In this second posting of C of I news today: Connor Hon Secretary, Bishops’ Meeting, Journal Launched by TCD Chaplaincy, St Bartholomew’s Lunchtime Lecture, Armagh Bible celebration, Service for the healing of fear, Institution, Clogher Mission Roadshow, Crosslinks events
Connor Hon Secretary
Rev Alan McCann has been elected an Hon Secretary of Connor Diocesan Synod. He was unopposed. He succeeds Very Rev JFA Bond, Dean of Connor, who did not seek re-election. Recently Mr McCann voiced concern at the civil partnership of Very Rev T Gordon.
Bishops’ Meeting
The House of Bishops were scheduled to hold a residential meeting this week , October 3 − 5.
New Journal Launched by TCD Chaplaincy
The Church of Ireland Chaplaincy at Trinity College Dublin has launched a new journal entitled “Spiorad”. The publication, which is subtitled “exploring the sacred in words and images”, aims to provide a platform for new writing and art on spiritual and religious themes.
The first issue includes contributions from Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy (Focus Ireland) and Abbot Christopher Dillon (Glenstal Abbey) as well as pieces from TCD students, staff and alumni.
Speaking at the recent launch of “Spiorad” Marni Rothman, one of the consulting editors, explained that the journal hopes to provide “a forum to explore spirituality within and across religions, denominations, and practices.”
“Many people,” she said, “experience a ‘more’ at the heart of their lives. Sometimes this presence is encountered in music, sometimes in art, sometimes in words and sometimes in love. ‘Spiorad’ provides a space where this dimension of life can be engaged and explored.”
The TCD Dean of Residence, the Revd Darren McCallig, said: “My sense is that a new spirituality is struggling to emerge in our time. It is a spirituality that nourishes both head and heart. It is a spirituality which takes the time to turn inwards but only as a necessary prelude to engagement with the world. Our hope is that ‘Spiorad’ journal will be part of that ongoing conversation.”
“Spiorad” will be published twice a year, at the beginning of Michaelmas and Hilary terms. For further information, or to request a free copy of “Spiorad” please email spiorad@tcd.ie
St Bartholomew’s Lunchtime Lecture
“Christmas or Yuletide? BC or BCE?” is the title of the next lunchtime lecture to be given at St. Bartholomew’s Church, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, Lunchtime Lecture, Tuesday November 8. The lecture is given by Peter Lynas, Evangelical Alliance Director for Northern Ireland.
Subtitled ‘Is Christianity really being marginalised in public life?’ the lecture will survey the way that Christianity seems to be vulnerable to forces of political correctness, a phenomenon given particular prominence recently by newspapers such as the Daily Mail. Questions which then arise include: is this shift real or imagined? If it is real, should Christians feel threatened, and what should the correct response be?
Peter Lynas qualified as a lawyer and practiced as a barrister in Northern Ireland for five years before completing his Masters in Divinity at Regent College , Vancouver. He worked for a public policy think tank in Cambridge advising the government on family and social policy. He also led the faith@work initiative at Belfast Bible College helping people work out their faith in the workplace. He combines this post with his role as Operations Director for Causeway Coast Vineyard Church in Coleraine.
This lecture takes place at 1.10 p.m. on Tuesday November 8. The lecture originally advertised for this date is now rescheduled to take place in May 2012. Everyone is welcome at this lecture, which will include a time for questions. Light refreshments will also be available.For further information please contact the rector the Revd Ron Elsdon, Tel: 028 9066 9995
Armagh Bible celebration
The parish churches in Kilmore Rural Deanery are hold a Bible Celebration Weekend to mark the 400th Anniversary of the King James Translation on the Bible into English. The Exhibition will run from Friday 18th November 2011 to Sunday 20th November 2011
The Weekend will include exhibitions from various organisations involved in making the Bible available. The weekend will also include a Schools presentation, Film Night, Youth Event and combined service for the churches of the Rural Deanery.
Service for the healing of fear
There will be a service of divine healing in St. Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast on Monday, October 17 at 8.00pm. The theme will be ‘the healing of fear’.
The organisers state: ”Fear is a big problem in our community for a whole variety of reasons: many people still carry deep scars from the Troubles; the pace of life today can put people under pressure; many are deeply affected by the recession; there is a drift away from personal Christian faith, which can give people peace and strength in times of trouble; the breakdown of family life is unsettling for many and the division in our community can also be a source of great fear.
“The speaker on October 17 will be Revd. Pat Collins, a Vincentian priest based in Dublin. Pat has spoken in St. Anne’s Cathedral on a number of occasions, and he normally approaches the subject in two ways: he makes practical suggestions, helping us to deal with fear, as well as showing how our Christian faith can help us to draw on the peace and strength of God.”
Institution
The institution of the Rev Andrew Rawding as Rector of the grouped parishes of Brackaville, Donaghendry and Ballyclog will take place on Tuesday 6th December 2011 at 7.30 pm. The service will be held in Brackaville Church (Coalisland).
Clogher Mission Roadshow
The Clogher Mission Roadshow is an opportunity to find out more – be informed, inspired and challenged by the ongoing work of the Church of Ireland through its associated mission agencies and partners. The Mission Roadshow runs in Enniskillen Cathedral Hall on Thursday 6th October 2011, 5.30–9.30 p.mThe organisers invite you to “Pop in for five minutes or stay for longer and enjoy a cup of tea.” Admission Free and All are welcome.
The event is organised by the Clogher Diocesan Board of Mission.
Crosslinks events
Crosslinks’ prime focus is making Christ known through the proclamation and
teaching of God’s Word in the power of the Holy Spirit.
On November 8th at 8pm: Evening with guest speaker Jo (Willowfield Parish Church,Woodstock Road, Belfast). On November 28th at 8pm: Belfast Prayer Meeting (Crosslinks Office, 32 Montgomery Road,
Belfast, BT6 9HL)