Parish Diary - November 2009
Together let us make a difference ...
“Rathfarnham Parish – More than Sundays”
What a happy day Sunday 11th October was as we dedicated and opened the refurbished Memorial Hall!
Our thanks to Bishop Roy Warke who performed the ceremony and preached at the Service beforehand. Roy was a curate in Rathfarnham from 1958 – 1963 and he brought back memories of Canon George Nowlan, Rev. John Jackson, a fellow curate, and “Acton”, the Sexton.
Our thanks to architect Seamus McMorris of Ryan O’Brien Handy and builder Robert Doyle. A really special word of thanks to Roger White who planned, guided, oversaw and made useful suggestions all through the process as project manager, as well as doing so much work himself to save the parish money. It is very much appreciated.
‘Special Collection’. There will be a few fund raisers – the first being the RICHARD HASLAM FLOWER DEMONSTRATION on Thursday 3rd December and we are organising a Clergy Christmas Quiz Sheet for December.CONCERT
A Concert will be held on Friday 6th November at 8.00pm in the Church. The main attraction will be the Garda Siochana Male Voice Choir with Anne-Marie O'Farrell and Cormac de Barra on Harp, Rory, Phoebe, Killian & Claire on Cello & Violin. Please keep this date free. All proceeds will be divided equally between the “Friends of DCM (Dublin Central Mission) Sheltered Housing” and Youth Horizons, Jobstown.
DATE in DECEMBER
Christmas Flower Demonstration with Richard Haslam
Thursday 3rd December 2009 at 8.00pm in Rathfarnham Parish Church
Admission €12 - Proceeds in aid of the Memorial Hall Renovation Fund
For Tickets call Emma 4949503 or The Rectory 4905543Richard Haslam is an international freelance florist, designer & consultant to the flower trade. He holds medals from Chelsea Flower Show and Hampton Court Flower Show. He has also done flower arrangements for visiting heads of State, including Presidents Bush and Clinton. Richard has lectured, taught and demonstrated around the world, including Japan, Russia, South Africa, Switzerland, France, Spain and all over the British Isles. We are fortunate to be able to get Richard for Rathfarnham and we are grateful to Emma Coburn who made the contact. There will be a close up coverage of his demonstration on the large screen in the Church. All flower arrangements on will be raffled.
`HINI PANDEMIC SWINE FLU
There has been a lot of discussion in church circles about Swine Flu and Holy Communion. It is the subject of the Archbishop’s letter in the September ‘Church Review’ and of a number of circulars. What precautions are we taking here in Rathfarnham?
First of all, it has been a universal experience that very seldom is infection spread through use of the common chalice. If this were not so, then clergy, who have to consume remaining wine after all have had communion, should always be sick and suffer mouth sores. We don’t and never have! But there are a few precautions that it would be wise to take with regard to communion.
1. Clergy and those administering Communion will wash their hands with antiseptic solution in the vestry before the service.
2. Antiseptic tissues/alcohol wipes will be used to wipe the chalice instead of paper tissues.
3. If a communicant does not wish to drink from the chalice, then you should take the chalice, listen to the words and hand it back.
4. It is theologically agreed that it is acceptable to receive communion in only one kind – i.e. either the bread or the wine.
5. Intinction – that is dipping the bread into the cup - is not advised or recommended.
As the Archbishop points out in his ‘Review’ letter, the sharing of the cup in communion is part of our Anglican Reformed tradition – it is the way in which Jesus shared the cup with the disciples at the Last Supper and is a sign of unity and fellowship. However, whilst taking precautions, we are also advised to keep a sense of proportion. Hand hygiene is important for both clergy and people, although the spread of the virus is first and foremost by respiratory means. And if you are suffering from flu-like symptoms, it is best to stay at home. And you don’t often hear us say that!!!!!!!!!!!
If anyone wants advice call the HSE Flu Information Line Freephone 1800 941100 or check www.swineflu.ie.SUNDAY CRECHE
There is a crèche available during the 10.30am Sunday service. We are delighted to see any 0-3 year olds (i.e. pre Sunday clubbers) for all or part of the service. Note that we have moved to the side chapel - much more room to play! November Rota: 1st Maggie Boyd; 8th Alison Dillon; 15th Ruth Robertson; 22nd & 29th Nicola Walker
We welcome all children to church. To help families we provide colouring sheets and books which can be found at each door - please help yourself or ask a church-warden for help. A new addition has been a speaker into the Side Chapel - so if little ones get restless and you would like to give them space, please feel free to slip out of Church and into the Side Chapel.
COELIAC WAFERS
The Church of Ireland is now encouraging the use of specially made gluten-free wafers. The wafers will be kept in a separate box and handled only by the communicant. If you are a coeliac and would like to receive communion, please let Anne or Ted know before the service.
Thinking About a Faith for Today
The last two evenings of the series will look at the topics – Belief in the Bible and Belief in Prayer.
Tackling the issue of how to have a faith that is credible and rational and that is not afraid to ask searching questions and look for answers rather than clichés.
Sessions will be led by Ted & Canon Cecil Hyland
in the Side Chapel at 8pm
on Mondays 2nd & 9th November
Everyone is very welcome.Autumn Spirituality Courses ~ ‘Wholeness and Well-Being’
The second of these Autumn Talks will be held on: Monday 16th November in The Side Chapel at 8.00pm.
The speaker will be Fr. Des O’Donnell who is a psychologist and psychotherapist and has led retreats all over the world. In his gentle and informed way, which is always practical and down–to-earth, Des will help us in our own quest for wholeness and wellbeing. All are very warmly invited.NEW STUDENT READER
We have a 1st Church of Ireland ordinand with us for an eight week placement. Keith Marshall will be involved in the Sunday morning services until Christmas.
MUSIC AND REFLECTION
The next Music and Reflection will take place on Tuesday 10th November at 10am in the Side Chapel. All welcome!
Last month we held a climate change prayer vigil, using resources prepared by C.T.B.I. Churches throughout the world are praying in the run up to the UN climate summit in Copenhagen in December that a treaty will be signed that will protect the world from climate change by setting stricter emissions targets and by supporting developing countries already impacted by climate change. During the vigil, we prayed: Each leaf, each petal, each grain, each person, sings your praises, Creator God. Each creature on the earth, all the mountains and great seas, shows your glory, Spirit of love. And yet, the hand of greed has patented and plundered your splendour, has taken and not shared your gift, has lived as owner of the earth, not guest. And so, the ice is cracked, the rivers dry, the valleys flooded and the snow caps melt. God our Father, show us how to step gently, how to live simply, how to walk lightly with respect and love for all that you have made. Amen. © Linda Jones, CAFODCALLING ALL THOSE WISHING TO BE CONFIRMED
This season’s Confirmation Service has been set for Sunday 21st March at 10.30am.
An initial get-together for candidates and families will be held after the 10.30am service on Sunday 1st November.
The group will then meet from 6pm to 7.30pm each Sunday starting on 8th November in the Memorial Hall . This time consists of group work and junior Youth Club. So if you are interested come along on 1st November. Anne Taylor 4905543.Choir News
Senior Choir - Another “summer” has come and gone, and hopefully everyone can't wait to get going again in September. I have seen some of you regularly since May, and many thanks to you for continuing to give a lead each Sunday morning when you were not away. What will we do for altos in future years when Maud White retires at the beginning of September? Thank you Maud for your continuing support throughout the summer.
I look forward to seeing everyone again at the First Rehearsal on Wednesday 9th September at 7.45pm in the Church. The main events coming up are Harvest Festival, All Saints Day, Remembrance Sunday, Advent Sunday, and of course Christmas. Hopefully there are a few people in the parish, who are not already in the Choir, who can sing, and who have been giving a lot of thought during the summer to joining the Choir. The commitment is not too much – Wednesday evening rehearsals from September to May, Sunday morning services, and the very occasional evening event. Even the recession has not stopped people going on overseas holidays, and being involved in other activities which generally mean that we never have a full choir at any service. So we still need new members – for all the parts. We are a very large parish, and there must, for example, be even one gentleman who can read music and sing tenor? Please ring me if you are interested.
Junior Choir - Rehearsals will commence on Friday 11th September at 2.15pm in the Parish School. This year, as an experiment, we have decided to recruit new members from 2nd Class upwards (rather than 3rd Class). As you know quite a few members left the Choir in May, and so we have some vacancies. However, total numbers in the Choir will continue to be restricted, so if any children are interested in joining please ring me in advance of 11th September – it will avoid embarrassment on the day. Members are expected to attend the weekly rehearsals, which are generally held on Fridays in the School from 2.15pm – 3.00pm, and to sing in the Choir at the monthly Family Services and the annual Organisations Services. Our first special occasion will be the Pet Service on Sunday 20th September at 10.30am. I look forward to seeing you all in September.
David Wilkinson Tel: 493 1850KWASA CHILD SPONSORSHIP SCHEME
Although our financial sponsorship of the Kwasa Project has ended, our interest hasn’t! And we are continuing the Child Sponsorship Scheme which goes to help pay school fees and books for the children who graduate from the Kwasa Pre-Primary School to other schools in the Springs area.
We thank all who are sponsors in this scheme and, of course, we are always delighted to have new sponsors. Sponsors agree to donate €240 a year, though any amount is welcome, and payment may be made through a Bankers’ Order, cheque or by cash. Please contact Ted or Anne if you would like to become a sponsor. Or send the sponsorship (marked ‘Kwasa Child Sponsorship’) to Daphne Metcalfe, 14 Oak Apple Green, Highfield Rd, Rathgar, Dublin 6.Parish Whist Drive
There will be a Whist Drive in the Memorial Hall on Wednesday, 18th November, starting at 8pm. All welcome
SPECIAL APPEAL – Thank You
Catherine, Heather, Granny and the social workers involved, were all amazed and delighted at the response to the appeal. You have all been most generous and it is much appreciated. If ever you have surplus clothes, bed linen or towels etc. please keep them coming. The need is ongoing in The Trust and with the families known to the social workers. children’s clothes to Catherine 4947560 and adult clothes and bed linen etc. to Heather please. Thank you all again.
Neighbourhood Watch Warning
There has been a significant increase in household crime in the Terenure area and people are asked to be vigilant.
‘The Age of Stupid Film’ – Showing on 26th November
The Parish Eco Group is offering a unique opportunity for parishioners and their friends to see The Age of Stupid film, the new cinema documentary from the director of McLibel and the producer of the Oscar-winning One Day in September. Pete Postlethwaite stars as a man living alone in a devastated future world of 2055, looking at old footage from 2008 and asking: Why didn’t we stop climate change when we had the chance?
Have you wondered what all the fuss is about climate change? Do you doubt the reality of it? Do you feel overwhelmed by it? Would you like to know more? Or do you feel apathetic, but think you ought to know more?!
Then buy a ticket (and one for a friend!) to see The Age of Stupid in the Parish Centre on Thursday 26th November at 8pm. The film will be followed by a short question and answer session with Sylvia Thompson. There will also be refreshments and a quiz with an eco prize. Tickets €5 (€2 concession). To buy a ticket call/text David on 086 8325780 or Fiona on 086 1706923.
Don’t miss your opportunity to see “The first successful dramatisation of climate change to hit the big screen” (according to The Guardian).November Eco Tip ~ Invest the eco way!
Saving for a pension/education fees/retirement dreams - By choosing a green or ethical investment option, investors can make a positive difference to society and the environment. Green and ethical investments can encourage corporate social responsibility and help fund solutions to global problems. Investing to support social justice and prevent environmental degradation. Climate change, human rights and poverty alleviation are all issues that are being addressed by green and ethical investments today. See www.neiw.org.
COLLECTABLES!! - A new item has been added to the list HEARING AIDS! Just put unused item into an envelope and give to Heather Wilkinson, Phyllis Whyte or the church wardens.
For an opinion piece on how rapid Climate Change, Fossil Fuel shortages and Food requirements may affect Rathfarnham, read Ecotips web-pageORGANISATIONS UP-DATE
Tuesday Morning Ladies Badminton
Would you like a bit of exercise? If so why not come along to the Memorial Hall on Tuesday mornings at 10.30am for a friendly game of badminton, followed by a cup of coffee and chat. If you are interested please come along or call Karen on 087 6849920
EXTEND CLASSES
Classes start again in the Parish Centre on Wednesday 9th September at 11.30am. I hope you all had a good summer and I look forward to seeing you on the 9th. Anyone wishing to join please turn upon the 9th. Maud White
BOWLS CLUB
We are particularly grateful for the new floor which is super but also for everything else;. It makes such a difference to the Hall and we will be very proud to show it off to our opposing teams. We have entered 2 League teams and 2 Cup teams in the United Churches League and wish all players good luck in their matches. Some friendly matches will be arranged throughout the Season for those who are not on teams. New members will be most welcome and you can contact me at 4909356 for any information. Those who have already bowled would be received with open arms and those who have never bowled and would like to have a "go" would be just as welcome. It is not very difficult and help is on hand, all you would need is a pair of flat shoes. Please feel free to join us any Tuesday at 8.00pm or Saturday at 7.30pm.
MOTHERS’ UNION
The Excursion – Mothers’ Union on Tour!
October saw a coach full of Rathfarnham women head North. We stopped off near Lisburn for morning coffee and the best scones on the planet … blueberry and white chocolate, strawberry and coconut, banana and maple syrup …pure decadence. Our next stop was Belfast city centre where some rode the Belfast Eye, others took a sightseeing bus tour and the majority did what a gaggle of gals let out for the day do best … shopped. Our last detour on the way back to Dublin was at The Outlet, Banbridge. On Saturday evening Rathfarnham business boomed as we settled into local pubs and restaurants for what remained of our day off.
November Meeting - Tuesday 10th November there will be a Diocesan Meeting in Taney Parish Hall at 8pm entitled, “How to declutter your life”. A good chance to get some tips on how to take wardrobes and drawers to task before the Christmas influx. As mentioned on our day away – there will be great tray bakes at this meeting Please put this date in your diaries and let’s have a good turn out of all ages from Rathfarnham MU.
Christmas Auction – 1st December at 8.15pm in Parish Centre. E-bay has nothing on us! Experience the thrill of a winning bid at our Christmas auction. Get your Christmas shopping sorted. Please bring along unwanted gifts, vouchers, wine, home baking etc.
Christmas Hampers - We will be using the profits from our day away and our auction to prepare Christmas hampers. Susanne Reid – 086 1618977 - Again, all are welcome. SylviaWEDNESDAY CLUB
In November we will have Alice Leahy, Director of Trust, the organisation which does so much for the homeless and under privileged in our city. This talk will take place on Wednesday 25th November at 2.30pm in the Parish Centre. All are welcome.
TODDLERZONE
Toddlerzone meets every Tuesday in the Parish Centre from 10.30 – 12 noon. Pregnant mums and all pre-school offspring (with an adult!!) are welcome to join us. This is not an organisation that you join - just come along any Tuesday you are free. If you are coming for the first time call to 4947930 or text to 087 9291990. We wish a happy birthday to all pre-schooler October birthdays. Date to note - NO Toddlerzone on Tuesday 27th October due to school half term.
SAFE GUARDING TRUST FORM
Please remember for your child/young person to attend a parish organisation a SAFE GUARDING TRUST FORM needs to be returned to the leader. You may receive more than one form but only need to return one per person. These forms are needed for Sunday Club, Good News Club, Junior Badminton, Junior Choir, Youth Club & Confirmation Group. Uniformed organisations have their own procedures. Any questions call Ruth Burleigh 4517571
YOUTH CLUB
Each Sunday evening 7.30pm – 9pm for all who are 2nd year and over in Secondary School. Youth Club is open to parishioners who can bring along a friend. Please remember to bring your €20 membership & Safe Guarding Trust Form.
November Dates - Sunday 1st ~ NO Youth Club - Half-Term; Sunday 8th ~ Hall Night – with all the usual fun!; Sunday 15th ~ The Great Bungee Run is back; Sunday 22nd ~ Hall Night; Sunday 29th ~ Hall Night;
Sunday 6th December we will be going Karting. Watch out for the details
Leader Plea!! We could really do with another adult leader. Someone who is 18+ & sorry no parents allowed!! Is there someone out there who is a past Youth Club member and would like to come back and give a hand? Give Keith or me a shout. Keith Wallace 087 2236567 Anne Taylor 4905543Beaver News
We would also like to welcome Paula Donovan and Rob O’Connor to the leader team, who join John McInerney and John Sisson from last year. In addition, as part of their President’s Award we will be assisted by Luke Hudson and Kenneth Mason as helpers. We hope that both the new Beavers and Leaders enjoy the season with us. . We would all like to wish Paula, Rob, John and John all the best for the coming season.The Beaver leader team. Yours in Scouting Eric, James, John, John, Gill (BL-0878577188)
CUBS
Stephen Alexander, Conor Hughes, Karl Huggard and Peter Adye-Curran joined us as Junior Leaders for the year. Ross went through what to bring on a hike. What we need Electric Cattle prods and Tazer guns for I’m not sure as was suggested by some Cubs at the end - maybe the Bears in the Woods!!!! Sunday 18th saw us out for our Autumn hike in Enniskerry (Kilmolin-Curtlestown-Raven’s Rock Loop). A great turnout and decent weather for a change made this a most enjoyable walk. After half-term we are back on 4th November when we will be starting to prepare our Tenderfoots for Investiture which we hope to have on 25th November. November Events - Investiture, First Aid Night & the usual hall nights. Ross, Katherine and Keith CL 087 223 6567
SCOUTING UP-DATE
Christmas Trees - As you know our biggest event of the year is only a month away! Even though the thoughts of shopping, traffic, mulled wine and carols might be a bit early it's never too soon to start telling friends and neighbours about us. We look forward to helping everyone who visits to find the perfect tree and the Scouts are eager to get selling! Over the last number of years selling trees has helped us to visit countries such as Hungary, Slovakia, Spain and most recently Austria. Planning has been ongoing since August and organising a yard full of trees and a caravan full of Scouts is no easy task! We hope to see you there and look out for us in the December issue. rathfarnhamscouts@gmail.com Keith Wallace GL 087 223 6567 Scout Website: www.rathfarnhamscouts.com
BROWNIES
Our first day back was when we enjoyed lots of “Hi Jinks” (theme for the day) on the Funday in Larch Hill. The hi-light was the slippery slope where the Brownies loved getting wet and muddy. The weather was lovely and we finished up with a campfire. We enjoyed getting back to the fabulous newly renovated hall on 17th – great excitement. We will be resuming after the midterm break on Saturday 7th November. Volunteers needed – I am once again appealing for any students (Transition Year upwards) or any volunteers, of any age, with a few hours to spare on Saturday mornings 10 -11.30am to help with the Unit. It is great fun and very rewarding. Mary Somers 086 3535860
GUIDE NEWS
The Guides were really excited to see how the Memorial Hall had been renovated and extended. We have now welcomed the new Guides from Rathfarnham Brownies and they have joined the Swallow, Fuchsia, Kingfisher and Forgetme- not Patrols. If there is anyone over 10½ in 5th class who would like to join Guides, then please contact Heather Bowen. Everyone played a part in designing our herbal themed window for the Harvest Service and we hope those sitting nearby enjoyed the scent. Heather (6102150), Meriel and Catherine
CLUB NEWS ~ CLUB NEWS
NOVEMBER DATES FOR THE DIARY ~ Sunday 1st Sunday Club; Tuesday 3rd GNC; Sunday 8th Sunday Club; Tuesday 10th GNC; Sunday 15th Church for All; Tuesday 17th GNC; Sunday 22nd Sunday Club - GNC Sunday Zone; Tuesday 24th GNC; Sunday 29th Sunday Club – Advent Sunday. Anne and Heather 4947930
GOOD NEWS ~ YOUTH HORIZONS
We are very appreciative of all the assistance you (the Parish of Rathfarnham) have given us. Our premises and facilities have improved over the years and we try hard to maintain standards as this indicates respect for all. You have been very instrumental in this. We would be very happy to receive guests if you would like to come and see the fruits of your generosity. We wish your wonderful Parish community a very happy and fruitful year in 2009-2010. Mairead Hughes
HELP IN THE RECESSION
Employment
Some years ago, when unemployment was high, the Diocese took the initiative in setting up an employment bureau in the Knox Hall in Monkstown. As the economy and employment rates improved it closed as being no longer necessary. However, times have changed again, and a new Diocesan initiative will be launched on September 1st – TANEY EMPLOYMENT CENTRE. This will be an advice and support centre for those who are unemployed, facing unemployment or thinking of a change.
There is no charge for use of the facilities, accessing materials, using laptops etc. Individual career interviews can be arranged with one of a panel of advisers and for this option there will be a charge, with the proceeds going towards the Centre’s costs. The Advice and Support Centre will be based in Taney Parish Centre and will be open (from September 1st) on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 2.00 – 5.30pm. Tel. 298 4705 or just call in.
Educational Grants Below you will find a list of charities who may be able to help with school/college fees.
Many have already made grants for 2009 but would still be worth contacting. Some require forms signed by parish clergy or more detailed references – if so please do not hesitate to contact Ted & Anne and please be assured all information is dealt with in strictest confidence.
~ Protestant Aid 74, Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4.
~ Glorney Charitable Foundation Garden Level, 74, Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4.
~ Kirwan & Pleasants School - Mrs. Ingrid Goodbody, Old Bawn, Old Connaught, Bray, Co. Wicklow
~ Ralph Macklin Scholarships - Mrs. Margaret Dunne, Diocesan Board of Education, Southgreen, Kildare, Co. Kildare.
~ Bertrand & Rutland Fund - Mr. N. Sparksman, 10, Asgard Road, Howth, Co. Dublin.
~ Secondary Education Grants Committee - Mr. David Wynne, 15 Belgrave Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6.
~ Masonic Benevolent Institution The Secretary, 17 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.
~ Lady Ardilaun Education Endowment (for 3rd Level Students) - The Secretary, Mr. Keith Dungan, Diocesan Office, Church of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6.
www.citizensinformation.ie
Citizens Information is an Irish Government website provided by the Citizens Information Board. The site provides public service information for Ireland on a wide variety of areas such as employment, health, housing, tax etc. You can also contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on lo-call 1890 777 121 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm)RATHFARNHAM ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
On 13th October a night at the dogs is scheduled and on 27th another group plan a short break to Bunratty ending with a Banquet. These, together with plans for nights at the theatre, National Concert Hall and a visit to the Dail, will bring a busy return to activities after the summer break. The next meeting, with two sessions, will be on 8th September
The Church’s Ministry Of Healing And National Association Of Compass
invite you to a Seminar
‘Preventing Suicide - Support and Care for Young People through Tough Times’
Speaker Dr. Tony Bates, Founding Director of Headstrong Mental Health Programme for Young people
on Thursday 5th November at 7.30pm
at Church of Ireland College of Education, Rathmines Road, Dublin 6
Followed by question and answer session and refreshments
For further information contact: Avril Gillatt 059 8624974 - Church’s Ministry Healing or Patricia O’Malley 0402 37018 - COMPASS
ALL WELCOME TO ATTENDIRISH RED CROSS OLD FOLK’S COMMITTEE AUTUMN FAIR
in Evergreen Hall, Terenure Road North on Saturday 7th November 10am – 1.00pm
Books – Bric-a-Brac - Cakes – Groceries – “Good as New” Clothing - Raffle – Teas.
All proceeds of Fair go to the running of the Evergreen Club.