Welcome to St Mark's Parish, Dundela - Winter 2019 Church of Ireland - St Mark's Church of ...
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Welcome to
St Mark’s Parish, Dundela
Church of Ireland
Winter 2019
Where can you find us?
St Mark’s
Dundela
Park Avenue
Hotel
Strathearn
School
Dundela Infant
School Belmont
Primary School
St Mark’s is at 221 Holywood Road, opposite the Eurospar garage.
Our Parish Hall, the Heyn Memorial Hall, is on the corner of Sydenham Avenue.
Parish Contacts
Please contact the Rector or the Curate if you want to talk or have a visit,
or for hospital visiting, baptisms, weddings and funerals.
Rector Revd Helene T Steed
T: 9065 9047 M: 07342 720350
Email: dundela@down.anglican.org
Curate Revd Chris St John
M: 07463 745105
Email: curate.dundela@down.anglican.org
Parish Office: Heyn Hall, 2 Sydenham
Avenue, Belfast, BT4 2DR
T: 9065 4090
Email: office.dundela@down.anglican.org
Office hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 am - 12 noon
To find out more about St Mark’s ….
Visit our homepage: http://dundela.down.anglican.org/
A Message from Revd Helene T Steed Welcome to St Mark’s and our winter magazine. Advent means “Coming – the arrival of a notable person or event”. Advent is the season leading up to Christmas, our annual welcome of the child Jesus. He is coming this Christmas, and we celebrate his birth with joy. In church and in our homes, we bring down our decorations from the attic, and some of us are tempted to acquire a new one every year. No matter if they are old or new, many of us have a favourite decoration. In the Rectory, our favourite is the star. The star covers three seasons in one decoration - Advent, Christmas and Epiphany (the twelfth day of Christmas, 6 January). A star was observed at its rising, the wise men followed it and arrived at a stable where they found the new-born baby Jesus. You can read more about this in Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 2. Many Christmas cards have a star somewhere in the picture. It is a symbol for the birth of the godchild. God is Emmanuel, that is God with us, who sees us through the eyes of one small baby born in Bethlehem. Hold that child within you and follow the star. ‘Follow the Star’ is our theme in St Mark’s this winter for many of our services and activities. Do join us for carol singing and mince pies, for worship and reflections. The New Year sees the ‘advent’ of two new initiatives which you will find detailed in this edition of our magazine: Voices of Narnia for adults of all ages who enjoy singing, and Football Fun Nights for primary school girls and boys. You will be made most welcome. God of wonder, as we follow the star, open our minds to search for you, open our eyes to see you and open our hearts to receive your love, this Christmas and always. Amen.
As we prepare for Christmas you are welcome to our
Advent Services and Christmas Celebrations
Sunday 1 December, The First Sunday of Advent
10.45 am Family Service : Follow the star! We begin our journey towards Christmas.
A star was observed at its rising, and the wise men followed and arrived at a stable. Our
service will be followed by refreshments in the parish hall and a Christmas craft stall
courtesy of our Creative Stitching group and friends.
Saturday 7 December
6.30 pm St Lucia Concert in
St Mark’s Church. Join us for
a magical St Lucia concert with
a visiting youth choir from Norra
Nöbbelövs församling, in Southern
Sweden, directed by Yvonne
Carlström. In a candle-lit church,
St Lucia and her companions,
all dressed in white, will sing and read poems, then we will gather together for some
Scandinavian refreshments. (Read about St Lucia later in this edition.)
Sunday 8 December, The Second Sunday of Advent
10.45 am Morning Prayer and Advent Carols. The Swedish youth choir visitors will join
our service, together with the Open Choir.
Sunday 15 December, The Third Sunday of Advent
6:30 pm Nine Lessons and Carols In traditional ‘Cambridge style’ we hear the again
the wonderful story of our redemption. Scripture readings and silence, prayer and carols
remind us about the coming of the Prince of Peace. Let us rejoice and respond with lively
faith with St Mark’s Open Choir directed by Mrs Beth Aiken, Music Group and soloists.
Sunday 22 December, The Fourth Sunday of Advent
6.30 pm Evening Service The Light is Coming prepared by the Youth Fellowship on the
theme of light and God.
‘O star that shone over Bethlehem now let your kindly light with tranquil hope and glory
shine in every home tonight.’ (Emmy Köhler, translation J. Irwing Erickson)
Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24 December
11.30 pm Midnight Communion service
We celebrate the arrival of the Christ child, with the blessing of the crib,
Christmas Carols, familiar readings and Holy Communion.
Christmas Day, Wednesday 25 December
8.30 am Holy Communion
10.45 am Family Service The star stopped over the manger
Sunday 5 January
10.45 am Family Service They followed the star – Called to be star followers
Sunday 2 February
10.45 am Family Service Jesus is shown to the world
We will share a soup lunch after the service
Winter Activities Afternoon Tea in the Rectory: Tuesday 28 January and Tuesday 25 February 2020 at 3.00 pm in the Rectory, 4 Sydenham Avenue. Chat over a cuppa. Contact: Revd Helene Steed 07342 720350 Book Club: Meets on Tuesday at 8.00 pm in the Rectory. 3 December Excellent Women by Barbara Pym. A novel written with warmth and wit, depicting life in London during the 1950s. The arrival of the Napiers brings change and flair to the mundane life of Mildred Lathbury. 7 January The Second Sleep by Robert Harris A thriller set in the 15th century. Newly ordained priest, Christopher Fairfax, arrives in a remote Exmoor village to bury his predecessor, but it is not a straightforward funeral as a mysterious figure arrives at the service. 4 February The Chosen by Chaim Potok Two fifteen-year-old boys, a baseball game and different understanding of faith and tradition provide the backdrop for a beautiful book on friendship, and conflicting loyalties and beliefs. Creative Stitching Group: Meets in the Heyn Hall on the second and fourth Tuesday each month from 7.30 pm, (no meeting 24 December). Bring along your choice of creative project and enjoy some chat together as we work, all levels of experience welcome. Contact: Ann Clark 9029 2205 Evergreens: A group of seniors, young at heart who meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 2.30 pm for fellowship and activities. 11 December Christmas Party 8 January Eileen Anghel will reminisce about our local area. 12 February A short movie (tbc) Contact: Lorna Symmons 9065 2777 Flower Guild: If you would like to help with the Christmas decorations, or other floral arrangements, please get in touch. Contact: Parish office 9065 4090 Men’s Group: The men’s group meets monthly in the Heyn Hall. Following an Escape from Colditz and a Scalextric challenge, the group continues to provide unique ways of entertaining ‘adult children’. Tuesday 17 December, 7.30 pm Our ever-popular Christmas Quiz returns. Ladies welcome. Tuesday 21 January, 7.30 pm Dundela Island Discs. Blow the dust off your old vinyl records and enjoy an evening of musical nostalgia. Everyone will get a chance to play a piece. A CD player and the internet will also be available. Tuesday 11 February, 6.30 pm To celebrate 60 years of The Beatles we will be playing “Beatles Monopoly” accompanied by their greatest hits. Contact: Revd Chris St John 07463 745105 Mothers Union: Meets in the hall on the third Wednesday of the month, usually at 8.00 pm 18 December Church service at 7.30 pm followed by Christmas supper in the hall 15 January A speaker from The Larder foodbank will bring us up to date with their work. 19 February ‘Going Greener’ An evening of waste reduction. Contact: Ann Clark, Branch Leader 9029 2205
Music at St Marks: Our Music Group welcomes instrumentalists to play together at many of our services. Contact: Sarah Bass 07731 422002. Open Choir: Meets to rehearse on Wednesdays from 6.00 to 7.15 pm in the Music Room in the Church, and from 10.00 am on Sundays to support hymn singing at the 10.45 am service. Contact: Beth Aiken 07874 044317 Coming up: Two opportunities to try out the choir, by joining them to sing carols. Firstly, at the Marie Curie Christmas Craft Fayre on Thursday 5 December, 5.30 to 8.30 pm. Secondly join the Open Choir and Friends as we spread Christmas cheer by carolling in local streets and homes on the afternoon of Wednesday 18 December. Refreshments of mince pies and mulled wine back in the hall will warm us up nicely! Scottish Country Dancing: A mixed group of beginner and improving dancers, meets in the hall on Thursdays at 7.30 pm. Why not join us for our Burns Night Ceilidh on Thursday 23 January 2020, a fun evening for all levels of dancing and some seasonal treats to eat. Contact: John Campbell 07923 492357 Study Group: The study group meets second and fourth Wednesday from 8.00 to 9.00 pm in the hall. It seeks to gently develop a sound theoretical and biblical knowledge, through a combination of teaching and discussion, enhancing your bible reading experience. 11 December Every heart a manger. The final instalment of the Max Lucado series Because of Bethlehem, a great preparation for Christmas. 8 January The Divine Conspiracy, the first in a video study series by Dallas Willard. 22 January The path to a blessed life. 12 February Becoming a good person. 26 February Treasuring what matters most. Contact: Revd Chris St John 07463 745105 Walking Group: Meet at the Heyn Hall, and join us for a family friendly walk, followed by coffee, suitable for all. Saturday 28 December, 1.00 pm Laganside walk and St Georges Market. Saturday 1 February, 1.30 pm Lagan Towpath/Giants Ring Contact: Hannah Nelson 9065 1916 For more information on any parish group or event, you can also contact the parish office or clergy, see the inside front cover for details. The painting of the outside of the Heyn Hall is now complete in time for winter. A huge thank you to everyone who helped.
In conversation with …. Sarah Bass, YF
Connecting with young people is an increasing challenge as we compete for their attention
with social media and a multitude of extra-curricular activities. We asked Sarah, who helps
lead our Youth Fellowship, for some thoughts.
Why have you made your home in St Mark’s?
St Mark’s has been my parish church since I was 12. As
a teenager YF was an important part of my life and I have
gone on to help lead YF as an adult. It is the church I was
married in and the church my children have been baptised
in. I feel like I’m part of a family!
Which areas of parish life do you enjoy being involved in?
Sunday School, YF, Music Group, singing on occasion,
anything I can lend a hand with! (We love it when Sarah
bakes for events, she makes fantastic Rocky Roads!)
You have a young family, what would you say to encourage parents to explore involvement
in church along with their kids?
Many parents worry about attending church with young children. If the prospect of your child
making noise is what puts you off then try not to worry. I’ve never had any complaints and
nearly every week one parishioner or another gives me an encouraging word about seeing
children in church. Children make noise sometimes but so do adults! You can also try out
some of St Mark’s regular events and activities for children, as well as activities such as
the family friendly walking group or pop up café nights, which help you to get to know new
people.
How would you like to see our YF develop?
I feel strongly about the development of our youth fellowship within the wider context of St
Mark’s. If you have a teenager try to encourage them along to YF. We’re a lovely group of
people who spend quite a lot of time laughing (maybe a little too much sometimes)! Having
worked with children and teenagers for quite a while now I know how shy they can be,
especially when first asked to attend something they may feel a little apprehensive about. If
you’re an adult reading this who has a young person in P7-Year 14, try to encourage them
to come along for a few weeks. Sometimes it’s our job as parents to make our children
do something (in the nicest possible way of course) they automatically want to say no to,
especially when we know it’s something they might enjoy.
A new book of recipes, photos and memories
on a theme of hospitality, available now for
purchase at £8, from the Parish Office.
A perfect Christmas gift.
Messy Church Messy Church provides an innovative way of looking at the main characters and events of the Bible. Using crafts, games, films and activities, children gain biblical knowledge, while having fun. Messy Church is followed by an afternoon meal after all the work is done. Children need to be accompanied by an adult (you’ll have fun too!). Saturday 22 February 2.00 - 3.30 pm A Fiery Furnace Discover the story of Daniel, chapter 3. The heat is on. This messy church is going to be a hot one. Fun, crafts, activities and party food. Telling the great stories of the bible as only Messy Church can.
Children’s and Youth activities this winter
Sunday School and Creche: We meet during the 10.45 am Sunday service in
the Music Room of the church. Contact: Yvonne McMaster 9042 2836
YF: Youth Fellowship meets on the second Sunday of each month, 7.30 pm in the
Heyn Hall to explore a different biblical topic. The third Sunday is JAM night where
different praise songs are practised by the YF music group and the YF service is
designed by the team. On the fourth Sunday of each month the YF lead the 6.30 pm
evening worship in the church, after that they ‘chillax’.
8 December God is like rain
12 January Woolly jumpers and lessons from lambs
8 December You’re a good, good Father.
Contact: Sarah Bass 07731 422022
7 x 7 Singing
Club: The
singing club is
taking a break
over the winter CHRISTMAS FILM
AND ACTIVITY AFTERNOON
but will return
to prepare for in St Mark’s Heyn Hall
Easter. Saturday 14 December
1.30 pm to 5.30 pm
Mums and For children aged 4 to 11
Chums: Our Cost £10 per child.
toddler group
meets every
Wednesday at Please register in advance by contacting the Parish Office.
10.15 am in the
Heyn Hall for a
morning of play,
fun and singing. Refreshments for young and old. Contact: Parish Office 9065 4090
Rainbows, Brownies and Guides: Our groups meet on Monday nights,
Rainbows at 5.15 pm and Brownies/Guides at 6.30 pm.
Contact: Heather Ellison 90659278
Voices of Narnia is a new and exciting project-
based choir for all who enjoy singing (parents of Guides,
Brownies and Rainbows, neighbours and friends) We
will meet on Mondays 6.45 to 7.45 pm in the Parlour
for five sessions starting on 27 January 2020. We shall
support the Girl Guides with a musical performance
at the 10.45 am service on Sunday 1 March, Thinking
Sunday. This initiative is warm and welcoming, no audition
required, drawing together members of different ages and
backgrounds. Contact: Beth Aiken 07874 044317
The story of St Lucia, an inspiration for Advent Lucia was a young woman who lived during the 2nd century in the Sicilian town of Syracuse. Her father died when she was a child and she lived together with her mother and they were Christians. She also had a fiancé, a young man she planned to marry. Lucia came from a reasonably well-to-do family. She and her mother were generous, they sold their possessions and gave away the money to the poor. Lucia also brought food to those who had nothing to eat. What she did was not approved by the state; hence she went out after dark with her gifts. To be able to carry more things in her hands, she made a crown to wear and put candles in it to light her way. During the second century it was not easy to be a Christian, many were persecuted and killed or had to worship in secret. Lucia on the other hand was proud to be a friend and follower of Jesus. She was not afraid. Lucia’s fiancé was irritated by her generosity. He wanted her to himself, and did not want her to spend her time and money on the poor. He went to the local governor Pascasius and betrayed her. He told him that his wife to be was Christian and refused to follow the decrees of the emperor. Pascasius arrested Lucia and did all in his power to make her pray to the Roman deities. She refused and said: ‘I only pray to the Lord Jesus Christ and no one else.’ She did not renounce her faith, and so was condemned to be burnt at the stake. But the flames did not touch her and Pascasius was forced to pierce her with a sword. She became a martyr, someone who died for her faith. St Lucia is remembered on 13 December, and the name Lucia means light. In Scandinavia, girls dress up as Lucia with candles in their hair, singing and carrying a tray with coffee, saffron buns and ginger biscuits. But it is not just a pretty sentimental tradition. Today, many thousands of Christians, like Lucia, are persecuted for no other reason than that they believe that Jesus Christ is Lord. Persecution is about suffering, and it puts people under tremendous pressure to renounce their faith. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas and the birth of our Saviour, the light who came into the world, let us pray for the persecuted Christians and also pray that we may hold fast to our faith. St Lucia’s carol is a reminder to us to be a Lucia, a light-bringer. You may not dare to wear candles in your hair, but more importantly, you can spread light and warmth to everyone you meet. The carol encourages us to nurture dreams, realistic and achievable dreams of a better life, a better world, a world of encouragement. Hark! Through the darksome night Santa Lucia, thy light is glowing Deep in the northern sky Sounds come a winging: Through darkest winter night, Bright stars are beaming; Lo! ‘tis the Queen of Light comfort bestowing. Christmas is drawing nigh joyfully singing Dreams float on dreams tonight, Candles are gleaming. Welcome thou vision rare, Comes then the morning light, Clad in her garment white, Lights glowing in thy hair. Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia Wearing her crown of light, Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia.
Did you know…? Advent and Christmas traditions. There are several ways people like to count down to Christmas. Some use an Advent Candle, marked with a series of lines, and the candle is burnt for a short while each day until the next line is reached. In church we have an Advent Crown or Wreath, made with evergreen foliage and 4 red candles to represent Isaiah and the Prophets, The Bible, Mary the mother of Jesus, and John the Baptist. These are lit in turn as each week in Advent passes, until the fifth white candle is lit during the Christmas Eve Midnight Communion service and on Christmas Day, to represent the arrival of Jesus as the Light of the World. In Germany in the 19th Century, people marked 24 chalk lines on their doors, rubbing off one each day in December. Around 1900, the idea of the Advent Calendar began to be mass produced, offering a chocolate treat each day. Mince pies were originally savoury, and were oval shaped to represent the manger where Jesus was laid. They were flavoured with 3 spices as a reminder of the gifts of the 3 Kings or Wise men. One myth suggests we should eat 12 pies between Christmas and Twelfth Day to ensure a prosperous year. So Advent has always been seen as a time to prepare food for feasting and celebration. This year you may like to consider starting a new tradition with your family or friends, the Reverse Advent Calendar. Get a cardboard box and each day during December instead of a gift for yourself, add an item to the box, such as tinned or non-perishable foods, toiletries or small Christmas treats. You can bring your completed box to church on Sunday 22nd December (or to the parish office), and we will deliver them to families in need via The Larder foodbank. You might enjoy decorating the box, and could join up with a friend to make it up together.
Learning from others in mission
Missions to Seafarers – All at Sea
We were delighted to welcome Revd Colin Hall-Thompson
to our October family service to speak about the Mission to
Seafarers. Colin writes :-
‘This is a 24-hour ministry – ships sail and berth night and
day – to people who work on a shift system around the
clock whilst at sea and are on board for up to nine months
at a time. It is tough work mentally as well as physically,
being away from family, community and culture over long
periods – as well as riding stormy seas – experiencing
sickness, loneliness, sometimes difficult relationships and
language difficulties.
Our task is to welcome them to the safe haven of ports, provide caring
and Christian support on board and in the Seafarers Centres in Belfast,
Larne, Warrenpoint, Lishally Co Londonderry, and Greenore, Co Louth.
We help with pastoral and mental health problems through caring,
counselling, referring to the right people/organisations, and taking up issues of justice i.e.
pay conditions, difficult relationships and piracy. There is also support from organisations
such as I.T.F (International Trade Federation), M.C.A (Maritime Coastal Agency). We would
value your support and prayers, and offer opportunities for voluntary Christian ministry. Do
come and see the Belfast Centre; groups are welcome by arrangement any time of the day
or evening and lunch is served on Thursdays and Fridays.’
“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the
everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth and
to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” Revelation
Chapter 14 verse 6
Colin sported a cosy hat during the service, and reminded us that
many of the sailors who arrive in Belfast may need warm clothing or
toiletries. We will be collecting the following items during December and January this year
to support his work, please bring your donations to the parish office or leave at the back of
the church.
Items needed include warm winter clothing, socks and gloves, especially small and
medium-sized, as many seamen originate from Asia. Men’s toiletries and chocolate bars
will be collected to give as Christmas presents. Please do not include any used socks or
underwear. Thank you.Learning from others in mission – Welcoming Antony
In October we were blessed as a parish to welcome Antony Njoroge Irungu after his first
ever flight from his home in Nairobi. Antony works in a severely deprived community,
reaching out to children and teenagers at risk of crime, drug and alcohol abuse, through
football and a programme called ‘More than just a meal’, which provides a meal and
mentorship to over 350 kids each Saturday. During his week, he visited Belmont Primary
School, and spent time with all our organisations and many small groups of parishioners,
sharing sometimes challenging stories of the social issues his community deals with, and
providing us with an inspiring example of how to reach out in a practical way to provide
help. His vision is to build a more permanent base for his work, where kids can have
space to do homework, which is a struggle in their cramped housing conditions, and IT
training to improve their job opportunities. Our Creative Stitching group discussed with
him supporting the young mothers, who often find themselves cast out, by providing
blankets and baby clothes as an encouragement and sign that they are indeed loved.
Watch this space to see how this idea may develop.
Meanwhile our Kenya Group continues to prepare for the visit to Nairobi next July.
Members have been successfully ‘beetle driving’, bagpacking and cooking up a storm at
our Taste of Kenya night.
Please consider coming along to the next fundraisers, the Burns Night Ceilidh on
Thursday 23 January, and our Soup Lunch on Sunday 2 February
What have we learned from Antony?
One of the most popular events was the football and hot dog
evening. Everyone had such a lot of fun, that we have decided to
run a series of 6 Football Fun nights in the New Year, Wednesdays
starting on 8 January from 6.00 to 7.30 pm. Boys and girls of
primary age, and parents/grandparents are all welcome. Please
contact the parish office to book a place.Our Worship in St Mark’s
Sunday – A variety of services, all with different character.
8.30 am Holy Communion
This is a said, short, meditative
celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
9.30 am Contemporary Service
This service offers a more informal
style of worship, teaching and
modern worship songs. We enjoy
a cup of tea or coffee and time of
fellowship before the service.
10.45 am Parish Worship
Firmly rooted in the Church of
Ireland Prayer Book, supported by
our choir, organ and music group.
1st Sunday – Family Service;
2nd & 4th Sunday - Morning Prayer,
3rd Sunday - Holy Communion.
Our Sunday School and Crèche
meet during this service, normally in the Music Room. The children
stay in church for the first part of the service and leave for their
groups after the ‘Children’s thought for the day’.
6.30 pm Evening Service
1st Sunday - Holy Communion and
Ministry of Healing.
2nd & 3rd Sundays - Compline -
a quiet contemplative service
4th Sunday - Informal evening
service
Wednesday
11.00 am Holy Communion - A short said
service in the choir stalls.
7.30 pm The Late Evening Office with
Prayers for the Sick, in the Side Chapel.
Every week a small group meets to pray for the sick and those who
have asked us to pray for them, as well as for the needs of the
parish as a whole. It is a short and meditative service. Welcome.Belmont Council of
Parish Soup Churches
Lunch
Sunday 2
February
Advent
Carol Service
After 10.45 am
Family Service in Gilnahirk Presbyterian
Sunday 1 December
Proceeds to our Kenyan
7:00 pm
Mission Partners and
Parish Funds
Nine Lessons and Carols
Nine Lessons and Carols
Sunday
Sunday 15
15 December
December 6.30
6.30 pm,
pm, St
St Mark’s Church – Open
Mark’s Church – Open choir Choirand
andsoloists.
soloists.
Save the date
Sustainable style
Fashion Show, Tuesday 24 March
Burns night ceilidh – Thursday 23rd January, 7.30 pm
Parish HallYou can also read
