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Home , Alan Synnott, Archdeacon of Armagh, Ardboe, Benburb, Castlecaulfield, Coagh

ATmHE bassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CHURCH OF - DIOCESE OF APRIL/MAY 2020

Inside This Issue WELcomE To ELEcT. - Page 3 & 36

AYAc - Page 26

cHUrcH ArmY - Page 27

AroUND THE DIocESE - Page 34 & 35

PRICE £1.25 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Farewell to Archbishop Archbishop Richard Clarke celebrated the Eucharist and preached in St Patrick's Cathedral on Sunday evening 2nd February 2020 for what was his final occasion as and Primate of All Ireland. He had announced in November 2019 his intention to retire on 2 February which in the church calendar is known as The Presentation of Christ in the Temple or Candlemas, 40 days after Christmas.

In his sermon Archbishop Richard reminded us that at Christmas, Christ had come as the light of the world and at Candlemas that light is brought out by God's people to the whole world.

The Archbishop said that tonight he will be 'letting go' of the Armagh Crozier (his staff). He went on to say that we are all challenged to let go of things that we may cherish most, for the sake of the gospel. But one thing we Archdeacon paid tribute to Diocesan Secretary Jane Leighton spoke on should never let go of is the hand of Jesus Archbishop Richard on behalf of the Clergy behalf of the people, the diocesan staff Christ. and Readers while Canon Bill Adair members, Diocesan Council and the various presented a gift on their behalf. Boards, thanking Archbishop Richard for all The Cathedral was filled to capacity with that he has meant to us all. She finished off many guests, friends, clergy and church with a witty limerick which brought smiles leaders. Representatives from civic society and laughter in abundance. including the Earl of Caledon - Lord Lieutenant of Armagh and Lady Caledon. Honorary Secretary Helen McClenaghan The Lord Mayor of Armagh City presented gifts on behalf of the people. and Craigavon Council. Archbishop Richard responded graciously and thanked the many people who had been with him on "his adventure" as primate - the clergy and people of the Armagh Diocese, the Diocesan staff and volunteers, the central church staff, the House of and his friend and co-Archbishop of Armagh - .

Following the service in the Cathedral, supper was served in the Alexander Synod Hall.

2 The Ambassador | April/May 2020 Cover Photo: THE New Archbishop of r Ambassador Armagh and Primate o of All Ireland - John McDowell d a

s Bishop John s

a McDowell elected as b New Archbishop of E m H T

A Armagh and Primate

coPY DEADLINE The deadline for the next edition of of All Ireland “The Ambassador” (June/July) will be 8th May 2020 . No items will be On behalf of the clergy and laity of Armagh Diocese I offer accepted after this date. Material will the heartiest of congratulations ONLY be accepted by e-mail to to Bishop John McDowell on his election as our next [email protected] as Archbishop. an attached ‘Word’ document. Bishop John can be assured of our good wishes and prayers as he prepares for his translation on 28th April. VIEWS EXPrESSED Views expressed in the Ambassador We very much look forward to welcoming him, his wife Mary, are those of the contributor and are and daughter Dorothy to Armagh. not necessarily the views of the Editor or the magazine committee. Terry Scott ADVErTISING All advertising enquiries should be directed to Mrs Pamela Hutton at: [email protected] 028 3752 7144

Church House 46 Abbey Street Armagh BT61 7DZ Message from the

EDITor Jonathan Hull editor – Jonathan Hull Tel: 0044 (0) 7703 821533 Dear friends DESIGN & PrINTING The Ambassador is designed & It goes without saying that we are living in unprecedented and challenging times, with things printed in N. Ireland by changing on a daily basis. Graphic Answers 73-77 Market Street, , The parish notes in this issue of the Ambassador Magazine were prepared before the directive Co Armagh, BT62 2BP to suspend church activities, so most of the forthcoming events listed are now obviously T: 028 3883 0677 postponed. E: [email protected] W: www.graphicanswers.co.uk However we decided to go ahead and publish this issue, hoping that it would be of some value to you all as we endeavour to keep in touch during these times.

As I write on 19th March, plans are being put in place to broadcast Sunday Worship services Achill via the internet and other means and hopefully by the time you are reading this, we will have established this. PRIVATE APARTMENT No. 1 (FIousr lStaar:n Tod Rent) For Peaceful Holidays and Short Breaks. Two Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say Twin and Two Double Bedrooms - all En- of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress. My God, in whom I trust. (Psalm 91:1-2) Suite. Spacious Lounge, Kitchen, Patio, TV, Video, Wheelchair Accessible. Stunning Take care Views Cliffs and Clew Bay Islands For Information & Booking Jonathan Tel. 07801 888 162 The Ambassador | April/May 2020 3 Quality in Ceramics 10 Magherydougherty Road, , Co. Armagh Contact Roy or Donna Tel or Fax (028) 3755 2142 www.rtstiles.com PROPRIETORS: E. & B. Elliott OPENING HOURS Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm CLOSED Wednesdays at 1pm Suppliers of All Grades (Closed Lunch 1pm-2pm) Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm Late Night: THURSDAY 6.30pm - 8.30pm of Crushed Stone Road, Armagh Telephone: 028 3752 3611

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4 The Ambassador | April/May 2020 St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh OUR DIOCESAN CATHEDRAL - A PLACE OF WORSHIP, HISTORY AND WELCOME Worship April/May 2020 Every Sunday:- 10am Holy Communion (Rite 1)

Sunday 5th April – The Sixth Sunday in Lent / Palm Sunday SPECIAL SERVICES 11.00am Sung Eucharist (Rite 2) Setting: A Celtic Eucharist (White) Sunday 2nd February at 6.00pm Anthem: Hosanna in the Highest (Palestrina) A Celebration of the Eucharist to mark the conclusion of the Sermon: The Dean 3.15pm Choral Evensong & Litany Setting: Wood in D primatial ministry of the Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke. Anthem: Let all the world in every corner sing (V Williams) Celebrant & Preacher: Archbishop Clarke

Sunday 12th April – EASTER DAY Sunday 23rd February at 3.15pm 11.00am Sung Eucharist (Rite 2) Setting: Sumsion in F GFS Diocesan Festival Service Anthem: The Strife is O’er (Ley) Sermon: The Dean 3.15pm Choral Evensong Setting: Brewer in D Wednesday 6th March: Ash Wednesday Anthem: Blessed be the God and Father (S S Wesley) 10.00am Sung Eucharist Celebrant: The Dean Sunday 19th April – The Second Sunday of Easter 7.30pm Choral Evensong 11.00am Eucharist (Rite 2) (said with hymns) Sermon: The Dean 3.15pm Choral Evensong sung by the Armagh Diocesan Singers Tuesday 17th March: St Patrick’s Day 10.00am Holy Communion in Irish Sunday 26th April – The Third Sunday of Easter 11.00am Sung Eucharist 11.00am Sung Eucharist (Rite 2) Setting: Stanford in C Celebrant & Preacher: The Dean Anthem: O Sons and Daughters (Davies) Sermon: The Reverend Tony Davidson, Ecumenical Canon 3.15pm Choral Evensong Setting: Harwood in A flat Saturday 21st March 5.00pm Anthem: This Joyful Eastertide Choral Evensong – St Patrick’s-tide, followed by wine and cheese in the Music Hall Sunday 3rd May – The Fourth Sunday of Easter 11.00am Eucharist (Rite 2) (said with hymns) Sermon: The Dean Saturday 28th March 3.15pm Friends Festival Service of Choral Evensong sung by the Armagh 3.00pm Memorial Service for Major General The O’Morchoe, Diocesan Singers former Officer Commanding the Royal Irish Fusiliers. Sunday 10th May – The Fifth Sunday of Easter 11.00am Sung Eucharist (Rite 2) Setting: A German Mass (Schubert) Anthem: Now the green blade riseth (Wood) CONCERTS Sermon: The Reverend Canon Bill Adair, Treasurer 3.15pm Choral Evensong & Litany Setting: Stanford in B flat Friday 13th March at 8pm Anthem: Awake thou wintry earth (Bach) Brian Kennedy will give a concert as part of The Home of St Patrick Festival, Brian is one of the country’s most inspired and Sunday 17th May – The Sixth Sunday of Easter / Rogation Sunday 11.00am Sung Eucharist (Rite 2) Setting: Noble in B minor revered ambassadors of music. He is not only a prolific songwriter Anthem: The Heaves are Telling (Haydn) but a master interpreter of lyrics as well, and audiences around Sermon: The Dean the world continue to praise his exceptional vocal talents. 3.15pm Choral Evensong Setting: Hylton Stewart in C Anthem: Thou visitest the earth (Greene) Support for the evening is by singer/songwriter Eilidh Patterson. Sunday 24th May – The Seventh Sunday of Easter / Sunday after Ascension Day 11.00am Sung Eucharist (Rite 2) Setting: Missa de Sancto Albano (Willan) Please note that tickets for this event are available from the Visitor Anthem: Above all praise (Mendelssohn) Information Centre on 028 3752 1800 or via visitarmagh.com Sermon: The Reverend Canon Barry Paine, Prebendary of Ballymore 3.15pm Choral Evensong Setting: Wood in C minor Friday 27th March at 8pm Anthem: Laudate Nomen Domino (Tye) SELB Chamber Ensemble concert. Sunday 31st May – The Day of Pentecost / Whit Sunday 11.00am Choral Matins (Rite 2) Setting: Te Deum in B flat (Stanford) Anthem: Come, Holy Ghost (Plainsong) RECITAL SERIES Sermon: The Dean Retiring Collection for the Cathedral Choir Endowment 3.15pm T.B.C. WEEKDAYS Sunday 9th February at 4.15pm 9.30am Matins Mr Eoin Cassidy. 9.30am Holy Communion Wednesdays and on Saints’ and Holy Days CHARLES WOOD SONG COMPETITION Sat 25th Apr - St Mark the Evangelist Fri 1st May - St Philip and St James, Apostles Saturday evening, 14th March. Final Round in the Cathedral. Thurs 14th May - Saint Matthias Thurs 21st May - The Ascension Day Sung Eucharist at 10am The Ambassador | April/May 2020 5 12.00pm Prayers for the Healing of the City and our Nation – 1st Wed of each month THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20

ACTON, DRUMBANAGHER orGANISE TABLE QUIZ, pm in the Parish Centre. Together with the coFFEE PArTY AND FAmILY FUN DAY BB, who will have had their Parents’ Night a & LOUGHGILLy The Parish Fund-Raising Committee has few weeks previously, we thank the leaders Rev’d Graham Spence been very busy over recent months. A most of both organisations for the effort and Tel: 028) 3082 1848 enjoyable Table Quiz was held on Friday dedication they demonstrate each year in evening, 6th March in Glenanne Orange providing some really interesting activities in BAPTISm: Hall. Billy Baines was the Question Master the annual programme for our young 1st March 2020 - Isobel and a great night’s craic was had by all. The people. Thanks also for the ‘extra curricular’ Essie Rea O’Duil, total amount raised for church funds was work they do in taking young people to (Loughgilly). £340. competitions and in hosting larger scale events with other companies and diocesan BUrIAL: The Committee has also organised a Coffee groups here in Annaghmore. 23rd January 2020 – Anne Sterritt, Party to be held on Saturday, 23rd May from (Drumbanagher). 10.30am until 2.30pm in the Millennium Hall, EXoDUS ProGrAmmE We are delighted 1st February 2020 - George Whiteside, . Admission is £5 per person, to congratulate and support one of our (Drumbanagher). (includes refreshments). young leaders, Sophie Pinkerton, who has been accepted on an Exodus team of THE PLAYErS STAr IN A Family Fun Day and BBQ has also been Christian discipleship training for 4 months, comEDY ‘WHATEVEr WILL BE WILL arranged to take place on Saturday, 25th followed by a mission trip in July to Moldova. BE!’ July in Loughgilly Parish Church Car Park Sophie has grown up through our Sunday On Friday evening, 7th February 2020 at from 12 noon until 5pm. School and parish organisations, giving 8pm, local drama group, the Poyntzpass back a great deal as a young leader in Players performed the Comedy, ‘Whatever DrUmBANAGHEr BIG BrEAKFAST recent years. We shall be praying for will be, will be!’ in the Sir Henry Wilson, This event will take place on Saturday, 28th Sophie that God may use this special time Memorial Hall, Loughbrickland, to a full March in the Church Hall. Please do come for her to grow as a Christian disciple as she house. Our warmest congratulations to all and enjoy a great breakfast. You will be seeks to serve the Lord. the cast and especially to Acton parishioner, made very welcome. Mr Ernest Poole on his most entertaining mAUNDY THUrSDAY This year we will be portrayal of farm worker Ned McGee. The DrUmBANAGHEr ANNUAL TrAcTor having a slightly different approach to Comedy was written by Mr Frank Watters, roAD rUN AND BBQ Maundy Thursday with a mini agape meal the well-known and multi-talented retired This event will take place on Saturday, 6th together. Our Sunday School leaders are Principal of St Joseph and St James’s June commencing at 12 noon from the keen to involve the children in a meal Primary School Poyntzpass. Well done Church. Entry fee is £10 per tractor and together, remembering the Last Supper Frank. More please!! includes BBQ afterwards. Please do come Jesus had with His disciples. With worship, and bring your tractor and enjoy a great day readings, prayers and Holy WALKING SAINT PATrIcK’S WAY out. Communion integrated into the evening we A group of Church of Ireland clergy, (Rt are looking forward to what we hope will be Revd Darren McCartney (Rector of KNIT AND NATTEr crAFT GroUP an interesting learning experience for all Clonallon and with Kilbroney), Our industrious Craft Group which meets ages. Revd Adrian Dorrian (Vicar of LAMP), Revd twice a month in Drumbanagher Church Hall Brian Cadden (Rector of Castlewellan and supports, ‘Apple-Blossom Baby Basics GooD FrIDAY AND EASTEr SUNDAY Kilcoo), Revd Andrew Campbell (Rector of (ABBB) Mullavilly’. Recently the Group The Good Friday Service will be held at 8.00 Skerry, Rathcavan & Newtowncrommelin), received the following kind message from pm to which we invite everyone in the local Revd Geoffrey Haugh (Rector of the ABBB Mullavilly Co-ordinator: ‘On behalf community. With music, Bible readings, Knocknamuckley) and the Revd Iain of ABBB Mullavilly, I would like to pass on prayers and reflections we spend time at the McAleavey (Deacon Intern), have set our heartfelt thanks for your kind donations cross remembering the sacrifice Jesus themselves the task of walking St Patrick’s of knits and toiletries. We have been able to made for our sins. Easter Sunday begins Way in stages. The pilgrimage walk, put these wonderful donations to great use with a service of Holy Communion at 10.00 stretching 82 miles from the Navan Centre for mothers and babies who are in great am followed immediately by an Easter outside Armagh to its conclusion at Patrick’s need’. If anyone is not familiar with the ‘Baby Celebration Service at 11.00 am. We are final resting place at Down Cathedral, takes Basics’ project, there was a most helpful grateful to all who prepare music for each of in some of the key sites relating to Patrick’s article published in the October/November these occasions which enhances our heritage. On Monday, 24 February, on the 2019 edition of the Ambassador. worship so much. Scarva to stage of the walk, the group stopped in Poyntzpass and visited ANNAGHMORE FAmILY FUN DAY On Saturday, 18th April Acton Parish Church at 10.30am, where Rev. Dorothy Dunwoody our older youth (15 - 18 year olds) are they were greeted by the Rector and a Telephone: 028 3885 2751 organising a special Fun Day for families. celebration of the Holy Communion Having been given a small grant towards followed. innovation and leadership the young people BAPTISm have collectively decided they wanted to Sunday, 8th March 2020 support a cancer charity. Therefore, all Meg Matchett, daughter of Ryan and proceeds from the day will be given to their Samantha chosen charity. Thanks to Julie Mullen and Kourtney Jessica Gillespie, daughter of Julie Allen for their guidance in all of this. Matthew and Lynsey TrAcTor rUN The annual Annaghmore GFS PArENTS’ NIGHT The GFS Parents’ Tractor Run will be taking place on Evening will be on Saturday, 4th April at 7.30 Saturday, 2nd May, beginning with breakfast 6 The Ambassador | April/May 2020 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador in the Parish Centre from 10.00 am with Easter Vestry : Thursday 2 April The Easter Evening Service (7pm) will tractors departing at 12.30 pm. The cost per at 8.00 pm feature Hymns and Readings celebrating tractor is £15, with all proceeds going the Resurrection of Jesus. Everyone will be towards the Parish Centre Building Fund. HoLY WEEK most welcome to join us for what will be a Thursday 9 April : Tenebrae at Ardtrea at the most uplifting praise service. For YoUr PrAYErS As a church family later time of 9.00 pm we have been fervently praying together for Good Friday : Desertcreat at 8.00 pm UNITED SErVIcE our BB Captain and Glebewarden, The Evening Service on Sunday, May 10th Raymond Campbell, as well as our mission EASTEr DAY (7pm) will take the form of a United Service partner, Claire Holmes, both of whom are Outdoor service at Fort at 8.30 in St Mark’s along with our friends Armagh undergoing treatment for cancer. Please am followed by breakfast in Desertcreat Methodist and 1st Armagh Presbyterian pray with us for both of them as well as Hall. churches. Set amidst the annual Christian some other relatively young people Going Service at Desertcreat at 10.30 am Aid week, during the week previous connected to the parish who are in a similar volunteers from our three churches will situation at present. TrAcTor rUN collect donations in our city for this very Our annual Tractor Run will be in worthy cause. Desertcreat on Saturday 18 April. Breakfast ARDTREA AND served from 9.30 am THY KINGDom comE DESERTCREAT Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer Rev. David J Bell movement, which invites Christians around ST. MARk’S, Telephone: 028 8676 1163 the world to pray between Ascension and ARMAGH Pentecost for more people to come to know cAFE cHUrcH Rev’d Malcolm Kingston Jesus Christ. Each morning from Thursday During February we linked Telephone : 028 3752 2970 21st May until Saturday 30th we shall meet up with Cancer Focus for a in St Mark’s Church to pray from 9.15am – Cafe Church service. PALm SUNDAY & HoLY 9.45am. Everyone will be most welcome to It was a very moving , hope filled time. Steve WEEK SErVIcES join us as we gather to pray according to McIlwrath shared his experiences of going On Palm Sunday (April 5th, 7pm), a special differing themes each day. through treatment for throat cancer and Jon service featuring hymns, anthems and Bartholemew, accompanied ny his dad ian, readings focused upon the Passion will take cHILDrEN’S DAY shared some superb songs he'd penned place in St Mark’s. We very much look Our annual Children’s Day service will take while going through treatment. Emma forward to this service of grateful place in Church on Sunday, June 7th McCann from Cancer Focus spoke about remembrance for the Lord’s sacrifice, which (10.30am). We always enjoy the Sunday the work of the charity. will feature our Parish Choir. School and Junior Choir participating in These services are great opportunities to worship and wish to thank their leaders for link local church with the wider community. During Holy Week, short said services will all of their dedication throughout the year. A take place in church each morning at 8am. Parish Picnic will follow in the Palace PSALmS IN ScHooLS Evening Services will take place at 8pm Demesne. Thanks to generous help from the Board of (excl. Maundy Thursday). On Maundy Education, we are liking with our two local Thursday (April 9th), the evening Holy , Primary schools over the next few months Communion Service will take place in the TAMLAGHT & to explore the book of Psalms with P6/7 context of a meal in the Crozier Hall from children. 7pm. Everyone is invited to share with us Revd Canon Barry Paine We'll be looking at Psalms as poetry, talking on this very special occasion during which Tel: (028) 7941 8500 about good days and bad days and the the Archbishop will celebrate Holy importance of writing down thoughts and Communion. To assist with catering cHrISTIAN BUrIAL: 27 feelings. The project will close with a special preparation, Sign Up Sheets will be Feb: Dawn Harkness (Tamlaght) concert at Ardtrea; date yet to be confirmed. available in the Church Porch. HoLY WEEK SErVIcES: Palm Sunday 5 AN EVENING WITH NIAmH The Preachers during our Holy Week April (three churches) mcGLINcHEY Evening Services will be our Parish Clergy. Niamh sang at Desertcreat in the Autumn Leading our thoughts at the ‘3 Hours Monday 6 April – Tamlaght 8pm: Tuesday 7 and brought the house down. We are Service’ (Good Friday from 12noon to 3pm) April – Ballinderry 8pm: delighted to announce that she's singing at will be Rev’d Henry Blair (Rector of Wednesday 8 April – Ardboe 8pm: Maundy Ardrea Hall on Saturday 25th April @ Tullanisken & ). Please feel free to Thursday 9 April – Tamlaght (H.C.) 8pm: 8.00pm join us at any point during the 3 Hours Good Friday 10 April – Tamlaght (Children’s Service and stay for as long as you wish. Service) 10.30am: Ballinderry – 8pm. cHrISTIAN BUrIAL ‘The week that changed the world continues Our whole community was saddened by the EASTEr SUNDAY to change our lives.’ Anonymous sudden death of Nicky Graham on Thursday Early risers are greatly encouraged to make 20th February. the short trip to The Argory for the Easter EASTEr SUNDAY: Sunday 12 April – Holy Nicky was laid to rest at Desertcreat on Dawn Service at 6am! Morning Services Communion (three churches) Sunday 23rd. Please keep his wife Libby shall take place in church as usual at and the family circle in your prayers. 8.30am and 10.30am (Family Holy TAmLAGHT moTorBIKE SHoW: This is Communion Service) with breakfast being a novel idea from Tamlaght parishioner DATES For YoUr DIArY served in the Crozier Hall from 7.30 to Raymond Young (07724239595)! This Ardtrea Easter Vestry : Tuesday 31 March 8.30am. Please plan to join us as we praise Motorbike Show, road, race and classic at 7.00 pm and celebrate the risen Lord together. bikes will be on display in St. Luke’s Parish

The Ambassador | April/May 2020 7 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20

Hall, , BT80 0EJ on Saturday 18 April PrAISE AND PrAYEr TImE: We will meet 2020 from 11am – 4.30pm. Entry £5pp on Monday 18 May in Ardboe Parish hall at BALLyMORE under 10’s free. Refreshments will be 8pm and on Monday 29 June in Tamlght Revd Canon Shane Forster served A TALKSHOW with local riders will Parish hall at 8pm. Please join with us on Tel: 028 3884 0234 take place at 2pm in the hall. What an these important evenings. “Sometimes all opportunity for ALL bike enthusiasts! you need to do is pray.” Anonymous For more information call Raymond! BUrIAL “Let us not give up meeting together……,but BIBLE DIScoVErY: We shall meet in 22nd January – David let us encourage one another-----and all the Tamlaght Parish Hall after Easter at 8pm. Lyness more as you see the Day approaching.” Our evenings are a wonderful opportunity 21st February – Trevor Boston Hebrews 10:25. for all gathered to have their voice as we 22nd February – Valerie Baurain (nee Scott) We look forward to welcoming many on learn together. Saturday 18 April! “The Bible was not given for our information moTHErS’ UNIoN will attend the Maundy but for our transformation.” Dwight L Moody Thursday Service in Church on 9th April TAmLAGHT cHUrcH EVENING of Floral followed by the Branch Meeting in the Hall Arranging Demonstrations: moTHErS’ UNIoN: The MU Festival afterwards with supper. 20th May is the The evening of Floral Arranging was very Service will take place on Wednesday 20 date of the Festival Service in Armagh. enjoyable. We are grateful to the May at 7.30pm in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, demonstrators from Floral Art Armagh. WALKmorE (Parish Walking Group) is Club. Namely: Eunice Cuddy, Gillian back in action meeting on the 1st and 3rd Burrows, Sandra Rea, Emily Martin & May GENErAL VESTrY mEETINGS Wednesday of each month, leaving from the Burrows for entertaining us by displaying TAMLAGHT – MONDAY 27 APRIL at 8pm. Church Car Park at 10am. New venues their creative talents. Thanks to the ladies of BALLINDERRY – TUESDAY 28 APRIL at each month and new friends to be made. Tamlaght Flower Arranging Group for 8pm. Everyone welcome. providing a delicious supper and to the men ARDBOE – WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL at who helped with car parking and general 8pm. S-cLUB: This year the Lenten Project will preparations for the event. Finally, a big “The resurrection of Jesus demands not our thank you to all who attended the big event. applause but our allegiance, not our The total amount raised was £1180 for compliments but our capitulation.” roBINSoN Church funds. (Valerie Porter) Anonymous. DEcorATorS A big thank you to Valerie and the team for (Established 1969) a successful and enjoyable evening. All types of painting and decorating (internal and external) Also wallpapering Nursing Homes, Private Houses, offices, church work etc FrEE ESTImATES Telephone: Harold 028 3754 8604 07714342904 (m) No JoB Too BIG or Too SmALL

• A safe, happy family environment at the heart Please contact: of the community The Principal Mrs E. Trew • Small class sizes • 2 well-equipped classrooms Tel: 028 3752 3714 • Play-based learning activities 23A Ballinahone Avenue Armagh • ‘Child friendly’ dinners served on the premises BT60 1EE • Swimming & hockey lessons throughout the year Email: etrew610@thedrelin court.armagh.ni.sch.uk • Early music skills introduced

8 The Ambassador | April/May 2020 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador be raising funds for Action Mental Union. , Health. Thanks to all who supported the Lenten Lunch on 8th March and the MULLAGLASS, cHILDrEN’S DAY SErVIcES sponsored walk in Clare Glen on 29th & Our annual Children’s Day Services will be March. BELLEEk UNION held as follows: Rev. Alan Synnott Mullaglass Sunday 31st May at GoSPEL EVENINGS were held in Telephone: 028 3083 0301 10.00am Ballymore Parish Church on Sunday 2nd Sunday 7th June at February and Sunday 22nd March. Guest HoLY WEEK 11.30am artistes: Men in Black Gospel Group, Paul Holy Week services will be observed Berry and Amy Eakin on the first evening throughout our Parochial group each IN mEmorIAm and the Dromore Male Voice Choir were the evening at 7.30pm as follows: On Monday 24th February 2020 Mrs Winnie special guests in March. The retiring Monday 6th St. Luke’s, Mullaglass Dillon passed away suddenly at he home in collection in February was in aid of the Tuesday 7th St. Luke’s, Belleek Latt Villas Mullaglass. We continue to hold Motor Neurone Disease Association and Wednesday 8th St. Luke’s, Ballymoyer Charlie, Pamela and Karen in our prayers Church Funds and brought in over £1700. Maundy Thursday Christ Church, along with the wider family circle. In March the collection was for the Bessbrook Craigavon Cardiac Care Association along Good Friday St. Luke’s, Mullaglass Mrs Irene Chapman was a resident in Avilla with Church Funds. Both evenings were nursing home, her funeral service was held very well supported and we are extremely Daily devotions will also be observed each in Roselawn crematorium on Saturday 29th grateful to Emo Overend for co-ordinating morning in Christ Church, Bessbrook at February 2020. We continue to pray for her the two events. 8.00am. family.

FLoWEr FESTIVAL: As part of the VE EASTEr SUNDAY Sunday 8th March 2020, we laid Joan Irwin Day 75th Anniversary celebrations All services at the usual times and each will to rest in the churchyard and St Luke’s Ballymore will be hosting a special Flower be Holy Communion. Mullaglass. Again we offer all our love and Festival with the theme “Let there be Peace” prayers for John and Jim and the extended from Friday 8th May to Sunday 10th May. ANNUAL GENErAL VESTrY mEETINGS family. Catering will be available throughout the Ballymoyer and Beleek Union: Tuesday 21st weekend. Booking is essential for coach April 2020 at 8:00pm , parties and groups. Please contact Mrs Mullaglass: Wednesday DERRyGORTREAvy Sophia Dillon Tel: 07763 654758. World 22nd April 2020 at 7:30pm AND War II memorabilia will be on display during Camlough: Thursday Revd Suzanne Cousins the weekend and on Sunday 10th May there 23rd April 2020 at 7:30pm 028 3754 8289 will be a number of WWII military vehicles in the Church grounds. SAINT mArK From THE rEGISTErS The annual Holy Communion Saint’s Day clonfeacle LENT: Throughout Lent there will be a service celebrating St. Mark the Evangelist Baptisms: 1st March 2020, Tommy Stephen midweek service on Wednesday evenings will be held in Christ Church, Bessbrook on Williamson at 7.30pm in Church. This is in addition to Saturday 25th April at 7.30pm. Burials: 21st February 2020, Lavinia (Vena) the normal weekly Wednesday Communion Kerr Service at 10.30am. THE AScENSIoN DAY Derrygortreavy The annual Holy Communion celebration of Funeral service: 21st February 2020, HoLY WEEK & EASTEr: On Wednesday The Ascension Day will be held in Christ Lavinia (Vena) Kerr and Thursday of Holy Week there will be a Church, Bessbrook on Thursday 21st May celebration of Holy Communion each at 7.30pm. PArISH VISITING morning at 10.30am and an evening service We are encouraged to have three newly- at 7.30pm on Monday through to Thursday 5TH SUNDAY EVENING SErVIcE trained Parish Visitors for the grouped evening. On Good Friday there will be a The next Parochial Evening Service for the parishes of Clonfeacle, Derrygortreavy and Service in Ballymore at 2pm and at 7.30pm. 5th Sunday in the month will be held in Eglish, to add to the existing team, and due The Church will also be open all day for Christ Church, Bessbrook on Sunday 31st to be commissioned on 29th March. The prayer and meditation. EASTER DAY: 9am May at 7.00pm. Service of Commissioning is on Sunday Holy Communion; 11am Holy Communion; 29th March at 7.30pm in Parish 7pm Easter Praise. LINDSAY CHORALE coNcErT Church. We give thanks to God for our Christ Church, Bessbrook are hosting a 75th Visitors as they take this step of faith and EASTEr GENErAL VESTrY mEETING: VE Day Anniversary Concert featuring begin this important ministry, and are Monday 20th April at 7.30pm in the Minor ‘Lindsay Chorale’ in Christ Church Parish praying for them. Hall. Hall on Friday 8th May at 8pm. Tickets are now available to purchase. Priced at £10.00 FrIENDSHIP, FELLoWSHIP AND PArISH WEBSITE: For further details of each, tickets are available from the Parish FUNDrAISING: Parish activities please visit Secretary on 07485 057 667 or by email at The three parishes have each planned fun www.ballymoreparish.org [email protected] and fundraiser events this term, towards The Lindsay Chorale is a mixed voice choir, parish funds. based in Co. Down, who perform at clonfeacle Parish held a very successful engagements throughout Big Breakfast on 1st February. An All-age and further afield and performed in Down Outing by coach to for ten-pin Cathedral in 2019, at the installation of June bowling and food was enjoyed on 22nd Butler, All Ireland President of the Mothers’ February. Clonfeacle Car Boot Sale is

The Ambassador | April/May 2020 9 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 planned for Saturday 28th March at the old St Patrick’s Day: Clonfeacle Parish will be school, . Gates open from 9am for ‘Celebrating Patrick’ in a St Patrick’s Day ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH, 10am start. Family Communion Service, Tuesday 17th CROSSDERNOTT Eglish Parish held an uplifting Gospel March, at 10.30 a.m. in St Patrick’s Church, Sister Valerie Thom Concert in Holy Eglish (Drumsallan) Clonfeacle - an informal service for all in the Telephone: 028 87 749920 on 28th February. Guest artists included parishes. Children are invited to come in soloist Linda Lindsey, Harmony, costume, and guests welcome. and Cavanapole Pipers. The concert was Wednesdays in Lent (3), 18th March: BAPTISm followed by a delicious supper. 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Clonfeacle; Cora Vera Dardis daughter Derrygortreavy Parish has planned a 7.00 p.m., Compline, in Holy Trinity, Eglish of Rebecca and George Dardis. Table Quiz and Stew Evening on 20th (Drumsallan); and MU Young Members, March towards parish funds, and three 7.30pm, Film on the life of Corrie Ten Boom. DEATHS parishioners plus the rector are planning to TImE oUT youth group, Sunday 22nd Mrs Prudence Forde take part in a fund-raising abseil for Friends March, 7 - 8.30pm, Kilnacart Hall, Mr William Cardwell of the Cancer Centre, on 4th April, from the Derrygortreavy. Tower block of the City Hospital, – in It was with great sadness that we laid to rest super-hero costume! Easter Vestry meetings are planned for two of the oldest members of our church Monday 23rd March, Derrygortreavy, family who both had reached the age of 89. Tuesday 24th March, Clonfeacle, and William (Willie) and Prudence (Pru) were Wednesday 25th March, Eglish. both very faithful member for many years, Prudence and her husband were sextons in GFS and BB the church for many years. Their passing GFS enrolments took place for the will be a great loss to the church and our Clonfeacle (Benburb) and Derrygortreavy prayers and sympathies are with their branches on 1st March. Parents’ Evenings families and friends. are on Friday 3rd April (Clonfeacle Branch) and Tuesday 28th April (Derrygortreavy EASTEr SErVIcES Branch). Benburb BB Parents’ Night is on Good Friday Service 10th April @ 8 p.m. Friday 13th March at 7.30pm in Benburb Easter Sunday Holy Communion 12th Presbyterian Hall. The parishes are proud of April @ 11.30 a.m. all our children and young people. moTHErS UNIoN HoLY WEEK The Mothers Union Overseas was held on • Sunday 5th April, Palm Sunday, services the 8th March, at the service new members at usual times - 9.30, 10.45, 12 noon were enrolled by Mrs Lorraine Richardson • Tuesday in Holy Week, 7th April, 8pm, (Enrolling Member), and MU members led Compline, Drumsallan. the prayers and read scripture. The • Wednesday in Holy Week , 8th April, Holy congregation learned more about the work Communion, 10.30am, Clonfeacle, of the Mothers Union both in Ireland and and The Way of the Cross, 8pm in across the world. Derrygortreavy. The M.U. meet in the Parish Hall on the last Eglish (Drumsallan) Choir at the recent • maundy Thursday, 9th April, 7.30pm in St Wednesday night of the month and Gospel Concert in Holy Trinity Church. Patrick’s Clonfeacle, with special guest everyone is welcome. preacher Dr Patrick Mitchel, Director of LIFT THE rooF Learning at the Irish Bible Institute, , croSSDErNoTT ToTS TImE … an INTER-GENERATIONAL and INTER- and author of the recently-published book Tots Time continues to go from strength to PARISHES evening of music and praise, in ‘The Message of Love’ (Bible Speaks Today strength under the leadership of Mrs Vera Clonfeacle Parish Church on Sunday 26th series). Visitors and guests welcome. Kelso and her team. One of the children April at 7pm, organised by the Time Out • Good Friday, 1 0th April, 12 noon: ‘The who regularly go to Tots Time was with his youth group, with Rev. Henry Blair and Hours’, reading of the Passion Narrative, mum in a local supermarket when they met friends from , plus a visit from Clonfeacle, and Tenebrae, 8pm in Holy Sr. Valerie. As he was leaving he shouted to David Brown (AYAC), followed by supper. Trinity, Drumsallan. Visitors and guests most Valerie “I’ll see you in church.” Tots Time This event for everyone! Visitors and guests welcome. meet in the parish hall on a Thursday of all ages welcome. morning from 10.30 am to 12 noon. EASTEr DAY, Sunday 12th April: Easter Everyone is welcome. LENT Communion in all three churches at the During Lent and beyond, the parishes have normal times, of 9.30, 10.45 and 12 noon. YoUTH cLUB. lots planned, for our Lenten journey and (No Sunday School). The Youth Club has loads of interesting outreach. things happening at the weekly meetings Wednesdays in Lent (2) , 11th March: The BEYoND EASTEr DAY thanks to the leadership of Emily and her Church and Healing Today’, 7.30pm in St • Messy Church, Sat 2nd May, 10.30 am – team of volunteers. A big thank you is due Patrick’s Clonfeacle, for all three parishes. 12 noon, in Benburb Parish Hall. Theme: to everyone involved for their dedication and Special teaching meeting led by the ‘Messy KidsAid’, with special programme service each week. Diocesan Ministry of Healing. This will be and youth-and-children’s speaker from followed by a guest service, A Service of Christian Aid. For families, youth and BoWLING cLUB Wholeness and Healing, on Sunday 29th children of all ages. The bowling club annual fun bowls March (Passion Sunday) at 3.30pm in • Sunday afternoon, 17th May, provisional tournament will take place from Monday Clonfeacle, Benburb. date for Three-Parishes’ Picnic. 13th April to 16th April 2020 and the charity

10 The Ambassador | April/May 2020 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador who will benefit from the tournament is a moTHErS’ UNIoN: The Corporate replaced the usual Sunday service and local one for cancer care called Charis. It Communion will be on Maundy Thursday, have proved to be a wonderful addition to has a home at Lough Fea where it provides 9th April at 8pm; the Annual Dinner on our service menu! Informal, easy- all kinds of treatments etc from people Thursday 16th in the Braeside, the going…and warm, which both young suffering from Cancer. Diocesan Festival Service will be on families and senior members alike have Everyone is welcome to the tournament. Wednesday 20th May in the Cathedral at enjoyed. We will continue with our Messy 730pm with the Annual Outing on Saturday Church on the 19th April, the Sunday after SUNDAY ScHooL 9th to Hillsborough Castle. Easter, 11.30 St John’s Hall. Our Sunday School meet at 10.30 each We are also delighted to support and week and everyone who is year 1 and VE DAY: “Victory in Europe Day” is being encourage not one, but three people into above are welcome. Thank you to our observed on Friday 8th May with a short Lay Reader training. Each of the candidates Sunday School teachers for their service to service at the at 3pm with a major have submitted the following so that you can the children of the church each Sunday. Service in on Sunday 10th May learn about them and what they are doing. at 3pm followed by a Parade to Killymoon DERRyLORAN Castle and a special event there to mark the THrEE LAY rEADErS IN TrAINING Canon Norman Porteus 75th Anniversary of the end of WWII. I am David Carleton. 867 62261 I belong to St Johns Church. I was baptised, Canon Drew Dawson AScENSIoN: We celebrate this important confirmed and married in the church. I also 867 37151 day with Holy Communion at 1030am on attended Website Thursday 21st May, followed by Ballyeglish Sunday school. I’m a Father of www.derryloran.com refreshments. two. I work in NHS as a Mental Health Nurse. cHrISTIAN AID: We thank everyone who God has placed on me a calling to serve him It’s hard to believe that already we are supported our recent Soup Lunches during more fully through a teaching and preparing to celebrate Easter! Please note Lent, and now look forward to the week of leadership within the church as a Reader. our services for this Holy Season... house-to-house collections which begins The role of a reader is a unique position LooKING BAcK, Confirmation was a with the annual Praise Service on 10th May provides a link between the church and the highlight for the young people and the in 1st Cookstown Presbyterian Church at world. As a Christian in the work place can Archbishop’s Retirement Eucharist – both in 7pm featuring a host of local musical talent. offer a different outlook the Cathedral – were memorable events. answering questions others have. The The traditional Lenten services focussed on WELcomE: We bid a warm welcome to the Readers course is 2 years in duration. It’s the Study Course provided by USPG Rev Michael Currie on his Installation in 1st academic and (United Society Partners in the Gospel) and Cookstown Presbyterian and wish him practical organised by the Theological were a stimulating examination of “Living in every blessing in his ministry in our midst in Institute in Dublin. Armagh diocese provides a world of Difference” the days to come. local input covering various Theological subjects. Becoming a Reader is a privilege LooKING AHEAD, please note the HoLY LAND PILGrImAGE: we are still and responsibility of sharing Christ with following dates for your diaries! taking bookings for the visit to Israel in those who do not know him. As Christians September.. Please contact the Rectory we resolve to work by God’s grace through PASSIoNTIDE: As we look forward to Holy 02886762261 if you are interested in joining the local church. Through personal contacts Week and Easter, please note the following us! to make this a reality; reaching others and dates for your diary:- We observe our Lord’s winning them for Christ. Growing in Passion with our customary Holy Week DESERTLyN discipleship both ordained and lay can Services beginning on Palm Sunday (5th () AND serve the faith in ministry. April) with services at 9am, 11am and 7pm BALLyEGLISH our service of Palm Praise. Services Rev. Dr. Adrian N. Stringer. Hi Everyone, my name is Rhonda. continue during the week at 8pm (Mon-Fri) 028 8674 8200 on the theme “Matthew and Jesus” looking I live in and work as a quality at his account of the Passion.. Our HoLY BAPTISm administrator in a local firm. I have 2 traditional Children’s Service will be on St John’s Moneymore children and I am in a relationship with Good Friday 10th April at 10.30am. 12th January 2020: Hunter Benjamin Jackie. I have been attending St. Johns, Stewart-Convery son of Lisa and Daniel Desertlyn for approx.2 years now, where I EASTEr DAY: Our services on Sunday 9th February 2020: Charlie Thomas Wilson, have been enrolled in Mothers union, assist 12th April are at 9am; 11.30 Easter son of Jeffery and Laura Betty with church warden duties (as and Communion and at 7pm Easter Praise and when required), sing in the choir and help Renewal of Baptismal Vows. Please plan to cHrISTIAN BUrIAL with any other activities as required. attend and celebrate that wonderful event – St John’s Moneymore A few months ago, I was made aware that the RESURRECTION! The Dawn Service 13th January: Valerie Carson there was a need within the Church for is at 6am at the Argory. 3rd March: Thomas Ireland Jordan, 85 Readers and in years particular Dioscean Readers; so over the ANNUAL EASTEr VESTrY: will be held St Matthias’ Ballyeglish past number of months I have applied, been on Wednesday 22nd April at 8pm in the 5th March: William John (Billy) Irwin (taken interviewed and accepted unto this course. Parish Hall, when again we hope for a good by Canon Norman. Porteus and Rev. Drew The course is due to commence in March attendance from all in the Parish as we look Dawson) and will be held over approx. 2 years. It will ahead to the future, and especially in this involve travelling to Armagh and Dublin for year when we have the Triennial Elections NoTIcES study time. Within the course I will be to very important positions To date we have had just two of our new learning to lead church services – deliver Messy Church services. These have sermons – help with communion and of

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12 The Ambassador | April/May 2020 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador course read lessons. The course is the walking football, helping with the creche journey to the cross”, told in music and song assessment/ modules based. Upon which is to open soon, and a member of the by Andrew Boyd’s Choir from Pomeroy. completion of the course, if/when I am then church choir – including singing at concerts. Services take place nightly at 7.30 (Monday- commissioned by the Archbishop, I hope to About 1 year ago Rev. Stringer invited me Saturday), with three services in each serve churches around the border areas. to become a church Reader. Which Church – Mon, Wed & Thurs in St Patrick’s, These churches are not as fortunate as our encouraged my application to be a Tues, Fri and Sat in St Michael’s. church here at St. Johns in that they do not Diocesan Reader. One of the deciding Easter Sunday the services will be at the have a permanent rector or indeed Readers factors to do the course was a visit to meet “usual” Sunday service times of 10.30 and to help lead their worship services. Florence Gallagher also a diocesan reader 12.00, and not at the “early” time as in I know that it will involve a lot of hard work in the Diocese of Armagh. I met Florence in previous years. and is in no way an easy . I felt that I could make a undertaking alongside my other difference to those churches in and around End of year prizegivings will be held at the responsibilities of work and family life but I the border areas and . family services on 17th May in St Patrick’s, believe that God has called me to do this This is where I feel the Lord was leading me and 24th May in St Michael’s. work and has lead me to this path. (with as it involved visiting/helping other churches prayer and faith he is my strength and my in the diocese. This journey will be a Summer time services – during June, July guide along life’s path). With his help, grace challenge, but one I feel I will rise to as I & August the services will be at the and strength I pray that I will fulfil his plan for have in the past both on the football field traditional “summer times” of 10am in St me. I am excited to start this course as I feel and within my personal life. Patrick’s and 11.15am in St Michael’s it will help bring God’s voice to the others. I The course itself involves 2 years of study, will also get to visit new places, see new hard work and learning to lead a service and FUNDrAISING AND SocIAL: faces and most importantly do God’s work deliver sermons along with reading lessons Musical Evenings in spite of the storm, in remote areas of Ireland. to name but a few things – of course this will about one hundred people gathered in St In completing this course, it does not mean be linked to trips to Dublin and a number of Michael’s to hear the Donaghmore that St. Johns will be forgotten about, in fact assignments/modules just like being back at Children’s Choir at the February Musical I would hope to be of more service to St. school for me, which could be a struggle as evening. The next will be on Palm Sunday Johns, where I will help with the creche I left school in 1980. (see above under Holy Week) (soon to open), continue to attend mothers Its not all bad though as I am looking union and sing in the choir. I acknowledge forward to the challenge it will present such GFS Parents evening – Easter Friday, 24th that none of this would be possible for me if as meeting new people, visiting new April, 7.45, Donaghmore Hall it were not for the love, friendship and churches and perhaps getting a few new support that I have received since joining St. ideas for our own church. As for those that SELEcT VESTrY mEETINGS: Tues 28th Johns and I thank you all and pray that we know me well – you will know the biggest April Donaghmore Easter General vestry, can continue to enjoy God’s blessing challenge for myself will be keeping the Thurs 30th April Easter together. sermons to 10 mins and under. General Vestry. Mon 8th June God Bless My personal life has taken a few twists and (Castlecaulfield), Tues 16 June Rhonda turns but through it all there has been One (Donaghmore). strength, Love, Encouragement, Comfort and without which I could not and would not New Life Group coffee morning (fundraiser) Hello Everyone, be here today. Sunday 3rd May, parish hall (before the God has a masterplan for all to follow and I morning service) My name is Jackie Carson for those of you believe that is what I must do now. In God who don’t know me, I am father to Andrew we trust, God bless. moTHErS UNIoN: Donaghmore AGM and James. in law to Karen and grandfather Jackie Wed 1 April, 7pm. Castlecaulfield to be to Lily and Jack. confirmed. Diocesan festival Service Wed My occupation is a print manager at DONAGHMORE & 20th May @ 7.30 in Cathedral. Donaghmore Gortreagh Printing, Cookstown, where I DONAGHMORE outing Sat 6 June. have served for 40 years. I have a keen UPPER interest in football and have achieved many Canon Peter Thompson rEcTorY APPEAL fundraising for the accolades both for playing and coaching. I Telephone: 028 8776 1214 Rectory Appeal is continuing well. Thanks to enjoy music/singing both solo and as part of all who have pledged and contributed the church choir. I have also been doing HoLY BAPTISm already, and those who have set up sanding other work – that is Church work.My church 1st March 2020 – Harry John Steen (St orders. At the time of writing we are looking work at St. Johns started when I was about Michael’s) forward to the “Night at the movies”. 8 years of age with my grandfather, Jonny McMenemy. He was the caretaker of the HoLY mATrImoNY We are also looking forward to “Café parish hall (assembly rooms), Moneymore. 12th February 2020 – Ashleigh Hawthorne Communion” in St Michael’s, a new I had simple enough tasks he would allow & Ryan Scarlett (St Michael’s) development in integrating the Sunday me to do, such as setting out chairs and 19th February 2020 – Gillian Ferguson & School more fully into the life of the church. helping him cut the grass. Nigel Neville (St Michael’s) Little did I know then, that this would lead to clothing Bank: the clothing bank in my further church work for both Kildress cHrISTIAN BUrIAL Castlecaulfield Parish Hall continues to church of Ireland as a scout leader and 23rd February 2020 – David Burrows (St raise funds for both the Boys Brigade and chairman of scout committee and then to St Michael’s) the Church. If you are having a spring clean, Johns where I now hold a seat on the Select please leave any old clothes, shoes, towels, Vestry, also assistant church warden, WorSHIP: sheets etc in the bin – there is always room reading lessons and any other jobs required Holy week begins on Palm Sunday, 5th April for more! of me within the church - including setting up with the next musical evening at 7pm, “The

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Email addresses – please update your That makest me dwell in safety. email address on our parish database to (From an anthem by SS Wesley, 1810 – Good Friday 8th April receive announcements and urgent notices: 1876) 18:00 [email protected] Castlebellingham coLLoN 20:00 Internet – keep in touch with what is The work on the roof in Collon church is Drogheda happening in the parish by email, Facebook, scheduled to begin shortly and with this in Youtube, and the parish Website at mind, the last service in Collon took place EASTEr SUNDAY 12th April www.donaghmore.armagh.anglican.org on 23rd February. Congratulations to all 08:15 HC Drogheda whose tireless efforts made this huge 09:45 HC Ardee DROGHEDA AND project possible. As a consequence of the 10:00 HC Castlebellingham ARDEE UNIONS AND temporary closure of Collon, there is a 11:30 HC Drogheda kILSARAN UNION change to the previously advertised venue 16:00 EP Drumcar Rev. Iain Jamieson of the Lent service on 11th March: it is 00353 (0) 41 9838791 transferred from Collon to Dunany. DRUMCREE Rev. Canon Joyce Moore Rev. Gary Galway 00353 (0) 41 6851327 HEALING Telephone: 028 3833 2503 We have planned two special Rural NEW BEGINNINGS Deanery events, focussed on healing. The At the end of January, and The word ‘Lent’ comes from an Old English first will be a teaching session and will be into the beginning of word ‘Lencten’, meaning spring season. It’s held in Castlebellingham Church on 25th February, Heather and I had a time of new growth, new life and, within March at 7.30 pm. The second will be a the pleasure of having a good friend stay our church and school communities, new Healing Service with laying on of hands, in with us for the week. Hilary and I studied appointments. St Nicholas’ Church, Dundalk, at 7.30 pm. together in St Johns College, Nottingham Both will be conducted by Canon Jim where I was blessed to be able to complete Congratulations to Mr Mike Buchanan, who Campbell, assisted by the clergy of the rural my final year of theological training. Hilary has recently been licensed as a Eucharistic deanery. We will extend invitations has recently returned to minister in Minister. ecumenically across the community and Blackburn diocese, after a lengthy period of hope that every parish in the rural deanery time spent ministering in South Africa. Hilary As we say farewell to Ms Susan McCullen, will be represented. witnessed many things in South Africa which principal of St Peter’s National School, we deeply impacted her. As I look out onto the wish her every blessing and success in her moorEHALL ArDEE rectory lawn and see the Snowdrops and new appointment as principal of ‘Le Cheile’. Every month, at 11.30 am on the fourth Crocuses, I am immediately reminded of a On a personal note, I wish to thank her for Thursday, in the Oratory of Moorehall, there story which Hilary shared. After a all her help and co-operation to me during is a service of Holy Communion. These are particularly traumatic time in South Africa, my year as Chairman of the Board of for the residents in Moorehall and she was attending a spiritual retreat in Management. Following Ms McCullen’s parishioners wishing to attend are most Wales and she saw a single Snowdrop new appointment, we are pleased to welcome. beginning to peep out of the ground. Many welcome our new principal, Ms Geraldine of us look at this beautiful little flower as a McKenna, who takes up her post early in LENT SErVIcES WEDNESDAYS IN LENT sign that winter is nearly over and spring is April. As both Ms MCullen and Ms at 7.30 pm on the way, for Hilary in that moment she McKenna take up their new roles, we Please note the change of venue from looked at it as a sign directly from God. For remember them in our prayers. Collon to Dunany on 11th March her, it spoke of hope, encouragement, a new 4th March Dunleer phase and a symbol of new life. Congratulation to Mr Graeme Treadwell 11th March Dunany During this Lenten time, as we prepare for MBA, who has recently been appointed as 18th March Drumcar Easter, we too can look forward to a new Chairman of the Board of Management of 25th March Castlebellingham phase and new life, 1 Peter 1:3 says ‘Praise Dundalk Grammar School. Graeme 1st April DUNDALK be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus continues his family tradition of service both Christ! In his great mercy he has given us to Kilsaran Union and Dundalk Grammar Every Wednesday at 10 am HC in St new birth into a living hope through the School: like his father, Charlie, he is a past Peter’s, Drogheda resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead’. pupil of the school and a valued member of 2 Corinthians 5:17 reaffirms this by saying the Select Vestry of Kilsaran Union. 17th mArcH ST PATrIcK’S DAY ‘therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new 09:45 MP Ardee creation has come: The old has gone, the At the time of writing , we still await the 10.00 HC Drogeda new is here’. What amazing promises, announcement of our new archbishop’s 11:15 HC Dunleer advice and encouragement are provided in name. We remember all whose task it is to God’s Word. discern God’s will in the appointment and HoLY WEEK SErVIcES we hold our new archbishop in our prayers Monday 4th April 10.00 HC WHAT’S GoING oN? as s/he prepares to take up his/her primatial Drogheda Lots!! As previously mentioned, planning is ministry. For Archbishop or Principal or Tuesday 5th April 10.00 HC coming together for our youth’s mission trip even for ourselves embarking on a new Drogheda to Grace Family church, Connecticut. Some project, the prayer is the same: Wednesday 6th April 10.00 HC of you probably associate “mission trips” Drogheda more with developing countries and I think Lead me, Lord. Lead me in thy for this reason, the trip has the potential to righteousness. maundy Thursday 7th April have an even bigger impact on those going. Make thy way plain before my face. 19:30 HC Ardee When we see homelessness, poverty and For it is thou, Lord, thou Lord only 19:30 HC Drogheda challenges which one of the most powerful

The Ambassador | April/May 2020 15 ATmHE bassador nations of the world faces, it is more encouraging young people in how to share group have already booked their tickets. We shocking and a ‘wake- up call’ for all of us. their faith and pray for friends. Our leaders are so blessed to have such a relevant and As I always say, the mission field is all brought their own take to each element of dynamic Christian festival, dedicated to around us and I pray that this experience will the series which meant it was engaging and encouraging and equipping our youth in help give our young people the confidence varied. We spent a few weeks looking at their faith and so we look forward to being to outwork a servant’s heart in this young people in the Bible, why their story is part of the mix in 2020. community. We have had great fun with the included, what we can learn from them and fundraising events to date, a table quiz, fork how relevant the message is today. UNIFormED orGANISATIoNS supper and concert to name a few and We were delighted to welcome the another one for you to put into your diary is Rainbows, Brownies and Guides with their a “Colour run” on Friday 1 May, please keep Leaders, to our February Refresh Service, an eye out on social media and the church as part of their Thinking Day celebrations. notice sheet for more details. The Rainbows and Brownies enjoyed Last year we had a great church family day singing some action songs and all sections out to Fort Evergreen, followed by BBQ in took part in the Bible reading and prayers. Newcastle, this year we are planning to visit The Parish is most appreciative of the Streamvale Open farm, on Saturday 25 dedication and commitment of the Leaders, April, again to be followed by a BBQ (there to the Girlguiding organisations, week by always needs to be food involved). week. Costs have been subsidised and places During the week, we have a couple of small limited to a specific number, so please get groups, which allow young people to YoUr STorY, mY STorY your name down with Laura ASAP. develop their faith further, get to know each As we continued in our special series of It may seem like a long way off but planning other better and be comfortable sharing hearing inspirational stories of faith, on has been ongoing for some time for the experiences and asking questions. This is Sunday 8th March in St Anne’s, we church fun day, auction and vintage rally on something we would love to offer to more of welcomed Heather Flanigan who shared her Saturday 6th June, if you have any items of our young people in the future. story of how faith impacts her daily life and furniture, any “pre-loved” bits and bobs that On the Saturday before Shrove Tuesday, in particular her work. Heather is Secretary you no longer use or need etc, then why not A2J hosted a Pancake Stacks and Coffee of the Christian Police Association in have a good old spring clean and let us Morning to fundraise for activities and Northern Ireland and has a keen interest in know, we can even collect it from you if that resources. The team worked hard to serve supporting colleagues, as well as using her helps. Remember to keep the day free, we hundreds of pancakes and ensure many faith as a foundation when dealing with need lots of volunteers to make it all hungry customers left feeling full and some very complex and difficult situations. happen. content! The morning was really well supported by friends and family which gave LENT AND EASTEr SErVIcES DATES For YoUr DIArY a lot of encouragement to all involved. Throughout Lent, our special Wednesday Each Tuesday night @ 7:30pm, Lenten In March, we head off to Ballintoy on our evening services focussed on the prayer in the Prayer room Youth Weekend which has often proved to importance of prayer. Each week, we 27 March – BB Display and Parents night be a significant time for young people on concentrated on a character from the Bible 3 April – GB Display and Parents night their faith journey and also in developing and examined their prayer and its impact. 6 – 10 April – Holy week services each night relationships with friends. Summer Madness Following each service, there was an @ 8pm falls at the end of June and many of our opportunity to “Stay and Pray”, with a time 16 April – Mothers’ Union with speaker Stephanie Parks, ‘Living life with Lucy’ 1 May – Colour Run fundraising night 21 May – Mothers’ Union with speaker Hilary Turkington, ‘Enjoying life daily with Jesus’

DRUMGLASS PARISH DUNGANNON & Rector: VACANT Rev Elizabeth Stevenson Tel. 3885 1503 Rev Graham Hare Tel. 8738 0360

A2J Our Youth Fellowship, A2J, meets every Sunday evening, so we can finish the OM weekend with friends and prepare for the FR week ahead by prioritising God in our thinking. 0677 From September, many new faces have 8 3883 been coming to join us as young people ay! 02 o.uk ch tod ers.c have invited friends along to be part of a n tou nsw Get i aphica growing ministry. We've been through a ww.gr Christians in Sport series called Essentials, w FULL COLOUR

16 The Ambassador | April/May 2020 PVC BANNERS £20

Lorem ipsum THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador of seeking the Lord and praying for praise, with the PSNI Ladies’ Choir. This will 7.30pm ourselves, our parish and our world. be a great occasion which everyone will Wednesday 4th march in creggan church at enjoy, so please put the date in your diary 7.30pm- theme ‘faith’ (hebrews 11:1-7) During Holy Week, we will have a series of and plan to attend. Wednesday 11th march in st andrews, bush creative events designed to keep our focus at 7.30pm- theme ‘hope’ (titus 2:11-3:7) on Outreach with the Gospel into the SHoPPErS’ SErVIcE Wednesday 18th march in st pauls, Community. We also look forward to our Our popular Shoppers’ Service meets every heynestown at 7.30pm- theme ‘love’ (1 john ‘Messy at Easter’ and our special Easter Thursday at 11am in The O’Connor Room. 4:7-12) Day services as we celebrate the The short service and time of fellowship Wednesday 25th march in st marys, Resurrection. provides a great opportunity for people from castlebellingham at 7.3opm- deanery across Dungannon and the local area to evening of teaching on god’s healing EASTEr GENErAL VESTrY come together and worship. Why not come Wednesday 1st april in st nicholas, dundalk The Easter General Vestry will take place on along and join in? Please note that there will at 7.30pm- service of laying on of hands for Thursday 23rd April at 8.00pm be no Shoppers’ Service on 16th or 23rd healing April. moTHErS UNIoN HoLY WEEK SErVIcES At the February meeting of the Mothers’ PArISH HALL rEFUrBISHmENT Monday 6th april in creggan at 7.30pm Union, the special speaker was Alyson On Sunday 1st March, the plans for the Tuesday 7th april in st andrews, bush at Scott, who is the Overseas Representative refurbishment of the Parish Hall at St Anne’s 7.3opm on the MU Board of Trustees for Armagh were launched. This exciting venture will Wednesday 8th april in st pauls, Diocese. Alyson shared stories of the dramatically improve the access to our heynestown at 7.30pm difference that the work of Mothers’ Union buildings, as well as upgrading our safety Maundy thursday 9th april in st marys, makes in our Overseas Branches. At the systems and providing additional meeting ballymascanlan at 7.30pm- service of holy end of the meeting, Lynda Stewart handed spaces. Drumglass Parish is committed to communion and washing of feet over gifts for the Diocesan Baby Basics ensuring that we honour the legacy of Good friday 10th april in st nicholas, dundalk Project. Alyson was overwhelmed with the faithful generations, as we build for the at 7.30pm generosity of all who donated and explained future and continue to proclaim the Good the difference that these gifts will make in a News of Jesus across Dungannon and EASTEr DAY SErVIcES new mother and baby’s life. beyond. Creggan 9.30am family service/ holy communion VAcANcY St marys, ballymascanlan 10.45am holy During the time of vacancy it is vitally communion important that we continue to pray. Please St andrews, bush 12 noon family join with us as we pray for our nominators service/holy communion and ask that God would reveal His will very St pauls, heynestown 10.00am holy clearly. communion St nicholas, dundalk 11.00am family DUNDALk GROUP service/holy communion Of PARISHES Rev. Geoffrey Walmsley EASTEr EGG HUNT AND FAmILY Tel: 00353 (0)429321402 SErVIcE VISITING SPEAKEr Rev. Richard Moore The annual easter egg hunt and family Drumglass Parish has a long-standing Tel: 00353 (0)416851327 service will be held in st marys, partnership with The Leprosy Mission and ballymascanlan on saturday 4th april at has supported their excellent work over LENT SErVIcES 3pm. Everyone very welcome especially many years. We look forward to welcoming Ash wednesday in st nicholas, dundalk at young families with children. We pray for Joanne Briggs, National Director, to share with us at our 10 a.m.and 11.30 a.m. services on Sunday 10th May. rEAcH mENTorING Never before have young people been under such relentless pressure. Drumglass Parish is delighted to be partnering with Reach Mentoring, in supporting its work in schools across Dungannon. The local co- ordinator, Grant Martin, will be giving us an update on the work, at our morning services on Sunday 17th May. Please come along and hear more about this important work and be encouraged as Grant shares the story of the fantastic progress in Dungannon.

PSNI LADIES’ cHoIr On Sunday 17th May at 6.30pm, St Anne’s Dungannon will provide the wonderful setting for a special evening of music and

The Ambassador | April/May 2020 17 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 good weather as we begin the day with a for fun and fellowship each sunday morning to her installation, provisionally set for short family service in the church and then alongside the service time in the church. Friday 15th May subject to confirmation by the children are ‘let loose’, but supervised of The young people have their own ‘space’ the new archbishop. course, to locate the chocolate goodies and learning time together. hidden around the church grounds and FIND US oN FAcEBooK: @ekbkchuches gardens. TroLLEY mINISTrY “Like” our page to stay up to date! Please continue to support the trolley GooD FrIDAY ministry in st nicholas, dundalk for the local kILDRESS & St nicholas, dundalk will be open from 11am homeless. We thank the lord for everyone ALTEDESERT to 5pm on good friday for private prayer and who continues to donate non-perishable Rev Diane Matchett devotion. A member of the clergy team will items for this ministry, for prayer and for Telephone: 028 8675 1967 always be available in the church. At 3pm, reaching out to growing numbers of there will be a formal reflection on the cross homeless people on the streets of dundalk. During Lent I am leading a in the church’s side chapel. Wednesday morning bible ERRIGLE kEEROGUE, study with a book called Lentwise – spiritual PArISH JoINT SErVIcE BALLyGAWLEy AND essentials for real life by Paula Gooder and There will be a joint group of parishes kILLEESHIL I love it. Just last week in a session on service in st nicholas, dundalk on sunday VACANT Spiritual Nourishment – keeping going, I 29th march at 11am. This will be a praise was so moved by the following extract from service and focussed on the eleven initial BALLYGAWLEY moTHEr’S UNIoN that session that I share it with you all: at the disciples after the resurrection, what Our April meeting will be the Good Friday start of their wonderful book Sleeping with became of them and where the gospel was Evening Prayer service, Errigle Keerogue, Bread: holding what gives you life the Linns spread through their ministries. 10th April 7.30pm. tell the story of the children who were We will have our annual outing in May. orphaned and left to starve during the SHoPPErS SErVIcE Please contact Anne Barrett, MU Secretary, Second World War. Many of those who The next shoppers service will be held in st for details. were rescued and placed in refugee camps nicholas, dundalk on thursday 26th march were discovered to be unable to sleep at at 12 noon. Everyone very welcome. The PrAYEr mEETINGS night. Eventually the helpers discovered church will be open from 11am to 1pm. The Prayer meetings will continue on the that, if the children were given a piece of second Wednesday of each month in the bread to hold, they were able to go to sleep BIBLE STUDY Rectory at 8pm. in the guarantee that they would find Bible study continues on thursdays at nourishment in the morning. 7.30pm in st richards side chapel, dundalk. THE cEILIDH HoUSE continues every All very welcome to come along and join us Tuesday night in the Rectory. The door is I was very moved by this tragic physical, in fellowship as we study deutero-isaiah open every Tuesday evening, do come psychological and emotional trauma for together. along for as long or as short a stay as you those so young. I was broken to read this wish, bring a friend if you wish, but be sure and hope at some stage to read this book. moTHErS UNIoN to enjoy a relaxing cuppa and a chat. How awful to read this and yet this is the The mothers union will hold their ‘lady’s day’ experience of so many physically within our service in st richards side chapel, dundalk world while others are overfed and on monday 23rd march at 8pm. All ladies complacent. We all have much that feeds very welcome to attend. our bodies, and here I go again on a rant about waste! Anyone who knows me knows ST PATrIcKS DAY HoLY commUNIoN how I despise waste full stop and, I grow There will be a service of holy communion in sad to see and sometimes experience st nicholas, dundalk on st patricks day at spiritual famine. Brothers and sisters if we 11am. Everyone is very welcome to come want to see God’s Kingdom come, we along. desperately need food for our souls as well as our bodies. This season of Lent comes SUNDAY ScHooL with the fresh challenge of denial, a not so Calling all children! All children aged SErVIcE TImES: The Joint Service in April popular thought in modernity, but for the between 4 and 12 are very welcome to will be on Easter Sunday, 12th April, with Christian this is our calling – the calling is to attend our sunday schools in creggan, st Holy Communion at 11am in Ballygawley. take up our cross and follow. To follow, to go andrews, bush and st nicholas, dundalk. Services will then be at the regular time in deeper into abandonment- abandonment to The sunday schools run consecutively with each church on Sunday 5th, 19th and 26th the King. I have the cautious aim of reading the services in each of these churches. The April. a new book every month over 2020 and I children are present in the churches at the am doing ok but one that I read in January start of the services and then are led to their HoLY WEEK SErVIcES: illustrated so strongly the power of prayer, it own room and ‘space’ by the teachers for • Maundy Thursday 9th April, Holy was a book that offered a timely reminder of age appropriate learning and fun. Communion, Killeshill, 7.30pm what we are up against and it was a good Parents/guardians feel free to bring children • Good Friday 10th April, Evening Prayer, read. along, even for the first time. You would be Errigle Keerogue, 7.30pm made very welcome • Easter Sunday 12th April, Holy Across the Diocese of Armagh, we have lots Communion, Ballygawley, 11am of diverse needs within Parish life – we have YoUTH GroUP lots of good, and lovely things happening Youth group continues to flourish in st NEW rEcTor: We are delighted that Rev. and with this all, we have challenges and nicholas, dundalk. Young people aged 12 Naomi Quinn has accepted the position of pain and are called to pray and not cease. I and over are very welcome to come along Rector for our parishes and we look forward love worship in all its diversity and we in

18 The Ambassador | April/May 2020 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador

Kildress look forward to having a special cHrISTmAS TrEE FESTIVAL Mark for all the preparation he put into the service on Sunday the 26th of April at 12MD Caledon Christmas Tree Festival will run trip. His scripture teaching at each of the celebrating favourite hymns, I love most from Friday 4th December to Sunday 6th sites really enhanced the visits and hymns and this one is among them. The December 2020. St John's Church will be complemented the historical information words are very apt for all of us during this open for viewing of trees decorated by local provided by Tamar our tour guide. season of lent. community groups, schools and other organisations. Refreshments will be served Guide me O thou great Jehovah, pilgrim in the newly refurbished and extended hall. though this barren land. I am weak but thou art mighty; hold me with thou powerful hand. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, feed me Revd Mark Lennox till I want no more; feed me till I want no Telephone: 028 8772 6635 more. DAY oF PrAYEr Love from us all in Altedesert and Kildress On the 31st January we held a day of fasting and kILLyLEA, half night of prayer for our Parish Mission. EASTEr SErVIcES CALEDON Despite the weather the Church was never Palm Sunday- 11:30am Liturgy of the AND BRANTRy empty on the evening. Palms, 7pm Evening Worship Rev. Bill Atkins During Holy Week services will take place Telephone: 028 3756 8874 BUrN’S SUPPEr in Church each evening at 7:30pm. There Our Burns Supper was a great success. will be Holy Communion on Maundy From THE rEGISTErS Everyone who attended really enjoyed the Thursday. BAPTISm Scottish dancing and the variety of On Good Friday: Brantry entertainment. The haggis was addressed, Morning Prayer 7:30am 16th February : Sarah-Louise daughter of and a delicious supper was enjoyed by all. 10:30am Family Service followed by Steven and Leanne Mc Neill refreshments. SUNDAY ScHooL 2:00pm Hour at the cross KILLYLEA Sunday School children are learning about 7:30pm Evening Worship St. Mark’s hosted the Ash Wednesday the Fruit of the Spirit each week and they’ve Easter Sunday Service. Our thanks to Timothy Morrow for led the prayers and sang at all Family 8:30am Holy Communion playing the organ. The theme for Lent is the Services. It is really encouraging to see a 11:30am Holy Communion Greatest Sermon ever preached. Jesus large number of families coming across to 7:00pm Easter Hymns and Readings words are always relevant, and always church and availing of the Pew Packs for the contemporary, but we rarely read the whole children to use before the service. coNGrATULATIoNS sermon in its context. Parts are often taken Congratulations to Rev. Mark Gallagher who in isolation from the whole, because Jesus BIBLE STUDY AND PrAYEr mEETING has been elected as incumbent of the touches upon a wide range of topics in the Bible Study takes place on a Tuesday Grouped parishes of Trory and Killadeas. sermon. There is a stark warning at the end- evening at 8:00pm and it is encouraging to two builders, both hear Christ’s Words; only see numbers averaging around 25-30 each LooKING AHEAD: one does them. week. Youth Parade will take place on Sunday The Parish Prayer meeting takes place 17th May at 11:30am. The Big Breakfast is on 26th March. It may during Lent on and Wednesday at 7:00pm Children’s Day will take place on Sunday have already happened by the time you and after Easter will return to 7:30pm. 7th June at 10:30am. read this. If you missed it, I am sorry. Make sure you don’t miss the barbecue on Friday GooD comPANIoNS JUST A THoUGHT… 29th May, juicy steaks, fine food and Good Companions meet on the 1st and 3rd Jesus came to this world with purpose. He entertainment by “Smooth the Band.” Thursday of each month from Sept- May. came for a reason. He came to die in our Recent meetings have involved a variety of place, and rose again so that we can have cALEDoN speakers. Rev Canon Derek Kerr spoke to life (John 3:16). What does Jesus’ Death Derrylackeagh Contractors have almost the group about his extensive knowledge of and Resurrection mean to you? finished. The Hall is now looking as if its in the Royal Family. Local novelist Emma use, and we hope it will be. This project has Heatherington spoke to the group in been funded by the Department for February and everyone really enjoyed her Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Mid visit. At the first meeting in March Russell kILMORE & Council, Housing Executive NI and the Lucas spoke about hearing impairment. If ST SAvIOUR’S DOBBIN Armed Services Covenant Trust. The you are free on a Thursday come along and VACANT original Village School was built in 1807. enjoy the craic! The Earl of Caledon gave it to the church on HoLY BAPTISm condition that it be available for parish and TrIP To ISrAEL Sunday 26th January, Alice Jaymie community use. 32 people left Killyman on 14th February daughter of Matthew and Krystina Wilson and all returned safely on 22nd February Sunday 9th February, Ollie Robert son of Madge Johnson celebrated her 100th after a truly brilliant week in Israel. It was a Steven and Kelly Hewitt. birthday in style. We hope she will be able to week where the Bible was brought to life by come to the official re-opening of the Hall. walking the paths of Jesus, visiting places SErVIcES DUrING HoLY WEEK 6TH – She and George Doupe were involved in we have read about many times and where 10TH APrIL will take place in St Aidan’s fundraising to build the last extension we learnt more about the scriptures and Kilmore each evening @ 7pm about life in Israel. We are indebted to Rev. On Tuesday evening we will be joined by

The Ambassador | April/May 2020 19 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 members of the CLCG Brigade the speaker ST AIDAN'S GrANGE We meet at 7.30 in The Salters’ Room will be their CEO Mrs Victoria Jackson. Friday 1st May: In St. Aidan’s Parish Church: LENT cHrISTIAN AID SErVIcE AND EASTEr SUNDAY 12th April, there will be a The Lowry Singers present ‘I come to the LUNcH service of Holy Communion in St Saviour’s Cross | A Reflection in Music & Readings’; Thank you to all who came along to our Dobbin @ 10.30am and St Aidan’s Kilmore Director: Elizabeth Seale | Organist: Philip Christian Aid Lent Service and Irish stew 12 noon. A Service of Easter Praise will Elliott. lunch held in the Hall on Sunday 15th take place @ 7pm in St Saviour’s Dobbin With Special Guest: Richard Yarr Presenter March. It was a most memorable Service of BBC’s ‘Sounds Sacred’. and a very tasty lunch. We also managed to SomE DATES For YoUr DAIrY: raise some funds for the Christian Aid Lent Friday 20th March in St Aidan’s Kilmore moTHEr’S UNIoN | DATES For YoUr appeal. Special thanks to Beth and all her Parish Centre 7pm: Curry & Quiz Night DIArY helpers for making it happen. If, as a result, Sunday 29th March St Aidan’s Kilmore 7pm: Sunday 26th April: Mother’s Union 70th you’ve been inspired to help with the Stainer’s Crucifixion Anniversary Service in St. Aidan’s @ Christian Aid week collections throughout Friday 24th April St Saviour’s Dobbin 3.30pm. Refreshments served afterwards in the town in May please speak to Beth. Church Hall 7pm: CLCG Brigade Parent’s the church hall. Night 16th May – Mother’s Union outing – details BABY BASIcS Wednesday 20th May St Patrick’s Cathedral to be confirmed. Thank you to all who continue to support the Armagh Mother’s Union Festival Service recently started Baby Basics centre based Thursday 21st May Thursday Friendship ForTHcomING EVENTS at St Swithin’s. We are especially grateful to Club Outing to the North Coast, bus leaving 7th June – St Aidan’s Children’s Day/ Gift all those who have donated items and to our Dobbin Carpark @ 10am returning approx. Day with a Parish Lunch. Further details to “team” of helpers who pull it all together, and 8pm follow. by doing so make a real difference. To date Sunday 21st June Poyntzpass Silver Band 17 Moses baskets have been distributed playing in the Rectory Grounds, light MAGHERAfELT through the referral system along with in refreshments will be served. Archdeacon Terry Scott other cases baby baths, cots, toiletries and Telephone 028 7963 2365 clothing for young siblings of the new born LOUGHGALL baby. All your efforts are very much & GRANGE “LENT & HoLY WEEK” appreciated. Rev Pete Smith Our daily early morning Telephone: 07816 881939 Services continue MILLTOWN throughout Lent each weekday Monday – VACANT EASTEr: Friday at 7.30am. Lasting 20 minutes and Sunday 5th April: Palm with an emphasis on quiet time they are the PArISH VAcANcY Sunday; Church dinner in St. Luke’s Parish perfect way to start the day. It’s not too late During the vacancy please pray for the Hall after the morning service @ 11.30am. to give them a go! We look forward once Board of Nominators, and especially our Holy week: again to joining with our friends from Woods Parochial Nominators as they seek to Services Monday, Wednesday and Good and Gracefield for our Holy Week evening appoint a new Rector. Pray also for the Friday in St Luke's Loughgall at 7:30pm Services. These begin with a Healing Rural Dean and Select Vestry, and all our Tuesday and Thursday in St Aidan's Grange Service on Palm Sunday evening at 6pm in Parishioners as they continue with the at 7:30pm St Swithin’s and continue each evening at various Parish activities. May we all work Easter Day: 8pm, moving around the 3 churches. together for the Glory of God. 10am St Aidan's Grange 11:30am St Luke's Loughgall cL/cGB PArISH BIBLE cLASS The Church Lads’ & Church Girls’ Brigade Bible Class will recommence on Tuesday ST LUKE'S LoUGHGALL celebrate 50 years in the Parish this year. 21st April in the Minor Parish Hall at 7.30pm On Friday 3rd April: Beetle Drive, raffle and We look forward to marking this milestone light supper in St. Luke’s Church Hall @ at the annual Parents night on Friday 3rd HoLY WEEK & EASTEr SErVIcES 6TH 7pm in aid of supporting Dawn Currie as April at 7:30 in the Hall. We would be – 12TH APrIL she travels to Rome for the Dance World especially delighted to have with us on that The Revd Canon JNT Campbell will officiate Cup Finals in June! All welcome! evening former leaders and members as at our Evening services during Holy Week well as the families and friends of our Monday - 7.30pm Missionary Focus with Saturday 25th April: Antiques and existing members. Continuing thanks to the Sunday School & CE. Collectables Fair in St. Luke’s Parish Hall Jean and her leaders for all they continue to Tuesday - 7.30pm Holy Week Service. from 10am – 4pm. do through the Brigade in the Parish Wednesday - 7.30pm Holy Week Service. Maundy Thursday - 7.30pm Holy Friday 8th May: VE Day celebrations THE BIBLE coUrSE Communion organised by Loughgall and District This interactive, video led course is provided Good Friday Improvements Association. A variety of by the Bible Society. It has been designed 10.00am Children’s Service special events to mark this historic occasion so that all those taking part can learn more 7.30pm Holy Week Service. within the local country park and village. about the Bible, talk through some Easter Sunday discussion points, take time alone in private 11.00am Holy Communion Sunday 22nd May: Café Church in St. study, and of course, exchange thoughts 6.30pm Easter Praise: Hymns and Luke’s with breakfast served from 10.45am. over a cup of tea or coffee. It has been led Readings Service starts @ 11.30am. Family Service by our curate Revd David McComb on the 5 in St. Aidan’s @ 10am. Tuesday evenings in March. We take a cHUrcH DEcorATIoN break for Easter and then gather again to The Church will be decorated for the Easter round things off on 21 & 28 April and 5 May. Services on Saturday 11th April from

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The Ambassador | April/May 2020 23 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 10.00am. All helpers welcome. Flowers may It is with much regret that we learned of the Although it is a massive struggle, the people be left at Church on Good Friday evening or death of Amy Dorothy Crawford on 7th there are grateful for the continued support Saturday morning from 10.00 a.m. January 2020. Amy was the widow of the of Milltown, Killyman, St. Michaels Belfast late Revd Albert E Crawford, former Rector and the Dundalk group of parishes through mU & GFS ToWNSEND of Milltown from 1953-1965, and was CMS Ireland. We continue to pray for Wednesday 20th May Mothers’ Union instrumental in founding the Junior GFS in peace, stability and healing in that great Festival Service in Armagh Cathedral at Milltown in 1963. The Funeral service was country, and protection from harm and 7.30pm. on Thursday 9th January in Holy Trinity disease for everyone within the diocese, Parish Church, Banbridge, followed by especially for Mama Mbambu, her helpers GFS committal in The New Cemetery. Our and the children in the orphanage. Sunday 3rd May Youth Sunday Services, deepest sympathy goes to son Paul, 11.00am and 6.30pm. daughter Gillian, and the extended family circle. BoYS’ BrIGADE MOy & Friday 3rd April Parents’ Evening. Please We were also saddened to learn of the CHARLEMONT come along and support our young people death of Florence Victoria Frazer on 22nd Rev. Aonghus Mayes and their Leaders February 2020. Florence was the widow of Telephone 028 8778 4312 Sunday 3rd May Youth Sunday Services, the late Canon James Stewart Frazer, 11.00am and 6.30pm. former Rector of Milltown from 1965 - 1971, FESTIVAL oF FLoWErS who died on 15th October 2019. The In light of the continuing SUNDAY ScHooL Funeral service and Thanksgiving for her life developments surrounding Coronavirus, we Sunday School will finish for Easter on was held in St Ignatius’ Parish Church, have decided to postpone the Festival of Sunday 5 April and will recommence on , on Tuesday 25th February, Flowers and Music, which was due to be Sunday 26th April 2020 followed by interment in St Aidan’s held on the weekend of Friday 29th – Monday 6th April 7.30pm Children will be Churchyard, Glenavy. Representatives Sunday 31st May. taking part in the Missionary Focus evening from the parish attended the service Groups which had booked will be contacted as part of Holy Week services bringing our deepest sympathy to David, directly and we will be issuing a new date Sunday 3rd May Youth Sunday Services, Hilary, Jonathan, Victoria and the extended when this health crisis has been resolved. 11.00am and 6.30pm. family on their sad loss. coNcErT BoWLS Likewise, our evening of country and gospel Bowls will finish for Easter on 23rd March From THE rEGISTEr music featuring Second Chance on Friday and will resume on 20th April Baptism 3rd April at 8pm has also been cancelled. If Each year the Club runs a very successful 19th January 2019 you purchased tickets, please contact the Fun Bowls Competition to which bowlers Oliver Norman Lucas person who sold them to you for a refund. come each evening from a wide area. Son of David and Rebecca Starting on Monday 27th April at 7.00p.m. orGANISATIoNS and continuing each Monday evening in Burial Please check the church’s Facebook page May. Wednesday 5 February 2020 to receive updates on meetings and Victor Scott Hayes. cancellations mILLToTS Milltots finish for Easter on Thursday 2 April marriage BIG BrEAKFAST and will recommence on Thursday 23rd 18 January 2020 On a much brighter note, a huge thank-you April. Jamie Greenaway and Chelsea Wall. to all those who donated items and catered at the Boy’s Brigade Big Breakfast. It was a TENNIS coUrTS Dr congo huge success and thoroughly enjoyed by all The courts will be open for play from We are encouraged to see the progress on those who were there. Saturday 4th April – although we request the second building for the CCD Orphanage that during Holy Week (Monday 6th– Friday Project in North Kivu Diocese, DRC amidst coULD YoU NoT WATcH WITH mE oNE 12th) play will finish at 6.00 p.m. to allow for and in spite of all the fighting there and the HoUr? Church Services. Ebola emergency. The walls are now At the time of writing all services are plastered and it is hoped it could be ready continuing as normal, but once again please EASTEr GENErAL VESTrY for use by the summer. There are many check the parish Facebook page for The Easter General Vestry meeting will be displaced people and refugees being cared updates. held on Wednesday 22nd April at 7.30 p.m. for in Butembo, hosted by families from in the Parish Hall. Parishioners whose within the diocese, including that of Bishop PALm SUNDAY names appear in the Register of Isesomo. Food and essential emergency 11.30am – The Cross of Christ: A Meditation Vestrymen/women, and are contributors to supplies are also being funded. of Hymns and Readings Church funds, will be eligible to vote for the 6.00pm - Compline members of the Select Vestry and to nominate the People’s Church Warden for HoLY WEEK: the next year. Kathleen Douglas, the parish Wednesday treasurer, will also be presenting the 7.30pm – Holy Week Reflection financial report for the past year. Please Maundy Thursday come along and support the work of the 7.30pm – Holy Communion Vestry. GOOD FRIDAY 7.00am – 7.30pm – ALL DAY PRAYER coNDoLENcES VIGIL

24 The Ambassador | April/May 2020 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador On Good Friday the church will maintain an weeks to study the book of Acts. This has HoLY WEEK PrAYEr room unbroken vigil of prayer from 7 in the been a real encouragement to all those Our Prayer Room will be open during Holy morning until 7.30 at night. To ensure that attending since September and a great Week in the upper room of the Colthurst this chain of prayer is unbroken throughout opportunity for folks to come together to Hall. More information will be available on the day there will be a list at the back of the grow their faith, to enjoy fellowship and of the notices sheets and our Church church asking people to sign up for half hour course get to know one another better over Facebook page. slots. Either way you are very welcome to a cup of tea at the end. There is always drop in at any stage. Do come! room for more people to please consider cELEBrATE EASTEr 7.30pm – Words from the Cross coming along and speak to Caroline or You’re welcome to join in our special Easter Eddie or the Rector for more information. Sunday services on Sunday 12th April, as EASTEr DAY: Our Junior Bible Class also continues we rejoice that Jesus is alive: 11.30am – Holy Communion alongside the Confirmation Group as we 11am Easter Family Celebration 6.00pm – Holy Communion help our young people to discover more 6.30pm Easter Praise Service with the choir about God and how they can live as HoLY BAPTISm Christians in the world today and know that PArAGUAY mISSIoN TEAm 9th February ‘20 God will walk with them in the years to Please pray for the Mission Team from Georgina Margaret, daughter of Stephen come. Richhill as they journey to Paraguay on and Clare Weir, Clonmore Wednesday 15th April (DV). Audrey, Clare, THIrD mArK oF mISSIoN – TEND : To Jim and Gary will be joining up with Mags respond to human need by loving service. Southern to work with the church in Apple Blossom Baby Basics is now up and Concepción, where our mission partner running and we would like to thank all those Claire Holmes has been for many years. from neighbouring parishes and churches, Pray for safety in travel, for God’s power schools and other groups who have and presence each day, and for God’s love donated items to make this happen. We and grace to be known as we share in the have already been able to provide some work of the gospel. Thank you to everyone MULLAvILLy new mums with a filled ‘Moses Basket’ and who has supported the team in lots of Rev. Elizabeth Cairns I know that these have been greatly different ways - we really do appreciate all Tel: 028 3884 0221 appreciated. If you are a social worker, your help and support. Mob: 07719 857187 health care professional, health visitor, or even as a Rector, and come across You’re invited to share in the Team’s someone who you would know would Commissioning Service on Sunday 5th April HoLY WEEK AND benefit from one of these baskets, please do at 6.30pm in St Matthew’s Church, when the EASTEr get in touch with us. For more information preacher will be Rev Stephen McElhinney Palm Sunday: 9.30am Holy Communion please see our Facebook page, (SAMS Mission Director). 11am – Family Service ‘BabyBasics Mullavilly’ or call us on (note change of service) 07856885737 or email us on & [email protected] if you TERMONMAGUIRkE Followed by Palm Sunday Soup Lunch - would like to make a referral or request. Rev. Alan Barr Proceeds in Aid of Lent Project – CMSI Telephone: 028 8075 8218 Everyone is then welcome to come along to mULLAVILLY YoUTH cLUB our ‘Spring Walk’ in Peatlands Park, We started our new Youth Club on the first meeting there at 2pm when we will be Saturday evening of March. It was great to SUNDAY SErVIcES thinking more about our ‘FIFTH mArK oF see a good number of young people come 1st Sunday Holy Communion mISSIoN’ – TrEASUrE: To strive to along and enjoy the evening. Thank you too 2nd Sunday Morning Prayer safeguard the integrity of creation, and to those who have offered their help as 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer sustain and renew the life of the earth. leaders and to David Brown the Diocesan 4th Sunday Family Service (There will be no evening service in church). Youth and Children’s officer who has been a 5th Sunday Healing Service. Please come along prepared for whatever great support and help in getting our Youth weather is forecast. Club off the ground. Initially the YC will meet GENErAL EASTEr VESTrY 2020 on the 1st Saturday evening of each month General Easter vestries for 2020 take place HoLY WEEK: from March until June. Then recommence at Sixmilecross on 25th March at 7 pm in the Monday 7pm – Children’s Service in the again in September. Parish Hall. Church Hall Termonmaguirke on 1st April at 7 pm also in Tuesday 8pm – Holy Week Service RICHHILL the Parish Hall. Wednesday 8pm – Holy Week Service Rev. Gary McMurray Thursday 8pm – Holy Communion Telephone: 028 3887 0798 HoLY WEEK SErVIcES Good Friday 8pm – Tenebrae Service Wednesday 8th April. Evening Prayer HoLY WEEK SErVIcES: in Termonmaguirke at 8 pm. EASTEr SUNDAY: FAcES From THE croSS Maundy Thursday 9th April. Holy 9.30am Holy Communion Monday 6th - Friday 10th Communion in Sixmilecross at 8 pm 11am Holy Communion April at 8pm each evening. Good Friday 10th April 2 pm, Hot Cross Bun 7pm – Hymns and Readings for Easter Day Preacher: Canon Neville Hughes Family Service Termonmaguirke. We’ll be looking at the different groups of SEcoND mArK oF mISSIoN – TEAcH : people around the cross. EASTEr SUNDAY To teach, baptise and nurture believers. Come along and invite your family and Termonmaguirke 9 am Holy Communion. Our newly formed House Groups are going friends. Sixmilecross 10.30 am Holy Communion. well with around 20 meeting every two

The Ambassador | April/May 2020 25 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Missing in Action? Young men and the Church.

At a recent workshop held by the Diocese of Armagh (21st February 2020), clergy and lay workers from the Diocese examined matters and issues impacting on the place of young men in the Church.

The “Missing in Action” workshop aims were as follows...

1. That participants on the “Missing in Action”? workshop, would be better informed, resourced and challenged as to how to better engage with young men.. 2. That through presentations and roundtable discussions, good practice ideas that engage young men in children’s ministry are highlighted and explored.

The workshops were facilitated by Rt. Rev of every four deaths by suicide are men. transitioning from primary to secondary Ken Clarke, Mrs Sinead Hughes (Promoting Taking his lead from 1Timothy, Bishop Ken school. The importance of this work was well being specialist lead, Southern Trust) Clarke spoke of his experience of ministry noted particularly for some young boys who and Mrs. Heather Antony and Mr. Harry to and with men in the pursuit of a Christ like for complex reasons may not have a male Simpson (Boys to Men programme holiness and the particular challenges facing role model at home. It was also commented (St.Mark’s Portadown). Around 25 men. He observed that in his experience upon that with few men entering primary individuals from across the Diocese took some men (by no means all) can hit their school education such a lack of a male part in this workshop and contributed much 40’s and 50’s and encounter what he termed presence also led to some young boys not learning and insight to the facilitated their “manopause” whereby men seek a re- encountering a male teacher/role model discussion. direction in terms of life and work that is until secondary school. meaningful. This can be a difficult journey There can be little doubt that across wider for men, one the church may not always Feedback during and after the workshop society men and young men in particular best understand. has been in the main very positive. It was (those aged 16 to 25 years old) can observed that a three hour workshop in experience negative significant life changing The final workshop led by Heather Antony terms of how the Church might better events and circumstances. Sinead Hughes (Youth worker St. Mark’s Portadown) and support young men would only just about for example coming from a challenging yet HarrySimpson focussed on the work of the “scratch the surface” of this issue. It was encouraging perspective on men’s physical parish and a group of volunteers working also noted that when it come to supporting and mental health noted that in terms of alongside Primary schools teaching boys any “demographic” (such as young men) the suicide for example 12 men die by suicide (and girls) many practical skills, building Church has much to learn and yet in Christ each day and that across the UK, three out resilience and self confidence for children much to offer and that across Armagh Diocese many men’s ministries and initiatives were well established.

One participant in addressing the question as to young men being “missing in action” in terms of their engagement with the Church asked the question “What actions do we want/need men to give themselves to?”. I for one have been pondering that question too...

26 The Ambassador | April/May 2020 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador CHURCH ARMY NOTES Sr Valerie Thom writes ... church army is forever changing, but at the heart of everything is the ethos of our founder Wilson carlisle Sharing faith through word and action. Zacchaeus Outreach Project

Lots of interesting things happening soon. It has been confirmed by Liverpool Football club Foundation that they will be visiting in August. Keep an eye on this page for further details. There will be loads of exciting things happening.

At the Armagh Bands Forum AGM in chair was presented to him at the event. Aghavilly Orange Hall we launched the 2nd The event was supported by a lot of the book of people stories called Our Band, our local bands. Valerie attended and took Families, our Stories. It makes just as good some photographs and received a great which we would be delighted if anyone was reading as the first and if you would like a welcome and great chats with loads of the willing to help us sell a few. copy either visit the bus or contact Valerie. band members who call on the bus. We held a pre launch evening where those The bus was back on the road as the first Valerie has been busy doing talks all over who had written articles for the book got a parade of the season was held on the 17th the place about the project and is always chance to see it. It was a lovely evening March in Armagh for Cormeen Rising Sons amazed about how little people actually held in Killymoon Castle. This evening was of William band parade. It was a busy night understand about the band community, their part funded by a grant for events such as on the bus and we had a great welcome fund raising efforts etc. this. from all the bands. If you have a group and would like Valerie In February there was a big fundraiser held With the committee of the project we have to come and talk to about the project you in Armagh Orange Hall called Webbers decided to update the bus as she is can contact her on 07736644051, 028 8774 Wheels. It was to raise money to buy Tim beginning to feel its age. To help with the 9920 or [email protected] Webber a new wheel chair and the wheel cost we are issuing a fire side quiz sheet

TThhee AAmmbbaassssaaddoorr || JAupnreil//JMulayy 22001290 27 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Mothers’ Union Parish Hall. All welcome! FLoWErS: (Tartaraghan): Wednesday 22nd April at 7.47 in 12 – 19 April: Jill Jackson. Termonmaguirke Church Hall. DIAmoND GrANGE coFFEE morNING: 26 April – 3 May: Maud Wright. Saturday 18th April from 10.00am. Home 10 – 17 May: Harriett Millsopp. TEA AND A cHAT baking, fruit & veg, plants & shrubs. 24 – 31 May: June Matchett. Our Weekly drop-in restarts on Wednesday 7 – 14 June: Elizabeth & Dorothy Mathers. 29th April at 10.30 in Termonmaguirke Hall. EASTEr VESTrY mEETINGS: 21 June: Mary Odgers. Everyone welcome for a cuppa and a chat. Tartaraghan: Tuesday 21st April 7.45pm. 28 June: Jennifer Greenaway. We usually finish around noon. Diamond: Wednesday 22nd April 8.00pm. 5 – 12 July: Georgie Turkington. 19 – 26 July: Vangie Poots. TARTARAGHAN ALL AGE SErVIcE with Sunday School children taking part, on Sunday 26th April, TULLANISkEN & DIAMOND with guest speaker, David Brown, Armagh AND CLONOE Rev. Canon David Hilliard Diocesan Development Officer for Youth Rev. Henry Blair Telephone: 028 3885 1289 and Children’s Ministry. Telephone: 028 8774 0919

For I am the Lord your God DIAmoND SUNDAY ScHooL SErVIcE Lent is that time of year who takes hold of your right will be on Sunday 7th June at 10.00am. when we all join with society hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help in giving things up. The world uses the you. (Isaiah 41: 13 NIV) IN THE PIPELINE among other things are a season for Lent as an excuse for dieting and sponsored walk for all the family (in eating less, and yet that is not what Lent is From THE rEGISTErS: Fermanagh) to sponsor the Youth about in any sense! Lent was traditionally HoLY BAPTISm: 26th January 2020 in Fellowship, a Children’s Mission week in a time of preparation leading up to the cele- Tartaraghan, William Alexander, son of Gary early June in Tartaraghan with Colin Tinsley, bration of Easter. It was a time when the & Kathy Kirk, Derrylileagh Road. a Puppet Service and Lunch in Tartaraghan early church looked to focus more on God 16th February 2020 in Tartaraghan, Lorcan in June, and a BBQ and Social with and the sense of giving anything up was to James, son of Robbie & Laura Silcock, Embrace Socials in Diamond Parish Hall, in spend that time for Him. Clonmacash Road. aid of Diamond parish, on Saturday 12th Today, as with much in our world, we hold 23rd February 2020 in Tartaraghan, Jay September. More details to follow! onto an element of things and abandon Brian, son of Courtney & Graeme what it really means. Williamson, . mEN’S GroUP: Alternate Sundays in Can I encourage you to not just have Lent Diamond Parish Hall at 3.00pm. Contact as a season for focusing on yourself, but moTHErS’ UNIoN: Church Service on Richard 078 3626 6810. rather deepening our relationship with God Monday of Holy Week (6th April) in and a time of preparation. As Lent will soon Tartaraghan at 8.00pm. Next meeting on YoUTH FELLoWSHIP meets 5.00pm – draw to a close what about we keep our 20th April (Diamond) – speaker, Joanne 7.00pm in Tartaraghan Parish Hall on the focus on our relationship with God through Dobson, who helped give a gift of life to her last Sunday each month. All young people the 50 days from Easter to Pentecost! What son, Mark. Festival Service in the Cathedral of secondary-school age upwards (from about if we live our lives with a renewed on Wednesday 20th May at 7.30pm. The both churches + friends) welcome! focus and pur-pose to serve and live for MU Outing will be on Saturday 23rd May. God. With this in mind we will be looking at coNFIrmATIoN: Candidates are meeting living with purpose during the period from HoLY WEEK: Services on Monday, on Sunday evenings in Tartaraghan Parish Easter to Pentecost as we study the Wednesday and Good Friday in Holy Week Hall 5.00pm – 6.00pm. Purpose Driven Life during our midweek at 8.00pm in Tartaraghan. Children welcome fellowship and Sunday services. on Good Friday, 10th April, at 10.30am TArTArAGHAN WEEKLY Lets find a new purpose in life as we start a (Easter Egg Hunt). In Diamond, there is a ProGrAmmE: new decade with God in a fresh way. short service at 7.00pm on Good Friday. In coFFEE AND cHAT: Mondays at the Tartaraghan, the Boys’ Brigade leads the Rectory 10.00am – 12.00 noon. EASTEr 2020 Good Friday service at 8.00pm. cIrcUIT TrAINING: Mondays & Wed 8th April 8pm Service Tullanisken Thursdays in Sports Hall 7.00pm – 7.30pm. church HoLY commUNIoN (TArTArAGHAN): BOWLS: Tuesdays at 8.00pm in Sports Thursday 9th Holy Communion Clonoe Wednesday 8th April at 3.00pm (during Holy Hall. Good Friday 10th Service of Easter Week). cHAIr EXErcISE: Wednesdays 10.00am readings and songs in Newmills in Parish Hall. Easter Sunday 9.45am Holy Communion EASTEr SUNDAY 12th APrIL: Family WALKING cLUB meets all year round Clonoe Communion at 8.30am & 11.30am every Thursday – meet at Tartaraghan 11.00am Holy Communion Tullanisken (Tartaraghan) and 10.00am (Diamond). At church 10.00am to share transport. Info and 11.30am, the Puppet Theatre also takes programme: Mary Odgers: 07745 625125. ‘rAISE THE PrAISE’ part. PrAYEr & FELLoWSHIP: Thursdays Come along on Sunday 26th April and join alternately in Diamond and Tartaraghan us in Benburb and the Rev Suzanne TArTArAGHAN SUNDAY ScHooL Parish Hall at 8.00pm. Cousins in St Pat-rick’s Clonfeacle BrEAKFAST on Easter Sunday, 12th April. TArA ToTS for carers and tiny tots – (Benburb) at 7pm where the Blair family will Sunday School Prize-giving Service will be Fridays in Parish Hall 10.00am – 12 noon. be providing the music and the Rev Henry on Sunday 10th May at 11.30am. will be speaking. FAcEBooK: “Saint Paul’s Church cHI-mE: Three relaxing sessions with Faye Tartaraghan” “St Paul’s Diamond Grange moTHErS UNIoN Chisnall, on three consecutive Wednesdays Church” and “5th Portadown Boys Brigade, 7th April Speaker - David McCarter Bowel 10.00am – 11.00am, 15th – 29th April, in Tartaraghan”. Cancer UK.

28 The Ambassador | April/May 2020 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador May Night out to Killymoon Golf Club. WEDNESDAY TOGETHER CLUB , AGHAvILLy AND The Wednesday Together Club is held in GFS MIDDLETOWN Aghavilly Parish Hall for all members of the GFS parents night brought their year to a Rev’d Matthew Hagan community and meets from 10am -12.30pm close on Saturday 4th April in Tullanisken Tel: 028 37568619 each week. Come along and learn a new hall. [email protected] skill or craft and enjoy the friendship and fellowship as well. Recently the members BoYS BrIGADE cHrISTIAN BUrIAL had Rev. Nick Cooper, Ballygowan and Mr. BB display brought the year to a close on Aghavilly: Nevin McAnea speaking about their work in Friday 3rd April in Tullanisken hall. 3rd January 2020 - Christina May Gordon, Muldova. Enfield England mIDWEEK FELLoWSHIP 27th January 2020 - Maria (Cis) Magwood, A TImE For PrAYEr Wednesday’s 7.30pm in the Minor Hall for Milford, Armagh Do not be anxious about anything, but in an informal time of Worship, Bible Study middletown: everything by prayer and supplication with and Prayer, 22nd February 2020 - Lilian (Lily) Elizabeth thanksgiving let your requests be made McLoughlin (nee Hearst), Richhill. known to God. Philippians 4:6 FrIENDSHIP cLUB A “Time for Prayer” meets on the first The club will meet on second Wednesday HoLY BAPTISm Monday of each month in the Committee each month at 10.30am 23rd February 2020 - Charlie Samuel Room, Tynan Parish Hall at 7pm. Please 8th April Speaker - Mervyn Walker Speers son of Peter and Stephanie, Killylea. come along or make your prayer requests gardening. known to the Rector. Everyone welcome. 7th June - Annual outing to Yeats Country TYNAN commUNITY ABc coUNcIL Co Sligo. ProGrAmmE TAm GETAWAY cLUB Tynan Development Committee Limited in The members of the TAM (Tynan, Aghavilly NEWmILLS PArENT & ToDDLEr conjunction with ABC Council are and Middletown) Getaway Club enjoyed a GroUP - Thursday’s 10am - 12 noon term- embarking on a Horticultural Community very relaxing 3-night city break in Prague. time. Project Programme which will involve adults Those who travelled on the trip enjoyed the and children. The first free event took place friendship and fellowship with each other not VE DAY cELEBrATIoNS. recently in Tynan Parish Hall when only in the Aghavilly Youth Club minibus but VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, marks the Groundworks provided an intergenerational also during their time in Prague where they day towards the end of World War Two workshop with everyone making Bird visited Prague Castle and enjoyed a river when fighting against Nazi Germany came Feeders - all adults and children in our cruise along with some shopping. All those to an end in Europe. community who attended enjoyed the event. who were present are eagerly awaiting the At 3pm on 8 May 1945, Prime Minister We are embarking on a full range of next trip. Winston Churchill made an announcement workshops funded by ABC Council. As part on the radio that war in Europe had come to of this partnership programme we look EASTEr VESTrIES an end. forward to our new polytunnel which is to be Thank you to everyone who attended the To mark this occasion the first May bank located in the Community Garden Project in Easter Vestries and sincere thanks to the holiday moves by 4 days from the Monday the walled garden at the rear of Tynan members of the Select Vestries in Tynan, to the Friday and in Newmills we are rectory. If you would like to have a raised Aghavilly and Middletown for all their work marking the occasion with a number of bed for growing flowers, fruit and vegetables during the past year – your work has been events. On the Friday evening the bells will please contact the rector. The project is very much appreciated. ring out at 7pm to join with others across the open to the community. Please come along country and at 7.30 there will be a stew din- and enjoy the friendship and fellowship. AGHAVILLY YoUTH cLUB ner and concert setting in context the Meets each Friday evening from 6.30pm to significance of the VE Day and on Sunday DIocESAN YoUTH oFFIcEr VISIT 8.00 pm for primary school age children and 10th May we will have a service of Mr. David Brown, Diocesan Development from 8.00pm – 9.45 pm for senior members. Celebration that the war is officially ended Officer - Youth & Children's Ministry visited New members always welcome. and remembrance of those who gave their all three Churches recently and spoke at lives locally in securing that victory. each of the Family Services about his work WOODSCHAPEL in the Diocese and the range of activities Rev. Ruth Murray PArISH rEGISTErS available in the Diocese to our young Telephone: 028 7941 8311 BUrIALS. people. 24 Jan 2020 Mr Robert Patterson, 29 During Lent, our Drumragh Crescent, Newmills. TYNAN YoUTH GroUP Wednesday evening 25 Feb 2020 Mrs Barbara McAteer 26 The Tynan Youth Group meet on alternate services have been looking Cookstown Friday evenings in Tynan Parish Hall at anxiety and how we might ‘manage’ the 3 Mar 2020 Mrs Linda Glendenning, 4 commencing at 6.30 pm. New members of way that we address it with the help of Doras Terrace, Newmills. Primary School age will be made most various passages of scripture. Do please Our thoughts and prayers are with the family welcome. join us at 8pm in St John’s as our series as they mourn at this time. comes to a conclusion. mIDDLEToWN crAFT cLUB The Middletown Craft Club continues to Once again, we look forward to the sharing meet in Middletown Parish Community Hall of services with St Swithin’s in Holy Week. each Monday from 10.15am -12.15pm. Services will be located as follows – Please come along and enjoy the friendship 6.00pm on Palm Sunday – Healing Service and fellowship. in St Swithin’s. 8.00pm on week nights: Monday in St

The Ambassador | April/May 2020 29 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Coronavirus Armagh Diocesan Response

Below is some very helpful and practical us with very useful guidance, which they will those who are vulnerable to this disease information issued by Bishop John, our continue to update. But they cannot be and, perhaps above all for all health care Archbishop-elect, to his clergy in . I expected to know every detail of local workers. think they are very helpful as we work out circumstances and in light of developing our response to the challenges unfolding circumstances it is now up to us as a By showing our love and care for vulnerable day by day and commend them to you. I am Diocese and as parishes to apply and adapt parishioners and in the wider community, we most grateful to Bishop John for sharing the broad principles to make sure that their should also demonstrate that we are a them with us and trust that they will help intention is effective where we live and work. community of faith and hope. This is a answer many of the questions we have all For that reason, as you will see, we are medical epidemic which we should not allow been seeking guidance on regarding the cancelling all normal church services as of to become an epidemic of despair. functioning of everyday parish life. Further today (17th March) until further notice. That advice will no doubt be given in due course. applies to midweek services too. Funerals I am writing this on St Patrick’s Day and Please remember Bishop John in your will of course continue to take place, but will can’t help reflecting that his calling from God prayers and continue to support and pray for need to strictly adhere to the public health to return to a land where he had been a each other, our parishioners and all those advice on hygiene and physical distancing. captured slave must have tested his faith who find themselves on the front line at this Further advice on funerals will be provided. sorely. Even in the midst of his mission, the time, especially all who work in our Health Although the more usual phrase at the prospects of a successful outcome must Service. minute is “social distancing” I think it is better have seemed remote. But with prayer and to speak of “physical” distance, as the last persistence Patrick fulfilled his calling to Terry Scott thing we want to do is to completely dissolve such an extent that he will be remembered Archbishop’s Commissary the social bonds of our families parishes and in virtually every corner of the globe today. communities. Where possible churches will Our own calling in these very trying times Armagh Diocesan remain open at certain times for private may not be as spectacular as Patrick’s, but prayer, provided the public health hygiene if we listen to the call of God in Jesus Christ response Guidance guidelines can be met. Further advice will be we can have some confidence that in years Archbishop-elect John’s issued as occasion demands. to come we will be remembered as those who did what they could and perhaps even Pastoral message As parishes we will also need to think again a little more when help was needed. As you will be aware, coronavirus is about how we can be near to people, to presenting major challenges to the whole of demonstrate our love to them, in ways which +John Clogher society on the island of Ireland, including to may require physical distance but does not the Churches. It is important that we mean that we are cut off from one another. respond responsibly and proportionately to Clearly there are people who are more at 1. PUBLIc WorSHIP these challenges. You will have seen that as risk than others. I would encourage clergy well as the Diocese, the Presbyterian and parishes to ensure that the worship of Services – All public acts of worship, Church and the Methodist Church have also God continues in some form (perhaps by including Sunday services, Lenten services, issued guidelines today. Undoubtedly we people in their own homes saying Morning Baptisms and Confirmations (including will all have to do things differently, at least Prayer at an agreed time, and in that way to preparation), should cease from 17th March during the period of this emergency, and be involved in “corporate” prayer. It may well 2020 until further notice. Parishes, where possibly beyond that time. However we be that civil authorities will ask churches to possible, may consider providing access to need also to remember our calling to make ourselves (our human and physical Churches for private prayer and reflection, worship God not only “with our lips but in our resources) available to be of practical should this be the case then hygiene and lives” as we say in the General assistance and I know we will respond in the physical distancing guidance must be Thanksgiving. spirit of the generosity of God. observed.

Governments and the public health I need hardly say that I trust you will pray for online & media resources – Resources authorities, North and South, have provided all those who are anxious and fearful; all

30 The Ambassador | April/May 2020 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador for worshipping from home will shortly be parish. Clergy are asked to co-ordinate the attended by family members and close made available online. If your parish intends provision of pastoral care in their parishes in friends only in order to keep numbers in to co-ordinate worship resources that can cooperation with neighbouring clergy. attendance low, it is advisable that funerals be accessed online, please inform the are not publicly advertised in order to avoid Diocesan Communications Officer so that Home communions – All Home large gatherings. Congregational singing information of such can be circulated. Communions should cease from 17th March should be avoided, hygiene advice and 2020 until further notice. physical distancing should be adhered to, Innovate – Clergy and parishes are Visitation Protocols – All pastoral visitations physical contact, including handshaking, encouraged to consider alternative ways to should cease from 17th March 2020 until and funeral teas should not take place. offer worship and spiritual support to further notice. Instead Clergy and/or Copies of prayers for the sick and the dying individuals and your community. Anxiety Diocesan Pastoral Assistants should contact and also a copy of the funeral service could levels will rise and people will be looking for those needing pastoral care in parishes by be helpfully sent to those unable to attend spiritual resources accessible at home to telephoning them. The hospital chaplains the funeral of a friend or relative. help them. Parishes should give are no longer permitted to carry out hospital Thanksgiving Services could be considered consideration to the preparation of visits unless expressly invited to do so by appropriate by those bereaved at a future resources for parishioners, including those hospital staff. Clergy who are asked to visit date when possible. without Internet access. parishioners in hospital or residential care should only do so if permitted by the Weddings – Weddings can take place Daily prayers - Daily prayers can help give hospital/residential facility and with the under very restrictive circumstances in structure to our days for those who are consent of the individual’s family. Hygiene accordance with Government guidance, housebound with more time for thinking and and physical distancing measures must be therefore it is preferable that weddings reflecting. You may wish to consider observed. should be postponed. signposting people to the online resources at https://www.ireland.anglican.org/prayer- Pastoral and practical support - Develop mental Health and Hardship – Efforts worship/book-of-common-prayer/2004- a plan for the pastoral and practical support should be made to support those who may texts/texts and to produce local booklets to of those who are vulnerable or housebound be struggling with mental health issues offer as personal copies only (please do not in the parish (the plan must of course and/or hardship. It will be important to take pass these around). adhere to safeguarding policies and hygiene measures, such as regular phone practices). Consider developing a 'Love thy communication, to help alleviate loneliness Prayer times - Setting up regular prayer Neighbour' scheme for those in self-isolation and despair. times and using the church bell to sound the with a team of volunteers to: Regularly times of prayer, use of online conferencing contact by phone to alleviate loneliness; facilities such as Skype, Facetime, Zoom, Report concerns as to their health; Collect 3. commUNITY rESPoNSE telephone prayer partners, could positively urgent supplies & shopping; Post mail. You help to establish a sense of corporate prayer may want to consider offering to hold next Volunteer mobilisation – In time volunteer and the strengthening of the praying of kin details for parishioners who live alone, support may be necessary for medical staff community. but make sure any such personal and for individuals in the community. information is stored securely and you have Churches are well placed to channel the individual’s permission to have these information, particularly on requests for 2. PASTorAL cArE details in keeping with General Data volunteers. Information will be circulated to Protection regulations. Identify and brief lay clergy and parishes when available. clergy, Lay readers and Diocesan people who can provide telephone support Pastoral Assistants – The health and well- and prayer for those who are fearful or Public reassurance – Clergy can offer an being of parish and diocesan clergy together otherwise distressed. important public reassurance through “the with support staff and volunteers is of sacrament of presence” and being seen to paramount importance, both for their own Self-isolated - For those who need to self- be “present” and available. This does not protection and for those they minister to. isolate, consider how people can be include physically visiting those diagnosed Those with underlying health conditions, supported with phone calls and via social with COVID-19 or those who are self- those that develop symptoms, and those media, and help with the delivery of isolating: clergy need to protect themselves over 70 years of age should adhere to shopping and / or medication. It is very and others, making sure they adhere to government guidance concerning self- important that all church members involved hygiene precautions. Clergy can also be a isolation and should inform a neighboring in such support are very clear on and trusted voice in a community and help with member of the clergy or supervising committed to adhering to the Government’s the distribution of government advice member of clergy of their availability / isolation and general hygiene advice. ensuring isolated members of the unavailability in order to enable the community are aware of the precautions continuation of pastoral ministry in the Funerals – Funerals should ideally be they can take. Network as appropriate with

The Ambassador | April/May 2020 31 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 local health, welfare, safety networks, 5. DIocESAN oFFIcE funeral directors and other service The Diocesan Office will be closed from providers. Ensure contact details for these 17th March 2020 until further notice. Mail will service providers are held by key parish be received at the Diocesan Office and leadership. Be aware of local information forwarded to the relevant person. Staff can and peculiarities eg changes in public be contacted by email or by telephoning the utilities or services that affect your Diocesan office – 028 3752 2858 There is community specifically. an answerphone service on this line and messages will be picked up daily.

4. PArISH ADmINISTrATIoN - Diocesan Secretary - [email protected] Premises - All public parish premises - Admin Assistant – should be closed from 17th March 2020 until [email protected] further notice, this includes Churches and - Archbishop’s Secretary – Church Halls. Parishes, where possible, [email protected] may consider providing access to Churches - Safeguarding Officer – for private prayer and reflection, should this [email protected] be the case then hygiene and physical - Youth Officer – distancing guidance must be observed. In [email protected] due course there may be need for church - Communications Officer – premises to be made available for civic [email protected] response purposes, these can be - Diocesan Architect – considered compassionately as they arise. [email protected] Easter Vestries – All Easter Vestry meetings should be deferred until further notice and existing officers should remain in post until 6. commUNIcATIoNS circumstances allow. Legal advice concerning rescheduling is being sought. Diocesan magazine – The April/May edition of the Diocesan Magazine will be produced Select Vestries – All Select Vestry meetings as planned. should be deferred until further notice. Matters requiring urgent consideration by a Information and Guidance – The diocesan Select Vestry should be considered using website will be used as the principle point of electronic means such a teleconferencing, communication to provide regular updates email circulation. for parishes and the general public. Information will also be made available Parish organisations – All parish through the diocesan Facebook page and organisations, including Sunday School, through press releases. Information Youth Organisations, Senior Citizen particularly for the attention of parishes and Activities, External Groups that utilize parish clergy will be circulated via email. facilities etc should be cancelled from 17th March 2020 until further notice. reaching out – Parishes, with their own websites and Facebook pages and those charity returns and Annual Accounts – without these are welcome to use the Further guidance is being sought Diocesan Website and Facebook Page to concerning submission of charity returns communicate the latest advice to and approval of annual accounts. parishioners and worshippers. Please email [email protected] with information. continuation of ministry – A template document to facilitate the continuation of ministry in parishes will be issued shortly. 7. DIocESAN DIArY

All Diocesan meetings and training events are cancelled until further notice.

32 The Ambassador | April/May 2020 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador Swithin’s, Tuesday in Gracefield, 33 years of service. Heather was reluctant Wednesday in St John’s, Thursday (with to receive any gift to mark the occasion, but Holy Communion) in St Swithin’s and Friday on her suggestion Pew were in St John’s. purchased for Gracefield Church and these were dedicated on Sunday 1 March. Thank On Easter Day, 12 April, we look forward to you, Heather, for such commitment to bringing a particular word out of hiding as Gracefield over the years. We did manage we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. to present Heather some flowers, a framed We used this word a lot on the Sunday picture of Gracefield Church and a new before Lent, and at the end of that service Hymnal to mark the occasion! Pew Bibles we rolled it up and ‘hid’ it (in plain sight) in a were also purchased for St John’s and bag at the front of the church. It begins and these, too, were dedicated on that Sunday. ends with ‘a,’ has four syllables and means ‘Praise the Lord!’ We are ‘fasting’ from this The porch area at St John’s has recently word during Lent and we will enjoy using it undergone a major change as we have, again and again on Easter Day! Do after many years of discussion, managed to celebrate with us! put in place disability access. There is also new tiling being laid with a large mosaic of We are running a programme called an eagle as the centre piece – the symbol of ‘Parentalk – the Primary Years’ in Gracefield St John. Our thanks are given to Mrs Carrie Church Vestry. It is open to all who Booth, her daughter Marleen and other expressed an interest. Those who attended family members who have presented the have been given the opportunity to talk mosaic in memory of the late Mr John about the day-to-day challenges they face, Booth, Carrie’s husband. A fitting gesture Chris and Ross from ‘Play it by Ear’ take to as well as sharing the things that are going that will remain with us for many years to the stage as Jonah and his mother (!) during well. We enjoy a cuppa together - and many come. an evening of Good Food in the Woods. laughs! JOY! Continues to meet (usually) on the Over 100 guests enjoyed ‘Good Food in the second Wednesday of each month at Woods’ on Friday 28 February in the Church 10.30am. It is for Just Older Youth and is Hall. A free meal was offered to all open to all – parishioner and their friends, parishioners who have helped in the and others who may like to join us. We have renovation of two church buildings while we elevenses, an activity or a guest speaker, remained financially in credit. Many of those and a ‘Thought for the Day, with a hymn. We attending left a donation for Christian Aid, have planted daffodils, heard about crime which amounted to just over £700. As well prevention, had a Beetle Drive and learnt as our meal, we were ‘fed’ between courses, how to make a shepherd’s crook. We even and at the end, by drama presentations from had a go at fashioning a Brigid’s cross out of ‘Play it by Ear.’ A great evening of fellowship reeds. We hope to have the opportunity to and thanksgiving – many remarked that a ask an expert for gardening advice and similar meal should be available after every participate in some chair exercises. Join us Sunday Service! - for some JOY and fellowship.

This year our Easter Vestry meeting will The MU outing on Saturday 6 June will take place on Wednesday 22 April. All are include – a visit to Mission to Seafarers, welcome to attend. Belfast, shopping at Sprucefield, a tour of Hillsborough Castle, and tea at Magheralin Heather Simpson with one of the Bibles that Our organist in Gracefield, Heather Parish. Have you signed up yet?! was presented to mark the occasion of her Simpson, retired in following our Harvest retirement as organist in Gracefield after 33 Thanksgiving on Sunday 13 October after years.

70 Ennislare Road, , Armagh, BT60 2AU TEL & FAX: (028) 3752 3421 Mobile: 07802 530457

The Ambassador | April/May 2020 33 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Around the Diocese

Newly formed Mullavilly Youth Club with their leaders & helpers

St. John’s Parish church, caledon Christmas Tree Festival FrIDAY 4TH DEcEmBEr To SUNDAY 6TH DEcEmBEr 2020

come and enjoy the wonderful display of trees designed and decorated by local organisations, churches, schools and businesses.

Enjoy the musical entertainment from choir, singers and musicians and relax in our newly refurbished church Hall with some delicious refreshments

For more information please contact: rev Bill Atkins: 028 3756 8874 Lorraine Livingstone: 07909 985813 Anne Herron: 07849 963506 Groups and coach Parties Welcome

100th Birthday Celbrations for Madge Johnston of Caledon Proceeds to church repair Fund, Air Ambulance NI Parish Church. and Southern Area Hospice

34 The Ambassador | April/May 2020 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador Around the Diocese

World Day of Prayer Service in Derryloran Parish featuring Renovations to Caledon Parish Hall. Zimbabwe with members of the Organising Committee and a floral arrangement in the national colours of Zimbabwe.

Tynan Aghavilly Middletwon trip to Prague. Serena Hamilton and Wendy Gibson admire the Memorial Quilt at Derryloran Parish Church.

Representatives of the community at the recent Keeping fit at Tartaraghan Victims Empowerment Dedication Service in Derryloran Folk of all ages do their best to keep fit at ‘Circuit Training’ including Judith Thompson, Victims Commissioner, and twice a week at Tartaraghan Sports Hall. Led by Gary (front Arlene Foster, First Minister. right), who puts everyone through their paces, it’s a case of fitness and fun!

The Ambassador | April/May 2020 35 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Profile of Bishop John McDowell The Rt Revd John McDowell, Bishop of Clogher, has been elected by the House of Bishops as the new Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. He succeeds Archbishop Richard Clarke who retired on 2nd February this year.

Bishop McDowell (aged 64) was ordained in be announced in due course. Upon taking 1996 and has served as Bishop of Clogher up his responsibilities as Archbishop of since 2011. Armagh, Bishop McDowell will be the 106th in the succession of , bishops and He was previously Rector of St Mark’s, of Armagh since St Patrick. Dundela, in East Belfast (2002-2011), Rector of (1999-2002), and Brief biography of Bishop John Curate of Antrim (1996-1999). mcDowell The Rt Revd Francis John McDowell grew He has also served as an Honorary up in Belfast and pursued a career in Secretary of the General Synod (2008-2011) business prior to training for ordination. and is currently Chairman of the Church of Ireland’s Commission for Christian Unity He was ordained in 1996 and initially served and Dialogue. as Curate of Antrim, in the Diocese of Connor (1996-1999). Speaking on his election, Bishop McDowell said: He was subsequently Rector of Macartin’s Cathedral, , in Ballyrashane, in the same diocese (1999- September of that year. ‘I am overwhelmed by the confidence which 2002), and Rector of St Mark’s, Dundela, in my fellow bishops have placed in me to fill the Diocese of Down and Dromore (2002- Bishop McDowell holds a BA (Hons) in this ancient office. 2011), during which time he was also an History from Queen’s University Belfast Honorary Secretary of the General Synod I look forward to working with them in the (2008-2011). He has also served as the (1978), a Diploma in Business Studies from time to come and to serving the people of Church of Ireland’s contact person for the the London School of Economics (1984), the Diocese of Armagh Porvoo Communion (2007-2013) – a and a BTh in Theology and Biblical Studies communion of Anglican and Lutheran from (1996). and the Church of Ireland in whatever way I Churches in Europe which share a common can.’ life in mission and service. He is married to Mary, who teaches in Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, and The translation will take effect from Tuesday, He was elected Bishop of Clogher in May they have one daughter, Dorothy, a student 28th April, and the enthronement date will 2011 and consecrated as bishop in St at Oxford University.

Ambassador Deadlines Each month there is a flurry of activity around the deadline dates for entries to the Ambassador. Given the recent changes in our monthly cycle, here are the deadline dates for each of the issues of the Ambassador. June/July 8th may 2020