Harvest Services

                            HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICES 2024

Newcastle: Sunday 29^th September 3pm

Celbridge: Sunday 13^th October 3pm

Straffan: Sunday 20^th October 3pm

 

Dee Huddleston reflects on her recent trip to Zimbabwe with Christian Aid

Parishioner, Diocesan Lay Minister and Christian Aid Staff Member Dee Huddleston reflects on her recent trip to Zimbabwe

As some people may know, I had the great privilege of being part of a team of Christian Aid staff and supporters that went to Zimbabwe in July. The purpose of our visit was to see some of the projects and to meet the staff, partners and some members of the communities that Christian Aid has the privilege of working alongside.  There were seven of us on the trip and, although we had all met together only twice before leaving (once over zoom and once in person), we all got on really well throughout the whole visit.  We left on Sunday 7^th July, all meeting in Dublin Airport to fly to Paris, then with stopovers in Nairobi and Lusaka and finally on to Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, arriving over twenty four hours later.

 Our first day was busy but did not involve too much travel as we visited the Christian Aid office in Harare and met all the staff there, then onto a Gender Faith Network meeting where some of the representatives of the many churches and community groups shared about the work they are doing, particularly in relation to the role of women and girls in what is still quite a patriarchal society and in working to raise awareness of the extent of child marriages taking place, with girls as young as twelve being given over by their families for marriage. There are many reasons for this and it is a complex part of the culture in Zimbabwe, so communication and discussion is a large part of this work.

 In the afternoon we visited the Zimbabwean Council of churches and had a very interesting meeting hearing about all the work they are doing, especially with isolated and vulnerable people and communities. We had been warned not to discuss politics at all but we learned at this meeting just how much control the government has over all the various aspects of life. Apparently church leaders are monitored in what they do and say and on many occasions they have to be courageous, knowing that what they say may easily be taken the wrong way.

 Next morning, we were on the minibus at 8.30, ready for our first long journey to Mwenezi which is in the south west of the country. John, our bus driver, was a really lovely man, who would chat away to whichever person chose to sit up front with him and had his first, but not his last experience of all the snacks, which we had been advised to bring with us for the long journeys we would be taking. There was a wonderful selection of peanuts, biscuits, breakfast cereal bars, sweets, small cheese snacks and a basket of fruit given to us by the staff who were travelling with us. At first John was very polite and somewhat hesitant in accepting the snacks we offered but as the days went on, he seemed to enjoy whatever new treat was offered and would happily open his hand as soon as we began sharing!!  It was a journey of five hundred kilometres to Mwenezi and the roads were somewhat challenging. Mwenezi is one of the areas that has been hardest hit by the drought which is currently affecting over two and half million people. One of the saddest things we saw was the many dry river beds as we drove along. We met some of the staff from our partner organization in the region, Sustainable Agricultural Technology. They work alongside farmers helping them grow sesame which is a tough, drought resistant plant. They brought us to see a new sesame oil production plant where the farmers can bring their sesame seeds to be cleaned and turned into sesame oil, for which they have a market in Japan.

 That night we stayed in an interesting old safari lodge but thankfully weren’t disturbed by the wild animals which we discovered next morning were in the land which was adjacent to us! Before we left, we were able to have a walk along the dried up river bed at the lodge. It was much wider than the Liffey and shocking to see it so dried up. We then boarded the minibus for a two hour drive to meet some of the farmers on their small holdings, to hear about their farms and how everything was so badly affected by the drought. Despite the nearest water source being quite a distance away, the community were positive and shared how they all worked with each other to make the best of what they had.  We then travelled to visit a women’s health project in a different part of Mwenezi to hear from women involved how the project has affected not only them but also their families and the wider community.  To finish off that day we visited the Great Zimbabwe National Park in Masvingo, which was around a hundred and fifty kilometres away. As a UNESCO world heritage site, it was wonderful to have the experience of visiting this great historical site.

 Our journey the next morning began at 6.30, with a picnic breakfast on the bus! We drove to Chipinge in a mountainous region of east Zimbabwe, where we met some staff from another partner, the Methodist Relief and Development Association. The community that they were bringing us to visit lived high in the mountains nearby and it was quite a challenge to reach them, even in the dry weather. I really don’t know how they manage when it is raining.

 We met some people whose homes had been completely destroyed in 2019 when Cyclone Idai devastated the region. One lovely lady, a widowed grandmother called Loveness Chapano had lost everything, including her son and her daughter, and is now the sole carer for her six grandchildren. She was an inspiring lady, with a vibrant faith. As she invited us into her simple two roomed house, which was rebuilt after the cyclone, we saw there were pictures from what appeared to be a children’s bible stuck along one wall. She had a basic table and two chairs, made by her nine year old grandson from some branches of a tree that he had collected. Despite all she had been through, Loveness radiated joy and she told us how thankful she was to God for her new house. As it was made from concrete and steel, she feels safe and happy in it.  As we came down the challenging road from the mountain, we met a young couple who had also lost their home but thankfully their home had also been rebuilt. It made us all feel so humble, seeing how little all the people we met had and yet how thankful and grateful they were for what they had. It certainly helped us to reflect on how we look at our lives.

 Although the trip involved a lot of travelling, and we did have some extra challenges with overnight delays on the flights home, it was worth every moment to meet the families and communities that we usually hear about from a distance and to listen to their stories. It brought home the reality of the serious challenges and difficulties that so many people face every day and renewed all of our determination to do what we can to try to make a difference.

 Can I just say a heartfelt thank you to everyone for the support I received from the Parish and all your prayers during our time away.

CSNL NEWS - SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2024

 

Issue 85 CSNL NEWS         September/October, 2024.

Parish Of Celbridge & Straffan with Newcastle-Lyons

Church of Ireland United Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough

By the parishioners - for the parishioners

 

From Our Rector - Dear Friends ..

The kids are back at school, The Indian Summer is here and the Late Late Show returns this Friday night - all the signs are its time to prepare for Winter!  Signs are something we look for in our lives.  We like to have points of orientation and direction and at least even if it means colder and darker days ahead we know where we are going and there is a comfort in that.

 

But it doesn’t always work out that way.  Sometimes the signs get wrong, a bit like our weather forecasting which seems despite all the advances in technology to have become less and less accurate and reliable.  Sometimes we look at the weather app on our phone and it shows sunny skies and we look out the window and it is monsoon season.  Our lives are often like that and through various circumstances we may find ourselves in bewilderment, confusion and even pain as life doesn’t live up to our expectations.

 

As Christians we follow in Jesus one who walked on this Earth and experienced exactly what we experience so often - despair!  How else can we interpret those words of Jesus - My God, My God - Why have you forsaken me?  And yet he triumphed and because of the Resurrection we live lives full of potential and possibility even when all the signs suggest otherwise.

 

There is only one sign that is utterly reliable and trustworthy and that is Jesus himself who described himself as the WAY.  The earliest Christians were called the people of the Way because they walked in his steps and followed him along the Way.  That sign is still available to us today and He is calling us to follow on a journey and an adventure where we may not know where we are going but we are never lost.

 

Yours                                                                                                               Stephen

 

St. Finian’s Church, Newcastle-Lyons, Tri-centenary Celebrations by Geoffrey McMaster

The week-end of 31^st August/1^st September 2024 saw the Tri-centenary celebrations of St. Finian’s Church, Newcastle-Lyons Parish. Parishioners decided to mark the special year of 1724 in which the church building was reduced in size to what we have today.  A prominent feature of the East Window of St Finian’s Church is the date 1724 which is embedded in the top right-hand panel. This records the year in which Archdeacon Thomas Smith oversaw the transfer of the Window from the end of the Chancel to its present position, thereby dramatically reducing the size of the building. While the presence of a Church on the site goes back to Norman times, and beyond, as evidenced by the old cross still standing in the Churchyard, no definitive timelines are known (at the present time).

 

The celebrations took the form of a fair on Saturday, 31^st August in the grounds and on the site of the old market green outside the gate, and a Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday 1^st September.

 

THE FAIR took place in brilliant sunshine with many stalls and activities, a historic talk on the Church building, and an enjoyable music session was provided by the R.A.M.S in Rhythm musicians.  Frank Kerins, owner of the Old Glebe which adjoins the churchyard, opened his beautiful gardens for the day and made his conservatory available for teas and refreshments. Visitors were able to relax and enjoy home-baked treats in beautiful surroundings. In addition, there were a variety of raffles, with prizes donated by many local businesses.  A beautiful painting of the Church (created and donated by Lucy Jones) and a beautiful handmade quilt (made and donated by Esther Lougheed) were auctioned. Local Councillor, Francis Timmons visited to offer his support.  Over €2,800 was raised but more importantly the day was a lovely sociable and community day.

 

A CELEBRATION SERVICE took place on the Sunday afternoon when the guest preacher was Canon Leonard Ruddock. The attendance included Canon Adrian Empey, Father Joseph Ryan (PP Newcastle), Minister Emer Higgins, Councillor Shirley O’Hara and Nicola Mernagh (reNewcastle). James Pasley was the organist. There was great congregational participation in the service which included the presentation of symbols: - a key from the old door of the Church, a History Book on Newcastle, a Bible, a Prayer Book, a Hymnal, The Baptismal Register, Chalice and Paten, The Marriage Register and a Cross. Eleven members of the congregation did the intercessory prayers and the two lessons.

 

As we reflect on the event we must not forget that just as the original Church relied on people to set it up, and people to maintain it to the present day, so too did the celebrations depend on many playing their parts.  The interior of the church building was beautifully decorated by some of our talented ladies, one of whom donated the flowers. A beautiful selection of flowers and greenery was also donated by Frank Kerins. A massive clean-up of the churchyard had been carried out by parishioners, and the main gate was freshly painted for the occasion.  Many people from our parish and from Straffan and Celbridge Parish gave of their time and talents to organise the activities and assist throughout the week-end.  A retiring collection was received which reflected the significance of the occasion and the appreciation of those present for the ongoing preservation of the church building as a place of worship in Newcastle.

 

Truly this was indeed a once in a lifetime event and will be remembered for many years. Thanks to everyone who participated/contributed in any way to its success.

“Come ye thankful people, come”.

 

 Straffan Market & Carboot Sale

Thanks to all who have helped on the days, baked and bought over the five markets since the last issue, with one due on 7^th September.  The remaining dates are:

21^st September.   5^th October

The gates open from 8.45 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.  If you are interested in booking a stall, WhatsApp your name and what you sell to Mobile 089-2797200.  Calls can not be answered.  Pre-BOOKING is required.  Fee is €15, paid at the gate.  Car + Small trailer is €20.  Please use the exact amount.  This year we are opening a dedicated CRAFT only section.  When applying for a CRAFT Stall, please WhatsApp your full name + type of CRAFT.  A full report of the season will be given in the next issue of CSNL NEWS.

 

Church Services

Sunday Newcastle 9 a.m*   Straffan 10.15 a.m.    Celbridge 11.30 a.m.

1^st        Holy Communion  Service of Word       Holy Communion

2^nd        Service of Word    Holy Communion     Service of Word

3^rd        Holy Communion  Morning Prayer        Holy Communion

4^th        Morning Prayer      Holy Communion    Morning Prayer

5^th            29^th September.  United Service.  11.30.  Holy Communion.  Celbridge.

*Services will continue in Newcastle at 10 a.m., on the 1^st Sunday as a permanent change in the Sunday timetable.

 

On Going Events

Craft & Chat:  The Group were welcomed back on Tuesday, 3^rd September at 2.30 p.m., in the Slip Hall, when they resumed after the summer recess.  All are welcome for crafting, chatting and refreshments.

 

Wednesday Night Prayers:  From 8 p.m., to 9 p.m.  At present, they are held in the home of Tony & Elizabeth Waldron in Newcastle.  If anybody would like details they can contact Rev. Stephen or Dee Huddleston.  Everyone is very welcome to come along or to let them know if there is something they would like them to pray about. 

 

Saturday Night Services:  The next service in Christ Church, Celbridge will be on 14^th September at 7 p.m.  This is generally quite informal.  We would be delighted to see some new faces. Also if you play a musical instrument feel free to bring it along.  Refreshments normally follow and time for a chat after the service.

 

Whist Drives:  Come along for great fun, prizes and a tasty supper on the last Fridays of the month at 8 p.m., in the Slip Hall.  The dates are 27^th September, 25^th October & 29^th November.

 

Presentation

Thanks to Robert Moody. who represented the parish at the farewell mass in St. Brigid’s, Straffan for Fr. Jacob Shanet, who was returning to Nigeria to continue his ministry.  Robert was invited to participate in the liturgy and on behalf of the parish presented a white stole to Fr. Jacob at the reception following the mass.  We wish Fr. Jacob every blessing in his future ministry.

 

Reflections On My Trip To Zimbabwe By Dee Huddleston

As some people may know, I had the great privilege of being part of a team of Christian Aid staff and supporters that went to Zimbabwe in July. The purpose of our visit was to see some of the projects and to meet the staff, partners and some members of the communities that Christian Aid has the privilege of working alongside.  There were seven of us on the trip and, although we had all met together only twice before leaving (once over zoom and once in person), we all got on really well throughout the whole visit.  We left on Sunday 7^th July, all meeting in Dublin Airport to fly to Paris, then with stopovers in Nairobi and Lusaka and finally on to Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, arriving over twenty four hours later.

 

Our first day was busy but did not involve too much travel as we visited the Christian Aid office in Harare and met all the staff there, then onto a Gender Faith Network meeting where some of the representatives of the many churches and community groups shared about the work they are doing, particularly in relation to the role of women and girls in what is still quite a patriarchal society and in working to raise awareness of the extent of child marriages taking place, with girls as young as twelve being given over by their families for marriage. There are many reasons for this and it is a complex part of the culture in Zimbabwe, so communication and discussion is a

large part of this work.

 

In the afternoon we visited the Zimbabwean Council of churches and had a very interesting meeting hearing about all the work they are doing, especially with isolated and vulnerable people and communities. We had been warned not to discuss politics at all but we learned at this meeting just how much control the government has over all the various aspects of life. Apparently church leaders are monitored in what they do and say and on many occasions they have to be courageous, knowing that what they say may easily be taken the wrong way.

 

Next morning, we were on the minibus at 8.30, ready for our first long journey to Mwenezi which is in the south west of the country. John, our bus driver, was a really lovely man, who would chat away to whichever person chose to sit up front with him and had his first, but not his last experience of all the snacks, which we had been advised to bring with us for the long journeys we would be taking. There was a wonderful selection of peanuts, biscuits, breakfast cereal bars, sweets, small cheese snacks and a basket of fruit given to us by the staff who were travelling with us. At first John was very polite and somewhat hesitant in accepting the snacks we offered but as the days went on, he seemed to enjoy whatever new treat was offered and would happily open his hand as soon as we began sharing!!  It was a journey of five hundred kilometres to Mwenezi and the roads were somewhat challenging. Mwenezi is one of the areas that has been hardest hit by the drought which is currently affecting over two and half million people. One of the saddest things we saw was the many dry river beds as we drove along. We met some of the staff from our partner organization in the region, Sustainable Agricultural Technology. They work alongside farmers helping them grow sesame which is a tough, drought resistant plant. They brought us to see a new sesame oil production plant where the farmers can bring their sesame seeds to be cleaned and turned into sesame oil, for which they have a market in Japan.

 

That night we stayed in an interesting old safari lodge but thankfully weren’t disturbed by the wild animals which we discovered next morning were in the land which was adjacent to us! Before we left, we were able to have a walk along the dried up river bed at the lodge. It was much wider than the Liffey and shocking to see it so dried up. We then boarded the minibus for a two hour drive to meet some of the farmers on their small holdings, to hear about their farms and how everything was so badly affected by the drought. Despite the nearest water source being quite a distance away, the community were positive and shared how they all worked with each other to make the best of what they had.  We then travelled to visit a women’s health project in a different part of Mwenezi to hear from women involved how the project has affected not only them but also their families and the wider community.  To finish off that day we visited the Great Zimbabwe National Park in Masvingo, which was around a hundred and fifty kilometres away. As a UNESCO world heritage site, it was wonderful to have the experience of visiting this great historical site.

 

Our journey the next morning began at 6.30, with a picnic breakfast on the bus! We drove to Chipinge in a mountainous region of east Zimbabwe, where we met some staff from another partner, the Methodist Relief and Development Association. The community that they were bringing us to visit lived high in the mountains nearby and it was quite a challenge to reach them, even in the dry weather. I really don’t know how they manage when it is raining.

 

We met some people whose homes had been completely destroyed in 2019 when Cyclone Idai devastated the region. One lovely lady, a widowed grandmother called Loveness Chapano had lost everything, including her son and her daughter, and is now the sole carer for her six grandchildren. She was an inspiring lady, with a vibrant faith. As she invited us into her simple two roomed house, which was rebuilt after the cyclone, we saw there were pictures from what appeared to be a children’s bible stuck along one wall. She had a basic table and two chairs, made by her nine year old grandson from some branches of a tree that he had collected. Despite all she had been through, Loveness radiated joy and she told us how thankful she was to God for her new house. As it was made from concrete and steel, she feels safe and happy in it.  As we came down the challenging road from the mountain, we met a young couple who had also lost their home but thankfully their home had also been rebuilt. It made us all feel so humble, seeing how little all the people we met had and yet how thankful and grateful they were for what they had. It certainly helped us to reflect on how we look at our lives.

 

Although the trip involved a lot of travelling, and we did have some extra challenges with overnight delays on the flights home, it was worth every moment to meet the families and communities that we usually hear about from a distance and to listen to their stories. It brought home the reality of the serious challenges and difficulties that so many people face every day and renewed all of our determination to do what we can to try to make a difference.

 

Can I just say a heartfelt thank you to everyone for the support I received from the Parish and all your prayers during our time away.

 

Birthday Congratulations!

Following last year, Jackie Taylor celebrating a big 90 in Straffan Church on her birthday - a Sunday, Pat Sharp celebrated a big 90+ on Sunday, 11^th August also in Straffan Church. 

 

Welcome Update

Our Rector wrote in the last Issue of CSNL NEWS of the need to find new ways to make our WELCOME as a Church more explicit and obvious.  The discussion continued following an excellent presentation by Lucy Jones at June’s Select Vestry Meeting for Celbridge & Straffan.  One very important concrete step was taken at the meeting in that the Select Vestry signed up as an ‘Open and Welcoming Congregation’ to LGBT+ people and their families.*  It was further suggested that we set up a group to plan strategies and events in our parish that focus on welcoming new people into our church community.  One suggestion in particular was that we should try and haave tea and coffee after our services most Sundays and that we provide services that meet the needs of the community in which we find ourselves - children’s church services and perhaps in future a service for those facing exams or indeed a vigil for peace in our world.  These are just a couple of ideas and if you have any others or would like to participate in this initiative please contact me at Stephen.neill@gmail.com or 087-2328172 or any of the churchwardens or lay ministers in the parish.  This initiative includes all three churches in the parish.  Rev. Stephen looks forward to hearing from you.

 

*Registering as an Open and Welcoming Congregation.

 It is suggested that congregations and clergy who wish to register with Changing Attitude Ireland as Open and Welcoming to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT+) people and their families should formally agree to do so at a select vestry meeting.  Parishes that register as Open and Welcoming agree to the following:

 

We promote trust and understanding amongst heterosexual and LGBT+ parishioners.  We seek to include LGBT+ people and their families at every level of parish life, welcoming not only their presence but all they have to offer.  We do not make the assumption that everyone is heterosexual, whether in conversation, preaching, or in the prayers of the church.  We are upfront in our welcome for LGBT+ people and same-sex couples.  We recognise committed same-sex unions at social events, in church services and other aspects of Church life.  We welcome clergy regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.  Parishes that register with CAI as Open and Welcoming Congregations will be listed as such on the website.

 

Primrose Hill National School

Friday, 21^st June marked the end of another school year in Primrose Hill with the traditional service in Christ Church, Celbridge.  As always it was a bittersweet occasion as we said farewell to some of our students who were moving on to Secondary School.  Over the holidays we heard the great news of the birth of a baby girl (Freya) to one of our teachers Sarah Tobin.  Congratulations!  And now School is back with our new Junior Infants settling in and the children and staff looking forward to another school year.  Our thoughts are also with those who await exam results and career choices and move on to higher education..

 

Harvest Festivals & Pet Blessing Service

St. Finian’s Harvest Festival will take place in St. Finian’s on Sunday, 29^th September at 3 p.m.  The dates for Straffan & Celbridge will be announced later.  Saturday, 5^th October at 2 p.m., in the now annual Pet Blessing Service in Christ Church, Celbridge.  All pets and their humans are welcome.  Collection at the service will go to KWWSPCA.

 

Chuckle Time

What do graves do after they die?  They lie still.  On what side of a country church is the graveyard?  It is always situated on the outside!

 

AIG Advertisement

The sharp eyed among you may have noticed that Straffan Church features in the current advertising campaign by AIG Insurance.  In the advert in question a hen party has the misfortune to have their car breakdown outside the front gates of the church.  It seems all ended well and the hens eventually made their way onward.

 

Wedding

Congratulations to Isobelle Jacob & Samuel Herpin who were married in Straffan Church on 28^th July.  We wish them every blessing in their married life together.

 

Slip Hall

With the closure of the Montessori School there is now some availability for morning hires in the hall.  Please send enquiries to email:csnparishhall@gmail.com.

 

Concerts In Christ Church, Celbridge

Concerts continue to be a great success.  Most recently John Spillane performed on 22^nd June and was very well received.  Then on Sunday afternoon, 14^th July, St. Mary’s Brass & Reed Band from Maynooth gave a wonderful outdoor concert in the church grounds with a mixture of classical and contemporary - something for all tastes.  By the time your read this Abbaesque will have performed on 7^th September but there is lots more to come including:

 

Fri  20^th September - Culture Night (Traditional Irish music) with Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Leixlip.

Sat  21^st September - Connor McKeown,

Sat  5^th October - Sean Keane.

Sat 19^th October John McKenna presents At War with Mercy - featuring 16 songs written by Leonard Cohen.

 

All tickets are now up on Eventbrite and also available from Breda - 087-9630719.

 

Dwaine, The Rock Snake!

On 14^th July, Christ Church, Celbridge worked with The Purple Llama Market in a free stone painting workshop..  All materials were provided.  The aim was to send some positive vibes and work together for community support.  Dwaine is growing fast in the Parish Slip Hall.  A lovely family project. Is he the biggest positivity snake in Ireland?  He’s getting there.  (posted by Lucy Jones). 

 

WhatsApp Groups

WhatsApp group continues to be very active.  There are also groups specifically for Newcastle and another for Straffan notices – together they provide a very effective means of contact in the parish.

 

Straffan Sunday Services Live Streamed

https://www.churchmedia.tv/straffon-church-of-ireland and www.facebook.com/CSNLParish.

 

Saidhbhin Gibson Exhibition “Beer And Tea Instead Of Milk”

Saidhbhin has a solo exhibition in the McKenna Gallery, Riverbank Theatre, Newbridge from Saturday, 9^th November to Saturday, 21^st December.  Admission free!    www.riverbank.ie for further details.

 

Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal.

Shoebox Checking Volunteers Needed this November.  Contact info@teamhope.ie or 01-2940222.  Now is the time to start collecting or making items for the shoeboxes - as usual something to Wash, Wear, Write and Wow!  The items/boxes will be collected probably on 10^th November for sorting and preparing for delivery.

 

Church of Ireland Board For Ministry With Children & Families

There will be  conference on Saturday, 9^th November from 10.30 a.m., to 4 p.m., at Mount Saint Annes Conference Centre, Portarlington.  The keynote speaker will be Rachel Turner.  The cost of the day os €25, which includes lunch and refreshments.  Spaces are limited .  The theme is Neartu (Strengthen).  Book at https://bit.ly/neartu. 

 

Calendar Of Events

September

Sat       14        Service.  Christ Church, Celbridge.  7 p.m.

Fri        20        Concert.  Christ Church, Celbridge.  8 p.m.

 

Sat       21        Car Boot Market.  Straffan.  8.45 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

                        Concert.  Christ Church, Celbridge.  8 p.m.

Fri        27        Whist Drive.  Slip Hall, Celbridge.  8 p.m.

Sun      29        United Service.  Christ Church, Celbridge.  11.30 a.m.

                        Harvest Thanksgiving.  St. Finian’s Church,

                        Newcastle-Lyons.  3 p.m.

 

October

Sat       5         Car Boot Market.  Straffan.  8.45 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

                        Pet Blessing Service.  Christ Church, Celbridge.

                        2 p.m.

                        Concert.  Christ Church, Celbridge.  8 p.m.

Sat       19        Concert.  Christ Church, Celbridge.  8 p.m.

Fri        25        Whist Drive.  Slip Hall.  Celbridge.  8 p.m.

 

November

Tue       5         Closing date for CSNL NEWS next issue.

Sat       9         Conference.  Mount Saint Annes.  10.30 a.m.

Sun      10        Remembrance Sunday services.

Fri        29        Whist Drive.  Slip Hall.  Celbridge.  8 p.m.

 

Who’s Who In The Parish

www.cs-nl.org  celbridgestraffannewcastlelyns@gmail.com

Rector:  Rev. Stephen Neill     01-6288231                  087-2328172

 

            Keep up to date on www.cs-nl.org & 

https://www.facebook.com/CSNLParish & www.Dublin.anglican.org

 

 

Anxiety weighs down a heart, but a kind word cheers it up.  Proverbs. 12:25.

Saturday Nite Service postponed!

 

Saturday Nite Service which was scheduled for this Saturday  14th in Celbridge postponed - Apologies for short notice - Will announce new date asap

St Finian's Anniversary Fair

 

Newcastle Church History Talks

 

Newcastle 300

 

Farewell to Fr Jacob

 

Thanks to Robert Moody who represented the parish at the recent farewell mass in Straffan for Fr Jacob Shanet who was returning to Nigeria to continue his ministry - Robert was invited to participate in the liturgy and on behalf of the parish he presented a white stole to Fr Jacob at the reception following the mass - We wish Fr Jacob every blessing in his future ministry

Dwane the Rock Snake!

Hi everyone, we have a new resident in the grounds of Christ Church Celbridge - His name is Dwane and he is a rock snake - So far he just has a head - He wants you to help by giving him a body

You are invited to paint a rock with a positive message and add it to our rock snake. It's a lovely family project and a great way to occupy kids or grandchildren who are off school.

Any questions or issues accessing or transporting stones or paint please get in touch by replying to this message

X Lucy

 

Straffan Parishioner leading trip to Zimbabwe with Christian Aid

Prayers and Best wishes to Dee Huddleston of Straffan who next Sunday shares in leading a Christian Aid Delegation to Zimbabwe where with supporters of Christian Aid they will visit with various churches and organisations working on the ground. Dee and her party are leaving Dublin Airport next Sunday lunchtime and travelling to Paris via Aer Lingus (Pray that the strike will not cause issues) and then onwards to Nairobi on an overnight flight with Kenya Airways and again onwards to Harare with Kenya Airways – They have a very busy itinerary including among others the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, projects including, Visiting Sustainable Agriculture Technology (SAT) - Strengthening Household Resilience and Incomes in Mwenezi through Promotion of Sesame (SHRIMPS), a housing project run by the Methodist Development and relief agency which provides houses for people affected by Cyclone Idai. CAZ & MEDRA and supports the most disadvantaged persons e.g the elderly, child headed house hold, people with disability. It is quite a lengthy visit with the party returning on the morning of  Tuesday 16^th July into Dublin airport. Please pray for Dee and all who will travel with her and all those they encounter during their visit.