A wonderful turnout and party was held on 31st December at Frank and Frankie Stanley’s for their closing down of the General Groceries at Inchinatten. The shop was started some eighty-five years ago and was a wonderful resource for so many people. But the days of the country shop are (sadly) now over in so many cases – even though there is now the ecological call on us to do everything locally. We wish Frank and Frankie well in their retirement.
Young families appreciated the Christingle Service we had at the beginning of the year and we hope to do similar at the beginning of next year. Thank you to the Mums who made all the Christingles.
We are very happy with the new sound system in the church at Kinneigh and hope to install similar in the other churches of the Union.
The congregations were well splashed (!) by the Rector on 8th January (Baptism of Christ) after hearing the Bishop’s letter and as we begin to think about the full meaning of Baptism this year.
Eddie Draper celebrated his eightieth birthday in style on the 8th January. We wish him and Chrissie all the best.
On 18th January the Kinneigh members of the Mother’s Union went over to Clonakilty to join the M.U. members there for a Panel Evening of questions. At the time of writing I know what is in store as I (Rector) have been asked to be on the panel!
By the time this magazine comes out many of the congregation and the contents of their wardrobes will be feeling rejuvenated after attending the evening on 27th January in aid of Ballymoney National School. Our thanks to Emer Collins and Mary Wedel and all who helped organise this fun evening.
We look forward to the baptism of Ciara Baker at Kilmeen on 5th February.
The Ash Wednesday Service this year will be at Kilmeen (8pm) when again we make this an ecumenical act of worship with Ballineen Methodist service and any others who wish to join us.
Lent will be upon us quite soon. There are many courses and programmes to follow but for a change I thought we’d do a ‘Confirmation Refresher Course.’ I expect you all have memories of your own confirmation classes – good and bad! Come along and see what we talk about in Confirmation Classes these days. These will be on the Wednesday’s in Lent. I won’t set you any embarrassing tests to do or send you to the corner if you’ve forgotten the Catechism! We will look at our understanding of Belonging, the Ten Commandments; the Church Year; the Apostle’s Creed; the Lord’s Prayer, Baptism and Holy Communion. More details in next month’s magazine.