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This Sunday the 24th January 2016, Revd. Nick Jones was welcomed as the new Minister-in-charge of the Drung Group of Parishes at a Service in Drung Church. During the service the congregation were introduced to Nick, his wife Dorothy and their two children, after which they were officially welcomed by representatives of the five churches in the group; Drung, Castleterra Larah & Lavey and Killoughter. In his sermon from 2 Timothy 4, Bishop Ferran Glenfield, told Nick that just as Paul had passed the baton of ministry onto Timothy so the baton had been passed to him. His role means he is charged with preaching the Word – with urgency and endurance, encouraging us in our faith. The service was followed by a time of fellowship and some very welcome refreshments in the School hall.

Christmas is a season of mystery. Gifts are bought in secret, presents are wrapped and then hidden away only to be revealed on Christmas Day. At Christmas we are faced with the greatest mystery of all time, the coming of God to earth. The clues of God’s coming litter the Bible. Readings at carol services have brought these clues to light and give us insight into,where, when, how and who was involved ? But why? What was God’s motive in coming to earth? The clue as to why is found in the prophecy of Isaiah and repeated in Matthew’s Gospel.Twice the biblical authors repeat that God will give a sign, a clue, hidden in a name, Immanuel, which is translated, God is with us. That’s the reason why God came, he wants to be with us.

Picture the scene at the arrivals area in Dublin Airport on Christmas Eve.
People stream out of the gate only to be cheered and embraced by waiting loved ones. They are home, they are with us and that’s all that matters. God, too, wants to be with us, to be part of us, to share our lives, because he loves us. What an incredible reality and truth. Our ignorance, indifference or rejection does not deter him. Those who receive him, who believe in his name, the name of Jesus,are allowed to experience the greatest mystery of all, God with us.God loving us, God securing us, God purposing us. Immanuel, the why of Christmas.

+ Ferran

On Saturday 28th November women and men from across the Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh gathered in St George’s Church, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim for a prayer vigil organised as part of the Mothers’ Union All-Ireland ‘16 Days of Activism against gender based violence’.

It was one of 15 vigils being held across all twelve Diocese of the Church of Ireland as a powerful gesture of solidarity with women at home and across the world who are suffering at the hand of gender based violence.

Worship was led by Revd. Linda Frost, Joy Little (MU KEA President) and Dean Arfon Williams and Bishop Ferran Glenfield. The speakers on the day were Niamh Wilson from the Domestic Violence Advocacy Service Sligo (DVAS), Tina Horton from the Sligo Rape Crisis Centre, Patricia O ‘Reilly from Roscommon SAFE (Domestic Support) and Mary McSharry from Invisible Traffick. A prayer tree was used as part of the vigil to facilitate prayers for justice and peace for women who live in fear of violence.
The organisers were grateful to Deputy Frank Feighan, Senator Pascal Mooney and Cllr. Marie Casserly who were there to express their support for the vigil which aimed to raise awareness and pressurise governments to take action.