Rector The Pointer The Rt Rev Darren McCartney 028 4175 3497 September 2021 [email protected]

The Magazine of the Parishes of Clonallon & Warrenpoint with Kilbroney in the Diocese of Down and Dromore

A lesson from nature and phrase sounds familiar it may be because you have from the mouths of children. heard it read from Holy Scripture, Jesus in fact quotes these words in Matthew 21:16. The above phrase or thought has continued to be in my thinking these last few days. There is much that is Last Sunday evening, Liam and I were travelling back happening in our world. The news is filled with much from the direction of Leitrim carpark towards that would cause us to be anxious. Rostrevor.

There is much that seems to want to pressure us to be As we were driving along, Liam points out the window busy or to be in a rush. I have found myself looking at towards the mountain, and exclaims “the church”. nature and what is happening around us. Liam was pointing up to a large cross on the side of a hill that we had climbed together a few months back. The word autumnal was mentioned on the weather forecast two weeks back and then last week we have I smiled to myself and thought how wonderful, he is had what could be called beautiful summer days. getting it. The significance of the cross and its Reflecting though on nature; I see nature slowly, ever relevance to church. Christ’s love for the world so slowly, beginning a process of adjustment to the manifested in the Cross. changes of weather and the coming season. Slowly, ever so slowly, preparation and change. What place does that kind of love have within the church today? Within our churches and the Please don’t feel the pressure to spring back to the communities that we live in? “For thy Church for way you were before the Pandemic. Take the time to evermore lifting holy hands above, offering up on adjust and not rush, allow yourself the time needed every shore her pure sacrifice of love” verse 5 of a to readjust and don’t feel pressured. hymn we sang at our Drive-In service in Warrenpoint. Perhaps you could also take a moment to reflect and That’s a short reflection on nature and change but then “reflect” in its truest sense. what about the second part of the phrase “From the Blessings mouths of children”, if you think this part of the +Darren

Pray for Afghanistan Clonallon and Warrenpoint

O God of mercy and of peace, we hold before you the Facebook peoples of Afghanistan. https://www.facebook.com/warrenpointcoi/ Be living bread to those who are hungry each day. Sunday Services live streamed at 10.00 am. Be healing and wholeness to those who have no access to health care amidst the ravages of pandemic. Compline at 9.00 pm each evening.

Be their true home to all who have been displaced. Kilbroney Facebook Be open arms of loving acceptance to those who fear because of their gender, ethnicity, religious or political https://www.facebook.com/ views. KilbroneyParishChurchRostrevor/ Be peace to those engaged in armed conflict and those Sunday Services live streamed at 11.30 am. who live within its shadow. Compline at 9.00 pm each evening. Turn our hearts and minds to your ways of just and gentle peace, Open our eyes to see you in all acts of compassionate care. Strengthen our hearts to step out in solidarity with your Clonallon & Warrenpoint with Kilbroney suffering people and hold us all in your unfailing love. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who emptied himself of all but love in order to bring life in all its fullness. Amen

This prayer was written by Ramani Leathard, Christian Aid's Head of Region for South East Asia and Afghanistan.

Prayer for Haiti

Eternal God, send forth your Sprit to encourage and strengthen the people of Haiti in these difficult times.

We pray especially for those impacted by the recent earthquake.

Encourage and strengthen those who help and support others. In your mercy, receive the souls of those who Why do we have to wait until night to call have died; comfort their families and loved ones. it a day? Surround with your presence the sick and suffering.

Aid the work of those who still search and rescue. Empower the medical and aid workers and all who labour to heal.

Likewise, inspire and empower the resolve of the nations Lots of images of the and peoples of the world to be your instruments of help Holiday Bible Club on and healing. pages 6 — 9 and even more photographs on Stir up the might of your love and compassion among the the notice board at nations to rally resources and stay the course until the the back of Kilbroney humanitarian job is accomplished. Parish Church. Lastly, enfold and uphold the people of Haiti—from the youngest newly born to the oldest among us—in the arms of your love and the strength of your might.

This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry Presiding and Primate The Episcopal Church Free call 116 123 24 hours a day … 365 days a year

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Church Services Lectionary Year B

10.00 am 11.30 am Old Testament Epistle Gospel

5th September Warrenpoint Kilbroney Proverbs 22:1- James The Fourteenth Sunday Mark 7:24-37 Holy Communion Holy Communion 2, 8-9, 22-23 2:1-10 (11-13) after Trinity

12th September Clonallon Kilbroney Proverbs James The Fifteenth Sunday Mark 8:27-38 Morning Prayer Family Service 1:20-33 3:1-12 after Trinity

19th September Warrenpoint Kilbroney Proverbs James The Sixteenth Sunday Mark 9:30-37 Morning Prayer Holy Communion 31:10-31 3:13-4:3, 7-8a after Trinity

26th September Clonallon Kilbroney Esther 7:1-6, 9- James The Seventeenth Sunday Mark 9:38-50 Holy Communion Morning Prayer 10, 9:20-22 5:13-20 after Trinity

3rd October Warrenpoint Kilbroney Hebrews 1:1-4, The Eighteenth Sunday Harvest Job 1:1, 2:1-10 Mark 10:2-16 Holy Communion 2:5-12 after Trinity Thanksgiving

Christian Burial

We extend our prayerful sympathy to all who mourn, especially to the family and friends of

Mrs Joyce Jessica Alexander 12th April 1927 – 22nd August 2021

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. They are blessed indeed, says the Spirit, for they rest from their labours. Revelation 14:13

Compline Peace, perfect peace Each evening at nine o’clock. This alternates between the Lord Jesus Facebook pages of Clonallon and Warenpoint When we pray for your help and and Kilbroney and is available on both! blessing, we remember the words, “be The text is on Page 154 in the BCP, or on the

Church of Ireland Website, or in the still in the presence of the Lord’. Fill us

Daily Worship App on your mobile phone. with the peace of mind and serenity

which only you can give, and restore us Deadline for the October edition of once again. The Pointer is Friday 25th September 2021. May we remain safe and content,

Please keep sending in articles! knowing your peace will continue to

Thanks again to Christine Annett dwell in us. for meticulous proof reading. Terence Trimmer

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Sweepers on the Roof!

The pictures tell the story! Having a flat roof means that debris gathers and then blocks the gutters. One fine day recently Shelagh Roberts and Liz Farnan joined forces and tackled this problem on the Parish Room. When you do jobs around any of our church buildings … do take pictures and send them to The Pointer. Lots of things happen unseen!

An Ivory Tower

"The artist needs an ivory tower, not as an escape from the world, but as a place where he can view the world and be himself. This tower is for the artist like a lighthouse shining out across the world."

Charles Koechlin, composer

Though his reputation as a composer has remained rather isolated in the decades since his death, Charles Koechlin enjoyed a prominent place in the French music scene in the first half of the twentieth century. Born in Paris on November 27, 1867, Koechlin began formal musical studies at the Paris Conservatory in 1890. His teachers included Massenet and Fauré.

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Sunday, 29th August … Drive in Service

What a beautiful worship space! Warrenpoint Church It seems that more people than ever joined in worship, was the setting for the United Service … so we gathered not counting those who followed on the live stream we along their tree lined avenue for Morning Prayer. use on Facebook.

This autumn, Bishop David is calling us to gather Agapé Prayer Gathering: on Tuesday 21st September, St Matthew’s Day. together to pray and seek God’s presence for our lives and churches. The Bishop writes … Prayer Breakfast: Bangor Abbey on Saturday 23rd October, St James’ Day. “To gather from around the diocese for times of . special prayer is our incredible privilege as we Diocesan Prayer Service: Dromore Cathedral th emerge out of lockdown and the restrictions on on Tuesday 30 November, St Andrew’s Day. our meeting together. We hope that you will also be encouraged to make prayer gatherings a Booking will open soon … details: Diocesan priority in your local parish setting. website. www.downanddromore.org

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The first Holiday Bible Club experience for young people in Saint Bronach’s held during the third week in August.

Photo credit: Newry Reporter

If you wish to purchase a print or digital copy of this image then go to the following link: https://newryreporter.smugmug.com/News-Sport-Photographs-2021/Week-34-25th-August-2021/i-KFS3zVR/A

What did we do? Lots of activities, Bible Study, team colour, burst them, and then piece together the games, memory verse learning, crafts and painting, words to make the verse! Mayhem! Fun! Noise! singing … and so much more. There are lots of photographs at the west end in Kilbroney which will give a flavour of the three days.

Day One: “You are the salt of the earth.”

Young folk were divided into teams with the older young person mentoring the younger. To find the Bible verse each team had to collect balloons in their

After that a little quiet study of the Bible passage when each person’s place in the world was explained.

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Refreshments were served by one of the teams and Day Two: Jesus said, “Come with me by then there was time for a little bit of outside play. yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. “ This was the lead in verse to the story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand. How could you illustrate the vast number of people? Peas! Yes, dried peas! Three large packets of them poured on the floor while the young people looked down (speechless) from their chairs.

Another parable was studied and some mustard seeds planted … it was interesting to watch them grow so quickly through the week.

This then became one of the games as they had to collect as many as possible in two minutes using only a straw!

We were impressed at just how attentive the young people were. Then, one final game of “Beans” ended the first day. This picture is of“ Baked Beans”!

The senior group looked at the version of the parable in all four gospels and noted the similarities and differences.

The memory verse for Day Two was a treasure hunt. Again the verse had been cut up but this time put in little envelopes which were hidden around the church Ask any of the young people and they’ll say they had … you may come across one or two that were never fun … or the more reserved will say it was “okay”! found! The scrap books were beginning to fill up with all the worksheets and verses. 7

Another team supplied refreshments and again there Meanwhile the senior group got to work on a collage was a five minute break for a bit of fresh air and “tig.” depicting the Feeding of the Five Thousand using images of twenty-first century people.

At the heart of all that we did over the week, looking at the Bible was the main focus for both the seniors and the juniors. You can see from the photograph below just how attentive were the younger ones!

Day Three: “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he sent"

To find the memory verse on the Friday the young folk had to eat a freshly baked bun! The verse was rolled up inside some aluminum foil!

Friday’s game was Musical Chairs … an old favourite!

The Bible passage was read by the senior young folk, each of whom took part again at Sunday’s Celebration Service.

Follow up craft work for the younger group on the Feeding of the Five Thousand involved making loaves and fish from clay which they then painted … imaginatively! Since two of our younger members wouldn’t be able to attend church on Sunday, they were given their scrap books, certificates and gifts at the end of Friday’s meeting.

It was an enjoyable and fun week!

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Sunday’s celebration, using the songs that the young folk had sung during the week of Bible Burst, had a focus on climate change. A large globe was found to have sticking plasters on it … a doctor was called … and Doctor Ken identified a number of areas where global warming is causing the ice to melt, and where pollution and human selfishness are all contributing to the world’s problems. Using a stethoscope he then proclaimed that the world was still alive! The Rector reminded us that many people have forgotten to live in God’s way. So the young people were told that they, and all of us, are to be “the salt of the earth” to make the world a better place.

The church supplied the gift of a bible to each young person and these, plus certificates, scrap books and sweets were given out.

Thank you to all who made Bible Burst 2021 such a great success!

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Sermon on 29th August 2021 dropped away from Church and doesn’t profess faith now. Still, never mind, he’s got a testimony. He’s James 1:19-27 saved.’ ‘There’s Jack. I remember the night he responded to the Gospel appeal. He’s been in trouble 19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note with the law. He wouldn’t want to admit now that he got converted. But, no matter, he’s got a testimony.’ of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become For some, apparently, the only thing that matters is 20 getting people to make a ‘decision for Christ’ at some angry, because human anger does not point in their lives-means they are in the Kingdom. It produce the righteousness that God de- doesn’t matter what they do after this, whether good sires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth or bad. They are on their way to Heaven. The point and the evil that is so prevalent, and Derek Tridball then goes on to make is ‘to such people James has one simple devastating message to convey. humbly accept the word planted in you, ‘Faith without works is dead’ chp 2:17 which can save you. 22 Here in our reading this morning James talks about Do not merely listen to the word, and so real faith. deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Down through the ages this has been one of the most 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does controversial and misunderstood books in Holy not do what it says is like someone who Scripture. Many state that you can earn or work your 24 way into God’s good book and use this to put forward looks at his face in a mirror and, after their case. looking at himself, goes away and immedi- 25 The fact is the New Testament teaches that we are ately forgets what he looks like. But saved by faith alone. Eph 2:8-9 8 For it is by grace whoever looks intently into the perfect law you have been saved, through faith—and this not 9 that gives freedom and continues in it – from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no-one can boast. not forgetting what they have heard but doing it – they will be blessed in what they James isn’t in fact saying anything different to the Apostle Paul. James comes along side Paul and says, do. ‘It’s not just faith but faith and works.’ 26 Those who consider themselves religious What am I saying? James and Paul are both correct, and yet do not keep a tight rein on their they do not contradict each other. They were tongues deceive themselves, and their addressing different issues. religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God Paul was fighting the problem of legalism — the our Father accepts as pure and faultless is problem of “I’ve got to keep Jewish laws and regulations to be a Christian.” Paul is talking to this this: to look after orphans and widows in group. their distress and to keep oneself from James is not fighting legalism but laxity — those that being polluted by the world. say “It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you

believe.” Derek Tidball when Principal of London School of Theology, the largest Bible College in the UK and Bible The Apostle Paul wants us to see the root of our expositor tells the following story about a time he was salvation — what has to happen to an individual invited to speak in . internally.

“Not long after I arrived I was sitting with one of the James focuses on the fruit of salvation—what elders of the church in the front room of his house. happens on the outside. What was it Jesus himself The room had a commanding view of the main street said, “By their fruit you will know them.” and he seemed to know everybody who lived there Rick Warren puts it like this, “Paul is talking about, and passed his window. More than once he “How to know you are a Christian.” James is talking commented, ‘There’s Audrey. She runs the grocers. about, “How to show you’re a Christian.” She doesn’t come near us now but did once. Years ago 8 she went forward at a meeting. She’s got a testimony. Paul says as much in Eph 2:8-10 “For it is by grace She’s saved.’ There’s Andy, he serves petrol at the you have been saved, through faith—and this not 9 local garage. He was converted ten years ago at a from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, 10 mission and was baptised shortly after. But he quickly so that no-one can boast. For we are God's

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workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and “by grace” immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that “through faith” gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it — he will “for good works” be blessed in what he does.

So how might we then live out the Christian life? Not many of us if we saw strawberry jam, or ice-cream, or our zipper/fly down wouldn’t fix or wipe Starting Point 25 our faces. Verse 25; But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do The same should happen when we reflect on Holy this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it — Scripture instead of ignoring anything that is shown up he will be blessed in what he does. we ought to commit ourselves to fixing it, to repent of it to turn from it and to put it right to move in the Practical Application right direction. Verses 19-21 of James 1 tells us how to receive the What does pure and undefiled religion look like in the word of God. sight of God?

Verse 19 says, Everyone should be quick to listen, What does a doer of the Word look like? slow to speak and slow to become angry, Can it be summed up in a single word? Thomas à Kempis, in his book, ‘The Imitation of Christ’, says something similar “The only person who is safe to Well, perhaps we can and that word for me would be Love. speak is the person who is free to keep silent.”

What is our attitude as we come to God’s word? To love God so much that we allow his ways to impact our lives and in showing this love as we too love those What are the issues that drown out the voice of God who are in need and are in distress. John 13 tells us speaking into our hearts? “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples Are we coming with these issues and when faced with that you have love for one another”.

God’s word the reaction in our hearts is one of anger? James uses the example of orphans and widows be- Anger at ourselves, anger at others, anger at Holy cause we can see these as individuals with the great- Scripture. est needs. But he is expressing a heart attitude for all those in need. What is it revealing in our lives? 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law Try coming to God’s word with some degree of that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not calmness. forgetting what he has heard, but doing it — he will Our gardens need constant tending, the grass always be blessed in what he does. needs a cutting, the weeds always need pulling.

The language used in some of the verses within our reading have an agricultural feel and meaning behind them. The seeds of God’s word cannot grow if it is choked by the things of the world.

When our heart attitude is in the right place then we can accomplish verse 22 and that is to be doers of the Word, so we are not deceived. HOWEVER, If all we do is hear the word and it never changes our lives, we are deceiving ourselves!!

I don’t look in the mirror to see how my hair is, well possibly my beard. But rather over these last couple of years to check out my expanding waist line. Then comes the reminder that once you go over 39’’ you start to increase your chances of diabetes.

James gives us a word picture and analogy of what it means to be self deceived.

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Kilbroney Questions and Answers competence, and although we lost some of them, through moving mostly, we have enough to have a full Interview with Dr Ken Roberts team of ringers.

What are your earliest memories of Kilbroney church? My earliest memory is from when I was nearly four and sitting in my Sunday best in the pew we always used. It is on the right hand side and four from the front. Although the times of allocated seating had passed, many Parishioners habitually sat in the same pew. I was under strict orders not to What time of the Church year is special? fidget and be seen and not heard. I cannot say Church Advent through to New Year. This begins with the was a hugely enjoyable Benedictine Monks from the Holy Cross Abbey leading experience in those days and a cross denomination congregation. Then the candle when the time came to go to lit service of 9 lessons and Sunday school during the completion of the second carols, again well supported hymn most of the children were pleased to go. by all the Community and clergy from all of the Evening service was a longer experience as there was denominations. Then New no Sunday school. There were some occasions when I Year’s eve with the Tenor bell felt my late Mother’s displeasure, not entirely my tolling out the last minute of fault. Brian Hannon, one of our Rector’s children sat in the old year, and on midnight the choir seats in the organ gallery behind. Brian all 6 bells ringing in the new. would pull faces and gesture to me and this would Locals come out to listen in make me giggle or wave back. Neither of these actions the Square and it is a well were approved of! Brian later was ordained and received tradition. became The Rt Rev. Brian Hannon, Bishop of Clogher. A favorite spot within Kilbroney church ? What roles or jobs have you taken? I don’t really have a favorite place, the whole Church I have been a member of the Select Vestry and am has been an integral part of my life since 1956. currently Honorary Secretary for this past five years. I However the magnificent stained glass windows, and volunteered to stand in as Honorary Secretary on organ have a particular resonance for me. March 2016, and am still in post. I am still in post as there is nothing more permanent than a temporary solution! (an old Russian proverb). My late Father was Hon. Sec. for 20 years, so I have a bit to go! I was nominated by the Vestry at the request of the late Joe Wylie, a long term Vestry member and Rector’s Glebe warden, to become Tower Captain. Joe’s father, the late Aubrey Wylie who was Ringing Master, had taught Shelagh and myself, and many others to ring, usually beginning about the age of 11. I was therefore delighted to take it on. When Shelagh and I returned to Rostrevor permanently in 2012, we organized for the bells to be checked out and serviced (you don’t want to be swinging a half ton bell round a What path should the church be taking to encourage 360 degree arc above your head without being safe to younger people to attend? do so ). We encouraged former ringers to return and then trained up 17 people to a standard of The services are now much more user friendly for

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children and young folk. Even older members are delighted to see the children able to behave more freely and independently than my generation were. If the parents don’t attend the younger folk are unlikely to. They need to have more responsibility and ownership of the way our services are conducted, although I think youth leadership would be an important structure in making this a reality. What is your favourite artifact? The most modern window, the “The tree of life “ depicting children discovering nature and life, is a favorite but I love them all.

“Fake” Ice Cream

A recipe from Molly Cooper. Whisk to a stiff consistency a tin of evaporated milk. Add some sugar … tablespoon … give or take! (Maybe a few drops of vanilla extract too, if you like it.) Then the magic bit! While continuing to beat the cream, add lemon juice, a little at a time. As soon as the texture of the milk changes and it becomes slightly stiffer, stop! At this point you can just freeze for plain ice cream … or … be imaginative! A big spoonful of drinking chocolate … a mashed up crunchie bar … chopped up marshmallows … diced fresh fruit … a broken up mint Aero … anything that you fancy! You can However, the beautifully crafted oak chest cabinet for even divide the mixture ‘Stowage of Altar Frontals’, was made by a and make two different Chocolate and Lemon Warrenpoint man Harry Heatley, in memory of varieties. Capt. Arthur Charles Douglas-Nugent is especially treasured. My own Grandfather was a cabinet maker My uncle has two Dobermans called Rolex which explains my appreciation of a work of and Timex. exceptional quality and design. They are watch dogs.

"I thought I told you to keep an eye on your cousin," the mother said. "Where is he?" "Well," her son replied thoughtfully, "if he knows as much about canoeing as he thinks he does, he's out canoeing. If he knows as little as I think he does, he's out swimming."

Before setting off on a business trip, I called the hotel where I'd be staying to see if they had a gym. The hotel receptionist's sigh had a tinge of exasperation in it when she answered. "We have over 300 guests at this facility," she said. "Does this 'Jim' have a last name?"

A pessimist sees a dark tunnel. An optimist sees light at the end of the tunnel. A realist sees a freight train. The train driver sees three idiots standing on the tracks! Solution on page 22 13

Ladies Bible Study Orly Watson Organ Recital

Here we are again. Hope you It was a great delight to be in are all keeping safe and well. Kilbroney Church to hear “live The summer holidays are over music” once again. The organ and in the days before Covid recital was well received and everyone would have been we look forward to future looking to 'getting back to our events when activities'. For our Ladies Bible Study group, we we are able probably would have waited until October before to gather starting back. Maybe by then we will have some more within the information about the guidelines. However, if we current covid can't meet together in our Group, we will continue to guidelines. meet apart through the pages of The Pointer, as we re-visit and share with our fellow readers those remarkable Women of the Bible and we will continue to pray. Ladies, don't forget the second Tuesday of every month between 11.00 am and 12 Noon, to take a moment or two to uphold each other before the Lord. The dates are 14th September and 12th October.

God is great, God is good, God is merciful, unto all who will call on his name. Yesterday and today and forevermore, he abides and he's always the same.

Be assured God is still in control. Love, God Bless and Stay Safe Dorothy XX

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, Now here’s an interesting thing! looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. "Well," she said, "I think I'll braid Adjectives in English absolutely have to be in this order: my hair today." So she did and she had a wonderful Opinion-size-age-shape-colour-origin-material-purpose day. -Noun.*

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and So, you can have a lovely little old rectangular green saw that she had only two hairs on her head. French silver whittling knife. But, if you mess with that "Hm...mm..," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down word order in the slightest you’ll sound like a maniac! the middle today." So she did and she had a grand It’s an odd thing that every English speaker uses that list, day. but almost none of us could write it out. And size The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and comes before colour, green great dragons can’t exist! noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "Today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did, and she had a fun, fun day. * from: from “The Elements of Eloquence: How to Turn

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and the Perfect English Phrase” by Mark Forsyth. noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. "YAY!" she exclaimed. "I don't have to fix my hair I get plenty of exercise -- jumping to today!” conclusions, pushing my luck, and dodging

Attitude is everything. deadlines.

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fundamental questions I think science simply cannot answer - they transcend its capacities to answer, and you might think of non-empirical questions like, ‘Why am I here? What is the meaning of life? What is good and how do I live a good life?’ “These are real questions and they're good questions but they're not scientific questions. The psychologists tell us that we really need answers to those questions if we are to lead a fulfilled human existence. You find some scientists who say, ‘Well because science can’t answer them there are no answers to be given’, but actually most realise that there are answers waiting to be discovered - it’s just that science can't deliver them.

“Science fills in part of a big God in the Sciences picture but there are parts of the picture you have to Faithful to Scripture, Faithful to Science: fill in from somewhere else. Alister McGrath on science and Christian faith Science is part of the answer but only part, and Alister McGrath is well-known as a theologian, but he faith supplements it, giving started out as a scientist. After becoming a Christian us a vision of life that is as a student, he wanted to learn about his new faith exciting and reliable, and so he studied theology at the same time as completing also something that we can his PhD in molecular biophysics. He has not lost touch inhabit meaningfully.” with science, but has continued to write and speak about how science and Christian faith work together. Dr Ruth M Bancewicz, In this extract from a recently released interview, he The Faraday Institute, Cambridge. shares his experience of being a scientist and a Christian. “I think my most vivid experience of wonder took A Prayer at Evening place in the 1970's when I was on vacation in Iran. We were travelling on a bus in the middle of the night Lord, as we come to the end of another day, we bring because it wasn't hot then, and the bus broke down. before you all the things that have happened today We found ourselves in the middle of this solemn black that may cause a restless sleep. desert, and the night sky shone with a brilliance like We pray for ourselves … calm the confusion and I had never seen before. That just overwhelmed me, it disruptions that may have held us back and made us made me think there is something really wonderful forget to make time for you. here. We pray for family and friends that may be worried or “Now, I was a Christian by that time and I knew how anxious, may they feel your presence with them bring- Christianity could answer that but it just struck me, ing calm and order into all their fear or distress … and that sense of wonder has two possible outcomes. One bring peace to troubled minds. is science - this universe is wonderful, what's it all We pray for all who are suffering from illness, from about? But of course, it is also about religion, the loneliness or are lost in grief and sorrow … be with deeper levels of things that science can't really them during long nights and endless days and may engage. I think one of the things I have discovered they know your healing and your comfort in their over time is that maybe this sense of wonder both lives. opens the gateway to science and to faith, and that those two together are able to answer questions Lord, we leave our prayers with you and in faith know which on their own they simply couldn't. that you will answer our prayers and trusting in the love you have for us, answer them in a way that will “I think science is wonderful at asking questions. Some be best for ourselves and those we pray for. of those questions can be answered, but very often when you do answer them, they simply open up yet Amen more questions. But of course, there are some more Linda Hughes

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A Memory of James McCoy Perhaps he thought his soul wasn’t worth (the extra) tuppence and didn’t go to any church at all after that. I have fond memories from my childhood days in Glen, especially of a few of the older neighbours described James restricted himself to just one or two social as ‘characters’. They were endeared for their activities in the community. One of these was idiosyncratic behaviour causing many to smile. I still attending the regular dances held in the local Hall. He smile, too, when I think of them. My memory is of one attended almost every dance in Glen Hall. He could be of them, James McCoy. seen on a Sunday evening striding along, a regimental-like figure in his long black coat and James was a bachelor who lived in a little cottage in matching hat, on his way to the hall. The sound of his the Fourtowns, near Newry. He worked as a labourer sturdy boots echoing off the chapel wall as he went on the local farms. He was a big, broad-shouldered past. man with a bristling moustache that gave him an appearance of authority with a matching gravelly James, however, did not dance. That particular social voice that any Sergeant Major would be pleased to activity he avoided. Not for him the well-manicured own. James, a respected member of our community, hand of a lady gripping his shoulder as they whirled at was a devout person. When attending Mass in Glen, a frenetic pace when doing the quickstep, nor the he was one of the regulars who took up the collection. gentler touch of a partner, with the aroma of her heady perfume as they manoeuvred their way around Once a year, James assisted in the collection of the the hall during a slow waltz. James eschewed all these Dues during the Mass. The Canon officiated on that earthly pleasures and confined himself to fiscal occasion. The collecting had a particular ritual. The matters. His modus operandi was on the hall porch Canon would remove his Chasuble and drape it over collecting the entrance fee from the revellers who the communion rail. came to enjoy the dancing. He was meticulous in his James would offer the collection plate to the potential task, fastidious to a fault. The latecomer, hoping to get donor, calling his name and the amount donated to in for a reduced fee, was out of luck. James, usually the Canon who stood behind him. The usual amount the soul of discretion, claimed he had none when it donated in those days was five shillings, the more came to such matters. affluent giving double that. On the odd occasion, His duty complete at the dance hall; he sets off on the whether by choice or circumstances, an individual journey home, Turning right when leaving and walks would perhaps give less than the minimum. James, to the bottom of the road leading to Barr Hill. The exercising diplomacy, would refrain from calling a bright evening sun has long gone, disappearing behind name and instead say “a friend’ and the given Slieve Foy, creating a silhouette on the Cooley amount. The Canon parrotted the comment. There Peninsula. The lesser light of the winter moon was always one or two parishioners who would replacing it. donate more. When repeating the donor name, the Canon’s voice was raised to a higher pitch, He heads up the hill, which will take him past the emphasizing his appreciation, With the collection parochial House and the graveyard with its variety of completed, the Canon would return to the sanctuary, headstones, some very old, some new. The most don his Chasuble and continue with the mass. recent is highly polished marble with sandblasted gold lettering, standing beside a much older duller cut from Not worth tuppence! local granite. A name, once carved with a mallet and One amusing incident worthy of note still makes me chisel on it, now almost worn away. The harsher smile. It was during the usual Sunday collections. The elements here on Barr Hill has no respect for those Canon announced a raise to threepence in the Sunday buried in this hallowed ground. collection. (thruppence, in local jargon) James was The countryside, quieter now in the late hour, has taking it up on the following Sunday when the change only the sound of his boots on the road to break the was due to take place. silence. He steps out like an army column of one One particular parishioner, whom I shall call Mickey towards his little cottage three miles away. Reaching when offered the plate, put a penny on it. In his it, he lifts the latch, enters and lights the oil lamp on gravelly voice, James said,” it’s thruppence now the wall. He hangs his coat and hat on the peg and Mickey,” The reaction from Mickey was swift. He places his boots by the long-dead fire. He gets ready immediately rose from his seat, stormed out of the for bed. Kneeling, he says his night prayers, then chapel. blows out the lamp. I heard afterwards that Mickey went to Barr chapel Good night James McCoy. the following Sunday. I am not sure if this was to save Thanks for the memory. face or whether Mickey had forgotten that the John Kennedy Canon’s new rule also applied there. 16

St Patrick’s Pilgrimages: ecumenical spectrum in Ireland, and even beyond Journey to Place, Journey to God. faith communities. Karen Salmon’s journeys to pilgrimage sites and interviews with both pilgrims and

site curators provide a richly textured and authentic The latest title in the series of Braemor Studies, which picture of the motives for pilgrimage and the highlights the best dissertations produced by students experiences of those who undertake them.’ of the Church of Ireland Theological Institute, is now The Braemor series is published with support and available. Saint Patrick’s assistance from the Church of Ireland’s Literature Pilgrimages: Journey to Committee and the Representative Church Body Place, Journey to God, is Library, Dublin. St Patrick’s Pilgrimages, along with written by the Revd Karen other titles in the series, is available to purchase Salmon, who is currently (£5.00) from the Church’s online bookstore: curate at Willowfield Parish https://store.ireland.anglican.org Church, East Belfast, in the

Diocese of Down and For the Beauty of the Earth Dromore. 1 For the beauty of the earth, The book explores the for the glory of the skies, relationship between for the love which from our birth people and pilgrimage in over and around us lies. Ireland in the 21st Century, Refrain: incorporating reflections Christ, our God, to thee we raise and interviews with pilgrims this our sacrifice of praise. as well as a detailed look at 2 the scholarship and history of pilgrimage in the For the wonder of each hour Christian Church. of the day and of the night, hill and vale and tree and flower, Karen remarks: 'The geographical diversity of Saint sun and moon and stars of light, [Refrain] Patrick’s pilgrimage sites attracted me to include a 3 traditional walk, an island and a mountain in my For the joy of human love, study. I was interested in the impact these places had brother, sister, parent, child, on the lives of pilgrims and the revelation of God friends on earth, and friends above, associated with each place. Pilgrims said the benefits pleasures pure and undefiled. [Refrain] of pilgrimage were physical slowing, stilling, 4 For each perfect gift of thine, strengthened faith, perseverance, changed to the world so freely given, perspective and transformation through an encounter graces human and divine, with God and others.’ flowers of earth and buds of heaven. [Refrain]

d The Rev Canon Dr Maurice Elliott, Director of the 5 For thy church for evermore Church of Ireland Theological Institute, says: ‘The lifting holy hands above, practice of pilgrimage is becoming increasingly offering up on every shore important across a broad range of Christian traditions her pure sacrifice of love. [Refrain] as a means of strengthening discipleship. In this thoughtful study, Karen Salmon deftly explores the Folliott Sandford Pierpoint (1835-1917) particular Irish heritage of St Patrick’s pilgrimages, and Church Copyright Licence 615530 offers a rich digest of both theological themes and pastoral insights. In many ways the potential of this Folliott Sandford Pierpoint was a hymnodist and poet. book is best captured in the author’s chosen sub-title: Born at Spa Villa, Bath, England, he was educated journeys to sacred places, rightly embraced, can at Queens' College, Cambridge. Pierpoint was a enable those who undertake them to discover a true classics schoolmaster. He spent most of his life in Bath and the south-west. sense of journeying deeper in their own walk with God. I wholeheartedly commend this work.’ This, his most famous hymn For the Beauty of the

Dr Bridget Nichols, the supervisor for the dissertation Earth was written in 1864 when he was aged 29 years. and Lecturer in Anglicanism and Theology at the Theological Institute, adds: ‘This original and illuminating study has grown from a splendid seminar paper into an exciting and valuable contribution to understanding the place of St Patrick across the 17

He was in New York in summer 1798, when he heard that an epidemic of yellow fever was ravaging Philadelphia. He returned and ministered to the sick and dying, before falling ill himself. When Stephen recovered, he dedicated his life to missionary work.

In 1799 he went to North Carolina, with missionary John Hall. They had many meetings on the way, including some with slaves. The journey was as dangerous as it had been for William Edmundson a hundred years before – they had to contend with rattlesnakes and wolves and food was very scarce. Later that year he spent several months in Nantucket.

For the next few years he journeyed in Vermont and Stephen Grellet Canada, and around Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He married Rebecca Collins and they had one child, a 2nd November 1773 – 16t November 1855 daughter called Rachel.

Since 1893 the above quotation, and variants, has His foreign travels began in 1807. Napoleon had been attributed to Stephen Grellet restored law and order, which made it possible to go to France. He visited the small community of Friends Here’s the article which I, Elizabeth, found during the at Congenies, but couldn’t get to Paris, or tell summer and thought it deserved a wider audience. Napoleon what he thought, though he tried. For the next two years he travelled in the States, Stephen (Etienne) Grellet including to Kentucky and Maryland. In 1810 he was in was born in Limoges, Europe again, visiting many parts of Scotland, Ireland, France. (His birth name and England. When in London, he stayed with was Etienne de Grellet du William Allen, who had become a great friend. Prison Mabillier.) His father was conditions had become a key concern of his, and he a wealthy manufacturer alerted Elizabeth Fry to the plight of women prisoners, of porcelain and also the leading to her work on prison reform. He then proprietor of iron works, travelled extensively in Italy, Germany, France, and and one-time comptroller Switzerland, where he saw the devastation wrought of the mint, and an by the Napoleonic wars. intimate of Louis XVI. When he was 17 years In 1814 he was staying with William Allen when they old Stephen entered the learned of the visit of the Russian Tsar Alexander I to King’s bodyguard. London. Friends prepared a statement to give him,

which Allen, Grellet and another Friend delivered. They had a thoughtful discussion, which led to their His family was wealthy, so when the French own visit to St Petersburg in 1818-19. Revolution broke out in 1789, they had to flee, along with everyone else who had prospered under the old Late in 1814 he went home, after nearly four years, regime. thinking that he would now spend the rest of his life in America. He continued his missionary work, including He was captured and sentenced to death, but he a journey to Haiti where he fell seriously ill and managed to escape and get to Amsterdam, and then thought he would die. As he slowly recovered he sailed to the West Indies. He arrived in New York in became certain that his duty lay in going to Europe 1795. again. There he read William Penn’s “No Cross, No Crown,” In 1818 he travelled with William Allen to Norway and which moved him deeply. Soon afterwards he met Sweden, and then to Russia. In St Petersburg they Quaker missionary Deborah Darby, who was visiting visited prisons, schools and hospitals, went to meeting New York, and the conversation with her had a at Daniel Wheeler’s house, and met with Tsar profound effect too. He became a Quaker in 1796, Alexander several times, discussing what they had and settled in Philadelphia, where he earned a living seen. Then they went to Moscow, and on to Turkey teaching French. and Greece. 18

Allen then went home, and Grellet continued to Italy. Flying bishop He gained access to a secret library containing books banned by the Inquisition. This caused an outcry, but The new Bishop wanted a bird’s eye view of his new he held his nerve, and even had a long audience with diocese, so he had an the Pope. He travelled back to England over the next idea. He rang his local several months and then returned to his family, now airfield to charter a flight, living in Burlington, New Jersey. and was told that a twin-engine plane would He continued to travel in the States, including to be waiting for him. New Orleans and Tennessee, where he spoke often Arriving at the airfield, about the evil of slavery. He was back in Europe from the bishop spotted a 1831-4, for the last time, and journeyed with plane warming up outside a hangar. He jumped in, William Allen to Germany, France and Spain. slammed the door shut, and shouted, “Let’s go!” He spent the rest of his life at home. He died in 1855 At once the pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the and was buried in the grounds of Burlington wind and took off. Once in the air, the bishop spent Meeting. He had demonstrated the courage to speak several minutes enjoying the views, and looking for the truth as he saw it wherever he was, and had local landmarks. Finally, he instructed the pilot, “Fly touched many people’s lives. down the valley now and make low passes so I can Source: Quakers in the World take pictures of some of the best of the old parish churches.”

A Christian Guide to Environmental Issues “Why?” asked the pilot.

By Martin Hodson and Margot Hodson, BRF, £9.99 “Because I’m the new bishop,” he replied happily, adjusting his camera, “and I want some good aerial views of my diocese.”

The pilot was silent for a moment. Finally he stammered, “So, what you’re telling me, is, you’re NOT my flight instructor?”

Environmental sustainability is a major issue for us all. In this extensively updated edition, Dr Martin and the Rev Margot Hodson consider eight of the key current environmental problems, giving the biblical basis for looking after the environment and helping to integrate The Pointer is printed environmental thinking into the reader’s by understanding of Christian faith. This guide includes ethical reflections, Bible studies focusing on a different biblical doctrine for each chapter, and eco-tips to enable practical response. Among the issues covered are climate change, food, biodiversity, and population, together with the relationship between environmental problems and issues relating to world development.

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Amazing Coincidence at There was to have been another invited guest. Kilbroney Parish Church! Geoffrey Purdy, the brother of a former parishioner the late Leslie Purdy, and brother in law of Select Vestry member Mary Purdy who was also at the service. Unfortunately Geoffrey had health issues that prevented his attendance as he was to travel to Rostrevor from his home in Glasgow. Geoffrey and Michael had been firm friends as children and then later in life they had lost contact.

The friends shared a story right out of a children's television programme, in that Michael had “swapped” a model train set for Geoffrey’s extensive stamp collection as children.

Shelagh and her colleague Pauline Coffey have been compiling the history of Kilbroney Parish Church over the past five years as it will shortly be celebrating 200 th It was not an ordinary Sunday service on 25 July years. Through this research, emails and 2021. There was a visit from Michael the son of a conversations, Shelagh reconnected the two former Rector, Archdeacon Gordon Hannon, with his childhood pals albeit sixty years later. Michael and wife Rosemary who were on holiday from Sheffield Geoffrey reaffirmed their friendship over the phone accompanied by Michael’s cousin, Bruce Clark who and discovered amazingly they still had their now lives in Rostrevor. ‘exchanges’ all these years later which had endured

Those three guests were expected. They were warmly many different addresses, and countries! welcomed by the Rev. Elizabeth Hanna, who was conducting the service as + Darren McCartney, the Rector, was on Summer leave.

Following the service as worshippers were leaving, People’s Churchwarden, Shelagh Roberts was approached by a masked young lady leading a small group of people in the porch who really wanted to look into the Church. Shelagh explained that the service was over, but she would be delighted to show them around and was amazed to hear the reason given for the young lady’s interest.

She told Shelagh that she was the granddaughter of a previous Rector, and that her mother and other family members were on a personal trip from Co. Mayo. That previous Rector was the Rev. Malcom Graham who, in fact, had succeeded Archdeacon Hannon in 1960. Shelagh of course knew all his three children, Bridget, Maureen and Peter, and was amazed and delighted to see Maureen again after many years.

Shelagh introduced Maureen and her family to Michael and Rosemary Hannon, who had never met previously and none of them knew the others were visiting. What an amazing coincidence! Two children from two previous rectors on the same day and overlapping! The friends had arranged to “swap” back their items in It was obviously an occasion to be captured on person on a visit to Rostrevor in July 2021. However, camera, and the photograph above shows Maureen as this was not possible, currently, Michael has both and Michael holding photographs of their respective items in his custody but hopefully they plan to meet fathers outside the Church. up again as soon as it is possible.

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Following all the chat and photographs in the church grounds, Shelagh took both parties to their old family home ‘Kilbroney Vicarage’, which is now part of the Kilbroney Christian Conference Centre. It was fascinating listening to Maureen and Michael share their personal memories of growing up in the vicarage. One of Maureen’s Saturday chores was to polish the brass letterbox and knocker on the front door, which now on closer inspection, looked in severe need of her attention!

Michael was the youngest of six siblings, Leslie, Peter, David, Ruth and Brian. Sadly on the very day Michael was in Rostrevor, his brother Leslie passed away peacefully at home in Arkansas USA, aged 97 years. He had lived a long and fascinating life and had been cared for by his daughter Sarah. Leslie’s three children Philip, twins Michael and Sarah had all been baptized in Kilbroney by their grandfather Archdeacon Hannon A guide was showing a tourist round Washington D.C. in the late 1950s. The guide pointed out the place where George Washington Brian Hannon became the Right Rev Bishop of Clogher supposedly threw a dollar across and ‘opened’ the re-modeled side chapel in Kilbroney the Potomac River. Church in 1985. "That's impossible," said the tourist. Archdeacon Hannon took the wedding of his niece "No one could throw a coin that June Deane and Wallace Clark in Kilbroney Parish far!" Church in 1957. Their reception was held in a marquee "You have to remember," answered the within the vicarage grounds. It was the first time that guide. "A dollar went a lot farther in those their son Bruce had been to the minister’s house. days."

After all that, Mrs. Joan Toase hosted Rosemary, Sitting on the bank of a stream a young fisherman Michael, Bruce and Mary to an al fresco lunch in the trolled his bait lazily in the water and chewed garden overlooking Carlingford Lough on what could comfortably on a blade of grass. only be described as a momentous day!! "Catch anything yet?" asked the stranger. "Nope," murmured the fishermen. "That's strange. It appears to be such a fine stream for trout," said the stranger. "It must be," replied the fisherman, "they refuse to leave it."

I was walking past a farm and a sign read, “Duck, eggs.” I thought, “That’s an unnecessary comma — and then it hit me.”

Bruce, Shelagh, Rosemary, Mary , Michael

"Dad," said Little Johnny, "I'm late for football practice. Would you please do my homework for me?" The father said kindly, "Son, it just wouldn't be right." "That's okay," replied Little Johnny, "but you could at least give it a try, couldn't you?"

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Newry Maritime Historical Society (NMHS)

Research is being carried out on James McMahon, and a booklet is in production. Copies of this will be made available as soon as they are printed.

NMHS are also running free bus tours of associated places in South Down/Armagh. The tour includes a Pronunciation Poem free meal. Mr Billy Graham of the NMHS is keen to include anyone from Rostrevor and Warrenpoint who I take it you already know may be interested, stressing that Warrenpoint and of tough and bough and cough and dough?

Rostrevor people would be collected and returned to Others may stumble, but not you, Warrenpoint or Rostrevor. on hiccough, thorough, slough and through. The dates of the tours Well done! And now you wish, perhaps, Saturday 18th and 25th September to learn of less familiar traps? Saturday 9th, 16th and 23rd October. Beware of heard, a dreadful word, The guide, highly respected historian, Kevin Murphy. that looks like beard and sounds like bird.

And dead … it’s said like bed not bead … The tour leaves Newry at 11.00 am and does a loop of and for goodness’ sake don’t call it deed! South Armagh, calling at Bessbrook and concluding with a meal provided by Pat Courtney at his new Watch out for meat and great and threat (they rhyme with suite and straight and debt). franchise at Thomas Davis GAC.

The day finishes at approximately 4.30 pm, returning A moth is not the moth in mother, nor both in bother, nor broth in brother. everyone to the pick up point which may vary, depending on the breakdown of passengers on And here is not a match for there, individual trips. nor dear and fear for bear and pear.

For more information please contact: And then there’s dose and rose and lose …

just look them up … and goose and choose, Billy Graham Saint Patrick's Parish Church, Newry. [email protected] and cork and work, and card and ward, and font and front, and word and sword.

And do and go, then thwart and cart … Come, come, I’ve hardly made a start.

A dreadful language? Man alive I’d mastered it when I was five!

A young woman decided to redecorate her bedroom. She wasn't sure how many rolls of wallpaper she would need, but she knew that her friend next door had recently done the same job and the two rooms were identical in size. "Buffy," she said, "how many rolls of wallpaper did you buy for your bedroom?" "Ten," said Buffy. So the girl bought the ten rolls of paper and did the job, but she had 2 rolls leftover. "Buffy," she said. "I bought ten rolls of wallpaper for the bedroom, but I've got 2 left over!" "Yeah!" said Buffy. "So did I."

The salesman at the furniture store told me, "This sofa will seat 5 people without any problems." I said, "And just where am I going to find 5 people without any problems???"

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