Castletown Wanderers - The Beginning

Thanks to everyone who despite the very cold weather came along yesterday (Sunday 26th Feb) to our first event. It began in the church grounds with a short time of grounding meditation to quieten ourselves and to become present to Creation and each other and then a walk up the avenue of Castletown House and into the forest for lunch and some activities which were designed to help us connect with the beauty and diversity of Creation. These included journey sticks, bug frames (Thank you Linda) and a nature mandala (Thank you Lucy). Thanks to Lydia Monds of CMH who led us yesterday and gave us a taste of some of the possibilities of engaging more intimately with the natural world and in that discovering beauty, peace, healing and even a sense of the Divine. Watch this space for news of our next event!

Castletown Wanderers - Reconnecting with Nature and the Holy

 

Join the Castletown Wanderers as we learn to slow down and connect with ourselves and with something bigger than ourselves - nature; community; and for those who have faith, God.

What? Who? Why?

This is a wander for the whole community and offers gentle grounding and meditative exercises and supports to move from 'doing' to 'being' to help us be in the moment and enjoy what is around us.

It's a collaboration between Christ Church, the Anglican church on the grounds of Castletown and the Church's Ministry of Healing, Ireland (CMH:I), which uses nature connection to support people's mental health, spiritual health and whole health.  And of course the biggest partner is Nature and the beautiful grounds of Castletown House.

Did you know that just 2 hours per week in nature boosts your immune system, resets your nervous system, reduces your feelings of loneliness and increases your sense of wellbeing?  What a gift!  Let's accept it.

Who is it for?

This is a welcoming space for everybody.  Nature is free, we simply want to provide some nature connection opportunities. 

Young and old are welcome - noisy people are welcome, quiet people are welcome, tired people are welcome, energetic people are welcome, people who love getting muddy are welcome, people who have dirt aversions are welcome, people with a faith, with no faith, with a strong sense of spirituality, with a desire to build community, all welcome.  We won't pretend to be anything other than who we are, but we also won't impose anything or expect anyone to come as anyone but who they are and as they are.

An example of what you can expect:

We'll meet on the grounds of Christ Church and do some simple grounding exercises - noticing the sounds around you and becoming present.

Then we'll walk to Castletown House together - some with mobility passes may drive there.

Anyone who needs bathroom breaks and coffee stops can head into the cafe.

Then we'll head to the woods just beyond the House and invite people to engage with nature in whatever way suits them.  This is completely participant led, once a few health and safety measures have been put in place.  Here are some examples of options:

1. free play

2. nature art and mandalas

3. Sit spots under trees with ideas for breath work (we may even have a hammock!)

4. working with clay and loose nature parts to explore process and creativity

5. mindful wander prompts - these include postcards of things to spot or journey sticks that you can add to as you wander

6. blindfold walk (along ropes!)

We'll finish with a closing gratitude circle and people can go on their way.

Will you come and shape this programme and community with us? We'd love to see you there.

Sunday 26th February 12.30 meeting at Christ Church Celbridge

FACEBOOK PAGE - CLICK HERE

What do I need to bring with me?

Appropriate clothes for the weather. (children in particular may get muddy)

A packed lunch - or you can buy something at the cafe

We will have a few camping chairs for those who need to sit - you may want to bring a picnic blanket or something waterproof to sit on for eating or crafting or sit spots

Drinking water.

Turkey / Syria Earthquake Appeal

 Bishops Appeal is working through Christian Aid to support Turkey/Syria - Many will have already contributed but we will have retiring collection in all churches for those who wish to contribute this way 

SEE LINK BELOW

 http://www.bishopsappeal.ireland.anglican.org/bishops-appeal-supports-relief-efforts-in-turkey-and-syria/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

A message for all clergy regarding the Bishops’ Appeal call for donations for people affected the earthquake in Turkey and Syria

Two PowerPoint files – one slide each – to help with promoting the appeal in parishes are also attached

Thank you for your time in considering this and in advance for your support

 

 

The Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal for World Aid and Development has launched a call for donations to help the people of Turkey and Syria following the earthquake on Monday (6th February) which has resulted in over 21,000 deaths.

Bishops’ Appeal has immediately released €10,000 from its reserves to Christian Aid for its work in the area, and is encouraging parishes to contribute to this appeal in support of Christian Aid over the coming Sundays.  All details about how to give are provided below.

In a joint endorsement of the appeal, Archbishops John McDowell and Michael Jackson said: “The disastrous earthquake which has so suddenly overtaken and overwhelmed the people and resources of Turkey, and stretched beyond breaking point the already ravaged infrastructure of Syria, requires a swift response from aid agencies in the Western world. The Bishops’ Appeal of the Church of Ireland is to be commended for releasing €10,000 from its reserves immediately to be channelled through Christian Aid, a trusted partner, to the areas affected.

“Of course, much more is needed and we would encourage parishes to make a special appeal sometime over the next few weeks to supplement this initial contribution by Bishops’ Appeal. Equally we would encourage prayer that the God of all comfort would be very near to all who are suffering through injury, bereavement and anxiety, and for all relief workers.”

Christian Aid has a track record of working together with local partners in north-west Syria since 2012.  The agency and its partners are already providing winter kits to people seeking shelter in the region, where over four million people are in need of aid due to the civil war.  They will scale this work up to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of those affected by the earthquake.

What is needed?

The main needs according to its partner field teams are:

• Winter kits including blankets, mattresses, food parcels and heating material – partners had already procured 40,000 of these kits prior to the earthquake and have started distributing these immediately within collective shelters;
• Preparing shelters to help people find some safety indoors from the weather; and
• Working with other local organisations to remove debris and continue rescue efforts.

It is also expected that donations will be used to provide basic food, water and sanitation, shelter and healthcare, education and mental health support, particularly for children and young people.

Dean Niall Sloane, speaking on behalf of the Bishops’ Appeal Advisory Committee, added: “For over five decades, the Bishops’ Appeal has responded to crisis across the globe.   This week we are quickly becoming aware of the extent of the tragic events in Turkey and Syria.  All funds collected will be distributed to our dedicated mission partners who are actively working in the affected areas.  We would also encourage parishes to pray for all those affected by these events and for all aid workers who are engaged in the relief operation.”

How can we help?

Donations can be made, in euro or in sterling, in the following ways:

• An online donation at www.bishopsappeal.ireland.anglican.org/give
• A direct lodgement into the Bishops’ Appeal bank account (details of which are provided on the Bishops’ Appeal website at the link provided above);
• Sending a cheque, payable to Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal, to: Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal, Church of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D06 CF67;
• Making a donation through a Church of Ireland parish or diocesan office.

Taxpayers can give more help by gift aiding donations (if resident in the UK) or tax relief on donations (in the Republic of Ireland).  The appropriate forms and further details about how to give are also available at www.bishopsappeal.ireland.anglican.org/give

 

Shared on behalf of Bishops’ Appeal

 

Presentation Bill & Anne Nicholson

 A few photos from the Presentation to Bill and Anne Nicholson (Anne not in photos) prior to their departure from Celbridge to pastures new in Carlow this week - Thanks to Lilian Webb for the photos

Homeless Outreach Collection

 

Celbridge, Straffan &Newcastle Lyons Parish

Homeless Outreach Collection

Relating to Rev Stephen's notice in the January issue of the parish magazine it was suggested that we could do a collection to help the Homeless. We will have collection points in the 3 churches (when churches are open), the Rectory on Maynooth Road W23K072 (wheely bins at side of house) and Primrose Hill School (during school hours) – Financial donations or vouchers will be receipted on request and should not be put in bins or boxes but handed in to Rectory, school or to churchwardens.

After consultation with Pat Grant of ‘Support the Hidden Homeless Group’, Celbridge & Dublin City, these are the items which would be very useful to them:

Hats, Scarves, Gloves, Coats, Waterproofs, Trousers/Tracksuit bottoms, Jumpers, Tops.

New Socks, New Underwear.

Shower Gel, Deodorant (not spray) Sanitary products, Toothpaste/brushes, Hairbrushes/Combs, Wet Wipes, Tissues, Lip Balm, Moisturiser.

Sleeping Bags, Small Tents, Foil sheets, Heat Pads.

Sweets, Chocolate.

Vouchers for McDonalds/Burger King/ Costa, Tesco, One4All etc.

Pet Food, Leads, Dog Coats, Blankets, Bowls etc

Also accepted Cash donations which as a parish we will turn into items/vouchers to be donated.

If you think of something else ask and we’ll check!

It is envisaged that this project will be time limited and will run for the month of February – Depending on results it can be repeated as required

Scripture & Prayer

‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you?’ Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ (Matthew 25:44-45).

Lord help us to respond to the strangers in our midst – May we be aware that everyone matters and is loved by you and so may we be agents of that love in action. We ask you to bless our efforts to reach out to our sisters and brothers and help us to recognize that we are all one in you and when one hurts we all hurt. May we serve you by serving one another. Amen.

Streaming this Sunday from Celbridge

NB: United service tomorrow in Christ Church Celbridge at 11.30 with Tea & Coffee afterwards and launch of our Parish Homeless Outreach Initiative - Also tomorrow saying farewell to longstanding Christ Church parishioners  Bill & Anne Nicholson as they depart for pastures new - Service will livestream on the parish facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CSNLParish and also on the streaming website at https://www.churchmedia.tv/straffon-church-of-ireland and select the mobile cam on the streaming page (see yellow pointer on pic)

United Service 29th January Christ Church Celbridge

 

Remember this Sunday United Service in Christ Church Celbridge at 11.30am - No other services in the parish - Tea and Coffee will be served afterwards - Also note this will be the last Sunday before long time parishioners of Christ Church, Bill & Anne Nicholson depart for pastures new in Co Carlow - We wish them well and every blessing in their new home but they will greatly missed.

Issue 75 CSNL NEWS January/February, 2023.

                                                 Issue 75 CSNL NEWS January/February, 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 ..

The beginning of another year brings new stories and also the repetition of some old stories. One of the latter is the annual shortage of space in our hospitals to cope with the seasonal surge in respiratory illness - we have moved from the Christmas story’s “No room at the Inn” to “No room in our hospitals” and that is not the only place there is no room as we find ourselves in the middle of a deepening housing crisis where there is ‘no room in our houses’ for the homeless and the refugees which brings us full circle back to the experience of Mary & Joseph when they knocked on the door of that Inn in Bethlehem and found themselves is a draughty cold stable.

This is a reality repeated and reflected in the experience of those who, in the depths of winter on this island, are forced to live in tents and even on the streets. Christmas is over and we have moved on but the life of those who are marginalised in our society whether on trolleys, in tents or on the street has not changed - there is still ‘no room at the Inn’.

This is a huge challenge for our entire country but for those of us who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ it is an additional challenge to the integrity of our Christianity! We cannot welcome the baby Jesus into our lives at Christmas and then do nothing about the huge numbers of people for whom it seems there is still no room because as Jesus himself told his disciples (and that includes us): ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you?’ Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ (Matthew 25:44-45).

I like many of you I am sure am often overwhelmed by the scale of the challenge but somehow we must move beyond paralysis to action. As a parish community there must be some way (apart from and in addition to simply giving money) of helping to change this desperate situation in our small corner of God’s Kingdom - I would ask that we all pray about this and seek God’s guidance and I would love to hear from anyone who has any ideas about an initiative we could either get behind or instigate. As long as there is ‘No room’ we have work to do!

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 (29/01/23) United Service. Christ Church, Celbridge. 11.30 a.m.

*Services are continuing in Newcastle at 10 a.m., on the 1^st Sunday until April when it will re-assessed.

Church Review Subscription Renewal - 2023

Coming up at the end of the year and we are happy to tell you that the annual subscription amount remains at €40. If you are interested in becoming a new subscriber please contact your distributor.

Celbridge: Ken Denner

Straffan Debbie Kelly

Newcastle-Lyons Elizabeth Waldron

On Going Events

Craft & Chat: On Tuesday, 10^th January, the group met for Afternoon Tea. This had been planned for 6^th December, but was postponed due the funeral that day of Heather Moore. All are welcome to the Slip Hall on Tuesdays at 2.30 p.m.

Whist Drive: No plans at present.

Time Of Prayer For Healing: The Wednesday morning services in Christ Church, Celbridge are not resuming at the present.

Bereavements

It was with great sadness that the parish heard the news of the death of Heather Moore after a very short and unexpected illness. Heather along with her late husband Kevin and daughters Amber, Fraoch & Ella had been part of the very fabric of Straffan parish and she had only recently moved away to live in the Mageough in Rathmines but still kept in contact with her many friends in the parish. Her funeral in Straffan Church was full to the doors and was a very moving occasion with a lot of input from the family which made it very personal and poignant. Following the service, cremation took place in Newlands Cross and then there was a very pleasant gathering at Barberstown Castle where food and stories and memories shared. Our thoughts and prayers are especially with daughters Amber, Fraoch & Ella, her

grandchildren, April, Matthew, Victoria, Sian, Elodie, Sam & Emme, her brother Norman and sister Elizabeth and sons-in-law Frank & Gavin. May Heather rest in peace and rise in glory.

Our prayers and sincere sympathy to Linda Daly on the recent and unexpected death of her brother Trevor in the UK. We pray comfort for Linda, her mother, Trevor’s daughters and all who mourn his passing. May Trevor rest in peace and rise in glory.

Deepest sympathy to Kate Bagwell on the death of her sister-in-law, Jane, Madam O’Donovan, beloved wife of the late Daniel, The O’Donovan in Skibbereen, Co. Cork. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

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.

Remembrance Sunday - 13^th November

The rite of Remembrance was observed in all churches. Thanks to those who contributed to the Poppy Fund.

Confirmation

Our Rector would like to hear from anyone who wishes to be confirmed this year.

Christmas Services

Celebrating Christmas without Covid restrictions was a wonderful thing this year. As always we started in Straffan, not with the Miscellany this year though hopefully it will return but the first of our carol services on Friday, 16^th December, which was very well supported and included a large contingent of the Miscellany choir leading the vigorous singing. The collection was for Merchants Quay Ireland and was a very impressive total of €1,066 which was doubled by supporters of MQI who pledged to match donations for the moth of December. Special thanks to our organist, Jenny Shaw and the choir and all the readers.

The following afternoon was the turn of Newcastle. Again a very happy occasion. It was wonderful to hear the organ played for the first time in a couple of years by James Pasley who kindly offered his services. Afterwards we had refreshments and delicious edibles and again thanks to the readers and those who produced the goodies. The collection at the service went to the Peter McVerry Trust.

Then completing a busy weekend we were invited to the Bridge Church for an outdoor ecumenical Christmas service with a live crib and petting zoo and drama and music from a variety of groups and choirs including our own choir from Christ Church, Celbridge led by James Pasley. Thanks to the Bridge Church for the welcome.

Then on the 24^th December, we were in Christ Church, Celbridge for the 4 pm., carols around the Christmas tree with hot chocolate and mince pies afterwards. Again a lovely service with the choir and congregation in good voice and very generous collection for the work of ALONE which has strong Celbridge connections.

The Christmas Eve Eucharist at the earlier time of 9.30 p.m., was well supported as were the morning services on Christmas Day in all three churches and there was a sense of great joy at being able to gather together for Christmas. Again thank you to all who helped to make our Christmas celebrations so meaningful including our lay ministers, organists, choirs, wardens, readers, congregations and all who cleaned the churches and decorated them so beautifully and took them down afterwards.

International Day Of Persons With Disabilities.

Our Rector lit up Christ Church, Celbridge in purple to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities. He also shared the following with Celbridge Access Group - “As the parent of a young man with intellectual and sight disability, I welcome all efforts to make our community more accessible to those who face challenges in accessing basic and essential services and I am thankful for the generous support that the community in Celbridge gives to those who

face such challenges.”

Select Vestry

The Register of Vestrypersons is revised each year in January. Forms are available in all churches for registering as a member of the general vestry which allows voting rights at the Easter General Vestry.

World Day Of Prayer 2023

The service will be held in the Slip Hall, beside Christ Church, Celbridge on Friday, 3^rd March. This year the service is compiled by the women of Taiwan and the theme is “I have heard about your faith”, based on Ephesians 1: 15-19. All are welcome. The time will be announced later.

Organisation Focus - Merchants Quay Ireland

MQI is a national Homeless and Addiction Charity.

It helps those with basic needs, such as a warm welcome, tea and a helping hand.

It helps with accessing Drug Services and giving the first steps to becoming drug free.

It offers support to families of loved ones affected by addiction or homelessness.

It provides primary healthcare and drugs related services.

Thanks

.. to Dee Huddleston for taking the service in Straffan on 4^th December and Dee and Geoffrey McMaster for taking the services on 1^st January.

Team Hope Christmas Shoeboxes

Many thanks to everyone who donated shoe boxes, fillers and helped to pack.

Winter Madness

Dublin & Glendalough Youth Council is delighted to host the Summer Madness team in running a ‘Winter Madness’ event for youth groups and young adults. Winter Madness will take place in Holy Trinity, Rathmines, on Saturday, 11^th March from 7.30 p.m., to 9.30 p.m. It will feature Rev. Scott Evans as the speaker and Hollie McCullough and her band will be leading the praise and worship. It is free to attend, and will give young people a taster of what Summer Madness is like. So come along for some hot chocolate, entertainment, games and worship. Members of youth groups should attend with an adult. For more information - contact Emma Fawcett -dgyc.office@gmail.com.

Today - Author Unknown

Today was the absolute worst day ever

And don’t try to convince me that

There’s something good in every day

Because, when you take a closer look,

The world is a pretty evil place.

Even if,

Some goodness does shine through once in a while,

Satisfaction and happiness don’t last

And it’s not true that it’s all in the mind and the heart

Because true happiness can be obtained

Only if one’s surrounding are good.

It’s not true that good exists

I’m sure that you can agree that

The reality

Creates

My attitude

It’s all beyond my control

And you’ll in a million years hear me say that

Today was a very good day.

Now read this from bottom to top!

Calendar Of Events

January

Church Review Subscriptions due.

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

February

Feb 1 St. Brigid’s Day.

Wed 22 Ash Wednesday. 11 a.m. Holy Communion.

Christ Church, Celbridge, with participation from the

pupils of Primrose Hill School.

7.30 p.m. Holy Communion. Straffan.

Mon 27 Closing date for material of next issue of CSNL

NEWS

March

Mar 1 St. David’s Day.

Mar 3 Women’s World Day of Prayer. Slip Hall. Celbridge.

Sat 11 Winter Madness. Holy Trinity, Rathmines. 7.30 p.m.

Mar 17 St. Patrick’s Day.

Prayers

We remember all those who are sick at home, in hospital or nursing homes, those who care for them, the bereaved, for the citizens of Ukraine both here and in their own country, for the homeless and all others in need of our prayers as a result of war, famine and other disasters.

Chuckle Time

An incident in a Brazilian football match graphically illustrated the point that while there is a time to be on our knees, there is also a time for action. International footballer Roberto Rivelino received the ball straight from the kick-off and drove a shot from the half-way line: the ball whizzed past the goalkeeper’s ear while he was still on his knees in the goal mouth completing his pre-match devotions.

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

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

Christmas Services

 

16^th Dec 7.30pm: lessons and Carols in Straffan Church (also live-streamed)

17^th Dec 4pm: lessons and Carols from St Finian's Newcastle-Lyons

18^th Dec 5pm: Ecumenical carols and Live Crib at The Bridge Church Celbridge

24^th Dec (Christmas Eve) 4pm: Readings and Carols around the Christmas Tree with refreshments afterwards in Christ Church Celbridge

24^th Dec (Christmas Eve) 9.30pm: Christmas Eve Eucharist in Christ Church Celbridge

25^th December (Christmas Day): 9am HC St Finian's Newcastle-Lyons; 10.15 HC Straffan (also live-streamed); 11.30 HC Christ Church Celbridge