Pew Sheet – 22nd October 2023

Eddie Pierce, Chair of the Parish GBV Working Group writes

‘An important exhibition ‘Souls of our Shoes – A journey into and out of Domestic Abuse’ will be on display from November 26th to November 29th. The exhibition, which walks viewers through the reality of domestic abuse, takes place in St Mary’s Church over 4 days highlighting the reality of Domestic Abuse.

This incredibly powerful and compelling exhibition highlights issues around Gender–based Violence (GBV). It is an initiative of Mothers’ Union and its main purpose is to raise awareness of domestic violence. “Souls of Our Shoes” is an exhibition of physical shoes which are accompanied by comments from those who have walked away from abuse.

The exhibition is to be launched on Sunday 26th November at the 11am Morning Service in St Mary’s Church. Mary Cullinane (Cuanlee Refuge for Abused Women and Children) and Debra O’Flynn (OSS Cork Support Services to all adult’s victims of domestic abuse) will be speaking at the Service.

The exhibition will be open on Sunday afternoon between 2pm and 5pm, and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10am to 12 pm and 2pm to 5pm. Please share the word about this important event. We hope to see you there. Thank you. ‘

Drama Group

On being invited by Canon Elaine to take part in the Bicentenary celebrations, the Drama Group has responded by devising an Historical Pageant, tracing the story of our church from 1823 to the present day – in quite broad strokes, of course – and we have just begun rehearsal in the church.

It is to take place on Friday November 24^th in St Mary’s Church. With no set script to follow, it has been left to ourselves to research (thank you Lesley Roberts) write and structure the piece from scratch, including use of slides and music. It is like nothing else the group has undertaken in that it will depict real events that are unique to the story of our parish and in some way, personal to us all. Consequentially, more than in any other of our past productions, the Drama Group needs the support of the whole parish community for this pageant to be the success it deserves to be.

Quite simply, we need more of you – Men, Women & Young People – to come forward to ‘act’ (no lines) as the crowd of parishioners depicted in the pageant. All you need to do is don a 19^th or 20^th century costume (will be provided, or put together) and process in to take your place in the pews (just like Extras in a film – only no pay!)

For the pageant to be effective we need to give the impression of lots of people – so please, don’t be shy – your church needs YOU! This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

If you decide to participate, please contact Mary 087-2780902 or Olna 087-9525969 Thank you!

Update : Mary adds that they have enough core members now but are inviting members of the audience to dress up also to add to the atmosphere!

Simon and Michelle Woodworth are directly involved in this initiative.

Please call 086 083 0639 or email simonwoodworth@gmail.com for more information.

Dates for your Diary

October

29th United Service in St John’s Church at 11:15am

(no Service in St Mary’s Carrigaline that morning)

November

12th Remembrance Services 9:30/11am

19th ‘A Celebration of Lay Ministry’ 7pm

St Fin Barre’s Cathedral

· Hilary Dring will be licenced as a Diocesan Lay Reader

· Clodagh King will be commissioned as a Lay Local Minister (Pastoral)

24th Pageant/Drama 7:30pm in St Mary’s Church

26th Parish Gift Day 9:30/11am

Also two Speakers on Gender Based Violence (from

Cuanlee Refuge & OSS Cork Support Services) will be at the 11am Service to launch the exhibition ‘Souls of our Shoes’ which will run until Wednesday 29th.

There will be a Bring & Share Lunch in the Parish Hall. More details nearer the time.

29th Advent Zoom Bible Study 8pm ‘Song of Zechariah’

December

3rd Tractor Run

5th Movie Night ‘The Scarlet and the Black’ 7:30pm Parish Hall

6th Advent Zoom Bible Study 8pm ‘Song of Mary’

13th Advent Zoom Bible Study 8pm ‘Song of the Angels’

15th Community Carols in St Marys Church 7:30pm

15th to 17th Nativity Display in Parish Hall

(please contact the Rector if you would like your set to be part of the Display)

17th Nine Lessons & Carols 4pm St John’s Monkstown

20th Advent Zoom Bible Study 8pm ‘’Song of Simeon’