Newsletter – May / Jun 2023

On the 20th April we held our East Vestry meeting in St. Paul’s Hall, Ballymoney. As was the case at the last meeting, the same faithful people attended, and even a few less than the previous time. As your rector, it’s my responsibility to say the uncomfortable things, viz. “Do not take the Lord’s church for granted, it is the body of Christ.” Scripture says, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it shall be at the coming of the Son of Man …” (Please read Matthew 24:36-44).

In our Union of parishes 3 churches have already been closed: Ballymoney, Killowen and more recently, Desertserges. We have inherited from those who’ve gone before us, resources and a rich tradition that has moulded us into the people that we have become. With their meagre resources they strived to build up a legacy that would benefit future generations and descendants, and that it has. All that is expected of us is that we should maintain that which has been handed down to us in love, and this out of our abundance. I am referring to both the church property and the community of faith. If we don’t do anything now, soon we’ll reach the point of no return and all we’ll have left will be graveyards. Ballymoney Church is a stark reminder of this. May we reconsider our commitment to honouring the legacy of those who’ve gone before us by engaging in the maintenance and building of God’s church through prayer, worship and the teaching of our faith to our children. Just as important as education and hygiene are for our children, even more important are Christian values for their survival in a world of moral decay. For example, we can begin by saying the Lord’s prayer with them before bedtime and by explaining to them what it means. What they learn at home will be complimented by that which is taught at school since parents are the greatest influences and role-models.

To those faithful servants of God and His people who have so faithfully and selflessly served as Churchwardens, Glebewardens, Select Vestry members, Parish Nominators and Diocesan Synod Reps this past year, I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to you. For taking up the baton of leadership again for another term, thank you and God bless. I am most honoured to serve with you all in the building up of God’s Kingdom in this group of parishes and be assured of my prayers for all of you as we journey with Christ at the helm. Yours in Christ, our Risen Lord.
Ivan.

Condolences – We send our sincere condolences to the family, relatives, neighbours and friends of Joseph Shorten who passed away on April 14th. The funeral was in St. Bartholomew’s Church, Kinneigh followed by burial in Killowen Graveyard. At rest with the Lord.

Mothers’ Union On Tuesday 11th April we held our closing service led by Rev. Ivan.

It was decided that we would have a summer outing to Garnish Island on Tuesday 11th July; further information will be circulated nearer the time. This last year we have enjoyed some good speakers, a Christmas evening making a beautiful table decoration and a Valentine theme evening. We have also enjoyed the company of 2 members from Dunmanway and 2 from Bandon, as neither group hold meetings. We were delighted to welcome Sara Shorten into membership and extend an invitation to anyone else who would like to join us. If you are unable to come to meetings but would like to support the tremendous work that the Mothers’ Union does, both overseas, within the Diocese and Ireland then please consider becoming a Mothers’ Union member. For further information please contact Marjorie Garland on 086 0883400.

We look forward to coming back together for our opening service on Tuesday 12th September.

Co-Action Bake Off As the name indicates this was a baking competition based on the television programme “The Great British Bake Off.” It included many co-action teams from within the area. The competition was won by the Clonakilty team that included Andrew Buttimer.

Easter General Select Vestry Elections

Nominators

Nominators: Mr. Colin Draper, Mrs. Shirley Shorten, Mrs. Edith Draper, Mrs. Susan Eady.
Supplemental: Mr. Harold Shorten, Mr. Cyril Draper, Mrs. Joanna Moore, Mrs Frances Stanley.

Diocesan Synod Members

Synod Members: Mr. Graham Garland, Mrs, Frances Stanley, Mrs. Elizabeth Kingston.

Supplemental: Mrs. Marjorie Garland, Mrs. Lilian Shorten, Mr. David Bourne

Churchwardens

Kilmeen
Incumbent’s: Mrs. Elizabeth Kingston
Vestry: Mrs. Frances Stanley

Kinneigh
Incumbent’s: Mrs. Dorothy Draper
Vestry: Mrs. Edith Draper

Farranthomas
Incumbent’s: Mrs. Lilian Shorten
Vestry: Mrs. Shirley Shorten

Glebewardens

Incumbent’s: Mrs. Joanna Moore
Vestry: Mr. Cyril Draper

Select Vestry Members

Mrs. Marjorie Garland, Mr. David Bourne, Mrs Olive Bradfield, Mr. Colin Draper, Mrs. Susan Eady, Mr. Graham Garland, Mr. Harold Shorten, Mr. John Duke, Mrs. Helen Kingston

Secretary

Mr. Graham Garland

Treasurer

Mr. Graham Garland

Fair Share A reminder that the final date for payment to the Diocese is Tuesday 30th May 2023. Your attention to the matter would be greatly appreciated.

Data Protection Consent Forms This will be the last newsletter you will receive unless you have submitted the consent forms previously sent to you. Kindly complete and return your form(s) as soon as possible to continue to receive information from the Union.

Holiday Cover From the 1st May to the 1st June inclusive Rev. Ivan is unavailable and Rev. Denis MacCarthy is covering for him. If you require to contact him his details are: The Rectory, Castle Street, Bandon, P47 VH95. tel- 023 8841259; email – [email protected]

Ballineen Methodist Church are holding their annual Bring and Buy Sale on Friday 19th May at 7.30pm in the B.E.D.A. Hall, Ballineen. Admission €4 including refreshments. All welcome.

Diocesan School Service The Cork, Cloyne and Ross Centenaries Commemoration and Reconciliation Programme will conclude in May 2023. To mark the end of the Civil War there will be a School Service at 12 noon on Thursday 25th May in the Church of Saint Peter, Bandon. The preacher will be Canon Elaine Murray, Incumbent of Carrigaline Union. The schools will be asked to bring their Peace Banners mounted on a long pole so that they can be carried high up in a procession for everybody to see. These banners were made at a workshop in September 2019. Mr. Peter Stobart will be inviting a school’s choir to perform at the service. Each school will be receiving a grant towards the cost of transport from the Diocesan Board of Education.

SERVICES for Year A: April-May-June 2023

St. Bartholomew’s Church, Kinneigh – Eircode P47 W023
St. Patrick’s Church, Farranthomas – Eircode P72 CR20
Christ Church, Kilmeen – Eircode P85 RF30

Rev’d Ivan Ruiters phone: 023 8847809 Mobile: 087 1779319