Friday 30 April 2021

Hospice Fundraiser Quiz


 

CSNL News May June 2021

 

Issue 65  CSNL NEWS    


    
May/June, 2021

 

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 ..I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  (2 Timothy 4:7).  I am not one for using Biblical quotes out of context but the above seemed so apt to where we are today. We have been to hell and back and I think that is no exaggeration!  We may not have crossed the finish line yet but it is in sight.  By the end of next month the vast majority of us will have been vaccinated and please God we will begin to live more fully and more freely than we have for the past 14 months.  As we come out the other side of this we are not the same people we were before.  We have all been changed and some of that change has involved a lot of hurt and trauma.  It will take time to adjust to our new reality and it will not just be a case of picking up where we left off and it is important we acknowledge that if we are to move on.  As people of faith we know that to be true - Easter is only Easter and Resurrection is only real if we have acknowledged what happened on Good Friday on the Cross before that wonderful first Easter morning.  In the same way we cannot just forget the past year because it is now a part of who we are.  If we are to be healed in the days ahead then we must acknowledge that hurt and open ourselves to Gods healing Love.  We can and will move on and that healing has already begun but let us be patient with ourselves and with each other and most of all let us be kind.

 

Yours         Stephen

 

Chuckle  Time - Parish Newsletter Blunder - For Post Pandemic!

The church will host an evening of fine dining, superb entertainment and gracious hostility.

 

Zoom Coffee & WhatsApp Group

Our Bi-weekly informal Zoom chats continue (Sundays at 10.30 a.m & Wednesdays at 8 p.m.) numbers and participants vary but it has provided an opportunity for fellowship in lonely times.  It has been suggested that we may retain the midweek Zoom as an ongoing part of our parish outreach, especially in winter months.  The WhatsApp group which has just reached 100 members continues to be a very lively forum of the sacred and the sublime with a good smattering of satire thrown in.  Like the Zoom and for a wider body of participants this has helped keep the lines of communication open in the parish and indeed has allowed us all to get to know each other a lot better.  On any one day the content can vary from parish announcements, encouraging messages and videos, genealogy, history, humour, shared photos, community information and just general chat and banter.  If anyone wants to join contact our Rector on 087-2328172.  Like the Zoom chat this is a resource that will be maintained post Covid.

 

Morning Ireland

Recently Cian McCormack of RTE Radio1 interviewed Straffan parishioner and churchwarden Dee Huddleston and our Rector for a feature on the responses of various church communities to the restrictions on public worship.  There was a general desire to return to in person worship.  Dee articulated very clearly the importance of gathering as people of faith.  Some interviewed felt that it was time to return to the church buildings.  Our Rector cautioned against reopening until the most vulnerable had been vaccinated.  The other churches in the feature were Roman Catholic & Russian Orthodox.

 

Bereavements

We sympathise with the Beattie family, on the death of Alice Beattie, who died on 8th April, and whose service took place on line on 12th April, her brothers John & Ken, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives and friends.  Our sympathy to Carl Farrar on the death of his wife, Sylvia, of Castledillon, Straffan.  Sylvia died peacefully at Naas Hospital after a long illness bravely borne. We also remember in prayer her brother, George, sister Denise, sister-in-law Roisin, brothers-in-law Billy & George, nephews, grandnephew, cousins, relatives and friends.

 

Parish Lower Hall Development Report By Jos Evertsen

As from 1st April, a new tenant has moved into the Lower Hall.  Keys were handed over to Paul Carmody of P.A. Framing.  Paul has an expanding picture framing company which specialises in bespoke picture-framing, contemporary and traditional frames for paintings, photography, posters and memorabilia.  The entire refurbishment project, to renting out, took 14 months half of which was due to delays caused by the Covid circumstances.  In getting the premises advertised and promoted in the rental market, we received great advice and support from Mr. Eamon OFlaherty, Sherry Fitzgerald, Maynooth.  In a generous gesture to support our parish efforts to bring the Parish Hall buildings back to life, Eamon waived all fees for his services.  We thank Eamon and we very much appreciate his generous contribution to our project.  With this part of the project now completed, we can hopefully look forward to further beneficial use of our parish properties.  We thank all who have been active and supportive in realising this objective and achieving this milestone. 

 

Mission Link

In December, the Rev. Keith Scott and his wife Lyn, said farewell to their friends and colleagues at the Anglican seminary of St. John the Evangelist in Kitwe and returned to Northern Ireland.  They had been there since 2015, though had spent 10 of the last 19 years living and working in Zambia.  As well as teaching Old Testament doctrine, Church & Society, he was Parish Priest in Kwacha Parish, taking services every Sunday. The couple say their timing of their departure was right for the seminary.  It needs to stand on its own two feet.  The seminary has benefited from boreholes and electricity supplies.  Keith believes that there is still a role for a missionary/mission partner.  There is a big need for training and delivering training is an expensive exercise.  I know Zambians as capable as me who could teach in the seminary but they are now teaching in the United States because that is where they qualified and have settled.

 

Wedding

Barbara Lett & Andrew Jackson are to be married in St. Finians Church, Newcastle-Lyons on Saturday, 15th May.  We wish Barbara & Andrew every blessing in their married life together.

 

Ecumenical Bible Week - Unlocking Faith Today: Responding To New Realities - 24th - 30th May

This is now in its 8th year.  The opening event is organised by Holy Trinity, Rathmines on 24th.   The closing prayer event will be on 30th organised by St. Finians Lutheran Church.  There will be a Young Adult Forum on Wednesday, 26th from 5 - 7 p.m.  The following afternoon there will be Theological Symposium and will include Sam McConkey as presenter.  That evening faith leaders will discuss What is your personal dream of faith into the future?  Further details on www.facebook.com/bibleweek.ie.

 

Organisation Focus - Dublin Bereavement Support Service

While the DBSS is being run under the auspices of Clontarf Church of Ireland parish, and is rooted in the Christian calling to show love and compassion to all, the service is open to everyone and offered in an impartial, non-judgemental way which does not seek to impose religious beliefs on others and acknowledges that peoples experiences of grief may differ, but all are equally valid.  Initially, this is being offered via zoom on a one to one basis.  The support service is being offered free of charge although donations can be given if desired.    www.bereavementsupport.ie

 

Services - (all services until further notice on line only)

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

1st        Holy Communion  Service of Word       Holy Communion

2nd        Service of Word    Holy Communion     Service of Word

3rd        Holy Communion  Morning Prayer        Holy Communion

4th        Morning Prayer      Holy Communion    Morning Prayer

 

On line services can be accessed via links on the parish website or Facebook page. 

 

Pentecost & Trinity Sundays

It is likely that we will be returning to public worship soon and Pentecost (23rd May this year), often considered the Birthday of the Church will have added significance if so in that it will be a rebirth of our public life of worship and fellowship.  Caution will still be required but there is every indication that the levels of vaccination by then will support a safe return to in person worship.

 

Easter General Vestry - Celbridge & Straffan - 22nd April, 2021

This was held via Zoom with those attending from both ends of the parish.  The meeting opened in prayer.  The minutes were circulated before hand and duly adopted.  The Rector began his report by saying that one thing had changed since the last EGV in August, we now have hope, in this Easter period, with the vaccine roll-out.  He especially remembered all who had lost loved ones or who had been unable to visit those in hospitals and nursing homes.  He thanked John Lougheed for his oversight of the administration, which was more difficult and Gordon Bass for the very challenging time he had as Hon. Treasurer.  Liam Gately was thanked for his generosity of time and expertise.  The church and glebe wardens were thanked - Paula Howard, Bill Nicholson, Shirley Dunlop, Dee Huddleston, Ken Denner & Tony Kelly.  Rev. Stephen thanked Jos Evertsen for the transformation of the church building complex in Celbridge - so

much achieved in such a short length of time, assisted by Ken Denner and now being taken over by Bill Nicholson, whom he thanked along with Ann, for also tidying the grounds when on their walks.  He thanked the members of the Select Vestry and wider parish and all who participated in the on line worship with readings and prayers.  He thanked Jackie Taylor for her support throughout the years.  Rev. Stephen concluded by announcing his churchwardens are - Paula Howard, (Celbridge) & Dee Huddleston (Straffan) and his glebewarden is Ken Denner.

 

Gordon Bass had circulated the 2020 Audited Accounts prior to the meeting and he explained the income and expenditure headings in some detail.  He reported that considering the severe impact of the Covid lockdowns, we ended the year in a somewhat better position than we might have hoped.  The Gift Day brought in almost 16,000 which was a major boost.  We also received an extremely generous donation of 30,000 to be used specifically for the benefit, maintenance and restoration of Strafffan Church.  Generous loan facilities of 30,00 were received for the Lower Hall Development Fund, which the Parish are committed to repaying by the end of 2021.  One consequence of the pandemic restrictions was that practically no fundraising was possible in 2020 (compared to over 13,000 being raised in the previous year).  Rental income remained robust, bringing in almost 33,000.  Gordon stressed that the long-term financial importance to the Parish of the re-development of the Parish Halls complex in Celbridge cannot be over-stated.  On the expenditure side, our regular recurring costs are approximately 7,000 per month and this varies very little whether or not the Churches are open or closed.  Gordon thanked all who had continued to financially support the Parish despite the fact that our Churches remained closed for several extended periods.  He added that Parish finances will remain very challenging throughout 2021 and the continuing support of all Parishioners will be gratefully appreciated.  He reminded everyone who transfers money directly to the Parish Bank account to make sure they key-in their name as the receiver reference with their payment as without this, the Parish has no way of knowing who it came from. The very comprehensive report was duly adopted and Gordon was thanked for the enormous amount of work involved.

 

The following were duly elected

Peoples Church Wardens:        Celbridge         Bill Nicholson

                                                Straffan            Shirley Dunlop

Peoples Glebe Warden:  Celbridge & Straffan   To be confirmed

The remaining members of the Select Vestry are:-

Gordon Bass                           Caroline Cummins                  Linda Daly     

Tom Hardy                             John Lougheed                       Liam Gately

There are still a couple of vacancies on the Select Vestry.

 

Jos Evertsen has stepped down from the Select Vestry and he was thanked for his 12 years of service.  Jos thanked all for their support and thanked our Rector for keeping worship going through the Pandemic, through whats app, Zoom etc., and providing cohesiveness, while having his own domestic pressures and wished him a lot of strength.  Stephen thanked all for their prayers and support.  The meeting concluded at 9 oclock prior to a meeting of the newly elected Select Vestry.  John & Gordon retained their seats!

 

Newcastle-Lyons Easter General Vestry Meeting - 21st April, 2021 via Zoom

Rev. Stephen opened the meeting by thanking the Vestry for their part in steering us though a real roller coaster of a year.  Although we find ourselves in a very familiar place again this year, we have hope of better times as many of us have been vaccinated and as more of us receive the vaccine there is hope of returning to life as we once knew it - our freedom, our relationships, our family life, our social lives and of course very importantly our worshipping life as a community of faith.  The last year has also brought pain to a lot of families, with the death of loved ones, we remember Betty Beattie who was such a large part of our weekly church service.  It is hard to think that she is no longer with us.  Rev. Stephen thanked everyone for their support throughout the year.  He paid a particular thanks to Geoffrey McMaster as a valuable colleague in ministry.  Thanks, were also given to our Hon. Secretary, Maggie Harris, Church Wardens - Elizabeth Waldron & Vivien Bond.  He also thanked the Glebe Wardens - Willie Harris & Michael Spillane.  A special thanks to our Hon. Treasurer, Sandra Doble, who has an increasing demanding job in overseeing our parish finances and for the considerable work involved in the preparation of the annual accounts. Finally, to all vestry members and parishioners for the help and time everyone has contributed to the smooth running of the Parish.   The following are the results of the annual elections:-

 

Rectors Church Warden:                                  Vivien Bond

Peoples Church Warden:                                 Elizabeth Waldron

Rectors Glebe Warden:                                    Willie Harris  

Peoples Glebe Warden:                        Tony Waldron

The remaining members of the Select Vestry are:

Devon Beattie                         Claire Burke                           Sandra Doble

Willie Doble                            Mervyn Eager                         Maggie Harris

Peter Hildebrand                    Andrew Jordan                       Avril Kerr

Michael Spillane

Subsequently, Sandra Doble & Maggie Harris were elected as Treasurer & Secretary respectively.

 

From The Editor

The closing date for the next issue of CSNL NEWS will be Monday, 14th June, as there is usually an issue prior to Primrose Hill National School closing for the summer holidays.

 

 

Holy Week & Easter

Thanks to Rev. Stephen for continuing to produce services on the world wide web for those who can access them.  There was a short act of worship for Holy Thursday ending in silence - with the words He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross - Philippians 2:8 on the screen.  On Good Friday the service was recorded from Straffan Church between 2 p.m., and 3 p.m., the traditional hour, with the cross laid out on the bare communion table - the reading of St. Johns Passion, hymns - When I survey and There is a green hill and prayers and intercessions - Is it nothing to you all ye that pass by?  A service of Holy Communion was conducted by Rev. Stephen from Christ Church, Celbridge on Easter Sunday and included readings, prayers and the reading of the Easter Anthem by various members of the congregation.  The Editor for one, belted out the hymns!  Rev. Stephen in his sermon noted that after Christmas, Easter was the most popular festival, but for Christians, Easter is the most important.  An image was shown of the stone rolled away with the words Lockdown never really worked around Easter.  However, God is always present and available for us and resurrection is a natural consequence for Gods love for his creation.  The service included the renewal of baptismal vows.  The hymns included Jesus Christ is risen today, This joyful Eastertide and Christ triumphant.   This is the second year that the churches have been closed for Easter - and Easter Sunday morning shone bright and it would have been lovely for a dawn sunrise service.

 

On the Second Sunday after Easter, Rev. Stephen brought the recording of the Service of the Word outside, with bird-song and planes in the background, (though the Editor hears that our Rector had to do take 2 when the neighbour started using a chainsaw during the Creed!).  The sermon was preached by Geoffrey McMaster on Doubting Thomas and the fact that Thomas missed out on the important event of seeing Jesus after his resurrection, and like Victor Meldrew - his reaction was that I dont believe it!  Geoffrey went on to say that all Christians have doubts and have struggles in life - but that unbelievers have struggles to exist.  Jesus cannot be stopped by our locked doors.  He keeps turning up.  Very fittingly the final hymn was No more we doubt thee.

 

The service of Morning Prayer was recorded in the Rectory garden for the Third Sunday after Easter with contributions from members of each church taking part in readings and prayers.  Rev. Stephen commenced his sermon by telling about a chaplain visiting a wounded soldier and asking him if he would like a reading from the Bible.  He didnt.  He said that he was thirsty and he was given some water.  He asked again and the soldier said that he was cold and he was given the chaplains coat.  The chaplain didnt ask again.  When he was about to go the soldier said that if what you did for another, you have done for me, I want to hear it.  The gospel is about action.  Are we witnesses when we live our lives?  If we are changed/transformed then it should be clear for all to see that we are.

 

On 25th April, the theme was the Good Shepherd, and without the aid of sheep for the Service of the Word, filmed in the Rectory garden, we had Patch, the Rectory sheep dog!  Although the service was centred on the Good Shepherd, the sermon began with the tale of a Professor and his students of ornithology who gave them 40 days to learn all about birds for a test.  When the students turned up, there were 5 birds in cages - all covered apart from their feet and legs.  One student had enough and walked out and told him what he thought of this dreaded Professor - and before he got to the door, the Professor asked him his name, whereby the student turned up his trouser legs and said you tell me.  As Rev. Stephen went on to say that the Good Shepherd knows all about each one of us as in Luke 12:7 - even the hairs of our head are numbered and thats something to think about when salons/barbers have been closed for such a long time!

 

Our Rectors vision for 20/20 - was a Fresh Vision - and we have had a year to reflect and pray on this theme - more being and less doing.

 

Thanks to all who participate in the services - reading, leading prayers and especially to our Rector for the services for the past year, which are greatly appreciated.  Each service takes a large amount of time to put together with readers and prayers and lovely images and graphics as well as the service and sermon.

 

 

Calendar Of Events

May

Sun      23        Pentecost.

Mon     24        Start of Ecumenical Bible Week.

Wed     26        Young Adult Forum - Ecumenical Bible Week.

Sun      30        Trinity Sunday.

                        Closing service for Ecumenical Bible Week.

June

Mon     14        Closing date for material for next issue.

Sun      20        Fathers Day.

 

Prayers

We pray for all those who are sick at home, in hospital or nursing homes especially during the pandemic, those who care for them, those who have lost their livelihood due to Covid-19, those isolated in their homes not able to see/visit friends and loved ones, those bereaved, all front line staff, all those in government and the HSE who have decisions to make and those producing a vaccine.

 

Update - Newborn Knitting

Newbornknitting continues its efforts to meet the needs of refugee babies and their mothers in Greece, with the free shops eager to receive our donations.  3 boxes full of goodies like blankets, hats, toys, clothes and care items arrived safely including a box of aid to the camp in Samos despite all difficulties facing them at the moment.  As the weather gets warmer, summer baby clothes are much in demand.  If your children or grandchildren have grown out of summer clothes, please consider donating them.  Those knitting blankets and winter clothes, please dont stop!  All will be stored.  Teddies and baby comforters are needed all year, as are dignity items for mothers and other young refugee women.  They have also recently received a request for glasses to recycle.  Frames are needed, preferably without the lenses and glasses case.

 

If you would like to help with their efforts but are not a knitter, please consider sponsoring a parcel to Greece.  Without financial support, boxes would not be able to leave Dublin.  Further details from newbornknitting@gmail.com

 

Bible Cake (Version King James)

½ lb. Judges 5, verse 25b.

½ lb. Jeremiah 6, verse 20a.

1½ tablespoons 1st Samuel 14, verse 25.

4 - Jeremiah 17, verse 11a.

10 ozs. 1st Samuel 30, verse 12a.

½ lb. Nahum 3, verse 12a chopped.

2 ozs. Numbers 17, verse 8b - blanched and chopped.

1 lb. 1st Kings 4, verse 22.

1 teaspoon 2nd Chronicles 9, verse 9a.

A pinch of Leviticus 2, verse 13 a.

2 teaspoons Amos 4, verse 5.

8 tablespoons Judges 4, verse 19b.

 

Cream first three ingredients together until soft and fluffy.  Add fourth.  One at a time, still beating, then fifth, sixth and seventh ingredients together and beat again. Sift together eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh, then add to creamed mixture and mix well with twelfth ingredient.

 

Divide between 2 x 2lb. greased and lined loaf tins.

 

Bake in moderate oven 160C, Gas 3 for 1¼ - 1½ hours in centre of oven.

 

Answers to Bible Cake

 

½ lb. butter.

½ lb. soft brown sugar.

1½ tablespoons honey.

4 eggs.

10 ozs. raisins.

½ lb. figs.

2 ozs. almonds.

1 lb. plain flour.

1 teaspoon mixed spices.

Pinch of salt.

2 teaspoons baking powder.

¼ pint of milk.

Whos 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

 

NON Going Events!

Craft & Chat/ Time Of Prayer For Healing & Whist Drives will not resume until the Pandemic is considerably less of a threat.

 

 

Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.

 

Saturday 24 April 2021

CSNL - Service for Easter 4

 SERVICE VIDEO HERE


MUSIC PLAYLIST HERE FROM SPOTIFY




A Service of the Word


Greeting

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

And also with you.


Loving God, we have come to worship you.

Help us to pray to you in faith,

to sing your praise with gratitude,

and to listen to your word with eagerness;

through Christ our Lord.

Amen


Hymn


Penitential Rite

A time of silence followed by the confession

Merciful God,
we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have failed to be an obedient church.
We have not done your will,
   we have broken your law,
   we have rebelled against your love,
   we have not loved our neighbours,
   and we have not heard the cry of the needy.
Forgive us, we pray.
Free us for joyful obedience,
      through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Priest/Lay Minister:

Hear the good news:
Christ died for us while we were yet sinners;
that sacrifice a proclamation of God's love toward us.

Priest   

In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Glory to God. Amen.


Gloria (Or other suitable hymn/canticle of praise)

Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God's people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father,
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.



Ministry of the Word



Collect of the Day



Lesson (Optional)

This is the word of the Lord: Thanks be to God.


Psalm


Epistle (Optional)

This is the word of the Lord: Thanks be to God.


Hymn (Optional)


Gospel (Stand)

At beginning: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to....

Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

At end: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.


The Sermon


The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.


Hymn


The Prayers

The Lord be with you
and also with you.


Let us pray. (Kneel)


Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.


Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.


The Prayers of the People

Prayers may take the form of intercessions, general prayers,

open or silent prayer.

Bidding & Response: Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer


At the conclusion of the prayers

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with us all evermore.
 Amen.


If a priest is present a final blessing may follow.

The peace of God, which passes all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God,
and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing......


Dismissal: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord

In the name of Christ, Amen.


Hymn

Wednesday 7 April 2021

Easter Vestries 2021



Easter Vestries 2021 (via Zoom - Link will be available by request from stephen.neill@gmail.com / 0872328172 or on the parish WhatsApp Group)

Newcaste - Lyons: Wednesday 21st April at 8pm
Celbridge & Straffan: Thursday 22nd April at 8pm
All Welcome