360 Miscellany

News and views

Photo above – Harvest Moon, Omagh

Galway’s 700th anniversary bell ringing

Rev Lynda Peilow and her daughter Chloe have been ringing the church bells of Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas in Galway at 7 pm for 7 minutes for 7 days to mark the 700th anniversary of this historic church & its conservation management plan

Moderator leads worship online

In this week’s service of worship Presbyterian Moderator, Rt Rev Dr David Bruce, continued his journey through the Apostle Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. Yesterday, Sunday, he explored the theme, ‘A praising church’.

The Moderator was joined by members of the Presbytery of South Belfast, one of the three presbyteries in the city. During the service Presbytery Clerk, Rev Morris Gault, minister of Cooke Centenary Presbyterian and Presbytery Moderator, Rev Kathryn Viner, minister of Malone Presbyterian Church, introduced the Presbytery in a short video, read and pray. The service also included a short video from Derryvolgie Halls, taken last week as students arrived for the new term. Prayers for others were led by Brent van der Linde who is one of the PCI Military Chaplains, serving with the Royal Navy in England.

Boys Brigade 137th anniversary

Last weekend saw the Boys Brigade celebrate the 137th anniversary as a Christian Youth Organisations in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The Company known as the 1st Irish (Belfast) Company Boys Brigade is related to Saint Mary Magdalene Parish Church. The first ever Irish company was established in Charlotte Street Mission Hall under the leadership of Mr. William McVicker.

There is a memorial window to Mr. McVicker. presented by the BB, in the Chapel of Unity in Belfast Cathedral.

CMSI’s Prayer Room

CMSI’s new monthly (online) prayer gathering begins next Wednesday 7th October at 1pm. If you have a free 45 minutes and would like to pray with CMSI, please register at
[ http://ow.ly/sFzR50BCwx9 ]

Charities Institute award for Cabbage Garden project involving Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

The Charities Institute Ireland have awarded the inaugural Collaboration Award to a project very close to the hearts of the Cathedral and the local community.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin and the Cabbage Garden InteragencyGroup have worked closely with Dublin City Council, Michael Egan (RADE), An Garda Síochána, 61st Merchants Quay Scouts, YMCA Dublin , D8 Residents, Iveagh Celtic FC, Stephen Lynch, Eddie McGuinness MA, MPRII, local schools and businesses, and so many more community partners in tackling local issues, area improvements, working together for the better.

The Cabbage Garden Park used to be a part of the Cathedral lands and was used as a cemetery in the time of the Huguenots from 1666 up to the 1900’s. Over the past few years the groups have worked together to create events that bring life and positivity to the space, making it a great addition to the local area. Huge congratulations to all involved in this fantastic project!

Irish Bible App Launch

The Irish Bible Society at its recent AGM launched the ‘Irish Bible App’ – the world’s first app that allows you to explore biblical texts in Irish through a number of translations. It is available on YouVersion, Global.Bible, and in the Android app store. You can download today
[ https://gaeilge.global.bible/bible/d4f66ea66dc08199-01/MAT.1 ]

Well said

Pointers to Prayer

Today we give thanks for the life supported by peat bogs. These bogs are home to a range of rare birds and act as carbon sinks, and have been called ‘one of our best natural allies for keeping carbon out of the atmosphere’.

Today we give thanks for Black History Month and the often overlooked accomplishments of Black people around the world. Our culture has been enriched through its diversity and our society has been made stronger by the contribution of Black community members.

Today we pray for businesses juggling the effects of coronavirus and planning for Brexit. The British Chamber of Commerce estimate that half of UK firms have not considered the effects of Brexit on their business as they attempt to stay afloat during the pandemic.

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.

God in creation

“Let us continue to grow in the awareness that we all live in a common home as members of a single family!” – Pope Francis in Season of Creation

“The natural world is fading, the evidence is all around. It’s happened during my lifetime, I have seen it with my own eyes. It will lead to our destruction”- Sir David Attenborough