Kiwoko Hospital is very close to our hearts in St Johns here in Newcastle and another organisation which raises funds for the hospital is The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust which is based in The Ulster Hospital, Dundonald. You can read a short extract from the book, about the beginnings of the hospital and then explore tastes of food from all corners of this wonderful world which have been submitted in the recipes from employees in the Trust.
I would like to introduce you all to the ‘TASTE OF THE TRUST’.
All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to Kiwoko Hospital.
This book can be purchased for £10 from Sarah Thornton-Roe. You can text her on 0775 905 8192 to organise collection/delivery of your book.
‘The Bells, The Bells’
Yes, St. Johns Parish Church Newcastle have a peal of beautiful bells, they are in the belfry under the spire and they used to ring out on Sundays, at weddings and also for funerals, we would like to hear the bells again. History lesson alert..……The early missionaries used small hand bells to call people to worship , with bells being introduced into Christian Churches around 400AD. Their adoption on a wide scale did not become apparent until about 550AD, when they were introduced into France and Italy before spreading to Great Britain by monks and friars coming to join religious orders…….end of history lesson :)
We would like to open our doors to anyone in the church or the wider community interested in bell ringing, there needs to be a viable group for this to be possible, please let Rev. Myrtle know of your interest.
The Rock Garden at St John’s
Our ‘Stars on Sunday’ Sunday School group have taken a lot of pleasure out of creating and planting up the little garden beside the Parish Hall, watching the various plants grow over the past few months and seeing God’s wonderful nature at work. Thanks to Mrs Liz Byrne for continuing to maintain the garden through this difficult time in parish life. Well done to our ‘Stars on Sunday”!
Liz Byrne June 2020
Re-surfacing of driveway completed at St John’s
We are delighted to confirm that the re-surfacing of the driveway has now been completed at St John’s. This was a major undertaking which also included the installation of new kerbing, raising drains and new topsoil at edge of lawns. Our thanks to the contractor, Peter Sands & Sons Ltd of Newry, for a superb job.
Dennis Constable, June 2020
Spire & Tower Project 2019
The major project to repair the spire and tower was completed just before Christmas 2019. It was an extensive work and all the mortar joints had to be raked out to a specified depth and then refilled. The finial on the top of the spire was replaced and the lightning conductor was re-installed and certified. In addition, vent grids have been inserted either side of the upper spire to provide ventilation and ease condensation problems. The bell platform has been completely refurbished and the six bells have been serviced and certified for use. There is a fresh appearance to the inner entrance to the porch with the removal of the inner door and exposure of the lovely stone work.
With the contractor Johnston Construction on site and a team of experienced builders the opportunity was taken to attend to other defects on the church.
Further electrical work was undertaken and the flood lights that were situated on the church have been removed and three new flood lights are now ground based at the front of the church. Furthermore, new overhead lights have been installed over the front door and side door to the church.
This project would not have been possible without the generous grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the very strong financial support from the Parishioners..
The range of photographs show fully all aspects of the refurbished spire and tower:
Dennis Constable, April 2020
Spire & Tower Project
The major project to repair the spire and tower was completed just before Christmas. It was an extensive work and all the mortar joints had to be raked out to a specified depth and then refilled. The finial on the top of the spire was replaced and the lightning conductor was re-installed and certified. In addition, vent grids have been inserted either side of the upper spire to provide ventilation and ease condensation problems. The bell platform has been completely refurbished and parishioners will note that there is a fresh appearance to the inner entrance to the porch with the removal of the inner door and exposure of the lovely stone work.
With the contractor Johnston Construction on site and a team of experienced builders the opportunity was taken to attend to other defects and the following items were actioned:
Repair and paint all guttering and down pipes
Repair and paint the roof beam support ends
Decorate the wood skirting on the back of the flat roof
All ground drain channels cleaned out
Replace any broken roof tiles
Further electrical work was undertaken and the flood lights that were situated on the church have been removed and three new flood lights are now ground based at the front of the church Furthermore, new overhead lights have been installed over the front door and side door to the church.
The final costings are being finalised and it is anticipated that the project will come within budget, although there will be additional costs for the “extras”.
In closing, my thanks to all Parishioners for your financial support for this project. It would not have been possible without your generosity and patience as the time line was indeed long but National Lottery directives determined this.
Dennis Constable, February 2020
St John's Craft and Chat Update
It has been nice to have a few new members joining us over the last months. One in particular, Rita, has been a great help with her excellent sewing on her machine and also in making us reversible shopping bags to sell at future sales.
Members are busy at present completing items to sell at our Christmas Bazaar and some are also working on individual products.
We are still knitting blankets for the Royal Victoria Hospital both for the Neo Natal Unit and for young children coming out of Surgery.
Any parishioner can make these items and leave them in the church to be included when we make our next donation.
Due to the Christmas and New Year period there will be no meetings from Tuesday 17th December and we will restart Tuesday 14th January.
Everyone welcome.
Wendy Rooney, December 2019
Newcastle Inter-Church Bible Studies
Advent 2019
All meetings at 7.30pm
Wednesday 27th November
St John's Hall
Isaiah Ch. 40
~~~
Wednesday 4th December
Parish Centre, Main Street
Hosea Ch. 11: 1-4
~~~
Wednesday 11th December
Newcastle Methodist Church Hall
Colossians Ch. 1: 15-23.
~~~
Wednesday 18th December
Newcastle Presbyterian Church New Buildings
Luke 2:22-40
UPDATE : St John’s Spire & Tower Appeal
After a considerable time erecting the scaffolding round the spire and tower the work commenced in late June. It is planned to be completed by the end of October and with the good weather the work is progressing as planned.
Centre photograph of the building team and parish convener (L to R) : Pat Johnston (Johnston Construction of Newry), Pat Rafferty, Pete Kelly, Shaun Quinn and Dennis Constable (Parish convener for project)
24 August 2019
PRESS RELEASE
St John’s Church Newcastle celebrates after receiving almost £82,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to assist with the priority essential repairs to the spire and tower of the church.
The Church of Ireland church St John’s Newcastle, situated overlooking the South Promenade has received a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £81,200 to assist with the priority and essential heritage project, to repair the rain water ingress into the spire and tower . This generous grant has be made possible by money raised by National Lottery players and generously supported by the church parishioners
Supported through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project which has now commenced will prevent the constant flow of rain water into the spire and tower of the church. This ingress of water has already created internal damage to the inside of the spire, tower, bell platform and the main entrance to the church. If the problem was not addressed it would have led to a possible collapse of the spire and hence closure of the church. It is planned that the repair project will be completed by the end of October. This will ensure that this important local landmark will be secure for generations to come andvisitors to the town can continue to enjoy it as a backdrop.
St John’s church which dates from 1832 has been part of the Newcastle landscape for nearly 200 years. This repair work will ensure that people will still be able to visit the church and enjoy looking at the heritage and the wonderful stained glass windows. In addition, the church holds many treasures of history that stretch back in Newcastle’s history and which are relevant to many people. The repairs which include the bell tower platform will provide for the church bells, which have been silent for so long, to once again to be rung. The refurbished church will be a pleasant venue for concerts, festivals and other activities.
Commenting on the award the Rector Ian Ellis of St John’s said: “We are thrilled to have received this support with thanks to the National Lottery players and are confident the project will enhance the church and sustain it for the use of all people for the foreseeable future.”
24 August 2019
St John’s church and parish hall will be open for services and events as usual whilst the restoration work is being undertaken on the Spire.
Entrance to the church is through the door on the left hand side of the church building.
Car parking is still available at the rear of the church.
St John’s Summer Fayre
6 July 2.00pm to 4.00pm
at the Parish Hall
SAVE THE DATE!!
Cash for Clothes
Collection date Saturday 29th June 2-4pm
Doing a Spring clean of your wardrobe? Have you unwanted wearable items such as clothes, Shoes, Belts etc?
We are asking Parishioners and their friends to “Bag up” their unwanted items and drop them off at the Church Hall on Saturday 29th June between 2-4pm and these items will be taken to “Cash for Clothes”.
Clothes must be clean and show no signs of damage or stains.
Money raised from this event will be put into Church Funds.
UPDATE : St John’s Spire & Tower Appeal
The spire and tower at St John’s has stood proudly over Newcastle since 1832. However, constant exposure to driving rain, wind and storms has caused significant deterioration to the external and internal structure of the spire and tower. If essential maintenance work is not undertaken now, the church may have to be closed due to health and safety considerations.
The estimated cost of repairs is £143 130. This amount was well beyond what could be raised by parishioners and an application for grant funding was made and was successful through The National Lottery Heritage Fund (LHF) to enable the essential work to take place. Last year, we launched an appeal to raise £50,000 towards the cost of repairs. Select Vestry are delighted to be able to confirm that we have now received cash donations and pledges from parishioners and friends of St John’s for just over £50,500. This has been a tremendous success, in such a short period, and the Select Vestry is grateful for the generous response of so many people.
The application is now being processed and with the essential assistance of the HLF grant it is anticipated that the work will commence on the spire and tower in June and be completed by October.
May 2019
CHARITY LUNCH
TUESDAY
14 MAY 2019
12.00 Noon - 2.00pm
ST JOHN'S PARISH HALL
(behind St John's Church)
THE ROCK, NEWCASTLE
ALL PROCEEDS TO CHRISTIAN AID
Parish Health & Safety Notice
Parishioners are informed that matters relating to Health & Safety should be referred to the rector in the first instance. Parishioners are advised not to undertake any maintenance work on parish premises, however minimal or routine, without prior approval.
May 2019
St John's Craft and Chat Group
The group received a 'thank you' letter following a donation of knitted 'Trauma Teddies' with the following message:
“It was with great pleasure that we received a troop of new recruits in station from yourselves to place in our two fire appliances. We can now report to you that having completed all the necessary background checks and initial training that all the teddies passed with honours and have been placed on standby.
“As you are aware 'Trauma Teddies' are only called upon in the most difficult of circumstances by the most vulnerable of people but we are confident that the comfort that they will bring will carry a small light in the darkest of hours through the kindness of your donation.
“From all the staff at Newcastle Fire and Rescue Station.”
May 2019
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Join us on Thursday 24th January at 7.30pm in St John’s to mark the 2019 week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Everyone is very welcome. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Parish Millennium Room.
Financial Matters
At this time of year, we circulate a donation envelope for Bishops' Appeal for World Development. It is right that we give special thought at this time of the year to supporting charitable work with people in need around the world. Your Bishops' Appeal envelope can be returned on any Sunday in December or to the churchwardens or by post to our honorary treasurer, Mr John Williamson, at 31D Dundrum Road, Newcastle BT33 0BG.
The financing of the Spire renovation is of course in hand, and there was a very generous and swift response from many parishioners towards the costs, together with envisaged funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Not least in order to protect the structure, it is intended that the work will commence once the more extreme winter weather is past and when more favourable outdoor conditions arise. However, the state of our general funds is a different story. Because of their vulnerable state as we approach the end of 2018, the Select Vestry wishes to appeal to parishioners for assistance in that regard.
December 2018
St John's Saturday Indoor Table Sales
Sellable Items required. Please contact 028 4372 4786 for arrangements for collection or drop off in hall on day off Sale.
Volunteers also required for setting up of stalls on a Friday afternoon or selling on the day, and Tea /Coffee servers.
If you wish to volunteer please contact Wendy at the above telephone number.
December 2018
SELECT VESTRY'S END OF YEAR APPEAL 2018
Whilst our focus this year has been directed towards the Spire Appeal, St John's parish is projected to be £4,000 in deficit in its general funds on 31st December 2018. This will mean drawing from our relatively limited reserves of £20,000.
However, in order to be properly solvent, the Select Vestry is required by the Charity Commission of Northern Ireland to have appropriate reserves. Withdrawing £4,000 from those reserves at the end of 2018 would leave us in a very vulnerable financial position.
The Select Vestry therefore asks any parishioner who would wish to make an extra donation to our parish in light of these circumstances to do so by placing it in an envelope marked End of Year Appeal 2018 and handing it to the churchwardens, or by posting a donation for the End of Year Appeal to our honorary treasurer, Mr John Williamson, at 31D Dundrum Road, Newcastle BT33 0BG.
The Select Vestry is concerned about the state of our general funds as well as our standing with the Charity Commission and therefore will greatly appreciate any help to offset our projected deficit.
Ian M. Ellis John Williamson
Rector Hon. Treasurer
December 2018
Christingle
This year, for the first time, there will be a Christingle Service in St John's, on Tuesday 11th December at 7.30pm.
What is Christingle? It is a service traditionally associated with Advent, with the theme being Christ, the Light of the World. That is what 'Christingle' means – 'Christ-light'.
It is a very 'different' kind of service, appealing to young and older parishioners alike.
The celebration is named after the Christingles that are lit during the service (we will have them ready in church). Christingles are made from an orange usually decorated with red tape, sweets and a candle.
Each element of a Christingle has a special meaning and helps to tell the Christian story:
The orange represents the world;
The red ribbon (or tape) symbolises the love and blood of Christ;
The sweets and dried fruit represent all of God’s creations; and
The lit candle represents Jesus’ light in the world.
We hope that you will make a point of coming along to this service, and perhaps will bring some friends with you! It will be open to the whole community and I very much appreciate the help received from Sharon Williamson in making practical arrangements. It will be a new venture and I hope will inspire many people to think more deeply about the important underlying theme, Christ, the light of the world.
The Pantry Foodbank
The Rector writes:
Last month, I attended the Annual General Meeting of the Pantry Foodbank, chaired by Mr Terry Nelson of the Methodist Church. The Pantry Foodbank is a cross-community Christian organization with the mission statement: “With God's help, together, we can make a difference”. In his address at this the fourth AGM, Terry said that over those years the Pantry Foodbank had served 3,100 clients and provided some 31,000 meals. Because demand outdoes resources in terms of actual food, some has to be purchased from funds raised throughout the year, between £200 and £220 is spent each week in this way. Terry said there were three reasons for continued demand: first, the current ethos of austerity; second, changes to the benefits system, in particular the move to Universal Credit; and third, the fact that increasingly people are aware of the Pantry Foodbank. Help which is provided is intended as a stopgap for individuals in need and the organizers do not want to be a cause of dependency on the charity. Clients are helped only after having been properly referred. If anyone wishes to help as a volunteer, the number to call is 07517-766006.
December 2018
Voices of Lecale Charity Concert
2 December 2018
Down Art’s Centre
A lovely way to bring in the festive season.
The Belfast Phoenix Choir 19 October 2018
Book your tickets now!
.
UPDATE : St John’s Spire & Tower Appeal
The spire and tower at St John’s has stood proudly over Newcastle since 1832. However, constant exposure to driving rain, wind and storms has caused significant deterioration to the external and internal structure of the spire and tower. If essential maintenance work is not undertaken now, the church may have to be closed due to health and safety considerations.
The estimated cost of repairs is £169,600. This amount is well beyond what can be raised by parishioners and we have applied for grant funding to enable the essential work to be undertaken. In March, we launched an appeal to raise £50,000 towards the cost of repairs. Select Vestry are delighted to be able to confirm that we have now received cash donations and pledges from parishioners and friends of St John’s for just over £50,500. This has been a tremendous success, in such a short period, and the Select Vestry is grateful for the generous response of so many people.
We are now progressing our application for grant funding, through the HLF to enable additional funds to be secured, to enable the essential maintenance work to be completed. It is hoped that confirmation of the HLF grant will be received by late October.
St John's Summer Extravaganza Parish Fete
Saturday 14 July 2pm to 4pm at the Parish Hall just behind St John's church at the Rock in Newcastle
There will be lots of attractions at this year's extravaganza including barbecue, music by Jazz Jam, stalls, children's activities and teas. Admission is £3 with children free of charge. Canon Ian Ellis would extend a warm welcome to locals and visitors alike. "It's always a highlight of the summer season for means I know many others enjoy the get together and the unbeatable fete atmosphere. It's planned to be both indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so anyone coming along will be able to enjoy the expected good weather to the full. Everyone will be most welcome" said Canon Ellis.
Charity Lunch & Bridge
Mourne Golf Club
Friday 9th March at 12.30
Subscription: £10.00 per person
Pre-entry please to:
annedavey@gmail.com or tel. 028 4372 3223
All proceeds to MYMY and The Food Bank
Your support would be greatly appreciated.
***** Afternoon Tea & Craft Fair *****
Saturday 31st March 1.30-5.00pm in Parish Hall behind St John's Church
Afternoon Tea £5.00 (includes Tea breads, scone with jam and cream,buns/biscuits)
For Craft Table booking contact Jennifer on 028-4372 2101 or Wendy on 028- 4372 4786
Craft table £15.00
Parish Harvest Lunch
Sunday 8th October at 12.15pm in St John's Hall
Menu
Main Course
Homemade Vegetable Soup or
Homemade Beef Stew
Served with a Selection of Rustic Bread
Dessert
Apple Pie or Pavlova
Served with Fresh Cream or Ice Cream
Tickets: Adults £10 per person ~ Children 3+ yrs £5 per child
Contact Liz Byrne 07801-968218
Those attending may bring wine if they so wish.
New Lay-Out in Car Park
Please note that due to the 'blind' nature of the exits from the choir robing room and clergy vestry at either side of St John's, the Select Vestry decided that a new lay-out was necessary in order to avoid any risk of a child or adult exiting from either door being accidentally knocked down by a passing car. At the time of writing, a barrier is to be erected outside each door.
At the choir robing room side of the church, the Select Vestry decided that the current parking lay-out has been unsatisfactory. Also for health & safety reasons, space has to be made to allow a fire engine vehicle to pass from the front of the church right to the Parish Hall.
These are important health and safety measures. The cost of the changes has been £400.00 and the Select Vestry has suggested that parishioners may wish to consider contributing towards this cost. If you wish to make a donation towards the work, please place it in an envelope marked 'Health & Safety Donation', and give it to the churchwardens or deliver to the Rectory. Cheques should be made out to 'St John's Church'. Every assistance with this will be very much appreciated
Table Sales
Sellable new and used goods to re-stock the St John's Saturday Morning Club's tables at their forthcoming sales.
Contact 028-4372 2101 if local collection is required, or speak to George Hanna.
Bible Week 2017
Accept No Imitations
Exploring some of the passages that inspired the Reformation
TUES 29TH AUGUST – FRIDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER
Shankill Parish Church, Lurgan, 7.45pm
Led by Bishop Greg Venables, Primate of the Anglican Church of South America
Summer Extravaganza - Grand Raffle Prizewinners
1. J. Reynolds - Wadsworth voucher
2. Mrs A. Moore - Hand stitched picture by Vikki
3. Mrs E. McGowan - Mulberry Tree voucher
4. A .Scullion - Bottle of Pimms
5. Mrs M. Aquilina - Downpatrick & Co Railway Family voucher
6. Mrs M. Cash - Bottle of champagne
7. A. Kerr - Alicia Hair Salon voucher
8. Mrs F. Gilmore - Kilmegan Cider presentation set
9. Mrs J. Constable - Dove gift set
10. Mrs G. Lappin - Bayliss mens gift set
Summer Extravaganza 8 July 2017
'Stars on Sunday' Sunday School Prizegiving June 2017
Canon Ian Ellis, Rector, Mrs Liz Byrne, Sunday School Superintendent and the children from 'Stars on Sunday' at the annual prize giving on Sunday 25 June 2017.
Summer Daily Opening Times - St John's
From June to September, St John's church will usually be open to the public every day, from approx 2.30pm to 4.30pm, to allow visitors to view the historic interior of the church, or, to simply enjoy a period of quiet reflection or prayer. Why not come and visit us! Everyone is most welcome.
Flowers for the Holy Table
The Friends of St Johns who organise the provision of flowers to complement our beautiful church would like to draw parishioners attention to the flower list which is just inside the inner porch, on the left, opposite the hymn book shelves. This is a list inviting parishioners to provide flowers for the Holy Table. Some of you may have noticed that a new 'header' has been placed on the list - this is a beautifully worked cross-stitch completed by Vikki Methven and the Friends thank Vikki very much for this. This 'header' replaces the original art work completed by the late Aimee Bailey which mysteriously disappeared some weeks ago. Strangely, one set of nativity figures also disappeared around Christmas-time 2016! We would like to thank those who already provide flowers both for the large brass bowl and the Holy Table and would welcome additions to the rota, so please do add your name at some convenient date, perhaps at an anniversary.
Barbra Robb June 2017
EASTER GENERAL VESTRY 2017 ELECTION RESULTS
Parochial Nominators
Jennifer White, Brigid McCaw, George Hanna, Pat Preston
Supplementary Parochial Nominators
Heather McClelland, Audrey Briggs, Dennis Constable, Barbara Robb
Diocesan Synod Representatives
Audrey Briggs, Sharon Williamson
Churchwardens & Glebewardens
Alan Byrne (Rector's Churchwarden)
Noela Abou Saleh (Peoples' Churchwarden)
Dennis Constable (Rector's Glebewarden)
Ronnie Aulds (People's Glebewarden)
Select Vestry
The Churchwardens and Glebewardens, with Audrey Briggs, Eric Cullen, Barbra Gibson (Hon. Secretary), George Hanna, Freda Magee, Brigid McCaw, Heather McClelland, Pat Preston, Barbara Robb, Jennifer White, John Williamson (Hon. Treasurer)
1/5/17
Confirmation 2017
If any parishioner would like to be confirmed by the Bishop later this year, please let me know as soon as possible. (No date has been fixed as yet.) - Ian M. Ellis, Rector (tel. 028-4372 2439)
1/3/2017
St John's Tower & Spire
A report which was commissioned by the Select Vestry on the condition of St John's tower and spire has been supplied to us by surveyor Chris McCollum. The work done recently on the tower and roof was both necessary and important but circumstances led to us realising that there might be further difficulties. Unfortunately, this was confirmed by Mr McCollum and we were told in his report that major work is needed which could cost in the region of £150,000. This is, of course, a very serious situation for the parish. However, Mr McCollum has indicated that major work need not start for several years but that, in the meantime, temporary work will be required, which should cost in the region of £3,000. The Select Vestry has decided to proceed with the temporary work and at the February meeting will address the matter of a major, medium-term work project. It is anticipated that grants could be available to cover a substantial part of the eventual major repair and restoration work.
1/2/2017
New Catering Committee
The Select Vestry has appointed Jennifer White as convener of a new Catering Committee. Jennifer will gather together names of anyone willing to help with catering and if any parishioner would like to help with this, please let her know (tel. 028 4372 3944).
1/2/2017
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service
It was good to welcome the clergy and members of other parishes and congregations in Newcastle to St John's for the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service on 24th January. This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, Martin Luther having famously nailed his theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg in 1617. Divisions in the Church do not arise lightly but, when they do, it is important to try to recover that lost ground of unity
1/2/2017
Grand Christmas Raffle 2016 Prizewinners
1st Outdoor Family Portraid, Ronnies Studios - Kayla Storey
2nd Europa Hotel, One night B&B for Two - John Reynolds
3rd Hand Stitched Picture by Vikki Methven - Kathryn Lawson
4th Enniskeen Hotel Afternoon Tea for Two - Tony McKibben
5th Bottle of Champagne - Liz Nixon
6th Bottle of Spirits - Jack & Rena Hughes
7th Hand-baked Luxury Christmas Cake - Valerie Kelly
8th Voucher for Niki's Cafe - Johnny Hewitt
9th Gift Set from Aspire Beauty Salon - Isobel Richardson
10th Fruit Basket, Hales Fruit Sales- Jessica Moore
11th Bayliss Gift Set - Katherine Pinkerton
12th Box of Chocolates - Ann & Tony Cotton
13th Bottle of Wine - Lynn Cullen
Church Cleaning - Volunteers Needed!
We are very fortunate to have a beautiful Church and modern Parish Hall, but we do need to undertake the occasional ‘deep clean’ to ensure that our premises are maintained to a high standard.
Volunteers are needed to create a team of Parishioners who would be able to undertake periodic cleaning of the Church and Parish Hall.
If you would like to join the team, or require more information, please contact Sharon Williamson on 07735-373068.
Parish Harvest Lunch 9 October 2016
at 12.15pm in Parish Hall after Harvest Thanksgiving Service
Menu
Main Course
Homemade Vegetable Soup
or
Homemade Beef Stew
Served with a Selection of Rustic Bread
Dessert
Apple Pie or Pavlova
Served with Fresh Cream or Ice Cream
Tickets: Adults £10 per person~ Children 3+ yrs £5 per child
Contact Liz Byrne 07801-968218
Those attending may bring wine if they so wish.
Invitation to Ordination of Suzanne Cousins 4 September 2016
Down & Dromore Bible Week 2016
30 August 2016 to 2 September 2016
The diocese’s 10th Annual Bible Week will be held each evening at 7.45pm from 30th August – 2nd September in Willowfield church, Belfast.
The speaker in 2016 will be the Revd Dr Iain Provan who has been the Marshall Sheppard Professor of Biblical Studies at Regent College, Vancouver, since 1997. He will take as his theme, 'The Big Picture: Reading the Bible for All That’s There'.
Prayer ministry will also be available every night.
Programme
Tuesday 30 August – In the Beginning and Now: God Creates (Psalm 104: 24–35)
Wednesday 31 August – Of Covenants and Promises: God Commits (2 Samuel 7: 4–16)
Thursday 1 September – Of Evil and Suffering: God Saves (Psalm 73: 1–14)
Friday 2 September – A Holy People: God Calls (Isaiah 42: 1–9)
Mothers' Union Notes - June 2016
Saturday 4th June was our annual outing, this year to the Enniskeen Hotel for a beautiful lunch followed by a walk around the gardens for those that so wished. Nineteen members were made welcome by Eileen and all enjoyed the fun and friendship in a very relaxed atmosphere. The weather was beautiful and this rounded off a very successful year for St. John's Mothers' Union.
This year Mothers' Union is 140 years old (130 years in Ireland) and members have been lights in the world as they have shared the love of God through their witness and service. We remember with gratitude God’s blessings through the years, and those who have gone before us, but we would also want to celebrate our current achievements and look to the future with faith.
Diary
September – Area Opening Service (Date and venue to be confirmed)
We wish you all a safe and happy Summer break and look forward to seeing you all again in September.
Audrey Briggs
Link Missionaries June 2016
The Select Vestry recently agreed that we enter into a mission link with the Revd Keith Scott and his wife Lyn who will be returning to work with the Church Mission Society Ireland in the Diocese of Northern Zambia. They were partner missionaries with us some years ago when they served in Zambia for the first time.
We were delighted that Keith was able to preach in St John's at Morning Prayer on Sunday 12th June. Keith and Lyn will be going off to Zambia in the near future and we probably won't see them again for another three years or so! However, Keith and Lyn will keep us updated about their work while they are in Zambia.
Easter General Vestry 5 April 2016
APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS
Rector's Churchwarden: Alan Byrne
People's Churchwarden: Noela Abou Saleh
Rector's Glebewarden: Dennis Constable
People's Glebewarden: Ronnie Aulds
Select Vestry
Audrey Briggs, Eric Cullen, Barbra Gibson (Hon. Secretary), George Hanna, Freda Magee, Brigid McCaw, Heather McClelland, Pat Preston, Barbara Robb, Jennifer White, John Williamson (Hon. Treasurer), Sharon Williamson
Women's World Day of Prayer 4 March 2016
Photographs are now available in Photo Galleries ! Click here >
Pre-Christmas Bazaar 5 December 2015
Photographs of the Pre-Christmas Bazaar are now available in Photo Galleries ! Click here >
Harvest Thanksgiving 11 October 2015
Photographs of the Harvest Lunch are now available in Photo Galleries ! Click here >
We are delighted that the Revd Dr Donald Watts, former Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, will be our guest 'Month of Mission Preacher' at Harvest Thanksgiving.
Parish Harvest Lunch is 11th October at 12.15pm in St John's Hall. Tickets: Adults £10 and Children £5 can be obtained from Liz Byrne 07801968218.
Gift Day & Musical Afternoon in aid of the Tower & Roof Appeal 12 September 2015
Fantastic afternoon at St John's on Saturday. A very big thank you to Finbarr Keaveney for the musical entertainment and making this such an enjoyable occasion. Thanks to everyone who came along and supported St John's - it helps us so much and is really appreciated. And finally....... thanks to our Fund Raising Group and helpers for all their work to make the event a success.
Canon Ellis attends The Pantry Foodbank AGM
Canon Ellis pictured withVice Chair of the Pantry Foodbank Granville Crory, Margaret Ritchie MP and Barbara Porter (Public Health Agency). Naomi Baillie chairperson of Newry Mourne and Down District Council with Terry Nelson at AGM of Pantry Foodbank.
Invitation to ordination of Suzanne Cousins
Suzanne is being ordained in St Mark's Parish Church, Newtownards on 6 September 2015. Parishioners are very welcome to attend.
Messy Church 22 August 2015
Another enjoyable Messy Church for everyone who attended on Saturday 22nd. With a theme of 'God is Love', fun and fellowship was much in evidence. Thanks to Liz and her team for hosting the event. More photographs are in the Photo Galleries. Click here!
Festival Of Flight 8 August 2015
Festival of Flight - St John's car park will be available to the general public for car parking from 9.30am on Saturday morning. A donation of £5 towards church funds per car. Tea and coffee will also be available in the Parish Hall from 9.30am until the air displays commence at 3.00pm.
Summer Extravaganza 4 July 2015
The sun shone for St John's Annual Summer extravaganza on Saturday 4 July. The event was well attended with adults browsing the stalls and children having fun trying to hook a prize duck or having their faces painted. It was a time to relax, enjoy the tea and refreshments and sit in the glorious sunshine listening to Jazz Jam who provided the musical entertainment. Our thanks to all those who organised the event, helped out on the day and to everyone who came along. A lot of enjoyment was had as well as raising the superb amount of £1600 for church funds. Make sure to check out the photographs in the photo gallery. Click here!
'Stars on Sunday' Sunday School Prizegiving 28 June 2015
The Rector, Canon Ian Ellis, distributed the prizes to our Stars on Sunday children. The Best Attendance cup was awarded to Joshua who only missed one Sunday throughout the whole year. Stars on Sunday Superintendent, Liz Byrne, congratulated Joshua on this great achievement. Stars on Sunday will resume in September.
Messy Church 18 April 2015
Our first Messy Church event was well supported by families within the parish and the wider community. Children participated in a range of arts and crafts, activities, singing, games and refreshments.
Jazz and Folk Evening 17 April 2015
A great night's entertainment was had with music Jazz Jam and New Harmony.
