NEWS BRIEFS

Mid-Ulster Memorial Quilt Dedicated in Cookstown

A Service of Dedication of a hand embroidered quilt commemorating those who were murdered and those who suffered during the Troubles in Mid-Ulster took place in Cookstown on Sunday, November 17. The quilt, which was three years in the making by members of the Mid-Ulster Victims’ Empowerment (MUVE) from the local area, was dedicated alongside the launch of a book detailing stories of those locally who died during the Troubles.

Advent Sheep Trail

This year Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, received lovingly hand-knitted sheep from across the diocese and as far afield as Canada! The Sheep Trail is a creative way for visitors and pilgrims of all ages to experience prayer and seasonal Advent reflections within the cathedral. The Advent Sheep Trail is in place until 24 December. Parish, school and community groups are welcome to book in free of charge for a guided pilgrimage with the Dean’s Vicar. Just email [welcome@christchurch.ie. ]

230 boxes prepared for children in Ukraine

Church Girls from Carnmoney Parish CL&CGB company were at Blythswood Centre in Ballyclare on their Brigade night packing shoeboxes for children in the Ukraine. Girls aged 3/4 years and boys aged 7/8 years will get a box of essentials for Christmas. Altogether the girls sorted 230 boxes.

North Belfast Church Leader’s breakfast

At the North Belfast Church Leader’s breakfast last Friday morning. “There is
always a great welcome from Bill Shaw and the Duncairn Centre and a great sense of solidarity and support among those who want to make a difference. A great sunrise and a lovely skyscape bracketed the experience for me.”- a participant.

Fun, food and faith at Derry Alpha Youth event

Almost 40 young people took part in the last of this year’s Youth Alpha meetings at Glendermott Parish Halls near Altnagelvin Hospital.

The course for teenagers Is run by the interdenominational group, Youth Initiatives, on behalf of Derry Rural Deanery and mainly comprises youth from the All Saints Clooney and Glendermott parishes.

The rectors of both parishes, Rev David McBeth and Rev Robert Boyd, joined youth leaders for the final session of 2019. They were aided and abetted by the curate at Glendermott, Rev Nigel Cairns, who crosses the River Foyle in the new year to become Rector of St Augustine’s.

The Youth Alpha meetings take place most Sundays in the year and offer a creative way of Introducing young people to the Bible through activities and worship.

As we know, an army marches on its stomach, and that holds true for youth groups as well; the Rector of Glendermott’s wife, Mrs May Boyd, was on hand on Sunday evening to feed the multitude, none of whom went home hungry