360 Miscellany

News and views

Photo above – The beautiful Saint Patrick’s Parish Church, Coleraine, as photographed in 1935, enhanced from a B&W postcard.

Memorial piano scholarship at Saint Columb’s School of Music

One of Derry/Londonderry’s best known organists and pianists who died recently, and for whom the young Phil Coulter once turned the pages at concert performances, is to have a major award dedicated in his memory.

Roy Adams, who was Organist in the Parish Church in Strabane for over 55 years, was resident pianist in both the Everglades, and White Horse hotels, and who accompanied many singers on concert platforms, including the late Joseph Locke, is to be remembered through the Roy Adams Memorial Scholarship.

This prestigious award, bestowed by Saint Columb’s School of Music in Saint Columb’s Court, will entitle its winner to receive piano tuition fortnightly at the School of Music, as well as the opportunity of working alongside top artists in various workshops, meeting locally acclaimed performers, and benefitting from free music books and free entrance to examinations. The scholarship will last for one year and any applicants must be of Grade 6 standard or above in their respective examination board.

One of the two co-founders of Saint Columb’s School of Music, Nicky Morton, said: “Roy was a man who certainly needed no introduction to the musical life of this city. He was an excellent ambassador for the School of Music, and his marvellous support, encouragement and kindness will be sorely missed by his countless friends in the city and far beyond.”

The other co-founder, Louis Fields, joined Nicky in expressing thanks to Roy’s son, Adrian, and daughter-in-law Liz, in generously funding this memorial scholarship.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 9th October. Have you somebody in mind? Click the following link to download the application form from the website:

Apply now to: [ https://www.stcolumbsschoolofmusic.com/school-foundation ]

Harvest resources from Dublin Diocesan Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry Development Worker and the Diocesan Young Adults Coordinator, Susie Keegan and Greg Fromholz, have suggested a number of resources which may be of use to parishes in this exceptional year.

The resource on the Dublin & Glendalough Youth Council Website helps guide people in reflection and learning, gratitude and next steps. They also recommend the following: [ https://josierobinson.com/journal/how-to-use-a-gratitude-jar and https://josierobinson.com/journal/family-gratitude-jar ]

These resources can be used by individuals, small groups or family groups.

Harvest Worship online

A Church of England service is broadcast each Sunday from 9am. On Sunday past Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley led a Harvest Festival service. This online service includes reflections on climate change, farming and the beauty of nature.

Subscribe on YouTube or like it on Facebook to be the first to view this each week. You can also watch on the Church of England’s website. [[] https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/church-online/weekly-online-services?mc_cid=32c59cc9af&mc_eid=1f84d14b70 ]

 Cashel and Ferns episcopal tractors

The C & F October Magazine is now on its way to readers. Lots to read and inspire this month including a road trip, a feature on St Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore, an ordination, an update on how church services are going online, Ferns launch of a recipe book and Stella Durand’s new novel about St Columba. Also prayer Jenga and an Eco focus on what C & F mean by community.

Covid in schools

News Letter report – It emerged on Tuesday that a pupil at a top Northern Ireland grammar school has tested positive for coronavirus. The principal at Coleraine Grammar David Carruthers confirmed the positive case and added that pupils confirmed as having close contact with the pupil are having to self-isolate. 

A second Northern Ireland school meanwhile has closed its doors after two members of staff tested positive. St. Patrick’s Primary School Saul is expected to stay closed until they receive advice from the Public Health Agency. 

Window on PCI workers in Nepal

This three minute profile gives a window into the work of the Flemings, PCI workers in Nepal, who are partnering with the United Mission to Nepal.
To download from Vimeo for using in a Sunday Service, visit [ https://vimeo.com/451831522 ]

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

‘Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward.
For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.’
– Hebrews 10:35-36