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CSNL NEWS March April 2023

 

Issue 76 CSNL NEWS March/April, 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 ..

Just last Sunday we had the inaugural event for the Castletown Wanderers which is mentioned elsewhere in this issue. It was as an opportunity to connect and reconnect with the wonder and beauty of Creation of which we are a part. Sometimes despite all our modern technologies, devices and apps while we are connected to people throughout the world we are often disconnected from our immediate surroundings and are not truly present to one another and the deeper reality of God which underpins our lives. This Lent can I suggest you try and put your phone/tablet/laptop aside for a moment and be truly present to the beauty of the ordinary and everyday. I say this as one of the worst offenders who is regularly horrified when my phone gives me the weekly stats on my screen time! How much better could I have used that time and how much better would I feel if I had just turned it off? I know the answer - I think we all do - We find it hard because ironically we fear disconnection when what is on offer is the greatest connection possible. Just do it.

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 (30/04/23) United Service. 11 a.m. Straffan.

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

Select Vestry & Easter General Vestries

After recent illnesses we wish John Lougheed of Celbridge/Straffan Select Vestry and Sandra Doble of Newcastle-Lyons Select Vestry health and recovery. We also will miss Bill Nicholson (following his move to Carlow) from Celbridge/Straffan Select Vestry where he has served for many years.

The Easter General Vestries, which elect officers for the coming year and hear the reports from our Rector and Treasurer can be attended by parishioners, but only those on the Register of Vestrypersons can be elected or can vote. The Register is revised each January. The Easter General Vestry for Celbridge/Straffan will take place on Thursday, 20^th April at 8 p.m. The venue is to be confirmed. Newcastle-Lyons EGV will be held on Tuesday, 25^th April at 8 p.m., in St. Finian‘s Church.

On Going Events

Craft & Chat: On Tuesday, 10^th January, the group met and had a very enjoyable Afternoon Tea. All are welcome to the Slip Hall on Tuesdays at 2.30 p.m.

Whist Drives: Friday, 31^st March, at 8 p.m., will mark the return of our parish whist drives after a long break due to Covid. Hopefully we will see many friends returning for this enjoyable and sociable event.

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

St. Patrick’s Day

There will be a service of Holy Communion in Christ Church, Celbridge at 11 a.m. The Service will also be live streamed) on the parish Facebook page.

Chuckle Time

A newspaper error - His mother died when he was seven, while his father lived to be nearly a centurion.

Confirmation

Classes commence on Tuesday, 7^th March and Confirmation will be in Christ Church Cathedral on Pentecost Sunday afternoon.

Calendar Of Events

March

Tue 7 Confirmation classes commence.

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

Fri 17 St. Patrick’s Day. 11 a.m. Christ Church, Celbridge.

Holy Communion. Also Live-streamed.

Sun 19 Mothering Sunday.

Wed 29 Car Boot meeting. Straffan Hall. 8.30 p.m.

Fri 31 Whist Drive. Slip Hall. 8 p.m.

April

Wed 5 Compline. St. Finian’s Church, Newcastle-Lyons.

8 p.m.

Thu 6 Maundy Thursday. 8 p.m. Straffan. Holy

Communion & Stripping of the Altar.

Fri 7 Good Friday. Way of the Cross walks. All

3 churches. Times to be confirmed.

Sat 8 Holy Saturday. 8.30 p.m. Straffan. Lighting of

Easter Fire & 1^st Eucharist of Easter.

Sun 9 Easter Sunday. 6.30 a.m. Castletown Gates/Slip

Hall. Dawn Ecumenical Sunrise Service.

Holy Communion in all 3 churches at usual times.

Thu 20 Easter General Vestry. Celbridge/Straffan 8 p.m.

Location to be confirmed.

Tue 25 Easter General Vestry. Newcastle-Lyons. 8 p.m.

St. Finian’s Church.

Closing date for next issue of CSNL NEWS.

Sun 30 United Service. Straffan. 11 a.m.

May

Sat 20 First Car Boot Sale. Straffan Church grounds.

Homeless Outreach Collection For The Month Of February

In response to our Rector’s request for ideas as to how we could reach out to the homeless community, Judith Gleeson got in touch with local Celbridge Hidden homeless activist Pat Grant and with his guidance drew up a list of items that would be useful for the homeless community. 5 drop off points were set up including the 3 churches, the school and the rectory and in less than a week so much had been collected that we had to deliver it for distribution to allow space for more items. Warm clothing, bedding, toiletries, chocolate and vouchers were the main items needed and there was no shortage of generous donations. At the time of writing we are preparing for a second drop off. Thanks to all who donated and all who came together to sort in Christ Church, Celbridge on Sunday, 12^th February.

‘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 recognise that we are all one in you and when one hurts we all hurt. May we serve you by serving one another. Amen.

Castletown Wanderers - A New Initiative - Sunday, 26^th February

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 is 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 café. 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. Blind fold walk (along ropes!).

Thanks to everyone who despite the very cold weather came along on Sunday, 26^th February to our first event. It began in the church grounds at 12.30 p.m., 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:I who led us 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!

United Service - 29^th January - Christ Church, Celbridge.

It was wonderful to see a large congregation at the above with James Pasley at the organ, a choir and some lovely hymns, which I believe were chosen by Bill Nicholson! At the end of the service of Holy Communion, led by our Rector, Paula Howard and our Rector made a presentation to Bill on behalf of the parish with flowers for Anne, who was visiting her mother. The service was live streamed. Rev. Stephen thanked Bill for all he had done for the parish, vestry, current Churchwarden, school chair, Board of Primrose Hill School, on Car Boot committee, Slip Hall management etc., and to him and Anne for spending such a wonderful amount of time keeping the grounds of the church clean, which was by no means an easy task. Last, but not least, our Rector said we would all miss him in being such a good friend. Bill thanked everybody and said it was hard to believe they were 40 years in the parish, coming when Clive was 4! We wish Bill & Anne every happiness in their new home in Carlow and hope to see them from time to time. There was a wonderful spread of refreshments served in the Slip Hall afterwards and thanks to all who contributed.

At the service, saw the launch of the parish’s Homeless Outreach Collection, which was initiated after our Rector’s words in CSNL NEWS. For the month of February, there were reception areas in all three churches, the Rectory and the school opening hours. In consultation with Pat Grant of ‘Support the Hidden Homeless Group’, a plea was made for various items of clothing, sanitary items, vouchers etc.

From The Editor

The closing date for the May/June issue will be Tuesday, 25^th April, and it will be available at the United Service on Sunday, 30^th in Straffan.

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.

World Day Of Prayer 2023

The service is being 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. There will be a report in the next issue.

Holy Week & Easter

Wed 5^th April Compline. 8 p.m. St. Finian’s, Newcastle-Lyons.

Thu 6^th April. Holy Communion & Stripping of the Altar. 8 p.m.

Straffan Church.

Fri 7^th April Good Friday. Way of Cross in all 3 churches. Details

to be confirmed.

Sat 8^th April Holy Saturday. 8.30 p.m. Straffan. Lighting of

Easter Fire & 1^st Eucharist of Easter.

Sun 9^th April Easter Sunday. 6.30 a.m. Castletown Gates/Slip

Hall Dawn Ecumenical Sunrise Service.

Holy Communion in all 3 churches at usual times.

Car Boot Returns

We are starting on the 20^th May. This is somewhat later this year as we have a wedding in Straffan Church on Saturday, 29^th April. On 6^th May, there will be two Holy Communion events. The added traffic that our event does bring, would make traffic management in the village near impossible. We will have a total of 10 events, the same number as last year. On Wednesday, 29^th March at 8.30 p.m., we will have a Volunteers Team Meeting in Straffan Hall. Last year’s meeting proved to be of great help in running the events last year. Details will follow at a later stage. We will be looking to add some new volunteers as we were sparse on the ground last year. Some of the younger generations and newcomers to Straffan would be very welcome. Looking forward to seeing you all again. The dates for your diary are:-

May, 20^th. June 3^rd & 17^th. July 1^st, 15^th & 29^th. August 12^th & 26^th. September, 9^th & 23^rd. Jos Evertsen

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.

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!

World Day of Prayer 2023 (Slip hall Celbridge - 3rd March @ 8pm)

 

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)