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.
Youth Clubs January
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.
Planned Giving
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.
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
Carol Services In Wicklow Parish Church
Tue 17th 07.30pm East Glendalough School
Fri 20th 09.30am Glebe School
Advent Midweek Services
There will be a series of midweek Advent services in Wicklow Parish Church. The services will begin at 7.30pm, and last around half an hour. This year, we will use a resource produced by the Irish Council of Churches, focusing on the homeless / housing crisis in Ireland, and our Christian response. The series is entitled: ‘A lot can change in 6 months’. All welcome. Themes as follows:
Thursday 28th November What is a house? What is a home?’ Thursday 5th December The scale of the issue / Personal impact Thursday 12th December Addressing stigma / Complicity & exclusion Thursday 19th December Hope – our Political agency is real!
Advent Quiet Evenings
On Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm, the Dominican Ecology Centre in Wicklow is holding a series of quiet evenings which feature praying with the Advent Gospels, commencing on November 27th and continuing until December 18th.
Choir
In recent weeks, 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.