr Jack Wilson. It was wonderful to welcome people from various churches and several visitors, including an organist of a church in Boston, U.S.A. and a couple from Norfolk. As a request we sang 'Jerusalem' with great gusto. Bishop Harold challenged us to sing the same hymn to different tunes, including changing between verses! A wonderful spread was served at the back of the church throughout the day. Mrs Angela Kerr and her team really surpassed themselves and much chat was had over cups of tea and coffee. I would like to thank everyone who assisted on the day including our readers Mr Norman Meharry and Mr Paul Johnston. In preparation for this event, Mr Billy Adair and myself, spent several happy hours working through The Companion to Church Hymnal 5. Mr Adair s advice was

22 invaluable. Special mention must be given to Mr Jack Wilson, who played all day and was happy to include extra requests. Any donations from this event go towards the our new sound system. Stepping Aside A Reflection Morning will be held by the Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer on Saturday 23 rd of September at Drumbo Parish Church (BT8 8LA). Starting with coffee/tea in Drumbo Parish Centre at 9.30 a.m., two contemplations will be offered in church, followed by a simple Communion service. The contemplations, chosen by the Witness (conductor), will focus on a saying of God or Jesus. A sharing of lunch (please bring your own) follows the Communion. Everyone welcome. For further details please contact Canon Raymond Fox on or canonfox@btinternet.com

23 A Harvest hymn with a difference From Billy Adair The secret of a successful retirement is not to retire from something, but to retire to something. One of our finest modern hymn writers was Fred Pratt Green ( ), who was ordained into the Methodist Church in 1928, where he ministered for over sixty years. During this time, he also wrote contemporary poetry, and painted in watercolours. He intended to give more time to his painting once he retired. When he was 87, he and his wife moved into a Methodist Home for the aged, he had already decided his writing days were over. But commissions for hymns, usually to fit the metre of a particular tune, kept arriving, and he began to feel the urge to write again. So the Methodist Minister retired to become a hymn writer whose work is respected and valued worldwide. That is what retiring to something means. In 1957 Dr Francis Jackson, organist of York Minister wrote an outstanding tune he called East Acklam for Heber s hymn God, that madest earth and heaven, which proved a mistake, as these words were already firmly set to the Welsh tune All through the night. The Jackson tune was simply cast aside. But it was much too good a tune to be entirely ignored, so the hymnologist John Wilson suggested to Dr Pratt Green that he write a Harvest hymn to fit East Acklam, and the new hymn For the fruits of His creation appeared in August It is worth looking at. 1. For the fruits of his creation Thanks be to God! For His gifts to every nation Thanks be to God! For the ploughing, sowing, reaping, Silent growth while we are sleeping; Future needs in earth's safe keeping, Thanks be to God!

24 2. In the just reward of labour God's will be done; In the help we give our neighbour God's will be done: In our world-wide task of caring For the hungry and despairing; In the harvests we are sharing, God's will be done. From the very first words we realise this is indeed a Harvest hymn, and for God s gifts to us and to all the world, we offer the refrain. Thanks be to God. Thanks are due for the work put in by the farmers, but that is as far as any farmer can go the growth is the work of God, and we are in His safe keeping. Whilst we are not involved in the ploughing and sowing, verse two reminds us of what we should be doing in caring for the less well off in the wider world. There are many needy folk in other countries, and it is our duty to help and care for them, for in Christ they are our neighbours. We stand as tall as the angels when we kneel to help a friend. 3. For the harvests of the Spirit Thanks be to God! For the good we all inherit Thanks be to God! For the wonders that astound us, For the truths that still confound us, Most of all, that love has found us, Thanks be to God! Finally we have the Harvest of the Spirit the good things which come from God alone. The climax is so well put in the penultimate line, Most of all, that love has found us, and God is Love. This is an outstanding Harvest hymn and to an equally outstanding tune, but regrettably it is little used. We in St Mark s could put that right! Right?

25 Parish Chef From Angela Kerr The Mothers Union had a meal provided by the ladies from High Street Presbyterian Church in Comber after their Summer Outing. We were served delicious shortbread at the end of the meal. The lady who made it has kindly agreed to share the recipe with us. Comber Shortbread 1 lb/16ozs Dromona butter 8ozs caster sugar 8ozs self raising flour 8ozs plain flour 4ozs cornflour 4ozs fine semolina (farola) Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in all other ingredients DO NOT BEAT. Divide among 5 round shallow cake tins. Bake in a slow oven 120 deg C for one and a half hours until firm. Cut immediately and sprinkle with caster sugar. Leave in tins until nearly cold. Enjoy! This recipe makes 5 dozen pieces. Golden biscuits with a hint of ginger 125g plain flour 100g Quaker oats ¼ teaspoon of baking powder 175g light brown soft sugar 110g butter 1 tablespoon of syrup pinch of ground ginger 1 tablespoon cold water Grease to baking trays with butter. Heat oven to 180deg C/ 350deg F Gas mark 4 Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Melt the butter and syrup in a pan with a tablespoon of cold water. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the liquid mixture, stirring well with a wooden spoon. Roll this mixture into balls, place on the baking tray and flatten slightly. Bake for about 15 minutes. Cool on the tray before removing to cooling rack Store in airtight tin. Proceeds towards the new Church Sound System

26 Harvest Colouring Page

27 Parish Organisations and Representatives (in alphabetical order) Bell Ringers as arranged Mrs Gill Alp, T: Book Club 1 st Tuesday 8.00 p.m. Revd Helene T. Steed T: Brownies (ages 7-10) Monday p.m. Miss Heather McKaig, T: Choir Thursday p.m. Mr Jack Wilson, Mobile: T: Christian Aid Mrs Yvonne McMaster, T: Church of Ireland Gazette Mr Peter Moore, T: CMS(Ireland) Mrs Lynn Wilson, T: Crèche Dr Sarah Bass, Tel: Mrs Emma Dale, Tel: Creative Stitching Group 2 nd & 4 th Tuesday, 7.30 p.m. Mrs Ann Clark, T: Evergreens Club 2 nd Wednesday, 2.30 p.m. Mrs Joan Eakin, T: and Mrs Lorna Symmons, T: Flower Guild Ms Margaret Grahame, T: Guides Monday, p.m. Miss Lois Kennedy, Parish Office T: Men s Group as arranged Mothers Union 3 rd Wednesday 8.00 p.m. Enrolling Member: Mrs Pauline Scott, T: Mums and Chums Wednesday a.m. Contact Parish Office, T: (Parents and toddlers group) Rainbows (ages 4-7) Monday p.m. Mrs Heather Ellison, T: Scottish Dancing Thursday as arranged Mr John Campbell, T: St Mark's Players Wednesdays as arranged Mrs Eileen Anghel, T: Walking Group Saturdays as arranged Mrs Lynn Wilson, T: Sunday School Parish Office T: Youth Fellowship 2 nd and 4 th Sunday p.m. Dr Sarah Bass, Tel: (age 11-18) as arranged Mrs Emma Dale, Tel: SUNDAYS WEDNESDAYS 8.30 a.m. Holy Communion (every Sunday) a.m. Holy Communion a.m. Family Service (1 st Sunday) 7.30 p.m. Late Evening Office and Prayers for the Sick Parish Communion (3 rd Sunday) Morning Prayer (2 nd, 4 th & 5 th Sundays) p.m. Contemporary Service in the Heyn Hall (no service on Family service Sundays) 6.30 p.m. Holy Communion & Ministry of Healing (1 st Sunday) Compline (2 nd Sunday) Evensong (3 rd Sunday) Evening Service led by the Youth Fellowship (4 th Sunday) BY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE CLERGY Holy Baptism Wedding Visitation of the Sick at Home or in Hospital Home Communion Spiritual Direction Christian Buri

28 St Mark s Dundela Heyn Hall Wednesday 4 th October 8.00 p.m. An Evening about Jewellery Presented by Rebekah Hamilton Tickets may be purchased in advance or may be paid for at the door Cost 5 including refreshments Proceeds towards Church Sound System St Mark s Dundela Autumn event Friday 22 nd September p.m. Tickets 15 per person (incl. refreshments) Contact: Joan Eakin, Christine Johnston or Angela Kerr