In Touch
Harvest Edition
Christ Church, Bray
october 2014
CHRIST CHURCH – PARISH OF BRAY
Rector: Rev. Baden Stanley 0879484407
The Rectory, Church Road, Bray
t
Parish Office:
Tel / 2862968
e mail: [email protected]
website: www.christchurchbray.org
In Touch website: [email protected]
www.facebook.com/christchurchbray
Organist & Music Director: John Morris
Junior & Senior Choir Practice – Sunday mornings @ 9.45 – 10.45am.
Lay Minister: David Reynolds
Tots & Toys - Kirsty 087 2486368
Mothers’ Union Enrolling Member: Nicola Gray
Meets 2ndn Monday of the month in PLC @ 8 pm.
Hall Bookings –Parish Office
Bellringing David McNerney
& Jason Warnock
Revised Office Opening Hours
Tues, Wed and Thur
10.00am - 2.00pm
Sunday Rocks: Kirsty
Meets during services every Sunday except 4th Sunday
Sunday Services – 8.30 am. Holy Communion
11 am. Family Services:
st
1 and 3rd Sundays Holy Communion
2nd Sunday –Morning Prayer
FROM THE RECTORY
Thank you:
There are times when words never seem sufficient to express a
thought or emotion. These past five months have been a precious gift, both to me as
Rector and to us as a family. In June I celebrated 20 years as an ordained minister of
the Church of Ireland, and the Study Leave afforded a perfectly timed opportunity to
take stock of this remarkable journey God’s call to serve has led me on thus far. In
some ways this year marks a mid-way point in my ministry, though I plan to serve
much longer than the next 20 years. It is how that twenty years is lived and
experienced that became a secondary consideration during the time off. I have
promised not to start too many sermons or conversations with ‘when I was in Australia’
but while travelling down the east coast we spent a night in a campsite in Hervey Bay
so we could visit the phenomenal Fraser Island. In the campsite we met a remarkable
man named Brian who was one of the ‘grey nomads’, retired Aussies, who travel north
in the winter to the warmer climate. Brian was an amazing guy; 75, retired and so, so
active. He was fixing TV aerials for new arrivals, lending out stuff and making sure
everyone was ok for everything. It struck me as I chatted with him that in 30 years
time I will be 75 (DV) and I made a promise to myself that I would do everything
possible to ensure that I would have the same passion and enthusiasm for life that I
have now and that I had 20 years ago (and maybe even more) though I’m fairly sure I
won’t be as helpful as Brian in ‘hands-on’ things. His love of life was infectious.
There are many ways of saying thank you but I think coming to an awareness of this
opportunity and gift and resolving to treasure it is a deep thank you to each and every
one of you who made this time possible. Having said all this I do want to say particular
thanks to some of you (always a dangerous thing to try), to Kirsty, Shirley, John,
Nicola, the property team and many others who kept ‘the show on the road’ for the past
5 months. Special thanks to Hilary (and Harry) for Sunday service cover, to Canon
Fred Appelbe for supporting pastoral cover and for setting the bar so high with 50
minute Select Vestry Meetings (just to be clear, we have no hope in attaining that
timeline in September’s meeting when I’m back!). The greatest expression of thanks I
can give to David Reynolds, without whom the Study Leave could not have succeeded,
is to use the theme he mentioned in his May letter, that the Study Leave must not be
like ‘treading water while in our pyjamas’. David has ensured these past five months
have not been about keeping everything ticking over, as steward of the Parish he has
ensured that innovation, opportunity and growth have been at the forefront for all of
this and so much more. Thank-you David.
Wunderland update:
Yes, I know Wunderland is normally spelt with an ‘o’, not a ‘u’ but there are really
good reasons why the series of children’s books I have been working on since Easter
are called ‘Wunderland’. I wrote the first two books in 2002 and 2003 while I was on
extended sick leave. Over the years I never seemed to get the time or head space to do
much with them. Since September 2013 I have been reading these two books to some
of the students in St. Andrew’s National School, and the reaction has been very
positive. The Study Leave has allowed me to focus on preparing these for publication,
but also to work on other books in the series. While in Australia I began work on Book
3, but quickly was inspired to write the final book in the series, which I completed at
the end of August. The beauty of this approach is that I now know where certain
characters and storylines need to get to. My wife, Avril, and Darren Nesbitt are
working on character design and illustration, others on the technical side and the plan is
(DV) to produce the first book in Autumn 2015, whether this is in paper form or
electronic format is still under consideration. I am strongly leaning towards the books
being initially published in ‘App’ form for all platforms but the detail is still being
worked out – for now this brief report is to let you know that the Study Leave has
allowed me to make significant progress in clarifying how best to proceed over the next
4-5 years as the series progresses.
One last thought for now; the success of our Narnia and Remembrance Exhibitions has
been the coming together of a community to make something very special emerge.
Over the coming weeks I hope to take a similar approach to the ‘Wunderland’
opportunity.
Looking ahead:
Momentum for a new series of activities is picking up; the organ restoration work
continues, the Remembrance Exhibition and Flower Festival (Christmas 1914) from the
7th to the 11th November, and, dare I say it, the Christmas concerts and services ensure
the next few months will be busy, but fun as well. Watch this space.
Golf Classic:
It was great that my return to full parish ministry coincided with the Parish Golf
Classic. I made my way to Bray Golf Club for 12.45pm to see everyone before they
headed out. Jim and Stephen, old hands at this, had it all sorted and teams were picking
up their score sheets, goodie bags (including lunch) and handing in their cheques. It
looked easy so, when Jim and Stephen stepped out for two minutes to sort out
something, I confidently took charge. Two minutes later there was complete chaos.
What looked easy to those well experienced, was beyond my ability. It was a timely
reminder that we mustn’t take for granted the skills and commitment of those who
serve the parish in running fundraising events, no matter how easy they make it look.
That evening we enjoyed a great meal, camaraderie and loads of chat and craic - a
wonderful day that raised €10k for the Organ Fund. It is notable that the Golf Classic
has moved from being a ‘parish event’ to being an event for the parish. We have a lot
of parishioners and their families who love the game of golf and yet, apart from a
faithful few, the vast majority of supporters and participants come from outside the
parish community. So stick it in your diary now, there will be a PARISH Golf Classic
next September and your support and participation will be greatly appreciated.
Note re Confirmation 2015:
Kirsty is outlining the dates of meetings and classes for next year’s Confirmation
Service. As yet we haven’t received a date from the Archbishop for the service but we
will begin classes in October. There has been an emerging consensus in the local
parishes that the best age for taking Confirmation is when in secondary school. In recent
years we have included some in 6th class, especially when they want to share in
communion with their new classmates in Secondary School. However, there is much to
be said for holding off on Confirmation until later, especially as the transition to a new
school, and a move from being the senior class to being the junior one can lead to loads
of questions and opportunities. Please contact either myself or Kirsty as soon as possible
if you are interested in being confirmed in the spring of next year.
St. Andrew’s National School:
Important notice – If you have a child due to start primary school in September 2015 it is
essential that you send an ‘Intention to Apply’ form to the school before the 10th October.
With over 150 applying for 30 places each year it is vital you do this on time and that
you read all the forms and documents carefully.
Evening Services:
Over the summer David ran short evening services which attracted small but faithful
numbers. Given that one of the motivations behind this initiative was the difficulty some
of our families have in getting to Church on Sunday morning with sporting
commitments, we are exploring this a bit further. We are proposing to hold evening
worship on Sunday evenings in October, November, February, March, May and June.
These will be held at 7.30pm and will encompass a variety of styles - said Traditional,
contemporary worship and even discussion time (to overlap with our Boulder’s
discussion group last year). Details will become clearer in the coming weeks but for now
please mark the 7.30pm services in your diary for the months listed above.
Remembrance Flower Festival and Exhibition:
Over twelve months ago I mentioned in a sermon that we were entering a 10 period of
significant centenary’s (WW1; 1913 lock out; Ulster Covenant, etc.). It has been really
heartening to see parishes, cathedrals and various communities marking the beginning of
WW1 one hundred years ago in a dignified, non-triumphal way. At that time we set in
motion plans that will culminate next month with the Christmas 1914 Flower Festival
and Exhibition in Christ Church Bray. For those of you not familiar with the story: The
expectation on both sides of the war was that they would be victorious; that they would
defeat the other swiftly and would be ‘home by Christmas’. And yet as the skies
darkened on Christmas Eve the horrible reality was sinking in; on each side of the deeply
dug trenches, this was going to be a long war. As midnight approached, near Ypres, a
German soldier started to sing ‘Stille Nacht’ (Silent Night). Soon, all along the front
line, soldiers on both sides were singing this beautiful Christmas Carol in their own
language. As Christmas morning dawned, a strange spirit of peace pervaded and slowly
soldiers emerged from their trenches and greeted one another, exchanged cigarettes and
showed each other photos of their families. A football match took place between British
and German soldiers (the Germans won 3:2). The next day again the troops met in no
man’s land but the hierarchy were unhappy about this entente and warning artillery
shots were fired overhead; there was a war to get back to. A year later, with so much
blood-shed on each side, there was no peace for Christmas, no football match, no
silent night.
In flowers, photos memorabilia and story boards we will depict aspects of this historic
Christmas. On Friday, 7th November at 8pm we will hold a Remembrance Concert
with Bray Concert Band, poems and stories and letters from the trenches. The
Exhibition itself will run from 10am- 1pm and 2.00pm-4.00pm Friday to Tuesday.
More details next month but make sure to come and bring your friends.
Baden
Catherine Boyd and her mother,
Kay who celebrated her 100th
birthday earlier this summer.
Lily Warner at her Christening in
August
St Andrew’s School
Applications for enrolment of pupils in our Junior Infant class will close on 10th October 2014.It is essential that completed "Intention to Apply " forms reach the school by this
date. After this date we will send detailed application forms to those who have duly filled in
these forms. Places are allocated in accordance with the schools enrolment policy which
will be forwarded along with the" Application" forms.
Preference is given to the children of active members in the three trustee churches with remaining places being allocated to brothers and sisters of pupils already attending St Andrew's. There are always many more applicants than there are places available.
As no late applications can be considered,please ensure that "Intention to Apply" forms
reach us by 10th October 2014 .Please don't hesitate to contact the school office with any
queries.
Peter McCrodden Principal
What: Parents and Toddlers Group
Where: PLC (Behind Christ Church)
When: Tuesday mornings
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Cost: €2:00 per family
Come and join us for a chat and coffee while the tots have
a chance to play in a safe environment
Bi Annual Golf
Classic
Bray Golf Club
Don’t forget the Mars Bars……..
4 bottles of water, 4 packets of crisps,4 apples,4
beautifully homemade ham and cheese rolls (Stephen) ,
2 snickers and finally 2 Mars bars , that is how the day
started out in Stephen & Alison’s kitchen.
Then it was up to the golf course with all the goodie
bags, boxes of wine, raffle prizes and the hand craft
ed main prize sourced in Donegal.
We had 18 teams taking part, the weather once again was glorious and Bray golf
course was in top condition. The gap between 1st and 5th was very tight with the team from
Killarney Telecom coming out on top, well done to them.
Everyone sat down to a beautiful meal and it was nice to see some local supporters from
the Parish dropping in to join in the fun.
We received great support from the local and not so local businesses. Centra store deserve particular mention for all the ‘goodie bags’ that really does help our bottom line.
When all funds come in we expect to achieve almost €10,000 for the organ fund.
Thanks again to all who supported us,
.Stephen & Jim
Congratulations and thanks to
the organising group!!
Winners:
Killarney Telecom
THESE SPONSORS HELPED
THE PARISH—SO WHERE
POSSIBLE GIVE THEM YOUR
SUPPORT!
Neville Murphy & Co. Solicitors, Bray
Kinvara House Nursing Home, Bray
Wicklow Memorials, Laragh
Humphrey Lynch, Ballymakeera Ltd.
Mermaid Florists, Bray
Albert Hill
Roseville Nursing Home, Bray
DM MORRIS
John Leeson
Natasha Shanks Boomerang Clinic
Mount Jerome Crematorium Ltd.
Gerard T. Murphy & Co.
Chartered Accountants
George White Plant Hire
Graham Doyle Monumental Mason
HJ Byrne Auctioneers, Bray
Alan Mulligan
Christie & Co Solicitors
Bank of Ireland
Ian Duggan of 4SITE
Jim Sheehan
SURECOM NETWORK SOLUTIONS
Colliers Funeral Services
VILICOM
Ken Naughton of PRIMELINE VNE
Colin Cunningham of TAMCO
Mark Foran of GLENLINE
Derek Wilkinson Cars
Kealan Delaney of DELMEC ENGINEERING
Sean McGrath of M.J. McGRATH Electrical
Contractors
Paul Collins
Stephen O’Brien of Obelisk Communications
JB Tough Dental
Alan Hanamy of KTL
Stephen O’Brien of Focus +
John Clarke of RTE NL
Hill’s Garage Greystones
Mobility Bathrooms
Long & Anne Dixon
Tommy Mason
Tom Farrell of KN Networks
CENTRA Bray, Greystones & Ballybrack
Sunday Rocks continues to meet on Sunday Mornings during the 11am service.
When we go to the PLC we have a short Together Time where we celebrate our
Birthdays, put our collection into Piggy Bank (this year we are collecting the money
for the team to take to Kenya, to present to Bishop Gaddiel) as well as showing off
our memory skills with our memory verse from the week before. We then split into
our three classes – Pebbles (4 years and up), Rocks (1st – 4th Class) and Boulders
(5th class and older). In our classes we spend time looking at Bible stories, what we
can learn from them and how we can relate to them. When the members of the junior choir return to church we all gather again for a game or a song and prayer time.
We would love to see more members joining us in Sunday Rocks – if you would like
to come along please let any of our teachers know.
We are looking forward to taking part in the Harvest celebrations and continuing to
work through our new books.
God bless
The Sunday Rocks Team
Messy Church will be back on Sunday 12th October from
3:00pm – 4:30pm in St. Andrews National School. We
will be celebrating a Messy Harvest and thanking God
for all He provides us with. We look forward to seeing
you all then. All children must be accompanied by an
adult.
Anois 2015 – We are hoping to go to Anois from Saturday 25th October – Monday 27th October. This is a
chance for us to get together with other youth groups
from across Ireland for worship, teaching, prayers and
lots of fun. Anois is for anyone aged 13 – 19. For more
information and consent form please see Kirsty or
check www.ciyd.org/events/anois
Confirmation 2015 –
We will be starting our Confirmation preparation on Sunday 12th October, after
the 11am service with a short parents and candidates meeting. During this
time we will explain what is involved in the preparation for confirmation and fill
in all the paperwork needed. This year Confirmation will be open to anyone in
secondary school and older, this is to come in line with changes that are happening throughout the Rural Deanery. If you or your young person is interested in Confirmation please let Kirsty or Baden know. Likewise if you have
any questions do not hesitate to get in touch.
Confirmation Date is the 8th March 2015
News from the Shack…
Saturday Night @ The Shack is back and if possible is louder than ever!
We have a packed programme between now and Christmas with lots of fun
events to look forward to including Movie Nights, a PJ party and many
more. We would love to see you come along to youth club if you are in 1st –
6th class (from 6:15pm – 7:15pm) or secondary school (7:30pm – 9:00pm).
If you want more information get in touch with Kirsty.
October Activities
1st – 6th class:
4th October – Pizza
11th October – Bowling
18th October – Fancy Dress
25th October – Half Term
Secondary School:
4th October – You Tube
11th October – Bowling
18th October – Chill Out
25th October - Anois
Late Night @ The Shack will be returning on Saturday 18th October from
9:00pm – 10:00pm for anyone in Second year or older.
KIRSTY
HARVEST PREPARATIONS
Take note - real Irish
Grapes!
TRADITIONAL HARVEST HYMN
We plough the fields, and scatter
The good seed on the land,
But it is fed and watered
By God’s almighty hand;
He sends the snow in winter,
The warmth to swell the grain,
The breezes, and the sunshine,
And soft refreshing rain:
All good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above,
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,
For all his love.
First verse of the favourite Harvest Hymn from the german of Matthias
Claudius 1782
Translated by Jane Montgomery-Campbell 1861.
Bray Mothers’ Union
Hello Everyone,
We shared a reflective Holy Communion together on Monday 8th September-thank
you Rev Hilary for your thoughtful sermon on the life of Peter’s mother-in-law
Sarah. We thank you John for the music. We had a tasty supper and a good chat
afterwards.
On Tuesday Esther carried the Bray banner in the Diocesan service in
Christchurch Cathedral. This was another wonderful service.
Our next meeting will be on Monday 13th October at 8pm in the PLC when you will
be very welcome to hear a speaker from MABS speaking about debt.
Carol
Church of Ireland Historical Centenaries Working Group
‘Ethics of War’
Lecture by Professor Nigel Biggar
Response by Professor Keith Jeffery
Discussion chaired by Dr John Bowman
Marking the Centenary of the outbreak of the First World War
Music Room, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin,
19th November 2014, 7.30pm
You are invited to hear leading speakers on the subject of War in history
at an open event on the theme of ‘The Ethics of War’ in the Music Room
of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin at 7.30pm on Wednesday 19 November 2014.
Professor Nigel Biggar of the University of Oxford will speak on the
theme based on his recent book In Defence of War, to which Professor
Keith Jeffrey of Queen’s University, Belfast will respond referring to his
recent historical research. The event will be chaired by Dr John Bowman
who will open up debate and discussion to the audience.
Organised by the Church of Ireland’s Historical Centenaries Working
Group as a contribution to the commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, the event complements
the ‘Lives Remembered’ exhibition and programme at St Patrick’s Cathedral,
Dublin.
Other Events & Announcements
BRAY CUALANN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The life and career of one of the leaders of the 1916 Rising is the
subject for the Thursday October 16th meeting of the Bray Cualann
Historical Society at which author and historian Hen Litton will present
her talk at 8 p.m. on ‘ Commdt Edward Daly: The Man after Whom Bray Railway
Station is Named ‘ in Bray Chamber of Commerce House, 10 Prince of
Wales Tce., 10 Prince of Wales Tce, Quinsboro Road, Bray.
“Does your spouse have dementia? We are carrying out research looking to gain an
insight into the health and wellbeing of those who live with someone who has
dementia. For more information about taking part please contact Alan Galvin or Dr
Maria Pertl at Trinity College on 01 896 8414”
BRAY LIONS CLUB SEEKS YOUNG AMBASSADOR
Bray Lions Club has begun its search for a Young Ambassador who will
represent the club in an international competition.
The Lions European Young Ambassador programme rewards young people
(aged under 19 on 30th. June 2015), who are making a contribution to their local
community through voluntary work, sporting activity or good citizenship.
Young people who wish to participate should contact Frank Corr, Bray Lions
Club on 086-8274710 or at [email protected]
Free Home Insulation
If you are a homeowner living in Co.Wicklow on a low income, you may qualify to get
your home insulated free of charge. To qualify for the scheme you must be a owner
occupier and in receipt of either Job Seekers Allowance for more than six months with
a child aged under seven, Fuel Allowance or Family Income Supplement. Further
information available from the Warmer Homes Team at 012866080”
Don’t Forget
Copy for the
November Issue to be in by
Monday 21st Oct 2014.
DEREK WILKINSON CARS
MAIN
DEALER
We supply all makes of New & Used Cars and Vans at very
competitive prices
Open Monday - Friday 9 - 6
Saturday 10 - 1
Sales – Service – Parts
Quality Used Cars – Finance Arranged
Telephone: 286 9520 / 286 9521 Killarney Road,
Bray
In Ladies workout Express
our club has no joining fee
We have fabulous facilities
Amazing classes with remarkable results.
Call to 4 Castle Street or 01-2828707
Diane: 087- 2101226 , Breda: 085- 8207225
Dates for your Diary..
OCTOBER
Sun 5th October
Sun 12th October
Sun 19th October
Sun 26th October
8.30am Holy Communion 1; 11.00am Holy Communion 2.
8.30am Holy Communion 2; 11.00am Morning Prayer.
8.30am Holy Communion 1; 11.00am Holy Communion 2.
8.30am Holy Communion 2; 11.00am Family Service.
Short Evening Services at 7.30pm every Sunday in October and November.
Lay Ministry/Readership Enquirers’ Day (for both Parish and Diocesan Lay Ministries) will be held on Saturday 4th October.
Anybody who may be interested in exploring a call to either of these ministries,
please get them to contact either Uta Raab ([email protected] or 086 3537670)
or myself ([email protected] or 086 3021376).