We Love Because · Rector’s Hour Please note that the Rector will be available in the Vestry office on Tuesdays from ... The Rector’s Warden Helen Parkinson [email protected]

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Groomsport Parish ChurchPage 2

Rector’s HourPlease note that the Rector will be available in the Vestry office on Tuesdays from 6.00pm – 7.00pm, for short meetings to sign passports, driving licence documents etc., or to arrange a lengthier meeting for another time.Rector’s RecessWhilst our Rector is always available to his congregation at all hours of every day, it is hoped that, where possible, the period between lunchtime Friday and Sunday Services may be void of contact so as to allow him family time, quiet reflection and preparation for the week ahead; emergency requirements and visits excepted.

Church Officials

The Rector’s WardenHelen [email protected]

The People’s WardenGary [email protected]

The Rector’s Glebe WardenBilly [email protected]

The People’s Glebe WardenTony [email protected]

TreasurerFlorence [email protected]

Secretary to Select VestryHeather [email protected]

Church Hall BookingsDavid [email protected]

Gift Aid SecretaryIan [email protected]

Parish ArchivistBarry [email protected]

Verger / CaretakerSusan Moore028 9127 1311

OrganistStuart [email protected]

Parish OfficeAmanda Mawhinney028 9127 1311

Hall ProblemsBilly - [email protected] - tony@groomsportparishchurch.

Sunday SchoolMaggie [email protected]

Rev Duncan PollockRector of Groomsport Parish Church028 9146 4476

Groomsport Parish Church Page 3

From the RectorWhen you walk into church, do you ever notice the colour of the book marks on the Lectern Bible, or the cloth on the Holy Table, the Pulpit Fall? And if you do, do you ever consider why the colours change? At the moment the “colours” are white; soon they will be green to be followed by purple. The colours mark the seasons of the Church’s year. There is a rhythm, a pattern to the Church’s year. Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost, Trinity, Harvest, Remembrance; these seasons are interspersed with the great feast days of the saints and martyrs, Peter, Paul, Michael and all Angels and so many more.As our forebears walked into Church, not being able to read or write, (or in Pre-reformation days understand Latin), they would see the colours and know immediately that the day was special. The Clerk, the Priest, The Rector would know by the calendar at the beginning of the prayer book if it was a special day, because it would be marked in red type (“Red Letter Days”).I like the structure to our Church’s year; it’s one of the many reasons why I am an Anglican. It keeps me in touch with our historic roots and some of our traditions take us right back to our Lord Himself (the bread and the wine and the words of blessing at Holy Communion). It ties me in with my brothers and sisters in Christ in the Roman and Orthodox traditions. Methodism and Presbyterianism also value some of these traditions – they aren’t just an Anglican aberration. And the customs, the traditions and the history informs and deepens my personal spirituality.For many, of course, much of what I hold dear is seen as unnecessary and irrelevant. We don’t “need” prayer books – drop down screens would be much more effective. Church organs limit our Church music. Extra instruments would help make the music more up to date and would encourage younger people to attend. In any case why do we continue to sing hymns written in Victorian times or earlier? Surely there are contemporary hymns that would be more fitting.As we come to the great seasons of Lent, Holy Week and Easter, the colour will change, the traditions will be rehearsed and words born of scripture and the early Church Fathers will once again be used. They will bind us together with our friends in the world wide Anglican community; we will be sharing them with our brothers and sisters in different denominations and once again we will be taken out of time to be with all those who have worshipped with us but in years past.This Lent, Passiontide, this Easter, I do pray that others may see what I see in the traditions and customs of our Church. I don’t believe they are outmoded and they are certainly not irrelevant. I have enough contemporary, relevant life from the moment I wake in the morning. To go into Church and join that great cloud of witnesses of all ages in prayer, contemplation and worship is for me, after our Lord Himself, the greatest blessing the Church can offer.

Duncan

SMALL POST NOTES

C O L L E C T I O N

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8.30am Holy Communion

10.30am Morning Prayer

6.00pm Holy Communion

7.30pm Parish Communion


10.30am Parish Communion

6.00pm Compline


10.30am Service of the Word

6.00pm Evening Prayer (Sung)

Church Services for February and March 2020

Sunday

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The Sunday next before LentWelcome Team - Trevor and Rosemary SmithReader - Ian Sloan

Ash Wednesday

The Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas)Welcome Team - Brian and Jean McKillenReader - John Haddick

The Third Sunday before LentWelcome Team - Heather Pentland and Freda ConwayReader - Peter Osborough

The Second Sunday before LentWelcome Team - Mae Burke and Freda ConwayReader - Barry Greenaway

Note:The Office of Compline is said every Tuesday at 7.30pmHoly Communion is celebrated every Thursday at 11.00amHoly Communion is celebrated on the first Wednesday of the month at 10.30am in the Chapel at Mt Stewart House.


10.30am A Family Service for Candlemas*

6.00pm Evening Prayer (said)

* Please join us for Coffee after our Family Service at the Church Halls. Our hosts will beWilliam and Florence McAneney, Pat and Jim Love.

Sunday

March01

Lent 1 St David’s DayWelcome Team - Trevor and Rosemary SmithReader - Jenny Osborough


10.30am A Family Service*

6.00pm Evening Prayer (said)

* Please join us for Coffee after our Family Service at the Church Halls. Our hosts Mae Burke and the Mothers’ Union



10.30am A Family Service for Mothering Sunday*

6.00pm Holy Communion


10.30am Parish Communion

6.00pm Compline


10.30am Morning Prayer (note the change of service)

6.00pm Evening Prayer (Sung)

Church Services for February and March 2020

Sunday

Sunday

Sunday

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Lent 4 - Mothering SundayWelcome Team - William and Florence McAneneyReader - Marian Cinnamond

Lent 2Welcome Team - Peter and Jenny OsboroughReader - Dorothy Anne Crawford

Lent 3Welcome Team - Peter and Jenny OsboroughReader - Maureen Taggart


10.30am Morning Prayer

6.00pm Compline

Sunday

March29 Lent 5 - Passion Sunday

Welcome Team - William and Florence McAneneyReader -

Sunday

April05

Palm SundayWelcome Team - Ian and Zandra SloanReader - Colin Crozier


10.45am The Blessing of the Palms

11.30am

A Service for Palm SundayWe join our friends in Groomsport Presbyterian Church for our Morning Worship

6.00pmAn evening service for Palm Sunday, when we will be joined by our friends from Groomsport Presbyterian Church.

On 13 November we said farewell to Basil Kelly (96) a resident of Bryansburn Nursing Home. Not so long after, Rose Harrison (93), a resident of Carnalea Care Home, passed away. Right to the very end Rose kept her lively interest in wildlife, especially the birds outside her bedroom window.

Jonathan (66) had been ill for some time. In his time he had been a soldier and a Police Officer, both professions taking their toll on his health. Ivan and his family lived in Churchill Park and it was a privilege to be part of his funeral service on 29 November. We remember in our prayers Ivan’s widow, Jacqueline, and his daughters and sons.

Alison, John and Rudi Dyer had been caring for Maureen (80), Alison’s mother, for a couple of years. Maureen died quietly at their home, hardly six months after the death of her husband Stanley. Her funeral took place on 6 December. She had worked so hard at the Royal Victoria Hospital as a manager of domestic services and then as a tireless “friend” of the Hospital, for which she was deservedly honoured. Our thoughts go out to Alison and her brother Michael, as well as the wider family

New Year brought the passing of two great Groomsport Characters. Irene “Ann” Fitzsimon (75) died on Christmas night and her funeral took place in a packed Roselawn on 2 January. Ann had been a friend to so many who used Groomsport Harbour, especially members of Cockle Island Boat Club. Michael, her husband, was for many years the Harbour Master, but many acknowledged that Ann worked as hard, (and probably was the real harbour master!). Let us pray that Michael, her son George and daughter Sandra and the rest of the family may find some peace.

Cyril (75) was another Groomsport Harbour fixture. He was to be seen around the slipway most days, lending a hand, giving advice (not always sought!) or just looking out to sea. Like so many, he had moved down from Belfast on leaving the RUC and found tranquillity and peace of mind by the sea. He accepted his final illness with great stoicism and courage. Our hearts go out to Cyril’s family, especially his widow, Sue.

On the feast of the Epiphany, 6 January, we said farewell to an equally well-loved Groomsport resident, Samuel (81). Sam had been active and busy up until very recently. He and his wife, Sylvia, made their home on the Springwell Road. We pray God’s blessing on Sam’s family.

The last few months have seen many dear friends pass out of this world.


Births, Marriages, Deaths & AnnouncementsHoly Rest

Basil Kelly Rose Harrison

Jonathan “Ivan” Martin

Maureen Walker MBE

Irene “Ann” Fitzsimon

Cyril Law

Samuel Walker

Lastly, the Rector had been invited to conduct the funeral, just before Christmas, of a lovely gentle man from Kells, Trevor Campbell. Trevor had successfully fought and conquered his personal demons many, many years ago, but he continued to be a constant source of counsel and strength to those who struggled to find peace.


Births, Marriages, Deaths & Announcements

Announcements

Trevor Campbell

To all those we remember above“Rest eternal grant them Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them”

Just before Christmas we said “farewell” to Elaine, our tireless worker in the Parish Office. It was a sad moment. Elaine has for many years worked behind the scenes to keep much of the mundane work of the Church up to date. She has helped me personally in my work and ministry and been a tower of strength for all of us in Church. We owe Elaine a great debt of gratitude and I want as Rector to place on record my thanks for all that Elaine has done for me and for all of us in Groomsport Parish Church.

The work of a Parish Administrator has expanded beyond all recognition. The Select Vestry decided that it was time to find and fund a Parish Administrator, who would have a properly defined role and job description. The law required the Select Vestry to advertise the post and open it up to the wider community.

And so “Welcome”

After interviews, the Select Vestry appointed Amanda Mawhinney as Parish Administrator. Amanda will already be known to many of you through links with the Village Association

One of the scariest conversations I ever had was approaching Duncan about a sense of calling I had. The process of discernment that followed felt like a lifetime, but only a few short years later, here I am in my 2nd year of training at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute. As part of that training, I get to choose where I want to do a placement, I can literally choose anywhere in the world! For me, there was only one place I wanted to go, Groomsport. Not the warmest at this time of year, very little sunshine compared to colleagues who’ve studied in America, or as different culturally as the students who went to Latvia, but it did bring some challenges and plenty of rewards.

Coming to your home parish as a student after some 15 years or more away is daunting, but I shouldn’t have worried. I was welcomed with warmth and made to feel like I had never been away. For that, I will be forever grateful. But it was the sense of integrity within the parish that shone above all else. Here is a small village church that does more than just profess a love of God, it spreads that love all around and through those who come through the door.

I’d be lying if I didn’t confess that working alongside the Rector was a huge factor. Learning from someone like Duncan is a blessing that can’t be put into words. The support ‘behind the scenes’ of Faith and the wardens in particular, enabled me to display a confidence that wasn’t always there. You should all be so proud of Groomsport, I know I am and I will fondly speak of my time here.

God bless Andrew

Thank You

Parish Placement

and the Presbyterian Church. Amanda will be in the Parish Office from 9 to 12 Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. I know we will all wish her well in this new role as we welcome her into our Parish Family.

Duncan


Groomsport Christmas Tree Lights Switch-On

Announcements

On Friday 6 December, Groomsport Presbyterian Church joined with us to host a memorable and exciting occasion. The evening began with a Carol Service in the Presbyterian Church, followed by the Mayor switching on the tree lights.

After this, everyone crossed the road to the Parish Halls for refreshments and to enable the children to visit Santa in his Grotto, ably assisted by his chief Elf!

Symington Memorial Silver Band added to the atmosphere by playing a lovely selection of carols and seasonal music.

The Hall was packed and everyone truly enjoyed the festive spirit, with many people commenting how they had enjoyed seeing the two Churches working together to make this a special occasion.

Images courtesy of the Parish Archive


Announcements

Mrs S Claus visits Groomsport...The Groomsport Parish Christmas Fair was the chosen venue for an unprecedented visit to Northern Ireland – by none other than Mrs Claus. In her striking red and white outfit, she thrilled the children with her presence and gifts. The adults were delighted as well. When asked by the Reporter from the Spectator Newspaper, why she had chosen our Christmas Fair,

she indicated that her husband, Mr Santa Claus had a particularly busy year

and like any good wife, she agreed to make one visit in his place. So Groomsport was chosen. She had been very well briefed as she knew that Colin, who had assisted Mr Claus for many years, was hanging up his snow boots, so she joined everyone in the busy hall in wishing

Colin a well-deserved rest and every blessing for the future.

BREAKING NEWS!!!!

‘Building Hope and Confidence’ is the MU theme for 2020, and as our branch meetings recommence, the Committee and I wish you and your families every blessing for the year ahead.Looking back to our last event of 2019, over 30 members were entertained to an evening of ‘Swing’ with Finbar ( a local and very talented singer), up at the Secret Garden, Dundonald. The music was reminiscent of Frank Sinatra and Robbie Williams and there was plenty of opportunity to let our hair down and join in the singing. A lovely supper was enjoyed by all after the concert. Our Opening and Enrolment Service which took place on Sunday 5 January was well attended. The service was led by Duncan and assisted by Faith, with three new members enrolled – Anne Craig, Isa Higginson and Sally McKee. We have a great programme in place for 2020. Our meetings take place on the third Monday of each month at 8 pm in the Canon Tyney Hall. Our next meeting will take place on Monday 17 February where the guest speaker will be John McKegney. If you would like to dip your toe in the water and join one of our meetings, you will be made very welcome. We are a warm-hearted group of ladies – and you do not have to be a mother to join!

Mae - Branch Leader

Our next edition of the G.P.C. Contact will be out first Sunday in April.

Tara Brown

Mothers’ Union – Feb 2020

Next Contact addition


Announcements

January’s walk was at Castle Espie near Comber. As well as the exercise, there was the added fun of watching the ducks, geese and other wildlife.

Our February walk will be at Hillsborough Forest Park. Please meet at 10am at the car park on Saturday 22 February.

Walking For Softies (More Like Strolling Really)

Our March walk on 28 March will be to Mountstewart. Meet at the Reception at 10am. If you have a National Trust card, don’t forget to bring it with you. Everyone is welcome and those who cannot manage the walk may join us for coffee and craic.Ian & Zandra 07968401386 or 07968401387


North Down and Ards Women’s Aid is a voluntary organisation whose aim is to provide temporary accommodation, support and information for women and children who have experienced domestic violence.

“Journey to Freedom” is a personal development programme and Support Group. The Group provides knowledge to enable women to build self confidence, make informed choices and create positive change, not only in their own lives, but also in that of their children.Women’s Aid, supported by the Policing and Community Safety Partnership, offers access to the One Stop Shop, which is a multi-agency drop in service for women who are experiencing :

Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Financial Abuse or Sexual AbuseThe various agencies can offer FREE, immediate and confidential access to

legal support, benefits advice, housing and safety advice. Women’s Aid is open on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month: 10.00am

- 12.00pm. No appointments are necessary and creche facilities are available. It is located at the Thriving Life Church, Crawfordsburn Road, Newtownards, BT23 4EAInformation about the One Stop Shop, or Women’s Aid support services is available at the Bangor Advice Centre, 18 Bingham Street, Bangor BT20 5DW. Telephone 028 9127 3196Many members of our Church family and Mothers’ Union Branch, have been very faithful supporters of North Down Women’s Aid. That support has been of a very practical nature, with donations of towels and bedding, toiletries and underwear, nightwear for women and children, food items such as tea and coffee, non-perishable canned foods, non- food items such as washing up liquid and washing powder, colouring books and pencils, jigsaw puzzles and board games. Donations continue to be gratefully accepted.

Further information can be obtained from Hester Kelly. Email: [email protected] Mobile 07753461153


Vestry Notes December 2019 / January 2020

Research continues on new hymn boards for the Church. Valuation of silver in the Church is almost complete.Drains at the Rectory have been successfully addressed. Shelving for the new store has been purchased and will be erected as soon as the store has been painted. The growth in the hall chimneys has been resolved. The Vestry was reminded about the correct use of bins at the halls and the Church. The Glebe Warden will research a new bench for outside the Church. Once new light units have arrived, all outstanding electrical work in the Church will be completed. The Rector will speak to the architect about employing a suitable firm to service the boilers in the Church and the Halls. The basin in the disabled toilets and the taps have been fixed. Buttons missing on Church cushions will be dealt with. Snagging list matters in the Church have been addressed. Prices are being sought for storm glazing of the Church windows and cleaning of the East and South nave windows. The floodlight switch is still tripping.Stipends and Christmas bonuses were agreed by the Vestry.The following Charities were allocated £500 each – Water Aid, RNLI, Simon Community, Storehouse North Down, MacDermott Unit and Air Ambulance. In addition £1,500 was given to CMS. Christmas envelopes will remain in Church until the end of January.Mention was made of the success of the Christmas Fair, not only in terms of finances, but also in terms of outreach.

The Strategic Team has not yet reached any conclusions but will bring them to Vestry on completion. Due process has been followed to appoint a Church Administrator who will begin work in January.The Rector will host a lunch for Graeme Brown and Wesley Quinn by way of thanking them for all they have given the Church over many years. After 25 years Graeme is stepping down as our Parish Auditor and Wesley has stood down as our treasurer after nearly 15 years of faithful service.The Rector has asked that anyone holding unregistered keys, should return them to David McKnight. The Vestry Secretary has written to David to thank him for all the work he does with hall bookings and keys.The Rector has written to Andy Brannigan at Church House about Safeguarding Trust.The Rector has extended the deadline for returns of the Church Survey till the end of January.The Rector will order 300 palm crosses.Anyone organising ticketed Church events, should ensure the tickets contain the words “suggested donation.”The Annual Easter Vestry will take place after Church on Sunday 15 March after Church.The Rector will be on leave from 12 February until 1 March. Services will be taken by Faith Cully and Andrew Moore.


Events Update

Art Show

The nine members of the Church’s Art Club organised a most successful exhibition of their art work towards the end of last year. The four- day exhibition featured 167 wonderful paintings and drawings which certainly seemed to delight, intrigue and entertain the great number of church-family members and visitors alike who came along to support and encourage us.

Anyone inspired to be creative please, regardless of experience, come and join with us in the church hall on a Thursday afternoon 2pm until 5pm.

Stuart


Christmas Fair 2019

Where do I start?!! Thank you for the support! Thankyou for the donations! Thank you for all the hard work! Thank you for attending!!Yet again, you the Groomsport Parishioners demonstrated how willing you are to come together and work with others to provide a tremendous social event for the village of Groomsport. There were some concerns about the date as we had heard about a number of other Fairs in the area, but thankfully that was not evident as the Halls filled as soon as the doors opened. There was also a little concern about holding the Fair in the morning. We needn’t have

Images courtesy of the Parish Archive

worried. The atmosphere was special, and we succeeded in raising £3,200 for our Parish.Adults reading this will understand me saying a huge thank you to Colin Crozier who stood down from his traditional role for many years and handed over to Faith Cully.We will be having a Fair Review meeting at the end of January, but those of us involved in organising the Fair are always keen for new ideas - so if any of you reading this, have any suggestions for the next Fair, please feel free to contact me.

Heather Pentland

Events Update


Forthcoming Events - 2019

Men’s Breakfast

Pancake Day

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15 Maeshine in Concert

Art Exhibition

Men’s Breakfast Saturday 15th February at 10am

Come along with family and friends for a first class breakfast served by the ladies of the Parish. If you have attended before you will know that you will not get a better fry up anywhere!

Our guest speaker this year is local author , inspirational speaker, broadcaster peacebuilder and suicide prevention advocate , Dr Tony Macaulay. He was raised at the top of the Shankill Road in West Belfast at the start of the ‘troubles’, an experience which has shaped his life and inspired his writing. He is the author of several well known books including Paperboy, Breadboy and Little House on the Peace Line. His latest book is Belfast Gate, a novel set in the present day. His talk is entitled ‘From Paperboy to Peacebuilder’.

Tickets for the event are available from Zandra (07968 401 386) .The event is not just for Parishioners but anyone looking for good food ,a bit of craic and a first class speaker .

Suggested donation of £10 , well worth the money!

Our annual pancake party will be held in the Parish Halls on Shrove Tuesday , 25 Febrauary 2020 starting at 4 pm. Boys and girls come along and help us celebrate. You can make pancakes with delicious toppings , join our pancake race and win some prizes.

Parents and grandparents you are very welcome to join us. Can’t guarantee a home made pancake but plenty of shop bought ones to try along with a cup of tea.

Admission free.

Men’s Breakfast

Pancake Party

Groomsport Parish ChurchPage 16 Groomsport Parish ChurchPage 16

Groomsport Parish Church

Presents

Spring Concert Featuring Maeshine

A successful Bangor based duo whose unique music will take you on a heart-warming and tranquil

journey of beautiful songs of their own composition.

Groomsport Parish Church Page 17Groomsport Parish Church Page 17

Friday 13 March 2020 – 7.30pm in the Parish Church

Followed by a Fork Supper in the Parish Halls Suggested Donation £10

Tickets Available from Heather (07834771075), Mae (07810440492) or

Church Wardens

To play a sample of their music, go to ‘Utube Maeshine Strickland’s Glen’.

Mae Burke - 07810 440492

Janet Wilson - 07703360385

Elaine Lester - 07791 569432 [email protected]

Maggie [email protected]

The Rector028 9146 4476

Ian [email protected]

Zandra [email protected]

Stuart Tanner - 07411 178230Carole Barbosa - 07473 939499

Elaine Lester - 07791 569432 [email protected]

The Rector - 028 9146 4476

Mark Seidman - 028 [email protected]

Secretary Graham [email protected]

Yvonne McIlmail - 028 9146 9420

Jenny Craythorne – 07748580541

Heather [email protected]

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Saturday

Sunday School

Mothers’ Union

Tai Chi For Health

Scrabble

Evergreens

Walking For Softies

Groomsport Parish Art Class

MoJo Club

Bible Study

Chess Club

Masonic Lodge

Groomsport & District Gardening Club

Chattering Needles

Select Vestry Meeting

Please note that Table Tennis no longer takes place on a Thursday. However the equipment it there and anyone that wishes to use it please contact

[email protected]

If you would like to get involved please contact the person in charge of the activity for more information. Alternatively visit...

www.groomsportparishchurch.org

Join Us



The first Tales of 2020 go back to our earliest beginnings and also to times still vivid to many of us: Groomsport Primary School, Groomsport

Parish Magazine from 1952 and a Parish Sunday School Report from the 1970’s.

Thanks to Linda Mehaffey and Mark Patton there exists a History of Groomsport Primary School. The Parish Archive holds a copy of this detailed History. There were in fact three schools in Groomsport. The first was a Presbyterian Church initiative in 1844 which established the first School behind the

Presbyterian Church building. There was a “Male” school and a “Female” school. This Schoolhouse lasted for 50 years until 1895 when a new school was built at a cost of £485 on the site of the Walter Nelson Halls, serving both as school and Church hall for 67 years. In 1962 the third School was opened on Springwell drive by the Down Education Committee at a cost of £17000. The building still exists but sadly without pupils since its closure in 2007.

A copy of the Service of Thanksgiving held on its closure is also in the Parish Archive.

The Parish Magazine from August 1952 dates from the time that it was still published as part of the Parish of Bangor Parochial Magazine, incorporating all three Parishes, Bangor, Ballyholme and Groomsport. Strangely, while images of the other Churches appear on the cover Groomsport is not accorded this status: even though St Comgall’s was not consecrated until 1882, making Groomsport Parish the senior in this respect; and even though Groomsport Parish had been an independent Parish since 1853. The Groomsport entry in the magazine is consigned to the back page !

Zandra and Ian Sloan donated this little cutting to the Archive. It illustrates just how important even the smallest items can be. This is part of a report which pre-dates 1975 which appeared in the parish magazine of the day. Unfortunately we do not have the entire article. If anyone has a copy tucked away somewhere we would be delighted to add it to the collection. The formal rendering of names is noteworthy.

Tales From The Parish Archives

Barry Greenaway - Groomsport Parish Church Archivist12 Ballymacormick Road07515699389 - [email protected]


It is a vast, beautiful and very varied continent. I only know it from south of the Zambezi river, 49 years in Rhodesia, 18 in South Africa and now 20 years in Northern Ireland. My fondest memories are of Rhodesia where I was born and grew up. It is a beautiful little landlocked country in the middle of Africa bordered in the north by the Zambezi river and in the south by the Limpopo river. It was only in existence from 1890 when founded by Cecil Rhodes (who is buried there in the Matopos mountains) and changed its name to Zimbabwe when taken over in 1982 by Robert Mugabe after a bitter terrorist war

- but no more on politics.

Rhodesia now no longer exists except in our memories but I remember it when it was a peaceful happy country, the magnificent Victoria Falls and man-made Kariba Hydroelectric Dam both on the Zambezi river, the Wangie Game Reserve with its hundred of elephants, the Zimbabwe Ruins (of unknown origin), the green mountainous eastern district, the avenues lined with mauve jacaranda trees and the one long street in particular lined with bright red flamboyant trees. All the trees and flowers were bright not the softer, gentler shades like here. We travelled miles by car - 4 hours from Salisbury to the nearest big town, Bulawayo, a full day by car, east to

My life In Africa?!!


My life In Africa?!!Mozambique, 1000 miles to Durban and 2000 miles to Capetown in South Africa, if we wanted to have a seaside holiday. A plane can now take one for a trip to the Victoria Falls to an international airport there - it used to be just a dirt landing strip in a clearing in the veld!! All sightseeing was free, now one pays to see it all, but naturally, because tourism is their main source of income. Originally their economy was based on farming and mining. Little Rhodesia was settled mainly by the British, railways police and farmers. It was completely self sufficient even throughout all the problems, and was known for many years as the bread basket of Africa. God

bless Africa, guard her people and give her peace.The first Church I remember, where I was confirmed, was the Anglican Cathedral in Salisbury. Since then, with all our moves I have been a member of many churches with various races , five in Rhodesia , five in South Africa, now three in Northern Ireland. It makes one realise that we are really one big Church all over the world.

Joan Handley


in Dorset. She off-sets this dullness by avid reading, particularly of supernatural stories. However her opportunities open up when she is invited to join some wealthy neighbours for a few weeks in Edinburgh, for the Festival. As in the original story she meets a mysterious, attractive young man, makes friends with a lively young woman and suffers unwanted attention from the friend’s odious brother. I enjoyed the retelling though I am afraid that for me no-one has yet matched Austen’s gentle wit. Once Cat has been invited to Northanger Abbey her imagination runs riot, as expected but from this point on I found the story dragged rather. Worth reading.

From the first page you glean that Eleanor is rather a pitiable character. Highly educated but in a rather dull job she took on at the age of twenty-one supposing that her employer “felt sorry for me”. Throughout

the descriptions of her isolated life, she repeatedly insists that everything is “fine”. At thirty years of age, she has no friends, is bored with work but seems not concerned to do anything about it, eats the same

“fodder” all the time, claiming a total lack of interest in food and drinks two bottles of vodka each weekend. Slowly pain is revealed in her past which has caused this regimented attitude to life and she begins to understand the value of friendship. The story is chilling, gripping and remarkably amusing in places. I loved it and couldn’t put it down!

Book Stall for September, February & MarchI hope you all enjoyed a relaxing and happy Christmas, by the time you read this it will seem rather distant. However during these cold dark months I have some marvellous stories to enjoy if you are not tempted outside!

“This is a wonderful, moving and tragic story but one beautifully told through the eyes of nine year old Bruno. He and his family are moving house because of his father’s new job. All Bruno knows is that “the Fury” has asked

him to do it and that they are to live in a place called “Out-With”……. It took me a little while to realise the significance of this child’s interpretation of a name which still cause us to shudder. It has been suggested that this book would be suitable for a child of over ten, which in many respects is true but it is perfectly appropriate as an adult novel too. It is of course based on historical events of the Second World War and is a story which, as the Guardian critic observed “cannot be told too often”. I cannot recommend this too highly.

This is one in the series of “The Austen Project when contemporary authors are asked to retell some of Jane Austen’s most loved novels. Cat Morland lives what she considers to be a very dull life, home-schooled

The boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

Northanger Abbey by Val McDermid

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman.


of God”, “Understanding Consolation” and “Understanding Tension and Paradox” with extracts from Albert Einstein, Robert Frost, D. H. Lawrence and W.B. Yeats, these are wonderful snippets of wisdom and profound thoughts.

Each chapter heading in this very detailed book is an honest answer to questions often asked. “If God Knows, Why Pray?” “The Wounds are so Deep Can Anything be Done?” and “Is Prayer Just a Painkiller?” This is a

really thought provoking read.

I hope you can find something of interest either here or on the shelves. The titles above will be left on top of the bookcase as usual as soon as this Contact is available.

Carol

Shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2015 I had high expectations of this novel. I had often heard it referred to, had never read Anne Tyler before so approached it with enthusiasm. I’m afraid I was rather disappointed. The story exists almost

entirely through the very special house in which four generations of Whitshanks have lived. It is really a family saga carrying us from 1920s when the family moved to Baltimore, right through to the twenty first century. Somehow it never quite captured my interest the way I like a book to do. Maybe you will feel differently.

There are some lovely recipes in this small book. Although it is over twenty years old the recipes are up to date and interesting. Get some new ideas!

Something Understood. An anthology of Poetry and Prose. Divided into ten chapters with titles l i ke “Unders tand ing Love and Friendship”,

“Understanding the Quest

Cooked in a Flash by Jenny Bristow

Prayer by John Woolme.

Something Understood. An anthology of Poetry and Prose.

A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler

Some Short Reviews


_ O _ _ U A - JOSHUA

_ L _ _ U - ELIHU

S _ _ E _ A - SISERA

_ Z Z _ H - UZZAH

_ _ L _ M _ - SALOME

_ _ R N _ _ _ U _ - CORNELIUS

H _ _ N A _ - HANNAH

_ _ F _ _ - RUFUS

_ _ A A _ - ISAAC

S _ _ _ S - SILAS

_ _ M _ _ _ Y - TIMOTHY

_ _ B _ T _ _ - TABITHA

_ _ P _ Z _ _ _ _ - HEPHZIBAH

_ _ _ K _ _ L - EZEKIEL

_ A _ S O _ - SAMSON

_ N _ _ _ _ _ S - ONESIMUS

N _ _ _ D _ _ _ _ - NICODEMUS

_ G - OG

_ _ _ _ X - FELIX

_ O _ _ _ T H - GOLIATH

_ B _ D _ _ _ - OBADIAH

D _ _ _ _ L - DANIEL

Created by BiblePuzzles.org.uk

MISSING LETTERS

MEN & WOMEN

OF THE BIBLE

Fill in the missing letters to find the men and women of the Bible. Once you have completed the puzzle the

first letter of each name will reveal another Bible character.


Lord God, Great misery has come over me.My cares want to press me down;

I no longer know in from out.God, be graceful and help;

Give me strength to bear what you send.Do not let fear rule over me,

Take fatherly care of those close to me,

They have brought you up to date, Lord, down at Saint Cecelia’sThey have pensioned off the organ and they’re praising with guitars.

They have done it for the young ones. We want to draw them in: but I do wish they could worship without making such a din.

For I’m going rather deaf, Lord, and where there’s all that noise, it gets so very hard, Lord, to hear thy loving voice.

They have written brand new hymns, Lord, with tunes I do not know, so I hardly ever sing now, though I did love singing so.

They are very go ahead, Lord, they are doing Series Three, but the words are not so beautiful as the others used to be.

They have modernised the Bible, the Lord’s prayer and the Creed.When the old ones were so perfect that they filled my every need.

My mind’s not quite so agile as it was some years ago and I miss the age-old beauty of the words I used to know.

It’s very clear to me, Lord, I’ve over-stayed my time.I don’t take to change so kindly as I did when in my prime.

But it can’t be very long now until I’m called above, and I know I’ll find you there, Lord, and glory in your love.

Till then I’ll stick it out here, though it’s not the same for me.But while others call you “You” Lord, do you mind if I say “Thee”

Mavis Clarke

PRAYER IN SPECIAL NEED

A LAMENT TO THE LORD

Thoughts of a Blow In...inevitable we feel flat afterwards. So January can seem a very long month indeed! After all the anticipation, everyone I met between Christmas and New Year said how quickly it had all flashed by!

For me, it all seemed to pass in a blur of jollity, which was lovely. It’s always a delight to have everyone’s grown-up children home and catch up with what’s happening in their lives, as well as to get quality time with good friends to have a proper chat.

Just before Christmas, I also enlisted the help of my Cake Elves (aka next door’s children) to distribute Christmas cake to the neighbours. They are growing up so fast but were still overwhelmed with the excitement of Christmas and Santa, which was such fun to see.

These lovely words from the English writer Edit Sitwell not only reminded me of all the conviviality of the Christmas season but of the home comforts in the depths of winter that we can all enjoy.

Cynthia

Here we are at the start of the New Year and Storm Brendan has blown through us already! Although this winter has not been too chilly so far, it does seem to have brought us our fair share of strong winds. We get the odd day of calm clear weather before getting swept away again, usually with a gust of rain too!

Many people find this a bleak time of the year. At least in November, as the nights close in, we have Christmas to look forward to and during December the Christmas lights (both in the town and beaming from people’s houses), brighten up the long dark stretch. But in January, the celebrations, both religious and secular, are over and we are left without any cheerful evening lights.

Although the days are gradually getting longer, during January, this can feel almost imperceptible. Spring feels a very long way off, especially with the wind roaring around the house!

I suppose we are all so busy preparing for Christmas, both in and out of church, that it’s

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the

fire: it is the time for home.” - Edith Sitwell


PrayerRoomSome more “Fish” prayers from the net…..

Amen

Father, bless our Church this Holy Week with Your loving holy presence.

O God, this year in particular, be with all those suffering from cancer. Help them to find comfort when in pain. Also give strength to their carers. As they go about their daily lives, not knowing

what lies ahead. Amen.Lord bless the food upon our dishes

As Thou didst bless the loaves and fishesAnd like the sugar in our teaMay we all be stirred by Thee

My First Prayer.I surrender to Thee my entire life, O God of my understanding. I have made a mess of it, trying to

run it myself. You take it, the whole thing, and run it for me, according to your will and plan for me.

Remember Stuart in your prayers, thanking God for his talents and music that he gives us.

Father, Thank you for the sympathetic renovations to our beautiful church. Thank you for the fellowship and friendship we enjoyed at this time and still enjoy. Praise to You.


Carol

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Groomsport Parish Church

Documents

We Love Because · Rector’s Hour Please note that the Rector will be available in the Vestry office on Tuesdays from ... The Rector’s Warden Helen Parkinson [email protected]