Vol 10.3   

April - May 2007  

Dear Parishioners ,

'And finally… '

This will be my last entry in the magazine for this parish. So here goes.

 

Rural Deanery
This Lent saw good support for the services throughout the deanery parishes as we explored the book ‘Crisis of the Cross’. This year the collections were taken up in aid of Muckamore Abbey’s patient fund and an announcement on the amount received should be forthcoming within the next few weeks.

The Vacancy
A Vacancy Ministry Team has been set up and further details of this will follow later in this issue of the magazine. The Rural Dean, the Rev. Paul Redfern assumes the rector’s responsibilities during the vacancy and will usually chair the Select Vestry meetings.

Pastoral matters are the ultimate responsibility of the Rural Dean or his appointed deputies and until you are informed otherwise pastoral emergencies should be referred to him from 17th April onwards. He can be contacted on Tel: 028 9334 0225.

Upon the occurrence of the first Sunday of the vacancy which is the 22 nd April, the Diocesan Curate, Canon Ken Ruddock, will take the services and thereafter appoint clergy to do duty on the Sundays which follow. In as far as is possible, the usual format of services will apply. No doubt Canon Ruddock will fill you in on all things necessary when he comes on 22nd April.

I wish the parochial nominators every blessing and success in finding a suitable incumbent for these parishes. Their task is a responsible one and will not be easy.

Please remember them in your prayers and the work they have to undertake in the next few months as they seek with the diocesan nominators a new pastor and priest.

 

  

Gratitude
 I am thankful for the opportunity of serving in this parish and to the late Bishop, James Moore, along with the four parochial nominators, for bringing me here back in 1997. It is always a privilege to serve God in His church as a priest no matter where one’s vocation takes one and it has been an enriching experience ministering here.
I’d like to take this opportunity once again to thank all those with whom I’ve worked on the Select Vestry over the years and especially those who have served as Churchwardens. Also, those who have helped formulate initiatives and see them through. Small and seemingly insignificant kindnesses are remembered as are words of encouragement and affirmation. To all who carry out the ordinary work of the church in so many diverse ways and without whose efforts we would be much impoverished, well done!

Ends and Beginnings

Life is infused with ends and beginnings of one sort or another. Times of sadness mix with times of joy. Birth and death. Ends and new beginnings. Such is the cycle of life and it is reflected in the passion and death of Christ and his resurrection. There are times too when we stand at the intersection between looking back to the past, and forward to the future. Leaving a parish, a home, schools, colleagues, employment, familiar surroundings, support networks and friends is a big upheaval, but I look back with thanksgiving for all that has happened during these last ten years here. It is a place myself and the family will always remember with fondness, and hope to return to from time to time. It cannot be easy for parishioners too as you wonder who your new rector might be and adjust to the new conditions a vacancy inevitably brings.

But take heart. We are an Easter people. A people of hope. I can’t think of a better Sunday to end ten years of ministry by celebrating the eucharist, that central act of christian worship, and sharing the sacrament with the people of God, than Easter Sunday, the final time I will preside as your rector.
May God bless you now and always.

The strife is o’er, the battle done;
Now is the victor’s triumph won;
O let the song of praise be sung:

Alleluia!

PAX VOBISCUM

Stephen +

Bowling Club
bowler.gif (1418 bytes)

The Bowling Club continues to meet on Friday evening from 7.30 pm until 10.30 pm with our practice night on Monday evening from 8.00 pm until 9.30 pm. Come along on a Monday evening to our practice night and discover what you have been missing.

We had a visit to the Rock Bowling Club at the beginning of March 2007, with a good turn out of members.

We had our second visit of the season to the Baker Stadium on Wednesday 28 March 2007, once again we had a good turn out of members, bowling for two hours, afterwards we had a meal and refreshments and a few prizes for the winners on the night.

Our Easter egg competition was held on 30 March 2007, which was once again a good fun night.

The AGM of the Bowling Club will be held on Friday 4 May 2007 in the Minor Hall at 7.30 pm, which will be followed by the presentation of prizes.

Isobel McCollam (Hon. Sec.)

Communion Rota for St John'scommunion.gif (2023 bytes)


St John's
April Mrs S White & Mr C Lundy
May 
 Mr & Mrs R Montgomery

Kitchen Fund / Parish Hall

The Kitchen fund account is now on going. All contributions would be most welcome.

Anyone wishing to contribute please contact Isobel McCollam or the Hon Treasurer Norman Shirley.

The fund now stands at £13,393.27

 

Table Quiz

A table quiz has been arranged for Thursday 7 June
in the Baker Stadium at 7.30 pm .

Proceeds from the table quiz are going towards the kitchen fund in the Parish Hall.

We are once again hoping for good support.

Anyone who has previously attended can vouch for a good evening of fun.

Admission £5.00 per head, including supper.

Isobel McCollam

Organising your wedding

Weddings are very special occasions in the life of any family and in the life of the church. When considering getting married please check possible dates with the Rector before confirming arrangements.

It is expected that couples will make a regular commitment to the life of the church in preparation for marriage.

An annual Rural Deanery marriage preparation course takes place every year in February which 'intending' couples area asked to atttend.

Christian Aid Week will be held from Sunday 13th May - Saturday 19th May.

This year will mark the 50th anniversary of Christian Aid Week, which began in 1957 and now raises more than £10 million each year throughout the U.K. In the Templepatrick area the fantastic amount of £5432.60 was collected in 2006 for this very worthy cause.

Many thanks to my fellow collectors for their help in 2006. I trust I can rely on your support again this year and as always I would be delighted to hear from anyone who would be willing to give a couple of hours of their time during this week to help.

Recycling envelopes for old inkjet cartridges are still available from the table in the porch of St Patrick’s. Christian Aid receives £1 for each one. Old mobile phones can also be recycled and £3 will be donated for each one , any phones can be passed on to me.

On Saturday 10th March I attended the Annual Supporter Conference held in First Antrim Presbyterian Church which proved to be very enjoyable and informative. Members of Christian Aid staff in Belfast gave presentations on their visits to the Philippines and South America and Deborah Doherty N.I. Co-ordinator gave useful tips on how to maximise our response this year.

Once again many thanks to all collectors - you'll be hearing from me soon.

Leah Lynas

Fabric / Maintenance Fund Monthly Envelopes

The Select Vestry, in view of the ongoing increasing maintenance costs and any future development costs to our properties, has taken several measures to ensure an income that will provide for these. Among the initiatives is the introduction of monthly Fabric/Maintenance Fund envelopes.

Each household unit in the parish has been issued with a set to be used at your discretion and as with the Free Will Offering scheme a similar record of contributions will be kept.

Anyone who has inadvertently not received a set of these envelopes and would like to have them please contact Mrs Isobel McCollam and we’ll happily see that a set gets to you.

Thank you.

Rector & Select Vestry

 

  

Sunday Club SCLUB4

The total collected for our UNICEF Jar of Grace Advent appeal was – £121.15.

CMS Ireland Project

Our CMSI project this year is called Sands of Time and is based in Egypt. Its aim is to inform, inspire and introduce world mission to young people through hands on activities and God’s word.

Egypt is a modern country with a biblical past, where the ancient pyramids intermingle with the high-rise apartment blocks and the river Nile flows quietly through the bustling city of Cairo.

Over 78 million people live in Egypt, which makes it the 16th most populated country in the world – roughly 14 times the size of Ireland. By 2020 the population is estimated to be over 100 million.

95% of Egyptians live along the Nile (the longest river in the world) on only 5% of the land. 23% live below the national poverty line, which means that they live on less than 50 pence a day and approximately 53% live on under £1 a day.

Illiteracy rates are high, with 45% of the population unable to read or write. The majority of these are women.

Sands of Time will support the Diocese of Egypt as it reaches out to the poor and disadvantaged. CMSI hopes to raise £30,000 for the people of the Ain Shams area in Cairo. The project is focusing on 5 areas within the Community Centre in Ain Shams:-

  1. Nursery school
  2. Medical Centre
  3. A dult Literacy
  4. Women’s craft centre
  5. Sunday school


What our money could buy:-

  • 50p - a notebook and colouring pencils for a child in nursery school
  • £1 - 3 spools of cotton thread for the women in the craft centre
  • £25 - a loan for an unemployed young person or widow to start their own business

The Diocese of Egypt is reaching out through ministries that work to meet the physical and economic needs that exist in the region and hopefully people’s lives will be changed over time.


I’m sure you will agree – a very worthwhile cause!

Could we please ask the children to return their collection boxes by Sunday 22nd April 2007.

Some useful dates for your diary:-

April
1 All Age Worship & Palm Sunday
8 & 15  No Sunday Club
22 Sunday Club Resumes – collection boxes returned

May
6 All Age Worship

June
3 or 10 All Age Worship and Prize Giving
17 Junior Activities



Gail

Rotas for St. Patrick's

communion.gif (2023 bytes)Intercessor Rota for Parish Eucharist

St Patrick's
April 8th M Walbridge
April 15th S Clendinning
May J Davison

communion.gif (2023 bytes)Communion Rota

St Patrick's
April Mr T & Mrs M Montgomery
May Mr S & Mrs J McCollam

Cleaning Rota

St Patrick's
April A Montgomery, I Shields, A Millar
May Mr & Mrs Walbridge, A Kerr, N Clendenning

Flower Rota

St Patrick's
Apr. 1
 Lent
8
 Church Choir
15
 Church Choir
22
 A Millar
29
 A Millar
May 6
 Vacant
13
 I McCollam
20
 Vacant
27
 V Brady

You know you are living in 2007 when …

  1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.
  2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
  3. You have a list of 16 phone numbers to reach your family of 4.
  4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
  5. You know people’s email addresses before their home addresses.
  6. Your reason for not staying in touch with various friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
  7. You pull up in your own driveway and use your mobile to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the shopping.
  8. Every advert on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
  9. Leaving the house without your mobile, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
  10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.

Safeguarding Trust

In accordance with the recommendations in 'Safeguarding Trust - The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice for Ministry with Children', a Parish Panel has been appointed (operating since June 1998) to implement some of the responsibilities identified in the Code.

The Panels responsibilities include:

  • interviewing persons willing to serve as workers in the parish
  • advising workers on their responsibilities in respect of the Code

 

  

  • advising the Select Vestry in respect of its responsibilities
  • being an immediate contact point for workers when a suspicion, complaint or allegation of child abuse is made about a worker or on parish premises in accord with the procedures set out in these guidelines.

The Parish Panel Members are:-

The Rev. S A Fielding, Templepatrick
Mrs M Bell, Glengormley
Mr S Clendinning, Templepatrick
Mr M Cooke, Dunadry

 

From the Registers ………

CHRISTIAN BURIAL

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord”

St Patrick’s, Templepatrick

  • 2nd March 2007, Abigail Aiken, Templepatrick
  • 20th March 2007, John Erskine, Templepatrick

    •

    HOLY BAPTISM

    “He took them in his arms and blessed them”

    St Patrick’s, Templepatrick

    • 28th January 2007, Katie Mia,
      daughter of Patrick & Sarah Glass, Ballymena
    • 4th Febebruary 2007, Sam Robert,
      son of Niall & Elaine Lamont, Doagh
    • 4th March 2007, Ellen Alexandra,
      daughter of David & Claire Clarke, Templepatrick
    		 

     

    Moses and the Red Sea

    Nine-year-old James was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday school. "Well, Mum, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then, he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved."

    “Goodness, James, is that really what your teacher taught you?" His mother was startled. "Well, no, Mum. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!"

    Don’t break’em

    There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country.

    "Is there anything breakable in here?" asked the postal clerk.

    "Only the Ten Commandments," answered the lady politely.
    Vacancy Ministry Team

    Introduction:
    In the light of my experience as Rural Dean I have decided to bring together a team of people to assist the Rural Dean in the running of the parish for the duration of the vacancy.

    The V.M.T. is responsible to the Rector or upon the occurrence of a vacancy, the Rural Dean, currently the Rev. Paul Redfern, Rector of Kilbride.

    It will provide a forum for dealing with certain administrative and pastoral matters that may arise during a vacancy and provide a sense of continuity in the absence of a Rector.

    Its work will not impinge upon the work of the Select Vestry whose remit is Furnishings, Fabric and Finance.

    During a vacancy, relevant decisions of the VMT should be referred to the Rural Dean who would be the final arbiter e.g. in matters pastoral.

    On the appointment of a Rector the responsibilities of the VMT will transfer back to the Rector. It is hoped that this will prove to be a positive step in administering the interim period before a new rector is instituted.


    		 

     

    I am pleased to say that the following members have agreed to serve on the VMT:-
    Hon. Sec. Select Vestry Mrs M.Bell, or in the event of being unable to attend the meeting, a representative appointed by the Hon. Sec. of Select Vestry.
    A Churchwarden from St Patrick’s appointed by Rector / Rural Dean.
    A Churchwarden from St John’s appointed by Rector / Rural Dean (when not already represented).
    Alan Walbridge (Webmaster and Technical)
    Gail McCoy (Parish Magazine & Sunday Club)
    Margaret Walbridge (Rep. from Parish Visitors or in the event of her being unable to attend, another Parish Visitor appointed by the Rural Dean)
    Organist of St Patrick’s, Denise Martin (Music)

    The Rector

    Saints of the Church

    Mark the Evangelist
    25 April -- Festival -- Evangelist -- Red
    John Mark was a Jew and, according to Paul's letter to the Colossians, was cousin to Barnabas. He accompanied Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey. Afterwards, he went to Cyprus with Barnabas and to Rome with first Paul and then Peter. Mark's gospel is generally regarded as the earliest and was most likely written whilst he was in Rome. It was probably based as much on Peter's preaching of the good news as on Mark's own memory. Mark's gospel has a sharpness and an immediacy about it and he does not spare the apostles in noting their weaknesses and lack of understanding that Jesus the Christ would suffer for the world's redemption. Sharing in the glory of the resurrection means sharing in the giving of self, both in body and spirit, even to death; sharing the gospel was, for all, in essence both excessively generous and ultimately sacrificial.

    Philip & James, Apostles
    1 May -- Festival -- Apostles -- Red
    Philip and James appear in the list of the twelve apostles in the first three gospels but are frequently confused with other early saints who share their names. In John's gospel, Philip has a more prominent rôle, being the third of the apostles to be called by Jesus and then himself bringing his friend Nathanael to the Lord. Philip is the spokesman for the other apostles who are questioning the capacity for feeding the five thousand and, at the Last Supper, enters into a sort of dialogue with Jesus which leads to the Farewell Discourses of our Lord.

    James is said to be the son of Alphæus and is often known as 'James the Less' to distinguish him. He may also be the 'James the Younger' who, in Mark's gospel, is a witness at the Crucifixion.

    They are celebrated on the same day because the church in Rome, where their relics rest, was dedicated on this day in the year 560.

    Comgall of Bangor, abbot. Down diocese. 602
    10 May
    Comgall was the founder and first abbot of Bangor Abbey, said to have been the largest monastery in Ireland, with as many as three thousand in the community at one period. Comgall visited Columba in Iona and worked closely with him in spreading the Gospel. Columbanus was trained at Bangor before setting out on his missionary journeys to Europe. There was a strong family-spirit in the community life at Bangor. Counselling, as well as instruction, was an important part of the training. To Comgall is attributed the saying, "A man without a soul-friend is a body without a head."

    Matthias the Apostle
    14 May -- Festival -- Apostle -- Red
    After the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, the apostles brought their number back to twelve by choosing Matthias to replace him. He was chosen by lot from amongst the disciples. The author of the Acts of the Apostles sees apostleship differently from Paul's interpretation of the rôle and seems to reflect the understanding of the gospel of Luke. The number had to be restored so that they might "sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel". It was conditional that they had to have been with Jesus during his earthly ministry and witnesses to the resurrection. The point of being chosen by lot, rather than by some democratic method, indicated the election or choosing by God, rather than by mortals.

     

     

    		  

     

    The Visit of the Blessèd Virgin Mary to Elizabeth
    31 May -- Festival -- of the BVM -- White
    The church today recalls the visit of Elizabeth to her cousin Mary, as recorded in Luke's gospel. The celebration of the feast first occurred at a Franciscan Order General Chapter in 1263 but quickly spread throughout Europe. Since it is a celebration clearly described in the gospel, the churches of the Reformation were less inclined to proscribe it as they were other Marian feasts, particularly as it was the occasion for Mary to sing her great hymn of praise in honour of her Lord and God. Just as Luke sees John the Baptist as the last of the prophets of the old covenant, he uses John's leaping in Elizabeth's womb as the first time John bears witness to Christ as the promised Messiah. Thereby he links the old covenant with the new. He seems to be saying that just as the old covenant clearly points to Jesus, so does its last prophet, yet to be born.

    Ladies Fellowship

    The first weekend of March proved a very busy period for the Ladies Fellowship, beginning with the Women’s World Day of Prayer Annual Service as prepared by the Women of Paraguay, and for this area held at Kilbride Parish Church, Doagh. The speaker was Mr Denis Johnson of South American Mission.

    Following the All Age Worship Service on Sunday, 4 March a good number of parishioners enjoyed the now traditional Lenten Lunch held in aid of the Bishops’ Appeal, in the Parish Hall. Thank you to everyone who responded to requests of the usual provisions for this event.

    Also in March, several members received hospitality from the ladies of Old Templepatrick Presbyterian Church at their visitors’ night. An evening of light hearted entertainment. The topic was artistic “painting”. To conclude the evening a light supper was enjoyed with other invited guests and friends from across the road.

    Our visitors’ night was held on Tuesday, 20 March. The speaker was Miss Jenny Millar, daughter of Church Warden, Mrs Alison Millar. As one of a group of 10 ladies whose ages ranged from late teens to late sixties! Jenny travelled to India, under the umbrella of the Baptist Mission. She certainly left us with much to reflect upon when she shared her experiences of this 3 week period. Life for many who live in India is very harsh and as in all third world countries depend greatly on charitable agencies. Following the talk, and during supper, there was a further opportunity for people to talk to Jenny.

    In April the Annual General Meeting (AGM) has been changed from Tuesday, 17 April to Tuesday, 24 April, to enable those who wish to attend the Rector’s institution at Agherton Parish. We wish Stephen, Julia, Christopher and Sarah every blessing as they leave us.

    The date for our outing is Friday, 11 May, an afternoon outing to the Linen Green, Moygashel, then on to Vinecash Presbyterian Church to focus on a Flower Festival, titled “Lord For The Years” It is anticipated final arrangements to be made within the next two weeks. Nearing the finish of the 2006/07 programme, any ideas for next season would be most welcome.

    Ann Kerr (Hon.Sec.)

     

    Parish Directory

    Rector

    The Rev. Stephen A Fielding B.Sc., B.Th., M.A.

    The Vicarage, 926 Antrim Road, Templepatrick, Co.Antrim,

    BT39 0AT

    (028 9443 2300    E-mail: templepatrick@connor.anglican.org

    CHURCH OFFICE BEARERS

    Rector's Churchwarden:(St.Patrick's)
    Mr S. McCollam, Nutts Corner

    People's Churchwarden:(St.Patrick's)
    Mrs A Millar, Templepatrick

    Rector's Churchwarden:(St.John's)
    Miss Y.Hutchinson, Doagh

    People's Churchwarden:(St.John's)
    Mrs M Bell, N'abbey

    Rector's Glebewarden:Mr D Mawhinney, Dunadry

    People's Glebewarden:
    Mr M Cooke, Dunadry

    Supplemental Glebewarden:
    Mr S Clendinning, Templepatrick

    Select Vestry: (Meets 2nd Monday in month at 8.00 pm)
    Mrs R.Barnes, Mrs M Bell, Mr H Cinnamon, Mr S Clendinning, Mrs M Coe,
    Mr M Cooke, Mrs Y Hutchinson, Mr C Lundy, Mr D Mawhinney,
    Mr P McCausland, Mrs I McCollam, Mr S McCollam, Mr T Michael,
    Mrs A Millar, Mr R Montgomery, Mr N Shirley, Mr A Walbridge,
    Mrs M Walbridge

    Parish Diocesan Synodsmen:
    Mr E Cinnamon, Mr H Cinnamon

    Diocesan Synodsmen:
    Mrs M Bell, Mr R Montgomery

    Honorary Secretary:
    Mrs M Bell, Newtownabbey

    Honorary Treasurer:
    Mr N Shirley, Templepatrick

    Honorary F.W.O. Recorder and Envelope Secretary:
    Mr M Cooke, Dunadry

    Covenant Secretary:
    Mrs P. MacKean, Antrim

    PARISH PANEL:-
    The Rector; Mrs M Bell; Mr S Clendinning; Mr M Cooke

    Parish Organisations and their Leaders:-

    Choir Practices on Thursdays at 8pm.

    St Patrick's Organist and Choirmistress Mrs D.Martin, Parkgate

    St John's Organist and Choirmaster Mr R Thompson

    Sunday School Coordinators: Mrs G McCoy, Mr B McMeekin. Leaders: Mrs V Brady, Mrs D Gaffney. Helpers: Miss C Lucas, Miss S McCollam..

    Crèche (Sundays) Mrs Judith Collister, Mrs Julie-Ann LoganFielding

    Youth Group Mrs Valerie Brady

     

    Sacristan: Mrs R Barnes

    Hall Secretary: Mrs I McCollam

    CofI Gazette Secretary: Mrs M McConnell

    Bible Study Notes Secretary: Mrs D Lucas

    Christian Aid Secretary Mrs L Lynas

    Parish Webmaster Mr Alan Walbridge

    Magazine Production Mrs Gail McCoy

    Pre-service Coffee rota organiser Mrs A Millar

    Youth Organisations

    Choir Practices on Thursdays at 8pm

    Rainbow Guides (4-7 years): Tuesday 2.15-3.15pm
    Mrs D Reid

    Brownies (7-10 years): Wednesdays 6.00-7.30pm
    Miss Elaine Lamont, Mrs A Millar

    Guides (10-14 years): Wednesdays 7.30-9.00pm
    Mrs Ann Forsythe

    Squirrels (4-6 years): Thursdays 4-5pm
    Mrs C Michael

    Beavers (6-8 years): Mondays 6.30-7.30pm
    Miss K Shirley

    Cub Scouts (8-10years): Tuesdays 6.45-8.00 pm
    Mr Alan Martin

    Scouts (10+ years): Mrs Kim Gleave

    Parents and Toddlers Group Wednesdays 10.30am-12pm Mrs Hayley Cunningham

    Adult Organisations

    Choir Practices on Thursdays at 8pm

    Indoor Bowling Club : Fridays 7.30pm
    Secretary: Mrs I McCollam

    Ladies Fellowship 3rd Tuesday in the month, 8pm. Secretary:Mrs A Kerr

    Parish Ramblers meet occasionally

     

     

    Services

    April - May 2007
    1 Apr.
    Sunday
    		 Lent 6 / Palm Sunday
    Sunday of the Passion
     
    8.30 am
    		 Holy Communion
     
    11.30 am
    		 All Age Worship(with procession of palms
    and dramatic reading of the Passion)

    RCL
    Full texts
    available

    Liturgy of the Palms

    Gospel
    		 Luke 19: 28-40

    RCL
    Full texts
    available

    Liturgy of the Passion

    Old Testament
    Psalm
    Epistle
    Gospel

    		 Isaiah 50: 4-9a
    31: 9-16
    Phillipians 2:5-11
    Passion Narrative from St. Luke
    Holy Week
    2 Apr.
    Monday
    		  
     
    10.00 am
    		 Holy Communion
    3 Apr.
    Tuesday
    		  
     
    10.00 am
    		 Holy Communion
    4 Apr.
    Wednesday
    		  
     
    10.00 am
    		 Holy Communion
    5 Apr.
    Thursday
    		 Maundy Thursday
     
    7.30 pm
    		 Holy Eucharist &
    Stripping of the Altar

    RCL
    Full texts
    available

    Old Testament
    Psalm
    Epistle
    Gospel

    		 Exodus 12: 1-4, (5-10), 11-14
    116: 11-18
    1 Corinthians 11: 23-26
    John 13: 1-17, 31b-35
    6 Apr.
    Friday
    		 Good Friday
     
    2.00-3.00 pm
    		 An Hour at the Cross.
    St Patrick's is open for prayer and meditation
     
    7.30 pm
    		 Evening Service

    RCL
    Full texts
    available

    Old Testament
    Psalm
    Epistle
    Gospel

    		 Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12
    22: 1-11
    Hebrews 10: 16-25 or 4: 14-16, 5: 7-9
    John 18:1 -19:42
    8 Apr.
    Sunday
    		 Easter Day
     
    10.00 am
    		 Holy Eucharist - St. John's
     
    11.30 am
    		 Holy Eucharist

    RCL
    Full texts
    available

    First Reading
    Psalm
    Epistle
    Gospel

    		 Acts 10: 34-43
    118: 1-2, 14-24 or Easter Anthems
    1 Corinthians 15: 1-11
    John 20: 1-18 or Mark 16: 1-8
    15 Apr.
    Sunday
    		 Easter 2 (Low Sunday)
     
    8.30 am
    		 Holy Communion - Visiting Clergyman
     
    11.30 am
    		 Parish Eucharist - Rev. Dr R. Cotter

    RCL
    Full texts
    available

    First Reading
    Psalm
    Epistle
    Gospel

    		 Acts 5: 27-32
    118: 14-29 or 150
    Revelations 1:4-8
    John 20: 19-31
    17 Apr.
    Tuesday
    		  
     
    8.00 pm
    		Institution of Rev. S.A. Fielding as Rector
    of St John the Baptist, Agherton Parish, Portstewart
    VACANCY BEGINS
    22 Apr.
    Sunday
    		 Easter 3
     
    10.00 am
    		 Matins - St. John's - Canon K. Ruddock
     
    11.30 am
    		 Matins - Canon K. Ruddock

    RCL
    Full texts
    available

    First Reading
    Psalm
    Epistle
    Gospel

    		 Acts 9: 1-6, (7-20)
    30
    Revelations 5: 11-14
    John 21: 1-19
    29 Apr.
    Sunday
    		 Easter 4
     
     11.30 am
    		 United Parish Eucharist - Rev C. Irvine

    RCL
    Full texts
    available

    First Reading
    Psalm
    Epistle
    Gospel

    		 Acts 9: 36-43
    23
    Revelations 7: 9-17
    John 10: 22-30
    6 May
    Sunday
    		 Easter 5
     
    8.30 am
    		 Holy Communion - Canon K. Ruddock
     
     11.30 am
    		 All Age Worship - Mr Bob Fryer

    RCL
    Full texts
    available

    First Reading
    Psalm
    Epistle
    Gospel

    		 Acts 11: 1-18
    148
    Revelations 21: 1-6
    John 13: 31-35
    13 May
    Sunday
    		 Easter 6 Rogation Sunday
     
    10.00 am
    		 Parish Eucharist - St. John's - Rev C. Irvine
     
    11.30 am
    		 Matins - Rev C. Irvine

    RCL
    Full texts
    available

    First Reading
    Psalm
    Epistle
    Gospel

    		 Acts 16: 9-15
    67
    Revelations 21: 10, 22-2: 25
    John 14: 23-29 or John 5: 1-9
    16 May
    Wednesday
    		 The Ascension Day (tr)
     
    10.00 am
    		 Holy Communion

    RCL
    Full texts
    available

    First Reading
    Psalm
    Epistle
    Gospel

    		 Ephesians 1: 15-23 or Daniel 7: 9-14
    47 or 93
    Acts 1: 1-11
    Luke 24: 44-53
    20 May
    Sunday
    		 Easter 7 Sunday after Ascension
     
    8.30 am
    		 Holy Communion - Canon K. Ruddock
     
    11.30 am
    		 Parish Eucharist - Rev C. Irvine

    RCL
    Full texts
    available

    Old Testament
    Psalm
    Epistle
    Gospel

    Acts 16: 16-34
    97
    Revelations 22: 12-14, 16-17, 20-21
    John 17: 20-26
    27 May
    Sunday
    		 The Day of Pentecost / Whitsunday
     
    10.00 am
    		 Matins - St. John's - Rev W. Fenton
     
    11.30 am
    		 Matins - Rev W. Fenton

    RCL
    Full texts
    available

    Old Testament
    Psalm
    Epistle
    Gospel

    		 Acts 2: 1-21
    104: 24-34, 35b
    Romans 8: 14-17
    John 14: 8-17, (25-27)

    Wednesday morning Communions with prayer for the sick are at 10am followed by coffee in the Church Rooms. Saints Days are as announced in church.

    Technology - Where am I?

     

    Trying to figure out where you are and where you're going is probably one of man's oldest pastimes.

    Navigation and positioning are crucial to so many activities and yet the process has always been quite cumbersome. The latest must have gadget seems to be an in car navigation system; but what is it, what can it do or more importantly what can it not do?

    If I knew that I was 14 miles as the crow flies from Ballymena, I could be in many places, e.g. Magherafelt, Carnlough, Loughguile or Templepatrick. Knowing that I was also 24 miles from Portadown would now limit my choice to Magherafelt or Templepatrick. If I also knew that I was 26 miles from Banbridge then I could only be in Templepatrick.

    That is the basis of any positioning system – knowing the distance from three known points, triangulation. The fact that the points used are satellites orbiting the earth doesn’t matter. If there were only three satellites in the sky it would not be much use as not everyone could see them at all time so there are in fact 24 of them creating the Global Positioning System, GPS.

    It was created and is owned by the U.S. Department of Defence and originally intended for military applications; but in the 1980s, the government made the system available for civilian use. A European system, Galileo, is expected to be operational by 2008 and completed by 2010. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. There are no subscription fees or setup charges to use GPS.

    GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information to earth. GPS receivers take this information and use triangulation to calculate the user's exact location. Essentially, the GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away the satellite is. Now, with distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can determine the user's position and display it on the unit's electronic map.



    		  

    A GPS receiver must be locked on to the signal of at least three satellites to calculate latitude and longitude. With four or more satellites in view, the receiver can determine the user's latitude, longitude and altitude.
    Today's GPS receivers are extremely accurate, typically to within 5 -15 meters and Galileo should improve this to 1 metre.

    So what do you need in your car? Firstly you need a receiver to get the signals from the satellites. Then you need a display to see where you are. Next you need a programme that will enable you to tell the device what you want to do, where you want to go. Finally you need maps of your area installed on the device. Most people buy a unit that has all of these elements built in so it is just plug and go; but you don’t have to.

    The main problem is that of maps. The people that put together the complete systems do not create the maps they use but buy them in. The leading digital map suppliers are TeleAtlas and Navteq. If roads and towns are not on your map, then no matter how good the rest of the system, it is of no use.

    Unfortunately TeleAtlas has little interest in us. Looking at their website it says, “Other Western Europe Countries are gaining in coverage over the next 2-3 years with full coverage predicted for all countries with the exception of Eire and Northern Ireland early in 2008.”

    Fortunately NavTeq has recently fully mapped Ireland both north and south and all the streets and postcodes I have needed have been there.

    So before you purchase a system check what maps it comes with. It may say UK & Ireland on the box but that can just mean large cities and main roads. If they are TeleAtlas maps, whilst good for travelling through England they are very poor for Ireland both North and South.

    But GPS is not just for in the car it is very good when out walking and opens up the hobby of geocaching, which gives me something to write about next time.

    Finally whilst the GPS system may tell you where you are it won’t help you work out why you went there in the first place!


    Alan

    Puzzle

     

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    Notes for the next issue of the Magazine are due on:
    Wednesday 9th May 2007.
    Contributions from all Parish Organisations would be very welcome

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