Post No. 77 - Trinity XIV, Vocations Sunday - 13th September

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Online worship is available here by 11.00am on Sundays and Wednesdays. (Please note that Internet service disruption can cause delay.) For the diocesan website, visit www.downanddromore.org.

Welcome to Sunday worship from St John's, Newcastle, on this the Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity, Vocations Sunday. Today’s post takes the form of six audio worship recordings.

NOTICE

The Easter General Vestry could not be held this year due to coronavirus restrictions, but following the easing of those restrictions, we have been instructed by the central church to hold a General Vestry meeting in the first half of October. The Select Vestry has decided that the General Vestry will be held on Monday 12th October at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall (main hall). This will be provided that there are no new prohibitive restrictions introduced by the Northern Ireland government. Because of existing coronavirus regulations, numbers will be limited to 30 and places should be pre-registered.

If you do not have any Covid-19 symptoms and wish to attend the General Vestry meeting, please observe the following basic steps:

  • Telephone or text me at 07930-256564 during the week to register your intention. If I don't answer, please don't leave a voice message but ring again later, in order to avoid any confusion. If contacting me by text message, please await a confirmation reply from me.

  • Bring a note with your name and contact details, for 'track & trace'.

  • Observe 2-metre social distancing on church property.

  • Note the Church of Ireland's strong recommendation to wear face coverings during services. This is also to be taken as applying to Vestry meetings.

    Ian M. Ellis

    Rector

ORDER OF SERVICE

The Canticle, Jubilate

Scripture Reading, Colossians Ch 3, verses 12-17, read this week by Liz Byrne

Hymn 639 - O thou who camest from above

Reflection and Prayer

Hymn 636 - May the mind of Christ my Saviour

The Lord’s Prayer and Blessing

Post No. 75 - Trinity XIII - Sunday 6th September

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Online worship is available here by 11.00am on Sundays and Wednesdays. (Please note that Internet service disruption can cause delay.) For the diocesan website, visit www.downanddromore.org.

Welcome to Sunday worship from St John's, Newcastle, on this the Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity. Today’s post takes the form of six audio worship recordings.

ORDER OF SERVICE

The Canticle, Te Deum (Part 2)

Scripture Reading, Matthew 18: 15-20, read this week by Jenny Constable

Hymn 618 - Lord of all hopefulness

Reflection and Prayer

Hymn 629 - Abide among us with thy grace

The Lord’s Prayer and Blessing

Post No. 74 - Wednesday 2nd September

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Posts here every Sunday and Wednesday by 11.00am. (Please note that Internet service disruption can cause delay.) For the diocesan website, visit www.downanddromore.org.

From the Church of Ireland

Post No 72.jpg

Police are warning the public to be vigilant after more than £80,000 was lost in a spate of scams reported in Northern Ireland.

Scammers employed a variety of means to swindle their victims. Some were cold-called at home by people claiming to be from an online retailer who were told they needed to make a payment. Others reported being threatened with arrest due to an outstanding fine or warrant.

One victim reported being swindled out of £40,000 in an online romance scam.

Another victim was duped by someone claiming to be from a telecommunications company who told them they would receive a refund of £400. While they did received the £400, unfortunately £15,000 was also taken from their account.

Another victim who had bought items for their business online reported losing £11,000. Another report saw a victim lose £16,000 in an online financial scam. Other amounts reported as being lost range from £34 to £2,200.

Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said: "As these reports show, there is no let-up from scammers who will do whatever they can to con people out of their hard earned money. Scammers don’t care who their victim is, they just want their money and will employ whatever tactic is necessary.

"While some of the losses reported to us this week involved significant sums of money to much smaller sums, we understand that any amount of money lost to a scammer is a horrible experience for anyone.

"The threat of fraud, both online and offline, against the public is a constant focus for us and I want to take this opportunity to again appeal to people that on no account should anyone disclose their personal or financial details over the phone; always err on the side of caution.

"Scammers are creative and will do whatever they can to con people out of money.

"It’s also important that if you have older members of family, talk with them and tell them legitimate providers will never seek their personal details, such as banking information, over the phone. This is a really important conversation to have.

"Guarding your personal and banking details is essential. Never disclose them to any unauthorised person."

Any resident of Northern Ireland who is concerned that they have been a victim of a scam either report the matter to Action Fraud via their website www.actionfraud.police.uk or by phoning 0300 123 2040. Police can be contacted on the non-emergency number 101 or you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport

The Church of Ireland is supporting the Scamwise NI campaign through the Church Leaders' Group.

For further advice and information, visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the Scamwise NI Facebook page @scamwiseni. Scamwise NI has recently issued some helpful videos which show how these type of scams can take place and the terrible impacts for the victims.

The Church Leaders Group comprises the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic Primates of All Ireland, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, and the President of the Irish Council of Churches.

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From the Rector

DEVOTIONAL

Scriptural Reflection

Hymn 611 - Christ be beside me

The Blessing

Post No. 73 - Trinity XII - Sunday 30th August

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Online worship is available here by 11.00am on Sundays and Wednesdays. (Please note that Internet service disruption can cause delay.) For the diocesan website, visit www.downanddromore.org.

Welcome to Sunday worship from St John's, Newcastle, on this the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity. Today’s post takes the form of six audio worship recordings.

ORDER OF SERVICE

The Canticle, Glory and Honour

Scripture Reading, Matthew 16: 21-28, read this week by Jillian Aulds

Hymn 606 - As the deer pants for water

Reflection and Prayer

Hymn 601 - Teach me, my God and King

The Lord’s Prayer and Blessing

Post No. 72 - Wednesday 26th August

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Posts here every Sunday and Wednesday by 11.00am. (Please note that Internet service disruption can cause delay.) For the diocesan website, visit www.downanddromore.org.

From the Rector

DIOCESAN BIBLE WEEK

This year’s Bible Week will be held from Tuesday 1st to Friday 4th September at 7.45 pm in Belfast Cathedral. The event will be live-streamed on the Internet but there is currently a limited number of places available in the cathedral on each night.

Details are available online (https://www.downanddromore.org/news/events/2020/06/bible-week-2020).

DEVOTIONAL

Scriptural Reflection

Hymn 599 - ‘Take up thy cross,’ the Saviour said

The Blessing

Post No. 71 - Trinity XI - Sunday 23rd August

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Following our return to worship in church today, Sunday 23rd August, online worship will continue at this webpage. It will from now be available by 11.00am on Sundays and midweek only on Wednesdays, also by 11.00am. (Please note that Internet service disruption can cause delay.) For the diocesan website, visit www.downanddromore.org.

Welcome to Sunday worship from St John's, Newcastle, on this the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity. Today’s post takes the form of six audio worship recordings. (There may be a pause at the start of an audio.)

ORDER OF SERVICE

The Canticle, Jubilate

Scripture Reading, Matthew 16: 13-20, read this week by Jennifer White

Hymn 596 - Seek ye first the kingdom of God

Reflection and Prayer

Hymn 597 - Take my life, and let it be

The Lord’s Prayer and Blessing

Change of times for posting online worship

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NOTICE

Following our return to worship in church today, Sunday 23rd August, online worship will continue at this webpage but will be available by 11.00am on Sundays and midweek only on Wednesdays, also by 11.00am. If you have logged on today after 10.30am (the usual time until now) and have not found today’s worship, you will need to refresh your browser for the 11.00am worship.

Post No. 70 - Thursday 20th August

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Posts here every Tuesday and Thursday by 12 noon and by 10.30am on Sundays  (Please note that Internet service disruption can cause delay.) For the diocesan website, visit www.downanddromore.org.

From the Rector

2ND UPDATE REGARDING FACE COVERINGS IN CHURCH

Church leaders recommend and encourage wearing face coverings at services

The following statement has been issued by the leaders of the Church of Ireland, the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches in Ireland and the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland:

“At this time, both in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland, the governments have not formally made mandatory the wearing of face coverings at services of worship. This is, in part, due to the fact that as churches we are committed to maintaining 2 metre physical distancing between household groups and strict adherence to all government guidance on hand hygiene, cleaning, ventilation etc.

“It, however, remains our responsibility to ensure that our services of worship are safe places for all who join with us. It has become increasingly clear that the wearing of face coverings, in conjunction with hand washing etc., is likely to reduce the spread of coronavirus, thus helping to protect others. Their use is therefore one way in which we can evidence protection for the most vulnerable, support for our health workers, and practical love for our neighbours.

“Following further recent consultations with public health authorities, we join with Christian church leaders all over this island in formally recommending and encouraging the use of face coverings at all services of worship, along with the ongoing maintenance of 2 metre physical distancing, from Sunday 30th August 2020, and earlier if practicable.

“We understand that some people are exempted from the wearing of face coverings, as outlined in the two jurisdictions.

“We also recognise that whilst it may not be appropriate for those who are leading from the front during worship, including preaching, to wear face coverings, they should at all times continue to maintain at least 2 metre physical distancing from one another, and 4 metre physical distancing from the front row of the congregation.”

Northern Ireland government advice on the wearing of face coverings, including exemptions, is available online (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-face-coverings).

DEVOTIONAL

Scriptural Reflection

Hymn 592 - O Love that wilt not let me go

The Blessing

Post No. 69 - Tuesday 18th August

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Posts here every Tuesday and Thursday by 12 noon and by 10.30am on Sundays  (Please note that Internet service disruption can cause delay.) For the diocesan website, visit www.downanddromore.org.

From the Rector

UPDATE REGARDING FACE COVERINGS IN CHURCH

The Bishop has indicated that he has received the following information from the Health Minister:

“In public places ie a church where two metres social distancing cannot be maintained at all times, it is mandatory to wear a face covering following the latest NI Direct guidance.  Where two metres social distancing can be maintained at all times, not just during the service but on entering and exiting the building, it is not mandatory.”

The Bishop added: “This means that for many of our churches face coverings should be worn.  I am sure however that if there are parishioners who find face coverings claustrophobic and difficult to wear, they may if they wish remove them while not moving around and two metres socially distanced from others.”

DEVOTIONAL

Scriptural Reflection

Hymn 585 - Jesus, good above all other

The Blessing

Post No. 68 - Trinity X - Sunday 16th August

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Posts here every Tuesday and Thursday by 12 noon and by 10.30am on Sundays  (Please note that Internet service disruption can cause delay.) For the diocesan website, visit www.downanddromore.org.

Welcome to Sunday worship from St John's, Newcastle, on this the Tenth Sunday after Trinity. Today’s post takes the form of six audio worship recordings. (There may be a pause at the start of an audio.)

ORDER OF SERVICE

The Canticle, Te Deum (Part 2)

Scripture Reading, Matthew 15: 10-28, read this week by Rosemarie Armstrong-Woodroffe

Hymn 581 - I, the Lord of sea and sky

Reflection and Prayer

Hymn 583 - Jesu, my Lord, my God, my all

The Lord’s Prayer and Blessing

Post No. 65 - Trinity IX - Sunday 9th August

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Posts here every Tuesday and Thursday by 12 noon and by 10.30am on Sundays  (Please note that Internet service disruption can cause delay.) For the diocesan website, visit www.downanddromore.org.

Welcome to Sunday worship from St John's, Newcastle, on this the Ninth Sunday after Trinity. Today’s post takes the form of six audio worship recordings. (There may be a pause at the start of an audio.)

ORDER OF SERVICE

The Canticle, Glory and Honour

Scripture Reading, Matthew 14: 22-33, read this week by Gill Gleghorn

Hymn 576 - I heard the voice of Jesus say

Reflection and Prayer

Hymn 567 - Forth, in thy name, O Lord, I go

The Lord’s Prayer and Blessing

ANNOUNCEMENT - Return to public worship on Sunday 23rd August - Please see details in our previous Post (Post No. 64, dated 6th August and updated regarding face coverings today, 9th August). The updated section reads: “Current NI government guidance indicates that face covering regulations do not require face coverings to be mandatory ‘in a place where there are ticketing or appointments systems in place’. Attendance at our worship will be by appointment (see above and summary below [in Post No. 64]) and arrangements will be in place to ensure 2-metre social distancing. Any further relevant updates on this of which we are aware will be included on this webpage in subsequent Posts.”

Post No. 64 - Thursday 6th August

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Posts here every Tuesday and Thursday by 12 noon and by 10.30am on Sundays  (Please note that Internet service disruption can cause delay.) For the diocesan website, visit www.downanddromore.org.

From the Rector

Return to services in St John’s on Sunday 23rd August

(Updated on 9th August regarding face covering regulations)

Dear Parishioners,

At a meeting of the Select Vestry on 4th August, it was decided to return to worship in church on Sunday 23rd August, although in a very limited way and in accordance with all relevant regulations. No parishioner should feel under any pressure to attend, however, as many people remain genuinely wary of the public health situation.

The details that I set out below will be delivered to parishioners’ homes in a letter delivered by magazine distributors and other helpers. Please read that letter also as it contains some further details.

The vestry decided that because there has to be a deep cleaning of premises if different groups use them within 72 hours, we will only have one service on Sundays until further notice. It was also decided by the vestry that there will be no Sunday service in St Colman's for the time being as it will be used for any weekday weddings or funerals.

The form of service will be:

1st & 3rd Sundays of the month: Holy Communion

2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays of the month: Morning Prayer

According to guidelines, these will be shorter, said services with no choir or congregational singing, although recorded music will be played. The services will last approximately 30 minutes.

Following relevant requirements, the select vestry has placed a limit of 32 members of the congregation. Therefore, all attending are asked telephone me at 07930-256564 during the week before attending. If you hear the answering service, please do not leave a message, but try again later. This is to avoid confusion in organising numbers.

Once the limit of 32 has been reached, I will create a rota so that those who contact me after 32 people have already done so can be accommodated on a following Sunday. This is to try to ensure that no one will come to church only to be turned away.

From and including Sunday 23rd August, Internet worship at this webpage will continue on Sundays by 11am but midweek only on Wednesdays by 12 noon.

When coming to church, please bring a note with your name and contact details. This note is to be left in a box at the door on your way out, for 'track and trace' purposes if required. There will also be retiring collections only.

Current NI government guidance indicates that face covering regulations do not require face coverings to be mandatory “in a place where there are ticketing or appointments systems in place”. Attendance at our worship will be by appointment (see above and summary below) and arrangements will be in place to ensure 2-metre social distancing. Any further relevant updates on this of which we are aware will be included on this webpage in subsequent Posts.

Two-metre social distancing will be possible in church. However, there will be hand sanitising gel, tissues as well as face coverings available at church.

Clergy are required to wear a face covering at certain points of services. Accordingly, I will wear a visor for the parts of the service where it is necessary. At Holy Communion services, there will be no exchange of the Peace.

So, if you do not have any Covid-19 symptoms and are planning to come to church, please observe the following basic steps:

  • Telephone me at 07930-256564 during the week to register your intention. If I don't answer, please ring again later rather than leaving a message, in order to avoid any confusion.

  • Bring a note with your name and contact details.

  • Observe 2-metre social distancing on church property

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at church over the coming weeks.

Yours sincerely,

Ian M. Ellis

Rector

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DEVOTIONAL

Scriptural Reflection

Hymn 224 - How deep the Father’s love for us

The Blessing

Post No. 62 - Trinity VIII - Sunday 2nd August

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Posts here every Tuesday and Thursday by 12 noon and by 10.30am on Sundays  (Please note that Internet service disruption can cause delay.) For the diocesan website, visit www.downanddromore.org.

Welcome to Sunday worship from St John's, Newcastle, on this the Eighth Sunday after Trinity. Today’s post takes the form of six audio worship recordings. (There may be a pause at the start of an audio.)

ORDER OF SERVICE

The Jubilate

Scripture Reading, Matthew 14: 13-21, read this week by Liz Byrne

Hymn 549 - Dear Lord and Father of Mankind

Reflection and Prayer

Hymn 553 - Jesu, lover of my soul

The Lord’s Prayer and Blessing