Issue 68 CSNL NEWS November/December, 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 ..
Harvest is over, Halloween has been and gone and so the countdown begins once again to Christmas. In the light of where things are with the pandemic we find ourselves once again a little apprehensive and worried about what this Christmas will look like and how and with who will we be able to celebrate it. In the Church this time of anticipation will be marked by the season of Advent which is all about the Light triumphing over the darkness, sometimes referred to as The Advent Hope. We are people of Hope and if we resolve to be hopeful we will see the places where the Light is breaking in but if we allow ourselves to become cynical and pessimistic then there is a danger that we will not notice the Light of Christ in our lives. No matter how challenging this Christmas is the Light will ultimately triumph just as it did that first Christmas where Jesus was born among us in the most challenging and threatening circumstances. As John put it: ‘The Light shines in the darkness. And the darkness has not overpowered the Light’. May that same light fill you with Hope and Love this Christmas!
Yours Stephen
Services - normal pattern now that we are back to public worship
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
Note 1: There may be variations on major feast days.
Note 2: At the request of some parishioners we are having an occasional service from the BCP Rite 1/Traditional (as announced).
Confirmation
It is hoped to have confirmation next Spring - date to be confirmed.
Zoom Midweek Coffee Meeting Evenings & WhatsApp Group
Now that the evenings are closing in Parish Midweek Zoom Chats will resume on Wednesday, 10th November at the usual time of 8 p.m. No particular agenda - just come on in and chat with friends and maybe make some new ones - it’s good fun and all are welcome. The link will be posted in advance of the chats on WhatsApp - spread the word if you know of anyone who might be interested or would benefit from this way of connecting. The WhatsApp group has 100 parishioners and friends on the list and new members are always welcome. Contact our Rector if you wish to join either or both!
Chuckle time
A priest, a rabbit and a minister walk into a bar. The bartender asked the rabbit “ What will you have?” The rabbit said “I don’t know, I’m only here because of autocorrect.”
Slip Halls
The Hall is gradually becoming busier and we hope with the relaxing of restrictions all our usual groups will be able to return.
Birth
Congratulations to Zoe Lipson & Jason Alcock on the birth of a baby boy, Arthur Denis Alcock-Lipson on Thursday, 28th October. Wishing them every happiness!
Sympathy
Shirley Gibson, (nee Rolston), passed away on Wednesday, 29th September. Deeply cherished by her daughters, Louise (predeceased), Saidhbhin and her son Samuel. Dearly loved by her sister Rhoda, her niece Hilary, her daughter-in-law Weiz, grand daughter Sorcha, extended family, close friends, neighbours, fellow parishioners and everyone who met her over the years. Shirley was loved and admired by many. Her funeral Service took place in Christ Church, Celbridge on Sunday, 3rd October at 3 p.m, and Cremation took place on Monday, 4th October in Mount Jerome Crematorium, Dublin. It was lovely to have Zoe Lipson at the organ and a choir, a tribute to Shirley who sang in the choir.
Deepest sympathy alto to the family of Frances Butterfield who died after a lengthy illness on 17th October in the care of Anovocare Nursing Home, Swords. Frances, like Shirley, was a longtime parishioner of Christ Church, Celbridge. She is predeceased by her husband Arthur and son Kenneth. We think especially of her daughter Jennifer and the wider family as they mourn her loss. Her funeral took place on 2nd November (All Souls’ Day) in Christ Church, Celbridge and her burial in the churchyard of St. Michael & all Angels Church, Millicent. Frances was a regular Sunday and midweek worshipper and someone who lived life well and to the full. Both will be greatly missed in the parish by their many friends.
Remembrance Sunday - 14th November
Poppies are available in each of the churches. The annual Poppy Appeal was hard hit by Covid. The Royal British Legion in Ireland would like to express their thanks to all the supporters who donated to last year’s appeal. Despite the restrictions, 650+ veterans who needed help were contacted and assisted. Remembrance Sunday services will include a pledge that the sacrifices of the men and women who fought, and often died, should not be forgotten.
Purple Llama Market
The market is held in the grounds of Christ Church, Celbridge from 11 a.m., to 4 p.m., with a variety of crafts and coffee each Sunday.
Team Hope Christmas Shoe Box Appeal - Claire Burke
We are delighted to say that the appeal is planned to be up and running again this winter. If you would like to be involved there are two ways:
1. Fillers: We had all our fillers shipped to Romania last winter to have shoeboxes made up there and of course, with Covid-19 restrictions we have not been able to run any fundraising events or get to the shops/warehouses/charity shops as easily and so we are very much in need of fillers - namely things to write with, wash, wear and wow (toys and sweets). These do not have to be new just in good condition. So, if you are sorting through children’s clothes, toys or school items, or if you are good at knitting or seeking out bargains/free stuff please keep us in mind. Also we are always looking for empty shoeboxes.
2. Volunteers: If you would like to volunteer in the sort centre, please contact me on - 086-0640547.
Pet Blessing Service
Saturday afternoon, 2nd October, saw the return of the Annual Pet Service at Christ Church, Celbridge. Having missed last year due to Covid it was lovely to see the pets and their humans come back again. Normally the service is held indoors but due to the current situation we opted for an outdoor event and prayed for fine weather. And we got it - despite dire forecasts of monsoon like conditions up to 24 hours before the day, the skies cleared and the sun came out and shone warm and brightly on all God’s creatures. Fr. Joe McDonnell, Parish Priest in Celbridge as well as sharing in the blessing ceremony brought his own new dog along for a blessing and in the Spirit of Ecumenism, Rev. Stephen did the deed. Indeed not only was the event inter-denominational but also inter-faith in that we had one dog who was apparently Buddhist according to his accompanying human! As is our tradition the event was associated with the KWWSPCA and some of their team were present with rescue dogs and information about their work. There was a bucket collection at the service for their work which raised €265. Thanks to all who came along and made it such an enjoyable and worthwhile service.
Harvest Thanksgiving Services
Sunday afternoon, 24th October was to be the first of our harvest services this year in Newcastle-Lyons but now it will be the last! This was due to a dangerous tree which was discovered when we arrived at the church for the Harvest. It was leaning across the front door of the church and if it fell would likely have come through the roof of the chancel so the service had to be postponed. Thankfully, the tree was removed the next day by a professional tree surgeon and so the threat was dealt with very promptly. The Harvest has been rescheduled for Friday, 12th November at 8 p.m. Parishioners had prepared and decorated St. Finian’s Church, the previous day. One blessing was that it was a lovely crisp sunny autumnal day - and those who arrived from all corners of the parish were able to chat face to face in the churchyard before returning home. Some of whom had not had face to face conversations for quite a long time.
Christ Church, Celbridge was beautifully decorated for the harvest festival on Friday, 29th October. It was also wonderful to have James Pasley on the organ, a choir and five hymns!
Again, Straffan Church was beautifully decorated for the United Service on Sunday, 31st October. Also, it was wonderful to have Jenny Shaw on the organ and a choir to sing the harvest hymns. Collections were for the Bishops’ Appeal. Thanks to Rev. Stephen for preaching at both harvests.
Blind Bartimaeus
Congregations in Straffan & Celbridge on Sunday, 24th October, were very moved by Rev. Stephen’s preaching on the above, knowing the situation in regard to Aaron’s eyesight. He opened up his soul and if hugs were allowed, he would have been enveloped in one. We remember Stephen, Nicola and Aaron in our prayers and pray for guidance for them for the future.
16 Days Of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
The United Nations campaign takes place from 25th November to 10th December to raise awareness and encourages to reflect, pray and act together to call for an end to violence. 1 in 3 women worldwide will be impacted by some form of violence in their lifetime.
Bishops’ Appeal - Report From Geoffrey McMaster
This is the information on funds allocated by the appeal. In June, humanitarian aid was released to support internally displaced people due to the conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia. Food, hygiene kits, blankets, tarp and medical supplies. Funds were released from TKA diocesan link project to Water Drops, an agency working in remote parts of Kenya to deliver reliable, clean water sources. The Covid India Appeal received a generous response and funds continued to be released to MSF & Asha, both frontline agencies responding to the 2nd wave of Covid there. Ash was also supported by parishes who had visited their projects just before the Pandemic and Bishops’ Appeal added significantly to their fundraising efforts. More funds were released to Christian Aid for their response in Beirut. Although media attention is no longer on Beirut, the rebuilding after the explosion continues as does the community development work long established in the communities in and around Beirut. Funds were released to SAMS in Bolivia who are supporting people who lost livelihoods due to Covid and are providing training in new skills to help people earn incomes and improve their mental health. Funds were also released to Fields of Life ‘I am a Girl’ project. This is a long standing funding allocation for Bishops’ Appeal as more schools receive additional latrines and wash stations for girls to have privacy when menstruating so they can continue to come to school. Education on child rights is given and programmes such as school gardens are developed to ensure the children get a meal in school. Funds were released to support a Model Farm in DR Congo through CMS Ireland. This will bring together women and vulnerable youth, train them in improved agricultural skills and use the funds from the crops grown to sustain and expand on these types of programmes run by the diocese. Funds were released to Habitat for Humanity to support two villages in Malawi get access to water via boreholes and to eradicate open defecation by increasing latrines, rainwater harvesting and hygiene education. Funds were released for mobile health clinics in Bangladesh via USPG, supporting vulnerable people who live remotely and cannot take time off as day labourers to attend clinics far away, to receive medical attention. The programme also provides financial supports for those who need to attend a hospital for treatment. Total funds released in June were €38,916 & £30,256.
The funds released in September: Tearfund were allocated funding for a food provision and seed distribution programme in Ethiopia. As crops failed due to lack of rain, food prices soared. Provision of food to prevent starvation and then seeds and agricultural training in conservation farming, as well as a focus on engaging women and men to work together in these efforts are all part of the programme. The funds were match-funded by another donor. Christian Aid received funding for improving health and resilience for communities in Ethiopia who are being hit by crisis after crisis. This is a multi-faceted programme. Funds were released from the Haiti Appeal to
Christian Aid and Habitat for Humanity for their responses after the earthquake. Homes they built in 2016 did not collapse, even as others around them did. Funds were also released to Christian Aid from the CCRD diocesan link project ‘Making the Most of Maize’ as well as from our Lenten focus #Connect4Creation. Christian Aid also received substantial funds for their Global Hunger Appeal directed to their targeted Covid responses in India. Funds were released to CMS Ireland for the diocese of Goma and the rebuilding of schools after the devastation of the volcanic eruption in May. Funds were released to Self Help Africa to reduce hunger and malnutrition for families with small holdings in Teso, Uganda. Funds were released to Fields of Life for their ‘I am a Girl’ project in two more primary schools. The total funds allocated at the September meeting - €80,750. Thanks to those who contributed.
The Church Review - Diocesan Magazine For Dublin & Glendalough & The Church of Ireland Gazette
Subscriptions for The Church Review are due in January. Thanks to our distributors for the challenges they had during Covid - Debbie Kelly - Straffan, Elizabeth Waldron - Newcastle-Lyons and Ken Denner - Celbridge as well as our Rector. If you do not wish to renew your subscription for 2022 or would like to be added to the list - please contact the above. The Church Review informs on all that is going on in the United Diocese, each parish and further afield. The Church of Ireland Gazette is published on the first Friday - 10 times a year and relates to all going on in the island of Ireland and world news. This can be received on-line. Details on www.gazette.ireland.anglican.org/subscribe/
Organisation Focus - Newborn Knitting
The refugee babies and their mothers in Greece continue to need our support. Medecins Sans Frontieres has again asked for blankets, hats, baby grows, booties and other items to make up welcome packs for newborns in the camp in Samos. Ladies underwear, nursing bras and sanitary pads are also badly needed. Over the summer, the woollen items have been sent to the NGO’s.
Services of Light
Two services acknowledging the impact of the pandemic on loss and bereavement are being held in November - Christ Church Cathedral on 14th November at 3.30 and St. Saviour’s Church, Arklow on 28th November at 3 p.m. Both services will include the reading of names of those who have passed away since the start of the pandemic and the lighting of candles in their memory. For those who are struggling to come to terms with their loss, the Dublin Bereavement Support Service provide free, professional and confidential support - www.bereavementsupport.ie.
Straffan Car Boot 2021 Report - Jos Evertsen
The car boot season for 2021 had been planned to finish with the 4th event on the 2nd October. Unfortunately the weather forecast of heavy rains and high winds got the better of the organisers and the event was called off ahead of time. But, as Mr. Murphy would have it …….well, we all woke up to a beautiful Saturday morning.
And so we finished this year with three car boot events. The objective of helping to revive the local community spirit has been quite successful. Very encouraging and complimentary comments and text messages were received from both sellers and buyers at the events. The current lack of public parking seemed to have caused inconvenience to some of the local residents who felt that the privacy of their property was being compromised. It is important that we respect access for the local residents at all times. We continue to work with everyone to maintain this.
Whilst this was a short season with three smaller events, we still hosted 106 stalls. The absence of the tea stall was often lamented. In an effort to promote social distancing, we had increased the width of the stalls from 3 to 4 metres. This was well appreciated by everyone, as it gave a much more open feeling to the event. As this year’s events were not considered to be fundraising, we invested in some useful equipment including new traffic cones to assist with parking management and traffic flow through the village.
Overall, the three events generated an income of €1,420. After expenses the remaining €912 will be equally divided between the Straffan Community Hall and our Straffan church with €456 to each party. We would like to thank everyone on this year’s Car Boot Team for their time and commitment. We also thank all those who attended the event. We hope that everyone got enjoyment out of getting back together again and bringing back a slight resemblance of what it was like pre-pandemic. We look forward to seeing what next year will bring.
From The Editor
The closing date for the next issue of CSNL NEWS - 10th January, 2022. Thanks to all for their input and support in 2021.
Thanks
.. to Dee Huddleston who led the Morning Prayer service on 19th September in Straffan, to Geoffrey McMaster who led the services on 17th October, and to Dee Huddleston for speaking with her Christian Aid hat about the Harvest Appeal which focused on two ladies Co-ops in Malawi and the difference they have made in the lives of the women involved https://www.christianaid.ie/harvest-appeal.
Dublin & Glendalough Diocesan Synods - October, 6th, 2021
For the second year running, this took place on-line. The theme of the Archbishop’s address “Working form home, believing from home - through the eyes of Jesus the carpenter’s son”. He said “And my hope and prayer are that you yourselves have used the lockdown time to advance in favour with God and men as did Jesus Christ when he was working from home in Nazareth.” There were reports from the Diocesan Councils, the Board of Education, the Diocesan Council for Mission, the Diocesan Minsitry of Healing & The Dublin & Glendalough Committee for Social Action. Recently Emma Fawcett was appointed the Diocesan Youth Ministry Co-ordinator.
Celbridge Camera Club
The Club is producing for its third year a calendar in aid of the National Council for the Blind. This is a lovely production. It will be on sale for €10.00. If there is anyone who would like to buy one - please contact Lilian Webb (045-866160). This month’s club calendar has a lovely image of a robin taken by Dallas Camier.
The Club will be also launching a book later this month “Celbridge - A Photographic Record 2021”. The book celebrates life and living in Celbridge and its wider environs, including the towns of Maynooth, Leixlip, Lucan, Newcastle, Ardclough, Straffan, Clane & Kilcock. It includes over 550 images of the locality and is intended to record and reflect life in this part of North Kildare. Copies of the book will be provided to local schools and libraries. The book costs €30. A similar book was launched 30 years previously when Dallas Camier was involved. A “shoot” was scheduled for Saturday, 6th for a future programme on RTE’s Nationwide around Celbridge. See www.celbridgecameraclub.net.
Prayers
We remember 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 who were 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, those producing and administering the vaccine so that we can have more freedom, yet still abide by all the rules.
Advent/Christmas/New Year
Arrangements in regard to services over this period will be announced.
Calendar Of Events
November
Wed 10 Zoom Midweek Chats recommence. 8 p.m.
Fri 12 Harvest Thanksgiving. 8 p.m. St. Finian’s Church
Newcastle-Lyons
Sun 14 Remembrance Sunday services in all churches.
Wed 17 Zoom Midweek Chat. 8 p.m.
Wed 24 Zoom Midweek Chat. 8 p.m.
Thu 25 Start of 16 days of Activism against Gender-based
violence.
Sun 28 Advent Sunday.
December
Wed 1 Zoom Midweek Chat 8 p.m.
Wed 8 Zoom Midweek Chat 8 p.m.
Wed 15 Zoom Midweek Chat 8 p.m.
Fri 24 Christmas Eve.
Sat 25 Christmas Day
January
Sat 1 Happy New Year!
Subscriptions for Church Review due.
Mon 10 Closing date for next issue of CSNL NEWS.
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
NON Going Events!
Craft & Chat/ Time Of Prayer For Healing & Whist Drives. It isn’t anticipated that any of these will be returning until the New Year. We will keep you informed.
Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.
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