Castlerock Presbyterian Church WINTER UPDATE 2018

Transcription

1 Castlerock Presbyterian Church WINTER UPDATE 2018 The end of 2018 is rapidly approaching as we look back we have so much to thank God for. Since our last UPDATE we have had a number of significant things taking place: The afternoon Harvest Thanksgiving Service, when we were joined by the Coleraine Community Choir, was a very happy and inspiring time of worship. In his address on that occasion the Rev. Stewart introduced the theme of Being a fruitful congregation ; presenting ideas developed by the Council of Congregational Life & Witness. Over these last months in the Sunday Services as we considered the nine fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.) in our individual lives, it seems timely to now consider the corporate life and purpose of our congregation. January will be a month of specific prayer using the 28-Day Prayer Journey followed by an Evening of Engagement and Discussion on Thursday, the 31 st January 2019 at 7.30pm. See the resource materials on the PCI website at: Life/Growing-in-Fruitfulness.aspx For those using regularly, the 28-day Prayer Journey can be delivered daily to your inbox sign up online at The church website and Facebook page are a great way to keep up-to-date and share invitations with others.

2 Other significant events were: The New Communicants Day Conference on Saturday, 29 th September and adult baptism on Sunday, 30 th September when six new communicants were added to the Roll of Communicants and received into full membership of the congregation; we also formally welcomed others (by way of transfer/disjunction certificate) to full membership, at the Autumn Communion on the 4 th November. The 100th Anniversary of Armistice was commemorated at the Church Service on the 11 th November when a wreath was laid by Leslie Morrell on the Great War memorial tablet as an Act of Remembrance was held. Some interesting local information was shared in relations to Nurse Mary Morrell who served as a lieutenant in the Queen Alexandra s Imperial Nursing Service in the Great War, and who became ill and on her premature death in 1919, at the age of 29 years, received a military funeral in Articlave. The McCarter brothers, who as young doctors served in the Royal Army Medical Corps, listed on our Great War memorial tablet served with distinction. The British Medical Journal of 4th February, 1918, records the citation for Frederick's Military Cross:- "During a severe engagement this Officer established an advance dressing station within 200 yards of the front line, where for 48 hours continuously, under heavy fire, he attended to casualties and arranged for their evacuation." Younger brother, William, was taken prisoner and was mentioned in dispatches for an act of heroism. Our church also hosted the Royal British Legion District Service when a large congregation, including many young people from the local youth organisations, attended. Christopher Smyth read the poem In Flanders Field the Poppies Grow and Clara Carey-Brownlow sang a solo Make me a channel of Your peace. The support of the soldiers in active service by the children in the Castlerock and Articlave community was highlighted as we learnt about the Ulster War Chocolate League. All were challenged to be heroes protected by the whole armour of God in challenging and overcoming evil in the world. Page 2

3 The Wednesday morning Ladies Bible Study and Craft Club has brought a new impetus in fellowship and discipleship. The Walking for Health Group continues to grow in numbers meeting on Thursday mornings at 10am, leaving from our Church. It is a good way to explore our local area and get to make more friends. Presbyterian Women: The new season got off to a good start with personal invitations, to a congenial atmosphere and local participation in presenting the theme Beautiful. The enthusiasm created was very motivational in preparing for the Visitors Night on the 14 th November - an informative and enjoyable evening with the downstairs hall full to capacity. Dr. Heather Williamson provided much food for thought in her presentation on having a healthy body, mind and spirit. Thanks to all who prepared the venue, provided and served the supper a great team! All the ladies of the congregation are invited to the Christmas Party on Wednesday, 12 th December at 7.45pm in the Downstairs Hall. NOTES FROM THE KIRK SESSION: The Kirk Session has decided, in view of recent retirements and resignations, to seek the approval of Presbytery to have up to four new elders added to its number. Once approval is given, the Kirk Session will prepare for an election where Members of the Church on the Communicants Roll, who have contributed to church funds in the preceding year, will be eligible to vote. Full details of the process will be given in the Spring Update at the beginning of March The proposed review of elder-districts will be postponed until these additional new elders are in place, so avoiding confusion in the future; meanwhile, members of the congregation are asked to contact the elder best known to them if they need church help and support. The sharing of responsibilities across elder districts worked well prior to the Autumn communion. Guysmere Presbytery Committee: Implementation of the General Assembly resolution that a feasibility study to assess the potential and sustainability of developing a world-class centre for Ministry and Mission at Guysmere is proceeding. A request has been made that Castlerock congregation be included in the discussion, as its level of involvement and usage of such a Centre is determined. It has been agreed by the Congregational Committee, on the recommendation of the Kirk Session, that a contribution of 20% towards Page 3

4 the cost of the feasibility study be made, up to a maximum of The outline brief for the study is progressing and the professionals assisting identified. The timeline is very very tight as a report has to be with Presbytery for its meeting on the 5 th March Please pray that this will go smoothly! Session agreed that during the Easter period in 2019 (18 th - 22 nd April), there should be a special outreach initiative, for which the details would be developed as part of taking forward the work of the church as a Fruitful Congregation. Congregational Committee Business: The property committee has surveyed the church buildings and issues arising are being attended to. The ingress of water after heavy rain in the Downstairs hall has been a cause for concern and is now being urgently addressed. Costings for the replacement of the windows and sills, upgrading the lights and ceiling, fitting doors, signage and alarms (to comply with fire regulations), have been obtained and will proceed as finance becomes available. The offer of support from the PW Catering Committee Fund was very much appreciated and those who have worked tirelessly over the years in this regard are commended. The extension of the Church Burial Ground is back with the solicitor as a firm offer is made to the National Trust, prior to an application for planning permission and other statutory approvals. Mr Raymond Robinson was thanked for his work in preparing an easily accessed electronic record of burials and assigned plots in the existing graveyard. Financial Report: The congregation had 125 contributing families in 2017 and so far this year contributions have been received from 131 families to the FWO, from 51 to the Building Fund and from 43 to the United Appeal. At this time of the year as members review their financial contributions to Church Funds the following information may be helpful in deciding how contributions can best be allocated. The congregation has three main funds, with associated envelopes the General Fund (FWO - Weekly Offering), United Appeal Fund and Building Fund. The Budget Plan for 2018 below shows the anticipated expenditure for the year and the monies received up to the 25 th November, followed by some breakdown of likely total costs. Fund Projected Expenditure Received by 25 Nov General (FWO) 51,250 40,576* United Appeal 5,300 3,756* Building 25,000 10,080* Page 4

5 1. General Fund - 51,250 (F.W.O. received up to 25 Nov. 40,576*) the full cost (stipend, national insurance + pension contributions, ministry and travel expenses) of our new minister as 2/3rds of a fulltime minister (for 11 months = about 28,250); there is no augmentation from the Central Ministry Fund. Assessments made by the General Assembly and Presbytery amount to almost Other costs for running church heat & light, insurance, rates, stationery, cleaning, musicians, Sunday School etc are estimated at about 17, United Appeal for Church Missions Target of honour given for 2018 is 5300 ( per family); (U.A. received up to 25 Nov. 3756*) 3. Building Fund - 25,000 (received up to 25 Nov. 10,080 (+ 7,500 gift aid on previous large gift)) Projection System 2,500; Louvres in Tower 10,000; Downstairs Hall repairs and installation of drainage channel Note: * does not include gift aid - when this is added we are on course to meeting our targets for the General Account and United Appeal envelopes will be available soon; speak to our Treasurer George Munce if you would like to become a contributor and receive a set of envelopes. Christmas Message from the Rev. Stewart As I make plans for my first Christmas in Castlerock Manse, I rejoice in the goodness of God He faithfully keeps His promises. Christmas is a time of giving and receiving gifts and our God desires to bless us with the ultimate gift everlasting love through His only Son, Jesus. Life is full of uncertainties economic changes, health challenges and relationship concerns yet God is with us providing strength, security and His eternal salvation. I thank God for His unspeakable gift. This first year of ministry here has been a great blessing, as I have listened and learnt about the needs and opportunities for mission and ministry with the Castlerock Congregation and wider Community. Together in 2019 we can prayerfully explore what God wants to do in us and through us; making us the salt and light He needs as He grows a fruitful church community in this area. Thank you for your encouragement and support. Wishing you a Happy Christmas and Great Blessing in the New Year Stanley & Valerie Page 5

6 Dates for the Diary (Prayer List) Public Worship at 11.30am each Sunday: please plan to attend as regularly as possible. Ladies Activity (Bible Study or Craft Club) Wednesdays at 10.45am Walking Group: Thursdays at 10am Mid-week Bible Study and prayer time: Thursdays at 7.30pm All-Age Family Service: 6 th January and 3 rd February 2019 at 11.30am; refreshments from 10.30am downstairs. No Sunday School from 23 rd Dec. 6 th January inclusive. Children s prep. For Carol Service on 23 rd Dec. from pm on 9 th & 16 th Dec. Carols by Candlelight: 16 th December 2018 at 7pm; followed by seasonal refreshments Carol Service on Sunday, 23 rd December at 11.30am Christmas Day Service at 10.00am Church Accounts for 2018 close on 31 st December 2018 Ulster Scots Social (Burn s Night), Saturday, 26 th January 2019 in the Peter Thompson Hall: in acknowledgement of the Reverend Dr. W.F Marshall s continuing influence in Ulster Scots culture through his poetry, writing and language study. Supported by the Ulster-Scots Agency. Rev. Dr. W.F. Marshall was minister of Castlerock Congregation from 4 th May st December 1954 and died on the 25 January 1959, the 200 th Anniversary of the birth of the Scottish Poet, Rabbie Burns. Evening of Engagement and Discussion on Thursday, the 31 st January 2019 at 7.30pm in the Downstairs Hall. Rev. David Thompson, Executive Secretary of the Council of Congregational Life and Witness will be in attendance and facilitate the discussion. If you would like the Rev. Stewart to call to your home, or to a friend, please send a request by texting his mobile at , telephone the manse at or send him an to revsstewart@gmail.com; Please advise him of situations like hospitalisation or other pastoral issues requiring support. Page 6