NEWS BRIEFS

Down chaplains

Bishop David McClay of Down and Dromore has appointed two Chaplains; Revd Canon Gill Withers for Down Diocese and Revd Raymond Kettyle for Dromore (Photo above).

He said: “I know that you will join with me in congratulating Gill and Raymond on their appointments and in looking forward to their contributions to the life of the diocese.”

The role of the Chaplain is to attend to the bishop at important services such as institutions and installations.

Revd Canon Gill Withers is rector of Greyabbey and Kircubbin with Ballyphilip and Ardquin and served Bishop Harold as his Chaplain for 15 years.

Gill said: “I am delighted to be able to serve Bishop David as his Chaplain for this season of His episcopacy. Also that he has put his faith in me to continue as Chaplain.”

Revd Raymond Kettyle is rector of St John’s Lurgan. He said: “I’m truly humbled to be appointed as Bishop David’s Chaplain for Dromore. I look forward to helping, supporting and working alongside him in this role.”

Lent resource from CIYD

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday 26 February, and Fuel is the Church of Ireland Youth Department’s free Lent resource for young people.

Fuel will help them engage with the Bible – to understand what they are reading, and to think about what the Bible is saying and teaching. Space is also provided for writing down notes, prayers and thoughts.

The journal runs to 50 days to encourage readers to continue with the habits which they have started over Lent.

National Youth Officer Simon Henry says: ‘From my own experience as a former youth worker in a parish for 10 years, I have seen the impact of encouraging regular Bible reading habits. I often said to young people: “If you want to hear from God, open your Bible because he speaks to us on every page.”’

The booklet includes a reading plan for John’s Gospel and a 50–page journal. Fuel is free and copies are available from the CIYD office in Belfast (by email at [ admin@ciyd.org ]), and from diocesan youth officers and youth council representatives.

Methodist marathon invite

There are two weeks left to register for Belfast City Marathon at the cheaper rate! Be part of the MCI team and raise money for Father Andeweg Institute for the Deaf in Lebanon! Interested? Email Laura: [ laura.kerr@irishmethodist.org ]

Institution

The Revd Ian Linton will be instituted as Incumbent of the Parish of Rathfriland and Ballyward on Wednesday 19 February at 8.00 pm. The preacher will be the Very Revd Geoff Wilson, Dean and Rector of Dromore Cathedral. Please note that the service will be held in Drumgooland Parish Church, Castlewellan Road, Ballyward.

God in creation

New photo of Princess Charlotte smelling a bluebell has been released