Services over Christmas and New Year St Paul’s Parish Glenageary

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: PARISH CHIMES The church remains closed until further notice. Services in Parish Centre unless otherwise December 2012-January 2013 indicated

The following services will take place in Christ Church Dun Laoghaire. (Parking in the vicinity of the church can be difficult so please leave home in plenty of time) Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight (Sunday 23rd December 7 p.m.) Christmas Eve (Monday) 11.30 p.m. Christmas Day (Tuesday) 10.30 a.m. Sunday 30th December 10.30 a.m. Sunday 6th January 10.30 a.m. Sunday 13th January 10.30 a.m.

All other services over Christmas and New Year will take place in the Parish Centre

Dec 2nd The First Sunday of Advent 8.15 a.m. Holy Communion (One) 10.30 a.m. A Service of the Word and Sunday Club 7 p.m. Worship and Wedges (Christingle)

Dec 5th Wednesday 11 a.m. Holy Communion (One)

Dec 9th The Second Sunday of Advent 8.15 a.m. Holy Communion (One) 10.30 a.m. Parish Communion and Sunday Club 7 p.m. A Service of the Word

Dec 12th Wednesday 11 a.m. Holy Communion (One)

Dec 16th The Third Sunday of Advent 8.15 a.m. Holy Communion (One) 10.30 a.m. Morning Prayer and Sunday Club WISHING YOU A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND Gift Day for Children’s Hospital in 7 p.m. Holy Communion (Two) A PEACE FILLED NEW YEAR 40 ST PAUL’S CHURCH, PARISH OF GLENAGEARY Dec 24th Christmas Eve (Monday) 11.30 p.m. The First Communion of Christmas Day Rector: The Rev Gary Dowd in Christ Church Dun Laoghaire. The Rectory, 1 Silchester Road, Glenageary, Co (Joint service) PLEASE NOTE VENUE Tel/Fax 01 2801616 e mail: [email protected] Dec 25th CHRISTMAS DAY (Tuesday) 8.15 a.m. Holy Communion (One) Parish Centre Rector’s Churchwarden Geoff Barry 2823670 10.30 a.m. Family Service in Christ Church Dun Laoghaire People’s Churchwarden Diane Middleton 2826298 (Joint service) PLEASE NOTE VENUE Rector’s Glebewarden Erica Pickering 2844263 12 Noon Holy Communion (Two) (said service) Parish Centre People’s Glebewarden Frank Gunning 2043054 Hon. Treasurer. Alan Lowther 2854475 Dec 26th Wednesday Hon. Secretary. Margaret Woods 2805961 11 a.m. NO SERVICE Organist/Choir Director Derek Verso 2823415 Youth worker Tanya Chapple 086 3994852 Dec 30th The First Sunday of Christmas Stewardship: David Pain 2805353 8.15 a.m. Holy Communion (One) Parish Centre Church Review Deborah Burke 2855486 10.30 a.m. Morning Prayer (Two) in Christ Church Dun Laoghaire. Sunday Club Karen Lavery 087 2476813 (Joint service) PLEASE NOTE VENUE Church of Ireland Gazette Ivor Moloney 2807695 Church Flowers Harriet Greenlee 2820422 7 p.m. Evening Prayer Parish Centre Church Linen Ann Barrett 2720397 Parish Facilities Coordinator Cynthia Gray 087 9637008 JANUARY 2013

SELECT VESTRY 2012/2013 Jan 2nd Wednesday 11 a.m. Holy Communion (One) Parish Centre The Rector (Chairperson), Geoff Barry; Diane Middleton; Rita Dalton; Erica Pickering; Deborah Burke; Dominic Galvin, Joe Harvey; Paul Hatton; Deirdre Jan 6th THE EPIPHANY Moppett; Sheila Wayman; Roger West; Mary Heseltine; Frank Gunning; John 8.15 a.m. Holy Communion (One) Parish Centre White, Alan Lowther (Hon. Treasurer) and Margaret Woods (Hon. Secretary). 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion (One) in Christ Church Dun Laoghaire. (Joint service) PLEASE NOTE VENUE USEFUL NUMBERS 7 p.m. Holy Communion (One) Parish Centre

Glenageary National School (Principal Mrs Sadie Honner) 2856011 Jan 9th Wednesday Parish Centre enquiries and bookings (Cynthia Gray) 087 9637008 11 a.m. Holy Communion (One) Parish Centre

Church Web Sites Jan 13th The Baptism of Christ 8.15 a.m. Holy Communion (One) Parish Centre Our Parish Web site: Currently being updated 10.30 a.m. Morning Prayer (Two) in Christ Church Dun Laoghaire. Church of Ireland www.ireland.anglican.org (Joint service) PLEASE NOTE VENUE Diocesan Web site www.dublin.anglican.org 7 p.m. A Service of the Word Parish Centre Representative Church Body www.rcb.ireland.anglican.org After Sunday 13th January all services at the usual times (Sunday 8.15 a.m. 10.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. and Wednesday 11 a.m.) will take place in the Parish Centre until the church re opens.

2 39 Write on Rev

Daphne Crosthwait, formerly of Arkendale Wood, died after a December 2012 short illness in Altadore Nursing Home where she had been a resident for the past ten years. Daphne was quite a character who Dear Parishioners, liked to shock and tease in equal measure! She could say anything to you and frequently did!! She loved St Paul’s and was a faithful Welcome to the latest edition of “Chimes”. Unfortunately we will not communicant at the monthly service at Altadore. Her funeral took be back into our church for Christmas so alternative arrangements th place on 10 November in St Patrick’s Church, (by kind have been made. We will be in Christ Church Dun Laoghaire for our permission) after which cremation took place at Mt Jerome. We service of nine lessons and carols by candlelight on Sunday 23rd extend our sympathy to her family and friends. December (7 p.m.), on Christmas Day at 10.30 a.m. and also on Sunday 30th December, Sunday 6th January and It was somehow fitting that Daphne’s funeral took place on the eve Sunday 13th January at 10.30 a.m. This of Armistice Day. Her father, The Revd. William Crosthwait, was arrangement is also helpful to the parishioners in serving as a curate in Parish in 1916 when he joined Dun Laoghaire as they have no rector at present the Royal Army Chaplain Department. He later saw service at the and to our theatre group as they stage their latest frontline in France and was awarded the Military Cross for bravery. pantomime in early January in the parish centre. For the first three Sundays after Christmas I will also be taking the 9 “ I am sure that neither death nor life, not things to come, nor height nor a.m. Holy Communion services in Dun Laoghaire so if you see me dashing off after our own 8.15 a.m. service on those mornings it is depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from nothing personal!!!

Thank you for your patience and co operation during the renovation the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” and restoration work. It looks like it may be mid –late February at the earliest before we get repossession of the church but I have no doubt it will be worth the wait

PRIVATE COMMUNIONS OVER CHRISTMAS I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Forward Together committee, chaired by Peter Waller, for all their hard work over the A number of parishioners receive Holy Communion at home summer months in putting together the recent parish survey and for on a monthly basis and, all being well, arrangements will arranging that every home in the parish be visited. I would also like to have been made with them. However, if there is anyone thank those who gave of their time to call on parishioners and for else who is unable to come out to church over the Christmas gathering the completed forms which have now been collated. I must period, the Rector will gladly bring communion to them. thank Mary Heseltine in particular for the enormous amount of time Please contact him on 2801616 so that a suitable time can be and expertise she has invested in this project. Her interim report can arranged. be found on pages 23-28 of this magazine and I urge you to read it. As

38 3 it is printed in black and white we cannot do justice to her wonderful MAY graphics but hopefully you will still be both inspired and encouraged by the responses that have been received. The work of Forward 2nd Parish Whist 8 p.m. Meeting Room Together is not yet complete as we are planning to hold a Parish 9th-11th General Synod Armagh Forum, under the direction of an independent facilitator, on Tuesday 25th PARISH SUMMER FAIR 19th February 2013. Please keep this evening free. We urge you to come along, to express your views and to have an input into mapping the direction our parish should now take as it seeks to minister most effectively in a rapidly changing society. We hope that you are Holy Baptism already beginning to see the fruits of Forward Together with the promise of lots more to come. We aim to build on the momentum this 18th November: Charlie Robert Harry Doyle, son project has generated to coincide with the re opening of our church of Ruth Milne and Killian Doyle, Churchview Park, building. Killiney.

Immediately after Christmas St Paul’s Theatre Group will be staging We welcome Charlie into the family of the church. their latest pantomime, Cinderella. It opens on Saturday 5th January and by the time you are reading this the box office will be open. See page 11 for further details. Please give the show your Wedding support, go along, bring your family and friends and make it a sell out. Gareth Craig and Moira Wynne were married in Ardcarne Church If you are travelling over the holiday period may you do so carefully in Co Roscommon on All Saints Day. The celebrations and arrive safely. We look forward to welcoming home those who live continued afterwards at the stunning Cromleach Lodge Country and work away from Glenageary. Let us not forget that Christmas can House Hotel and the couple have since travelled to Cuba for their be a very sad time for some people and please check on those whom honeymoon. We Gareth and Moira every happiness and blessing in you suspect might be on their own. their married life together in .

Before you leave for worship over Christmas and new year please just check beforehand where it is actually taking place! As detailed LIST OF REGISTERED VESTRYPERSONS elsewhere in this magazine many of the main morning services, and our carol service, will be taking place in Christ Church, Dun The annual revision of the list of registered vestrypersons will take place Laoghaire. May I remind you that parking is never easy in the at the January meeting of the Select Vestry. immediate vicinity of the church so please leave home in plenty of time. Like the shepherds before us we are journeying to a less familiar Those on this list are entitled to vote at the Easter General Vestry (The place to find the Christ child this Christmas! Parish A.G.M.) and would also be eligible for election as office holders, churchwardens and to the select vestry. Even if this may not be a priority From all of us here at the Rectory, Pamela, Suzanne, Andrew, and in your life at present, is it very important that all those who consider myself, have a happy, holy and blessed Christmas. themselves to be parishioners are included on this list.

Yours sincerely, If you are over 18 years of age, and think you may not be registered, please obtain the necessary form from the churchwardens or the rector. Gary Completed forms should be returned to them as soon as possible.

Thank –you P.S. Sadly, Snowy our cat died in September 4 37 SOME DATES FOR 2012/13 Restoration and Refurbishment

DECEMBER 2012 11th Carmona Services Annual Ecumenical Carol Service We are nearly there with the Restoration and 8 p.m. Dunmore House Refurbishment of our Parish Church. It has been a 15th Ecumenical Service Sandycove Swimmers at the Forty Foot long road of recovery but the end of this road is 12 noon. finally in sight. It has been an enormously complex 16th CHRISTMAS PRESENT GIFT DAY for the National Children’s Hospital project with many unexpected problems, which Tallaght 10.30 a.m. 23rd Parish Service of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight 7 p.m. in are inevitable when you are tackling the Christ Church Dun Laoghaire restoration of a building which approaches 150 24th The First Communion of Christmas 11.30 p.m. years old. It has been a project that has 25th CHRISTMAS DAY (TUESDAY) required the harnessing of many special skills from Services 8.15 a.m. Parish Centre 10.30 a.m. in Christ Church our architects through to the acumen of the Dun Laoghaire and 12 Noon (Parish Centre) 26th Wednesday No Service stonemasons. In the management of the project we have not shirked from difficult decisions as the JANUARY 2013 common good has always been the goal to achieve. In short there were many 5th St Paul’s Theatre Group Production Cinderella also 10th, 11th 12th challenges uncovered as the scaffolding went up and up, giving exposure for 18th Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (until 25th) the expert eye to effectively identify the complete scope of the problems. 20th Sunday Club re-opens There has been an in depth risk evaluation in all aspects of the Church’s fabric, FEBRUARY which at the end of the day must be the only responsible decision, even if the 4th-6th Dublin and Glendalough Clergy Conference Kilkenny outcomes were not always welcome and the subsequent potential costs hurt. 7th Parish Whist 8 p.m. Meeting Room 13th Ash Wednesday and beginning of Lent 17th The First Sunday of Lent Again, I have to sincerely thank and acknowledge the many Parishioners who 19th PARISH FORUM in the Parish Centre. Time to be announced have supported the Restoration and Refurbishment project that we essentially had no option but to take on. Sacrifices have been made by many and without MARCH the generosity and goodwill we just could not have commenced or concluded 7th Parish Whist 8 p.m. Meeting Room such a huge undertaking. It has been a very humbling experience to have 10th Mothering Sunday 17th St Patrick’s Day (Sunday) received such kindness, support and interest in such a constant fashion over 22nd Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Day Coffee Morning and Raffle the last 6 months. 10.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m. in the Parish Centre 24th Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. A New Year beckons and ‘a new Church’ will be our destiny in 2013. Another 29th GOOD FRIDAY 6 weeks or so we will be there. For Roger West and I it has been our privilege 30th Summer Time Begins 31st EASTER DAY to have been given the opportunity to work in re-establishing St Pauls to its former glory as a very fine example of mid- nineteenth century church APRIL architecture. 4th Parish Whist 8 p.m. Meeting Room 19th Parish Golf Killiney Golf Club It can be truly said that in 2012 we have looked after our inheritance.

Robert Grier

36 5 Christmas – according to the Gospel of St Matthew initiative.

Now when Jesus was born in Please note that this appeal is not only to raise funds for those Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Church of Ireland members in need but also to make those who are Herod the king, behold there came in need aware that assistance is available. wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For Whereas this Initiative is for Church of Ireland parishioners the we have seen his star in the east, Protestant Aid charity which has been in existence since 1836, and are come to worship him.” through its General Grant Scheme assists families and individuals in the regardless of religious or ethnic background When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and by way of grants at a time of experiencing extreme poverty or at a all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief time of crisis. priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem Financial assistance for the Protestant elderly may also be received of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, by way of annuities either by way of quarterly payments or heating in the land of Judah, are not the least among the princes of Judah: annuities which are paid in October and January to cover the for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people colder months of the year. Israel.

Second level education grants may also be available to Protestant Then Herod, when he had privately called the wise men, inquired of students attending Protestant Managed fee paying schools. them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come It is also worth emphasising that Protestant Aid has a policy that and worship him also. every cent received by donation is given out again by way of grant aid – not one cent spent on overheads. This policy will also apply When they had heard the king, they departed; and lo, the star, which to funds raised by this initiative. they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced For any further information required please contact Protestant Aid with exceeding great joy. directly their details are on the new Protestant Aid poster on the notice board in the parish centre. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; Details of how you can support this appeal, if gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. you wish to do so, are contained in the white envelope which you should have Christmas entertaining received with this magazine. Inviting a number of houseguests to come for Christmas is a lot like living in California ... If you find a fault, don't dwell on it!

6 35 ARCHBISHOPS & BISHOPS INITIATIVE Looking back– Remembering

POVERTY & DEPRIVATION ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE November is a time of remembering and the Rector was privileged THIRD WORLD ….. IRELAND SUFFERS TOO. to be involved again in the annual ecumenical service for deceased members of Dun Laoghaire Golf Club. One of those remembered this year was the late Canon Robin Armstrong Ireland ranks as one of the most generous givers of aid worldwide who was instrumental in starting that service in the golf per capita of population – and yes it is a statistic we should be club thirty years ago. The Rector was also invited to rightly proud of, however, there are times when we appear to have participate for the first time in a service for deceased a blind spot when it comes to recognising poverty on our own members of The Victor Bridge Club which meets in St doorstep. Josephs’ Parish Centre in .

Amongst our own Church of Ireland family there are those On Remembrance Sunday we were delighted to join with struggling with acute financial stress. They may have been our neighbours in Christ Church Dun Laoghaire for what was a very self-employed with small businesses, who lived modestly and gave moving occasion. We thank them once more for the warmth of the employment but are now drowning in debt and with little or no welcome we received. state aid. Others may have been made redundant and many have young families in education. The stress has in some cases induced Our service of Remembrance for loved ones on 18th November suicide, ill health, depression; others still try to cope, taking any type took on a different format in the parish centre. It was well attended of work – anything to put bread on the table. So often the outward and hopefully those present found it helpful. façade is very different from reality. Some miscellaneous thoughts on life...

These are the kinds of cases that were addressed by the Bishop’ Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with. Initiative in 2010. I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not so sure.

Protestant Aid was asked to administer this Initiative which of course You're never too old to learn something stupid. they were very happy to do. The fund raised €150,000 and was distributed over a two year period through the clergy network to To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target. enable people to get back on their feet. The many heartfelt thank Nostalgia isn't what it used to be. you phone calls and letters were testament to how much the initiative was appreciated. I'm not completely worthless, I can always serve as a warning to others.

Shake your family tree this Christmas - and watch the nuts fall. Sadly there are many families still very much in need of financial assistance. The human race seems to have improved everything but people.

Realising this, the Archbishops and House of Bishops are once again Some persons pray for more things than they are willing to work for. running the Initiative. They are very grateful once again for the Silence: the art of conversation most appreciated when the Christmas Day feature professional assistance of Protestant Aid in administering this film is on.... – W Hazlitt paraphrased 34 7 Holy Trinity Killiney Habitat for Humanity ADVERTISEMENT Ladies Guild Philip Barrett and Vanessa An 8 week experiential course in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Invite you to join them for Greenlee would like to thank their winter programme of all those who gave so Mindfulness involves intentionally bringing awareness to the present monthly meetings. They generously towards their moment, paying attention to, and connecting with our present experience, meet in the Carry Hall, fund raising efforts at including our thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations with curiosity, Killiney (opposite the Sunday morning coffee openness and acceptance. recently. church) at 10.30 a.m. Mindfulness is a simple but profound practice that is rooted in ancient Eastern traditions. Over the last 30 years Western medicine and science Meetings in 2013 have come to recognise its benefits as a resource to help individuals deal ʺDun Laoghaire Toastmasters with a variety of physical and emotional difficulties. These include stress, 8th January Community aim high.ʺ serious illness, chronic pain, bereavement, and other life challenges, while also offering a way of developing positive mental qualities and emotional Garda: Marie Barry wellbeing. ʺFeel tongue tied. Wish you could 12th February Experiences rap an audience round your lile The MBSR course is modelled on the internationally acclaimed of an Irish Tour Guide (+ finger. Wish you could feel programme created by Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of the Stress Reduction pancakes)) comfortable with an impromptu Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. These programmes are now being used extensively in a variety of settings speech. Dun Laoghaire including hospitals and hospice care, community care, educational and 12th March Dublin Zoo Toastmasters are the answer to corporate sectors. your needs. We will help you 9th April Parks/Forest become a competent and The programme consists of 8 weekly classes of 2.5 hour duration and one full day of Mindfulness practice. To benefit fully from this course, confident speech maker without 14th May AGM Collection participants are asked to allow 45 minutes each day for home practice. pressure in a friendly encouraging for Alzheimer’s Society environment. Dates: Monday 21st January – 11th March 2013.(10.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.) nd For details contact Roland Evans@ Full day workshop Saturday 2 March. (11.00a.m. – 4.00 p.m.)

2805509 or 08712278 or email Venue:. St.Paul’s Parish Centre. Glenageary, Co. Dublin. Please note the [email protected] full day workshop will be held at Gorse Hill, . Co. Wicklow

Cost: The course fee is €320 and includes Course workbook and CDs. Pancakes and great commandments Facilitator: Eilis Cullen (MIACP, MIAHIP, MEAP) is an experienced A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, five and accredited Psychotherapist and trained Mindfulness practitioner. Eilis is currently undertaking a Masters in Mindfulness Based Approaches at the Ryan, three. As the boys began to argue over who would get the University of Wales, Bangor first pancake, their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. “If Jesus were sitting here,” she said, “He would say, 'let my brother Tel: 086 8622012 have the first pancake, I can wait.'" Email: [email protected] Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Ryan, you be Jesus!"

8 33 5th and 6th Class – As previously said I am really hoping to start a December 6 St Nicholas – youth group for this age and would love some feedback on this ; such as 1. Who is interested? 2. What days/times would be most suitable The true story of Father Christmas, or and 3. Any particular activities that would be most appealing to that Santa Claus, began with a man named age. Any input no matter how small in always helpful and will help Nicholas who was born in the third towards getting this group up and running, and ensuring this im- centre in the Greek village of Patara, on portant age group’s needs are met. what is today the southern coast of

Turkey. His family were both devout and Musicians/Singers – I am always keen to hear from anyone with any form of Musical talent no matter what it is, from banging the triangle to wealthy, and when his parents died in an being in and orchestra. I urge you to get involved and put your name for- epidemic, Nicholas decided to use his ward to help out every so often with Worship and Wedges or other services inheritance to help people. He gave to the needy, the sick, the that we are trying to pull the younger people into. suffering. He dedicated his whole life to God’s service, and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. As a bishop, he joined other God Bless, and Merry Christmas, bishops and priests in prison under the emperor Diocletian’s fierce

Tanya Chapple persecution of Christians across the Roman empire.

Mobile – 0863994852 Finally released, Nicholas was not bitter, but all the more determined Email – [email protected] to shed abroad the news of God’s love. He did so by giving. One story of his generosity explains why we hang Christmas stockings over our mantelpieces today. There was a poor family with three daughters who needed dowries if they were to marry, and not be sold into slavery. Nicholas heard of their plight, and tossed three bags of gold into their CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE home through an open window – thus saving the girls from a life of misery. Now is the time to order your copy for the year 2013 .

This is a weekly Magazine that keeps you up to date with all that is The bags of gold landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. happening across the Church both North and South . Hence the custom of children hanging out stockings – in the hope of It includes Articles some serious and some not but all thought provoking . It records all Clergy Appointments, retirements and changes as they happen . attracting presents of their own from St Nicholas - on Christmas Eve. It is not dominated by Adverts. That is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one The cost is €45.00 for 50 copies payable in advance . of the symbols of St Nicholas.

Please forward cheque payable to St. Paul's Church, Glenageary to :- Ivor Moloney, San Fionnbarra ,Crosthwaite Pk. Sth., Dun Laoghaire The example of St Nicholas has never been forgotten - in bygone years if you wish to order a copy for 2013 . boys in Germany and Poland would dress up as bishops on December 6th, and beg alms for the poor. In the Netherlands and Belgium, ‘St Nicholas’ would arrive on a steamship from Spain to ride a white horse 32 9 on this gift-giving rounds. To this day, December 6th is still the main day for gift-giving and merry-making in much of Europe. Many feel Youth News that simple gift-giving in early Advent helps preserve a Christmas Day focus on the Christ Child. Since September there has been two youth groups up and running; 1st (and 2nd) and 3rd years. With the first years we have been having lots of fun catching up with our friends that have gone to different schools and who we might not see throughout the week. A few weeks ago we had a ‘Bring a friend’ day and I am delighted to say that this was a THE PROBUS CLUB OF DUN LAOGHAIRE. great success, and we now have a few more recruits on board. Our theme so far has been ‘Around the World’ and where possible we Probus is an association of retired and semi retired men and women who explore the different cultures and activities of many countries. join together in autonomous clubs throughout Britain, Ireland and the Needless to say we are ALWAYS looking for new members and if you rest of the world. Sponsored by Rotary know someone who is interested in joining please contact me on the International, numbers continue to grow: there are now more that 120 number or email at the bottom. clubs in Ireland. In Dun Laoghaire are there are four Probus Clubs, three for men and one for women. The Probus Club of Dun Laoghaire The 3rd Year youth group is going very well, as its all girls’ it’s become Marine, a gentleman’s club, has some vacancies at present. It meets on Mondays from 11 a.m.-12 Noon at the Royal Marine Yacht Club for fel- a really nice, close knit and friendly group. Our theme this year is ‘Life lowship and conversation. Coffee and biscuits are served, after which a as we live it’, and during our sessions together we have been looking at speaker may be introduced. The cost in minimal, €20 per year. Those real life situations that happen to us and exploring how similar interested in joining can contact situations are talked about and worked through in the bible. It has Brian (Hon. Secretary) at [email protected] or Tom (President) at been a real eye opener for all of us and I hope the positive energy and 2354901. For more information go to http://tinyurl.ie/probus willingness to learn more about God’s word continues. Again, anyone who wishes to join is more than welcome and please do contact me, ADVERTISEMENT ART ZONE Upcoming Events/Opportunities Art Classes: Join Artzone and unleash your creative side! Fully Qualified Art Teachers work to a structured curriculum producing Saturday 8th December – ESSENTIAL – A Christmas Youth new and exciting portfolios every term. Fees: €88 per 8 week term. event for 1st-3rd years organised by 3Rock Youth. This is held in To make a booking ring 01 4990614 / 086 8159073 / or go Christ Church Cathedral. There is hopefully going to be a bus going to to www.artzone.ie. Artzone Classes on in: St. Paul’s Parish Centre, and from this event (should we get sufficient numbers), and I would Glenageary: Saturday 11 am ( 5-12 year olds) urge all young people to come along for a night you’ve never had before. Presents During the evening we learn all about Christmas from a different

December is the month when the children begin to discuss what to get Dad for perspective whilst having lots of fun at the same time. Christmas. Some insist on a shirt; others a pair of socks. But the argument always Should you wish to come please ring/text me on 0863994852 no later ends in a e. than 4th December.

10 31 CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ST. PAUL’S THEATRE GROUP Traditionally in St Paul’s our young people brought presents along to church on Christmas Presents in January 2013 the Pantomime morning to be given to the National Children’s Hospital in Tallaght. It would be of even greater benefit to the hospital if they were to receive your presents before CINDERELLA Christmas so that they could then be given to those children who will have to spend Christmas in their care. St. Paul’s Theatre Group has been producing Pantomimes and Musicals With this in mind we plan to have our Christmas since 1975 and, with very few exceptions, have run a show in early Janu- Present Gift Day on Sunday 16th December at ary virtually every year since. Attending the St. Paul’s Theatre Group’s 10.30a.m. Our young people are invited to bring their production has become somewhat of an annual post-Christmas tradition Christmas presents to church that morning and the for many years and is very much a family event to be enjoyed by all. The following day they will be brought to the hospital so show is an especially popular choice for children’s birthday parties and that they can be distributed in time for Christmas. other such group outings or occasions, with two matinees running each year - in addition to the weekly evening shows. Please indicate on your present what age group it suits best and whether a boy or a girl would rather receive it! This year the production is that of the traditional favourite “Cinderella”, with all the fun filled singing, dancing, and laughter to be expected from PLEASE NOTE: For infection control purposes the hospital cannot such a classic production. The Stepsisters will be ugly, Cinderella will be accept soft toys, even if they are new. beautiful, the Stepmother will be wicked, the Fairy Godmother will be kind, and – as always - the clock will strike midnight, but, of course, the Shhh! magic won’t end.

A teacher asked her children, as they were on the way to the village The dates of the show are: Christmas carol service: "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?" One bright little girl replied, "Because so many people are sleeping." Saturday 5th January 2013 at 3.00 p.m. Thursday 10th January 2013 at 8.00 p.m. Friday 11th January 2013 at 8.00 p.m. Saturday 12th January 2013 at 3.00 p.m. ADVERTISEMENT Saturday 12th January 2013 at 8.00 p.m.

"FITNESS LEAGUE CLASSES. General classes continue every Price of tickets - €8 for Children and €12 for Adults – all tickets on th Wednesday and Friday at 10 am. In addition to these classes Saturday 12 evening show are €12. Lesley will be starting an Active Retired Class on Friday, 1st February 2013 at 11.15 am and in the late Spring she hopes to Box Office Telephone – 086 0556972. The Box Office will open at the end of November 2012. to be in a position to run one on a Wednesday also. Book early, support your local pantomime, have a fun filled evening for all So, if you would like to find out more, please contact Lesley on 087 the family, and be ready for plenty of ‘Oh Yes She Did’ and ‘Oh No She 7485154." Didn’t’ s!

30 11 LESOTHO 2012

Thank you so much for all the support that you gave us! We had an unbelievable experience working in Lesotho for 3 weeks and our trip would not have been made possible without all the support from all our family and friends. The time we spent working in Africa will never be forgotten and it was truly a once in a life time experience. We thought you might like to hear of a few things we got up to whilst in Lesotho….

We left Dublin airport on the 4th of July and after a flight to London, an 11 hour flight to Johannesburg, and a very long car journey (a good eight and a half hours) we finally arrived in Lesotho. Andrew met us at the airport and looked after all of our needs for the whole trip, organising all our trips to the different orphanages, our accommodation, food and construction of the playground. The landscape was so beautiful, it was so vast and expansive; there was so much space everywhere we looked - except in the cramped town. We were technically staying in the middle of nowhere, but when you compare that to the middle of nowhere back home it’s rather incredible because there are quite a few people here, and it just goes to show you the difference in population densities. We stayed beside a half-way home (a temporary home for children where they stay for approx. six to eight months before being moved to a more permanent home, either with family or to an orphanage) and we were able to go over and play with the children most days after work. We did dancing with them, cricket, rounders' and other games. We also spent a while with the children most evenings saying short prayers and reading bible verses.

We stayed in a district known as Mohale’s Hoek and were pretty much straight into the work, building the playground from day one. We had originally hoped to undertake two or three minor projects, however we agreed to instead, undertake a major project and build

12 29 Mary Heselne a very big playground in the orphanage that needed it the most. We built the playground in an orphanage called Mantsase Children’s Home. We made a huge see saw, swing sets, walkways, a sandpit shaped like a boat, slides, a netball court, tyre climbing frames, and we made a back for it so it looks like a pick-up truck. We had to paint the climbing frames and the car itself, and the sight of red paint now still makes us ill. We also built another two see saws and goals for a small football pitch. The kids there were wonderful and loved playing skipping and hand clapping games, and we taught them some of our rhymes and they taught us theirs. They adored the balloons and bubbles, and we took a little time off work now and then so we could watch and play with them.

We got to meet Andrew’s family; his wife, Wilma, and his two adorable children, Lizzie and Kayla. We also visited two of the churches in Mohale’s Hoek and were fortunate to listen to two incredible accapella hymns in one of the churches. The people in the church were very welcoming and invited us to stand up and introduce ourselves. The weather in Lesotho was not as we expected, with our work delayed slightly due to snow! Every morning we woke to frost on the ground. By eleven or so the frost had melted and the sun was just hot enough to keep us content as we worked. It turned cold again as the sun went down at around seven.

We were given the opportunity to hand out shoe boxes from Team Hope every Sunday, which was undoubtedly one of the highlights Good home of our trip. The first Sunday, we piled up about two hundred shoe

boxes into the jeep with us, choking and squishing us, and we After the christening of his baby brother in church, young Jason sobbed all the drove up higher into the mountains where the more remote people way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what are. Andrew said that this is the first time that the shoeboxes have was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, "That minister said he wanted us to be made it farther than Maseru (about three hours’ drive from brought up in a Christian home, but I want to stay with you guys." Mohale’s Hoek) We visited about four villages in total and distributed the boxes the best we could, and we stayed then for a US elections while with each to show the kids what was in their boxes and Edward Hale, while chaplain of the U.S. Senate, was once asked if he prayed explain how to use the things they’d received. It was a very for the senators. He quickly replied, "No. After getting to know the senators, I touching experience to witness the joy these children got out of pray for the people."

28 13 something so small, a toothbrush, or a pair of socks. It really gave much/life was less hecc us an idea of how materialistic the western world has become and •Received email/texts about family services etc a few members of the team were incredibly moved by the entire •If family service on Saturday evening experience. “would join a new group that… “ On one of the days we spent in Lesotho, it was the King’s Birthday. Which meant a day off for us all to join in the celebrations which •Repairs or replaces Mothers’ Union and aracts 30-60 yr olds for social so happened to be taking place in our district; Mohale’s Hoek. & spiritual/”Ladies who lunch” group for fun & support There were military displays in the morning and other celebrations •Acts as a social commiee to arrange gatherings, oungs etc throughout the day. We were fortunate enough to meet the King •Chess/Bridge/Golf/Whist/Cycling/Walking/parish oungs the day before his birthday; when he visited the orphanage we •Outreach/lis to elderly - vising, shopping, helping out were working in; Mantsase, to admire a plastering job completed for his birthday present. Whilst there the King also saw our progress on the playground! suggesons relang to spiritual aspects…

One of our favourite days was when we finally finished the •Bible discussion / Alpha course/ prayer meengs (14 people menoned playground that we built in Mantsase. We could see all of our hard this) work paying off as we watched the kids sprint around the new •Study/discussion groups throughout the year playground playing on everything and anything that they could. We •Give lis (to church) to elderly know that the playground will provide enjoyment for the children •Sunday evenings more youth oriented/evening folk service with lots of currently in Mantsase, and for many more to come, and it was music great knowing that we would leave something well needed and worthwhile behind. other comments & suggesons

Another great experience was having dinner at the half-way home 57 people contributed to this secon (just under a quarter of the people one night and eating their staple food, pap, a ground maize paste, replying). not quite Tesco's finest, but we enjoyed the evening and the taste of culture it brought. We left Mohale’s Hoek towards the end of our The main topics were: trip and travelled to the capital, Maseru, where we visited another orphanage called God’s Love Centre. Here we distributed blankets •More pastoral visits needed especially in mes of need (17 people and soft toys, brought with us from home, to all of the children. menoned this in one way or another) They were delighted with them and used the blankets to tie the •(I’m) too busy/geng on a bit to get involved soft toys to their backs as women in the villages would do with •Family picnics/walks on weekend aernoons small children! Our last day was spent horse riding through a lovely th •More oungs/coach trips valley, and we finally arrived home on the 26 July. •Liked “new parent” evening – day & me were very suitable

•Worship with other churches It was hard to say goodbye to the people we had made such close

14 27 The secon designed to show how we parcipate in the faith & com- friendships with in Lesotho, but we hope we have made an impres- munity life of the parish and how we might get further involved comes sion on some of them, especially the kids, because they have no next. doubt left one on us. We would like to thank you so much for all your support, without you the trip would not have been possible. You can certainly expect to see lots more involvement in the coming We hope you enjoyed reading a summary of our experience! months. 24 people have said they would like to read the Lesson. With A million thank you’s, so many volunteers (38 in total), we could have a different person reading nearly every Sunday. There are a possible five new members of Emma Lambert & Laura Lambert the choir and seven people who would like to get involved in helping with Communion services. Things will definitely look and sound differ- ent in Church!

The Summer Fair will be an even more vibrant affair next year if all the new volunteers get involved. Moving back into the Church aer the repairs are done should be made considerably easier with the help of the Work Party volunteers.

The Sunday morning coffee rota is now being shared amongst a wider pool of people.

There has been sufficient interest in joining the Chimes Delivery team, that we have been able to rere some of those who have been doing this task, uncomplaining and in all weathers, for a very long me in- Christmas: Why does it begin at midnight with Holy Communion? deed. Huge thanks to them for their faithful service! The hour was first chosen at Rome in the fifth century to sym------bolise the idea that Christ was born at midnight – a mystical Tear-off comment page idea in no way hindered by historical evidence! No one knows the hour of his birth. •Just over half replied to this confidenal part •Some direct requests for pastoral visits were received and are being Certainly in recent times, Holy Communion at midnight on aended to Christmas morning has proved popular with modern families. One British writer pointed out its “domestic convenience” in 1947: “for where there Summaries of some comments & suggesons: “would be more are children and no servants, husband and wife may be unable to communicate at any other time.” (So things don’t change, then!) involved if… “

Christmas: Where did Christmas trees come from? •Can’t be more involved because of kids’ sports/Sunday Club at a bad me for us There are two early stories that mention fir trees. The first involves St •If we lived closer/had more me/knew more people/didn’t travel so Boniface, who went to Germany in the 8th century as a missionary and

26 15 found people sacrificing a child to their god under an oak The section designed to show how we participate in the faith tree. Boniface was appalled, and rescued the child. He & community life of the parish and how we might get further then chopped down the oak tree and found a tiny fir tree involved comes next. growing nearby. He gave this to the people and said: “This is a symbol of life. Whenever you look at this tree, remember the Christ-child who is the one who will give you life, because he gave his life for you.” You can certainly expect to see lots more involvement in the com- The second early fir tree story involves Martin Luther in ing months. 24 people have said they would like to read the Les- the 16th century. It is said that one year he decided to son. With so many volunteers (38 in total), we could have a different drag a fir tree into his home and to decorate it with candles. He used it as person reading nearly every Sunday. There are a possible five new a visual aid, telling people that the candles symbolised Jesus as the light members of the choir and seven people who would like to get in- of the world, and the evergreen tree symbolised the eternal life that Jesus volved in helping with Communion services. Things will definitely gives to us. Many of the people who followed Luther were struck by the look and sound different in Church! idea, and took up the custom. The Summer Fair will be an even more vibrant affair next year if all the new volunteers get involved. Moving back into the Church after Christmas Prayer the repairs are done should be made considerably easier with the help of the Work Party volunteers. Dear Lord, The Sunday morning coffee rota is now being shared amongst a wider pool of people. What’s it really all about, this “season of celebration”? People rushing everywhere, There has been sufficient interest in joining the Chimes Deliv- overspending, double-booking diaries in frantic aempts to meet the ery team, that we have been able to retire some of those demands of a twenty-first century Christmas. And what about those who who have been doing this task, uncomplaining and in all find Christmas anything but joyful – those who have lost loved ones, weathers, for a very long time indeed. Huge thanks to them those who are old and alone and tired and longing for it all to be over? for their faithful service! What’s it really all about? Lord, in the middle of the busy-ness and bustle, help us to remember that ------this is nothing new. Jesus came into a world of rush and frenetic activity. Tear-off comment page He came to a town so busy that there was no room for his family. And •Just over half replied to this confidential part help us to remember that you know what it’s like to have a loved one – •Some direct requests for pastoral visits were received and your dear Son - away from home at Christmas. are being attended to Lord, still our hearts, and open them to recognise and receive your great gift to us. May we make room for Jesus and know the peace and security of his presence this Christmas. Help us to know that this is what it’s real- Summaries of some comments & suggestions: ly all about. In the name of Jesus, Amen. “would be more involved if… “ Daphne Kitching •Can’t be more involved because of kids’ sports/Sunday Club at a bad time for us 16 25 This is how the various interests are summarised: What Does God Want for Christmas?

George asked, ‘I don’t know what to get my Dad for Christmas. What do Next up, the professional skills you might be able to offer to you give somebody who has everything?’ Harry replied, ‘A burglar alarm!’ the parish from time to time. Presents can be a real problem, when we want to give those we love something they really want. But what about God? What would he want from us this Christmas? What’s a suitable gift to celebrate the birthday of You may be astonished to know that more than 100 of you Jesus? What do you give someone who not only has everything, but who have offered to help across a range of actually made everything?

•75 different skills & talents The answer can be found Micah, a prophet who lived about 700 years before the birth of Christ: ‘He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to •from baking & book keeping through high-level professional walk humbly with your God.’ (Micah 6:8). qualifications such as lawyers & accounts to childcare, crafts, coaching & helping the elderly This Christmas, God is looking for the gift of lives characterised by justice, mercy and humility:

What a talented lot we are! Justice:- God is just - he is absolutely fair and righteous in all his dealings. Justice means ‘treating people right because you know God.’ In the Bible ************************** it means caring for the poor, speaking the truth and refusing to take advantage of the less fortunate. For us at Christmas, justice means doing Then we asked about your pattern of worship – how often right for those less fortunate than ourselves. you come to Church and to which services. To summarise: Mercy:- This speaks of sharing God’s heart by loving the unlovely even 187 people attend a Sunday service either regularly or occa- when they don’t love us back. How has God dealt with us this year? If He sionally. has forgiven us, then forgive others. Has God lifted us up when we were down? Then let’s seek to lift others. Where God has overlooked our faults, let’s overlook the faults of others. If God has been merciful to us this year, 97 of those are “regulars”. Christmas is a time to show mercy to others.

Of course, Christmas Day and Easter Day are the big events Humility: Humility is the opposite of pride. It reminds us that everything we have in life is a gift from God. Although some may have more or less in the Church calendar followed by Nine Lessons & Carols than us, we can still thank God for what we have and do the best with and Remembrance Sunday what God has given me. This is the attitude we can reflect at Christmas, when we invest so much time in the presents we give. This chart is a summary of the more frequently attended God is looking to all these actions arising genuinely from our heart. As the forms of worship. carol says:

‘What shall I give him, Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I’d give him a lamb.

If I were a wise man, I’d do my part.

What shall I give him, I’ll give him my heart.’ 24 17 BISHOP’S APPEAL St Paul’s Church Glenageary

Traditionally throughout Advent and over Christmas in St Paul’s you are invited to support the ongoing work of Bishops’ Appeal which is the Church of Ireland World Aid and Forward together! Development Programme. By now, most of you will have been visited by and asked to Unfortunately, the task of relieving human suffering is a never ending one respond to this survey. You may be wondering what the so we will leave out the envelopes again over the festive season to enable results of the Forward Together Survey show. you to continue your support of the ongoing work of the Bishop’s Appeal if you happen to be in a position to do so. A summary is given here and all issues raised will be open for

The aims of Bishop’s Appeal are: discussion at our Parish Forum, planned for evening of th February 19 . ¤ to educate the Church at home about the needs and concerns of people in the less developed world; To date we have 241 replies and there are a some more on ¤ to encourage Church members to examine the reasons for the their way to us. problems facing the less fortunate in the world and to consider The process of pruning and refining the parish lists is almost what we can do to change conditions; complete. and has resulted in a list of 380 or so households. ¤ to reach out in God's name to those who need our help; The graph shows that 62 people live alone, 72 in a couple, ¤ to raise the funds needed to allow Bishops' Appeal to support and the rest – 107 - in families. development projects and alleviate the suffering caused by disasters, both natural and man-made. Methods of contact - One of the aims of the survey was to see Bishops' Appeal does not engage directly in development work itself, but who would like to be contacted using more modern methods channels funds through development agencies who are already in place in of communication. 144 people will now be getting parish in- areas of need. Bishops' Appeal contributes to relief of suffering in time of formation by email. This will be a great saving on paper, shoe emergencies whether natural or man-made. leather and in some cases postage. The electronic age has arrived in St Paul’s! Envelopes will be inserted in your order of service and will also be available from the churchwardens. Any contribution you may Those of you who don’t have email or would prefer a letter or like to make can then be placed on the offertory plate over the festive season. their copy of Chimes dropped in the door need not worry. The team of parish delivery people has been enhanced by the many volunteers who put their hand up for this job and A thought you will continue to receive your Chimes and other infor- As our church building has been closed now for the past six months or mation in the usual way. so we have had occasion to worship in a number of our neighbouring parish churches. This prompts the question; do we really need to ************************** maintain all these buildings? Any business with so many outlets and so few customers would have rationalised years ago!! We then asked you what things are important in your life:

18 23 Robert Banks also makes the point that where the New Testament speaks of The Stranger PARISH WHIST NIGHTS obedience, it’s primarily obedience to the gospel, not to individual leaders. A man in holy orders once said that when he was young, he wanted to be a holy The stranger seemed to just appear Social Whist As if from nowhere, out of the air. man. In middle age, he wanted to be a good man. As he grew older, his greatest He knew her name and told her more Evenings in the desire was to be a free man. He realised that the foundaon of living a good life Of things that had never been heard Meeting Room of was to be a free person. before. the Parish Time now had passed, they were ready to Centre at 8 p.m. Alan French leave SHARP An arduous journey for them lay ahead. ST PAUL’S INDOOR BOWLING CLUB At last they had reached their journeys UPCOMING DATES end

With nowhere to stay, just a sort of a We are once more well into the bowling season and have played some of our shed. NO WHIST IN JANUARY league matches and have come out with the best score in all of these. Well Together in wonder they looked at the THURSDAY 7th FEBRUARY done. We are awaiting dates for the second round matches of the Hope and child That they had wrapped in a blanket and THURSDAY 7th MARCH Miller Cups. laid in a bed THURSDAY 4th APRIL And then they remembered the stranger THURSDAY 2nd MAY who called. We have also entered a team in the Active Retired League and are doing very well. It all had happened, just as he said. All are most welcome. Megan Carter We had a few new members this year and our membership is now around 40 so we are alive and busy. We are in the process of organising a Club Tee Shirt KISIIZI HOSPITAL and Top. Colours have not yet been decided upon. The Operating Theatres funded by St Pauls and constructed under the We wish our John Lambert Snr. our President a speedy recovery from his supervision of David Barrett are now fully in use and serving the hospital recent illness. well. The demolition of the old theatres has not yet been carried out as they are now being used as a day clinic for HIV/Aids patients. We have to record the death of one of our members Sam Richardson in September last. Dr Tonny has moved to a new position in Kampala and been replaced as Medical Superintendent by Dr Ian Stillman. Dr Stillman will be visiting Ireland in January and hopes to speak at the main morning service on Please remember that parishioners are always welcome to join us at any time Sunday 13th January. (A joint service in Christ Church Dun Laoghaire) on bowling evenings. We break up on 19th December for Christmas and will return on Wednesday 16th January 2013. David Barrett continues at Kisiizi . having completed the snagging for the theatres he is now assisting the hospital in the construction of new nurses WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS homes. AND A HAPPY 2013 Michael Webb

Myrtle Sullivan. You may be interested to follow Dr Stillman’s Kisiizi blog, see Hon. Sec. November 2012 http://spillmanuganda2.blogspot.ie

22 19 Some observations on Christmas … A Chrisan’s freedom

I heard the bells on Christmas Day their old familiar We will soon be singing carols with words like “Christ has come to set us free”. carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat of The collect for Morning Prayer says that his “service is perfect freedom” – an peace on earth, goodwill to men! - Henry apparent contradicon. What is this freedom all about? Wadsworth Longfellow Religions have a long history of making rules and restricons, so as our genera- on casts these rules off, we may be tempted to see this as the freedom that the If Jesus were born one thousand times in bible talks about. But that is missing the point. Bethlehem and not in me, then I would still be lost. I have been reading Robert Banks’s book Paul’s idea of community. The author Corrie ten Boom looks at the Chrisan communies of the first century, and asks what makes them different from other movements of that period. Banks places freedom as We must not have Christ Jesus, the Lord of Life, put any more in the one of their defining characteriscs. The chapter called The arrival of radical stable amongst the horses and asses, but he must now have the best freedom is the second of 18 chapters. St. Paul uses the word freedom almost as chamber. - George Fox much as salvaon. For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit The hinge of history is on the door of a Bethlehem stable. - R Sockman again to a yoke of slavery (Galaans 5.1). So what is this slavery or bondage in which humanity finds itself? Banks de- Christ has outlasted the empire that crucified him 19 centuries ago. He scribes it under three headings: will outlast the nations who deny him now. - Anon 1. We find ourselves doing the wrong thing even when we know it’s wrong and perhaps even self-destrucve. As the print of the seal on the wax is the express image of the seal itself, 2. We become subservient to our society’s code of proper behaviour – ei- so Christ is the express image – the perfect representation – of God. - ther by being a sckler for conformity, or by rebelling outright, or by be- Ambrose ing engulfed by unresolved guilt. 3. There are external bondages, described using words like powers or the The nature of Christ’s existence is mysterious, I admit; but .... reject it god of this world, which shape people’s characters and make them and the world is an inexplicable riddle; believe it, and the history of our “driven” people – the opposite of free people. race is satisfactorily explained. -Napoleon Bonaparte The church was to be a community where people would discover freedom from these bondages. We know how God would act if he were in our place – he has been in our So anything that can be described as driven behaviour is an absence of freedom, place. - A W Tozer and the Chrisan’s task is to seek out the alternave. To the insecure, Christ can become our security, so we are no longer driven by insecurity. To forgive those Jesus Christ disturbs everything he confronts. - Rolfe Barnard who hurt us is to be free from the grudges that are a heavy weight on our shoul- ders. To be paent is to be more free than to be impaent, because it opens up The Holy Family possibilies that impaence closes.

A Sunday school teacher asked her class, "What was Jesus' mother's It also means freedom from the approvals and judgements of others. However, name?" One child answered, "Mary." in this individualisc age, I should add that openness to sound advice can also be The teacher then asked, "Who knows what Jesus' father's name was?" an expression of freedom from our own self-sufficiency. Let’s remember that the Another child ventured: "Verge?" modern cult of self-fulfilment and “being one’s own person” can be a hard task- Confused, the teacher asked, "Where did you get that?" He replied master, producing its own brand of guilt and feelings of failure. hesitantly: "Well, you know they are always talking about Verge n' Mary. When freed from such things, we are free to serve others, because we are carry- ing less personal “baggage” with us. 20 21