Parish Notices 13th May 2012
The Rector writes…“Last week when I was praying for good weather to allow 4th Class to join us at our midweek communion service, I started thinking about prayer. My friend Darren, whom some of you will remember preached at my institution, used to tease me in the theological college by saying that while God was answering my prayers for good weather, others were dying of starvation because I wasn’t praying for them! He was being droll but it does raise questions about why we pray. I read something recently by Michael Ramsey, a former Archbishop of Canterbury, that I felt goes a little way in answering my worries about being selfish in my prayers. He said that he views prayer as a co-operation with God’s power which can be powerful in its results., reminding us that if we abide in Jesus and let the words of his teaching abide in our hearts and minds we won’t go far wrong. In today’s Gospel Jesus says ‘As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you, abide in my love’ (John 15:9) God would have us pray for things which belong to God’s own will and purpose but would have us ask with desires of our own and ideas of our own. As last week’s Gospel said ‘If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will’ (John 15:7)“
HOLY COMMUNION every Wednesday in St Mary’s Church at 10.30am. All welcome.
ASCENSION DAY The bishop will celebrate the Eucharist at 9.30am this coming Thursday 17th in St Mary’s Church. All welcome.
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK Next Sunday 20th we will be celebrating the work of Christian Union in our services. Andrew Coleman, their representative in this region, will be preaching at both churches. Christian Aid works with local organisations around the world to help poor communities find solutions to the problems they face and give them the support they need to make these changes. Envelopes will be available for you to make a donation towards their ongoing work. On Wednesday 23rd May, the Rector will have a Coffee Morning in aid of Christian Aid funds. This will take place in the Rectory following on from the 10.30am midweek service.
ST MARYS NATIONAL SCHOOL Official opening Friday 25th May. Any parishioners who are interested in seeing the new extension and renovations are invited to join the visitors and parents between 1pm and 3pm.
PRAYER REQUEST SHEETS are at the back of both churches.
INTERCESSIONS IN CHURCH If you would like to be involved in doing prayer intercessions at our church services, please contact the Rector.
COMPANION Lady in Parish with car is available as part-time companion. For more information please contact the Rector.
SUMMER FETE Saturday 23rd June. 10am to 2pm. Books, Bric-a-Brac, Plants, Country produce, Café &home baking, Toys, Bouncy Castles, Kids Entertainment and fantastic raffle! Mark this date in your diary now to ensure that this year’s event is as successful as previous years.
KEYS A register is being gathered of all keys associated with St Mary’s and St John’s Churches, halls, offices etc…. If anyone has a key, please contact the parish administrator so these can be logged.
BISHOPS’ APPEAL A reminder to any family who still have the Lenten Bishops’ Appeal box to please return it to the Rector. Thank you.
EVENSONG This evening at 7 pm in St John’s, Monkstown. All welcome.
INVITATION TO WEST CORK The Revd Trevor and Oriel Lester have kindly invited the parish to join them in their Rectory in Altar, Toormore for a Barbeque at 6pm on 22nd July and then join with their parish to attend an Evensong in St Brendan’s Church Crookhaven where Elaine will be preaching the Epilogue. Some parishioners have suggested we could hire a bus. Please let the Rector know if you would be interested in travelling by bus.
JUNIOR CHOIR We hope to start up a Junior Choir who will sing and play at the All Age Service. The weekly practices in the Church Hall will begin in mid September, with a day and time to be confirmed later. Contact the Rector or Hilary Dring if you would like to help in any way with this initiative or if your child would be interested in taking part.
MOTHERS’ UNION Diocesan Council meeting Thursday 17th May at St Peter’s Church, Bandon. Also Diocesan celebration of 125 years on Sunday 20th May 3.30pm at Rosscarbery Cathedral. Saturday 26th May. Mothers’ Union Fundraising Parish Brunch in our Rectory at 10.30am.
FUND FOR THE FUTURE An appeal by the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross for future generations. Badges cost €5 and are at the back of the church
LISMORE CHOIR Concert at Holy Trinity Church, Crosshaven this afternoon 13th May at 5pm. Free concert with retiring offering. All welcome.
MAD ABOUT SCIENCE CAMPS – Looking for Summer Camps with a difference? Why not try a science camp? Kids will be educated and entertained each day. Investigate crystallisation, construct robots, extract DNA, solve CSI mysteries, launch rockets and much more! Junior and Senior camps @ St. Mary’s Church Hall. Checkout www.madaboutscience.net or ring 086-0830898.