With the nativity story of our Lord still fresh in our minds, I’m reminded of the angel’s words of comfort to both Mary and the shepherds as he appeared to them: “Do not be afraid.”
The appearance of heavenly beings to ordinary people would have caused much anxiety to the respective individuals at the time, much the same as the Covid-19 pandemic is causing us today. In the midst of our anxieties and uncertainties we hear the same words of comfort as spoken to Mary and the shepherds, “Do not be afraid.” The Christ-child born to Mary is called, “Emmanuel”, meaning “God with us”.
As we begin this new year, let us give thanks to God for bringing us this far and for His assurance of being with us as we journey into the future. The writer to the Hebrews puts it like this,
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding it’s shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2_NRSV)
Rev’d Ivan
Ballymoney National School
School enrolment – A copy of the school’s Admission Policy is available on our school website www.ballymoneyns.com along with our Ethos Statement. To request an application form or a tour of the school, please contact the school office by email: [email protected] or by phone: 023-8847583. The school will commence accepting applications for admission on 1st February 2022 and the closing date is 1st March 2022.
We are pleased to welcome Mr. Michael O’Sullivan to our staff to cover a maternity leave until the end of June. We have lots of activities to look forward to during our Spring term. The whole school will concentrate on healthy eating in January when they participate in the Food Dudes Programme which encourages them to eat more fruit and vegetables. Later in the term they are all going to participate in the ‘Cycle Right Programme’ which teaches them about road safety while cycling. We are continuing to work towards another Active Flag, and we are working towards a Green Flag on the theme of water. The senior pupils are busy practising for an online ukulele concert for the pupils of St. Multose NS and Kilgarriffe NS in February. We were fortunate to receive a BLAST arts grant which will fund Claire O’Sullivan to work with the pupils as an artist in residence during the months of February and March.
You can now follow the school’s news on social media on twitter @ballymoneyns, instagram and Facebook.
Online Bible Study
This spring is going to be St. Luke Gospel … what’s involved? • Thursday nights @ 8pm. • One hour a week. • Starting on the 13th of January, but you can join in later. • We will read through all of Luke’s gospel. • No previous experience required. • Gospel for this year. • Get an understanding of the Christian story from Luke’s perspective. • Meetings on Zoom from the comfort of your own home. This study is a great opportunity for individuals as well as parents, grandparents and godparents to strengthen their faith and understanding as they seek to support the young people in their lives. Email or Text Rev. Cliff to book a place. [email protected] or 087-2390849.
Confirmation
The confirmation preparation for 2022 has begun, in partnership with Fanlobbus Union of Parishes. A date has not been set for confirmation, but bishop Paul has encouraged us to go ahead with preparation so that we will be ready when the time comes. The confirmation preparation is being led together by Rev. Cliff and Rev. Ivan Ruiters There are three young people on the preparation course from Kinneigh. The preparation will tour around the seven churches in the Unions and five parochial halls as part of the preparations. The course being using is called ‘Nua’ which is developed and recorded in Ireland for young people to learn the basics of the Christian faith. We are asking parishioners to pray for the young people as they prepare to decide if they want to affirm their faith in Jesus for themselves. As well as praying for all of the candidates, we are also looking for parishioners who would be willing to be a Parish Sponsor for one of the candidates. If you are willing to be a parish sponsor, please get in contact with Rev. Ivan.
Diocesan Magazines
Are published every month during the year (except August) with news from around the parishes and articles of interest to the diocese and the Church of Ireland. Subscriptions are now due and should be paid by the 17th of January. Queries about existing or new subscriptions should be made to Graham Garland on 0871382596
Select Vestry
The next meeting is on Tuesday 11th January at 8.30pm via ZOOM link due to current situation of COVID.
Date | 2nd January The Epiphany | 9th January The Baptism of our Lord | 16th January Epiphany 2 | 23rd January Epiphany 3 | 30th January Presentation of Christ in the Temple |
Readings | Isaiah 60: 1-6 Psalm 72:1-7;10.15 Matthew 2: 1-12 | Isaiah 43: 1-7 Psalm 29 Luke 3: 15-17;21-12 | Isaiah 62; 1-5 Psalm 36: 1-10 John 2: 1-11 | Nehemiah 8:1-10 Psalm 19 Luke 4:14-21 | Malachi 3: 1-5 Psalm 24: 1-10 Luke 2: 22-40 |
10.00am | Kinneigh Holy Communion | Kilmeen Holy Communion | Farranthomas Holy Communion | Kilmeen Morning Prayer | |
11.00am | Kinneigh United Service HC | ||||
11.30am | Farranthomas Morning Prayer | Kinneigh Morning Prayer | Kinneigh Morning Prayer | Kinneigh Holy Communion |
| Date | 6th February 4th Sunday before Lent | 13th February 3rd Sunday before lent | 20th February 2nd Sunday before Lent | 27th February Sunday before Lent | 2nd March Ash Wednesday |
Readings | Isaiah 6: 1-8 Psalm 138 Luke 5: 1-11 | Jeremiah 17:5-10 Psalm 1 Luke 6: 17-26 | Genesis 2: 4b-9 Psalm 65 Luke 8: 22-35 | Exodus 34: 29-35 Psalm 99 Luke 9: 28-36 | |
10.00am | Kinneigh Holy Communion | Kilmeen Holy Communion | Farranthomas Holy Communion | Kilmeen Morning Prayer | |
11.30am | Farranthomas Morning Prayer | Kinneigh Morning Prayer | Kinneigh Morning Prayer | Kinneigh Holy Communion | |
20.00pm | Kinneigh Evening Service |
