News and Upcoming Events
Please find below an archive of the News from this and previous months.
« Return to previous page.- 05/07/09 15:49
School’s Out For Summer
Summer term ended in Kill National School with a flurry of activity. Sports Day, football finals, project awards, the Sixth Class trip to Wales and farewells to Sixth Class. In addition, a highly successful concert held in the Hall was augmented by a brilliant barbecue run by the PTA on a balmy summer’s evening. The Board of Management, too, hosted a thank-you meal for all vital people who contribute to the life of the school. A full year, time for a well earned rest!
A Man For Mission
During the first half of the year, on Sundays, and in Growing Group studies, mission has been to the fore. James Price (pictured), from CMS Ireland, has been a great encourager in helping the Parish to work through the 5 Marks of Mission, identified by the Anglican Communion. James is leaving his post with CMSI to take up a new position in London. We wish him well and thank God for him.
Leadership Required
In virtually every area of Irish life there is a deficit of leadership. There are exceptions of course, but deficit is the general rule. Over the summer months, we begin a series of sermons on Sundays, exploring the Old Testament Book of Judges. The Church has a problem with Judges; it is so earthy, puzzling, primitive and violent. But then so much of life in Ireland is like that. In Judges, in a vacuum of leadership, God raises the most unlikely men and women to places of power and influence. God is at work in ancient Israel. God is at work in modern Ireland.
Building Community
Over the summer months a whole series of picnics, lunches, get-togethers and a céilí have been run in order to build up our community life. In a fragmented and highly individualistic society it is important for the Church, the gathered in Christ, to exhibit a sense of community. All of the events have been marked by a sense of fun and togetherness across all ages and the wide spectrum of Parish life: Koinonia, Fellowship.
All Change
In June, we bade our farewells to Cathy Lewis, our “Intern” who was with us since September last as part of the Church of Ireland Jump programme. Cathy is returning to Northern Ireland to pursue theological studies in Queen’s University, Belfast. During July we will also say goodbye to Wendy Kingston, our Children’s Worker, who hopes to take up a primary school teaching position.
Wendy and Cathy will be greatly missed. There will be a gap in our children’s and youth ministry which we cannot see being readily filled at present. So pray for Ian Horner and his team of willing volunteer helpers as they plot the way forward in the vital work among children and young people.
Tim Silk, who has been Associate Rector since last November, will continue in the rôle for at least another year. Tim is helping us focus on reaching out into the wider community, working creatively with students, training new leaders and growing disciples. We are delighted that Tim and his family have settled into Parish life and are a great encouragement to us.