Irish news digest June 18

The Hub in Ashford emerges from lockdown

Photo above – Volunteers Daphne Hall, Jane Hammond and Linda Franck at the reopening of The Hub following the Covid–19 shutdown.

The Hub in Ashford (Killiskey Parish) reopened for business on Monday June 15. While the news crews were out in force at the reopening of larger Dublin shopping centres, The Hub experienced a steady stream of customers but no queues.

The Hub is a social enterprise operated by Nun’s Cross Church and run by local volunteers for the whole community. The charity shop supports the parish but the community element of the venture is extremely important in combatting loneliness and isolation. People may drop in to see what is for sale but they linger to chat to the volunteers – this social aspect is more valuable now than ever.

The manager, Lesley Rue, said it was great to welcome people back and she and The Hub volunteers were delighted to see people out and about again. They have taken measures to ensure that social distancing is maintained and regular cleaning takes place.

The Revd Earl Storey Appointed Chaplain to the Defence Forces

The Revd Earl Storey has been appointed as Part–time Church of Ireland Chaplain to the Defence Forces. Earl was nominated by Archbishop Michael Jackson and the nomination was accepted by the Minister with responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe TD.

Based at the Defence Forces Training Centre at the Curragh, County Kildare, the appointment comes into effect on July 1 2020. Earl succeeds the Revd Fran Grasham who was appointed to a parochial post in April.

Announcing the appointment this week, Archbishop Jackson said: “I am very pleased to announce that the Minister with responsibility for Defence Paul Kehoe has appointed the Revd Earl Storey to the position of Part–time Church of Ireland Chaplain to the Defence Forces. Earl brings many gifts to the position and I wish him everything that is best in the team ministry of chaplaincy on which he now embarks. I also want to acknowledge the work Fran has done throughout her tenure”.

Mr Storey added: “I am very much looking forward to beginning a new role as Church of Ireland chaplain to the Irish Defence Forces. As a qualified coach and with an interest in pastoral ministry it presents a very interesting new ministry opportunity for me, and I appreciate the appointment by Archbishop Jackson”.

Clonard Solemn online Novena is for the whole family

The Clonard Solemn online Novena is for the whole family and community, young and old – for those who believe and those who doubt – for those who are rejoicing and those who are struggling – for those who despair and those who hope. Everyone is Welcome to join via webcam.

No significant increase in support for Irish unity – study

Joint study by Queens-Ulster University shows “no significant increase in support for Irish unity.” 1,200 face to face interviews from Sept2019-Feb2020.

▫️23% Nationalist 🔺2%
▫️33% Unionist 🔺7%
▫️39% Neither 🔻10%

▫️22% Unity
▫️44% Devolution within UK
▫️16% Direct Rule

Christian Aid radio in corona awareness raising in Malawi

One way Christian Aid has helped raise awareness of #coronavirus in northern Malawi is by teaming up with two radio stations to share information on how to reduce the spread & report suspected cases. The shows have been a hit with many listeners calling in to ask questions

July/August 2020 double issue of Intercom is out

The July/August 2020 double issue of Intercom is out now! Click the link to download the magazine in full:
[[] https://www.intercommagazine.ie/july-august-intercom-2020-download/ ]

Food for thought

Points for Prayer

Even though it’s not so easy to be with each other at the moment, we thank God that there are still ways we can connect and serve him together as we reach out with hope and practical care to those who are in need.

A fifth of the people CAP (christians against poverty) helps have no access to the internet at home or on their phones. CAP especially concerned about them at the moment. Please remember them when you are praying fro and reaching out to your neighbours.

God in Creation