360 Miscellany

News and views

Belfast Cathedral will welcome ‘Pets on the Steps’

The Dean of Belfast and Dean’s Vicar will be on the steps of the Cathedral on Sunday 4 October between 2–3.00 pm, to coincide with St Francis of Assisi Day, and encourage people to bring their pets to receive a blessing.

Belfast Cathedral has hosted its annual Pet Service since 2017 with superb success but restrictions around COVID–19 have prevented it taking place in the usual way. However, the Dean of Belfast, The Very Revd Stephen Forde, was keen to not miss this special event entirely.

He said: “Although we cannot have our annual Pet Service this year, due to the Covid restrictions, we still want to recognise how significant people’s pets have been to them, particularly during the months of lockdown. We hope by welcoming people to bring their pets to the steps of the Cathedral for this simple blessing, we are able to offer members of the public an alternative to our extremely successful Pet Service. This opportunity for thanksgiving and blessing celebrates the importance of pets and working animals in the lives of so many people in these very difficult times.”

Songs of Praise at a later time tomorrow

At the start of a very personal journey sharing her story of faith, Rev Kate Bottley returns for the first time to St Mary, Walkley where she was baptised as a baby and reflects on the meaning of baptism. SOP at the later time of 2pm on BBC One

Magheralin’s ‘Harvest in the Field’

Magheralin Parish will hold a special Harvest Drive–in service on Sunday 4 October. The guest speaker will be Revd Clare Kakuru and as well as Harvest music there’ll be Harvest gifts for all children and adults! You’re welcome to come along to 28 Dromore Road, BT66 7LD at 3.00 pm.

RTE broadcast Service from St Paul’s, Glenageary

RTÉ will broadcast a Service of the Word this Sunday, led by the Revd Gary Dowd, from St Paul’s, Glenageary, and featuring members of the choir and congregation, will be broadcast on RTÉ One television, RTÉ Radio One… bit.ly/3l42rzo

Sunday Reflection with the Archbishop of York

This week’s Sunday Reflection from the Archbishop of York is now live. Please feel free to download or use the video in your services in church or online.
[ https://vimeo.com/dioceseofyork ]

New exhibition at Linenhall

A new month means a new programme of events at the Linen Hall including its first exhibition since reopening. ‘A History of Ireland in 10 Words’ is a colourful and engaging exhibition produced by the RIA and will be on display in the Vertical Gallery until 27 Nov.

Christmas choral collaboration in Dublin

A letter received from Church Music Dublin begins – “My name is Tom Maxwell, I am the organist at St Brigid’s Church, Stillorgan. I am sure you will all agree with me when I say that music is an integral part of worship and we all have missed singing together.

“Since the lockdown in March, the choir of St Brigid’s has continued singing together as a virtual choir. Every week, the choir members record themselves on their phones singing a hymn using an organ accompaniment that I have sent them. I then gather all the recordings and put them together so that they can be used in our services every Sunday. We have also tried our hands at an anthem for the first time this week, and the results have been very impressive.

“With Christmas coming soon, we are planning on doing carols and possibly a choir piece or two as if we were in normal times. However, I am aware that other churches might not be able to provide music for Nine Lessons and Carols this year. So, I would like to propose a huge collaboration to bring together as many churches in Dublin for a massive virtual recording of carols. I will be doing this alongside the Rev’d Jack Kinkead.

“My plan is to start with four congregational carols and one choir piece, with the option to do more if time allows. The whole process can be quite time-consuming, so I intend to start within the next couple of weeks.

“Speak and/or forward this email to your choir members and, if this is something that interests you, please contact me by Sunday 11 October at
[ dgchristmascollaboration@gmail.com ]

Well said

Pointers to Prayer

Today we pray for businesses juggling the effects of coronavirus and planning for Brexit. The British Chamber of Commerce estimate that half of UK firms have not considered the effects of Brexit on their business as they attempt to stay afloat during the pandemic.

Today we pray for those struggling with mental health problems after renewed restrictions. A recent study shows that women’s mental health has particularly suffered due to worries about income and increased caring responsibilities.

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.

God in creation

River Foyle