NEWS BRIEFS

Extra session added in outreach to children with intellectual disabilities

Due to the wonderful response to their new Christmas Story Sensation, New Irish Arts are pleased to release another session!
It runs from 4.15pm – 5.45pm on Saturday 7th December in Saintfield Road Presbyterian, Belfast. The previously advertised sessions are now full.

Join members of New Irish Arts on a new project to present the Christmas Story to children with intellectual disabilities – Multi-sensory Experience – Live Music – New Songs – Makaton & Actions – Create your own sensory box to take home

For primary age children with intellectual disabilities. Please note: All children must be accompanied by a parent or carer – Spaces limited to 15 children per session -mSafe space available

Register today – Please register via [https://tinyurl.com/christmassensation] to book your place. For more information, contact Hannah at [hannah@newirisharts.com].

Ballyholme on air marking Disestablishment

BBC Radio Ulster’s Morning Service on Sunday 24 November, will be broadcast from St Columbanus’ Parish Church, Ballyholme, at 10.15am, and will mark the 150th anniversary of the Disestablishment of the Church of Ireland.

Posada – A journey through Advent

Free resources for your church to host Mary and Joseph over Advent. Look at the Christmas story and remember those who have no place to stay today.

Find out more and download your complete guide to Posada >> [www.Posada.info]

‘Mind Yourself’ sponsored skydive

You could feel the excitement at Clonbollogue airfield on Sunday November 10. Twelve people from across the dioceses of Meath and Kildare gathered at the home of the Irish Parachute Club, at the Co. Offaly, airfield to take part in a skydive. A clear blue sky meant it was a perfect day for it.

The parachute jump had been scheduled for the previous day. However, rain and gusts of wind meant that it had to be postponed. As well as the 12 who made the jump two further members of the dioceses, who couldn’t reschedule, are due to do their skydive in the very near future.

The sponsored skydive was held as part of the diocesan ‘Mind Yourself’ campaign. This is a diocesan project to highlight the importance of mental health and to signpost people to sources of help and support.

Each of the skydivers had raised their own funds to take part – with funds also being raised for Aware (www.aware.ie). Aware is one of Ireland’s most well–known charities addressing mental health.

Along with the brave skydivers were teams of well–wishers, supporters and family. One of the really encouraging parts of this adventure has been the support and encouragement that has come from people across the dioceses and local communities as well. As one skydiver put it: “It’s been incredible to see the support from so many. When people heard about this they wanted to offer their support.”

Behind the 14 parachutists were a small team of organisers, Sharon Glynne and Rhys Kellet, from the dioceses, who made it all happen. Everything from looking for volunteers to do the jump, encouraging sponsorship to providing food and refreshments on the day. Funds raised came in all sorts of ways – from direct sponsorship, coffee mornings and GoFundMe pages on social media – to support the work of Aware.

Bishop Pat Storey said: “I am grateful for the fun, support and courage that this event has displayed. ‘Mind Yourself’ has grasped the imagination of so many around the diocese. Thank you to those who jumped and those who came to cheer them on.” She had planned to take part herself, but was unable to because of a broken wrist.

New consort debut performance of ‘Messiah

A new consort, founded by Matthew Owens, Director of Music at Belfast Cathedral, will give its debut performance in the Cathedral singing Handel’s ‘Messiah’ on Friday December 6. More information at [http://tiny.cc/g1z2fz]