Parish of Celbridge & Straffan with Newcastle-Lyons

Issue 79 CSNL NEWS September/October, 2023.

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 ..

Elsewhere in this edition of CSNL NEWS you will read of the concert series in Christ Church Celbridge which has become very popular and has resulted in hundreds of people coming through the doors of our church who otherwise would likely never have visited. Some might say ‘So what!’ They aren’t there on a Sunday morning and while we would all like our churches to be bursting at the seams every Sunday there is more to being Church than the hour on Sunday. Yes, it is the heart and the focus of our identity as disciples of Jesus but there are other ways in which we can be Church. Hospitality has always been at the heart of Christianity and by providing hospitality for these community events we are fulfilling a vital part of our calling. Hospitality also builds community and deepens relationships and this too is a part of what it is to be Church. It also comes down to Stewardship, how we use the gifts we have been given. Is it right that we have these beautiful buildings and only use them an hour a week?

In saying all of this it would be lovely to see more faces for that hour on a Sunday morning in any and all of our churches. Some may have got out of the habit during Covid and others for whatever reason may feel that Church is not for you - I want to say that your Church would love to see you, no matter how long you have been away - we are better together and your presence can make a difference - maybe you have some ideas as to how we can be a better Church - I would love to hear from you and even better to see you for that hour on Sunday - you are missed!

Yours. Stephen

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 (29/10/2023) United Service. Holy Communion 11.30. 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 resumed its Tuesday afternoons at 2.30 p.m., in the Slip Hall on 5^th September. Hopefully all enjoyed the summer break and look forward to lots of crafting, chatting and refreshments. New members are always welcome.

Whist Drives. Following a break over the summer, the Whist Drives will resume on Friday, 29^th September at 8 p.m., in the Slip Hall. The October date is Friday, 27^th October. We look forward

to seeing everyone. New players are always welcome.

Castletown Wanderers: All quiet at the moment!

Harvest Festivals & Pet Blessing Service

The first of the harvest thanksgiving services will be held in St. Finian’s Church, Newcastle-Lyons on Sunday, 24^th September at 3.30 p.m. All are welcome. The dates for the services in Straffan and Celbridge will be announced.

The by now annual Pet Blessing service will be held on Saturday, 7^th October, at 3.30 p.m., at Christ Church, Celbridge. All humans and their pets are welcome. Photos of pets that cannot be brought or have died can also be brought.

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.

Quick Fire Interview - Kildare Centre Of Mission

Following on Dee Huddleston’s interview by Rev. Alan Melbourne in Aspire - the Diocesan Magazine for Meath & Kildare, Kelley Bermingham was the subject in the summer issue. Kelley is the Pioneer Evangelist in Centre of Mission at St. Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare. This is a concept more than a physical space. She is working with Rev. Philip McKinley and the new Dean, Isobel Jackson. She had worked as a Community Officer in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Her personal tagline is acquired from a certain advertisement .. “does what it says on the tin” - Faith in Action. In 1977 her father, Willie Bermingham founded ALONE - A little offering never ends - at the behest of her mother, who on top of rearing 5 children, took in women seeking refuge due to being pregnant outside wedlock. Kelley believes that Christian faith has not necessarily diminished but the practice of that faith, is being accessed, expressed and practiced in innovative ways and there is a desire for strong authentic leadership in this. She has been representing KCOM at conferences and training events.

Jackie Taylor - 90

Jackie Taylor celebrated her 90^th birthday on Sunday, 9^th July in Straffan, surrounded by parishioners and her family who had come from South Africa and other places. Our Rector presented her with flowers on behalf of the parish and a card was signed by the parishioners. On Father’s Day, the congregation in Straffan sang Happy Birthday to our Rector as it coincided with his birthday!

Sympathy

Deepest sympathy to Pearl Moody on the recent death of her mother. We hold her and all the family in our prayers at this sad time. Also, deepest sympathy to Jackie Taylor and family on the unexpected death of her son Neil who died on 16^th August. His funeral took place on 19^th August in Christ Church, Taney and was followed by cremation in Mount Jerome’s Garden Chapel. We continue to uphold the whole family in prayer.

United Service 5^th Sunday in July - Parish Picnic

Unfortunately due to the inclement weather, the parish picnic following the service of Holy Communion in Straffan had to be postponed. There were refreshments in the church afterwards.

Church Of Ireland Mental Health MindMatters Conference

This free conference takes place on Friday 20^th October in St. Patrick’s Cathedral & Radisson Blue Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin. The keynote speaker is the Archbishop of Canterbury. Booking is essential on the Eventbrite website. It is open to all with an interest in mental health and the church. Enquiries to mhp@rcbdub.org.

Straffan Market & Car Boot Sales

These continued over the summer on 17^th June, July 1^st, 15^th & 29^th. August 12^th & 26^th. The remaining dates are September, 16^th & 30^th. Bookings are taken 7 days before the event date. Text to mobile - 089-2797200. Thanks to everyone who set up, manned the area, served the teas and baked and came along, supported and bought! Jos Evertsen will give an overview of the events in the next issue of CSNL NEWS.

Girls Brigade, Lucan - All Welcome

As September is here we are all returning to our autumn activities, this means that Girls Brigade will also be opening again. We offer a wide range of activities, including dance, skipping, drama, arts and crafts etc. Our Explorers group is for girls age 3+ to 8 years (Saturday mornings), Juniors and Seniors are 9-15 (Wednesday evenings). We meet in the Methodist Hall in Lucan. We are opening for registration for all ages on Wednesday, 20^th September from 5.30 p.m., to 7 p.m. New members are welcome at an time and trial memberships are available. For further information contact Sharon Kinsella (Captain) by email sharonpkinsella@gmail.com or Naomi informally on 087-6299600 by phone or text (evenings). You can learn more about the work of The Girls Brigade Ireland on their website.

Concerts In Celbridge

In recent times Christ Church Celbridge has become a very popular local concert venue and has hosted The Celtic Tenors with Deirdre Masterson (3^rd June), the Fairfax Choral (14^th July), Sean Keane (22^nd July) and on 2^nd September, Brian Kennedy. Future dates include Johnny McIvor (21^st October) and the New York Tenors with Deirdre Masterson (2^nd December) with lots more for next year. It is good to see our church being used on a more regular basis and welcoming a wider community inside our doors and thus ourselves becoming more involved in the wider community in which we find ourselves.

Saturday Services - Christ Church Celbridge - 7 p.m.

So far we have had two Saturday Night Services and they have been an opportunity for a more flexible form of worship. We have been blessed with a variety of musical input including keyboard, bass guitar, flute, violin, guitar and harp as well as our growing choir. The theme of the first service on 8^th July was ‘Good News for the Anxious & Exhausted‘, ‘Laying down our burdens’. Come unto me all you that are weary and heavy laden. Stones were used in casting burdens. The second service on 12^th August was on the theme ‘Walking in Faith’ and involved interactive liturgies in both cases. Refreshments were served after. Our next service is on Saturday, 9^th September followed by Saturday, 14^th October. If interested in helping with music, readings, drama, prayers, refreshments etc., please let our Rector know.

Heritage Week & Culture Night

On Sunday, 27^th August, there was a heritage walk in Newcastle. It featured a visit to St. Finian’s Church of Ireland where our own Geoffrey McMaster gave an audio/visual talk to the assembled visitors. Thanks Geoffrey. On Friday, 22^nd September, Culture Night, Christ Church Celbridge will host Lucan/Leixlip Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann who will give a performance of music and dance and it is completely free. It promises to be a lovely event.

Baptisms

On 17^th June in St. Finian’s Church, Newcastle-Lyons, sisters, Alexandra Lily Hinde & Georgia Elizabeth Hinde, daughters of James & Alice Hinde were baptised. Alexandra’s Godparents are David Robinson, Katie Robinson, Avril O’Flynn & Roisin Melia. Georgia’s Godparents are Poppy Woods, Fidelma Walsh & Zachary Hinde. We wish Alexandra & Georgia every blessing.

On Sunday, 3^rd September in Straffan Church, Abigail Louise O’Callaghan, daughter of Rachel Taylor & Conor O’Callaghan was baptised. The Godparents are James Taylor & Aileen O’Callaghan. We wish Abigail every blessing.

Primrose Hill National School

Welcome back to our staff and pupils after the summer break and a special welcome to our Junior Infants and some new students in the other classes

Sunday, 25^th June

Thanks to Dee Huddleston for taking the services in Straffan & Celbridge and Geoffrey McMaster in St. Finian’s, while Rev. Stephen was preaching at the institution in Nenagh on the previous day. Keith Barry, the new rector is his oldest friend from college days, having shared flats together and is Aaron’s Godfather so it was a good time to stay overnight and catch up as he has spent most of his ministry as an army chaplain with the British army. Thanks again to Dee & Geoffrey for taking the services on 20^th August when our Rector was on holidays.

Thanks to all who maintained the grounds of all three churches over the summer. Thanks to all who contributed to collections for Christian Aid in the churches over the summer.

Bible Readings & Prayers

Did you know that there are Bible readings and prayers from the Book of Common Prayer on www.ireland.anglican.org/dailyworshipapp

Organ Open Day, Kilternan Parish Church Of Ireland

The parish is hosting a Come & Play the Organ Day run by their organist Kevin O’Sullivan on Saturday, 16^th September between 10 a.m., and 2 p.m. An opportunity to play any piece you like and is open to all ages and all levels of keyboard experience. There will be a complementary hot drink from the Gathering Grounds Café for all who have a go!

From The Editor

Thanks to everyone who contributed to our parish newsletter. The services in St. Finian’s on the first Sunday of the month, are on at the same time as those in Straffan. I hope to have the newsletter out on the 2^nd Sunday from now on - in order to get to all three churches on the same day. The closing date for the November/December issue will be Tuesday, 7^th November with the issue being out on Sunday, 12^th.

New Conservation Plan For Dublin’s Christ Church Cathedral

In preparation for 2028 when the cathedral will mark its 1000^th anniversary, a 164 page plan has been launched to ensure that the cathedral and its role in Dublin city remains for generations to come.

Calendar Of Events

September

Sat 9 Saturday Service. Christ Church, Celbridge. 7 p.m.

Tue 12 Craft & Chat returned to Slip Hall. 2.30 p.m.

Sat 16 Car Boot Sale. Straffan Church grounds.

Organ Open Day. Kilternan. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Wed 20 Girls Brigade Registration. Methodist Hall, Lucan.

5.30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Fri1 22 Culture Night. Christ Church, Celbridge.

Sun 24 Harvest Festival. St. Finian’s Church, 3.30 p.m.

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

Sat 30 Car Boot Sale. Straffan Church grounds.

October

Sat 7 Pet Blessing Service. Christ Church, Celbridge.

3.30 p.m.

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

Fri 20 Mind Matters Conference. 9 a.m. St. Patrick’s

Cathedral. 10 a.m., Radisson Blu Hotel.

Sat 21 Johnny McEvoy concert. Christ Church, Celbridge.

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

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

November

Tue 7 Closing date for CSNL NEWS November/December.

Fri 10 Closing date for shoe boxes.

Sun 12 Remembrance Sunday.

Organisation Focus - Team Hope Shoe Boxes

Each year Team Hope send shoe boxes to various countries to children who would otherwise never receive a Christmas present. These boxes can now be created on line as well as personally with items to Write, Wash, Wear & Wow. See www.teamhope.ie for more information.

The closing date is 10^th November in order for boxes to be sorted/packed.

Remembrance Sunday - 12^th November

Poppies will be available in all churches . The Rite of Remembrance will be observed in all churches.

Who’s Who In The Parish

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

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

www.paddyanglican.com stephen.neill@gmail.com

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

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

Chuckle Time

During a morning service the minister announced that the choir would sing ‘Far beyond all human comprehension’, and they certainly did.

iPod? iPad? Try iPray …. God is listening!