The Rector's Newsletter
The Wonder of Christmas
A friend coming to the Rectory spoke a gardeners thought
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The promise of Spring;
The fulfilment of Summer;
The relaxation of Autumn;
The cleansing of Winter.
What a lovely summary of a year!
In stark contrast to the long and fulfilling Summer we have just
enjoyed, the dark evenings of Autumn are now upon
us. Yet even these have a positive side - days when the
weather oscillates between wet, wind and Autumn sunshine; when the
most wonderful scenery can be enjoyed wherever one
looks. The relaxation of Autumn allows us time for
thankfulness for all that we have and enjoy; time for rest and for
one another, when if busyness and work allows, we are able to stay
indoors, light the fire and relax; a time to look ahead, to think
of Christmas, and of New Year with all that it can offer and demand
of us.
The promise, the fulfilment, the relaxation and the
cleansing.
Just as we see the putting to bed and cleansing in the gardening
sense, the dying back, the breaking down, as essential to new
growth and promise of Spring, so also at this time of Advent in the
Churchs year, as we come towards Christmas, we recognise a
time of taking stock, of preparation, of making new plans and
direction, akin to the gardener’s pruning and tidying, so
that we can be renewed and refreshed in our Christian faith.
Advent Sunday, 30th November, will be marked by an Advent Carol
Service when hymns and carols will focus on the coming of Jesus -
yes, as the Baby of Bethlehem, but also as Christ the King in his
glory. Just as we would prepare for any important
meeting we prepare to meet with the King who is Lord of All and
Saviour of All who put their trust in Him. So we
take stock, we prepare our lives for others and for
God. Then, in Jesus birth, his coming that we
celebrate at Christmas, we see God coming amongst us in his saving
love - right into the world and into our lives to cleanse, heal and
renew, to give fresh hope and promise, that in every situation and
circumstance as we live out our lives for others and for God - all
will be well! Such is the gift of light and life and hope we
celebrate at Christmas.
At Christmas we celebrate God coming out to us, and coming in to
us. We also celebrate and enjoy family members coming
home to us, family gatherings, the fun and sharing and the giving
and receiving of Christmas. Conscious that Christmas for
some can also be a sad time I pray that we can all still enjoy the
promise of God’s grace and love come to us in Jesus Christ
our Lord.
A happy and blessed Christmas to you all.
David
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BISHOPS APPEAL FUND
The Church of Ireland through the Bishops Appeal Fund distributes
financial aid through recognised charities to assist people in
need. This expression of care and concern from members
of the Church of Ireland is of tangible benefit – in
assisting local communities to provide infrastructure (roads,
bridges, water, hospitals), education and health projects and in
establishing community enterprise. By using established
aid agencies such as Christian Aid the administration costs of the
fund are minimised, aid projects are carefully chosen and
rigorously supervised to ensure a right usage of monies generously
given. from time to time as critical need arises the Bishops Appeal
Fund also assists for example, in the case of earthquake, flood or
other natural disaster. In 2002 contributions from
parishes in the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough amounted
to € 137,743. A further € 156,654
was received by way of bequests and donations. This resulted in an
overall total of € 294,398. Of this amount
Kilternan Parish contributed
€ 3,034.94. Parishioners are encouraged to
contribute as generously as possible to the retiring collections at
our Christmas Services remembering that € 20 is only
£16 punts!
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NEW CHOIR SEATING & FRONTALS
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As we go to print we have taken delivery of two beautiful
“frontals” for the choir seating area. These
have been hand crafted by Nigel Russell and generously donated by
the Russell family in memory of the late George A. Russell, a long
time parishioner whose life and interests were much focussed on
Kilternan Parish and School. New chairs have also been
delivered. These have largely been funded by donations
from individuals and by a fundraising event held last
Summer. It is intended that the new choir area will be
flexible, allowing for the redirection of frontals and chairs for
weddings and funerals, for study groups, baptisms and music
groups. Already some new members have joined the choir
and it is good to have the positive lead of their presence, singing
and responses in the body of the Church. Others who may
wish to contribute to the cost of choir seating, or sponsor a choir
chair in memory of loved ones, should speak to the
Rector. Most Rev. J.R.W. Neill, Archbishop of Dublin,
will be present at our worship on Sunday, 21st December, when he
will dedicate the new choir area.
School News
It's hard to believe that the first school term is nearly over and
that Christmas is almost upon us. Lots has happened over
the last term and we look forward to as busy and productive a term
next year. I would like to take this opportunity to
congratulate and thank the Building Committee for a fun and
productive Race Night and the fact that the teachers' horse won is
an added bonus - well done to everyone concerned and a big thanks
to everyone who supported it. Another thank you is
appropriate to all of you who donated to our school
Harvest. It was wonderful to see such generous
contributions of food which we gathered together at Assembly and
gave thanks for. These were then donated to the Sunshine
Home and The Women's Refuge in Bray.
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While still on the note of thanks, thanks should also be extended
to those families who took part in our Christmas Shoe Box
Appeal. We were delighted to see off over one hundred
boxes to brighten up other children's Christmases.
Congratulations
are due to Mrs Enid Bennett, Mr Eugene Moriarity and the children
as our school won an award in the Tidy School's Competition. This
boost has launched our 'Green School's Project' where we will
strive for the prize of a Green Flag for our
school. This is the highest award for environmentally
friendly schools.
We welcome our new PTA and Board of Management members and we ask
God for his guidance and wisdom as these new committees begin their
very important work.
We remind you of the date for our School Bazaar on November 29 and
ask for your help and support.
Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for
their welcome and support which has been so apparent since I began
to work in Kilternan and to wish everyone a peaceful and happy
Christmas.
Grainne Darlington
Principal.
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