Dear Friends,

November is an important month for remembering in the life of our church. We gather to remember with thanksgiving those who have died in the past year and had a connection with the parish on 3rd November in the evening time.

On 10th November at our morning service at 11am we remember those who lost their lives in 2 world wars and in conflicts since. It seems like a
very poignant thing to do as we read of intense fighting in conflict zones in the Middle East and in Ukraine and Russia and other parts of our world. So many lives are being lost and no matter who we feel we identify with
ideologically, we cannot dispute the fact that heartbreak is felt and experienced the same on all sides as so many lives are needlessly lost.

Very often silence and reflection are the most appropriate responses and there is a strength to be gained from gathering together to remember.

Some people will take part in acts of remembrance in their parish church, others will go to cenotaphs and war memorials up and down the land. For me the important thing is to go somewhere and stop for a few moments to reflect on all that is going on, on all that people have done in the past to secure our freedom and to commit ourselves to doing all in our power to build a more peaceful future.

Very often it starts with the small things and seeking to be an influence for good in the areas where we have a presence and an opportunity. It might be in our families, in our schools and workplaces, in our neighbourhoods and churches.

Wherever we build connections and relationships, are we seeking to be peace builders and hope bringers to a world that is in desperate need?
These are important questions for all of us to reflect upon at this time.

We will be continuing our series of seminars on mental health with the support of Mind Matters. This month we look forward to Mike Donal coming to share his powerful story with us about his personal struggles with mental health and how finding a Christian faith brought transformation and hope into his life. It promises to be a powerful
evening on Thursday 28th November and all are welcome at 7.30pm to the Huston Hall.

We begin to prepare during this month for the season of Advent, a season which invites us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. During the
month of December there will be special services and details will appear next month.

The Archbishops of Dublin and Armagh have asked us to use Advent Sunday as a focus for the people of the Middle East and a special collection will be channelled through the Bishops’ Appeal.

Since our last parish magazine was printed, we have heard of the appointment of Reverend Andy Hay to be Priest-in-Charge of the parishes of Clonallon and Warrenpoint with Rostrevor. His appointment will begin in
January so we are glad that he will be with us for Christmas. Andy has been an outstanding colleague and a wonderful pastor and friend to the whole
congregation and those outside the parish. There will be an opportunity to say farewell more properly in December but we offer him and Jackie and
Maddie and Emmie our warmest congratulations.

As Advent approaches, please do let the clergy know if you would like to have communion in your home before Christmas and we would be delighted to share that special service with you.

The rearranged Service of Confirmation will take place on Thursday 21st November at 7.30pm when we look forward to having Bishop David among
us to confirm some of our young people and one adult.
We pray for them as they take this important step of faith as we remember Lewis, Harry, Katherine, Conor, Patrick, Grace and Patrick senior.

With very best wishes

Jonathan Pierce (Rector)

Telephone 02890 793822