September 2011

September 2011

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RECTOR’S LETTERDear Parishioner,

“PRAYERS FOR YOUR COMFORT”I hope that you have been able to benefit from a time of refreshment during the summer months and are now looking forward to the commencement of our autumn activities in St. Columba’s. This season gets off to a good start with the publication of a new spiritual resource for each home in the parish. “Prayers for your Comfort” is a compilation of nine short personal prayers which I hope will be of assistance to you with your daily devotions. It has been carefully designed by our printers, Dataplus, so that it can be easily placed inside your bible or prayer book for your reference. A complimentary

copy is included with this edition of the Columban and additional copies are available from the table at the back of church. I am very grateful to the Select Vestry for their support and encouragement with this new initiative.

DIOCESAN PRAYER FOCUSAn integral part of the ministry within Down and Dromore is the Diocesan Prayer Focus. This enables every parish in the diocese to be specifically prayed for at least once every two years during church services. St. Columba’s will feature in the Diocesan Prayer Focus on Sunday, 4th September. I was invited to identify four aspects of our parish work that could be specifically prayed for on that day throughout the diocese. Following careful consideration I believe that the following four areas should be our focus this year:

For God’s guidance and blessing upon our parish as we begin our autumn programme of church services and activities.That the Back to Church Sunday initiative on Sunday 25th September will encourage us to personally invite newcomers to come and share in the ministry of St. Columba’sThat there would be a continued increase in the involvement of our Young Families Group in the life and witness of the parish.For the organisation of an overseas trip through a missionary society for our post confirmation candidates next summer.

This strong prayerful support from our diocese provides us with a good firm foundation upon which we can move forward and develop our parish. However, in addition, your parish also needs your full support by making church attendance and involvement in our parish organisations a priority. I encourage you to include these prayer points in your daily devotions and to fully support your parish church to the best of your ability. As we now begin our autumn activities we need to be reminded that our church membership is not just about what we can get from it. It is primarily about what we can give to it – the generous giving of our time, talents and money. My hope and prayer for this autumn season is that each one of will strive to offer our best to God and to St. Columba’s.

Yours in His service,

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BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY – SUNDAY, 25th SEPTEMBERBack to Church Sunday is now the largest single local church invitational initiative in the world which takes place this year on Sunday, 25th September. It is based on the simplest and shortest step in evangelism - that we should invite someone we already know to our church on that day. As a parish we want to ensure that anyone who doesn’t currently attend St. Columba’s, for whatever reason, can be guaranteed an especially warm welcome on Back to Church Sunday. This will be a most important day in the life of our parish.

The Back to Church Sunday invitations will be distributed at all services on Sunday, 4th September, and I encourage you to personally give them to a family member, friend, neighbour or someone you know who hasn’t attended St. Columba’s for some time, to accompany you to our church on Sunday 25th September. Refreshments will be served after the 10.30am service. In a recent survey, it was stated that of all those who currently are not attending church, 50% would accept an invitation to go to church if someone asked them.

Backing the initiative, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, says: “The Church’s responsibility to welcome all comers isn’t, of course, restricted to one Sunday in the year! But this Sunday, in particular, prompts us to do a better job of saying to people that we are truly glad to see newcomers, and that they always have a right to be part of the family…”

The Rector

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SERVICES IN SEPTEMBERThursday 1st (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry

Sunday 4th The Eleventh Sunday after Trinity (Green) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Michael Davey Romans 1�: 8-1� Gospel Clergy Matthew 18: 1�-�0 10.30am All Age Worship and Holy Baptism with the Commissioning of Youth Leaders followed by refreshments Reader Elizabeth Leonard Matthew 18: 1�-�0 7.00pm Evening Prayer Reader Jennifer Pyper Ezekiel 1�: �1 -1�:16 Reader Jennifer Pyper Mark 7: ��-�7 Occasional Karen McAlpine Prayers

Thursday 8th The Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry

Sunday 11th The Twelfth Sunday after Trinity (Green) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Elizabeth Miller Romans 1�: 1-1� Gospel Clergy Matthew 18: �1-�� 10.30am Holy Communion Reader Jennifer Pyper Romans 1�: 1-1� Gospel Clergy Matthew 18: �1-�� Intercessions Karen McAlpine 7.00pm Late Evening Office Reader Fiona Haldane Mark 8: �7-�8

Thursday 15th (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry

Sunday 18th The Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity (Green) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Paul Stewart Philippians 1: �1-�0 Gospel Clergy Matthew �0: 1-16 9.30am Family Communion Gospel Karen McAlpine Matthew �0: 1-16 10.30am Morning Prayer Reader Linda Wilson Exodus 16: �-1� Reader Patricia Wilson Matthew �0: 1-16 Occasional Muriel Arndell Prayers 7.00pm Holy Communion Reader Patrick Wilson Acts �6: 1, 9-�� Gospel Karen McAlpine Mark 9: �0-�7

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Thursday 22nd St. Matthew (Transferred) (Red) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry

Sunday 25th The Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Back to Church Sunday 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Muriel Arndell Philippians �: 1-1� Gospel Clergy Matthew �1: ��-�� 10.30am Service of the Word followed by refreshments Reader John Holland John �: 1-1� Occasional Karen McAlpine Prayers 7.00pm Evening Prayer Reader Elizabeth Leonard Ezekiel �7: 1�-�8 Reader Elizabeth Leonard Mark 9: �8-�0 Occasional Karen McAlpine Prayers

Thursday 29th St. Michael and All Angels (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry

Readers and Intercessors: If you cannot read or lead the prayers on the appointed day, please arrange a swap with someone else on the rota and let the Churchwardens know. We are always delighted to add new names to the Rota of Readers and Intercessors. If you would wish to serve your church in this way, please contact Muriel Arndell (028 90655500).

The readings are from Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary and are printed on our parish website:

www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.org

PARISH PRAYERGod, our Heavenly Father, make the door of our Church wide enough to welcome all who need human love, fellowship and a Father’s care;

but narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and hatred. Here may the tempted find help, the sorrowing receive comfort and the penitent be

assured of your mercy; and here may all your children renew their strength and go on their way in hope and joy; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Bishop Thomas Ken 1637-1711

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SEPTEMBER SIDESPERSONS’ ROTASunday 4th .............................................. Aaron Wilson and Ross Cairnduff

Sunday 11th ............................................ Rosemary and Ivan Coffey

Sunday 18th ............................................ Meryl Townsend and Eileen Anderson

Sunday 25th ............................................ Roberta and John McKeown

CLERGY PARISH VISITINGIt is always a great privilege for the Clergy to visit parishioners in their homes. If you would like to request a Clergy Visit please telephone the Rector (028 90471514) or the Curate (028 90653370). In addition to requested Parish Visiting, the Clergy will be visiting parishioners in the following districts during September:

Rector: Curate: Wynard Park Dalchoolin, Cultra Sandhill Parade Tudor Road, Carrickfergus Victoria Court Rhanbuoy Park, Seahill Cedar Grove, Holywood Ravensdene Park Craigantlet Road Barnett’s Road

SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES Sunday 4th September 10.30am All age Worship

Sunday 11th September 10.30am Sunday School

Sunday 18th September 9.30am Family Communion

Sunday 25th September 10.30am Sunday School

The Sunday School teachers have been meeting to plan the programme next year which we hope will be as interesting and informative as last year. We will recommence in September with the services listed above. We hope a large number of children will return to Sunday School and we have plenty of space for a number more to join us! It makes it more rewarding for the teachers if we have children and young people present to take part in the activities that have been prepared for them.

Beth Cairnduff

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HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICESSUNDAY 2nd OCTOBER

8.15am: Holy Communion

10.30am: Informal Recital by Members of the Music Group

11.00am: All Age Worship followed by Harvest Lunch in the Hall

Preacher: The Revd Jonathan Pierce, Rector of St. Finnian’s, Cregagh

The children are invited to bring a Harvest gift to present during this service.

7pm: Choral Evensong

Preacher: The Ven. Scott Harte, Archdeacon of Raphoe and Rector of Dunfanaghy

ALL AGE WORSHIP TEA AND COFFEEAfter the summer break, tea and coffee is back at our All Age Worship Service on Sunday, 4th September. On our first Sunday back we are supporting Meningitis Research Foundation. I hope to see all the usual faces and lots of new ones to support this very worthwhile cause.

Roberta

DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR HARVESTSaturday, 1st October, from 10.30am – 12.30pm

No flower arranging skills necessary!

Willingness to help is all that is required.

Children and young families will be particularly welcome to help with the decorating.

Refreshments in the Rectory!

ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH HARVEST LUNCHDon’t forget our Harvest Lunch on Sunday, 2nd October,

immediately after the Morning Service. Our soup lunches are always very popular and tickets will be available during September, so pop it in your diary

now and bring the family along for a nice lunch and at the same time support the Church Building Fund and the Cambodia Project.

Roberta

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TUESDAY AFTERNOON BADMINTONBadminton is such a great game,

On Tuesdays it’s always the same. We don’t only sit, We aim to be fit.

So hurry and send in your name!Ladies afternoon badminton resumes on

Tuesday, 6th September, at 2.00pm in the Church Hall.

Kyleen Clarke (90797155)

KNOCK KNOCK, IT’S THE CURATE!

Well, here we are at the beginning of a new academic year ... a time of new uniforms, new books, pencil cases, new classes, new teachers and for some, new schools.

Contained within this magazine are some of the new things we are doing in St. Columba’s as we embark on a new academic year:

A new Friday Night Programme for those who are in P6 and above. New opportunities for overseas travel ... for those in year 13 and above. New ways for people to become involved in church via welcome cards in the pews. New prayer cards to support those who are ill. For our senior citizens who are housebound - new ways to join in with our Sunday worship. For our older teenagers - new ways to engage with church via our website. For anyone in the parish who is anyway technologically minded - a new way to serve the church. New times for everyone to pause and to reflect.

This new academic year is a time when we can look again at what we are doing and why.

I am very excited about the possibilities that this new academic year holds for our parish. Why don’t you read on in the magazine and see how you can become involved in the life and ministry of your parish church!

Every Blessing Robert

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PARISH SPONSORED WALK & BBQSATURDAY 10th SEPTEMBER

DEPARTING FROM THE COMBER GREENWAY IN COMBER

AT 2.30PM

or

MEET AT CHURCH CAR PARK AT 2.00PM

(for those requiring transport to Comber Greenway)

BBQ AT ST. COLUMBA’S AT 5.00 – 5.30pm

(for those wishing to attend the BBQ only)

PROCEEDS FOR THE BUILDING FUNDPlease sign the sheet on the church notice board if you can:

Participate in the walkAttend the BBQ only at St. Columba’s

Provide transport to Comber for the walkers

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SPONSORSHIP FORMS FOR THE WALKERS ARE AVAILALABLE AT THE BACK OF THE CHURCH

MU ACTIVITY GROUPAnother season of badminton and scrabble is about to start. I do hope you have had a good summer break and are well rested, full of energy

and enthusiasm for our opening on Tuesday, 13th September at 8.00pm in the hall! I look forward to your company there.

Maureen

MUMS & TOTSPlease note, Mums & Tots will start again on Friday, 9th September, from 9.45am to 11.45am in the Church Hall. All are most welcome!

Anne Clarke

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ST. COLUMBA’S AUDIO RECORDINGSIn September, St. Columba’s are launching a new way for parishioners who are housebound, for whatever reason, to ‘listen in’ to our 10:�0am Sunday services.From the first Sunday in September our morning services will be recorded and housebound parishioners will be able to listen to them in two ways:

Via Distributers - If you wish to avail of this service, please phone the Curatage (90653370). Robert will pop around and give you a small piece of equipment with speakers, and a simple one button player. You can then decide if you would like the services delivered every Sunday, or just certain services in a month.

Via the Internet - If you happen to have a computer you can simply log on from the first Sunday in the month to www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.org/audio and download the latest service, along with an edition of the pew news and the readings for that Sunday.

Audio Distribution TeamDo you have the internet at home? If so, we are looking for a few volunteers who could commit to downloading our weekly service and taking it round to one or two parishioners who are housebound. It really is easy! If you would be prepared to help, please contact me at the Curatage and I’ll show you what to do.

Audio Recording TeamIf you happen to have a laptop, you could be part of St. Columba’s Audio Recording team! A few clicks are all that is needed to record, save and upload a service. We are looking for volunteers who could help out on a rota basis on a Sunday morning. All you need to do is:- Bring your laptop to the back of the church, plug in the sound cable and press record. At the end, stop the recording and save the audio file, then upload it to the internet.

If you would be interested in helping out, please speak to me anytime or e-mail me at: rferris�[email protected].

Robert

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LADIES GUILD NOTESDear Ladies,

Hope you are well and have had a good summer in spite of the weather! We are looking forward to the new season as we have planned an interesting programme. Our first meeting is on Wednesday, 21st September, at 7.45 pm and our speaker will be Keith Burnside on “30 years in the BBC”. We are all familiar with his voice and hope that he will have many tales to tell!

Many thanks to members and friends for your continued support, and look forward to seeing you then (with your mug for supper!).

Lilias Smith, Hon. Secretary

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On Tuesday, �1st June, �� Mothers’ Union members and friends spent a very enjoyable evening at Belfast Castle. The estate manager gave an interesting talk with a visual presentation on the history and background to the castle, and the surrounding park. Many of the ladies were able to reminisce on functions and special events they had attended over the years. A tour of the castle followed with supper served in the beautiful ballroom. The wet weather outside didn’t dampen the spirits as we were able to view the glorious gardens from the comfort of the castle.

This event marked the end of Kathleen Acheson’s term as Branch Leader and we would like to thank her and her committee for all their hard work over the last three years. Kathleen has been an inspiration to us all with her organisational skills. Irene has been a diligent Secretary with a great sense of humour, talents she will bring to her new role as Area Secretary for Gilnahirk. We wish her well. (Ed. Hear hear!)

Mothers’ Union will meet again on Tuesday, 4th October, for our Annual Service. Hopefully, we will have some more summer weather before then!

Sandra Lowe

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PAUSEOver the summer we have held a number of “Pause” events ... opportunities for people to come along for a short time simply for a cuppa and a chat. Everybody in the parish is invited! If you are free to take a walk or enjoy a chat, why not come around and join in?

Monday, 12th September 10:30am: Morning Coffee at the Stormont Hotel

Sunday, 18th September A walk along the North Down coastal path,

meet at the Crawfordsburn Country Park Centre at 1:30pm. Bring your own lunch!

Thursday, 22nd September 1:00pm: Lunch in the Pump House at Titanic Dock

For more information on pause ... check out our website www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.org/pause or the poster at the back of church.

Transport can be arranged ... just let me know!

Robert

THE 80 YEAR OLD BRIDEA local news station was interviewing an 80 year old lady because she had just got married for the fourth time. The interviewer asked her questions about her life, about what it felt like to be marrying again at 80, and then about her new husband’s occupation. “He’s a funeral director,” she answered. Interesting, the newsman thought. He then asked her if she wouldn’t mind telling him a little about her first three husbands and what they did for a living. She paused for a few moments, needing time to reflect on all those years. After a short time, a smile came to her face and she answered proudly, explaining that she had first married a banker when she was in her early �0’s, then a circus ringmaster when in her �0’s, a preacher when in her 60’s, and now in her 80’s, a funeral director.

The interviewer looked at her, quite astonished, and asked why she had married four men with such diverse careers. She smiled and explained, “It’s simple. I married one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready and four to go.”

Just

Mar

ried

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ST. COLUMBA’S OVERSEAS PROJECT 2012

For our over 16’s we are putting together a very exciting adventure for summer 2012. As the world comes to the UK for the Olympic Games, we in St. Columba’s have an adventure of our own. More details will follow in the October edition of the magazine!

However, you can register interest now on our Blog: stcolumbasyouth.org/go

Robert

MEN’S CLUBSummer is quietly slipping away and longer evenings are fast approaching. On Monday evenings the Men’s Club offers a warm welcome with our Opening Night being Monday, 5th September, at 7.30pm in the main Church Hall.

We are commencing our 52nd year, a record not held by many Church groups and one of which we are rightly proud. As with all such groups members come and go for many reasons, and we would be delighted to welcome new faces as we renew old acquaintances for an evening of fellowship, friendship and, of course, bowling. Our members, of all ages, are eager to share their guidance with those who maybe have not bowled before but are willing to give it a go! Our Captain for this year will be Jonathan Launchbury, ably assisted by Jim Stevenson as Vice-Captain. Both of them are particularly keen to welcome new faces and thus ensure that our Club continues to play an active role in our Church Family Events. There are no professional bowlers, just enthusiastic amateurs of varied skills!

For the past 1�years, the post of Hon. Secretary has been held by John Robb, who, due to other commitments, has stepped down this year whilst remaining a member. We thank John for his invaluable contribution and dedication to our Club. It was also with great sadness that we learned of the recent death of Canon Jack Watson, a highly valued member who led us in prayer on so many occasions. We offer our sincere sympathy to his family circle and many friends.

If you would like to join us or know a bit more about us, please contact any of our Committee Officers, Alan Rogers, Paddy Malone or myself.

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Geoff Launchbury

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LADIES BOWLINGAfter a somewhat mixed summer weather wise it will be good to be back indoors. Ladies bowling will re-commence on Monday, 19th September, at 2.00pm when we will meet old friends and hopefully some new ones.

Phyllis Newton

Summer is over, however the fun doesn’t stop! In St. Columba’s we have an action packed Friday night programme for everyone from P6 upwards:

9th September Opening Night: Pizza & Challenges - Meet at Hall at 8:30pm

16th September Crazy Golf at Dundonald, followed by McDonalds - Meet at Pirates’ Golf at 8.00pm

23rd September Normal night: In Hall 8:30-9:30pm

30th September Laser Quest: Time to be confirmed

Open to everyone ... Bring your friends!

Mark, Linda, Robert, Beth and Helen

H2O FRIDAY NIGHT YOUTH GROUP

BIBLE STUDY GROUP‘THE BIBLE IN ITS ENTIRETY IS OUR RULE OF FAITH AND PRACTICE’

The Bible Study Group meets at 7.30 – 9.00pm each Wednesday evening throughout the year. I feel very honoured and privileged indeed that St. Columba’s have let me join this class. As a past member of the Church I have cherished memories of my Alpha Course and Bible Study Classes with you all.

I pray and encourage you to consider joining our Group. Our lives are cluttered with rule books but the authors never come with us to help us follow the rules. Yet God does. That is the uniqueness of our Bible. It is such a blessing to study God’s Word and we have wonderful teachers in St. Columba’s. It would be very hard to find such true and sincere friends.

Margaret

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We are again most grateful to Billy Nelson for providing us with this short history of Amazonia, following his journey there earlier this year with Daphne. The Rector along with parishioners will wish to extend their continuing prayerful support for Daphne and the entire family at this time.

HISTORY OF AMAZONIAThe Spaniard, Vicente Yañez Pinzón, first appeared at the mouth of the Amazon in 1�9� and eight years later sailed up river to meet the local natives for whom the most sensational impact was caused by the strangers’ metal tools. The Portuguese landed further south in Brazil a few months after Yañez Pinzón, spreading their language (hence Portuguese is the language of Brazil as opposed to Spanish in most other South American countries) and acquiring most of the Amazon basin for Brazil by 16�7. There was a history of appalling treatment of the natives, including enslavement, cruelty and torture, and an estimated two million Indians perished. In addition, there were epidemics of smallpox, plague, and pulmonary tuberculosis. Yellow fever, probably of South American origin, also raged and remains now the only compulsory vaccination required for entry to Amazonia. Malarial fevers spread in the 17th century so Daphne and I required many immunizations and vaccinations before setting sail, as well as taking anti-malarial tablets throughout our journey.Another early feature of the time was the appearance of many ‘ecclesiastics’ who arrived to convert the Indians to Christianity, including Jesuits, Franciscans and Carmelites, with the result that the country today is predominantly Roman Catholic. In 1689, when malaria was rampant, a Jesuit priest was cured by the Indians with a bitter powder from the bark of a tree called quina, hence today’s quinine. Slavery in the 1700’s was still widespread and Europeans found great difficulty in introducing new methods of agriculture. Manioc has always been the staple agriculture of Amazonia, easy to grow but also the only food crop that requires the extraction of a lethal poison (prussic acid) prior to consumption. It can be made into bread, porridge, a milky and alcoholic drink or roasted into flour, and is insect and rat resistant! In the 1800’s the colonists inflicted little damage on the forests and rivers. However, the only lasting environmental harm was the destruction of freshwater turtles, rarely found in Amazonian waters today, because their eggs provided thousands of jars of turtle oil. Following the end of the Napoleonic wars, Portugal sought the return of King João 6th who went back to Lisbon in 18�1, leaving his son, Pedro, behind as Prince Regent. In 18��, Brazilian diplomats persuaded the prince to proclaim himself Emperor of a breakaway new nation, Brazil, thus changing the political geography of Amazonia forever.In 18�8, two young Englishmen, Henry Walter Bates and Alfred Russell Wallace, were amongst the most important naturalists to visit Amazonia, both becoming legends in the world of Amazonian natural history, as well as another, a Yorkshire man called Richard Spruce. In 1861, Bates became a full time paid Assistant Secretary of the Royal Geographical Society until his death in 189�. Wallace also became a fellow of the Royal Society which awarded him the first Darwin Medal, to which King Edward VII later added the prestigious Order of Merit. Spruce was intensely interested in hallucinogens used by the Indians in their shamanistic (witch doctor) ritual and also provided the first detailed descriptions of the rubber tree. He received a Doctorate from Dresden and Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Geographical Society. When

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Richard Spruce returned to Manaus in 18�� after two years up river, smoke was ascending from numerous rubber depots all along the Rio Negro and rubber had reached an extraordinary price. A single incision on the bark of a rubber tree secretes a milky white fluid, latex. Rubber trees grow best on high, well drained ground and have to be planted with considerable space between them to avoid the spread of disease. Manaus became the capital of Amazonia, conveniently near the mouths of the great rubber rivers, the Solimões and Negro, and in 1897 its famous opera house, the Teatro Amazonas, was opened. In 187�, an explorer, Henry Wickham, was commissioned by Sir Joseph Hooker, the Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, to send him 10,000 rubber tree seeds. It was discovered that they grew much better in India, Ceylon and Malay where the trees could be cultivated in plantations. By 1908, Malay had ten million rubber trees covering �00 square miles, causing the collapse of the rubber boom in Amazonia, and by 191� prices were static and exports had fallen by 80%. During the rubber boom the indigenous natives were very badly treated, many being killed, injured or tortured and this gross injustice was to be investigated by one, Sir Roger Casement.In July 1911, a thrilling discovery was made in Peruvian Amazonia when the American adventurer, Hiram Bingham, stumbled across the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Three years later another remarkable American appeared in the Amazon basin, Theodore Roosevelt, US President from 1901 to 1908, along with his son Kermit, the naturalist/ornithologist George Cherrie and Rondon, an experienced Brazilian leader and guide. They came down an unexplored river and after many adventures eventually reached Minaus. Planning the production of his own tyre, Henry Ford was also eager to grow rubber. He built company houses and planted vast numbers of rubber trees. However, in contrast to the artificial city of Fordlandia, the trees developed slowly and became riddled with disease, causing the whole project to be abandoned by 19��.Human beings first settled in the Amazon during the late Pleistocene age, over 11,000 years ago, but it was modern civil aviation that finally allowed the population ready access to the towns and cities of such a vast region. Chainsaws changed the speed at which trees could be felled, coupled with the systematic burning of vegetation. Earth moving machines added to the destruction and new roads were built, the greatest cause of deforestation, although some areas were protected as reserves. In 1988, it was estimated that ��0,000 square miles of tropical forests in Amazonia had been cleared, representing 1�% of Brazil’s entire forest cover. Land for cattle was also required and logging destroyed trees. Soya bean plantations were a further threat to the forests but did not grow particularly well. Despite such massive destruction, Amazonia still maintains 98% of its forests intact and its gigantic biomas is often referred to as ‘the lungs of the world’. In a year of normal weather Amazonia’s forests will absorb some �60 million tons of carbon.Thus the longest river in the world runs through the largest forest, nearly three million square miles of trees. The Amazon is the world’s greatest river system, whose water volume exceeds that of the next eight largest rivers in the world. At �,6�0 miles it is now reckoned to be the longest river in the world combined, a record attributed until recently to the Nile. The Amazon basin, also the largest in the world, covers almost �.7 million square miles, three quarters the size of the continent of the United States. The Amazon is divided into three river water types: white, black and clear.

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White water rivers drain the young Andes, full of sediment which gives them a milky brown colour, the main colour of the Amazon river below Manaus and for the next 1000 miles to the Atlantic ocean. Black water arises in the Guiana Shield, blackened by tannin and pumic acids from leaf litter. Clear water rivers drain the Brazilian Shield. The waters of the Amazon contain an abundance of fish and some three thousand species have been identified. Piranha are not as blood thirsty as some explorers’ hyperbole. They will only attack you if there is flowing blood. Sting rays are more dangerous and some Amazon waters are infested with caiman crocodiles. The Amazon’s rainforests form the richest eco system in the world, teeming with plants, animals, fish and birds as well as millions of species of insects and micro-organisms. The largest predator is the jaguar, and there are peccaries (skunk pig) and pocket deer as well as a type of rodent over three feet long. There are 7� species of monkeys and bands of howler monkeys can be heard in the trees. 196 species of snake abound, some poisonous and, in particular, the coral snake for which no known antidote is available. The world’s heaviest snake is the nine metre long anaconda, a type of constrictor, and there are 1�8 species of lizard. The most attractive birds are the macaws, parrots and parakeets. As the Amazon lies on or around the equator, there is a wet season that lasts from January to June which accounts for the massive rise and fall in the river water levels of up to 60 feet. At dawn and sunset there is a brief pyrotechnic display of gold, crimson and silver. In the early morning, lovely mists rise from the water and the reflections of vegetation and clouds are always sublime.

Billy Nelson

‘Amazonian Landscape’ watercolour by Billy Nelson.

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BROWNIE NOTESAmanda’s wedding took place on Saturday, �0th July, when we had been asked to form a Guard of Honour outside the church. Unfortunately, some of the Brownies were on holidays so numbers were smaller than anticipated but a very excited group met at the church at 1�.�0pm, along with Alfie (Amanda’s pug dog) dressed in his waistcoat and bow tie. For some of the girls this was the first time they had been at a wedding and the fact that one of the Brownies, Pippa, was a flower girl made it all the more special! When Amanda and Alan went off to sign the Register we slipped out of the church so that we could be outside waiting for her. She was delighted to see us and after numerous photos had been taken the photographer asked us to do a special job for him. On the count of three we showered her with confetti which allowed him to take a magical picture! An unforgettable day for us all, especially Beth, who was reliving a similar occasion �0 years ago at her own wedding!

Our first night for any new Brownies hoping to join next year will be Friday, 16th September, so please come along at 6.30pm and see the fun we have every Friday night! Remember, we are looking for girls from 6 ½ to 10 years of age.

Beth Cairnduff

Ed. Our daughters, Rebeccca and Rachel, remember being in Beth’s Guard of Honour!

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DOVESOur first night of the new academic year will be Friday, 9th September, and we look forward to welcoming new friends aged between � and 6 years. We meet from 6.30 to 7.30pm each Friday in the hall downstairs. Please come along and join the fun!

Karen

AFTERNOON GROUPRemember, remember the 12th of September,

2.30’s the time that we meet. Ian’s bound to be good; there will also be food

And new people we’d be happy to greet.

I hope you enjoyed the summer this year, It was better than last, you’ll agree.

It wasn’t so wet - and it’s not over yet, So says the man on T.V.

In October the 10th of the month is the date, Our speaker is from Scripture Union.

So remember the day and please wend your way To the hall, where we have our re-union!

Nan

CHRISTMAS CARDS 2011This year, apart from preparing the usual Parish Christmas card for �011, the Art Club were asked to produce one for sale, with the proceeds going to the Building Fund.

The Parish Card has been created by Margaret Hirst using a painting knife and will be distributed with the December Columban to each household.

The card for sale has been painted by Anne Clarke in water colour and will be available for sale during September at the back of the church, priced at £1.00 per card or £5.00 per pack of six cards.

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We are extremely grateful to Laura, younger daughter of parishioners Jim and Joyce Stevenson, who this month kindly shares with us her personal experiences with the Cedar Foundation.

THE CEDAR FOUNDATION – MY EXPERIENCE

Earlier this year I was pleased to learn that the Select Vestry had made a donation to The Cedar Foundation. The aim of Cedar is to deliver a range of services which empower and support people with disabilities to be fully included in their communities.

I have been involved with Cedar since I was 1� years old. I started with The Outlook Programme which gave me confidence to develop my hobbies through support from an outlook worker. This introduced me to a drama group called Mixed Peppers, where all the young actors had a disability but that did not stop us performing at The Lyric Theatre! It was great fun and I made lots of new friends. I then joined the Youth Matters Programme which met every month to go to the cinema, bowling or eating out. We were able to do this by the presence of support workers and volunteers from Cedar. Cedar also ran courses to increase our personal development such as photography, film animation with Cregagh Youth Club and computer skills. I was part of a youth exchange group who visited Holland with 1� other young people plus helpers - this was a brilliant experience! Cedar also ran courses for parents and carers about benefits and independent living.

When I left school at 18, Cedar provided me with a support worker to show me different options and guide me through the transitions process. At the age of �0, I had to leave the Children and Young People’s Service but I am now involved in Cedar Social Networking. We go out once a fortnight and I organise where we are go to by facebooking the other users. We still have some support from the Cedar support staff. I have now just started a two year training course at Cedar which includes computer skills, cookery and work placement.

I have benefitted from The Cedar Foundation so much over many years. They also offer many other services that I haven’t mentioned, such as the Brain Injury Services and the Living Options.

If you want any more information have a look at: www.cedar-foundation.org/

Laura Stevenson

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HERITAGE CHURCHES OF IRELAND – BALLINTOY’S OCEAN PARISH

Ballintoy, on the spectacular coast of Antrim, is one of the most northerly villages in Ireland – a glance at the atlas will show only a few places in Donegal that command a higher latitude. The vista from Ballintoy includes Rathlin Island and the high cliffs of Benbane Head which extend westwards towards the Giant’s Causeway. Set in such a seascape, it’s quite fitting that Ballintoy Parish Church, with a squat bell tower painted brilliant white, should bear a little resemblance to a lighthouse.

The church provides a striking landmark on the approach to Ballintoy from both Ballycastle and Bushmills. It is perched high above the coast on a road that winds steeply downhill to Ballintoy harbour where, in summer, a cosy café provides afternoon teas and ice cream cones to countless day trippers.

The current church was built in 181� and replaced an earlier one that served as a place of refuge for local people during the rebellion of 16�1. The solitude of the church interior is often broken by Atlantic gales that lash the windows and tell of the power and dangers of the adjacent ocean. The churchyard sadly also relates its own story of the toll exacted by the sea in the graves of mariners who rest there. But the church stands out as a wonderful beacon of hope and worship – set on a coastline that provides such a lure to visitors from both home and overseas.

On a very clear day, the view from the church extends to Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre and to the southernmost of the Hebridean islands, Islay and Jura. With binoculars, look out for the large memorial tower on Islay, which commemorates the loss of ships carrying American troops to Europe during the First World War. Further to the right or east can be seen the conical peaks or ‘Paps of Jura’, on the island where the writer George Orwell, author of ‘1984,’ lived for a time towards the end of his life.

The church is within a spectacular walk from the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge which is signposted off the main coast road just outside Ballintoy. A nice excursion is to leave one’s car at the Rope Bridge car park and follow the cliff path to the church and back. This makes for a memorable dander on a summer day, lulled by a symphony of seabirds and surf.

Ivan Maginnis

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BUILDINGS AND MAINTENANCE REPORTRectory Gable Wall: During May, the defective render to the Rectory gable wall was hacked off and the wall plastered, dashed and painted at a cost of £�,00�.

Rectory Boiler: The Rectory boiler had reached the end of its useful life and was running up excessive maintenance bills. In light of this a new high efficiency boiler was installed and the heating controls modified and enhanced, which should lead to a considerable saving in energy costs. These works were carried out during June and the total cost for these works was £�,�90.

Clergy Vestry WHB: During the cold spell in December �010 the only mishap we suffered was frost damage to the Clergy Vestry WHB and associated pipe work. Our insurers have covered most of the repair costs leaving a residual cost to the parish of approximately £1��.

Garden of Rest: Correspondence from the Planning Service has been passed onto the Representative Church Body for their consideration and approval.

Storm Damage to Church Roof: Following the storm damage to the church roof in mid May a large number of slates and some ridge tiles were dislodged. An estimate for repairs (£�,�00) has been sent to our insurers for their consideration.

Choir Vestry Roof: On the weekend of the ��th/�6th June lead covering to the Choir Vestry roof was stolen and associated lead flashings ripped off and damaged. An estimate for replacement and repairs (£8�0) has been sent to our insurers for their consideration. On guidance from our insurers, we may replace the parapet covering and flashings with a lead “look-a-like” material. This material, comprising a thin aluminium layer bonded to a bitumen polymer, has similar properties and cost of lead but no scrap metal value.

Tree Survey: Our insurers have requested that we ascertain the health and structural stability of the trees on our property. To this end a registered Arboriculture Consultant was instructed to prepare a survey and report (£��0). The report and survey have been forwarded to the Planning Service (Tree Preservation) for approval. When we gain approval we will obtain a number of estimates for the works to be carried out. The cost for carrying out these works will be considerable, being in the region of £�,000 – £7,000. A more accurate figure will be available when we have approvals and documentation in place. The report recommended the felling of five trees of various sizes and corrective surgery to seven trees, including the two Austrian pines adjacent to the Rectory.

Jim Stevenson (Rector’s Glebewarden)

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Parishioners will be interested to read the following article from a recent edition of the Church Times concerning The Revd (Captain) Gary Scott whose parents, Paddy and Jim, were members of St. Columba’s before the family moved to Scotland after Jim died. Peter, Gary’s brother, is also a chaplain (Royal Navy), attached to the Royal Marines. Gary returned to St. Columba’s to preach during the Centenary celebrations in 1996.

CAPTAIN AT THE TOP‘He is believed to be the first chaplain ever to come top of the ten week training course for Professionally Qualified Officers (PQQs) at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, in Guilford diocese.

The Revd (Captain) Gary Scott,who is �9, undertook the exclusive course for new British Army Officers who hold professional qualifications such as doctors, lawyers, nurses and clergy. He was ordained into the Scottish Episcopal Church �� years ago and became Chaplain to the Grenadier Guards last October after having completed his basic chaplaincy training. He served with them for three months before going to Sandhurst, and has now returned to the Grenadiers.

The course is based on the Regular Commissioning Course and comprises field training, physical training, weapons training (even though chaplains never bear arms) and drill. It also includes core survival skills, war fighting, peace support, negotiation and media operations. Time is also spent in the classroom learning about global security, leadership psychology and the history of warfare. It culminates in the Passing Out Parade. A formal dinner is held the night before when everyone wears mess kit for the first time and the next day they parade to the music of a military band, led by the parade commander on horseback. Not quite like an ordination but certainly the beginning of a new shape to a vocation.’

HOSPITAL VISITINGThe Clergy would appreciate being informed if parishioners are in hospital, going into hospital, are being transferred or if they have been discharged, and will be pleased to offer them pastoral support. Do not assume they already know the information as situations have occurred recently when they have not been informed. Please telephone the Rector (028 90471514) or the Curate (028 90653370) to enable them to take careful note of the details.

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Once upon a time there was an evil king in Egypt. He wanted his people to be the greatest and the mightiest nation. He noticed that there were a lot of children in Israel. He had fears that Israel would take over Egypt one day...

He gave an order saying, “Every son that is born in Israel has to be cast into the river”.

There was a baby boy born in a Hebrew family. He was put in a basket in the reeds in the Nile river. His sister stayed to watch the basket to see what would happen to him.

The daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river. When she saw the basket, she sent her maiden to get it. The baby was crying. She knew that it was one of Hebrews’ children, but she wanted to keep him. She named the child Moses.

Colour in baby Moses in the reeds.

Children’s Page!

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THE TRAIN JOURNEYA few years ago a pastor was travelling by train in the Soviet Union. He got talking to the man sharing his compartment and soon the conversation turned to God. The pastor listened patiently as the other man extolled the logic of atheism and mocked his faith in God. When the pastor tried to talk about Jesus, the atheist grew very angry.

The pastor then left the compartment for a few minutes and on his return found that his Bible was missing. The atheist was just closing the window. The pastor was deeply hurt to lose his Bible and the journey concluded in stony silence.

A few months later, a stranger from a little distance away called on the pastor. He wanted to be baptised. Startled, the pastor asked why his own church had not baptised him. “There are no Christians and no church in my village,” said the man. “But I have read my Bible and I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and I want to be baptized and follow him.”

The pastor was astonished. “If you know no Christians, how did you even get hold of a Bible?”

The man paused. “You aren’t going to believe this,” he said, “but God sent it to me direct. Some months ago I was working as a builder near a railway track when, as the train went by, a book came flying out the window and landed in the dust near to me. It was a Bible! I started to read it out of curiosity, and then I could not put it down. Through it I have found God.”

The pastor had no trouble in believing that a Bible had flown out of a train window. He rejoiced that it had landed at the man’s feet. He baptized the man, who returned to his village brimming with enthusiasm. He shared his faith with his neighbours. Soon a little group of believers was formed and began to grow. And all because of a thrown-away Bible.

The atheist would be mortified to find out what he had started when he threw the Bible out of the train that day!

Children’s Page!

�6 �7

THE FLYING ANGEL CENTREAs autumn approaches once again, we begin to think of the long winter evenings and where we might sign up to expand our knowledge of unknown subjects.

Instead of sitting in a classroom or in front of a computer - surely we do enough of that at work? - what about meeting new people in a more relaxed and sociable setting?

Have you ever thought of volunteering? - involving an evening or two a month in pleasant surroundings with an opportunity to meet visitors from abroad!

The Mission To Seafarers urgently needs to expand its pool of volunteers to help in a number of ways:

Staffing the Centre at Princes Dock Street: Evenings 6.�0 - 10.�0pm. Join a rota of drivers on call to provide transport as required (using a Mission vehicle) from the shipping berths to the Centre - most important on dark, wet evenings. Help with Fund Raising. Publicise the work that the Mission does in the Port of Belfast worldwide. Help with routine maintenance and running repairs at the Centre e.g. electrics, plumbing, decoration etc.

Every year since it opened in Belfast over 1�0 years ago, the Mission has provided a place of safety, hospitality, practical help, advice and the means of maintaining contact with families in so many countries. Seafarers are, on average, away from their homes for eight months at a time so family contact is vital even in today's 'high tech' society.

COULD YOU HELP?

Please contact the Chaplain, The Revd Colin Hall – Thompson, at the Centre in Princes Dock Street ( beside the Port Gates) during office hours – Tel: 02890 751131, or Geoff and Eleanor Launchbury at 02890 281204 (evenings - except Thursday - we are at the Centre then).

••

•••

�6 �7

ON THE HAZARDS OF THE LATE SUMMER PICNIC (Letter from the Reverend Eustace to his nephew Darren)

The RectorySt. James the Least of All

My dear Nephew Darren

It was lovely to see you and your curate friends last week when you came for your

late summer picnic in the countryside. I was delighted you said that you were

bringing Chardonnay but somewhat disconcerted to discover that what I assumed

would be coming in bottles, arrived in a pink track suit. I had the white wine glasses

all ready. I presume your baptismal register is full of Claret Smiths, Burgundy Jones

and Beaujolais Browns.

I was saddened to see that almost all of the group were wearing hearing aids and

assumed it must be a consequence of spending so much time with your noisy

“music groups” in church. It was only when one of your friends asked me why I was

bellowing at them that I discovered that their hearing was perfect and they were

listening to music. How you manage to fit sets of records into one of those little

machines, let alone squeeze in a turntable, is beyond me! And why call them eye-

pods when they fit into your ear?

On another occasion, do remind your friends that a farmer’s field differs from an

inner city park. Fields do not have benches, let alone picnic tables. Power points for

electric kettles and mobile phone chargers are not in every field corner. You sit on

the grass and accommodate yourself amongst the sheep droppings. I know it will

come as a surprise to some of your group but farm animals are not trained to visit

lavatories.

Neither are fields centrally heated. We have what are called hats, coats and scarves

when enjoying the open air – anyway, it was not cold, it was bracing. And do

remember that barbed wire has that name for a reason. Brandon’s left jacket pocket

can be retrieved from the fence next time he visits. In our villages, we tend to think

of the dreadful dangers lurking in inner city streets but apparently they are nothing

compared with the endless hazards you encounter in the countryside.

I was sorry that the day ended so abruptly. When I got one of our local farmers to

let you use his field it never occurred to me that he should be asked to clear it of

his stock. I fully realise that the nearest your urban colleagues will have got to a

sheep will have been in a supermarket among the lamb chops wrapped in cling film,

but the panic that spread through them when the flock ambled over to see if they

might be treated to the odd sandwich or two was something to behold! Sheep are

perfectly amiable, they are most unlikely to trample you under foot and I have never

known anyone torn limb from limb by a crazed ewe. That sort of behaviour is only

to be found at church jumble sales. But it was your loss. It allowed me to finish off

the picnic with my own Chardonnay which was rather more elegantly clad in green

glass – and your killer sheep thoroughly enjoyed the chocolate cake!

Your loving uncle,

Eustace

�8 �9

THE GARGOYLES ON THE TOWERS

The gargoyles on the towers Of England’s ancient towns,

Downward gaze From olden days

With never changing frowns.

Once gargoyles on the towers Of our ancient buildings fair,

Monks they saw And peasants poor

From high up in the air.

Spied gargoyles on the towers In the time of Good Queen Bess,

Merchant Guilds And tradesmen skilled

In brightly coloured dress.

And gargoyles on the towers When Queen Victoria reigned,

Progress saw But, to be sure

Their faces still looked pained.

The gargoyles on the towers See the present age has come,

Trucks and cars And all-night bars,

No wonder they look glum!

Nigel Beeton (following a visit to Oxford)

Man’s last great challenge

The Summer Barbecue

DATES FOR

YOUR DIARY

Saturday, 10th September

All Ages Sponsored Walk

(Comber Greenway)

followed by BBQ

at St. Columba’s

Sunday, 2nd October

Parish Harvest Lunch

Friday, 18th November

Parish Wine Tasting

Friday, 8th June 2012

Parish Dinner and Auction

of Talents, Stormont Hotel

Watch this space for

further details!

�8 �9

OCTOBER MAGAZINEPlease note, any articles or photographs for publication in the October parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor by 6.00pm at latest on Sunday, 11th September.

Many thanks

FROM THE REGISTERSOur Joys

Holy Baptism Sunday �rd July Rafferty George Scott

�7� Upper Newtownards Road

Sunday �rd July Rebecca Celine Morgan

�9 Marina Park

Sunday 7th August Ruby Josephine Corrin

89 Knockwood Park

Marriage Saturday �0th July Andrew Alan Fee with Amanda Sarah Young

8� Portmuck Road �� Kingsway Park

Islandmagee

Our Sorrows

Christian Burial

Friday 1st July June Louise Taylor

Strathearn Court, formerly of 1 Knocktern Gardens

Tuesday 19th July Samuel Robert Scott

�1 Kingsdale Park

FLOWER ROTA FOR SEPTEMBERSunday 4th .............................................................................Dianne Gibson

Sunday 11th ...........................................................................Caroline Auchmuty

Sunday 18th ...........................................................................Paddy Nesbitt

Sunday 25th ........................................................................... -

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SUNDAY10.30am Sunday School

(2nd, 4th, 5th Sundays)Bubbles (3-5 years) Louise Craig 90�7��1� Patricia Wilson 90�01066Splash (5-8 years) Joyce Stephenson 90�8��81X-treme (8-11 years) Alan Boyd 078�� �919��The Grid (11 years +) Beth Cairnduff 9087�0�7

8.00pm Beatitudes ChoirDavid Beattie 907971��

MONDAY2.00pm Ladies BowlingPhyllis Newton 90�8�11�

2.30p.m. Afternoon Group (2nd Monday)May Preston 90�8988�

7.30pm Men’s ClubGeoff Launchbury 90�81�01

TUESDAY10.30am Ladies BadmintonEithne Hobson 9079779�

2.00pm Ladies BadmintonKyleen Clarke 907971��

8.00pm Mothers’ Union (1st Tuesday)Sandra Lowe 908087��

8.00pm Activity Group (except 1st Tuesday)Maureen Irwin 9079�1��

WEDNESDAY7.30pm Bible Study Group Trevor Buchanan 906�7697

7.45pm Ladies Guild (3rd Wednesday)Lilias Smith 90�9�0�9

8.00pm Senior Badminton ClubJill Spratt 077�� �0��11

THURSDAY 9.30am Art ClubBob Killen 90790�10

7.30pm Senior Badminton ClubJill Spratt 077�� �0��11

7.45pm Choir PracticeGerald Hill 90���101

FRIDAY9.45am Mums & TotsAnne Clarke 906�1�1�

3.45-5pm Toddler Mini Soccer 3-5yrsTim Wareing 077�0 1�0788

6.30pm DovesKaren McAlpine 90����90

6.30pm BrowniesBeth Cairnduff 9087�0�7

8.30pm H2OMark Wilson 907610�0

Young Families Group (Social events as arranged)The Rector 90�71�1�

PARISH ORGANISATIONSSOMETHING FOR YOU?

Please note, requests for the occasional use of Church premises must first be submitted to the Premises Convenor, Alan Rogers, on 90656183

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WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBA’SPARISH WEBSITE: www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.org

RECTORThe Revd John R. AuchmutySt. Columba’s Rectory�9 King’s RoadBT� 6JGTel 028 90471514 Email [email protected]

CURATE The Revd Robert FerrisThe Curatage� Sandown Park SouthBT� 6HETel 028 90653370Email [email protected] [email protected]

PARISH READERKaren McAlpine10 Old Quay CourtHolywoodBT18 OHTTel 028 90424390

DIOCESAN LAY READER (EMERITUS)Bryn Harris�� Dalton GladeGlen RoadComberBT�� �SZTel 028 91878816

RECTOR’S CHURCHWARDENJill Gillespie� Cairnburn CrescentBT� �HUTel 028 90769508

PEOPLE’S CHURCHWARDENRonny Martin1� Cyprus GardensBT� 6FBTel 028 90654301

RECTOR’S GLEBEWARDENJim Stevenson�� Casaeldona RiseBT6 9RATel 028 90583381Mob 07973 392448

PEOPLE’S GLEBEWARDENJohn Proctor1� Richhill ParkBT� 6HGTel 028 90870526Mob 07989 469773

SELECT VESTRYRector, Curate, Churchwardens, Glebewardens, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Asst. Hon. Treasurer, Brian Acheson, Helen Donaghy, Victor Dukelow, Patrick Good, Jennifer Johnston, Elizabeth Leonard, Moranne Noad, Roberta Rogers, Linda Wilson

HON. SECRETARY & PREMISES CONVENORAlan Rogers�0 Cabin Hill GardensBT� 7AQTel 028 90656183Email [email protected]

HON. TREASURERGillian Sadlier70 Kensington RoadBT� 6NGTel 028 90403278

ASST. HON. TREASURER/GIFT AID SECRETARY/FREE WILL OFFERINGMurray Hunter1� Knockdarragh ParkBT� �LETel 028 90761295

PAROCHIAL NOMINATORSTrevor BuchananPatrick GoodElizabeth LeonardMoranne Noad

DIOCESAN SYNOD MEMBERSVictor DukelowPatrick GoodElizabeth LeonardMoranne NoadRoss Thompson

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ORGANIST AND CHOIRMASTERGerald Hill6 The CoachesBrown’s Brae, Croft RoadHolywoodBT18 OLETel 028 90422101

ASSISTANT ORGANISTBrian Clements1�0 Sandown RoadBT� 6GXTel 028 90793641

READERS & INTERCESSORS CO-ORDINATORMuriel Arndell18 Kinedar CrescentBT� �LYTel 028 90655500

SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA CO-ORDINATORRosemary Coffey�� Thornyhill RoadKillinchyBT�� 6SJTel 028 97542198

CRÈCHE ROTA CO-ORDINATORSuzanne Allen9 Cabin Hill GardensBT� 7APTel 028 90653511

MAGAZINE EDITORIan Noad�6 Shandon ParkBT� 6NXTel 028 90793704Email [email protected]

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTOR CO-ORDINATORJohn HollandGreengraves Cottage8 Ballyrogan Park, NewtownardsBT�� �SDTel 028 91814036

PARISH WEBMASTERIvan Roche�9 Richhill ParkBT� 6HG Tel 028 95140141Email [email protected]

C of I GAZETTE DISTRIBUTORRuth Pugh1�7A King’s RoadBT� 7EGTel 028 90483459

BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP NOTESEvan Preston1� Carrowreagh GardensDundonaldBT16 ITWTel 028 90489884

CHURCH FLOWERSPaddy Nesbitt�0 Knockhill ParkBT� 6HYTel 028 90650716

SAFEGUARDING TRUST The Rector, Select Vestry and Parish Leaders are committed to upholding good practice in the parish’s ministry with children and young people. Should you have cause for concern or suspicion regarding child welfare in the parish, please contact a member of the Parish Panel below, or any of the statutory agencies.

The Rector 0�8 90�7 1�1� Patrick Good 0�8 906� 6908 Elizabeth Leonard 0�8 906� �16�

ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH OFFICEOffice Hours

Wednesday & Friday 8.�0am – 1.�0pmParish Secretary: Janet Johnston

Tel 028 90656891Email [email protected]