DKEA is delighted to welcome Hannah O’Neill back to the diocese in her new role in the Sligo Centre of Mission.

Hannah is 31 years old, from East Belfast but for the last 4 years has been living and working in Craigavon as the Youth and Kids Pastor at Hope Church in Down and Dromore Diocese. In September she began training with Church Army and wholeheartedly believes in their vision “for everyone everywhere to encounter God’s love…”

Hannah was previously in Kilmore diocese as the youth and Children’s co-ordinator, whilst also serving in the Killeshandra Group of Parishes, and is very much looking forward to her return to KEA. 

“Having grown up visiting Rosnowlagh every summer with family, South Donegal is my favourite place on earth. I am excited and expectant for the move to Bundoran and all God is unfolding through the Sligo Centre of Mission. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with old KEA friends and making new ones, and working together to build God’s Kingdom in the local area.”

Hannah will be working with the Sligo Centre of Mission whilst also supporting ministry in the Manorhamilton Group of Parishes. She is particularly enthusiastic about creating environments for children and young people to encounter the love of God whether that be through prayer spaces, youth groups or schools work. As such, Hannah will be hoping to help facilitate ministry for the younger generations, particularly those who are largely unfamiliar with church. 

You can find out more about the Sligo Centre of Mission here

On Sunday afternoon, 30th January, Revd. Simon Scott was instituted as the Incumbent of Longford Group of Parishes -Templemichael, Newtownforbes, Killashee, Ballymacormack and Clooncumber. Family, friends, representatives of the local community and the wider Diocese joined parishioners in the service held in St John’s Parish church. The service was led by Bishop Ferran Glenfield assisted by Archdeacon Hazel Hicks.

Revd. Simon’s ministry in Longford began in August 2020 in the depths of Covid lockdowns and so his institution was the first opportunity to officially welcome him as the minister to the group. The service was a wonderful affirmation of his ministry so far and of his commitment to the work of the Lord in the parish group for the foreseeable future.

The address at the institution was given by Canon Christiaan Snell who spoke from Matthew 28:16-20 – the Great Commission to ‘go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you’. Canon Christiaan noted that we do not undertake this task in our own power but by the power of the one who has ‘all authority in heaven and earth’. The gospel message is for all people – no one must be excluded from the message we share. We are to teach all that Jesus has commanded – we are not able to pick and choose. A daunting task but we are promised we will not do this work alone. Jesus reassures his disciples that he will be ‘with them always, to the very end of the age’.

The Act of Institution was then carried out by Bishop Ferran Glenfield and Archdeacon Hazel Hicks, after which words of welcome were given by Gail Mitchell, a church warden of St John’s Church on behalf of the Parish and Father Tom Healy, representing the Roman Catholic Church.

The service was followed by a wonderful tea in the church building! We pray for the Lord’s blessing on Revd. Simon, his wife Tam and their two children as they continue their ministry in the Longford Group of Parishes

Photo 1: Fr Ciaran McGovern, Fr Turlough Baxter, Revd. Steve Frost, Canon Edward Yendall, Revd. Simon Scott, Bishop Ferran Glenfiled, Canon Christiaan Snell, Archdeacon Hazel Hicks, Revd. Richard Waller

 

Photo 2: Revd. Simon and Bishop Ferran with   Richard and Ann Howard (Mu President), Doreen McHugh, John Farrell, Mia Barry, Derek McHugh

Photo 3: Revd. Simon with his wife Tam together with Bishop Ferran, Penny Barry, Daphne Barden, Andrew McHugh, David Clendenning

SAMS IRELAND FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE 2023

The SAMS Ireland annual evening conference Friday Night Live will take place in Annaghmore Parish Centre 7.30pm on Friday 3rd February. The event theme this year is ‘Enlarge – Expand- Extend’. We look forward to hearing stories of how the Gospel is impacting people’s lives through the work and outreach of the church in South America.

Please join us for an evening of worship, Bible teaching and stories of mission!

Please note the NEW venue this year : Annaghmore Parish Church Halls (Armagh Diocese, Junction 13 M1, Postcode: Craigavon BT62 1NT)

For further information :Email: [email protected] or Tel: 02838 310144.

 

The story of Christmas is about a supernatural intervention. The God who made and sustains the earth came in person as the baby of Bethlehem. What a story! The greatest ever told. In science fiction stories we are used to alien visitors coming to our world. They usually come as destructive invaders. But God comes not to destroy but to save. What do we need to be rescued from? It’s obvious, just look or listen to the news: addiction, anxiety, despair, poverty, violence, war. The list is endless.

We get frustrated by the harsh realities of life and God seems so absent. But at Christmas we are reminded of why God came in the first place. His name Jesus is a clue, it means Saviour. He still invites us to believe and to receive his saving power in our lives.

He knows no limits and nothing is impossible with God. And there are no limits to what He can do in our lives.

+ Ferran

Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland, a leading insurer of heritage, education, and church properties, is encouraging customers to take precautions to help prevent potential damages to properties as we look ahead to severe weather this winter.

It comes as Met Eireann has informed the general public that temperatures are set to plunge this week and indicating that snow may fall on Thursday with temperatures dropping to below freezing.  

The onset of cold weather means more problems for properties, especially heritage properties. Ecclesiastical Insurance, the specialist insurer, has shared practical advice for property owners to be aware of the most common issues that can arise.  

Keep an eye on your pipes, gutters, gullies and your roof. 

1. If you discover a frozen pipe, don’t wait for it to burst. Turn off your water supply and then slowly thaw the affected pipe by introducing gentle heat to the area e.g. by using a hairdryer, space heater or hot water bottle. Do not attempt to thaw the pipe with a blow torch or other open flame. 
2. If the worst happens and you do have a burst pipe, turn off the water supply at the stopcock and try to catch any excess water in a bucket or other container. Do not use any electrics if you believe they may have been affected by the escaping water. You will need to have these checked by a professional electrician. 
3. Unfortunately, slips and trips can happen, particularly when there is ice and snow on the ground. You should take actions that are ‘reasonable in the circumstances’. This can include ensuring that entry and exit routes are kept free of anything which may cause a person to slip and taking preventative measures, such as clearing and gritting paths. 
4. Temporary heaters should not be left unattended for long periods or used when the building is unoccupied, and should never be moved once they have been switched on. 
5. You should also check for damaged seals on the windows, if there are gaps, water may be let in which could cause the frame to swell, jam or rot. 
6. Ensure any overhanging trees or foliage are cut back to prevent possible damage to the property by storm winds. 
7. For those really terrible days when you don’t want to leave the house, it’s good to have your cupboards stocked so you don’t have to. Tins and frozen food will last a long time and prevent you from having to venture out in unsavoury weather conditions. 
8. Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.
9. If you are going away for an extended break, drain down and shut off your water system, and ask somebody to check on your property regularly.

 

Paul Collins, Head of Risk Services at Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland, said:

“We know the impact that extreme weather conditions can have on our customers, and this is a timely reminder for them to take steps to prepare for the winter. Every year we take calls from people who have suffered damage to their property as a result of

cold weather. The repairs can be costly and cause a huge amount of disruption. Some of the steps customers can take include carrying out simple visual checks of the property to identify issues such as overgrown vegetation, loose roof materials, damaged guttering, or blocked rainwater gullies and allow simple maintenance measures to be put in place.  

Careful maintenance and risk management can help prevent property damage and/or injury during the winter months. Protect yourself and your property this season and reach out to an expert if you have any questions”.