The Rector writes……
Recently I came across a survey which demonstrated that people who attend church are also more likely to be involved as volunteers in other community-based activities. I know this to be true in Douglas Union with Frankfield. Many of you reading this, raise money for charity, serve on boards and committees that do much good work locally and volunteer your time in a host of practical ways that make a difference to individuals and communities in Cork.
In the Community Park beside St Luke’s Church is Douglas Community Centre. For many years Bill Perrott has served on the committee of Douglas Community Association which is responsible this building. I’m sure you have all appreciated the improved facilities, in both the Centre and the Community Park, which have materialised in recent years. We thank him and the other committee members for all they do.
One activity which operates from the Community Centre is Douglas Meals on Wheels. Penny Shaw- Hamilton, one of the founding members, tells me that since its inception many years ago, the Church of Ireland has always been involved in the catering on Wednesday mornings. Currently there are three teams of helpers which look after cooking the meal on a rotation basis every third Wednesday. Are you someone who would like to be involved? Are you available on a Wednesday morning between 9 and 11 every few weeks? Don’t worry about offering your skills. Everything is provided, and support and training is given. Meals on Wheels is a life line to many elderly people who cannot cook for themselves but still live independently in their own home. It is a vital service and much appreciate by those who avail of it. If you want to have a conversation about it to get more information, please do not hesitate to talk to me or Penny Shaw-Hamilton. We need more volunteers if this service is to be maintained and the Church of Ireland retain its link.
This issue of Parish Matters covers the summer period when most of our parish organisations have ceased their activities. Many parishioners go away or use the opportunity to stay in their holiday homes or caravans at weekends. Congregations reduce in size on Sunday mornings. However, we do have visitors from time to time and if you are reading this as a visitor, I hope you were given a warm welcome to our parish. For those who go away on holidays, I hope you will enjoy worshipping in other churches while you are on holiday. Don’t forget to bring me a service leaflet or parish newsletter from the church you visit! I am a clerical magpie who is always keen to borrow ideas from other parishes and their clergy!
I end by wishing all parishioners and readers of this newsletter a very restful summer. I hope you will find this prayer I have written helpful.
Lord you reminded your disciples of the need for times of rest and refreshment from the stresses and strains of the day. We thank you for every opportunity to travel, to rest and to enjoy new experiences. Watch over our journeys. May our time away be one of warmth and love, so that we return refreshed in body, mind and spirit to continue in your service. Amen.
Yours in Christ, Adrian.
Confirmation 2018
On 20 May thirteen of our younger parishioners were confirmed in St Luke’s Church, Douglas. Appropriately this year it coincided with Pentecost. The opening hymn at the service reminded us that ‘The Spirit lives to set us free’ and that we are to ‘walk in the light’. We pray that those confirmed will continue to grow in their faith and walk in the light of Christ all the days of their life.
Cork Ecumenical Bible
This was held between the 21st and 27th May. We had 3 bible studies led by Rev Sean O’Sullivan, Ms Florence Binions and Rev Geraldine Gracie. Finally, on the 27th May, Dr Katie Heffelfinger from the Church of Ireland Theological Institute came to speak on the topic, ‘Some Old Testament resources for contemporary Christian discipleship. Each of these events was very well attended, averaging over 40 people per night. All agreed that the events were enjoyable and informative and we are looking forward to next year!
Charting a Future with Confidence
Our area meeting was held in Northridge House, St Luke’s Home on Monday 28 May. We thank both the Bishop and the Dean of Cork for their clear presentations of the material in the Report. The process is ongoing but it was also good to note progress in several areas of ministry within the diocese.
School End of Year Services
We marked the end of the school year in St Michael’s, Blackrock at our weekly assembly on Friday 22 June. The rector brought two special guests with him who had travelled all the way from the Carrigaline puppet box. They helped him with his talk to the pupils. We were delighted to welcome the Revd Anne Skuse to St Luke’s Church on Thursday 28 June. She was the guest speaker at the St Luke’s School end of term service. Anne is a busy school chaplain in Bandon, so we appreciate the fact that she could take time out to be with us in Douglas.
St Luke’s School Notes
Sport has been a huge part of our curriculum during the past month. The pupils have been taking part in the Inter-Schools’ Swimming Gala, Inter Schools’ Soccer Tournament and Inter-Schools’ Sports. They did us proud and arrived back with some silverware and plenty of medals. Our athletes excelled this year and brought home the cup from the Inter Schools’ sports, the first time in 12 years. Our senior pupils enjoyed a visit from the Wriggle Roadaster. They took part in coding and animation sessions using ipads. We welcome new members to our Parent’s Association and wish Jay Cambridge well in his new role as chairperson. Thank you to Carol Jermyn, our outgoing chairperson and her committee for all their hard work during the past year. The West Midlands Theatre entertained all our classes recently with a production of ‘Arabian Adventure’ in our school hall. We had an Information meeting for the parents of our new Junior Infant class of 2018. We hope that they will have many happy years associated with St Luke’s School. The class of 18 also visited their classroom and were introduced to their classmates. We look forward to our summer holidays and wish our 6th Class every success as they move on to their various secondary schools.
Would a prayer help? When summer comes, many of us take breaks from work. But just as problems continue regardless, so in our parishes some things continue unbroken all year long. One is the regular worship of God in church, Sunday by Sunday. Another is the daily cycle of prayer in our Prayer Chain for those in illness, distress or need. Summer or winter, if you would value our prayers, we will pray for you every day. All requests to the Prayer Chain are treated confidentially, using only a first name. Prayers are generally maintained for a month and you can request an extension.
If you have a need, please ask one of the clergy to have you included, or let us know by a request in the Prayer Box in church porch.
Recycling
Many parishioners have supported our local St. Vincent’s shop in Douglas. Unfortunately it had to close recently as the lease was up. A message from them: “SVP is incredibly grateful to the general public for all your donations. Without your support our shop simply would not have existed.”
They are endeavouring to secure alternative premises in Douglas. Meantime donations can be made any time in their shop in Mahon, or via the clothing bins behind Douglas Court.
Parish Contacts:
Ven. Adrian Wilkinson, Tel: 4891539. E-mail: amwilkinson@eircom.net (Day off Monday)
Rev. David Bowles Tel: 4358226. Email dgd_bowles@yahoo.co.uk (Day off Saturday)
Rev. Hazel Minion, Tel: 4361924. E-mail: hminion22@hotmail.com (Only contact if above unavailable)
Parish Office Tel: 4369578. E-mail: douglasofficecork@gmail.com (The Parish Office is closed in July and August so all calls should be directed to the Rector or one of the other clergy if he is not available)
Parish Website: www.douglas.cork.anglican.org
Follow us on Twitter: @DouglasUnion
Church Services –July & August 2018
Sunday 1 July 8.30 Holy Communion Blackrock
5th Sun. after Trinity 9.45 Morning Prayer Passage
Green 10.00 Holy Communion Frankfield
11.15 Morning Prayer Douglas
11.30 Holy Communion Blackrock
Wednesday 4 July 11.00 Holy Communion Douglas
Sunday 8 July 8.30 Holy Communion Blackrock
6th Sun. after Trinity 10.00 Morning Prayer Frankfield
Green 11.30 Sea Sunday Service Passage
No 11.15 in Douglas or 11.30 in Blackrock
Sunday 15 July 8.30 Holy Communion Blackrock
7th Sun. after Trinity 9.45 Morning Prayer Passage
Green 10.00 Holy Communion Frankfield
11.15 Morning Prayer Douglas
11.30 Holy Communion Blackrock
Sunday 22 July 8.30 Holy Communion Blackrock
St Mary Magdalene 9.45 Holy Communion Passage
White 10.00 Morning Prayer Frankfield
11.15 Holy Communion Douglas
11.30 Morning Prayer Blackrock
Sunday 29 July 8.30 Holy Communion Blackrock
9th Sun. after Trinity 9.45 Morning Prayer Passage
Green 10.00 Holy Communion Frankfield
11.15 Morning Prayer Douglas
11.30 Holy Communion Blackrock
Wednesday 1 August 11.00 Holy Communion Douglas
Sunday 5 August 8.30 Holy Communion Blackrock
10th Sun. after Trinity 9.45 Holy Communion Passage
Green 10.00 Morning Prayer Frankfield
11.15 Holy Communion Douglas
11.30 Morning Prayer Blackrock
Sunday 12 August 8.30 Holy Communion Blackrock
11th Sun. after Trinity 9.45 Morning Prayer Passage
Green 10.00 Holy Communion Frankfield
11.15 Morning Prayer Douglas
11.30 Holy Communion Blackrock
Sunday 19 August 8.30 Holy Communion Blackrock
12th after Trinity 9.45 Holy Communion Passage
Green 10.00 Morning Prayer Frankfield
11.15 Holy Communion Douglas
11.30 Morning Prayer Blackrock
Sunday 26 August 8.30 Holy Communion Blackrock
13th after Trinity 9.45 Morning Prayer Passage
Green 10.00 Holy Communion Frankfield
11.15 Morning Prayer Douglas
11.30 Holy Communion Blackrock
