Irish news digest – July 9

Connor’s Diocesan online Holiday Bible Club ‘Cabin Fever’ is coming soon

The online club will be running from August 3-7 on YouTube and via the Ripple and diocesan websites and on the Ripple Facebook page.

There are two parts to the club each day, premiering at 10am and 11.30am. Connor Children’s Project Development Officer Jill Hamilton said: “This gives children a chance to have a break and have something to eat and drink before the second part. There will also be activities to take part in at home during the break.”

Cabin Fever has a science theme and is presented by ‘The Professors’ with a special guest professor each day. There will be daily science experiments as well as warm ups, games, puppets, crafts, memory verses, prayer activities and drama!

The club will take a look at the story of Noah, and compare his experiences stuck on the ark for more than a year with our own recent experiences of lockdown.

“We have had great participation from children and leaders in churches across the diocese so a big thanks for all the videos you have sent in,” Jill said.

“The Cabin Fever videos will be available for churches to access any time after they are released, so parishes can decide dates and times to suit their congregations.

“Make sure you make ‘Cabin Fever’ part of your August!”

‘Bishop Harold Miller Hall’ dedicated in Maridi

On 3 July in Down & Dromore’s link diocese of Maridi, Bishop Moses dedicated the newly renovated Maridi Cathedral hall in the name of the former bishop, Harold Miller.

Bishop Moses said that the naming of the Bishop Harold Miller Maridi Hall cemented over 20 years of partnership with the Diocese of Down and Dromore through CMSI whom he also thanked for making the renovation possible.

Bishop Harold echoed those sentiments. He said:

“The opening and dedication of the new hall in Maridi is really an honouring of the 20 year link the Diocese of Down and Dromore has had with our brothers and sisters in South Sudan.

“Some of those involved with the link are gathering together the remarkable story of what has been achieved over those years, under the leadership of Bishop Joseph, Bishop Justin Badi and now, Bishop Moses. There has also been the ‘threefold ford’ aspect of the link with Albany, Maridi and ourselves.

“The diocese of Maridi will soon be celebrating 100 years of the Gospel in that place, brought first by a missionary from Northern Ireland, who died there after a very short time. I am honoured that my name will be remembered there, but even more honoured that the Lord has given this diocese such blessing and fellowship through the link.

“Do pray for the Church in Maridi as it faces yet another challenging time.

“May the Spirit of Christ give them and us – and Albany- patient endurance and deep joy!”

Clive West Memorial Trust Lecture

The 2020 Clive West Memorial Trust Lecture has been rescheduled to November 17 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm. (original date was March 24). The guest speaker will be the Rev Canon Vaughan Roberts (Oxford) on the topic: ‘Fractured Church, Broken World.’

He will be addressing the issue of Christian witness to a world which is hindered by a Church that is equally as fragmented. The lecture takes place in All Saints’ Parish Church, University Street, Belfast.

The Clive West Memorial Trust was established in 2016 to remember and celebrate the ministry of Canon Clive West, former rector of the parish of All Saints’, Belfast, (1984-2000) and a canon of St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.

Amongst its aims is the financial support of those in theological education and training for service of the Church in Ireland. In its short life span, it has raised close to £43,000 and supported six individuals with modest bursaries in their preparation for a lifetime of ministry, to serve churches in Ireland.

The Trust also runs an annual lecture, and since being launched in 2016, the lectures have been attended by more than 500 people, ranging in age and background.

The subjects chosen for the lectures reflect Clive’s ministry interests and priorities. The topics have ranged from the faith at the heart of The Book of Common Prayer, Christianity in a pluralistic world, evangelicalism, and the 16th century reformation with practical application for life as global Anglican Christians in the 21st century.

The Trust has been privileged to have had world-class speakers from across the Anglican Communion to address the lectures. The Rt Rev Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, the retired Bishop of Rochester; the Rev Canon Dr Ashley Null, visiting faculty of the Universities of Cambridge and Durham and a canon of the Diocese of the Carolinas (USA); the Rev Canon Dr Mark Thompson, the Principal of Moore Theological College, Sydney; and the Rev Phillip Jensen, former Dean of Sydney, have been the guest lecturers.

The Trust is grateful for the interest shown in the work of the trust and the support received by these distinguished scholars, pastors, and evangelists.

Another aspect of the Trust’s work has been the production of resources. The videos of the lectures (to be found on www.westtrust.co.uk), have been downloaded more than 3,500 times. They have been translated (through subtitle) into Spanish by the Anglican Province of Chile’s seminary and used by them, with other South American churches and congregations from across the Americas benefiting.

The lecture on Tuesday November 17 begins at 7.30pm in All Saints’ Church. It will be introduced by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, the Rt Rev Andrew Forster. When an ordinand, Bishop Forster undertook a student placement in All Saints’ Church with Canon West.

Everyone is welcome to attend and booking is not necessary. For further information, contact the Chairman of the Trust, the Rev Trevor Johnston trevor@ascbelfast.com

Celebrating 50 years from ordination

Congratulations to Canon Alastair Graham on celebrating 50 years from his ordination. He still has a great thirst for ministry, and reached this very significant milestone on Sunday 5th July. Alastair is rector of Mullingar Union of parishes, comprising of All Saints Mullingar, Killucan, Kilbixy and Almoritia in the Diocese of Meath & Kildare.

Bishop Pat Storey said, “On behalf of the diocese and the parishioners of All Saints Mullingar I warmly congratulate Canon Alastair Graham on the 50th anniversary of his ordination. Alastair has given long and valued service to ordained ministry and he continues to serve the people of Mullingar with enthusiasm, warmth, and a deep passion for the Christian faith. We are delighted to join together as a diocese to offer our gratitude and again, our warmest congratulations.” Congratulations also to his wife Olive and their family.

Installation of Archdeacon and Canons

There will be a short service of installation in Down Cathedral on Friday 10 July at 11.00 am.

Dean Henry Hull will install Revd Canon Ken Higgins as Archdeacon of Down and Revd Bill Press and Revd Helene Steed as Chapter Canons.

Unfortunately, current restrictions around services of worship mean that attendance has to be limited to the canons and their immediate families.

Points for prayer

It’s heartening to hear good news and we’re so thankful that many couples are finally able to marry, though in different circumstances to normal. We pray for God’s blessing on them and their families and friends who may or may not be present for the wedding.

Today we pray for migrant sex workers in Thailand. They’ve been among the hardest hit by the economic impact of Covid-19 and many do not have access to government aid. We pray for your provision and compassionate policymaking ensure they receive necessary support