Nun's Cross Church, Killiskey Parish
Nun's Cross Church, Killiskey Parish, Ashford, Co. Wicklow
Rev Jack Kinkead — mobile: 086-1727654; e-mail: kinkeadj@gmail.com Rev Ken Rue — mobile: 087-2766590; e-mail: kenrue@gmail.com
Please remember to pray for the clergy. They will be attending the Diocesan Clergy Conference in Kilkenny from 3rd to 5th February. The keynote speakers will be the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, Archbishop-designate of York and the Revd Canon Michael Mitton who will act as Chaplain to the Conference.
Killiskey
There is a friendship group within the joint parishes, for people who are retired, and for those who aren’t able to get out to meet people as regularly as they would like. The next meeting is on Monday 17th February in the Wicklow Methodist hall. For further details, please contact Linda Walsh: 086 8228378.
The expression “Climate Emergency” is used frequently these days: to our credit, Ireland was only the second country to declare a climate emergency; at a more local scale, Wicklow County Council has signed a Climate Action Charter. The real test is if these grand gestures mean anything at all. Approaching our general election, which candidates and/or parties even refer to climate change, let alone the urgency of the situation? Now is the time to tell politicians that we want to reduce our emissions and become carbon neutral. More trains and buses for commuters rather than bigger roads; more retrofitting of homes; more renewable energy are just three examples. However, despite our grandiose declarations, when it comes to action, Ireland is as shameful as many other nations, as demonstrated in Madrid in December 2019, when COP25 (UN Climate Change Conference) ended with a watered down, unambitious “agreement” that falls way short of what is necessary to keep the global temperature increase below 1.5⁰C. The UN secretarygeneral António Guterres asked attendees: “Do we really want to be remembered as the generation that buried its head in the sand?” To avoid this, we must all do our bit – let 2020 be the year to reduce our emissions.
There is a friendship group within the joint parishes, for people who are retired, and for those who aren’t able to get out to meet people as regularly as they would like. The next meeting is on Monday 20th January in the Wicklow Methodist hall. For further details, please contact Linda Walsh: 086 8228378.
This festive song can be adapted to provide guidance for the days following Christmas, as encouragement to begin 2020 with the environment (and health) in mind.
On the 1st Day of Christmas: Eat or freeze left-over turkey and ham; DO NOT throw out.
2nd day: When tidying up Christmas debris, carefully fold undamaged wrapping paper and store for future use; recycle gift labels, torn/crumpled paper and all recyclable gift packaging.
3rd day: Go for a good walk (weather permitting) to burn off some excess calories.
4th day: Local parishioners could walk or cycle to Church.
5th day: Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, reduce amount of treats consumed.
6th day: Check home thermostats and turn them down a degree or two and the length of time heating is on. To assist in being comfortable, wear woollen jumpers rather than cotton hoodies.
7th day: Make a list of all home bills involving using electricity, reduce use where possible; money saved = energy saved = good for the environment.
8th day: Can you reduce the miles you drive? Try a car free day, take time out to relax instead.
9th day: Look at your (or a friend / relative’s) garden and plan for next summer – e.g. decide what salads and vegetables to grow, plant fruit bushes, buy a gardening book, join Seed Savers.
10th day: Take a day out to enjoy Mother Nature. Can you do anything to help? Join a conservation organisation? Pick up litter?
11th day: Plant trees or buy some for others to plant.
12th day: When taking down decorations, store carefully for use next Christmas. Recycle any malfunctioning lights. Bring Christmas trees to local collection point.
The Hub will reopen on Wednesday 8th. The shop is currently open most mornings Monday to Saturday. Lesley Rue would be interested in hearing from any new potential volunteers.
On Thursday mornings from 10.30am LET’S CRAFT! meets in The Hub.
Classes will begin on 12th January, in East Glendalough School. The Parenting Teens course will run concurrently, for parents of any confirmation candidates, though this is not limited to confirmation candidates’ families, should anyone else be interested.
Teen youth will meet on 5th & 19th January, 6.30-8pm, in East Glendalough School. All of secondary school age are welcome.
United Youth will meet on 11th January, 6-7.30pm, in East Glendalough School. Anyone 4th-6th class is welcome.
The Bible is a big and complicated book to read and for many it can be difficult to know where to start. The Bible Society has produced a course for those who are familiar with the Bible or just starting out.
It helps you see how the books of the Bible are part of one big story. Using a unique storyline, it shows how key events, books and characters fit together. The video teaching, course guide and daily readings will help participants grow in confidence as they read the Bible for themselves.
Each weekly session includes a video, small group discussion, and refreshments. It will be supported by both Killiskey and Ashford parishes. The Bible Course is expected to run for eight weeks run on Tuesday evenings from 11th February to 31st March. Further details to follow. If you would like further information please contact either Bruce Alwood (087 2547538) or Rev Ken.
Please consider renewing or beginning your financial commitment to Killiskey Parish by way of Planned Giving. By doing this you can maximise the amount of money received by the Parish and greatly assist the Parish to meet its financial commitments. Planned Giving is making a pledge to donate an amount of money regularly over the course of the year whether weekly, monthly, quarterly or by a single donation. Under the tax regulations, the Parish, as a registered charity, can obtain a tax refund from the government for recorded donations from tax payers (PAYE and Self-Assessment) who contribute a minimum of €250 in the tax year. This is the equivalent of €4.81 per week. The parish can claim a further approx. 45% of the amount donated from the government. Cash donations on the plate, while very gratefully received, are not eligible for a tax refund. If you are contributing more than €250 over the course of the year through this method, you might like to consider Planned Giving.
Planned Giving can be done in any one of the following ways:
The envelope system enables parishioners to donate regular cash amounts which can be recorded for tax refund purposes. Envelopes can be obtained from the churchwardens.
By setting up a standing order with your bank for a minimum donation of €5 per week (or monthly or quarterly equivalent).
A donation or donations totalling at least €250 can be made directly to the Parish Treasurer, Scott Golden, Malvern House, The Glebe, Wicklow Town.