The Lion M AGAZINE OF S T M ARK ’ S , D UNDELA D E CE M B E R 2015/J A N U A R Y 2016

Diocese of Down & Dromore  Church of Ireland  Anglican Communion dundela.down.anglican.org Parish Office: Heyn Hall, 2 Sydenham Avenue, Belfast, BT4 2DR T: 028 9065 4090  E: [email protected] (Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 1.00pm) RECTOR: Vacant from 6th December CURATE-ASSISTANT: Revd Lynne Gibson, St Mark’s Curatage, 29 Marmont Park BT4 2GR T: 028 9076 1967  E: [email protected] HON. ASSISTANT PRIEST: Revd Ivan Betts, 56 Norwood Drive, BT4 2EB T: 028 9065 0723 EMERITUS DIOCESAN READER: Miss Joan Frame,12 Kinedar Crescent, BT4 3LY T:028 9065 3979 ORGANIST & CHOIRMASTER: Mr Peter D Hunter, 6b Old Quay Ct, Holywood, BT18 OHT T: 028 9042 2048 HONORARY ORGANIST: Mr W Adair, L.T.C.L., 9 Cairnburn Park, BT4 2HX T: 028 9076 3603 PARISH ADMINISTRATOR: Mrs Linda Nicholson (contact at Parish Office) SEXTON: Mr Richard Lyons (contact at Parish Office) HONORARY SECRETARY: Mrs Lynn Wilson, 123a Sydenham Ave BT4 2DP T: 028 9065 6145 HONORARY TREASURER: Mr Peter S F Bayliss, 4 Norwood Court BT4 2ES T: 028 9076 3415 RECTOR’S CHURCHWARDEN: Dr Steven Wilson, T: 028 9065 4090 PEOPLE’S CHURCHWARDEN: Mr Robert Ringrow, T: 028 9059 7841 RECTOR’S GLEBEWARDEN: Mr Ossie Black, T: 028 9065 4090 PEOPLE’S GLEBEWARDEN: Mr Harry Whiteside, T: 028 9029 5908 HONORARY VERGER: Mr Harry Whiteside, T: 028 9029 5908 FWO RECORDER: Mr Max Livingstone, 24 Wanstead Road BT16 2EJ, T: 028 9048 2719 GIFT AID SECRETARY: (contact Parish Office ) BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP: Miss Joan O M Frame, T: 028 9065 3979 LION MAGAZINE EDITOR: Mr Frank Craig, 22 Wanstead Ave, BT16 2EU, T: 028 9029 4455 LION MAGAZINE TREASURER: Mrs Yvonne McMaster, 35 Demesne Road, BT18 9NB T: 028 9042 2836 HEYN HALL MANAGEMENT: Mrs Sally Pitt, T: 02890 768624

SAFEGUARDING TRUST PARISH PANEL Revd M Harvey T: 9048 0834 Mrs L Donaldson T: 9065 4866 Mr M Newman T: 9065 9719

Funny how we depend on something and when it goes wrong, it can seem to have a serious impact on your life. It can be work, family, friends, weather, or you have burnt the soup in your new saucepan. Please note I did not mention the computer, this necessary part of so many people’s lives can really upset your day. This is a warning to everyone who depends on this device that can create pleasure and difficulty. Last Friday I received a message on my screen from “Microsoft” to say my computer was compromised and to ring a number for technical help. Doing this I was connected to a charming young man who guided me through all types of tests, and then asked for my Bank Account details. Yes, a scam. Luckily I did not part with information, but my computer was away for a week to be “de-bugged”. Came back yesterday and now my E-Mail is compromised, or so Virgin Media tell me. Please be careful with your personal information. This Edition of the magazine will cover December and January, end of the year and start of the new one. My thanks to all who contribute, in any way whatsoever to “The Lion”. By the time you read this the Craft Fair will be done and dusted. I am sure we all hope it has been a success, so much hard work by dedicated members of the Parish. Editor...

Articles for the February 2016 edition of ‘The Lion’ should be with the Parish Office by Wednesday 20 January 2016

I can’t quite believe I’m writing my final letter for ‘The Lion’. Such tasks always evoke mixed feelings, as we are contemplating the exciting new start and fresh opportunities that lie ahead of us in Downpatrick, while at the same time reflecting on those things we will miss from ministry here in St Mark’s. There is also, of course, the inevitable requirement to thank many people – and I am worried that such a list will have omissions. It has been a blessing to come alongside so many dedicated and talented people in St Mark’s. Having been ‘on my own’ in my last Parish, hearing another preacher every week has been wonderful, especially when that preacher is someone as conscientious as the Revd Lynne Gibson. Peter Hunter’s dedication to choral worship both here in St Mark’s and across the wider Church has also been wonderful to share, even a little. Churchwardens (all of whom I won’t name) …they have the biggest job to deal with insofar as they cope with the clergy’s demands week on week…and those who served alongside them on various iterations of the Select Vestry are also worthy of mention, not least Lynn Wilson and Peter Bayliss as Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer. I will single out Harry Whiteside for his dedication as Verger – and there are times of the year when we look to Harry for the big services as the only one who really knows what’s going on! The ‘backroom staff’ of St Mark’s are often named but not necessarily known to many Parishioners. I have come to appreciate the significant role they play in the life of St Mark’s. Richard and Kathy both put far more work in than their contracted hours as they maintain our facilities and Linda Nicholson is utterly loyal, dedicated and capable. She is a valued source of advice to me and a most understanding ‘sounding board’.

I’ve been wondering for the past few weeks what I might list as some personal highlights of my time here in St Mark’s. Some of these are closely connected with our CS Lewis legacy – the 1000+ people who came through our ‘Narnia Experience’ in 2013, which was also the year I was proud to take part in a Special Service in Westminster Abbey dedicating a memorial to CS Lewis. I’ve also enjoyed our three series of Lent Suppers, mostly for the speakers but also for the food and fellowship – especially as we came to be joined by friends from Belmont Presbyterian. That Belmont Presbyterian link also manifested itself most successfully during our Summer Holiday Clubs. The fraternity of support from fellow church leaders in the area has been very important. The greatest highlights for me, though, have been those occasions when I have been privileged to witness people grow in their Christian walk. Some of the testimonies from the Alpha Course come into this category. Likewise, I have heard from people who recently or over many years have found something special in the worship in St Mark’s which has drawn them in – sometimes it is through music, sometimes through the peacefulness of an early service and sometimes through the more in depth teaching at the 1202. Perhaps the single most life changing experience for me came this past Summer as Anne and I were blessed to travel with three other Parishioners (Lesley Burton, Lynn and Gemma Wilson). This was the next step of a long partnership between St Mark’s and the UDP. Seeing that partnership in action was a profound experience for all of us, and it is my prayer that the relationship that has existed for twenty years will be bolstered and developed in the years to come. The members of that team have become lifelong friends – of that I have no doubt. This is the first post I have had since ordination that I have ‘shared’, inasmuch as soon after I was instituted I married Anne. I cannot emphasise strongly enough how important she is to me in every way, but especially as a support in ministry. Thank you is not a worthy phrase to express what I owe to her, and how grateful I am that God brought her into my life. We look forward to the next phase, but Strandtown and

Dundela will always be where we spent those formative years of our married life. I want to wish you as parishioners the best for the future. I have been very moved by the good wishes offered by so many of you, and the assurance of prayer in our new ministry. Be assured of my prayers for you as we go forward not necessarily in the same place but together as part of the Holy Catholic Church. Be blessed

New Canon for St Anne’s Congratulations to former St Mark’s Curate Michael Parker on his appointment as a Canon of St Anne’s Cathedral. He is pictured here with the Dean of Belfast, the Very Revd John Mann. This article is from the Diocesan Website: The Rev Michael Parker, rector of Carnalea, Diocese of Down and Dromore, was installed as a Canon of St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, on Sunday November 15. Canon Parker was installed by the Dean of Belfast, the Very Rev John Mann. Cathedral registrar, Mr Michael Robinson, was present to read the mandate, and the new Canon was presented by fellow Canon Ronnie Nesbitt. There was a congregation of around 160 for this afternoon service. The Cathedral choir changed the anthem as a gesture of respect in the wake

of the suffering and death in Paris on the previous Friday night to a part of Faure’s Requiem, singing the beautiful, quiet and poignant Agnes Dei. The Bishop of Down and Dromore, the Rt Rev Harold Miller, was present to witness one of his clergy becoming a Canon and the Bishop gave the blessing at the end. Family, friends and parishioners enjoyed tea after the service. Canon Parker was ordained deacon in 1996 and following a four year curacy in St Mark’s Dundela, became incumbent of St Gall’s, Carnalea, where he has ministered for 15 years. He is also a member of the Board of Christian Aid Ireland and, speaking before his installation, said he was looking forward to the ‘privilege’ of joining Black Santa on the steps of St Anne’s.

THANK YOU! May we take this opportunity to thank all our parishioners who helped in so many ways to prepare for and deliver another very successful craft fair this year. We had around six hundred and fifty visitors to the halls on Saturday 21 November and another sixty or so attending as stallholders. Everyone did a wonderful job of creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, despite the chilly day outside, and special thanks goes to the team which set up in the early morning and pulled off a speedy clear up at the end of a long day. May we also remind all our lovely bakers to collect your cake boxes from the halls as soon as possible. At time of going to print, we believe the proceeds which will go to Church funds, will be around £5000, a wonderful result and a great team effort of which we should all be proud. Thank you all!

HOLY BAPTISMS Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me” (Mark 10:14) 1 November 2015 15 November 2015

Katherine Jane Bass Sharon Barry

CHRISTIAN BURIALS “I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord” (John 11:25) 27 October 2015 6 November 2015 13 November 2015

Evelyn Griffith late of Cherryvalley Clinic. Belfast. Elizabeth Jane (Elsie) Caven late of 140 Holywood Road, Belfast David Duncan Willis late of 19 Victoria Drive, Belfast

COUNT ROTA COLLECTION COUNT ROTA DECEMBER 2015 Convenor John Emerson

Counters Walter Christie George Treanor Edna Dowling

COLLECTION COUNT ROTA JANUARY 2016 Convenor Lionel Clark

Counters Paul Johnston Tom MacHenry Clifford Bennett

FLOODLIGHTING Donation for church floodlighting gratefully received from: December 2015 6

Mrs L Wilson of 123A Sydenham Avenue in memory of her mother Mrs Heather Thompson

13

Joanne Hughes and Sharon Williams in loving memory of Bob & Helen Williams

20

Mrs Betty Little of 14 Belmont Grange in memory of her parents and husband

27

Joanne Hughes and Sharon Williams in loving memory of Bob & Helen Williams

27

Mrs J Parrock of 10 Finchley Gardens in loving memory

January 2016 3

Mrs L MacHenry & Watson family of 24 Ashbrook Drive in memory of Fred Watson

10

Mr Bob Brooks of 32 Inverary Fold in memory of Mrs Mona Brooks

17

Mrs Grindle of 37 Cairnburn Crescent in memory of parents

17

Mr Peter Gilbert of 18 Norwood Drive in loving memory of parents Victor and Florence

24

Mr and Mrs B Symmons, in loving memory of Bryan & Frances Rutter

Final details of service arrangements during the vacancy are still being confirmed with the Area Dean who has overall responsibility for such arrangements. Therefore, some of the details on these pages are subject to change, and will be announced accordingly in the Church News. Sunday 6 Second Sunday of Advent 8.30am Holy Communion 1 10.30am Confirmation 6.30pm Holy Communion 2 & Ministry of Healing Wednesday 9 11.00am Holy Communion 1 7.30pm Advent Meditation Sunday 13 Third Sunday of Advent 8.30am Holy Communion 2 10.30am Morning Prayer 1 12.02pm Contemporary Service in the Heyn Hall 6.30pm Compline Wednesday 16 11.00am Holy Communion 1 7.30pm Advent Meditation Sunday 20 Fourth Sunday of Advent 8.30am Holy Communion 1 10.30am Family Parish Communion (First Holy Communion for those recently confirmed) 6.30pm Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols followed by seasonal refreshments in the Heyn Hall Wednesday 23 11.00am Holy Communion 1 7.30pm Advent Meditation Thursday 24 Christmas Eve 11.30pm The First Eucharist of Christmas Friday 25 Christmas Day (The Nativity of Our Lord) 8.30am Holy Communion 2 with Hymns

10.30am Family Christingle Service Sunday 27 The First Sunday of Christmas 8.30am Holy Communion 2 10.30am Morning Prayer with Holy Baptism 6.30pm Compline Wednesday 30 11.00am Holy Communion 7.30pm Late Evening Office with intercessions for the sick

Sunday 3 January 2016 Second Sunday of Christmas: Epiphany (trn) 8.30am Holy Communion 1 10.30am Family Service 6.30pm Holy Communion 2 & Ministry of Healing Wednesday 6 11.00am Holy Communion 7.30pm Late Evening Office with intercessions for the sick Sunday 10 First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of our Lord 8.30am Holy Communion 2 10.30am Morning Prayer 12.02pm Contemporary Service in the Heyn Hall 6.30pm Compline Wednesday 13 11.00am Holy Communion 1 7.30pm Late Evening Office with intercessions for the sick Sunday 17 Second Sunday after the Epiphany 8.30am Holy Communion 1 10.30am Parish Communion 6.30pm Evensong

Wednesday 20 11.00am Holy Communion 1 7.30pm Late Evening Office with intercessions for the sick

Sunday 24

Third Sunday after the Epiphany: The Conversion of Saint Paul 8.30am Holy Communion 2 10.30am Morning Prayer 1 12.02pm Contemporary Service in the Heyn Hall 6.30pm Compline Wednesday 28 11.00am Holy Communion 1 7.30pm Late Evening Office with intercessions for the sick Sunday 31 8.30am Holy Communion 2 10.30am Morning Prayer 1 12.02pm Contemporary Service in the Heyn Hall 6.30pm Compline

FOR THE PEACE OF THE WORLD Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed; Kindle, we pray thee, in every heart the true love of peace; and guide with thy pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquillity thy kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. DURING THE VACANCY OF A PARISH Almighty God, the giver of every good gift, look graciously, we beseech thee, on thy Church, and so guide with thy heavenly wisdom the minds of those to whom is committed the choice of a minister for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who shall feed thy flock according to thy will, and make ready a people acceptable unto thee; through Jesus Christ, thine only Son our Lord. THE ADVENT COLLECT Almighty God, Give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility; that on the last day when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

The Oxen by Thomas Hardy Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock. "Now they are all on their knees," An elder said as we sat in a flock By the embers in hearthside ease. We pictured the meek mild creatures where They dwelt in their strawy pen, Nor did it occur to one of us there To doubt they were kneeling then. So fair a fancy few would weave In these years! Yet, I feel, If someone said on Christmas Eve, "Come; see the oxen kneel "In the lonely barton by yonder coomb Our childhood used to know," I should go with him in the gloom, Hoping it might be so.

December 2015 6 Mrs J Parrock 10 Finchley Gardens In loving memory 13 Mrs Pauline Scott 64 Norwood Avenue In loving memory of Roy 20 CHRISTMAS FLOWERS 27 CHRISTMAS FLOWERS

January 2016 3

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS

10 Mr and Mrs M M Brown 7 Knocktern Gardens 17 Mr Bob Brooks 32 Inverary Fold In loving memory of my wife Mona 24 Mr D McCracken 58 Belmont Church Road In loving memory of my wife Eileen 31 Reid and Rae Rutherford and Janie, 21 Stormont Park In memory of our beloved daughter and sister, Claire

Margaret Grahame 9065 1580 POINSETTIAS AT CHRISTMAS Would you like to place a red poinsettia plant in Church in memory of a loved one at this special time of year? If so, please bring it to Church on Saturday 19 December, between 10 am and 12pm and it will be placed at the front of the Church.

Where has the scaffolding gone to? After almost two years of work in the baptistery area and with the lighting throughout the church repaired, we hope that the need for scaffolding within the building has come to an end. Brief details of the financial costs are as follows: Baptistery area Contractor 93760 Fees & Insurance 11840 105600 Less DOE & Lottery Grants 62100 Net cost to parish £ 43500 Electric lighting of church replaced and the fire hazard reduced. Total cost £9750. Thanks to Bequests, Donations and regular giving through Building Fund Envelopes etc., we have been able to cover the net cost of the work. There was also a need for external scaffolding at the tower, as following an inspection our lightning conductor had to be replaced at cost of just over £2000. Now we face a new problem or at least on an old one, lead on the roof on the North Side of the Church has been removed on three or four occasions lately. The PSNI and our Insurers will not be able to help us in future unless we protect the area of the building with CCTV cameras. Our Heritage Status means that any steps taken must meet their guidelines, and the cost of installation and the replacement of stolen lead will be in the region of £3000. Peter SF Bayliss Hon Treasurer

The Register of Vestrypersons will be opened as usual in January 2016 for amendments and new applications. May we remind you that, in order to be eligible to be added to or remain on the Register, you must be 18 years or over, and you must have contributed to parish funds in an 'identifiable' way in the previous 12 months. Parishioners may wish to ensure that they have made a contribution in 2015, either by Free Will Offering envelope, cheque or standing order, before 31 December 2015. One off gifts and contributions towards floodlighting are seen as eligible contributions, as well as regular giving, however cash donations to the collection plate, while welcome, are not 'identifiable'. Thank you.

from Lorna Symmons and Joan Eakin We had a Bric-a-brac sale at the November meeting, which was very successful. Thank you to everyone who contributed items and who purchased some. The Christmas Party is on Wednesday 9 December, 2.30 pm 4.00 pm. If you are able to join us we would appreciate a small gift for Santa's sack (up to £5 value). Looking forward to seeing everyone.

from Geraldine Whiteside We had a very informative afternoon, Tommy Allison From Diabetes U.K. opened our eyes to how common Diabetes is, especially Group 2, and how many people ignore the warning signs. Afterwards Tommy was presented with a cheque for Diabetes U.K., in memory of our past President, the late Mrs Pat Thompson, who was a great supporter of Diabetes. We thank Tommy for coming to our meeting. Later on that afternoon we were shocked to learn that Elsie Caven had died. Elsie who was a gentle and kind soul, will be missed. The Guild sends their sympathy to the Family circle. Next meeting – 7 December @ 2.30pm in the Parlour Christmas Party & Secret Santa with Flower arrangements by Johann Henderson (Please remember to bring along your Secret Santa gift. Maximum value £5) May we wish all our readers a Peaceful and Happy Christmas.

from Lynn Wilson Many thanks once again to everyone in the parish who supported this year’s shoebox appeal for Operation Christmas Child. We delivered forty boxes to Connsbrook Congregational church collection centre. This was a record number for St Mark’s, and perhaps the job was made a bit easier this year by the provision of the ready-made boxes. We will hear in due course the destination of the boxes, some of which it is hoped will go to children in refugee centres throughout Europe. Our December meeting will be on Wednesday 16 December, when we will attend the Advent Service at 7.30 pm followed by a Candlelight supper and hopefully some carol singing in the Parlour. The evening is open to any other ladies of the parish who would like to join us, and don’t forget your ‘Secret Santa’ present, (value up to £5) if you’d like to take home a little treat. We hope to have our programme for 2016 ready for distribution, and if you have not yet paid your subscription you can pass it to our treasurer, Ann Clark. Advance notice – Our January meeting on Wednesday 20th will be entitled, ‘A journey through blindness’ and we will be joined by Elaine Orwin and her guide dog Chaz. Elaine has been involved in the Talking Buses initiative, and as well as sharing her own experiences, she will give us a few tips on how we can offer help to those with a range of visual difficulties. We will finish the meeting with a short AGM to elect the committee for the coming year and agree the 2015 accounts. We would like to wish all our members, especially those who cannot always join us for meetings, a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

from Angela Kerr Wishing all St Mark’s Parishioners and their families a very happy Christmas!

Festive Salad Bag of mixed leaves (can substitute 1 head of chicory,1 fennel bulb and 100g bag of watercress) 6 or 8 clementine easily peel oranges 1 red onion cut in half and very finely sliced 200g feta cheese cut into small cubes Dressing : juice of 1 clementine, juice of 1 lemon, 4tablespoons light olive oil,1 teaspoon caster sugar, black pepper Peel clementines and slice horizontally Place slices of clementine around edges of individual plates. Put leaves in the middle and scatter the feta cheese over them. Whisk ingredients and drizzle over the salad. If using individual leaves halve, core and finely slice the fennel. Pull off chicory leaves. Wash watercress and drain well. Mix together.

Christmas Lunch Main Course Turkey still appears to be a favourite in most family households. Below is an idea to make it a little tastier! The whole bird, turkey crown (easy to slice) or breast fillets may be used. When preparing turkey either place few rashers of streaky bacon or pancetta on top. Stuffing : white breadcrumbs (4 slices pan ) small onion chopped finely , 2ozs /50g chopped dried apricots, few nuts of own choice ( finely chopped pecans or pistachios are tasty!) little chopped parsley , softened butter to mix and form into small balls. These can be wrapped in the bacon or pancetta ( secured with a cocktail stick) Bake on lined tray in oven 170 deg C for about 30 minutes. As turkey needs to rest the stuffing may be put in oven when turkey is removed from the oven. Cranberry sauce may be warmed slightly before serving. Hassleback potatoes are an alternative to goose fat roast potatoes.

To prepare them take medium size potatoes, peel and with sharp knife make narrow slits but do not cut completely through. Immerse in cold water until ready to cook. Dry and baste with melted butter, season and place in oven dish 200 deg C for about 35/40minutes. 10 minutes before the end a little grated cheddar cheese may be sprinkled over the potatoes to make them crispy.

Lemon and Apricot chiffon 1 packet of lemon jelly ¼ pint (150mls) boiling water 1 15oz(425g) can of apricot halves in syrup ½ pint (300ml) double cream Dissolve jelly in boiling water. Drain apricots and add syrup to jelly to make it ¾ pint (450ml). Chill until loosely set. Chop apricots into smaller pieces. Whip cream . Whisk jelly until foamy and then whisk in cream. Stir in chopped apricots. Turn into a small loaf tin and place in freezer (can be made at least one week ahead and defrosted before use (2 hrs room temp) It is easier to turn out onto serving plate before defrosting! Decorate sides with thin biscuits ie ginger thins or almond thins (available Tesco or often delicatessen shops). Use a little cream to press on to sides. Warm non-alcoholic punch! 1 litre of apple juice 500mls fresh orange juice (with bits!) 200mls water 50mls ginger cordial few cloves and 2 cinnamon sticks 1 dessertspoon of sugar 1 large orange sliced Place all ingredients in saucepan. Heat and simmer gently for about 10 minutes (do not boil). Cool slightly and strain into jug. Serve in warm glasses with a half a slice of orange. Spirits may be added for an extra kick!

from Billy Adair “Christmas comes but once a year, and when it comes, it brings good cheer” – and surely that good cheer is evidenced in the Christmas Hymns and Carols we sing. But there is an essential difference between a hymn and a carol. According to the Oxford Dictionary “a hymn is a song of praise to God in Christian worship”, and though the carol is also a joyful song of praise, it is founded on the dance. The word “carol” has a dancing origin, going back through the old French “caroler” and the Latin “choraula” to the Greek “choroules” and it once meant to dance in a ring. There are few hymns you would want to dance to! Carols are by no means confined to Christmas, but cover all the Seasons of the Church’s Year. They vary a lot: some are narrative, some dramatic, some personal and a few are secular, but the true carol is simple, fresh and folksy. Quite separately from the hymn the carol has a life and a history of its own. In the thirteenth century St Francis of Assisi introduced the crib at Christmas, and according to Paul Sabatier “was the precursor, if not the parent of the carol”. But not a single word or note of any of those early carols exist today. So it was two hundred years later that carols as we know them began to appear, and Professor Sainsbury says definitely that the oldest of our carols date from the fifteenth century. What a glorious flood we have had since then! Over the last half century I have written on all the well known carols, so here is one lesser known – “Born in the night” (No 150) – a mere fiftyseven years old. The Revd Geoffrey Singer (1925–) was minister of Loughton Methodist Church, Essex, when in 1958 he wrote the words of “Born in the night” for a Youth Club Nativity Play. It appeared in the Boys’ Brigade Hymn Book, and the tune was composed the following year. It was a deliberate attempt to apply the Christian Gospel to the modern way of living.

v1 Born in the night Mary's child, A long way from your home; Coming in need, Mary's child, Born in a borrowed room. It was quite a step from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the teenage Mary in her condition, and one can sense her relief when they reached Bethlehem, only to learn that “there was no room for them in the inn”. I feel sorry for the innkeeper. He had a full house of paying guests and he couldn’t put any of them out, yet he was faced with a weary pregnant girl, awaiting the birth at any moment. Bless him, he did the best he could : he made room for them, and the Saviour of the world was “born in the night, born in a borrowed room”. And the Babe, who had come from the realms of glory, was certainly “a long way from home”. v2 Clear shining Light, Mary's child, Your face lights up our way; Light of the world, Mary's child, Dawn on our darkened day. “Clear shining Light”: what a lovely title for God’s Son whose Presence changed the world for all time, and brought a Light of Truth to a darkened world, and to you and me. v3 Truth of our life, Mary's child, You tell us God is Good; Prove it is true, Mary's child. Go to your cross of wood. This sobering verse is a timely reminder of the Love of God, which transformed a shameful instrument of torture into a wondrous cross, and God’s Son was willing to die on that wooden cross to redeem mankind. That was the proof of Divine Love.

v4 Hope of the world, Mary's child, You’re coming soon to reign; King of the earth, Mary's child, Walk in our streets again. In this comprehensive carol we have the Birth, Life, Death and Second Coming of Jesus, Son of God, and Mary’s child. It strikes the right note of Christmas, but also leads us to think further beyond. Isn’t it comforting to know that there are still folk writing carols of this quality.

NI BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE Tuesday, 15 December 2015 Heyn Hall, 2 Sydenham Avenue Session Hours: 1.45pm-4.15pm & 5.30pm-8.00pm

Three pastors were having lunch in a diner. One said “You know, since summer started I’ve been having trouble with bats in my loft and attic at church. I’ve tried everything -- noise, spray, cats -- nothing seems to scare them away.” Another said ”Me too. I’ve got hundreds living in my belfry and in the narthex attic. I’ve even had the place fumigated, and they won’t go away.” The third said, “I baptized all mine, and made them members of the church. Haven’t seen one back since!”

The strongman at a circus squeezed the juice from a lemon between his hands. He then said to the audience, "I will offer £200 to anyone in the audience who can squeeze another drop from this lemon. A thin scholarly looking woman came forward, picked up the lemon, strained hard and managed to get a drop. The strongman was amazed. He paid the woman and asked, "What is the secret of your strength?" "Practice," the woman answered. "I was the treasurer of a Church for thirty-two years!

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 (KJV)

(in alphabetical order) Bell Ringers Brownies (ages 7 - 10) Choir Christian Aid Church of Ireland Gazette Cradle Roll Creative Stitching Group Evergreens Club

Monday 7.30 - 900pm Monday 6.30 - 8.00pm Thursday 7.30 - 9.00pm

Ms Gill Adair, T: 0781 7788673 Miss Heather McKaig, T: 9047 2319 Mr Peter Hunter, T: 9042 2048 Mrs Yvonne McMaster, T: 9042 2836 Mr Peter Moore, T: 9067 3216

2nd & 4th Tuesday, 7.30pm Mrs Lynn Wilson, T: 90656145 2nd Wednesday, 2.30 - 4.00pm Mrs Joan Eakin, T: 9076 8109 and Mrs Lorna Symmons, T: 9065 2777 Flower Guild Ms Margaret Grahame, T: 9065 1580 Guides Monday, 6.30 - 8.00pm Miss Lois Kennedy, Parish Office T: 9065 4090 Ladies’ Guild 1st Monday 2.30pm Secretary: Mrs Geraldine Whiteside, T: 9029 5908 Men’s Group as arranged Mothers’ Union 3rd Wednesday 8.00pm Secretary: Mrs Lynn Wilson, T: 9065 6145 Mums and Chums Wednesday 10.15 -11.45am Contact Parish Office, T: 9065 4090 (Parents and toddlers group) Rainbows (ages 4 - 7) Monday 5.15 - 6.15pm Mrs Heather Ellison, T: 9065 9278 Scottish Dancing Thursday as arranged Mr John Campbell, T: 9022 2949 St Mark's Players (Drama) as arranged Mrs Eileen Anghel, T: 9029 2830 Walking Group as arranged Ms Sarah Malcolmson, T: 0754 6568845

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Mrs Hannah Nelson, T: 9065 1916

The WARDROBE YOUTH ROOM Youth Fellowship as arranged (age 11-18)

Revd Lynne Gibson, T: 028 9076 1967

8.30am 10.30am

12.02pm 6.30pm

SUNDAYS WEEKDAYS Holy Communion (every Sunday) 11.00am Holy Communion (Wednesday) Family Service (1st Sunday) 7.30pm Healer Prayer Service (Wednesday) Parish Communion (3rd Sunday) Morning Prayer (2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays) Contemporary Service in the Heyn Hall Holy Communion & Ministry of Healing (1st Sunday) Compline (2nd Sunday) BY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE CLERGY Evensong (3rd Sunday) Holy Baptism  Holy Matrimony  Compline (4th Sunday) Visitation of the Sick at Home/in Hospital  Communion for the sick Spiritual Direction Christian Burial