Lady Hermon speaks to CIMS, Flowers and history at Lisburn festival,The Centre for Celtic Spirituality, Service to comfort the bereaved
Lady Sylvia Hermon addresses Men’s Society
Members of the Church of Ireland Men’s Society (CIMS) recently attended a meeting hosted by Holywood branch (Down Diocese), at which the speaker was Lady Sylvia Hermon MP.
Lady Sylvia spoke of her upbringing with two sisters on a small Co Tyrone farm by her father following the death of her mother in a drowning accident.
Following graduation in law from Aberystwyth University she became a lecturer in ‘aw at Queen’s University, Belfast.
When she drafted an article alleging discrimination by the Chief Constable in refusing to allow women to be armed in the light of murders of many of their male colleagues, she was invited to Jack Hermon’s office where she learned this had been a government decision, rendering her article useless.
Jack Hermon was a widower, and it was not long before the growing friendship resulted in Sylvia becoming Lady Hermon.
At the meeting, members enquired about her views on Ian Paisley and past Labour party leaders. This proved to be an excellent evening, covering everything from rural life to Affairs of State.
Flowers and history at Lisburn festival
A flower festival and historical exhibition was held in St Mark’s Parish Church, Ballymacash, Lisburn (Connor), over the weekend of October 7–9.
The event celebrated the completion of the recent renovation scheme at the church and sought to engage with the local community which has been served by St Mark’s Church since 1892.
The opening service on Friday afternoon was attended by founder members and members of Ballymacash Flower Club. The special guests included Lisburn Mayor, Councillor Brian Heading, Alderman Paul Givan MLA and Alderman Jonathan Craig MLA.
The service was led by the rector, the Rev Canon George Irwin, assisted by the curate, the Rev Kenneth Gamble. The address was given by the renowned flower artist, the Very Rev William McMillan, MBE, who spoke of the desire to see the uncommon in the common and the intricate power of creation. Tim Howe presided at the organ and together with the choir, led the praise that included ‘All things bright and beautiful’ and ‘Now thank we all our God.’
The Centre for Celtic Spirituality, Armagh
There are three forthcoming events. On Saturday 29th October a Samhain Day Conference with the St. Bronagh’s School of Celtic Studies, will be held in Rostrevor.
Monday 21st November 2011 7:30p.m.
The launch of a new book by Rev’d. Grace Clunie, “SACRED LIVING: Practical Inspirations from Celtic Spirituality for the Contemporary Spiritual Journey” will take place in The Robinson Library Armagh. Published by Columba Press, Dublin.
On St Brigid’s Day – Wednesday 1st February 2012 at 7:30p.m.,
Dr Rachel Moss from Trinity College, Dublin will speak on “The Work of Angels: The Art of Early Christianity in Ireland” in Armagh Church of Ireland Cathedral.
Service to comfort the bereaved
There will be a special service of healing on Monday, October 31 at 8 pm. in St. Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, to comfort the bereaved and remember with gratitude those who have died.
Brother David Jardine, one of the organisers, says, “All of us know from our own family life that bereavement is a very difficult experience. Some people can take a very long time to get over it. What this service is hoping to achieve is to give people an opportunity to give thanks for the life of their loved one, and also to experience something of the comfort that faith in God can offer to us.
“The most recent family bereavement that I experienced was the death of my mother seven years ago. That was a major blow, but the support of other people and walking as close to God as I possibly could made a big difference at that time.”
Personal prayer for healing and a blessing with oil will be available in the service. There will also be a short act of remembrance to remember our loved ones.
The speaker on October 31 will be Canon David Brown from Knocknagoney.
You will be very welcome.For further information please contact Brother David Jardine, Tel: 028 9031 1532