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BELLAGHY GIRLS’ BRIGADE
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On January 1965 Rev. David
Browne was installed in Bellaghy Presbyterian Church he was the first
Minister to notice that there was a need in Bellaghy for Youth
Organisations so as a result on |
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the 5th November
1965 the Girls Brigade was formed. |
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First Enrolment service took
place on January 21st 1966. That Sunday there were 45
Girls enrolled and the First Captain Miss Morag Wilson now (Mrs
Morag Smyth). Then in 1969 Company President Mrs Lowry gave the girls
permission to have a Coffee Party in her own home. Money raised in
this occasion was enough to buy the Colours for the Company. |
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Sunday 25th May
1969 the new Colours for the Girls’ Brigade were dedicated at a
special Service in Bellaghy Presbyterian Church. Rev D Browne
officiated at that service and he was assisted by Rev. S. Simpson,
then Rector of Ballyscullion Parish Church. |
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Now 2004 was our 40th
Anniversary. On the 14th December we had a Special Carol
Service by Candlelight in the Presbyterian Church. Once again we had
Members from Bellaghy B.B Captains and Officers from Portglenone
Castledawson, Magherafelt, Tobermore and most of all our own Company
Past Captains. Church was filled that Sunday night and light supper
was served afterwards. April 7th was our 40th
Display where Friends and Relations enjoyed a good night seeing all
the girls taking part in their different activities. |
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Awards for 2004-2005
follows: |
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Do this-do-that Under 5’s : Cup
Hope Steele runner up Lauren Mulholland & |
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Courtney Overend |
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Do –this-do-that Exploxer : Cup
Sara Davidson Runner Up Rachel Rainey |
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Gods’s Book Shield : Cup Rebecca
Rainey runner up Jillian Blair |
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Under 5’s Cup: Lauren
Mulholland runner up Courtney Overend |
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Explorer cup: Helen Blair runner
up Sara Davidson |
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Heather Rainey Memorial Cup Best
Endeavour: Jillian Blair |
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Junior Drill Cup: Erin Steele
Runner up Amy Leslie |
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Junior Scripture Cup: Megan
Mulholland Runner up Claire Mulholland |
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Junior Cup: Hannah McMullan
Runner up Ceri-Anne Stewart |
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Senior Drill Cup; Dawn Scott
Runner up Stephanie McMullan |
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Senior Scripture Cup: Stephanie
McMullan runner Dawn Scott |
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Senior Cup: Stephanie McMullan
Runner up Dawn Scott |
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Brigader Drill Cup: Lesley
Jackson runner up Leanne Davison |
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Brigader Scripture Shield:
Leanne Davison runner up Lesley Jackson |
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Brigader Cup: Leanne Davison
runner up Lesley Jackson |
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P.E. Cup: Stephanie McMullan |
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Best Squad (Sen/Brig) Shield:
Stephanie Bruce/Pamela Bruce/Leanne Davison |
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Anne Mulholland Memorial Cup:
Judith Overend |
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GB Week Cup: Pamela Bruce Runner
up Rebecca & Rachel Rainey/Dawn Scott |
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Christmas Outing was Sat 20th
November to Burnavon in Cookstown to see their Christmas Pantomine
(Dick Wittington). Also on the 14th April was their
Summer outing to Dundonald Ice Bowling. The Girls really enjoyed both
of these events. |
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By November the Brigade
hopes to have published a book containing Past & Present within the
Company. |
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These books can be Purchased
from any Officer or our Captain Shirley Montgomery. |
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Report by Ann Davison |
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Mothers’
Union |
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On
Saturday, 18th June, the members of the Mothers Union
travelled to the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh for a ‘Picnic in
the Park’ to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Derry and
Raphoe Diocesan Council. They were joined by more than 300 members
from all over the Diocese. On arrival at the Park coffee was served in
the Marquee and afterwards a walk around the Museum and through the
park was enjoyed by everyone. |
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Lunch was
served in the afternoon when the centenary cake was cut by Mrs. James
McHaffey, the Past Diocesan president. This was followed by speeches
from a number of distinguished guests including the All-Ireland
president of the Mothers’ Union, a visiting M.U. President from Canada
and the Chairman of Omagh District Council. The afternoon concluded
with a service of worship by the Bishop, Rt. Rev. ken Good and the
Rev. Sheila Johnston. |
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Report by
Olive Overend. |
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If you would like any information
concerning meetings of the Mothers’ Union group in the parish please
contact the Secretary, Mrs. Sadie McQuillan. |
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Quotes
from Children |
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What's the difference between mums and
dads? |
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1.
Mums work at work and work at home, and dads just work at work! |
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2.
Mums know how to talk to teachers without scaring them. |
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3. Dads are taller and stronger, but mums have all the
real power, because that's who you have to ask if you want to sleep
over at your friend's. |
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GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
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A VERY SPECIAL
CONTRAGULATIONS TO JIM & SARAH DAVISON WHO CELEBRATED THEIR GOLEN
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ON THE 18TH MAY. |
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JIM & SARAH REALLY
ENJOYED THIS SPECIAL OCCASION BY SPENDING TEN DAYS TOURING AROUND THE
LAKE DISTRICT. |
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Smile
Lines |
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All I ask is a chance to prove
that money can't make me happy. |
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One nice thing about egotists: They don't talk about
other people!!!! |
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If swimming is so good
for your figure, how do you explain whales? |
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Belfast
Bible College |
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Congratulations to Robin Crockett whose was awarded a One Year
Certificate from the Belfast Bible College on Friday, 27th
May 2005 |
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Quote from
the website-www.belfastbiblecollege.com- |
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‘Belfast
Bible College is a vibrant community of students from over thirty
different nations, bringing with them a rich cultural diversity. We
study, we pray and we serve - but we also have fun, and enjoy life!’ |
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Full time
and part time day and evening courses are available for all
ages. |
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Details of
all courses are provided on the website or write to |
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Belfast
Bible College |
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Glenburn
Heights |
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Glenburn
Road South |
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Dunmurry |
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BT17
9JP Tel. 02890629943 |
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Orange
Parade to the Church, Sunday, 26th June |
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The annual
Orange service was held in Ballyscullion Parish Church on Sunday 26th
June. There was a large turnout of Orangemen and the parade was led by
‘Bruce’s True Blues’ accordion band. The service was conducted by
Canon Fawcett and the preacher was Canon F. J. Reilly. The organist
was Donna Fullerton. |
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Report by Victor Overend |
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Smile at
us, too |
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If after church,
you wait a while, |
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Someone may
greet you with a smile; |
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But if you
quickly rise and flee, |
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We'll all seem
cold and stiff, maybe. |
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The one beside
you in the pew |
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Is perhaps a
stranger too; |
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All here, like
you, have fears and cares, |
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All of us need
each other's prayers. |
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In fellowship we
bid you meet |
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With us, around
God's Mercy Seat. |
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From Grasmere Church |
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Trip to Rathlin Island |
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Saturday, June 4th 2005, was
one of those days which will long be remembered by those members of
Ballyscullion Parish who visited Rathlin Island. For some members of
the group it was their second visit but for others, including me, it
was the first. |
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The trip across to the island was on one
of MacByrne’s ferries, (speed 8 knots) and took about 45 minutes.
Even though the day was very calm weather-wise, there was still quite
a swell and I could understand why the stretch of water from
Ballycastle to the island is notoriously difficult to cross in
inclement weather. |
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On stepping ashore we boarded a minibus
driven by the island’s stand up comedian, Bertie, who drove us to the
west part of the island to see the bird sanctuary. It was absolutely
incredible to see so many different types of birds on nothing more
that outcrops of rock. What fascinated me most was how precarious
their nests were on these outcrops and yet the birds seem so content
with their little patch of rock. Indeed, they were prepared to fight
for their ‘small holding’ and on several occasions I saw potential
‘hijackers’ given short shift. |
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On the way back from the bird sanctuary
Bertie was asked a number of searching questions. How did the vast
amount of concrete used for support walls at the bird sanctuary get to
the island as it would have been impractical to drive concrete lorries
onto the ferries? It appears that the raw materials were brought over
by boat, pulled up the steep side of the island and mixed on site.
Parts of the ‘road’ were surfaced with tarmac and I assume that a
similar type of arrangement was used to facilitate the work. |
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A lovely lunch was provided by the
National Trust staff of the Manor House hotel and I was delighted to
see that the National Trust, (of which I am a member), were actively
involved in preserving the natural beauty of the island. It is
gratifying to see one’s annual subscription being used to preserve a
beautiful part of the British Isles with which one can identify, and
indeed thoroughly approve of. |
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After lunch, the group moved on to St
Thomas’ Church of Ireland Church which was recently
rebuilt/refurbished. The church was indescribably beautiful both
inside and outside. Given that there are only 75 inhabitants on the
island, and some of these worship at the nearby Roman Catholic church,
it is a great credit to the small congregation that they can look
after the church so well. It made me think, that we as a
congregation, could do much more to keep our buildings and land in
good condition, if only we would make the effort. |
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The final two visits on the island were
to see the seals resting peacefully on the shoreline and to the only
shop on the island. I did notice a number of semi-detached houses
(eight in total) being built near the harbour. These could be a very
good investment for the future as holiday homes or perhaps the
islanders are trying to keep their young people on the island. |
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On crossing back to Ballycastle the
group moved on to the 550 North restaurant in Portrush
where a sumptuous meal was served to all and clean plates were very
evident at the end. |
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The group would like to record their
sincere thanks to John and Audrey Junkin for all their organisational
work, attention to detail and selection of restaurants for the group
to dine in. It was thoroughly enjoyable and the island has added not
only a few more names to its list of visitors but also to its list of
supporters. We hope that the island will long continue to be
inhabited and that many more visitors will cross over to support the
locals and to give them encouragement in their daily fight to make a
living under difficult circumstances. |
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Jackson Frew |
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Greetings and Thanks
from Venezuela |
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The Love, Faith and Hope
Foundation (AFE) was very grateful to receive it as funds are low and
managing the budget gets more difficult every year. |
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The following is an excerpt from a
letter from Hugo Redmon, president of AFE. After extending warm
greetings from the boys he gave the following news about them: |
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“Hector (15) classified in 63rd
place out of over 1000 participants in the First Maraton of Valencia!
He works part time at the International School of Carabobo in
gardening. Clint Von (17) is a member of the rugby team of the
Universidad de Carabobo. Lennon (18) graduated from high school with
a GPA of 15.9 and hopes to study computers. Jesus (11), Wilmer (12),
Ronnie (14) and Rolando (14) continue with their studies and all the
boys passed the school year satisfactorily. Brulyz (19) finished his
first year at the Universidad Arturo Michelena where he works part
time and studies physical therapy. Muguel (19) is in his third year
at the INCE where he studies mechanics. He works part time in Oxicar. |
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Jose and Ruth continue to excel
in their role as parents of the boys. Josue’s mother, the “abuela”
passed away last year. We thank God for her life and because she is
now with her Lord. |
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Some of
the boys with Josue and Ruth |
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outside Casa Hogar |
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Andrea and Anders Vickstrom,
the couple from Finland that worked in AFE for 5 years, left to return
to their country. We had a going-away for them, when the boys had the
opportunity to express their gratitude and give them homemade gifts.
There were many tears and hugs shared that day. |
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The economic situation of the
country has had a negative effect on the financial operations of the
home. Some companies and organizations that used to make donations to
the home are no longer able to do so. At the same time, the boys are
growing and their needs for food and clothing are growing. We also
hope to receive several new boys soon.” |
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Vivienne tells us that the older
boys have now moved out of the Home into an apartment together and
they work part-time to keep themselves. A new boy called Leo arrived
towards the end of last year and two more have arrived this year. |
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Vivienne recently sent the
following information about them: |
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“Abraham, who was so violent at
the tender age of 10, is responding well to the medication the
neurologist has prescribed and he will be able to go to school. In
March we took in another boy called Jose Gregorio who is 11. He has
lived in a Home all his life and is borderline mentally retarded. He
is a sweet boy and has had the terrible experience of being sent to a
government Home where he was apparently raped by an older boy. It
will be a tough challenge for us and he will need all our prayers to
heal. I think the big miracle will be that with love and attention it
will turn out that he is not retarded – just suffers from a life of
never having been stimulated or loved.” |
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Abraham & Jose Gregorio |
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As Vivienne says, Jose Gregorio
needs psychological help and this will add an extra but very necessary
burden on the finances of the Home. It receives no government help
whatsoever. We would therefore be very grateful for any financial help
towards the donation we will send out in the Church’s name at the end
of the year. As one of our leading supermarkets says, ‘every little
helps’. Donations will be gratefully received by Anne Overend or
through the Sunday School. May we take this opportunity to thank all
our sponsors and all those who gave donations, either personally or
via the bottle at the back of the Church. Your help ensures that
God’s work in saving these young boys will continue into the future. |
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Report by Anne Overend |
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Think
About It! |
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Fight truth decay –
study the Bible.
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Dusty Bibles leads to dirty lives. |
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It is unlikely there will be a reduction in the wages of sin. |
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It you’re headed in the wrong direction, God allows U – turns. |
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If
you don’t like the way you were born - try being born again. |
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Forbidden fruit creates many jams. |
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In the dark? – Follow the Son. |
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If
you can’t sleep, don’t count sheep – talk to the Shepherd. |
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The Bible – Don’t just read it – Need it. |
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Need some exercise? – Try walking with God. |
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SUMMER MADNESS 1-5TH
jULY |
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Every year Summer Madness, Ireland's largest
Christian festival, gets bigger and bigger. But how did it all start?
Why did it all start? |
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Here is some information about the vision and purpose of
Summer Madness; Who, why, what; A little bit of history and Future
plans. |
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VISION AND PURPOSE |
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The purpose of the event is to build up young
people in the Christian faith. It's about reflecting on issues that
confront them in their social and spiritual development and engaging
with the world and contemporary culture. Exploring the Christian
message in ways that relate to young people's experiences, needs and
culture is a major priority. |
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Young people come to the event with widely
different experiences of church, faith and life and we aim to create
an atmosphere in which everyone feels comfortable and is able to ask
questions as well as have a lot of fun! We welcome campers from all
denominations as well as those with none. |
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WHO, WHY, WHAT.. |
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Summer Madness had grown to become Ireland's
largest Christian Festival, reaching youth groups from across the
denominational spectrum as well as the Church of Ireland, North and
South. The camp has always targeted young people in the late 'teens'
and twenties and over the years it has broadened its scope
significantly to include younger and older. The festival has gradually
become a focus of renewal for many leaders, their families and the
clergy that bring youth groups to the camp. Summer Madness is very
intentionally 'pro-church' and we wish to empower and inspire young
people to play their part in the local parish/congregation and live
out their Christian service in the fellowship of the faith community
to which they belong. |
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A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY |
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The first
Summer Madness camp began in July 1987 in an attempt to provide
encouragement for Christians to look seriously at their faith, and the
challenge of a radical lifestyle. |
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The blend of
seminars, workshops, outdoor pursuits, music and drama proved
extremely popular. The enthusiasm for worship throughout, and hunger
for God's word and exploration of relevant issues facing young people
surprised even the organisers! |
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Those early
years saw exponential growth; having begun as a canvas camp for some
250 young people, leaders and staff, in just 3 years the numbers
attending had risen to just over 1500. (The Festival now attracts
roughly 4000 people - camping and visiting throughout the week-end.) |
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The camp was
based initially in Castle Archdale Country Park, Co. Fermanagh and was
introduced by John Kee, then Church of Ireland Youth Officer as part
of the Church of Ireland summer youth programme. It moved location to
Gosford Forest Park in Co. Armagh in 1992 to facilitate the early
expansion and joined forces with the New Horizon Family Bible Week to
buy a 3000-seater tent in 1994. The difficulties surrounding 'Orange'
Parades in Portadown since 1997/98 undoubtedly had an impact on the
camp - seriously undermining the participation of those from the
'South' and creating certain logistical and security problems for the
organisers! Then due to the 'Foot and Mouth' crisis in 2001 the
Festival moved to the King's Hall complex in Belfast. The
Summer Madness Management recently made the decision to continue in
Belfast with a view to creating a stronger 'outreach' dimension to the
camp to explore the opportunities of broadening the ministry of the
camp. |
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FUTURE PLANS |
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The decision to
return to the King's Hall next year and to explore the possibility of
taking some 'year-round' initiatives was a carefully considered and
prayerful one. As Summer Madness considers the best way to serve young
people in the future there are a number of initiatives that the
'Management Group' will be examining: |
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· NEW WEB PORTAL
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE |
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· 'JOB FAIR /
VOCATIONS CONFERENCE' |
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CROSS-COMMUNITY SCHOOLS' PROJECTS, |
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· PRAYER
INITIATIVES, |
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·
LEADERSHIP/MINISTRY TRAINING EVENTS |
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· PARTNERSHIPS
WITH OTHERS |
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· YOUTH? CHURCH? |
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Apart from a few
minor details such as organising the Festival (it requires a staff
team of about 350 people and roughly 14,000 voluntary hours to plan
and run the camp) we are appointing a COUNCIL OF REFERENCE to better
reflect the broad constituency that the camp serves and to help us
become more aware of the 'bigger picture' how we fit it to God's plan
for this country! |
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Little did the
Church of Ireland Youth Council realise what God was starting back in
1987 when it initiated a small summer camp with an outrageous name.
Now we pray that the ministry of Summer Madness will reach a whole
generation in our land and renew and heal us together in His love. |
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If you would like to enquire about any of the
events visit the website at |
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www.summermadness.co.uk or telephone at 0289067379 |
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What does water mean to you? |
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Did you have to visit the bathroom when you woke up this
morning? Did you stop a few times during today and make yourself a cup
of tea or coffee? Did you know that one sixth of the world's
population does not enjoy this luxury? |
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Over one billion people do not have access to safe drinking water and
2.6 billion have nowhere safe and hygienic to go to the toilet. |
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The charity WaterAid has a vision of a world
in which everyone has access to safe water and sanitation facilities.
But there is still a lot to do. The daily reality for many in the
developing world is that they wake before dawn to embark on a walk to
their nearest watering hole, which can sometimes be several miles
away, to collect water for their family. Once they reach their
destination they often queue for hours with other women and children
to collect a bucket of dirty water. |
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Clean drinking water is essential to life and a basic
human right. Without access to safe water and sanitation people in the
developing world are caught in a cycle of ill health and poverty. |
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As a consequence a
child dies every 15 seconds from easily preventable water-related
diseases. |
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The power of water is far reaching. Teme Rata
lives in Ethiopia and is a mother of six. Her life was dominated by
the need for clean water. |
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“We used to use springs for drinking, for our
cattle and for irrigation,” explains Teme. “We used to get so sick
from the water. There were many, many worms. I always used to fear for
my children when they had to drink the water. I was worried it would
put their lives at risk.” |
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Three years ago WaterAid and its partner
Progynist began working with Teme's community and now they enjoy the
benefits of clean water, minimal sickness and a chance to work
themselves out of poverty growing and selling vegetables. |
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It costs WaterAid just £15 to provide somebody
like Teme with a lasting supply of safe water, sanitation and hygiene
education. |
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WaterAid are experts in implementing long
term, sustainable projects that will benefit communities in Africa and
Asia for years to come. It is committed to helping communities work
themselves out of poverty. WaterAid is also engaging with
international decision-makers to ensure that the voices of the world's
poor are listened to and acted upon. WaterAid is part of the 2005 Make
Poverty History coalition calling for more and better aid, trade
justice and debt relief for developing countries. |
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Visit:
www.wateraid.org |
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Are
any of you concerned as you watch someone you care for going through
the turmoil of indecision or struggling through a difficult time?
Here’s a story that will settle your mind a little. . . |
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Struggles |
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When
he was a small boy, he had loved butterflies. Oh, not to net and mount
them, |
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but
to wonder at their designs and habits. |
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Now a
grown man with his first son to be born in a few weeks, he found
himself once again fascinated with a cocoon. He had found it at the
side of the park path. Somehow the twig had been knocked from the tree
and the cocoon had survived undamaged and still woven to the branch. |
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As he
had seen his mother do, he gently protected it by wrapping it in his
handkerchief and carried it home. The cocoon found a temporary home in
a wide-top jar with holes in the lid. The jar was placed on the
mantlepiece for easy viewing and protection from their curious cat who
would delight in volleying the sticky silk between her paws. The man
watched. His wife's interest lasted only a moment, but he studied the
silky envelope. Almost imperceptibly at first, the cocoon moved. He
watched more closely and soon the cocoon was trembling with activity.
Nothing else happened. The cocoon remained tightly glued to the twig
and there was no sign of wings. |
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Finally the shaking became so intense, the man thought the butterfly
would die from the struggle. He removed the lid on the jar, took a
sharp pen knife from the drawer, and carefully made a tiny slit in the
side of the cocoon. Almost immediately, one wing appeared and then
outstretched the other. The butterfly was free! It seemed to enjoy
its freedom and walked along the edge of the jar and along the edge of
the mantlepiece. But it didn't fly. At first the man thought the wings
needed time to dry, but time passed and still the butterfly did not
take off. |
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The
man was worried and called up his neighbour who was a science
teacher. He told the neighbour how he had found the cocoon, placed it
in the jar, and the terrible trembling as the butterfly struggled to
get out. When he described how he had carefully made a small slit in
the cocoon, the teacher stopped him. |
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"Oh,
that’s the reason. |
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You
see, the struggle is what gives the butterfly the strength to fly." |
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And
so it is with us. Sometimes it's the struggles in life that strengthen
us the most. |
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The British
Grand Prix – and the faith of Ayrton Senna |
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The Fosters British Grand Prix on 10 July is
one of the days on the British sporting calendar. It is difficult to
get to Silverstone, set in rural Northamptonshire – unless you are on
corporate hospitality and flown in by helicopter! |
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It is even more difficult to get away
afterwards, with hours of traffic jam. However, that will not deter
their being the biggest crowd of the year at a British sporting event.
In fact the second biggest crowd is for the final practice day. And at
£140 plus per ticket! |
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The race will be at Silverstone for the 19th
year in succession. Previously Silverstone alternated with Brands
Hatch but was also held at Aintree five times in the 60s. The 3.19
mile circuit is now part of our consciousness with its familiar
corners – Stowe, Club, Becketts, Copse, Woodcote etc |
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This year's race will first of all be greeted
as much with relief as excitement as for much of the year a dispute
between the powers that be almost led to the cancellation of the race.
Indeed the first draft schedules for the season did not include the
race. |
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This year's race will be one of the most open
for some years with last year's winner Michael Schumacher's Ferrari
looking considerably less invincible than in previous years. Ferrari
have in fact won the last three races (Schumacher 2 Barrichello 1). |
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The race has been won over the years by all
the great champions – Michael Schumacher, Jack Brabham, Jacques
Villeneuve, Fangio, Nicky Lauda. Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna etc. Since
the war there have been 20 home wins. |
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The winner in 1988 was Ayrton Senna in a
McLaren/Honda. Ayrton was arguably the best driver in the history of
the sport. His career and his life were cut short at Imola in the San
Marino GP on 1 May, 1994. His record speaks for itself: 3 times world
champion, 41 Grand Prix victories in 161 races. |
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He was a man of Christian belief, even if his
behaviour did not always live up to it (but then neither does mine).
He was often quoted about his faith and sometimes misquoted. His
greatest rival Alain Prost said : "Ayrton has a small problem. He
thinks he cannot kill himself because he believes in God and I think
that is dangerous for other drivers". Senna denied that he believed
this. Ayrton preferred to talk about "the comfort I draw from the
Bible", or of "the peace I have found in my relationship with God". |
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I met him once for about 15 minutes on a
practice day for the British Grand Prix. He was glad to see us and
talked about the difficulty of having any contact with Christians in a
lifestyle when one is constantly on the move. He told us "Prayer is
often all that sustains me". |
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Among his possessions returned to his family
after the accident was a well marked Bible. Senna used a highlighter
to mark parts of the Bible which helped or challenged him. One of the
passages marked was “those who hope in the LORD will renew their
strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not
grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31). In the
midst of a high pressured life, Ayrton was learning to put his hope
and trust in God and not in his own achievements and abilities. |
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By Stuart Weir of Christians in Sport |
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