Lesley Rue organises the distribution of the Church Review. If you would like your name to be added to the list of recipients in 2020, please let her know. She is currently collecting the annual 2020 subscriptions of €40.
Week of Prayer For Christian Unity
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an international Christian ecumenical observance kept annually between 18th January and 25th January. As Rev Ken co-chairs an initiative called Ecumenical Bible Week, he has been asked to lead the RTE broadcast service on 19th January. Others involved from various Christian traditions include Fr Kieran O’Mahony (Roman Catholic), Pastor Martin Sauter (Lutheran), Revd Jools Hamilton (Methodist) and Mr Paul Manook (Armenian Apostolic), all of whom have preached in Nun’s Cross Church.
It is anticipated that the annual clergy lunch will take place on Friday 24th January for those in the East Glendalough area. This brings together in fellowship ministers from the main Christian traditions.
Ordained Local Ministry
Since September 2018, a new form of ministry has been established in the Church of Ireland called Ordained Local Ministry (OLM). Nine of the twelve C of I dioceses are now involved (Dublin & Glendalough is not one of these). The features of this ministry are:
- It is an ordained ministry – OLMs are deacons and priests in the fullest sense of the word.
- It is a local ministry – limited to the parish/group of parishes, rural deanery or archdeaconry.
- It is a self–supporting ministry – transfer to any form of stipendiary or what is known as non–stipendiary ministry is not possible without attending a Selection Conference and completion of full ministerial training.
- It is a supervised ministry – an OLM is always supervised by a stipendiary priest.
- It is a recognised ministry. It is recognised by the Church and for which training has been undertaken and ongoing support is required.
- It is a collaborative or team or companion ministry. An OLM is always part of a team of clergy and lay people.
- It is missional – not simply about filling gaps but intended to expand the missional outreach of the local Church community.
There are currently 74 candidates training for ordination, of whom 44 are training to be OLMs.
Rev Ken co-ordinates the OLM course and will be attending a weekend led by three Bishops from 10th to 12th January.
Choir
In recent months, a choir has been re-established. The hymns of each Sunday’s Principal Service will be practiced in the church from 10.30am. If you would like to join the choir, please let Tim Hicks know.
Confirmation
An information evening concerning confirmation classes will be held on 26th November in East Glendalough School at 7.30pm. It is mainly geared for pupils in secondary schools. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please let Revd Jack or Revd Ken know.
Eco Tips — The Joy of Christmas Memories
A walk along supermarket aisles leaves no one in any doubt that Christmas is approaching. Shelves groan under the weight of sweets, chocolates, alcohol (all those lovely treats that are just that, treats, if consumed in the correct proportions!), but also a plethora of decorations, Christmas themed cushions, crockery, everything it seems, all there to lure customers to buy more than they need or can afford. Time was (still is for some) that decorations were stored in a box in the loft and then lovingly unpacked in the days or weeks coming up to Christmas, each item evoking beloved memories before being hung on the tree or placed around the house. For sure, replace those broken tree lights or buy occasional baubles, but maybe this year think before purchasing vast amounts that are not really needed. Ditto for Christmas presents. Children can be totally overwhelmed by piles of gifts, often the packaging being preferred. One could buy fewer, maybe better quality, presents for family and friends or go for experiences or gifts that will last all year round (e.g. annual subscriptions). Christmas should primarily celebrate the birth of Christ, but is also (partly) about giving, but not about wanton waste or debt. So, enjoy the festivities, remember others, reduce your waste / mind the environment.
The Hub
Christmas gifts and cards are now available from The Hub. 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
Wicklow Christmas Cake and Gift Sale
Wicklow Parish will have a ‘pop-up’ shop on Wicklow Main Street, on Saturday 7 December, selling cakes, new & good as new Christmas gifts.
Carol Services In Wicklow Parish Church
Tue 17th 07.30pm East Glendalough School
Fri 20th 09.30am Glebe School
The Friendship Group Christmas lunch
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 Friendship Group Christmas lunch will take place on 9th December at 12.30pm in the Wicklow Methodist Hall. If you would like to attend, please contact Linda Walsh: 086 8228378.