360 Miscellany

News and views

Photo above – Canon Robert Warren, Archbishop Michael Jackson, the Revd Christopher West and the Revd Nigel Pierpoint.

C of I ordinations

Dublin & Glendalough – “Carry the baton of ministry with pride, integrity and faithfulness as the church, society and the world unfolds before you.” This was the advice given to the Revd Christopher West who was ordained to the Priesthood in Taney Parish Church, where he will serve as Curate.

Christopher is starting out in ministry at a strange time when the world is grappling with Covid–19. His Service of Ordination took place in a closed church with just his immediate family and a handful of witnesses present.

However, the Rector and preacher, Canon Robert Warren, reminded him that while he was making solemn promises in the company of a gathering limited by the current restrictions, he was making these promises before God.

Archbishop Michael Jackson presided at the service and said that while every compliance was in place for the evening to launch Christopher’s ministry, everyone could look forward to celebrating his ministry together in the future. Canon Warren and the Revd Nigel Pierpoint, who is also a Curate of the parish took part in the service. Christopher was joined by his parents Linda and Nigel, and his brother Owen.

Tuam, Killala and Achonry – Three ordinations to the priesthood took place in Tuam, Killala and Achonry on Sunday 27th September: the Rev Karen Duignan, the Rev Carole Reynolds and the Rev Maebh O’Herlihy. The service took place in St Nicholas’ Church, Galway. Bishop Patrick Rooke administered the Sacrament of Ordination in the context of the Eucharist. The Old Testament lesson was read by Karen, the Epistle by Maebh and the Gospel by Carole. The preacher was the Rev Canon Jen McWhirter, Diocesan Director of Ordinands. The music was led throughout by the choir of St Nicholas’ with Mark Duley directing and playing the organ. he newly ordained priests will serve in various parishes across Tuam, Killala and Achonry. Karen will serve in Easkey/Kilglass alongside Archdeacon Stephen McWhirter; Maebh in Dugort, Achill Island specifically and also across Aughaval (Westport) parish alongside the Rev Canon Jen McWhirter and Carole in Kilcummin (Oughterard) parish alongside Provost Lynda Peilow.

Kilmore, Elphin & Armagh – Four Candidates were ordained for Local Ministry last Tuesday evening, 29th September, Revd. Albert Dawson, Revd. Steve Young, Revd. Ed Smyth and Revd. Capt. Malcom Young were ordained as deacons for local ministry.

Video competition for new Safeguarding website

To celebrate the launch of the new C of I Safeguarding website, parishes and youth groups are invited to take part in a competition to create a short video on ‘Why Safeguarding is Important’. Videos should be submitted by 5pm on Friday, 13th November. Prizes have been very generously provided by Ecclesiastical Insurance. The videos will be judged by a panel of judges which will include children. The new website is available at
[] https://safeguarding.ireland.anglican.org

Harvest with a difference in a Connor Rural Deanery

Photo – Leading worship at the Antrim Rural Deanery drive-in Harvest Celebration.

A Harvest Celebration with a difference took place in the car park at Sixmile Leisure Centre, Ballyclare, on Sunday evening, September 27.

Due to the coronavirus restrictions, and building on the success of the summer drive-in services in Ballyclare, the Rev Canon Kerr, Antrim Rural Dean, came up with the idea of a rural deanery drive-in Harvest Service.

Parishioners from across the Antrim Rural Deanery gathered in the safety of their cars to listen to the service on their car radios.

The theme was recognising and thanking God for his faithfulness. Music was led by members of different churches within the rural deanery, and the guest preacher was the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison.

More than 50 cars travelled from various parts of the deanery to worship from the comfort of their warm cars, tuning into a local FM frequency.

The rector of St John’s, Ballyclare, the Rev Jonny Campbell-Smyth said: “It was so encouraging to see in these uncertain times the enthusiasm of people to gather in this way.

“We have once again proven that our worship is not restricted to just church buildings, and this event has been a tremendous witness to our community.

“Bishop George has reminded us tonight in his study of Genesis 8 that God remains faithful, even when in difficult times like these we may lose hope. We thank God for his provisions, and pray that our parishes within the rural deanery will come close to him in the months ahead.”

Lebanon Appeal raises over £27,000

The Down & Dromore Diocesan Appeal for Lebanon has raised £27,547.47 – an amazing total given the challenges facing many local communities at this time.

Thanks to the generosity of parishes in the diocese, the Open Doors project to support Kurdish refugees in Beirut City is now totally funded with £20,000. Kurdish refugees from Syria are among the most vulnerable in Lebanese society and are being provided with medicines, medical and psychiatric services, and essential humanitarian aid and food.

The remaining £7,547.47 has been allocated to Open Doors’ relief efforts in the region.

Eddie Lyle, President of Open Doors UK and Ireland writes: “Although the media have forgotten Beirut and moved on, thankfully the people of God have not. Bishop David’s compassionate call to action was both timely and prophetic. The Centre of Hope is exactly what it says that it is. A place of sanctuary, a place of mercy where food and medicines are distributed. It is also a place of hope where the life transforming message of a risen Saviour is being witnessed to practically and spiritually. It’s a miracle that such a place exists, and for the Kurdish Christians and seekers who have lost absolutely everything the generosity of the churches and parishioners of the Diocese of Down and Dromore is a truly remarkable intervention. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Well said

Pointers to Prayer

Pray for wise restraint and the observation of necessary restrictions across society, enabling attempts to avoid spreading the virus as more time is spent indoors and there is greater risk of the spread of infection during winter months.

Pray for a reduction in the number of active C-19 cases and associated deaths in Rwanda. Pray also for peaceful relations in the whole region – between Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and DR Congo – so that people in these countries may find a way to get through the C-19 crisis.

Today we pray for China’s Uighur population. Reports suggest that China has recently expanded its network of detention centres for the Uighur minority, which have been widely criticised by human rights groups.

As one season ends and another dawns, this heralds a variety of different weathers, from autumnal to spring-like, depending on where we live in the world. Whatever conditions we’re experiencing may we gladly embrace the changing elements, giving thanks to God for his wonderful creation.

God in creation