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

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND - DIOCESE OF ARMAGH FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021

Inside This Issue

AROUND THE DIOCESE - Page 17 & 23

GFS - Page 22

AYAC - Page 30

CHURCH ARMY - Page 31

PRICE £1.25 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Clergy Appointments 13TH DECEMBER 2020

Canon Shane Forster to be Dean of St The Rev’d Elizabeth Cairns to be On his appointment as Dean, Canon Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh and Archdeacon of Ardboe, with Forster will relinquish the Armagh Keeper of the Robinson Library. immediate effect. Diocesan Prebendal stall in the St It is anticipated that Canon Forster’s Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. He will be Installation will be on Sunday 14th succeeded by February 2021. the Rev’d Malcolm Kingston, rector of St Mark’s, Armagh, as prebendary of Yagoe in the National Cathedral.

Commenting on the appointments the and Dromore as well as here in Armagh. where St Patrick built his first ‘Great Stone Archbishop said: The Archdeacon is well known for her Church’. pastoral sensitivity and her cheerful I am delighted that Canon Forster has common sense. I look forward to working Rev'd Elizabeth Cairns commented: accepted my invitation to take up this with her as she takes up this important role I am deeply honoured to accept the senior position within the Cathedral and as an executive officer of the Archbishop Archbishop’s invitation to take up the role Diocese. Canon Forster has served his and a senior priest in the Diocese. of the Archdeacon of Ardboe. entire ministry in the Diocese of Armagh To say that it came as a total surprise is an and has acted in the senior role of The Rev’d Malcolm Kingston has also understatement, but one that I am Chaplain/Executive Chaplain to four served his entire ministry in the Diocese of extremely humbled to be offered. Archbishops. His faith formation took place Armagh and occupies a number of in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast and he is important offices within the Diocese and Rev'd Malcolm Kingston commented: familiar with the Irish Cathedral tradition. the city. It is a mark of the respect in which I would like to express my sincere As Keeper of the Armagh Robinson Library he is held by his clergy colleagues that he appreciation to the Archbishop for his very the new Dean will have an important part has been elected recently as one of the kind invitation to represent our Diocese on to play in the development of the Library as Clerical Honorary Secretaries of the the Chapter of St Patrick’s Cathedral, it adjusts to post-Covid life. I look forward General Synod. It is entirely fitting that he Dublin. I have had the pleasure of getting to having Shane, Kathleen, Timothy and should succeed Canon Forster as the to know the Dean of St Patrick’s through Emma as neighbours here on the Hill of Armagh Diocesan member on the Chapter serving together on the Church of Ireland Armagh. of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. Standing Committee and I look forward to meeting colleagues in ministry at Chapter Archdeacon Elizabeth Cairns, who was Canon Shane Forster commented: meetings as we contribute to the witness brought up in the parish of Milltown, in the Canon Forster said, “I am deeply humbled and mission of the Cathedral. I also would Diocese has over thirty years of ministerial and honoured to have been invited by the like to thank my family, as well as the staff experience, first as a Church Armagh Archbishop to be the next team and parishioners of St Mark’s, Evangelist and following ordination, as a Dean of Armagh. It is a great responsibility, Armagh, for their continued support and priest in the Diocese. She has assisted in and I am acutely aware of the historical encouragement as together we seek to and had the care of parishes in the significance of Armagh as the serve amidst times of distinct challenge Diocese of Connor, the Diocese of Down ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, the place and yet opportunity for Christ’s Kingdom.

2 The Ambassador | February/March 2021 Cover Photo: THE Winter scene of the r Ambassador Palace Demense, o Armagh. Picture courtesy of Rev d Malcolm Kingston. a

s Archbishop’s s

a Letter b E m H Dear Friends, T Even in ordinary times it can be difficult to write something a few weeks in advance of publication A and for it still to say something vaguely relevant or worthwhile when it is read. I’ve found it even more difficult to do so during the pandemic, largely through concern that the situation will have COPY DEADLINE changed so dramatically in the intervening weeks that what I’ve written is not only out of date, but The deadline for the next edition of misleading. Who knows what further restrictions or (less likely) easing of restrictions will have “The Ambassador” (February/March) happened since I’ve written these words at the beginning of January. will be 12th March 2021. No items will be accepted after this date. On the other hand there is a sense in which nothing has changed. We are still having to react to the twists and turns of virus and, if we are honest, I think bewilderment, confusion, and in some Material will ONLY be accepted by e- cases real fear, persist. The development of two vaccines has undoubtedly been a remarkable mail to magazine@armagh. achievement and fully justifies the sense of jubilation being expressed by researchers and anglican.org as an attached ‘Word’ scientists. However I think we all know that it will take a long time-many months- before the effects document. of vaccination are widespread enough to allow for some kind of return to anything like normal social living. VIEWS EXPRESSED Views expressed in the Ambassador For believers the other factor that hasn’t changed is the goodness of God. Novel coronavirus and are those of the contributor and are the disease which it spreads have developed as the result of certain human actions and decisions not necessarily the views of the Editor across a very wide range of areas. For instance it is what is known as a “zoonotic” disease, which or the magazine committee. means that it spreads from animals to humans. It is human beings who have widened the range of foods that we feel are desirable to eat. Rather like our exploitation of the earth’s mineral ADVERTISING resources we have wanted to subject everything around us (including bats) to our own use and pleasure, often not appreciating (or not caring) what the consequences will be. All advertising enquiries should be directed to Mrs Pamela Hutton at: It’s as though we all have enough scientific knowledge or intuition to know that the earth’s animal, [email protected] vegetable and mineral resources are neither limitless nor infinitely manipulable but not enough 028 3752 7144 moral or ethical will to work through what the consequences of those limitations are.

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EDITOR To some degree the whole Jewish Sabbath is where this idea of our limitations is concentrated. Jonathan Hull In the Hebrew Scriptures it is not only people who are to have a Sabbath rest, but also the land itself, so that it is not exhausted by the human impulsion to get as much out of a thing or a person Tel: 0044 (0) 7703 821533 as is possible. It extended also to the practice of Jubilee, when debts that very obviously were not going to be paid were “written off” and where that most complete form of human exploitation and DESIGN & PRINTING domination ie slavery was mitigated. In the year of Jubilee slaves were released. The Ambassador is designed & printed in N. Ireland by In the Old Testament Israel was the nation and the people called by God to be a witness in the Graphic Answers world to his character, including his care for the creation. When the time was right God became 73-77 Market Street, Tandragee, a person and in doing so identified himself with that creation. In the Creed we recite week by Co Armagh, BT62 2BP week, that Jesus was true God of God...of the same substance of the Father..and was made T: 028 3883 0677 man..” means anything, it is that God is irrevocably bound into his creation and that he would E: [email protected] never abandon it. W: www.graphicanswers.co.uk Much emphasis has, quite rightly, been placed over the past ten months on how interconnected we are as a human race. That we have a responsibility for each other, including a responsibility to consider how what we do for our own benefit (and it may well be locally beneficial) affects Achill others who we will never meet. No purely economic or political system that history has known has PRIVATE APARTMENT No. 1 (Four Star: To Rent) ever been up to achieving that breadth and depth and length of vision. But it is the witness of the Island Hebrew prophets and belongs to the prophetic vocation of the Church. For Peaceful Holidays and Short Breaks. Two Twin and Two Double Bedrooms - all En- Of course it must be exercised with humility, life long repentance and a sense of reality, but the Suite. Spacious Lounge, Kitchen, Patio, TV, Church (ie you and me) would be doing less than justice to the God who has, we believe, Video, Wheelchair Accessible. Stunning reconstituted as a the new Israel, if we didn’t make his character known in this way. Views Cliffs and Clew Bay Islands For Information & Booking +John Armagh Tel. 07801 888 162 The Ambassador | February/March 2021 3 Quality in Ceramics 10 Magherydougherty Road, Markethill, 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 Loughgall Road, Armagh Telephone: 028 3752 3611

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4 The Ambassador | February/March 2021 St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh OUR DIOCESAN CATHEDRAL - A PLACE OF WORSHIP, HISTORY AND WELCOME Worship February/March 21 Every Sunday: 9am & 10am Holy Communion (Rite 1)

Sunday 7th February – The Second Sunday before Lent SPECIAL SERVICES 11.00am Sung Eucharist (Rite 2) (Men’s voices) Setting: Darke in F Anthem: Lord, for thy tender mercies sake (Farrant) Wednesday 17th February: Ash Wednesday Sermon: The Reverend Canon Jim Campbell Services to be confirmed 3.15pm Choral Evensong (sung by the Armagh Diocesan Singers) Wednesday 17th March: St Patrick’s Day Sunday 14th February – The Sunday before Lent Services to be confirmed 11.00am Morning Prayer (Rite 1) Sermon: tbc NEW DEAN APPOINTED 3.15pm Installation of the Reverend Canon Shane Foster as Dean of The Archbishop has appointed Canon Shane Forster Armagh and Reverend Elizabeth Cairns as Archdeacon of Ardboe as Dean of the Cathedral and Keeper of Armagh – T.B.C. Robinson Library. It is anticipated that Canon Forster’s Installation will take place in the Cathedral on Sunday Sunday 21st February – The First Sunday in Lent 14th February. We look forward to welcoming Shane 11.00am Sung Eucharist (Rite 2) (Men’s voices) Setting: Merbecke and his family to the Hill of Armagh. Anthem: Turn thy face from thy sins (Attwood) Sermon: tbc ARCHDEACON OF ARDBOE 3.15pm Evening Prayer The Archbishop has appointed the Reverend Elizabeth Cairns as Archdeacon of Ardboe with Sunday 28th February – The Second Sunday in Lent immediate effect. Reverend Cairns will be installed as 11.00am Sung Eucharist (Rite 2) (Men’s voices) Setting: Rutter In D a member of the Cathedral body on Sunday 14th Anthem: Wash me throughly (S S Wesley) February. Sermon: tbc 3.15pm Evening Prayer We also congratulate our neighbour, the Rev. Malcolm Kingston, on his appointment as Canon of St Patrick's Sunday 7th March – The Third Sunday in Lent Cathedral, Dublin. 11.00am Sung Eucharist (Rite 2) (Men’s voices) Setting: Modal Eucharist (White) The Cathedral family is most grateful to those who Anthem: Hide not thy face (Farrant) enabled services to continue during the inter-regnum Sermon: tbc in these difficult times, and especially Canon Jim 3.15pm Choral Evensong (sung by the Armagh Diocesan Singers) Campbell and the Venerable Donald McLean for conducting the morning services, and the Chapter for Sunday 14th March – The Fourth Sunday in Lent Evening Prayer. 11.00am Choral Matins (Rite 1) (Men’s voices) Anthem: Call to Remembrance (Farrant) Services are all subject to continuing Coronavirus Sermon: tbc protocols and the Lockdown directives. 3.15pm Choral Evensong (sung by the Armagh Diocesan Singers) Precentor Porteus

Sunday 21st March – The Fifth Sunday in Lent 11.00am Sung Eucharist (Rite 2) (Men’s voices) Setting: Merbecke Anthem: Surely He hath borne our griefs (Handel) Sermon: tbc 3.15pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 28th March – The Sixth Sunday in Lent (Palm Sunday) 11.00am Sung Eucharist (Rite 2) (Men’s voices) Setting: Miss de Sancto Albanian (Willan) Anthem: Hosanna in the Highest (Palestrina) Sermon: tbc 3.15pm Evening Prayer

All of the above services are subject to change in line with current government guidelines.

The Ambassador | February/March 2021 5 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20

ACTON, DRUMBANAGHER to work with the Post Office and served in faith and love, for the sake of your Son Poyntzpass, Belfast and Banbridge. In 1958 who brought peace to the grieving hearts & LOUGHGILLy she married Charles Halliday from of mothers, Jesus Christ our Lord. Rev’d Graham Spence Jerrettspass and the marriage was blessed Amen. Tel: 028) 3082 1848 with two children, Elizabeth and Andrew. Charlie and Florrie were happily married for CHRISTMAS SERVICES BAPTISM: 56 years until Charlie’s death 4 years ago. We greatly appreciated the time and care 18th November: – Hannah Florrie was a great home maker and baker. given by parishioners to decorate our Elizabeth Sterritt She won the Cooking Section Cup at Newry Churches for Christmas while maintaining (Drumbanagher). Show on four occasions, 1987, 1991, 1992 compliance with Covid restrictions. 25th November: – Molly and Lucy Brown and 1993. Florrie also loved her garden and (Loughgilly). when she was able, she loved cutting the ST. MARk’S, grass and tending the flowers and shrubs in ARMAGH BURIAL: the rockery. Her faith was also important to Rev’d Malcolm Kingston 30th November: – Evelyn Shields her. She was a founding member of Telephone : 028 3752 2970 (Loughgilly). Drumbanagher Mother’s Union and she 4th December: – Florence Halliday attended Church faithfully Sunday by THANK YOU (Drumbanagher). Sunday up until a few years ago when her Thank you to all who have 1st January: - Baby Lucy Elizabeth Lowry health began to decline. She was a kind and been so generous in supporting a number (Loughgilly). gentle Christian lady who loved her Church of appeals in recent months. The Harvest and was very appreciative of the ministry Appeal was soon followed by the Diocesan MRS EVELYN (EVA) SHIELDS she received there. On Saturday, 26th Hospice Appeal, annual Advent Bishops’ Eva Walker was one of a family of eight September 2020, Florrie celebrated her 90th Appeal contributions, the Christmas Toy brought up at Aughlish Cottages, Potstick birthday surrounded by cards and many Appeal and the monthly Food Bank appeal. Row, Scarva. She married Loughgilly man floral tributes and other gifts from family and Along with Carol Singing outside homes and Basil Shields in 1963 and together they friends. She passed away peacefully at her a local Residential Home, it was lovely to created a successful oil distribution home on 2nd December 2020. We extend witness participation in all of these business. Sadly, though the partnership our deep sympathy to her daughter initiatives, reaching out with the love of God ended with Basil’s untimely death, in Elizabeth, son Andrew, son-in-law Herbert, in a practical manner. Thank you to all who January 2000. Eva’s daughter Michelle and grandchildren and all the family circle in their gave and assisted in any way. her son-in-law Robert subsequently joined bereavement and loss. her in the business, but Eva remained involved right up until just about a year ago BABY LUCY ELIzABETH LOWRY - We when her health began to show signs of continue to surround Lucy Elizabeth’s family decline. Across the years Eva served in with our prayers. various capacities in Loughgilly. She was a member of the Select Vestry for more than God of compassion, you make nothing in thirty years only stepping down for health vain and love all you have created; we reasons in 2019. She served as a Parochial commend to you Jonathan and Lauren's Nominator for many years. In earlier years daughter Lucy Elizabeth, for whom they she was involved in the work of the Mother’s poured out such great love, for whom Union and the Girls Friendly Society. She they cherished so many hopes and played a key role in the organisation of the dreams. We had longed to welcome her Annual Coffee Party. She was also involved amongst us; grant us the assurance that ONLINE INITIATIVES in the distribution of flowers and vegetables she is now encircled in your arms of Of late all of our services and activities have at the conclusion of harvest services and love, and shares the resurrection life of been online. We praise God for the flower festivals and helped clean the Church your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. technology that has enabled, and continues building afterwards. On top of all that, she to facilitate Services of Worship, Sunday was a most generous financial contributor to Almighty God, Father of all mercies and School, Youth Fellowship, Alpha Course, the work and ministry of Loughgilly where giver of all comfort: we pray, for those House Group, a special Day of Prayer, she worshipped faithfully week by week. who mourn, Lucy Elizabeth’s family: - Select Vestry meetings and a Book Club. Eva bore her final illness with great courage parents: Jonathan and Lauren, We look forward to the day when we can and passed away in Craigavon Hospital, grandparents: Uel, David and Margaret meet in person again, but in the meantime, where she had received exceptional care and the family circle. Be gentle with them please do keep up to date with all that is from medical and nursing staff. To her in their grief. Show them the depths of happening via our Parish Website, as well daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren and the your love, and a glimpse of the kingdom as our Facebook and Instagram accounts. extended family circle we extend our deep of heaven. Spare them the torments of and prayerful sympathy. guilt and despair. Be with them as they SERVICES weep and help them to know that there is At the time of writing it is hoped that onsite MRS FLORENCE (FLORRIE) HALLIDAY a greater light where all tears will be services shall resume on Sunday 7th Florrie Loughlin was one of a family of three wiped away. O God the giver of all February, although this aspiration shall be brought up in Poyntzpass. The Loughlin comfort, look down especially on reviewed at the end of January / beginning family, (parents Edmund and Sarah, son Lauren, who has known the joy of new of February. Ernest, and twin daughters Ida and Florrie), life within, and the desolation of losing attended the local Presbyterian Church, that life; do not hide your face from her When congregational worship resumes, the where Florrie’s father was an Elder and the distress, but hear her when she calls to following Sunday services will be available :- young Florrie played the Church organ. At you; dispel the darkness which 8.30am in the Crozier Hall, 10.30am in St the conclusion of her education, Florrie went surrounds her and renew in her hope, Mark’s (livestreamed) and 7pm in St Mark’s. 6 The Ambassador | February/March 2021 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador

Upon reopening, Wednesday services will her husband Canon Jim Campbell’s parishioners for their valued assistance also take place in church at 7.30pm. retirement, Barbara resumed her ministry as through a challenging and different season. a Parish Reader in St Mark’s. Barbara is To the four Carol Service readers in each of During periods of online services only, characteristically someone whose desire is the parishes observing the appropriate Sunday Services are available from to help and her compassionate character regulations, our decorators and organists 10.30am and 7pm. was always evident in her thoughtfully our heartfelt gratitude for bringing some prepared intercessions. We are very semblance of normality to proceedings. Friday night services continue to be grateful to Barbara for her willing available from 9pm online. Online Services participation and also wish her a very happy THOUGHT FOR 2021: 2020 was a year are always available via our Parish Website and healthy retirement. A gift for Barbara is dominated by a Virus. Not one of us could or YouTube Channel. being arranged! have anticipated the devastation that this virus referred to as Covid-19 would cause. LENT CONGRATULATIONS Many of our parishes and local communities Lent Services begin on Ash Wednesday As a Parish we were delighted to receive the have not been exempt from the pain of (17th February, 7.30pm). Further details very happy news of the birth of Lilly Topley serious illness and bereavement due to the shall be available on Pew News Sheets and on 30th December 2020. Lilly’s Mum and virus. Words cannot begin to express what in Pinnacles (Parish Magazine) which are Dad, Erin and Matthew are very much so many families have experienced in the available to download from the Parish involved in the ministry team of St Mark’s. past twelve months. It has been ‘a time to Website. Restrictions will determine if the Matthew serves as a Deacon Intern as part weep…….a time to mourn’. Ecclesiastes services shall take place in church. In any of his training for the ordained ministry and 3:4. We in the Church weep and mourn case, midweek services are also recorded Erin helps with children’s ministry here as alongside so many families. At well we thank at home and become available from our part of her work for CMS Australia. Both God daily for the immense efforts of Website and YouTube Channel on Fridays Matthew and Erin have been amazing members of the NHS staff. The love, care at 9pm. contributors to what we have been able to and compassion shown by them in the most do of late, especially in times of restriction. challenging of situations is difficult to ST PATRICK’S DAY Lilly is truly blessed in her Mum and Dad articulate. We must remember the cost to A Service of Holy Communion is planned to and wish them every happiness together as their physical bodies and their mental take place in St Mark’s on St Patrick’s Day a family. health. They are being crushed by the level at 9.30am. Restrictions permitting, of work loads and the expectation of their everyone will be most welcome to join us in APPOINTMENT own professionalism. They must receive the worship as we thank God for witness of St It was very much with mixed feelings that we necessary aid and support during and after Patrick. learned on Sunday, 10th January that our this pandemic. At present we have many Curate Assistant, Rev’d Geoff Hamilton, has walking wounded in the NHS. We are ever GENERAL VESTRY MEETING been appointed to become Rector of so thankful for them. The annual General or Easter Vestry Kilhorne Parish (Annalong). Geoff is a very 2021 is the year of the Vaccines! Hope. Meeting is planned take place in The natural encourager. His energy and passion There is still along way to go before we Crozier Hall on Monday, 22nd March 2020 is infectious! He ministers with a deeply emerge from the dark tunnel but there is (7.30pm). Please refer to Pew News for an pastoral heart. Both Geoff and his wife, Jill light! Even with the vaccines many persons updated position in the approach to the have wholeheartedly offered so much to our lives will be changed and disrupted due to meeting. Everyone is invited to join as we ministry during the past year. Jill’s unemployment. The economic impact upon reflect on the year past, elect Select Vestry contribution to our Children’s Ministry during many households has been and will be Members and look forward with faith the past year has been amazing. We will ruinous. Somehow the government will have together. truly miss both of them! a real challenge to rebuild people and businesses. The reinvestment that will be RETIREMENT However, we are also delighted for the required will be unprecedented. We pray During recent months, two of our Parish parishioners of Annalong who have been that they will be brave in their endeavours Readers have retired from their role of faithfully awaiting a new Rector for a long for all peoples. ministering during our Sunday Services. time. Their prayers have been answered and whilst we would have loved Geoff and The Epiphany is a wonderful season. We Mr Ronnie Watt was commissioned as a Jill’s presence with us for longer, we rejoice recall the journey of the Magi, finding the Parish Reader on 8th February 1987. He in the work that the Lord will enable through Christ-Child, presenting their gifts and how, has been incredibly faithful in leading them and for His Kingdom. Geoff’s service “they returned to their country by another worship in our Parish Church for 33 years. of Institution is planned for 22nd April. route.” Matt. 2:12. It is a season of light and He was particularly committed to assisting hope for humanity. As we are told to stay with the 8.30am Holy Communion Service BALLINDERRy, inside our homes to save lives may that old and offered beautifully prepared TAMLAGHT & Epiphany tradition of Christus Mansionem intercessions weekly. Ronnie is an Benedicat be relevant for ourselves and our ARDBOE inspiration to all who know him. His is a families. CMD means may Christ bless this Revd Canon Barry Paine living and evident faith and in appreciation house. What a wonderful thought and Tel: (028) 7941 8500 of Ronnie’s very long standing commitment prayer. May we ask Christ to bless our to the ministry of our Parish, amongst other homes and save us from all that would harm gifts, he was presented with a most beautiful CHRITIAN BURIAL: us. painting of the church sanctuary by Rev’d 7 November: Eileen Moore (Ballinderry) ‘The grace of God has appeared, bringing Canon Jim Campbell. 21 November: Etta Paine (Tamlaght) salvation to all.’ Titus 2:11 22 November: Brian Bullimore (Tamlaght) Mrs Barbara Campbell began her Parish 20 December: David Carruthers (Tamlaght) ‘If this is to be a Happy New Year, a year of Reader Ministry in St Mark’s, Portadown. usefulness, a year in which we shall live to Upon moving to Armagh in 2015, following CHRISTMAS PAST? We are indebted to make this earth better, it is because God will

The Ambassador | February/March 2021 7 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 direct our pathway. How important then, to of Armagh. I am humbled and greatly feel our dependence upon Him!’ Matthew BALLyMORE honoured to have been appointed by the Simpson. Revd Canon Shane Forster Archbishop to this important role in the Tel: 028 3884 0234 diocese. I am also excited about the ASH WEDNESDAY: The beginning of Lent challenges and opportunities the move to will be marked with a service on Wednesday the Cathedral will bring but of course there is 17 February at 8pm online. CHRISTMAS 2020 also sadness at leaving Ballymore after The Festive season was fifteen very happy years. In normal THANK YOU: To parishioners of Tamlaght somewhat different, yet it managed to retain circumstances a departing rector would parish and friends for the support given to some of the important elements on a much have a farewell reception in the Parish Hall the Blythswood shoebox annual appeal this smaller scale. The Christmas Eve and and a final service. Unfortunately, due to the autumn. Christmas Day Communion services were pandemic and the fact that there are To parishioners supporting the Church week well attended and facilitated through a currently no in person gatherings for by week by their presence in the respective booking system. Careful cleaning of the worship, neither events are possible at this churches. To the many who have been church building took place between services time. My last service as rector will therefore shielding and participating with our online and the new fogging machine was put to be online on 31st January but I have services. good use. The online Carol Service and promised the Select Vestry that I will come A big thank you to Sandra Young (Tamlaght) Christmas Family Service had hundreds of back later in the year for a farewell event for her incredible work co-ordinating our views and featured contributions from a once the restrictions have eased. At this online worship for the three churches. wide range of familiar faces. Christmas stage I therefore just want to say a very Sandra has been remarkable for all of us in dinners were delivered to nearly seventy of sincere thank you to all the parishioners of the parishes. our older parishioners, there was a gift of Ballymore for the love, support, shortbread for every Ballymore family encouragement, and friendship which has ‘You are my refuge and my shield; I have put household and the children of the S-Club been afforded to me and to Kathleen, my hope in your word.’ Psalm 119:114. also got a selection box and Christmas Timothy, and Emma over the last fifteen ‘But those who hope in the Lord will renew activity pack. Thank you to all who helped years. Thank you. I wish you God’s richest their strength.’ Isaiah 40:31. behind the scenes to make sure everything ‘Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his ran safely and smoothly and that we at least face always.” I Chron 16:11. had a flavour of Christmas in difficult ROBINSON circumstances. DECORATORS May God bless us all in the days that lie (Established 1969) ahead. FAREWELL As you will know, it was announced in All types of painting and decorating (internal and external) Also wallpapering December that I have been appointed Dean 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 | February/March 2021 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador blessing for the years ahead and hope and received, indeed loved, in our parish and I much to bear, the close knit family circle are pray that the next rector will be as happy in know she loves being with us Sunday by a great support but without doubt this is a Tandragee as I was. God bless. Shane Sunday. Both of these people have busy very difficult time. As a parish we must lives in business and education respectively uphold them all in prayer and practical VACANCY and it is just wonderful to see them growing support. During the vacancy, the pastoral care of the in ministry. Ballymore Parish will be in the hands of the Maureen Chambers was a stalwart of St Rural Dean, the Venerable Elizabeth Cairns. The Reverend John Bowley has been a key Luke’s Belleek and sang in the choir every We extend our prayerful best wishes to player on our team and again is well loved in Sunday of her life until her health Elizabeth in her new role as Archdeacon of our parish group. John was rector of deteriorated and she moved into residential Ardboe. Ballywalter on the Ards peninsula and brings care. Maureen always had a warm welcome many years of experience and insight to the for her Rector, especially when we would CAMLOUGH, pulpit and altar. Due to his seniority, John have communion in a room set aside for us MULLAGLASS, has had to stay home throughout these by the staff of Ashgrove. Not just a singer BALLyMOyER & challenging months but I hope we will see but, like many of her generation, Maureen BELLEEk UNION him again later this year. The Reverend was a keen dancer in her youth and her love Rev. Alan Synnott Chris Broddle is one of my oldest friends of song and music was always to the fore Telephone: 028 3083 0301 and we have been colleagues as curates, but it was her deep personal faith and her chaplains, gardeners and once upon a time devotion to the worship of Almighty God in Church life is very activity based and he was my boss and now I get to torture Belleek that most marked her out and is her therefore when we are writing for the him, life is sweet. Chris is a scholar of some lasting legacy. Ambassador we report what is going on in considerable standing and combines this our parishes, this presents a problem when with a great talent for communication to On Saturday 9th January 2021, the earthly our churches are closed or even when they bring the message of God’s grace to us on remains of Harry Dennison were brought are open but we aren’t engaged in our usual a regular basis. from North Down for interment in the weekly activities. Each week we produce a churchyard at Bessbrook. Harry was a Bible study and a pre-recorded act of This our “up at the front team’ and we are all native of Bessbrook and will be worship and when we are in church, two of aware that we are the bit of the iceberg that remembered by many. the services are live streamed and later put is seen above the surface and I would love out on the websites. Sadly, more than a to name everyone who does each job We offer our, love, prayers and support to all dozen funerals in the past ten months have across our four church parish group but that who have lost loved ones recently. also kept us busy around the parish and I would take all the space in the Ambassador. really miss sitting down with the bereaved As I thank each of them I commend them to “I am the resurrection and the life,” says the and just giving each one the time they your prayers, I also want to thank each of Lord deserve in their hour of need. you for your love and support and all the unseen tasks that are done about the place. CLONfEACLE, Instead of reporting “goings on” I thought I God be with you and please stay safe and DERRyGORTREAvy would thank those who conduct worship in well, we will soon be back together. AND EGLISH the parish group, without whom church Revd Suzanne Cousins would not be available Sunday by Sunday. IN MEMORIAM 028 3754 8289 First of all our Parish Readers who have It was with great sadness that we heard the answered the call to the liturgical ministry of news of Richard McGrath’s passing in late the church, at present we have two, Mrs November. Richard had been through a very In this present brief season of Epiphany, Anne Synnott and Mr Mervyn Briggs. difficult few years as he battled cancer as which we are experiencing in the well as other serious illness but he was circumstances of a global pandemic, with Anne was first licensed in the diocese of always warm and pleasant and lived up to the churches again closed, perhaps the Tuam, Killala and Achonry nearly a decade his reputation as a gentleman. Having most important epiphany or ‘revelation’ we ago and brings her experience to our parish visited him in hospital and at home on a can have is this: group, not least in our recorded worship number of occasions and knowing how ill he God is not outside of this, our time and during lockdown periods. Mervyn is a retired really was, I was always taken aback and experience. God is with us. public servant and has enthusiastically impressed when he would show up in embraced the training and has visibly grown church. In the age of the show off, even in This is the Christmas revelation, that Jesus, in leading and participating in worship. In terms of faith, Richard’s faith was that who came to save his people from their sins our parish group we could really be doing steady, quiet, genuine expression of (Matthew 1:21) is Immanuel, ‘God with us’ with a few more coming forward in this area commitment and conviction that was (Matthew 1:23 and Isaiah 7:14) and still with of ministry and I’m sure Mervyn and Anne demonstrated in the simple act of getting to us, by the Holy Spirit. The revelation of would be happy to chat to anyone who may church even when it hurt. This is an example Jesus as Saviour and as Immanuel offers us feel God’s nudge. to us all. peace, comfort and joy – Christmassy gifts which we need to open and use in this post- I haven’t forgotten David Hawthorne, he has Richard’s mother in law, Kathleen Anderson, Christmas time, when there is much illness moved on and trained to be a diocesan Lay was seriously ill in the same hospital at the in our community, and uncertainty has Reader having completed a challenging time of his passing. Sadly, Kathleen also become a way-of-life. To keep on reminding course of training. This means that David is succumbed to her illness only a few weeks ourselves that God who made us, loves us out and about the diocese leading worship later. The impact of one loss is traumatic and saves us is also with us is a great and preaching the good word of the enough, but to lose two precious family source of daily faith-and-courage-building Kingdom and gaining experience as he members just a few weeks apart is cruel bread and of spiritual and mental goes. Jill Hunter has become our Lay indeed. For Helen to lose her husband and sustenance. Reader in residence and is very well mother in close succession is almost too

The Ambassador | February/March 2021 9 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20

Our location and circumstances are vastly Care: If we keep immersing ourselves in Let us not grow weary in doing what is different to those of the (biblical) ancient these and participating in these, by right… Do not give up…. Whenever we near east and middle east, but God is still whatever means available to us, we will find have an opportunity, let us work for the calling us, as he did Samuel, Philip, ourselves renewed and energised to keep good of all… especially for those of the Nathaniel, and the psalmist who authored on loving and serving the Lord, one another family of faith…not neglecting to meet [in Psalm 139. (See http://bible.oremus.org and the world, even in such a time as this. voice and spirit, online? by phone, text, /?ql=155192425 .) email?]… but encouraging one another… and all the more... God who made us, still sees us and knows us, still cares for us and still calls us to Often we end our children’s (KidZoom) service and discipleship, as he did the boy sessions with this blessing, below, which Samuel in the temple at Shiloh, and as he was produced early in lockdown. Here it is did Philip and Nathaniel in Galilee. Nathaniel again. The Lord bless you and keep you and was seen (under the fig tree) and known by make his face shine upon you and be Jesus without Nathaniel knowing that he gracious to you… Amen. was seen and known. Whether we know it or not, “The Lord is here. His Spirit is with The Kids' Blessing https://www.youtube. us.” Our parish children seem to accept this com/watch?v=uiWZXLsdE9w comforting truth unquestioningly, that God has not left us on our own. ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH, CROSSDERNOTT How do we best feed ourselves with this Sister Valerie Thom ‘bread’ and truth when the churches are Telephone: 028 87 749920 again closed and we are distanced from other members of the Body of Christ? Perhaps an easy-to-recall answer is found DEATHS in these four building-blocks of ministry – David Glasgow Word, Sacrament, Prayer, and Pastoral Care. CHRISTMAS Psalm 139: 1-3, the children’s memory Due to the circumstances we were unable WORD – We keep on reading, listening to verses from Together-at-Home family to hold our normal Nativity Service. This and hearing the Bible, the written Word of resource for 17th January year with the help of Play it by Ear drama God; and we keep close to Jesus Christ, the See https://www.facebook.com/groups/ group we had a virtual nativity. Each family Living Word, who is also the Good 613930636117980 were given parts in the nativity which they Shepherd who walks with us, even through recorded at home then forwarded to Chis the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm The pandemic will continue to press us to and Ross to put together. It was a great 23). reassess how we ‘do’ church and what are success and all who took part enjoyed the the achievable and absolute essentials. finished produce. Thank You Chris and SACRAMENT – We keep participating in How do we as the church today deliver the Ross otherwise known as Play it by Ear. the Sacrament of Holy Communion via the ministry of the Word, Sacrament, Prayer and online services, in spite of the inevitable Pastoral Care adequately and effectively in CAROL SERVICE theological questions and ambiguities, for such a different environment, the online Play it by Ear drama group led the Carol the words of the service are strengthening environment? Service and the Christmas story was re-told and comforting; they inspire in us praise and So much is ‘on hold’ at present – most all of from the view of the shepherds, the lessons thanksgiving; they refresh our spirit. our physical gatherings – and it would be were read by Keith Buchanan MLA and a easy to become either disheartened, or to member of our Sunday school Lucas PRAYER – It has been described as The lose motivation to keep faithfully following Carvalho. The service was different but very Christian’s Vital Breath. By prayer, both and serving the Lord day-by-day and to thought provoking. It was good to revisit the private and corporate, with the help of the essentially give up. So we need to keep Christmas Story in a different way. Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26), we keep in close listening and to hear the Lord saying to us, and constant communion with God our the 21st century church exactly what was CHRISTMAS PRESENTS heavenly Father. said to the 1st and 2nd century churches: This year due to the pandemic it was decided that at Christmas it would be good PASTORAL CARE – Pastoral care (called “So let us not grow weary in doing what is to help our local care home Corkhill. The “the cure of souls” in old Anglican tradition) right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we parish donated toiletries and they were is freely and lovingly offered by those do not give up. So then, whenever we have distributed to the care home and to more entrusted by God with the pastoral care of an opportunity, let us work for the good of senior members of the parish. The two the parish - the rector, working for and with all, and especially for those of the family of church wardens Deborah Watt their bishop (/archbishop). But in our parish faith” (Galatians 6:9); and, “… not neglecting (incumbent’s) and Bryan Potter (peoples’) communities we also offer pastoral care to to meet together [in voice and spirit, online? with Sr. Valerie, delivered the gifts to the each other informally in our ordinary and by phone, text, email?], as is the habit of care home> They were received by a mundane day-by-day interactions. some, but encouraging one another, and all member of staff and the home owner Mr Ultimately, though, our best and purest the more as you see the Day approaching” Gary Watt. Earlier that week oranges and source of pastoral and spiritual care is Christ (Hebrews 10:25). Condensing these verses apples were donated to the church and himself, the Good Shepherd who “lays down of Scripture, is this the key message for us those were given to the care home also with his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). as church and parishes to hear from God at an apple and orange packaged for each this time? resident. Word, Sacrament, Prayer, and Pastoral Mr Watt said how grateful the staff and

10 The Ambassador | February/March 2021 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador residents were to receive the gifts. you can... planning we should expect that the unexpected will come along and focus our Each child in the parish received a selection We look forward on Sunday 14th February thoughts instead on the day in hand – that is pack, unfortunately there was no Sunday to the Installation of Canon Shane Forster enough – another one of Jesus’ teachings. School Party. as the new Dean of Armagh and the Rev Elizabeth Cairns as Archdeacon of Arboe, This focusing upon today with plans only On Christmas Eve we had a Holy and congratulate the Rev Malcolm Kingston loosely fixed for the future, is surely a useful Communion service when Rev. William as new Canon in St Patrick's, Dublin. It's way of looking at our personal lives and our Anderson joined Sr. Valerie to lead the good to have some good news! church life. In our parishes we can have service. plans, but only loosely rely on them. We Christmas Morning was family service, By the time Palm Sunday comes round on hope to have our Farming Funday on the where the children brought their toys but 28th March, we will have experienced a full 8th May this year, but we also know that it instead of sharing what they got from the year of Coronavirus protocols and may not happen. Focusing upon the day in front they showed their toys from their seats. precautions. We pray that by then we will hand isn’t a bad strategy. Someone in the Thanks to a local firm who lent us a fogging have got over the worst of the pandemic parish told me that she hasn’t given up machine which made it possible to have the safely and availed of the vaccine! We wish smoking – it’s just that she isn’t smoking any services in church. you all health and happiness in these cigarettes today – a great way to approach uncertain days ahead! things! DERRyLORAN Canon Norman Porteus DESERTLyN Trying to see our way out of this pandemic 867 62261 (MONEyMORE) AND isn’t easy. Yes, there are plans and hope – Canon Drew Dawson BALLyEGLISH vaccines, mutations to a ‘softer’ virus, 867 37151 Rev. Dr. Adrian N. Stringer. containment…whatever they are our long Website 028 8674 8200 term hopes are there. But our real strength www.derryloran.com is in focusing upon each day as it comes. Our prayers are for today, not only for the It has been a Christmas like never before as HOLY BAPTISM future. Our intent on doing something new we followed Coronavirus protocols... The St John’s Moneymore during any lockdown is for each day, not left church remained undecorated save for a 21st October 2020: Katie-Rose Gemma for some far off time which never arrives. display on the Holy Table and lights on the JOHNSTON Likewise our search for the presence of God tower.. There were no Christmas 23rd November 2020: Lewis Adam is for this very day, as is our determination to Communions nor parties.. The Parish Hall WENSLEY love and care for others. Then there is, quite has remained closed since the first simply, the intent to enjoy the day we are in lockdown in March 2020.. Thankfully we HOLY MATRIMONY which has generously been given to us by were able to carry on public worship in Ballyeglish Parish Church Almighty God. church since July, albeit with 1 service at 22nd December: Stephen DONALDSON & 11am which we have been streaming live on Hannah MARTIN Living for today is a way to cope with all that our Parish Facebook page. St John’s Moneymore is going on – and it’s an approach 24th December: Andrew WALLACE & sanctioned by none other than Jesus When the rector began Derryloran Online Jennifer MONTGOMERY himself – in short; the Kingdom of God is at on our Facebook page, he thought it would hand! only be for a short time, but here we are 10 CHRISTIAN BURIAL months later! Each day he has been St John’s Moneymore NOTICES posting daily prayers, verse for the day, 13th November 2020 John SMYTH Our thanks to all those who contribute to our bible study and readings, Kidz Korner and 4th December 2020 Margaret LOVE services. In-church for those who clean, Just Thinking... and concluding the day with 6th December 2020 Campbell ELIOTT play the organ, do the fogging when evening thoughts and prayers. Do check it Ballyeglish Parish Church necessary, oversee things through the out! It's amazing how many “hits” there are 31st October Sandra BROWN (Polpatrick Select Vestries. Equally, our gratitude to the each day along with our Sunday Service! It's cemetery) many people who join in our worship certainly a new way of doing church! 20th December Bryan JONES through the WhatsApp groups – readers, intercessors, singers, musicians! Currently we are in a further lockdown with COMMENT Together we have achieved a lot, all things the suspension of public worship following At night you may well think of what you considered! We have held online quizzes, the failure of the 2 week “circuit breaker” to intend to do the following day. However, sang carols as a cross community venture reduce the R Factor in the spread of the once you wake up in the morning and start at the Rectory (see photo) and tried new disease. We trust that this further measure your day, you quickly realise that you can’t expressions of worship such as our online will be effective in reducing infection and really plan for the unexpected…well, it is the Christingle service. stopping the spread. What lies beyond that, unexpected! If that is the case with each Thanks as well to those who contribute to we just don't know.. We must entrust that day, it will be even more true when looking the finances of our parishes. St John’s in future to God's mercy and grace! even further ahead – next week, next month particular is struggling to pay its Assessment or next year! – please hold the Select Vestry in your Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent prayers as they seek to address this issue! falls on Wednesday 17th February, so we Nevertheless, we make plans. As Jesus hope to have our Holy Communion Service mentions, it’s good to work out if you can at 7pm that evening. Christian Aid Lunches complete something before embarking upon hopefully will begin again on Friday 19th it – as with a tower or a battle. But at the February in our hall from 12 to 2pm, so same time we also know that the best laid please aim to support them in whatever way plans…may not come off at all. In all our

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12 The Ambassador | February/March 2021 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador

where they have risen cheerfully to the hope, for strength, for new life, we know that DROGHEDA AND challenges. Well done and thank you you hear, we know that you care and we ARDEE UNIONS AND everyone. It's not over yet, but we are more know that you are in control. We don’t know kILSARAN UNION than half-way there. the hows and the whys, but we do know that Rev. Iain Jamieson You are the same yesterday, today and 00353 (0) 41 9838791 We look forward to having Jonathan Hull, forever. You promised to never abandon Rev. Canon Joyce Moore our Diocesan communications officer, to your people and Your promise is eternal. 00353 (0) 41 6851327 record the Diocesan service which will go You are calling your church to rise up once out on 31st January. Again, it is to be again, like Ezekiel. You call your church to This year has been a difficult one for shared between the Dundalk and Drogheda prophesy, that the Spirit might come from everyone; it was even more difficult to those groups. North, South, East and West, from who were bereaved during lockdown and Connacht, Munster, Leinster, and Ulster; restrictions. In any other year, the families of FUTURE SERVICES flooding rural valleys and city streets. That Robin Jeffers, George Shearer, Mary As I write, COVID is at its worst, the future is Your church might courageously proclaim Shirley, Joy Workman and Derek Higgins uncertain and we can only hope that we can that dry bones might live because Christ is would have had the support of many friends celebrate Easter in church. risen! We lament with those who are broken, in their homes and in church, but Covid-19 embrace those who are grieving, reach out changed all that. The families acted within DRUMCREE to those who are sick and dying because the restrictions and with great dignity. Rev. Gary Galway You first loved us, and because You love us, Friends and neighbours, respecting the Telephone: 028 3833 2503 all that we do, we do for love. limited access to the church, made their Forgive us for the times when pride creeps support known in different ways. In the last submission to in. Forgive us for the moments when we Ambassador, I challenged momentarily take our sights off you. Above In December, the funeral of Joy Workman each of us, as men and all, forgive us when we doubt that you could took place in Dunany on 8th, just a few women of faith, to be the Salt and Light in have all this in Your control. You are High hours before the sudden death of Derek our societies and to positively contribute, King and the victory is won! Higgins. Derek’s funeral took place in Ardee rather than allow the negativity and Your church has sung a new song. A church Church on 11th. To all who are bereaved, uncertainties to bring us down. I called us to divided by human bickering now sings with we offer our prayers and our sympathy. be that ‘Salt and Light’ and change the the unity of the Trinity. We stand on the Spiritual atmosphere, in our homes and promise proclaimed so beautifully in the Some of the Drogheda parishioners communities. Psalms: How good and beautiful it is when requested a Carol service: I thought it could Matt 5:13-16 says, ‘You are the salt of the God’s people live in unity……..there you not work, as we are allowed neither singing earth. But if the Salt loses its saltiness, how command Your blessing, even life nor wind instruments. However, Eugene can it be made salty again? It is no longer forevermore. We release the offering of your sourced wonderful online performances of good for anything, except to be thrown out people into the hands of women and men the carols (thank heaven for a decent sound and trampled underfoot. You are the light of that You have gifted for this season. Let Your system) and Sean organised the readers. It the world. A town built on a hill cannot be Spirit flood this nation and let us see Your was different, but it worked really well. hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and Holy Spirit continue to transform lives and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its witness this lands children, born again with Over 50 children’s voices were heard in the stand, and it gives light to everyone in the new life in Christ: a glimpse of ‘Thy Kingdom children’s nativity. Ian M put it all together house. In the same way, let your light shine Come!’ and did the animations. Again, in my, before others, that they may see your good In the powerful name of Christ Jesus, risen probably biased, opinion, it worked really deeds and glorify your Father in heaven’. from the dead and alive in our midst, we well. Thank you parents, children, musicians make our prayer. Amen and Ian. Two months on, we are once again in the middle of a “Lock-down” and the realities of Every blessing for 2021 There are no church services in January, socially mixing at Christmas, is now taking apart from the online ones. As there is no its toll and having a consequence. COVID- DRUMGLASS PARISH rector in Dundalk, the same service goes 19 is rampant in our communities and each DUNGANNON & MOyGASHEL out throughout the rural deanery. For each of us knows families who have been Rector: VACANT Sunday online service until we are back in affected and suffered, and our hearts are Rev Elizabeth Stevenson church, Richard and I will be asking for ten with those who have lost loved ones at this Tel. 3885 1503 readers, one from each parish. We will use difficult time. In my lifetime, never has there Rev Graham Hare our Parish and Diocesan readers and we been such a time when there has been so Tel. 8738 0360 are so grateful to our many talented much need for men and women of faith to musicians. It is lovely to have recordings rise up and take the authority which God has Christmas now feels like a distant memory. from St Nicholas’ choir. It is great to see given us and to REALLY pray. The ministry and mission of Drumglass Sandra and Wendy at their respective I recently came across this prayer, it’s called Parish was unique in 2020 as we celebrated keyboards and delightful to enjoy some the Irish Blessing and I think the words of it the Christs’ incarnation, but the reality of flugelhorn music from Gillian.Thank you to say so much. Let’s pray it over this land, our Jesus, Light of the World coming to earth to all who wrestle with snail-paced WiFi, with families and communities for 2021:- make his dwelling among us is a timeless unfamiliar technology, with badly timed truth that transforms our reality and shapes power cuts and updates, so that, though ‘Lord your gift of love, your promise of all of our hopes for 2021 and beyond. apart, we can get some sense of presence, your covenant of hope, are the Drumglass Parish is looking ahead to the worshipping together. foundations of ministry. (A project in next few months with expectation, despite preparation for centuries but an alliance the restrictions, as we ask not just “how can We have had nine months of church where from the beginning of age). Your people are we get through this?” but instead, “What people have demonstrated their resilience, suffering and as we cry out for blessing for could God do through this?”.

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14 The Ambassador | February/March 2021 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador

In faith we are trusting that the same God respected across Dungannon and beyond for all her hard work. A presentation was who has been faithful in the past will and is a life-long parishioner of Drumglass. made to Jill at our socially distanced Easter continue to lead and guide, to strengthen Her dedication to the life and witness of her General Vestry. and sustain and will indeed remain able to church is an expression of her devotion to do immeasurably more than we can ask or her Lord. Her selfless attitude to service and While we continue through unusual imagine. her steadfast example are an inspiration to circumstances we look forward to many people. We are deeply proud of remembering Jesus’ precious death and INSTITUTION OF NEW RECTOR Maureen and assure her of the very resurrection. We are reminded of the The Parishioners of Drumglass are looking warmest congratulations of the Drumglass glorious hope that is ahead for all who truly forward to welcoming our new Rector, Rev’d Parish family. trust in him. Let’s keep one another in Bryan Martin, along with his family to prayer, and seek to draw ever closer to Dungannon. The institution will take place HON. SECRETARY ELECTION Jesus. on 16th February. Please continue to pray Drumglass Parish were delighted to offer for the Martin family as they prepare to our congratulations to Mr Vivian Suitor on (Just to note that this has been my first move in these challenging times. his election as Hon. Lay Secretary to the contribution to The Ambassador. This was Diocese of Armagh. Vivian has served due to unintentional administration issues, ONLINE WORSHIP Drumglass Parish will commitment and and I hope to pick this up for future editions). Drumglass Parish continues to use our distinction in various roles over many years, online platforms to engage with each other including the area of safeguarding and BURIALS: and our wider community as our doors continues to do so in his current role as 3 October 2020: Sherna Margaret Coote remain closed for public worship. We are Rectors Glebe Warden. (Committal of ashes) very encouraged by the willingness of so St. Matthew’s, Errigle Keerogue many parishioners who are involved in Together with his wife Iris, Vivian has served various aspects of our online parish life. the wider life of the diocese over many years MARRIAGE: Each Sunday we have a dedicated and we are confident that he will approach 30 October 2020: Stacey McKeown and Drumglass Kids Club which features this new role the same level of steadfast David McCarragher worship and teaching for our primary school devotion and competent diligence. St. Matthew’s, Errigle Keerogue aged children as well as our morning service and plenty of opportunities to pray, learn and BURIALS: kILLyLEA, grow throughout the week. 8th December 2020 Mr Freddy Meneely CALEDON 8th January 2021 Miss Dorothy McGlone AND BRANTRy PRIORITISING PRAYER Rev. Bill Atkins There is nothing simpler but yet nothing ERRIGLE Telephone: 028 3756 8874 more significant in the life of any church than kEEROGUE, prayer. Building on our Advent initiative BALLyGAWLEy FUNERAL SERVICES which saw us praying alphabetically through AND 22nd November - Kathleen Isobel (Dot) our entire parish family, Drumglass Parish kILLEESHIL Marshall service at home followed by will be prioritising prayer in the coming Rev. Naomi Quinn interment at Brantry aged 98 years weeks through a number of initiatives 26th November - Robert Cooke, graveside including zoom prayer meetings, resources Christmas was celebrated during our service in Killylea cemetery aged 59 years for individual prayer walks/runs/cycles and morning worship and on Christmas Eve and 19th December - Sarah (Sadie) Armstrong virtual prayer rooms. Day with restrictions in place. It was still a service at home followed by interment at very special time and good to be able to Castlecaulfield SUNDAY TEACHING worship together. Thank you to our select 29 December - George Hall masked and Over the coming weeks, Graham and vestry members for all their help in muted service in Killylea Church followed by Elizabeth will be teaching on a special organising for our Services and working interment in churchyard. Aged 89 years series, “Jesus at Home”, looking at through the protocols. Thank you also to our examples from the Gospels where Jesus Sunday School leaders for distributing gifts The Bible is clear; death is an enemy and visited a home. As we all engage with our (aware of mitigations) to our children during always brings sadness. Yet it is a defeated church services from home, we hope that December. enemy; its sting has been drawn and it does this will give encouragement and hope. not have the final victory. Jesus has At the time of writing we will be out of our promised that he would lose none of those THE NEW DEAN church buildings for some weeks. Please do given him by the Father, but raise them up Parishioners of Drumglass were delighted to keep our parishes in prayer as we move on the last day. We may feel a sense of loss, learn of the appointment of former Curate, forward. As we look ahead, our prayer but if we are in Christ, we’re not lost- to die Canon Shane Foster, as the new Dean of group will meet via Zoom, and details will be is gain. Thank you to Derreck Mann, Armagh. We assure Shane, Kathleen and announced via our facebook page. We have chaplain at Craigavon hospital who comforts the children of our on-going prayers and been exploring Mark’s Gospel and taking and prays with our parishioners as well as support as they prepare to minister in this time to pray together. Zoom is a very keeping us informed. new context and look forward to sharing unusual way to meet together but it has together in worship at Diocesan events in allowed for fellowship and to support one SERVICES the cathedral again in the future. another. We continue as normally as we can. The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols took B.E.M. CONGRATULATIONS Looking back to September I would like to place as usual, with recorded readers. Not In her New Year Honours, Her Majesty The acknowledge the commitment of our former having seen the children except seated in Queen awarded Drumglass parishioner, secretary in St. Matthew’s, Errigle Keergue. cars, I was surprised at how much they have Miss Maureen McKeown a British Empire Mrs. Jill Eagleson has been meticulous with grown through the year, and delighted by Medal. Maureen is well known and widely our administration and we are very grateful their clear, mature reading. Despite

The Ambassador | February/March 2021 15 ATmHE bassador restrictions, we celebrated the incarnation parishioners of St. Lukes have been very usual activities such as carol services, with joy. generous in raising a substantial amount of nativity plays, and school assemblies, was funds for the work along with generous a time whereby we needed a certain Drive-in services will continue for as long as financial assistance from the Heritage ‘creativity’ in approaching the most the pandemic endures. It remains the safest Lottery Funding and the National wonderful time of the year and the birth of way to do church, and we are delighted to Churches Trust Cornerstone Grant , for our Saviour. welcome the cars of anyone who feels which we are very grateful. unable to attend indoor services. Normality Our Sunday school in both St. Lukes and St. will return sometime; meanwhile we do what Aidans provided wonderful on-line Nativity we can. Drivers have become expert at Plays involving many of our Sunday school leaving the car park quickly and efficiently. kids as well as St. Aidans CL&CG Brigade Smiles through windscreens is nearly as providing a light-hearted video which good as face to face meeting. included some familiar faces, most notably, our Archbishop John! All in all a great effort kILLyMAN by everyone involved in all these creative Revd Mark Lennox displays. These can also be viewed on our Telephone: 028 8772 6635 Youtube Channel.

The Select Vestry and During Advent our housebound parishioners Parishioners extend our Special mention also goes to our Honorary received a gift, card and a ‘socially sincere sympathy to Rev. Secretary, Mrs Wendy George, for all her distanced’ visit from the Rector which as Mark and his family on the death of his mum continued hard work and commitment, always, was very gratefully received and on 4th January. Mrs Heather Lennox was a without which, this project would not have appreciated. blessing to our Parish and fully supported been so ably funded. Rev. Mark in his ministry. We will really miss In our community doors were knocked and Heather at public worship, Bible Study, We look forward to the day when we can selection boxes offered to those with young Prayer Meetings, Praise Band and at all return to ‘in Church’ worship and in our kids and large food hampers to others living Parish functions. We assure Rev. Mark and newly refurbished church building, hopefully alone. Again this was warmly welcomed and family of our love and prayers today and in during April. perhaps for some recipients, a surprise to the days ahead. see the local church willing to engage with In the meantime we continue to worship in those living in the community with little or no Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed the church hall, on line only at the time of association with the church. to the Christmas Appeal for food to support writing, which has also undergone the Belfast Central Mission. Ruth delivered a significant improvements over the past few Our local foodbank in Armagh continues to car load of donations and they were very months. Our services of worship which can receive generous donations of food items grateful for all of our contributions. be accessed via our ‘Youtube Channel’ @ and financial contributions from our ‘Parishes of Loughgall and Grange.’ parishioners and where recently our Thanks to everyone who read for our Carol donations have almost reached the Services both In-Building and for the Online CHRISTMAS IN LOUGHGALL AND wonderful amount of 1 tonne! A great total one. GRANGE and a credit to all our parishioners! Our Christmas past, whilst missing many of the ministry to the Simon Community Hostel has Sunday School continues online each Sunday with a video message and materials emailed to all families. If you would like to receive information for your children, please email: [email protected] Struggling to

Rev. Mark would like to thank everyone who contacted him following the death of him reach out online? mum. The calls, emails, cards and messages have been a source of great comfort. Graphic Answers can LOUGHGALL provide a solution. & GRANGE Rev Pete Smith Telephone: 07816 881939 Call us to discuss a

ST. LUKES ROOF website option to REPAIRS. suit your business In St. Lukes Parish, Loughgall, work has finally got underway with the replacement of or church. the roof on the ‘nave’ along with repair work to the church tower. Additional remedial works will also be undertaken whilst the T: 028 3883 0677 contractor is on site as we ensure that the E: [email protected] church is fit for purpose, and a credible www.graphicanswers.co.uk witness, for many years to come. The

16 The Ambassador | February/March 2021 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador Around the Diocese

Frozen River Blackwater by Archbishop See House and Cathedral in snow Ballymore Parish Church in the snow. John.

A gift of a painting by Canon Jim Campbell give to Mr Ronnie Revd Geoff & Mrs Jill Hamilton with St Mark's Armagh Watt on the occasion of his retirement from being Parish Christmas Toy Collection. Reader.

Crossdernott brining Christmas gifts to Crossdernott play it by ear Nativity. Outdoor service at Desertlyn. local care home.

The Ambassador | February/March 2021 17 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 ‘We must plan for a better society’ Article written by Archbishop John McDowell for the Irish Times – 12th January 2021

Government files under embargo have been opened and people are no doubt looking back, as we do every year, with that customary range of reaction to the political past, running from “I told you so” to “Can you believe it?”

Pity the politicians who had neither There are the groups of relative foresight nor infallibility, but who had to newcomers to this island, who now live make decisions in the moment. Perhaps in here as citizens, asylum seekers and this year of all years we might also look migrants. During this pandemic they have towards 2021 with much the same already contributed considerably to our feelings, adding only: “Where on earth do wellbeing as doctors, nurses, care staff, we begin?” delivery drivers.

There are some signs of hope in relation to If they are an expression of the breadth of healthcare was devised during a world getting ahead of coronavirus, but probably and depth of our societies, then they war, and implemented in its aftermath (in a Slough of Despond to wade through first. should also become a source of that the middle of another shedload of debt). So breadth and depth. Our ancient quarrels we know that it can be done – if it is a We will begin to see for real what the have not been bred in their bones and they priority. effects of Brexit will be on ordinary life on have much to teach us as we pare back these islands, and for relationships within the onion layers of prejudice and Although I’ve kept it until near the end, and between them. On top of that, we have indifference, as we must do if we are to live there is pre–eminently the simple human the anniversary of the foundation of in a society that has an emotionally rich priority to ensure that no child lives in Northern Ireland to look forward to, which, core. poverty. Why would any democratic no doubt, will be government not have that as a centrepiece marked/celebrated/analysed/ignored/vitup And there are those, best symbolised by of its social priorities? Why would any erated, depending on one’s perspective. residents in care homes but not restricted civilised society not consider making the to them, whose needs have never been necessary sacrifices? Not to forget that, as David McWilliams too far up the policy agenda and not just puts it, our countries owe a shedload of during the pandemic. This includes, of Perhaps these are the questions which money (to whom we’re not quite sure) but course, the elderly. should be debated before rushed we’re in for pretty constant reminders that decisions are made that come to light, to it is owed, I wonder will anyone volunteer Most of us are going to be old someday our embarrassment and shame, 30 years to take on a bit more than their “fair share” and it is in the interests of the whole of from now. “Is that the best you could do?” of that burden? Well maybe there are society for us all to be able to approach some people who should, and I’m one of that state of being without paralysing Thinking about the helplessness and them. anxieties which then flow through to our dependence of children is not just for families. Christmas. Reflecting on this and its Those of us who have lived through a consequences in one of his letters from period of rising prosperity for the past 20 Here in Northern Ireland, it was only when prison, the Lutheran theologian and martyr, and more years, a banking crisis I was able to talk about it to my mother, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, wrote, “… we cannot notwithstanding. Our pension pots might who was born into hardship in 1920, that I approach the manger as we approach the not be as good as we had hoped but we’ll was able to get some idea of what the term cradle of any other child. Whoever goes to not be eating crusts by the roadside. “National Health Service” meant to her this manger goes to where something will generation. Not having to worry about what happen. When you leave the manger you Perhaps it’s worth suggesting a few groups to do or where to go when you’re sick. leave either condemned or delivered … of people who might be uppermost in the either broken into pieces or knowing the minds of politicians and policymakers, as The effect on the mental health and morale compassion of God coming to you”. they plot a way forward on behalf of all of of a whole of society was incalculable us towards a compassionate society that because it was without limit. That system Is this the wisdom that will guide the policy is a bit more than simply “fair”. of governments? If not, what wisdom will?

18 The Ambassador | February/March 2021 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador continued also with financial gifts, food and It is our continued intention to ensure that about Elijah, how God used Elijah even clothes gratefully received along with everyone living in our communities know though his life would be in danger. Elijah conversations with staff and residents with that the church is here for them rather than stayed faithful to God and God protected all due care and caution. wanting from them. We have plans for more him. What a wonderful friendship God and community engagement within this New Elijah had! Locally in Loughgall, through the efforts of Year of great opportunity. In these strange and difficult days let us be Loughgall and District Improvements like Elijah and put all our fears and worries Association of which I am delighted be Rev Pete Smith in God’s hands. Vice-Chairman, we held a ‘Santa Drive- Sadly, we didn’t get to finish our lesson on Through Event’ in the local Country Park, MILLTOWN Elijah last year as we had to finish up early rather than the traditional gathering at the Rev. Geoffrey Walmsley but God willing we will be able to meet Christmas Tree Lights Switch-On, given all Telephone 028 3898 9987 together again with the children to hear the the restrictions. This was a community event end of the story of Elijah. which was enjoyed by over 150 cars and SUNDAY MORNING families. Santa provided a gift and I SERVICES We just want to thank the parents for provided a ‘Christmas Story’ booklet Hopefully by early February faithfully bringing their children to CE and for wonderfully produced by the Bible Society. we will be able to meet again for Sunday the children themselves for being a pure Local resident associations provide great morning worship. These services will be delight and it is a great privilege to be able opportunities to have an impact for the held at 11.00am in the Parish Hall until the to spend that hour on a Monday night Gospel if we are willing to devote some of Covid 19 situation further improves. For teaching the boys and girls about our our spare time to getting involved. those who are unable to attend, the service wonderful Saviour, Jesus and their need of will be available on our Facebook page. salvation. SOME THOUGHTS ON MISSION Christmas is surely that time and MIDWEEK ONLINE BIBLE STUDY Finally thank you to everyone who has opportunity to reach out beyond the walls of (FACEBOOK) supported the CE over the years especially our churches to seeking out those in need. Each Wednesday morning at 11am we will on CE Sunday and for attending the lunch No longer is it perhaps, enough, to expect continue our midweek Bible studies. You are afterwards every year. those in need in our communities to come very welcome to join us for these, lasting knocking on our rectory doors seeking help. 20mins approx. We will miss this opportunity to spread Jesus is our example, who came to ‘seek’ God’s message to you all in 2021 and the and to save. We are called to do like-wise. CE fellowship together. To be visible and active in our communities Dear Friends with an ear to the ground and our feet in the It is with much sadness and regret that there The Bible says in: Philippians 4 v 19 streets. will be no CE Sunday Service or CE Sunday But my God shall supply all your need Lunch due to the Covid situation. After 15 according to his riches in glory by Christ In doing so we will know who and where years of CE Sunday followed by Turkey & Jesus. those in need are in our communities if we Ham or Roast Beef dinner it is a great God Bless, are active in them. In St. Lukes and St. disappointment to us as CE leaders and to Yours in Christ, Aidans, we have a renewed commitment to all the children who normally take part in CE Leaders engaging with all within our communities Church telling everyone what they had been and in our City of Armagh in this New Year. learning about in CE on a Monday night. BB To seek out those in greatest need and to Unfortunately, we will not be able to meet as share the love of Christ in word and deed. In CE over the years we have learnt about a BB family in the near future but trust and At the time of writing I read this wonderful some mighty men and women for God! pray that we will soon be able to resume our and deeply challenging quote from Mother From Daniel to Moses, Joshua to Helen BB fellowship and activities. Theresa on social media, ‘Let us touch the Cadbury and last year we were learning The Anchor Boys continue to meet by dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.’

The challenging question which arises then is how willing are we, am I, to get out and get active in the community and city where we live to actually engage with such folk. Those folk who reside in our local homeless hostels, or those who are living in the local housing estates quite evidently in dire need.

Surely this is all our ‘calling’ as those who profess to be ‘Christ-like.’ We recall the words of Christ himself as our motivation, as we find them in the Gospel of Luke 19: 10, ‘For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost’. Perhaps we need to be willing to engage in the ‘seeking’ before we might start seeing the ‘saving’ occur.

The Ambassador | February/March 2021 19 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20

‘Zoom’ each Thursday at 7pm. The Anchor at our Facebook page TARTARAGHAN Boys just love ‘Zoom’. We also had a visit www.facebook.com/stmatthewsrichhill. from Santa, on our last night before & DIAMOND Rev. Canon David Hilliard Christmas. SIxMILECROSS & TERMONMAGUIRkE Telephone: 028 3885 1289 CHRISTMAS TABLE QUIz BY zOOM Rev. Alan Barr We would like to thank everyone who Telephone: 028 8075 8218 BURIALS: 20th November donated money or took part in our 2020: Florence Graham, Christmas Table Quiz in aid of our link Sandringham Care Home, Portadown, to Diocese, North Kivu, D R Congo. Teams SUNDAY SERVICES Enniskillen. were able to ‘Zoom’ in from home and the 1st Sunday Holy Communion 1st December 2020: Paul Hanna, Clantilew total raised was £170.00 2nd Sunday Morning Prayer Road, to Tartaraghan. 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer 2nd January 2021: Maisie McGregor, A great night was had by all and our 4th Sunday Family Service Sandringham Care Home, Portadown, to congratulations go to the Woods family who 5th Sunday Healing Service. Kilmore. won first prize of a Christmas hamper. Proverbs 16:9 A man’s mind plans his CHURCH SERVICES AT TARTARAGHAN: RICHHILL way [as he journeys through life], But the As these notes go to press, drive-in services Rev. Gary McMurray LORD directs his steps and establishes are continuing each Sunday at Tartaraghan Telephone: 028 3887 0798 them. (Amplified Bible) Church Car Park at 11.30am. Only the rector (and his wife) are in the building, but THE JOURNEY TO Last night Liz and I were watching an old the service is relayed to the car-park. Many CHRISTMAS LIGHTS UP episode of the detective show “Lewis”. people have appreciated this opportunity to RICHHILL During one scene, in a pub, a reporter “meet” in a safe way for weekly worship. The Back in December, St Matthew’s Church lit flourished a “Blackberry” phone and it was building may be closed but the church is up Richhill by turning it into a real life Advent remarked later how cutting edge this alive and well. Calendar. The Journey to Christmas told the technology was. Of course back in the day story of Christmas over 24 days with if, like me, you didn’t have a Blackberry or CHURCH SERVICES AT DIAMOND: At the windows decorated to illustrate each stage a Nokia phone you were nobody! Over the Diamond, we don’t currently meet in the of the story. Parishioners and friends got last 20 years both Nokia and Blackberry church but regular services continue to be involved to light up their windows in keeping have largely disappeared from the shelves, available online via Diamond Grange with the theme for each day, with a new virtual or real, to be replaced by Apple, Facebook page. window being revealed each day. Samsung and others. Time certainly moves quickly and is very much a one way street. ALL AGES ONLINE: We have had online A book to accompany the windows was The Herculean efforts of Nokia and worship and videos from the Sunday produced, with a short Bible reading, Blackberry to reclaim their dominant position Schools of both churches, the Youth explanation and carol for each day. A QR in the market, to return to the good old days, Fellowship, the Boys’ Brigade, the Diamond code with links to YouTube meant that the have largely failed; and at great cost, Choir and the Men’s Group. All of these reader could also hear the carol being sung. financially and in other ways. have been very much appreciated. Thank A map also directed visitors to each of the you to all who have contributed and to all windows, which were available each day As we enter the season of Spring the trees who have put them together for online from 4pm - 8pm. This enabled people to visit are coming into leaf, the flowers are bursting viewing. Catch up on Facebook with “Saint in a safe and socially-distanced way. forth in glorious colour, the birds are singing Paul’s Church Tartaraghan” “St Paul’s and hope fills our hearts. The question is: Diamond Grange Church” and “5th Pupils at Hardy Memorial School were hope for what? There is much talk of a Portadown Boys Brigade, Tartaraghan”. invited to design an Advent Window based return to normality. The vaccines and the on the themes from The Journey to good weather promise relief from lock 100th BIRTHDAY: Hilda Trueman Christmas. Their work was of a very high downs and shielding, the shops and cafes celebrated her 100th Birthday during the standard, making it difficult for the judges to can open, perhaps a week on the beach year 2020! We are so proud of our most award prizes in each keystage. somewhere warm beckons. Remember senior parishioner, and we all wish her well. though that time is a one way street. We We extend our best wishes to Hilda, and our While we weren’t sure if we’d be able to hold cannot go back to what used to be. As the prayer is that she may continue in good our Sunday School nativity or Carol old hymn reminds us, time is an ever rolling health and know the Lord’s richest services, The Journey to Christmas helped stream which carries us ever forwards. blessings. us to share the story of Christmas with our While we cannot go back, we can steer our local community. Our thanks to everyone course forwards. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us BRIAN RESTORES A PARISH ANTIQUE: who helped by decorating a window. that, while we can plan all we want, our Brian Mehaffey, parishioner of Tartaraghan, ultimate destiny lies in God’s hands. We has restored to working order a most ONLINE SERVICES would be well advised to set our face unusual piece of parish apparatus - a coin- Our services are available to watch on our towards God’s Kingdom and to make that operated novelty wall machine which dates Facebook page and YouTube channel. our goal and destination. As Lent and Easter back to the early twentieth century, known DVDs are also available, and are distributed approach we are reminded that God has as ‘The Clown’. It was undoubtedly used at each week. If you’d like to receive a DVD, already completed His part in making that parish fetes, probably around 100 years then please let the Rector know. journey possible. The road lies open, our ago, to provide novelty and raise money at guide stands ready; time to set out on our the same time. It was discovered in the loft UPDATES journey. of the stables block at the back of the Regular updates of what’s happening in St rectory, covered in dust, quite dilapidated Matthew’s and our prayer diary are available and long-forgotten. Over a period of several

20 The Ambassador | February/March 2021 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador weeks, Brian painstakingly restored ‘The or simply pausing to reflect and pray on have started for the new season, but we will Clown’ to its original splendour. (See God’s place in our lives. let you know when they will resume. photograph in this issue.) This year I cannot help but think that Lent BIBLE STUDY TARTARAGHAN CHRISTMAS LUNCH has arrived a little early, as lockdown forces As meeting in person has been difficult we was delivered to many of our senior us to change our lifestyle, but the question have continued with online Bible studies in parishioners by a team of volunteers on one is, “Where is God in your lockdown two formats. We have a short 10-14 minute of the Saturdays in December, having been lifestyle?” video that can be accessed through the prepared by a willing band of wonderful I do understand that lockdown may have parish webpage www.Tullanisken.org and cooks! Food hampers were also distributed, made life very busy for you with home also through zoom Bible study that allows these were passed on to young families in schooling and working from home bringing us to have some level of questioning and the parish. Many thanks were expressed by extra pressure to bear, but in the busyness discussion of the passages we are looking all recipients. you actually need to make time for God. at.

THANK YOU to all those who decorated the At the end of that time in Matthew’s gospel TyNAN, AGHAvILLy AND church avenue at Tartaraghan for we see that Jesus was tested by the devil. MIDDLETOWN Christmas, which was much admired far and This was, if you like, His ‘lockdown Rev’d Matthew Hagan wide. Thank you also to all who donated to examination’ to see what He had learned Tel: 028 37568619 our various appeals in November and through His time. [email protected] December, for the Salvation Army appeal, the Bishops’ Appeal, the Hospice appeal The three questions put to Jesus and the and Crosslinks. answers He gives are good ones for us to CHRISTIAN BURIAL reflect on as well. Aghavilly THE WALKING CLUB met every Thursday 1. Man shall not live by bread alone. The 6th January 2021 – George Moore, Armagh. morning until Christmas. As these notes go challenge is to meet all of the material needs to press, walks are suspended due to the that we have. Perhaps your experience of LOCKDOWN latest lockdown, but we hope to resume as lockdown has made you more aware of your Due to the on-going Coronavirus Covid-19 soon as possible. Full details from Mary own attitude to your material needs and to Pandemic our Parish Churches were asked Odgers: 07745 625125. know that just meeting your material needs to close due to the current serious and does not bring a lasting peace. worsening situation and also adhering to BLESSINGS: May you stay safe and well in 2. Do not put the Lord your God to the test. public health guidance that public gathering these unprecedented times. May the Lord The devil quotes a promise that God makes for worship and all other in person Church bless you and keep you. in His Word that He will protect his Son, but activities are to cease until Saturday 6th Jesus’ response is simply that we do not February 2021 and this was to be reviewed TULLANISkEN need to give God random tests to prove His in late January. Funerals and weddings can AND CLONOE love for us. still take place with numbers being limited. Rev. Henry Blair 3. Worship the Lord your God and serve him Having recently had a funeral in the current Telephone: 028 8774 0919 only. The only thing that we need to lockdown it was wonderful that the family worship, and indeed are called to worship, were able to have the funeral service in Normally this copy of the is God. Worship is declaring our love for Church compared to the first lockdown magazine would have me God and how important He is to us. During where Church buildings were completely looking forward to all the events of Lent and this lockdown as you have not been able to closed for such occasions. Easter but at the time of writing we are in perhaps go to church have you still taken lockdown and the church doors are closed the time to truly worship God as in being During the closure of the Churches for at present. It is therefore difficult to look practical in helping others and praying or Sunday Services we provide on-line forward to Easter and say what might have you allowed other things to receive services each week and keep in contact with happen, never mind getting to the point of your worship? parishioners through our weekly Sunday making firm decisions! Can I encourage you to pause and look services and also through our parish Whats- back over your 2020 and your experience of App, text messages, emails and phone calls Lent is off course that time of year when we lock-down and ask yourself where has God as well. reflect on how Jesus was taken out into the been in my life and what will I do to change wilderness by the Holy Spirit after His that in Lent this year? ON-LINE SUNDAY SCHOOL baptism and we are told that He fasted for On-line Sunday School remains popular 40 days. Matthew’s account of this time God Bless with our Sunday Schools meeting each gives us the most detail of this time in the week via Zoom or linking in to the ssarmagh life of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11). Rev Henry website that was set up through Tynan Rural Deanery in conjunction with St. Mark’s This was a time when He set aside the CHRISTMAS 2020 Parish Church, Armagh. Hopefully our normal routine of life and took time out to be Christmas this year was a very different Sunday Schools will soon be able to meet with God. Often we make little of Lent and experience and while we were able to meet in our parish halls in due course. see it as a time to give up something that we togeth-er we still had our online services for might lose some weight, but for Jesus the those who were isolating. Thanks to all of COMMUNITY GARDEN PROJECT heart of this time was to take time out to our young people who took part in our online Additional funding has been secured to deepen His relationship with the Father. We nativity and for everyone involved in our provide an additional range of gardening have, I think, missed the point of Lent Christmas ser-vices. classes this year and funding has been completely if in the giving up of something secured to purchase timber to renew the we don’t use that time to spend more time PARISH ORGANISATIONS timber surrounds on our existing raised with God, whether through reading the Bible At present none of our parish organisations beds and perhaps build additional raised

The Ambassador | February/March 2021 21 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 beds depending on demand. We plan to put DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD Christmas morning, and then on Sunday 27 the new polytunnel to good use this year Some activities for Aghavilly Youth Club December for our regular service at 12noon. and already members are talking about Duke of Edinburgh's Award have been potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, amended due to Coronavirus Covid-19 “Therefore encourage one another and build courgettes etc. Pandemic. Further details will be available up each other, as indeed you are doing.” in the next issue of the Ambassador 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, verse 11 AGHAVILLY YOUTH CLUB ADULT KNEE magazine. RUGS AND BABY BLANKETS FORWARDS WE GO . . . . . WOODSCHAPEL No doubt there will be more Zoom meetings, Rev. Ruth Murray more openings and closings, more Orders Telephone: 028 7941 8311 of Service arriving by post, more purchases of hand sanitizers, more socially distanced A GLANCE BACK . . . . . hymn singing . . . . . Over the season of Advent But we go forward as we are doing – and Christmas we had many encouraging and building up each other. occasions to be uplifted. And hopefully we will continue to find new Christmas bags were delivered to our senior ways of doing this – sharing ideas with parishioners and Gifts were given to our others and trying new ventures that may (or Sunday School members. Thank you to all may not be!) successful. who helped with the preparation and the distribution. The guidance is constantly changing, but we We had our Nine lessons and Carols - our know God’s love is constant – readers and singers were displayed on a Aghavilly Youth Club have a range of hand screen as they had recorded the readings “The steadfast love of the LORD never crocheted blankets for babies and hand from their own homes, and the carols ceases, his mercies never come to an end” crocheted knee rugs for adults. Funds recorded by our socially distanced choir and Lamentations chapter 3, verse 22. raised are for Aghavilly Youth Club. Due to organist. Along with many other services – Coronavirus Covid-19 restrictions and fund- including a “Virtual Nativity” by the Sunday Take a moment to look up that verse in your raising activities cancelled the Youth Club School – they are all still available by Bible and read a few verses before it and are trying their best to raise much needed clicking the link on our web page or on after it. funds for the on-going work of Youth Club Facebook. and your support will be very much Take heart! appreciated. Baby blankets £18 and Adult DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS IS? knee rugs £25. Please contact Miss E. Corry on 028 37523579 for further details.

It is our Fogging Machine. Its spray cleanses the church so that a second service may be held sooner than previously possible for us. For example, it was used over Christmas enabling us to worship at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve, 10.30am on

Like everyone, GFS has experienced a year like no other. However, branches have managed to keep in touch by WhatsApp, Zoom and through Facebook. In our different ways we have kept the spirit of GFS alive by ‘Bearing one another’s burdens’. Some branches have made scrubs and helped in whatever way they could.

We were able to keep contact with our GFS friends across the world and see what they were GfS doing through social media. We were unable to meet in person but we continued in spirit. Around We know that during this time prayer has been a tremendous force bringing support and comfort to each other. the We ask you all to continue to pray for GFS across the world: for its girls, leaders and their families and parishes. It does not look as though we will be able to meet in person this season, but we look forward to the day when our meetings and fellowship can recommence. Diocese We thank you all for your support for GFS and look forward with hope.

22 The Ambassador | February/March 2021 THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador Around the Diocese

As Covid19 continued to affect church life everywhere, the church organisations at Tartaraghan decided to move outside with their Christmas displays and re-created the Christmas Story in the church avenue. These displays were admired far and wide, with many people stopping to look and take photographs. Pictured are some of the displays, featuring the Angel Gabriel’s announcement to the Virgin Mary, a nativity scene and the wise men

Canon David Hilliard took to the bicycle early in December to Brian Mehaffey, of Tartaraghan parish, is pictured with ‘The deliver letters to parishioners with Christmas greetings and Clown’, a coin-operated novelty wall machine which dates giving arrangements for Christmas, calling personally to back to the early twentieth century. It was found in the loft of parishioners within cycling distance for a short chat at the the stables block at the rectory, covered in dust, quite door! He is pictured setting off with a bagful on his back. dilapidated and long-forgotten. Brian decided to take on the task of a painstaking restoration, and was delighted with the challenge. It was undoubtedly used at parish fetes in the past to provide novelty and raise money at the same time.

Christmas at Derryloran.

The Ambassador | February/March 2021 23 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 &RXOG<28 EH D 6KRUW%UHDNV FDUHU"

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24 The Ambassador | February/March 2021 • Intruder Alarms • CCTV • Access Control • Security Lighting Mob: 077 9934 6852 [email protected]

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

The Ambassador | February/March 2021 25 SAPERE AUDE

DUNDALK GRAMMAR SCHOOL

The education of choice for generations...

On his transfer North, Reverend Geoffrey Walmsley retired from Dundalk Grammar school duties on the 13th November 2020.

“Good Afternoon! We had hoped for a kindness and respect ... and then we come to substantially larger audience; but the Pandemic your musical talents and television appearances has regrettably prevented us from organising that. during this Covid-19 era! Is there no end to what Graeme Treadwell, Chairperson of the Board of you can do? In truth, the answer is that you are Governors, has asked me to say a few words on multi-talented as well as being a simply super guy. his behalf and the Governors on this sad occasion, So looking to the future in a positive way, we as The Reverend Geoffrey Walmsley leaves us for can all be thankful that you are only just moving pastures and congregations new. up the road, and therefore there is a strong It was over six years ago that Geoffrey first possibility that you shall visit Dundalk Grammar came among us, which is hard to believe. He has School often, even if it is only to say “hello” and proved to be an inspired choice of the previous have a cup of tea! It is easy to say this, but please Archbishop Richard Clarke, fitting in wherever and do act upon this invitation ... You are always whenever he is needed. Why is this we may ask? welcome here. And so ... “thank you” Geoffrey My own observations of his ministry amongst us for all you have done for the community that is can be understood through a long list of adjectival Dundalk Grammar School. superlatives for Geoffrey is: empathetic, inclusive, The Governors wish me to present you with a kind, patient, hard-working, polite, humourous, crystal-glass momento of your time with us; as tolerant and respectful of all. well as a small ‘brown’ envelope containing some We have rarely had such an amiable pastor petrol money to ensure you visit us often for now who sits so comfortably amongst us. Never an there can be no excuse not to do so. angry word, everything can be solved through May God bless you in your new ministry.”

This address given by Dr Laurence Swan (Governor) took place at the front door of the school at 12.30 hours in the presence of the Headmaster Mr Jonathan Graham with all observing Covid-19 protection regulations.

T: +353 (0)42 933 4459 • E: [email protected] Fees are among the most competitive in Ireland and may be reduced by bursaries, SEC grants or www.dgs.ie scholarships for those who qualify. THE ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassador

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The Ambassador | February/March 2021 27 Armagh YYouthoouthuth & ChildrChildrenen

DDioceseiocesese of Armagh YOUTHYOUTHOUTH AND CHICHILDREN’SLDREN’SLDREN’S LEADERS’LEADERS’ ON-LION-LINENNEE TRAININGTRAINING

JANUARYJANUARYARY TTOO MARMARCHCH 2021.

UUpp and comincomingg on-line initiatiinitiatives...forves...for YYouthouth leleaders.aders.

28th January:January: “Youth“YYououth leaders’ fforum”.orum””.. 7.30pm. An opportunityopportunity to cconnectonnect with eacheach other regardingregarding oourur yyouthouth ministryministry.. Guest spspeaker,eaker, Simon Henry,Henry, NationalNational YouthYouth OOfficerfficer forfoorr the ChurchChurch ooff IrIreland.eland. 4th February:Feebrbruary: “Shak “Shakenen workshop”.workshop”. 7.30pm. LedLed by “The“The BigBig HousHouse”,e”e”,, Belfast.Belfast. This worksworkshophop is fforor all YouthYouYoutthh leaders and Clergy in terms of a BiblicalBiblical supportsupport rresourceesource pack addressingaddressing youngyoung people’speople’s mental health needs.needs. FFreeree leaders resourceresource guidguidee fforor all who aattend!ttend! 11th FFebruary:ebruary: ““YouthYYououth LLeaders’eaders’ fforum”.orum””.. 7.30pm. KeepingKeeping crcreativeeative with on-lon-lineine youthyouth mministry.inistry. An hour’s cconversationononversation with MrMr.. AndrAndrewew WaWatson,tson, YouYouthth MinisterMinister BallyBallyholmeholme Parish.Parish. IIdeas,deas, rre-e- ssources,ourources, tips and ssomeome honesty regardingregarding on-line yyouthouth ministry!ministry!

ForFoorr Children and SundaSundayy SchoolSchool leaders...leaders...

TThehe DDioceseiocese of Armagh in partnership with the ChurChurchch of IrelandIreland YouthYouth DDepartmentepartment is delightedelightedd to bebe aableble to ofofferferfer children’schildren’s ministry trtrainingainingaining thrthroughough a specificallyspecifically designeddesigned versionversion of the ““Aur“Aurora”Aurora” pro-pro- ggramme.ramme. PParticipantsarticipantsarticipants can taketake the whole prprogrammeogramme or whateverwhatever worksworkshophop susuitsits youryour lolocalcal neneedseds or iinterests.nterests.ests. All AurAuroraora sessionssessions 7.30pm to 9.00pm. AAuroraurora trtrainingaining sessions:sessions: 25th February:Feebrbruary: WWhatWhahat is Children’sChildren’’ss Ministry? A lolookok aatt the ttheologyheology of chilchildren’sdren’s ministryministry and chilchildren’sdren’s ffaith/spiritualfaith/aith/spiritual devdevelopment.elopment. 4th March: PPracticalPrractical approachesapprooachesaches to childrchildren’sen’s ministministry.ry. A freshfresh lolookok aatt children’schildren’s mministry,inistry, prpro-o- ggrammes,grrammes, ideas and suppsupportortort fforor Parishes.Parishes. 11th March: C ChildrenChildrhildrenen and worship. How to engage childrenchildren aandnd famfamiliesilies in ParishParish worshipworship..

ForFoorr more information and toto bbookoookk in for ananyy of thesthesee sessions,seessions,ssions, plepleasease email oror call DavidDavid BrownBrown on 07557 655 860 or dodoycarmagh@gmailcomyycarmagh@gmailcomcarmagh@gmailcom 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

The exciting news that thanks to Awards for All Community Grant we are receiving funding to renovate the inside of a new bus and thanks to Eurocoach we hope to have a new bus on the road for when the marching season begins again. This large grant will enable us to make space for the defibrillator, an awning for more outside space, replacing the kitchen, seating etc in the bus. With some fund raising we will also replace the bus. All this would not have been possible without the help and support of Eurocoach.

It had been planned that Valerie would do a sponsored exercise bike cycle of 100km but the committee decided that due to the pandemic it wasn’t the right time to look for sponsorship but during October/November Valerie did cycle 420 km as you can see other exciting things will be happening as from the photo. well. It is exciting as the coaches haven’t been here for 4 years. As soon as we can Again there have been a lot of bands who we will have booking forms etc. printed up have had members who have been and distributed that will probably be in bereaved suddenly and our prayers are for March/April time. them all.

Valerie is working with Armagh Bands Forum on joint projects for the future but like so much at the moment a lot depends on the pandemic. The bands forum has been able to access funding for face masks etc. and these will be distributed to band for members and their communities.

The big news is that Liverpool Football Club Foundation are planning to visit in the summer the visit is in the early stages of planning it is hoped to have a day in Markethill, Omagh and Cookstown for training by the coaches and hopefully some

The ATmheb aAsmsabdaosrs a |d oFre b|r u Jaurny/eM/Jaurllcyh 2 2001291 2371 THE Ambassador ‘So we are ambassadors for Christ...’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 Lasting Legacies

basic numeracy, accountancy and business skills to help them grow their small enterprises.

Your legacy could support ante-natal and post-natal care in countries where it is dangerous to have a baby, or to refurbish health clinics that currently have no water or electricity.

Your legacy could fund emergency responses after natural disasters, as well as the longer term response of rebuilding the communities again.

Your legacy could support access to drought resistant seeds and training in conservation farming methods for entire communities where erratic weather Like many, Bishops’ Appeal saw a sharp drop in donations and in its patterns are causing hunger, desperation ability to fund vital supports for struggling communities around the and migration. world since the beginning of the Pandemic and the closing of church Your legacy could support the provision of buildings. However, due to the continued generosity of parishes and a clean water source, the protection of individuals, combined with the receipt of two generous legacies, the people being trafficked, access to sanitary Committee was recently able to fund multiple transformative projects. protects for young women, the safeguarding of creation through the protection of a tribal group or forests and Added to these our Mother and Child Anyone gifting a donation in their Will can soil. Through our global partners we have Advent Appeal was also partially funded by direct their giving based on their life’s the capacity to direct legacies to the these legacies, which is supporting: passions. Bishops’ Appeal will identify causes closest to your heart and for those • emergency food for lactating carefully vetted projects to ensure they not funds to reach the people who need it mothers and malnourished only meet with best practices, are most. children in Nepal, sustainable and are properly monitored, • adequate shelter for families but that the people who are most in need Our legacies can be extraordinary. Our fleeing conflict in DR Congo, are targeted to access the supports. life’s passion can have an impact on the • training supports for emergency world’s poorest people. Thank you for your foster parents for children with Your legacy could fund vocational training support and consideration of the work of trauma or disabilities in Cambodia for Self Help Group members who learn the Bishops’ Appeal. and • rehabilitation of health clinics for pregnant women in Sierra Leone.

One such legacy donation was from a lifelong advocate of education, so it was our privilege and our honour to direct those funds to support quality education for vulnerable children in Uganda; access to education and inclusive extra-curricular activities for children with disabilities in Kenya; and to Literacy Circles in Burundi for women who never before had the opportunity to access education.