Coffee Morning in aid of victims of earthquake in Turkey and Syria

Earthquake Coffee Morning 25.02.2023

We are having a Coffee Morning in
St Philip and St James’ Church on Saturday 25th February 2023, 10.30-12.00 
in aid of the victims and the money raised will be channelled through the Bishops’ Appeal to Christian Aid who are working on the ground with local agencies.
 
Do please drop in for a coffee, tea or a hot chocolate.  We will also be having a Bring-and-Buy Stall for books, jams and marmalades, etc. and there will be a small raffle.

Lenten Challenge 2023

Gillian is off again! 

She will be walking at least 6km every day of Lent 2023.

Wednesday 22nd February – Saturday 8th April 2023

in aid of:

The victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria (channelled through the Bishops’ Appeal to Christian Aid who are working on the ground with local agencies), and parish funds

Again, this Lent, I am encouraging people to take up something that gives you a focus each day and that benefits you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

You can make a donation by online banking to

Booterstown and Mount Merrion Account

IBAN: IE30IPBS99062932796541       BIC: IPBSIE2D

Sunday Clubs Re-opening!

We are delighted that both of our Sunday Clubs are re-opening in February.  They will meet once a month, and as it happens,both Sunday Clubs will meet on the same morning. 
The dates are: 
Sunday 12th February 2023
Sunday 5th March 2023
Sunday 2nd April 2023
Sunday 7th May 2023
Prize-giving– Sunday 28th May 2023
at the Blessing of the Animals in St Philip and St James’ Church at 10.30. 

St Thomas’ Sunday Club will meet in the Monk Gibbon Hall at 10.00 and St Philip and St James’ Sunday Club will meet in St Philip and St James’ Parish Centre at 11.00.   The children and leaders will join the rest of the congregation before the end of the service in the respective churches.  All our leaders have been Garda vetted and have undergone Safeguarding Trust training (Child Protection training). A Consent Form is required from the parents/guardians of each child attending the respective Sunday Club.

Thank you to those who have volunteered to lead our Sunday Clubs…
St Thomas’ Sunday Club: Katy Ryan, Claire Flanagan, Catherine Thanaseelan and Adam McMurray;
St Philip and St James’ Sunday Club: Joanne Sherry, Stefanie O’Brien-Feeney and Gillian Morrow. 

All children who are aged three and over, and who are toilet-trained are very welcome to join the Sunday Club.

Sponsor a Chair in St Philip and St James’ Church

Sponsor a Chair
for
St Philip and St James’ Church

In removing the pews from the east end of the nave and from some of both transepts, our desire was not to remove seating but to have seating that was more flexible, which could be arranged in a variety of ways and which would also facilitate those who are wheelchair users to be able to sit with the family and friends in the midst of the congregation rather than sitting in the aisle. The Select Vestry has been in discussions with Irish Contract Seating who are based in Dromod in County Leitrim—they are the same company that made the new Communion Table or Altar and the ’wedding chairs’ in St Thomas’ Church. Out of three samples, the Select Vestry has chosen the one called the Christ Church Chair and it is photographed here. The plan (and indeed, the advice from Irish Contract Seating) is to have the wood of the chair the same colour as the pews and the upholstery the same colour as the pew runners. The logo that will be carved on the back-rest is our parish logo without the lettering. There will be a provision for a small brass plaque on the top of the back-rest, to facilitate an engraving if someone would like to donate a chair in memory of someone or as a gift to the church. The cost of a chair is €275 (including the brass plaque and engraving). If you would like more information about donating or sponsoring a chair, please contact the Honorary Treasurer, Quentin Teggin at qteggin@gmail.com or the Rector. Irish Contract Seating are lending us forty chairs until we take delivery of the bespoke chairs in the middle of 2023.

Photos of the sample chair and the logo are in the attached document.

Sponsor a Chair PDF

Update of Registers of Vestrypersons

Please note that the Register of Vestrypersons for Mount Merrion Parish (St Thomas’ Church) will be updated at a meeting of the Select Vestry of Mount Merrion Parish (St Thomas’ Church) on Monday 23rd January 2023, and the Register of Vestrypersons for Booterstown and Carysfort Parish (St Philip and St James’ Church) will be updated at a meeting of the Select Vestry on Thursday 26th January 2023.

The Register of Vestrypersons is the electoral roll of the Parish, and is updated at the January Select Vestry meetings of our respective parishes.
If you are not on the Register, you are not entitled to vote on parish matters and are not able to hold any office in the parish, or serve on the Select Vestry. Please contact the Churchwardens to be placed on the Register of Vestrypersons.
It is very simple to do, the churchwardens have forms available, and all you have to do is fill in the short, simple form and give it to a churchwarden.
You may also contact the Rector for a form and also to clarify whether you complete a Resident Form or an Accustomed Member Form.

PJ’s Christmas Craic-er!!!

We are so thrilled to be able to gather and socialise that St Philip and St James’ Select Vestry decided that it would be good to get together… and Santa is going to come too!!!

PJ’s Christmas Craic-er!

Saturday 10th December 2022

10.30-12.30

St Philip and St James’ Church

A Christmas Get-Together for chat and craic! Tea/Coffee/Juice with Scones and Mince Pies, Ice Cream, Raffle, Bring-and-Buy Stall, Pin-the-Tail-on-the-Reindeer, Christmas Lucky Dip… and… Santa Claus.

Carol Singing for Dublin SIMON

For many years, we have gone carol singing in aid of the Dublin SIMON Community until COVID put a stop to all of that. But this year, we are back! We will be carol singing in the Blackrock Village Shopping Centre (the one with SuperValu) on Friday 16th December 2022, 16.00-18.00. The plan is to do it in ‘relays’ with people singing up for a hour (or even thirty minutes!) as singing non-stop for two hours is rough on the voice!

It would be fantastic to get a HUGE response to this, and to do a little bit at Christmas for the homeless. This is one of those occasions where we are not asking for money –although of course, you may make a donation if you wish—we are asking you to give some time and some energy for others this Christmas.

Please put this in your diary.  Bring your children, friends, etc., etc., to make a fantastic and enthusiastic sound for others!  If you are concerned that your singing might not be wonderful, and you think that you cannot take part… no such excuse will be entertained!!!!! 
You can do an excellent job of holding—the Centre asks us not to rattle! – the collection boxes.

Carol Singing in aid of Dublin SIMON

Blackrock Village Shopping Centre

16.00—18.00 hours

Friday 16th December 2022

Carols for Protestant Aid

Over the past years and with the increased cost of living this winter, we have been very
conscious of the demands on Protestant Aid, which is a Protestant version of St Vincent de Paul.  It does not differentiate between creed or ethnicity regarding those who it helps… although the name can be misleading. They are doing amazing work, helping families of all backgrounds and origins who are finding things tough.

To support their work, we will have a collection at the Carols by Candlelight Service in St Philip and St James’ Church at 19.00 hours, on Sunday 18th December 2022, for Protestant Aid. The proceeds of the carol singing in the Blackrock Village Shopping Centre, will go to Dublin SIMON, and the collection from the Sunday night will go to Protestant Aid.

Protestant Aid helps families and individuals who are very much in need of financial assistance, and this situations arise from all sorts of circumstances: the economic down turn, ill-health, marriage breakdown, etc. They are often ‘invisible’, coping with acute financial stress caused by mounting debts or redundancy, and family pressures with little or no State aid.

Please note this appeal is not only to raise awareness of those in need, but also to make those in need aware that assistance is available.

Applications, which are means tested, may be made through the Rector or directly to Protestant Aid.

Collection for Protestant Aid

Sunday 18th December 2022 at 19.00 hours
St Philip and St James’ Church

Carols by Candlelight


Help for Santa

Last year, we helped Santa, and he really appreciated it! It has continued to be a tough time and even more so this year. This year, we are again hoping to help Santa and try to make a difference to some children this Christmas through the Capuchin Day Centre.  Due to COVID-19, the Capuchin Day Centre can only accept new toys, so I am asking if you could buy one or two small toys – they cannot be big toys as those families living in hotels or hostels, or in cars, do not have the room for anything big – and could you bring them to either of our churches on the following Sundays… if you are not able to attend the service, please aim to arrive at the end of the service to drop off the items:

Sunday 11th December 2022 to St Thomas’ Church which has a service at 10.00 (finishes at 10.40),
or to
St Philip and St James’ Church which has a service at 8.30 (finishes at 9.00), and at 11.00, (finishes at 11.45), and a Sausage Service at 18.30 hours (finishes at 19.00).

I will also be in St Philip and St James’ on Sunday 11th December 2022 to receive your items 17.00-18.00, before the Sausage Service, and on Tuesday 13th December 2022, 19.00-20.00.

I have to deliver the items into the Capuchin Day Centre on Wednesday 14th December 2022, so we have to have them before that day.

Santa needs long-johns, socks etc too!
Thank you too to those who have donated brand new pairs of long-johns (underwear) which have been hugely appreciated by The Alice Leahy Trust for their service users.  As you can imagine, it is bitterly cold living on the streets at this time of the year.  People have been very generous with donating long-johns and ski underwear, and we would be delighted to pass on more, new long-johns, new warm socks, new gloves and new hats.  Warm jackets in good condition would also be great.

In working with Protestant Aid, the Dublin SIMON Community and the Capuchin Day Centre, we can give a little love this Christmas, and that is exactly what Christmas is… God coming to earth in human form because he loves us, and to show us through Jesus Christ how to love and to care.

Remembering Our Loved Ones on Sunday 6th November 2022

At our services on Sunday, 6th November 2022, we will be remembering those who have died and whose loved ones have asked us to remember. If you would like someone to be remembered at the services today, please email or text the Rector with their name.

Sunday 6th November 2022 – Remembering our Loved Ones
8.30 Holy Communion in St Thomas’ Church
10.00 Holy Communion in St Thomas’ Church
11.00 Holy Communion in St Philip and St James’ Church

Thank You! Fantastic Autumn Fair!

Dear all,

Thank you for all your hard work and your support of the Autumn Fair on Saturday. The figure is currently heading towards €14,000 which is amazing!

That figure only tells us how much was raised – it doesn’t reflect the feel-good factors that were THE amazing part of the Autumn Fair.

It doesn’t reflect the fun that the children had at the Games and the Face Painting; it doesn’t reflect the deliciousness and enjoyment of the Smoothies, the Ice Cream, the BBQ, the Lunches; it doesn’t reflect the craic and camaraderie, the buzz and the fantastic atmosphere; it doesn’t reflect the amount of unseen effort and work that went into it, such as getting and putting up bunting and signs, hoofing tables from St Thomas’ Church Hall, St Brigid’s Church Hall and St Andrew’s Church Hall, etc.

The real joy of the Autumn Fair was the number of people working together; the delight at people being able to gather together and enjoy each other’s company in wonderful weather and to have lots of fun and craic!!!

Well done everyone and thank you!

Autumn Fair – Saturday 8 October 2022

Autumn Fair Poster 2022 PDF

When to Drop-off Items for Autumn Fair


Non-perishable Items

    Non-perishable items can be dropped into the church (using the ramp door on the south-side of the church… around the back!) at the following times:

    8.00-8.45 hours on Monday 3rd, Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th October 2022 – this is principally to facilitate the families in Booterstown National School who may wish to drop off items. Please note that there is NO car access to the church/school grounds at this time as the children are walking through the grounds to school.

    19.00-21.00 hours on Monday 3rd, Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th October 2022. There will be access for cars, etc to the church/school grounds. This would be the preferred drop-off time please!

    The following items would be most welcome!

    Toys, Jigsaws (complete), Games, Lego, Plants, Bags, Jewellery and Accessories, Gifts (new and in original packaging), Bric-a-brac, Books, Jams, Marmalades, Bottles (containing non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, sauces, ketchup, mayonnaise, shampoos, conditioner, etc.).

    Please note that we cannot accept electrical items, clothes and please, NO JUNK!!!! We will not be accepting any non-perishable items after 21.00 hours on Wednesday 5th October 2022, so that the stallholders have a chance to sort through all the items and get the stalls set up.

    Perishable Items

Perishable items such as cakes, bread, biscuits, scones, tarts, quiches, etc., etc. will be received on the Saturday morning.

Thank you so much in anticipation of your help and support!!

Gillian
on behalf of the Autumn Fair Stallholders

Autumn Fair

After an absence of two years, we are all-systems-go, organising the Autumn Fair for SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2022 in the grounds and parish centre of St Philip and St James’ Church. 12.00 – 3pm! The Autumn Fair will be a major fundraiser for our heating and accessibility project, the first phase of which is almost completed. However, we still have to pay for it so all hands are required ‘on deck’!!! We need it to be bumper in spirit and fun, bumper in building and celebrating community, bumper in bargains and support! We will have all the usual stalls: cakes and bakes, jams and chutneys, books, toys, gifts and plants, bottles, bags and jewellery, smoothies, ice cream. There will be lunches, a BBQ and teas, games and fun, and children’s art and baking competitions. Your support would be much appreciated.

Logs for Sale!

A Cedar Lebannon Tree in front of the Rectory fell down in June 2021. It was chopped up and the logs have been residing on our patio for the last year! They are now beautifully seasoned and ready to be sold as firewood. We have empty 40kg coal bags and you can come and fill a bag (or bags!) with whatever sized-logs will suit your fire or wood-burning stove. The cost is €10 per bag. The proceeds will go some way towards defraying the cost of the tree surgery that was required to deal with the fallen tree. Please note that we can only accept cash – we do not have debit or credit card facilities!!!

You and your cash – we have the coal bags! – would be very welcome at the following times:

Tuesday 16 August 2022 – 19.00-20.30 hours
Wednesday 17 August 2022 – 19.00-20.30 hours

Further dates and times will be advised (unless we are sold-out!!).

Services for July and August 2022

Live-streaming a service each Sunday has become an important part of the worshipping life of our parishes, especially for those who are no longer able to get out and about and for those who are in residential care. Conscious that we need to facilitate as many people as possible to join in worship, whether online or in church, the select vestries discussed how they can best accommodate everyone. Hence, we will continue to live-stream each Sunday. For July and August, that will be at 10.30. We will be combining the 10.00 and 11.00 services into a 10.30 service in St Philip and St James’ Church Booterstown which will be live-streamed and our grateful thanks to Graham Hayes and Mike Hayes who make this happen each Sunday. Each Sunday, there will also be a Service of Holy Communion in St Thomas’ Church, Mount Merrion.

8.30 Holy Communion in St Thomas’ Church
10.30 United Services in St Philip and St James’ Church, which will also be live-streamed. We combine the 10.00 and 11.00 services to a 10.30 united service. Holy Communion on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, Morning Prayer on the 2nd Sunday of the month, Family Service on the 4th Sunday of the month, and a Service of Wholeness and Healing on the 5th Sunday of July 2022.

Tea/Coffee/Juice
You are warmly invited to tea/coffee/juice in the parish hall after this Service.
The parish hall is at the east end of St Philip and St James’ Church, go through the double yellow doors, and the hall is on your right!

Services for April – June 2022

The two select vestries met jointly and gave careful consideration to all the points made by parishioners, and to various concerns such as those who are no longer able to go to church and who worship via the live-stream at the time that the service is on.  It was felt that we should try to have it at time that would work for parishioners of both parishes, and for those who join us via the live-stream from nursing homes and other places of residential care, so we are going to try having the service in St Philip and St James’ Church at 11.00 – please note the time.    However, please note that we will have a united service for the Blessing of the Animals at 10.30 in St Philip and St James’ Church on the 4th Sunday of May (22nd May 2022).   The services times, etc.  will be reviewed by both select vestries to see if it is working.  The organist, Charles Pearson, and I will be doing a speedy hop across the Stillorgan Road!!!

  • We will continue to administer Holy Communion using the individual cups and little wooden blocks.
  • We ask that people would sanitise their hands on entering the churches.
  • The seating plans will no longer be in place but we ask that people would use all the space in both churches and respect that some people may need more space than others in order to feel comfortable.   The North Transept in St Philip and St James’ Church will be an area where people who wish to socially distance, may sit and be socially distanced from others.
  • Whilst mask wearing is no longer mandated, people may feel more comfortable wearing a mask and especially for singing, which we really appreciate being able to do again.

 

Lenten Challenge 2022

Gillian has increased her daily challenge from last year by 1km and intends to walk 6km every day of Lent 2022.

Wednesday 2nd March – Saturday 16th April 2021

in aid of:

The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA), Blackrock Hospice and Parish Funds

 

Building on last year’s Lenten Challenge, where I suggested that rather than giving things up, that we could pull together as a parochial group for our mental, spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing and health, I am suggesting the same thing for this year.  Two years of the pandemic have taken their toll.

The idea is to take up something that gives you a focus each day.   Last year, people walked, cycled, scooted or ran.  Some learnt the ‘Jerusalema’ and danced it every day in Lent; others meditated or prayed for 15 minutes a day… it’s up to you, but do something that benefits you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, this Lent.

 

In addition, if people wish to make a donation, the money raised will be divided equally between the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and parish funds. 

The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Blackrock Hospice are two charities that are close to our hearts in our parishes and both charities have supported, and continue to support, families in our parishes.

 

The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association

The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association is the only organisation of its kind in the country.  It is dedicated to working on behalf of people living with MND and their families and carers. Our key services include home visits by our 4 MND nurses, financial assistance towards home help and the supply of specialised equipment on loan. We also fund and promote research into the causes and treatments of MND.

Their AIM IS:

To encourage and promote the best methods of care, education, research and treatment for people with Motor Neurone Disease throughout Ireland, contributing to worldwide efforts in research and development of treatment.

To establish and promote models of good practice in the delivery of specialised services to their patients, their families and carers, setting standards of excellence.

To communicate widely, knowledge of Motor Neurone Disease and related disorders in order to raise awareness in the wider community.

 

Blackrock Hospice

For almost 20 years, Blackrock Hospice has been operating from its base in Sweetman’s Avenue.

During 2022, Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services is investing in significant renovations.

This work will ensure that Blackrock Hospice meets the needs of the community now and for the future. These changes will make real improvements to the care provided by Blackrock Hospice.  However, the Hospice is closed during the renovation period which will have no impact on those being looked after in their own homes by the Home Care Team;

Out-patient appointments will be provided in 203 Merrion Road;

In-patients will be accommodated in either Harold’s Cross or Wicklow Hospice according to their preference and availability.

The project will cost in the region of €6.5 million in fundraised income for which there is a current shortfall of €2 million.

 

If you wish to, you can help by sponsoring or donating to Gillian’s Lenten Challenge, or you could take up a Challenge yourself.

You can make a donation by online banking to

Booterstown and Mount Merrion Account

IBAN: IE92ULSB 985330 00606072       BIC: ULSBIE2D

 or a cheque payable to Booterstown and Mount Merrion Account

Services in March 2022

The two select vestries met jointly via Zoom this evening to discuss service times, etc for our parishes in light of the further lifting of restrictions.  As you will be aware from email correspondence, the select vestries, at a joint meeting on 24th January 2022, decided to continue with the restrictions and pattern of services that were in place at the time, and that parishioners would be asked for their opinions and thank you to those of you who have given feedback. There was a wide range of opinions and suggestions.

The select vestries gave careful consideration to all the points made by parishioners, and to various concerns such as those who are no longer able to go to church and who worship via the live-stream at the time that the service is on.  It enables them to feel part of our group of parishes and to be part of a corporate act of worship.  As the live-stream service is a united service for both parishes, it was felt that we should try to have it at time that would work for parishioners of both parishes, and for those who join us via the live-stream from nursing homes and other places of residential care, so we are going to try having the service in St Philip and St James’ Church at 11.00 – please note the time.   This will be reviewed by both select vestries to see if it is working.  The organist, Charles Pearson, and I will be doing a speedy hop across the Stillorgan Road!!!

  • We will continue to administer Holy Communion using the individual cups and little wooden blocks.
  • We ask that people would sanitise their hands on entering the churches.
  • The seating plans will no longer be in place but we ask that people would use all the space in both churches and respect that some people may need more space than others in order to feel comfortable.   The North Transept in St Philip and St James’ Church will be an area where people who wish to socially distance, may sit and be socially distanced from others.
  • Whilst mask wearing is no longer mandated, people may feel more comfortable wearing a mask and especially for singing, which we really appreciate being able to do again.

Worship in our Churches in light of the lifting of restrictions January 2022

Dear all,

Both select vestries met together via Zoom on Monday night (24th January 2022) to discuss how we might progress as a group of parishes in light of An Taoiseach’s announcement about the lifting of restrictions on Friday 21st January 2022.

The select vestries felt that as the numbers of cases of COVID were still so high, with omicron continuing to be a factor and continuing to be highly transmissible, that the current services times and the current measures that were in place in both churches should continue, and that a full review of the situation would take place at the end of February 2022.  A number of parishioners contacted members of the select vestries and me, expressing their concern if the protective measures that were in both churches were lifted, and a number said that they would not feel able to come to church if they were ‘all gone overnight’.  Both of the select vestries and I are committed to the parishes being able to worship as fully as possible in both churches, but parishioners’ and attendees’ wellbeing has to be given primary consideration.

  • Social distancing with the current seating plans will continue until the review.
  • Masks are to be worn at all times, covering both mouth and nose, except when leading worship or reading.
  • Holy Communion will continue to be self-administered in the pews using the little plastic cups and wooden blocks.
  • Sanitising of hands on entering and exiting the churches will continue to be required.
  • Contact Tracing Details are no longer required.
  • Singing is now allowed, but with masks on.

Services will be at 8.30 on a Sunday and at 10.30 on a Wednesday in St Thomas’ Church, and at 10.30 on a Sunday in St Philip and St James’ Church.  The 10.30 service on a Sunday will continue to be live-streamed.   On the second Sunday of the month, there will be a Sausage(less!) Service at 6.30pm in St Philip and St James’ Church.

Members of the select vestries will be talking to parishioners to get their views on how they feel about returning to in-person worship and what would work for them going forward, and those opinions will be taken into consideration when all will be reviewed at the end of February 2022.

The advice which issued from the Archbishop of Dublin following correspondence between him and An Taoiseach’s office endorses the approach taken by the select vestries.

Following Fridays announcement by Government regarding lifting of restrictions, limits on capacity for all indoor and outdoor events will no longer apply. 

We are aware however that some individuals, including the more vulnerable, may continue to have concerns regarding the pandemic and might be feeling some anxiety about re-engaging with others.  For this reason, it may be helpful for each Place of Worship/Community to implement a risk assessment to ascertain what they are comfortable with and what best suits their congregation as a result of the lifting of restrictions. Continuation of some protective measures may be preferred, for an interim period, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the vulnerable or anxious members of the congregation. 

 

We would very much appreciate hearing your views and input, and please feel free to contact any member of the select vestries or me in this regard.

Stay well and stay safe.

Gillian 

80th Midweek Musical Treat – Unto Us A Child Is Born from Handel’s Messiah

Could You Please Help Santa?

Dear parishioners,

As you will be aware, we have given the food items kindly donated by yourselves and the families in the school, at Harvest Thanksgiving, to the Capuchin Day Centre and the Alice Leahy Trust for the past number of years. This year, you were amazing!   We took so much non-perishable food items into those two charities – it was fantastic!  We had pot noodles, pot curries and pot porridge, galore, as well as lots of other food items!   And both the Capuchin Day Centre and The Alice Leahy Trust were very grateful.

The Capuchin Day Centre provides Baby Supplies for Collection on a Monday morning, and Grocery Parcels for Collection on a Wednesday morning, as well as hundreds of take away meals every day.  All of these items are needed and if you were able to help, that would be great.

Santa presents for children who are homeless

However, one of the things that does not end up as a priority for those who are homeless is something for children when they wake up on Christmas morning.  How do you explain to a child why Santa didn’t come to them?  Life can be very cruel and we could make a difference to some children this Christmas.  This is why I am asking you if we could help Santa.   Due to COVID-19, the Capuchin Day Centre can only accept new toys, so I am asking if you could buy one or two small toys – they cannot be big toys as those families living in hotels or hostels, or in cars, do not have the room for anything big – and could you bring them to either of our churches on the following Sundays… if you are not able to attend the service, please aim to arrive at the end of the service to drop off the items:  

Sunday 5th December 2021 to St Thomas’ Church which has a service at 8.30 (finishes at 9.00), or to St Philip and St James’ Church which has a service at 10.30 (finishes at 11.15).  

Sunday 12th December 2021 to St Thomas’ Church which has a service at 8.30 (finishes at 9.00), or to St Philip and St James’ Church which has a service at 10.30, (finishes at 11.15), and a Sausage(less!) Service at 18.30 hours (finishes at 19.00).

I will also be in St Philip and St James’ on Sunday 12th December 2021 to receive your items 17.00-18.00, before the Sausage(less!) Service, and on Tuesday 14th December 2021, 19.00-20.00.

I have to deliver the items into the Capuchin Day Centre on Wednesday 15th December 2021, so we have to have them before that day.

Santa needs long-johns, socks etc too!

Thank you too to those who have donated brand new pairs of long-johns (underwear) which have been hugely appreciated by The Alice Leahy Trust for their service users.  As you can imagine, it is bitterly cold living on the streets at this time of the year.  People have been very generous with donating long-johns and ski underwear, and we would be delighted to pass on more new long-johns, new warm socks, new gloves and new hats.  Warm jackets in good condition would also be great.

Lions Club Food Appeal

In addition to the above, the Dublin Lions Club is doing an appeal through Booterstown National School.  The details are:

For one week in December (6th – 10th  December 2021), the Lions Club is asking people to donate 1 item of non-perishable food for the homeless.

 

The specific items requested are: 

  • Christmas Cakes
  • Christmas Pudding
  • Soft Drinks
  • Selection Boxes
  • Celebration boxes
  • Mince Pies
  • Christmas Crackers
  • Decorations
  • Table Settings 

There will be a collection box for the above items in Booterstown National School  from Monday 6th – Friday 10th December 2021.

We can give a little love this Christmas, and that is exactly what Christmas is… God coming to earth in human form because he loves us, and to show us through Jesus Christ how to love and to care.

Stay well and stay safe.

Gillian

The Rev’d Canon Gillian V. Wharton
Rector of Booterstown and Carysfort with Mount Merrion, Diocese of Dublin, Ireland.

Clerical Honorary Secretary of the General Synod of the Church of Ireland.

79th Midweek Musical Treat – Pachelbel’s Canon in D

78th Midweek Musical Treat – Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Awake, calls the voice to us)

78th Midweek Musical Treat – Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Awake, calls the voice to us) by Johann Sebastian Bach.

 

77th Midweek Musical Treat – Purcell’s Trumpet Voluntary

200th Anniversary of the Foundation of Booterstown Parish

200th Anniversary of the foundation of Booterstown Parish

The formal deeds constituting a separate parish of Booterstown out of Donnybrook Parish were registered on 29th June 1821, thereby creating Booterstown Parish.

Whilst we had been thinking of how we would mark this occasion over the past few years, the coronavirus pandemic put all such plans on hold.  However, now that we are back in church we want to mark this significant milestone in the life of our parishes, and will be doing so, at the united service at 10.30 on Sunday 27th June 2021.  This special service will be followed by refreshments outside afterwards.   It will be lovely to come together as a group of parishes and to celebrate this special occasion.  

It is the first of a number of special anniversaries over the next few years in our parishes as in 2024, we will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the consecration of St Philip and St James’ Church which took place on 16th May 1824, and the 150th anniversary of the consecration of St Thomas’ Church which took place on 21st December 1874; the 80th anniversary of the uniting of Booterstown and Carysfort Parishes which happened in 1944, and the 30th anniversary of the grouping of Booterstown and Carysfort Parish with Mount Merrion Parish which began in 1994 and culminated with the institution of the Rev. Stephen Forde in 1995.

Then in 2026, we will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the foundation of Booterstown National School.

We are asking people to book in for this special service – please book in by 14.00 hours (2pm) on Friday 25th June 2021 by emailing, texting or phoning the Rector.

76th Midweek Musical Treat – Hail the Day that Sees Him Arise!

75th Midweek Musical Treat – Crown him with many Crowns

Return to In-Church Worship from 10th May 2021

Dear all,

As per the lifting of government restrictions with regard to COVID-19, we may return to in-church worship from today.

Both select vestries have met and have discussed how best, we, as a group of parishes, can provide worship in our two churches, and also for those who will be joining online, conscious that some will not feel able to return to church until a higher percentage of the population is vaccinated and/or until there is a significant decrease in the possibility of contagion.  Along with that, further lifting of restrictions and/or alterations to social distancing requirements may lead to a further review.   However, until such changes arise, it was agreed by both select vestries that the pattern of services that we have used when allowed to have in-church worship during the coronavirus pandemic should continue, namely a celebration of Holy Communion at 8.30 in St Thomas’ Church and an united service (uniting the 10.00 and 11.30 services) at 10.30 in St Philip and St James’ Church.  The 10.30 service will be live-streamed each Sunday on our parishes’ youtube page and our parishes’ website.  The select vestries will review the situation at the end of August.

Given the current situation, it may not be possible to get someone to cover services when I am away and if that is the case, there will be no 8.30 service and I will pre-record the 10.30 service which will be broadcast at 10.30 on the Sunday morning.   You will be informed if this arises.

Please note the following:
1. Each person attending a service must provide their name and contact details – see attached form.   This is required for each service that you attend.  The details will be held for 28 days and will be passed onto the authorities for Contact Tracing purposes should an attendee at a service that you are at, be diagnosed with COVID-19.  Otherwise, after 28 days, the contact details will be destroyed.
2. Please do not attend a service if you have been a close contact of anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the previous 14 days, or if you have been in contact with someone in the previous 14 days who is awaiting the results of a test.
3. Please do not attend a service if you are feeling unwell.
4. Please sanitise your hands on entering and exiting the church.
5. Please only sit where there is a yellow seating sign facing you.
6. Those attending the 8.30 Holy Communion Service in St Thomas’ Church on a Sunday morning are to book in by 12.00 the day before (Saturday).

The important thing is that everyone stays well and stays safe, and does what is appropriate for them.  It may be that you should consult with your GP before returning to an indoor gathering such as worship.

Stay well and stay safe.

Gillian

 

COVID-19 Contact Tracing Details 

74th Midweek Musical Treat – Christ is risen, alleluia!