Parish Notices Sunday 23rd December 2012
The Rector writes ‘ I welcome each one of you as we gather together as a community to celebrate the coming of Christ into the world. Christmas is one of those times when we reflect on aspects of our life that are most important to us; family, friends and community. While for the vast majority of people this is a joyous time, for some it is a difficult time, a lonely time. Please keep an ear out for those among us who are not filled with the ’Joy of the Season’ and try and do what you can to help. The Epiphany (this year falling on a Sunday) is when we remember how the Wise Men from the East brought gifts to the newborn baby Jesus. On 6th January, we will have a Box at the back of each of the churches where you may wish to leave any unwanted gifts you received this Christmas. They will then be distributed to the Women’s Refuge and Simon Community in Cork.. Please bear in mind that what for us might have been an unwanted gift may be for someone else a precious gift indeed. May Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one all things earthly and heavenly, fill you with his joy and peace.’
SUNDAY SCHOOL From January 2013, as well as welcoming children from age 4 in Sunday School, we also encourage children from age 3 to join with the older children as long as one of the parents can accompany them. In this way, they will get used to Sunday School in an informal way and be completely ready to go ‘solo’ from age 4. Thank you to the dedicated Sunday School teachers for all the effort they put into helping our children learn about God. It is very much appreciated by us all.
TODDLERS PLUS ONE and MONDAY CLUB resume on Monday 7th January.
TODDLERS PLUS ONE GROUP meet each other in St Mary’s Church Hall from 10am ‘till 12 for playtime and chats with a cup of tea/coffee thrown in. Contact the rector for details or just turn up!
MONDAY CLUB GROUP– Adults who are free from 3pm to 5pm on Mondays are invited to St Mary’s Church Hall for a cup of tea/coffee. Our aim is to gain a little knowledge from each other as we chat. We are currently looking at how to use the internet and other computer stuff. Contact the rector for details.
MIDWEEK COMMUNION SERVICE 10.30am every Wednesday in St Mary’s Church. The first Wednesday of each month will have special prayers for the work of the Mothers’ Union followed by refreshments after the Service. All Welcome.
JUNIOR CHOIR meets in St Mary’s Church from 6.30 to 7.15pm each Thursday night. (resumes Thursday 10 January) All school going children welcome. Contact the rector or Hilary Dring for more details.
ST JOHNS HOME GROUP meets at fortnightly intervals. The group is using the Crossway Bible Guide “Discovering Luke’s Gospel” by Simon Jones (1999), Leicester and is available to purchase at €6. The next meeting will be in the New Year. Date and location to be decided.
Children’s Movie Night-All school going children are invited to a ‘Movie Night’ from 6 – 8pm on Friday 4th January in the Parish Hall. Contact the rector for details.
Diocesan Magazine Subscriptions for 2013 are now due. Please give payment of €20 to Wardens or Rowland Newenham.
Parking in Carrigaline. Please be careful not to block the entrance to the Church when you are parking outside St Mary’s Church. Someone who finds it difficult to walk was unable to get into the Church Grounds a couple of weeks ago. If parking is tight on Church Road, please do come around to the Rectory and park as there is plenty of room in the Rectory garden.
A walking group meets on a Monday morning at 11am in the car park opposite the Bosun in Monkstown. It is open to everyone and for all levels of fitness. The emphasis is on fun and friendship. Further details by contacting Sandra Mc Loughlin on 087 1315393 or sandiemcloughlin@gmail.com.
The Theological Book Circle met on Wednesday 15th November to discuss the Philip Yancey book. All were agreed that it was a great book, easy to read but very profound and thought provoking. The new book chosen is ‘Christianity with Attitude’ by Giles Fraser (Canterbury Press Norwich 2007 ISBN 978-1-85311-782-4) and we meet at 8pm in the Rectory on Thursday 31st January to discuss. All welcome.
EAPPI Don’t forget to pray for Kate Cargin as she experiences day to day life as an Ecumenical Accompanier in the West Bank. You can find out more about Kate in Palestine by going to her blog site at www.kateinpalestine.wordpress.com. We will get a chance to meet her in person when she comes to speak to us at our services on February 17th 2013.
Allotments For Rent-Join Carrigaline Allotment Group at Thompson’s Farm, Aghamartha, (near Carrigaline, on the Fountainstown Road). Grow your own veg and fruit, enjoy the exercise, half and full plots available. Call or text 087 7090899 to arrange a viewing.
Wanted: A temporary part-time childminder. Hours vary each week due to shift work. Possibly 7-9am max 2 days a week. 13.50 till latest 20.30 max 2 days a week. If shifts fall on a weekend may be no work that week. If any child sick on a work day may need collection from school or minded for school hours. Mainly afternoons are Tuesday to Thursday. 3 children in infant room and 1 in sixth class. Driving essential. Contact no. 0834208090
FORWARD PLANNER
Dec 23rd Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols in St John’s Church, Monkstown. 4pm.
Dec 24th Carols around the Crib in St Mary’s Church. 4pm.
Eucharist of the Nativity St Mary’s Carrigaline Midnight
Dec 25th Christmas Day
The Eucharist St John’s Monkstown 09.30am.
The Eucharist St Mary’s Carrigaline 11.00am.
Dec 26th St Stephen
The Eucharist St Mary’s Carrigaline10.30am.
Dec 30th First Sunday of Christmas
United Service ‘Christingle’ St Mary’s Carrigaline11am.
Jan 4th ‘Movie Night’ from 6 – 8pm in the Parish Hall.
Jan 31st Theological Book Circle. The Rectory at 8pm
2013 dates for your diary
March 1st World Day of Prayer at 8pm in St Mary’s.
May 17th –19th Pentecost Flower Festival in St Mary’s Church
with the theme ‘Fruits of the Spirit.’