Call for Expressions of Interest: Mental Health Promotion

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The Church of Ireland recently announced a major three–year, all–island, mental health promotion programme entitled ‘Mental Health Promotion across the Church of Ireland and Wider Community’. The project aims to transform the understanding of, attitudes towards, and responses to mental health within the Church of Ireland and the wider community. It has been made possible by a significant grant from Allchurches Trust – one of the UK and Ireland’s largest grant–making charities.

The Representative Church Body of the Church of Ireland is now seeking to engage a researcher/team of researchers to undertake a significant piece of research, commencing in January 2021. More details are available here: https://www.ireland.anglican.org/news/10100/call-for-expressions-of-interest

The Sexton’s House Community Hub – Manorhamilton

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The Sexton’s House Community Hub has recently been completed in Manorhamilton. This beautiful new community space was developed through the Shared Spaces initiative and led by Leitrim County Council. The funding has been used to develop the Sexton’s House and build a hall to the rear of the building in Church Lane, Manorhamilton. The community space will be used to promote positive relations characterised by respect, cultural diversity and people can live, learn and socialise together.

The project has been funded by the Peace IV programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

KEA Online Services

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Upcoming Event: Building Blocks / Children’s Ministry Conference

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Building Blocks Children’s Ministry conference 2020

Online webinars for leaders and workers in Children’s Ministry

Check out all that this year’s Building Blocks Children’s and Family Ministry Conference has to offer – you will not be disappointed! Mark the date in your calendar today! A flyer, which can also be shared with others who may be interested, is available here.

Four Candidates Ordained for Local Ministry in KEA Diocese

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Last Tuesday evening, 29th September, Revd. Albert Dawson, Revd. Steve Frost, Revd. Ed Smyth and Revd. Capt. Malcom Young were ordained as deacons for local ministry. A small congregation gathered in the Cathedral Church of St Mary the Virgin and St John the Baptist, Sligo for a service led by Rt. Revd. Ferran Glenfield, the Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh. Other friends and family were able to participate in the service via livestream (http://studiorove.ie/ordination/.)

 

Albert, Steve, Ed and Malcom are the first candidates in our Diocese to be ordained for local ministry. Ordained Local Ministry is a new form of ministry in the Church of Ireland, developed to meet pastoral and ministerial need in the local church. It is an unpaid ministry based in a local parish or groups of parishes alongside stipendary and lay ministries. Albert Dawson will continue to serve in the Cloonclare Group of Parishes, Steve Frost in the South Leitrim Group, Ed Smyth in the Roscommon Group and Malcom Young in the Drumcliffe Group of Parishes.

 

The address at the ordination was given by Bishop Ferran Glenfield. Speaking from Genesis 28 vs 10-22, Bishop Ferran said that, in a world that is repeatedly pleased to do without God we should never discount the God of grace who deals with us, not on the basis of what we deserve, but what we need. He challenged us not to dismiss the promises of a faithful, dependable God and never to confuse religion with the relationship that we can have with God through Jesus Christ, who is the fulfilment of God’s promises. Finally, he challenged the congregation never to doubt the purposes of God to create a people for himself to participate in His redemptive work in our world

 

Children’s Ministry Network Autumn Newsletter

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We have compiled some simple ideas for families, pods, and Sunday Clubs, always with prompts for the wider parish to be involved so people stay connected with the full life of the Church. Much of our focus in this edition is outdoors, encouraging faith in everyday life. Click HERE to download the Autumn newsletter

Rev Simon Scott welcomed as Minister-in-Charge of the Longford Group of Parishes

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Earlier this month, Rev. Simon Scott was welcomed as the new Minister-in-Charge of the Longford Group of Parishes (Ballymacormack, Clongish (St Paul, Newtownforbes), Clooncumber (Bornacoola, Co. Leitrim), Killashee (St Paul), Templemichael (St John, Longford).

Speaking on Simon’s appointment, Archdeacon Isaac Hanna said; “I am delighted with this appointment to Longford, Simon brings with him great energy and passion to not only to his new parish but also to the existing ministry team here in Elphin & Ardagh. This new opportunity provides him with the scope to develop and grow the Church there, obviously under the empowering and guidance of the Holy Spirit. From experience, I know also that here are some fantastic people in the congregation, who I have every confidence, will benefit from his leadership. I wish him and Tam and their family every success and happiness in this new ministry.”

Institution of Revd. Richard Waller

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Last Friday evening, 11th September, Revd. Capt. Richard Waller was instituted as Rector of the Kildallon Group of Parishes (Corrawallen, Kildallon and Newtongore. To accommodate social distancing a small congregation gathered in Kildallon church while other family, friends and parishioners were able to participate via a livestream of the service. The service was led by Bishop Ferran Glenfield assisted by Archdeacon Craig McCauley.

The address at the institution was given by the Right Reverend David McClay, Bishop of Down and Dromore. Speaking from 1 Corinthians 9:16-27, Bishop David emphasised that the task of the church is to make disciples of Jesus, preaching Christ and coming alongside people. He spoke of the wonderful privilege of this work and encouraged the congregation to be active in the ministry and witness of the church.

The Act of Institution was then carried out by Bishop Ferran Glenfield. During Revd. Richard’s commissioning, symbolic gifts of the Bible, Water, the Book of Common Prayer and Bread and Wine were presented by Ewen Garland, Gwenda Richardson, Florence Bayliss and Bishop David. After this, words of welcome were given by Revd. Ruth West on behalf of the Diocese who congratulated Revd. Richard on this recognition of his ministry so far. Further words of welcome were given by Father John McMahon from Carrigallen Parish who spoke of Revd. Richard as an inspirational man of prayer. Roy Woods spoke on behalf of the Kildallon Group of Parishes.

The current health restrictions meant that we missed out on the traditional tea after the service, but the warm, end of summer’s evening gave a quick opportunity to wish Revd. Richard and his wife Janette well as they begin this next phase of their ministry.

 

Institution of Rev. Capt Richard Waller

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Rev. Capt. Richard Waller will be instituted as the Rector of the Kildallon Group of Parishes this Friday the 11th September at 8pm. Bishop David McClay will be preaching.

The service will be livestreamed at: https://vimeo.com/455054919

A service sheet is available at: shorturl.at/kqQ49

Face Coverings in Churches

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The following statement has been issued by the Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland Primates of All Ireland, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland:

At this time, both in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland, the governments have not formally made mandatory the wearing of face coverings at services of worship. This is, in part, due to the fact that as churches we are committed to maintaining 2 metre physical distancing between household groups and strict adherence to all government guidance on hand hygiene, cleaning, ventilation etc.

It, however, remains our responsibility to ensure that our services of worship are safe places for all who join with us. It has become increasingly clear that the wearing of face coverings, in conjunction with hand washing etc., is likely to reduce the spread of coronavirus, thus helping to protect others. Their use is therefore one way in which we can evidence protection for the most vulnerable, support for our health workers, and practical love for our neighbours.

Following further recent consultations with public health authorities, we join with Christian church leaders all over this island in formally recommending and encouraging the use of face coverings at all services of worship, along with the ongoing maintenance of 2 metre physical distancing, from Sunday 30th August 2020, and earlier if practicable.

We understand that some people are exempted from the wearing of face coverings, as outlined in the two jurisdictions.

We also recognise that whilst it may not be appropriate for those who are leading from the front during worship, including preaching, to wear face coverings, they should at all times continue to maintain at least 2 metre physical distancing from one another, and 4 metre physical distancing from the front row of the congregation.

The Most Revd Eamon Martin
Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland

The Most Revd John McDowell
Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland

The Rt Revd Dr David Bruce
Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

The Revd Dr Tom McKnight
President of the Methodist Church in Ireland

Advice on exemptions from the wearing of face coverings is available as follows:

Northern Ireland
http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-face-coverings

Republic of Ireland
http://www.gov.ie/en/publication/aac74c-guidance-on-safe-use-of-face-coverings