A Limerick City Parish Newsletter

Winter 2022 Vol 5 Issue 3

www.lcp.limerick.anglican.org
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anabhainnparish@gmail.com
 December 2022
Dear Parishioners,
Something to think about…
“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.”
St Francis of Assisi
Christmas Reflection – Darkness. Light.
Chocolate selection boxes, the latest toy, spending time with
my parents (who had a few days off from work), carol services
and the prospect of snow: these some of my fondest memories of Christmas.
While people worry about the presents being just right, who is going to invite
whom for Christmas dinner (and speaking of Christmas dinner, it must be
perfectly cooked with approximately 17 sides for the turkey and ham), and what
they would wear, I often pine for what Christmas used to be when I was younger.
Youthful Christmases were full of exciting presents that Santa brought me, like
my first cassette player (ask someone over 40 if need to know what it is) or bike,
about joy, parties, and most of all, spending time with loved ones.
Nowadays, at the end of the Christmas period, many of us feel empty and sad.
Christmas has not been everything we had hoped it might have been. Things have
changed, that longed for present didn’t arrive, a family relationship remains
strained, Christmas was not as ‘perfect’ as we had planned.
Many of us are guilty of looking at Christmas through rose-tinted glasses. We
become too nostalgic, or wishful … or even unrealistic. We loose the child-like,
joy-centred, hope-filled vision of Christmas that was very real when we were
young. We loose the light.
However, I am reminded that, it is in the darkest night you see the
stars shine most brightly. In the depths of the dark nights, the
shepherds and the Magi followed the brightest star. And it was this
star that guided them to a new beginning and a new hope.
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It may feel superficial in our current world, to look to the brightest star, the true
shining light of Christmas – Jesus the new born, the infant, the child. But I believe
it is because of the state of the world we must look to Jesus. It is in the coming
of Jesus we find a new beginning, a new life, and a renewed hope. Jesus, the
brightest star in the darkest night helps us to fix our eyes on the future with an
expectant hopefulness that comes with the morning light.

The Dean’s Discretionary Fund is used to give a helping hand to those in

financial difficulties within our parish and community. If you are fortunate
enough to be able to help supplement this fund please send your donation to
me marked ‘Dean’s Discretionary Fund’ (or if you wish for the parish to receive
a tax refund on the donation, please make your donation through the
Treasurer, Mr Hugh Milne).

Christmas in Limerick City Parish

This edition of the newsletter covers the month
of December and all the activities associated with
Advent and Christmas. It is a special time of the
year when family and friends gather to celebrate
and relax. For those travelling to Limerick this December - they are very
welcome in any of our churches! A full outline of Christmas services may be
found inside.
Finally, to those for whom Christmas is not a particularly joyful time - I hope
that you may find that peace & love which only the Christ child gives to all of us.
A happy and blessed Christmas to you all,
With every blessing,
Niall
Dean & Rector

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Dear Everyone,

Christmas memories for me are very different from those who

grew up celebrating Christmas in the northern hemisphere.
Mine are filled with blue skies and summer days but not as
someone assumed a barbeque on the beach… we were after
all about 7 hours (driving on a motorway for most of the time) from the nearest beach….

No, mine are filled with memories of sneaking down to the Christmas tree in
the early morning hours to try and guess what Santa had left behind on his
journey across the world, then counting the hours until the rest of the family
finally woke up while all the time watching the clock. Christmas day service was
at 8 am so that there was enough time to travel to family for Christmas lunch.

If it was a Christmas that we were spending locally, we would also have driven round to a
few homes of important people to our family to wish them a happy Christmas too and then
it was lunch with grandparents, alternating between them every year. And it was definitely
no barbeque but a roast turkey and ham with all the trimmings…though Brussel sprouts were
never on the menu!!!

Sadly over time, the three generations changed as older family members were no longer with
us and younger ones joined the family and as one gets older the memories become more
important and poignant.

But always at the forefront are the memories that no matter what the plan for the day, we
knew that it wasn’t about the food and physical gifts, it was about rejoicing in the ultimate gift
that we had been given and giving thanks to God for sending us His Son.

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So even if these days there are empty chairs around the table, there is still gladness and
thankfulness that with God’s love we made it through another year and know that we can
rely on His comfort, protection and guidance to take on the year ahead.

Wishing you all the very best for Christmas and 2023 and may there be time and opportunity
for new and special memories that will last a long, long time

Jeanne

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The best of times and the worst of times – Tony O’Connell
For some, the pandemic and the lockdowns which were part of it, proved difficult. Families
were separated from loved ones and some lost members; loved ones whom they were not
able to be with at the end. When Leo Varadkar made the announcement in 2020, our family
were given a wonderful opportunity; to care for and be with our Mum. Alice, Mum to us, was
89 then and we were all eagerly looking forward to her celebrating her 90th birthday in August
that year. As carers were withdrawn for health reasons, we as a family stepped in when it
became clear that Mum needed more care than previously. From then on, it was all hands-
on deck, together with my four siblings each did what we were able to do given the demands
of partners, work and other duties.
Working from home, at home provided me with the chance to spend more time with Mum
- my siblings had spouses and children. Working part-time gave me the perfect opportunity
to share what was definitely not a burden in caring for and being with Mum until she passed
away last September. I was given the grace, understanding and awareness of how important
it was for me, in the healing of an often fractious relationship, to be with Mum in the comfort
of her own home which is where she wanted to be. The pleasure was all ours when, on
occasions reference was made to others whom we knew were difficult to care for, we
reassured Mum that she was no bother; it was a real pleasure to be with her. Why wouldn’t
it we told her; during autumn/winter months we got to sit beside the fire with her and in
finer days, we sat outside enjoying the garden. I got to watch television with Mum something
I could not do at home as I don’t own at TV. Mum remarked that she thought I was getting
to like TV, offering to buy me one – a gesture I will treasure.
Those two and a half years presented me with a period of time I could never have hoped for.
Mum’s whole demeanour changed because, we believe of her diagnosis of early stage
dementia in early 2020. While other families were devastated by such news and the manner
in which it changed their loved one, for us it was a softening in Mum we experienced. Mum
reverted to the happy-go-lucky woman she was earlier in her life; the difficult years she had
to endure in between, a distant memory. A more caring, gentle and loving personality was
what we encountered.
Mum and I laughed often; when I told her how important it was to have a sense of
humour especially when looking for a partner, she replied that she wasn’t looking for
one! Commenting on my quick pick-up on sport; Mum who was a lifelong GAA
supporter and we regularly watched GAA match together, she told me that even
though I came late to sport, I was a quick learner. The comment which reassured me
that I was doing the right thing was when Mum asking me a question for perhaps the
tenth time would always preface it by saying that I never gave out or got cross.

My reply was, why would I? We had two great Christmases thinking any one of
them would be our last with Mum; this year we will miss Mum dearly.

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 A Christmas Reflection by Genelda Woggon:
A Gift to the Christ Child

“What can I give him, poor as I am,

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can, I give him – give my heart. “

These touching words of Christina Rossetti’s poem is, without a doubt, one of my favourite
Christmas carols, with its hauntingly beautiful melody for In The Bleak Midwinter. You are
probably singing it now as you read this – as it’s a melody that stays with you. It has stayed
with me for years. It was at the beginning of the Epiphany season in our After School Atrium
for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd ... Mary Wells arrived a little late that day, after a
tiring day at Kindergarten, and found comfort in her precious blankie hugged securely against
her body. She joined the group sitting at the edge, and listened intently as I shared the
scripture of the Gifts of the Magi using the three dimensional figures which serve to invite
the atrium child into the story. As we reflected together on the scene of the three magi
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bringing precious gifts to the Christ child – we wondered what it would be like to be there,
and what gift would we want to bring?

Responses came forth, naming everything from the prized training wheel bike
newly received at Christmas, to the favourite LEGO™ set, and even a pizza,
no less. After everyone else had verbalized their gift, Mary Wells spoke softly
and somewhat hesitatingly as she said “I’d give him my blankie” – at which
point she pulled herself to her feet and walked over to the diorama, and
placed her blankie before the model-sized Christ child.

If I had any doubts about whether I had witnessed a child “giving him her heart,” the genuine
offering of this gift was made poignantly clear when I discovered, after everyone had left at
the end of the full atrium session – that there was one precious blankie left behind. It was
exactly as she had placed it - at the feet of the Christ Child. Did she consciously intend to
leave it? Or had she gotten so involved with her follow up work that she simply forgot it?
What bedtime trauma might this cause? Sometimes the mind has a way of acting out its
deepest desires in spite of practical realities. As a grandmother of children her same age – I
was well aware that a child’s blankie is far more than a bundle of softly woven threads – but
most often is the remains of the very cloth in which this child herself was wrapped as an
infant (her own swaddling clothes). Its threads are woven of deep memory.

On the outside chance that this memory might kick in around bedtime, I circled by her house
on the way home, and left a message on the phone for her mom, that the blankie would be
in the mailbox. And then again maybe she would be gifted by an even deeper memory bringing
her a sense of inner peace – the same memory that possibly prompted her to step forth in
the first place, and genuinely “give him her heart”.

(Genelda Woggon has been ministered to and by children for over 40 years in her professional work
as a Christian Formation Leader, most especially through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for
the past 20 years. Mary Wells is now twelve and is still a "giving" child. She spent her Thanksgiving
holiday this year knitting a lovely hat for her Godmother who has lost her hair with recent chemo
treatment - Note from the Editor – I couldn’t find exactly when this reflection was written so these time frames
could be entirely different at this stage)

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Holy Baptism

22nd May 2022 (in Saint Mary’s Cathedral) – Cecily Hamilton Mulvey,
daughter of Ian & Meghan

12th June 2022 (in Saint Mary’s Cathedral) – Henry Peter Peirce,
son of Colin & Claire

28th August 2022 (in Saint Mary’s Cathedral) – Patrick Anthony John Dawson & Michael
Desmond Peter (Sons of Bill & Dorothy Dawson)

23rd October 2022 (in Saint Mary’s Cathedral) - Eloise Una Frances Esposito, daughter of
Julian Esposito and Emma Heaton-Esposito

Marriage

1st July 2022 (in Saint Mary’s Cathedral) – Malcolm Galbraith &
Roseanne Casey

28th May 2022 (in Saint Mary’s Church, Dunmanway) – Thomasena

Stout & Norman Symes

Confirmation - 9th October 2022 (in Saint Mary’s Cathedral) – 16 candidates

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 Funerals

18th May 2022 (in Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick) – Alan Brislane

14th September 2022 (in Saint Mary’s Cathedral) – Gladys Muriel Farrell

13th October 2022 (in Saint Mary’s Cathedral) – Elizabeth (Betty) McGlone

27th October 2022 (in Saint Mary’s Cathedral) – Leslie Cowpar

Sympathy

We extend our sympathy, thoughts and prayers to:

 John Irwin and his family on the death of his wife, Mera.
 Tracey Lyttle, Colin Marsden and their families on the death of their aunt, Kay Eades.
 Amy Battle and her family on the death of her father.
 The family and friends of Beryl Bellingham.
 The family and friends of Claire Joyce.
 Catherine Caball, her husband, Liam, and their family, on the death of Liam’s father
 Adi Gilmour on the recent death of her sister-in-law, Ethel.
 Sylivia Cowpar and her family, on the death of her sister, Gladys Farrell
 Keith Morrow and his family on the death of his uncle.
 Jill, Daire and the family on the death of Jill’s father, Des Storey.
 Tony O’Connell and his family, on the death of his mother, Alice
 Hilda Fairbrother and her family on the death of her sister-in-law
 Suzi & Wilf Eckhardt and their family on the death of Suzi’s aunt.
 Victor, Georgina and the Draper family on the death of his brother, Percy
 Annette, Lindsay and the Brislane family on the death of her husband, Alan.
 The family and friends of Betty McGlone
 Sylvia, Gordon, Diane, David, and Andrew, on the death of Leslie
 Barbara Clayton and Wilf Eckhardt and their family on the death of their aunt, Elsa
Urban.

Our thoughts and prayers are asked for them and their families.

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In Memoriam

Alan Brislane

Alan died suddenly in May. A family with strong connections to the Cathedral he had
worked for many years in Shannon Airport. He had a deep love of all things relating to
aviation, as his picture testifies.

Gladys Farrell

Gladys lived most of her life in Crumlin, Dublin.

Although, she visited Limerick regularly, to see
her sister Sylvia (Cowpar), she only moved to
Co. Limerick in recent years. Declining health
required her to reside in nursing care in Caherconlish,
where she died peacefully in September.

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Betty McGlone

A lady with a lifelong connection to Saint Mary’s Cathedral,

Betty was for nearly 8 decades a pillar of the Choir. She
was deeply involved in many aspects of Cathedral life and in
more recent years was a quiet, encouraging presence to all.
She also provided significant support to the Samaritans in
Limerick. Her death is a significant loss to the Cathedral
community.

Leslie Cowpar

Until very recently Leslie was a regular attender at

the mid-week Eucharist in the Cathedral. A quiet
gentleman who served with distinction in the Royal
Air Force, he always had an encouraging smile and
kind word. Leslie had been in declining health in
recent months, yet bore it all with courage and dignity.
He died peacefully in October in St Michael’s nursing
home, Caherconlish.

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Congratulations….

 to Gillian Johnston and Jason Downes who recently got engaged! Every blessing to
both of them.
 to Doris Moorhead who celebrated a significant birthday recently
 to Eukaria O’Grady and Tim Evans on the birth of their son, Timothy
 to Thomasena Stout and Norman Symes whose wedding took place in June in
Dunmanway. The Dean took part in the service.
 to our former curate, the Rev’d Cliff Jeffers who has been appointed Dean of Ross.
 to Malcolm Galbraith & Roseanne Casey on their recent marriage in the Cathedral.
 to Stephen Marsden and his fiancé, Ruby on their recent engagement.
 to David Howes (former chorister) and Martha O’Brien who announced their
engagement recently.

RTÉ Service:

The Clergy and Cathedral choir were pleased to take part in an RTE 1 television broadcast
on April 3rd. If you would like to watch it you may access it through the RTE iplayer.

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Saint Michael’s National School:

At the end of the academic year, the Dean (as Chairman of the Board) presented gifts to 3
long serving members of staff who have recently retired. We wish Mesdames Hayes, Fossitt
and Wallace long and happy retirements.

The Bishop and Curate recently paid a visit to Limerick Prison

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Ecumenical Matters:

We are fortunate to have warm and meaningful ecumenical links in Limerick. In recent
times we marked three sad events.

 Fr Brian Murphy OSB of Glenstall died suddenly in the middle of May. Fr Brian was a
keen gardener who was a key figure in the development of the beautiful grounds
around the Abbey. He was also a prolific writer and his most recent work on Winnie
Barrington was launched in the Cathedral where he was a frequent visitor and friend.
May he rest in peace.
 On the feast of Pentecost, we marked the departure from Limerick of Fr Noel Hession
OSA. Fr Noel had been Prior of the Augustinian Community and Bishop Leahy’s
Ecumenical Officer and now moves to the community in John’s Lane, Dublin. Fr Noel’s
legacy in Limerick will be the Ostia, located behind the Augustinian Church on
O’Connell St. where many students have found a home in Limerick. The Bishop
presented Fr Noel with a gift to mark his departure and thank him for his friendship
and support.
 As we welcomed the Bishop into the Kingdom of Kerry on June 11th, we learned with
shock and sadness of the sudden death of Fr Lotti Brennan, the Parish Priest of Murroe
and Boher. Fr Lotti was a great friend to the Church of Ireland community in Abington
and a regular attender at events there. He was a faithful priest and pastor and will be
deeply missed. May he rest in peace.

Relatives of Bishop Graves recently paid a visit to the Cathedral

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Cathedral events:

It was with great joy that we enthroned Bishop Burrows on May 7th. Thank you to all those
involved with the service.

At the end of May we bid farewell to two chapter members Dean Smyth of Killaloe and
Archdeacon Mitchell of Cloughjordan. We thank them both for their service and ministry
within the chapter and wish them every blessing in the future.

On Trinity Sunday, presentations were made to three former members of the choir in
recognition of over 100 years of combined service to the Cathedral. Harry Howes, Ruth
Stanley and Noreen Ellerker were presented with gifts from the Dean and the Organist.

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Choir in Birr

September and October saw a number of events take place in the Cathedral,
namely:

 the visit of the Garda Band to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the formation of An
Garda Síochána
 a conference for Deans of the Church of Ireland
 Confirmation
 Harvest Thanksgiving

It is good to see ‘things’ happening again!

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Garda 100th anniversary

Harvest at St Michael’s

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United Nations:

On May 29th, an act of remembrance was held at the UN Memorial in the Cathedral
grounds. The Curate took part in the event.

Visit of Minister:

The Dean welcomed Minister for Heritage, Malcolm Noonan, to the Cathedral on May 27 th.
As part of a visit to the city, the minister was shown around the Cathedral and met with
members of the team.

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Helen O’Donnell:
Blessings to Helen O'Donnell whose 'retirement' party took place in the Hunt Museum on
June 9th. For over 25 years Helen has run the Café in the museum and has been a great
supporter of the Cathedral and City.

Abington Concert:
There was a musical concert in Abington Church on Sunday 3rd July. A beautiful concert in
beautiful surrounding... many thanks to Peter Barley and his group, Sagittarius Hiberniensis!

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Mother’s Union Harvest Supper

Abington Clean up:

A clean up took place around Abington Church on June 11th.

We are extremely grateful to all who helped out on the day,
in particular, our friends from the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox
Church who share the Church with us.

The Cathedral Graveyard:

We are fortunate to have such a beautiful and peaceful space right in the middle of the city.
In recent times the grounds have been enhanced by the inclusion of a wild-flower garden,
new seating and planting. If you would like to make a donation towards the upkeep of the
grounds, please do so through the Cathedral office or contact Lindsay Boyle or the Dean.

St Michael’s Hall:
For booking enquiries please contact the Hall Manager, Suzi Eckhardt.
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Hospital Visiting:

The Clergy would appreciate being told if parishioners are in hospital, going into hospital, are
being transferred or if they have been discharged, and will be pleased to offer pastoral
support. A selection of prayers is available from them or in the Church porches.

Children’s Ministry:

We are grateful to the leaders of our Sunday Club who have organised a wide range of events
and activities for the coming months. Children who wish to remain in church can avail of the
Children’s packs at the back of the church and/or follow along in our Parish Communion
services with the ‘I can join in the Holy Communion Service’ booklets.

Children are always welcome at our services and junior activities!

Fun(d)raising:

A very fruitful Funraising/Fundraising meeting was held recently. It was agreed not to hold
the annual Parish Christmas Fair this year but to look at holding a big one in 2023. SAVE
THE DATE – A social Table quiz was held on Friday 18th November at 7.30pm in Saint
Michael’s Church Hall.

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Welcome:

To Fr Thomas Dunne the new Parish Priest in Murroe.

We wish him God’s richest blessing in his ministry amongst us.

Dean Sirr:

Our former Dean, the Very Rev'd Maurice Sirr, celebrated a significant birthday this weekend.
To mark the occasion he celebrated Holy Communion this morning and afterwards planted
a tree in the grounds. Happy Birthday Maurice!

He responds: “Thank you so much to the Dean for allowing me to celebrate the Eucharist in the
Cathedral on my eightieth birthday. The gesture was greatly appreciated. What a surprise it was to
be presented with the lovely gift (from the parishioners) of a fused glass image of the Cathedral logo
by Clare Beck - a memento that I will treasure. Also, what another surprise and honour to be asked
to plant a magnolia tree in the Cathedral grounds. I look forward to being around to admire its
beauty in the coming years.”

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Limerick Protestant Aid Society:

Limerick Protestant Aid Society recently ‘wound up’ as a charity and transferred its remaining
assets to Protestant Aid (Ireland) for use within the Limerick area. The Society held its final
meeting in Saint Michael’s Church, Limerick on 7th September.

The Society would like to thank all supporters and society members, past and present, who
have supported the work of the Society over its 163 year history. Particular thanks, are due
to Gillian Cheatley and Colin Marsden who oversaw the final stages of the wind up and
transfer.

Harvest:

Many thanks to our Choirs, Music Directors, the boys & girls from Saint Michael’s School,
and the Flower Guilds who decorated our Churches with artistic flair and all who enhanced
our worship during this autumn season. Our preachers were warmly received, and we
thank them for their inspiring reflections!

As we journey through the season of Harvest may

we take time to pause each day to give God thanks
for ‘all good gifts around us’.
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The Evergreens:

The Evergreens travelled to Portumna on Tuesday, 27th September, with reduced numbers
due to the death of one of our driver’s mother. We extend our sympathies to Tony
O’Connell and his family. Some of our members wished to attend the funeral, so they had to
forgo the outing.

It was not a pleasant day weather-wise but everyone took pleasure in visiting the castle and
gardens, sitting in the coffee shop or just generally catching up on news after the summer.

Over the other side of town to the Irish Famine

Workhouse Museum in the afternoon, where we
had a very informative tour by our guide, Aaron.

As one person put it “… we enjoyed feeling miserable…”

on behalf of the inmates of the workhouse and very
thankful that we live in 21st Century Ireland!

Well worth a visit if you are ever in Portumna! Our next meeting is on Tuesday, 25th
October at 2:30 pm in the cathedral.

Cathedral Ministry:
If you are interested in learning more about the workings of the Cathedral and perhaps
helping out with some light duties, please speak to the Dean or Noreen Ellerker.

Interested?

The Dean is wondering if any parishioners would be interested in joining any of the
following groups should they be established in the Parish:

Bible Study Group

Diners Group

Youth Group

Men's Group

Knitting Group

Expressions of interest to the Dean.

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A message about Parish Finances:

The Select Vestry and I (The Dean) are humbled and deeply appreciative of the generous
support provided by the parish, in particular since March 2020. I (The Dean) have invited
the Chairman of the Parish Finance Committee, Mr Keith Morrow, to add a few words on
behalf of the Select Vestry.

He writes,

Over the last number of years, a significant proportion of givers have moved to direct giving (i.e.
Standing Orders) and we are extremely grateful of this, as it is a huge help to the finance
committee in budgeting for the year ahead. The Select Vestry and Finance Committee wish to place
on record their profound thanks to the parishioners of Limerick City Parish for their continued and
generous support of the parish through their sustained financial giving. I wish to also wish to
express my thanks to my colleagues on the Finance Committee for their work over the past year.

Livestreaming:
Log onto www.churchservices.tv/limerickstmarys
Services will be on air at 11.15am on Sundays and
10.30am on Thursdays.

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Recognise anyone?

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ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS 2022

Sunday 27th November – Advent 1

10.00am – Advent Service, Saint Michael’s Church, Pery Square

10.30am – Morning Prayer, Ss John & Ailbe Church, Abington (Murroe)

11.15am – Choral Eucharist, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Bridge Street

7.00pm – The Advent Procession, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Bridge Street

Sunday 4th December – Advent II

Normal Sunday services

Saturday 10th December

5.30pm – Come & Sing (carol singing for all), Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Bridge Street

Sunday 11th December – Advent III

10.00am – Children’s Gift Service, Saint Michael’s Church, Pery Square

10.30am – Morning Prayer, Ss John & Ailbe Church, Abington (Murroe)

11.15am – Choral Matins followed by Holy Communion, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Bridge
Street

Thursday 15th December

8.00pm – Christmas with Ancór 2022 (see www.ancorchoir.com for tickets and info)

Friday 16th December

7.30pm – Christmas with Muireann and the ICO (see www.irishchamberorchestra.com for
tickets and info)

Sunday 18th December – Advent IV

9.30am – Carol Service, Ss John & Ailbe Church, Abington (Murroe)

10.00am – Carol Service, Saint Michael’s Church, Pery Square

11.15am – Choral Eucharist, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Bridge Street

3.00pm – A Blue Christmas Service, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Bridge Street

7.00pm – The Civic Carol Service, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Bridge Street
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Monday 19th December

8.00pm – Community Carol Service, Ss John & Ailbe Church, Abington (Murroe)

Saturday 24th December - Christmas Eve

11pm – Choral Eucharist, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Bridge Street

Sunday 25th December – Christmas Day

9.30am – Holy Communion, Ss John & Ailbe Church, Abington (Murroe)

10.00am – Holy Communion, Saint Michael’s Church, Pery Square

11.15am – Choral Eucharist, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Bridge Street

Sunday 1st January – New Year’s Day

11.15am – A Christmas Service (united for the parish)

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,
praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those
whom he favours!”
St Luke 2:13-15

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 Santa Claus is Easy – A Reflection for Christmas – Paul Alcorn
I have been practicing a song all week so I could sing it for you tonight.
Ready. Hmmmmmm.

“You better watch out. You better not shout.

You better not cry I’m telling you why.
Santa Claus is coming to town.”

So, here we are…

Once again on the doorstep Christmas.

For, at least, the last month all of us have seen and heard far more about Santa and Rudolf
than we have heard those age old words that describe the Dream of God and speak about
swords into plowshares and peace on earth and that long ago birth of a child. Santa has
been seen on the Village streets, in the stores where we have shopped, selling jewellery on
TV and even using the new i-Phone to get directions and to check appointments. A
hundred times over, if not more, Santa Claus has, indeed, come to town.
Yet, despite all his appearances and all the publicity…

Here we are…In a church, of all places;

On Christmas Eve.

Could it be there is something about the Christian witness about the meaning of Christmas;
something about that age old story about a young mother and an anxious father and the
birth of a child and shepherds in the field keeping watch.
Something about that dream of peace on earth and God with us…

That remains powerful enough to push its way past all of the commercials and all of the
tinsel and all of Santas finding its way into our lives and touching something deep into our
hearts and minds and souls. So much so that, for a moment at least, we need to be here
and not someplace else.
I hope so.

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 What I want to say to you tonight…
On this Christmas Eve…
Is this:

Despite all his appearances and the cultural push in his direction, Santa Claus is easy. Maybe
that is why he is so popular. In a conversation I had this past week the person I was
speaking with said, in all seriousness, that the nice thing about Santa was that you only had
to worry about whether you have been naughty or nice. I know…there are times when all
of us wish or wish we could pretend that life was that simple.
Just naughty or nice.
But, despite all our wishing or all our pretending, life is not like that, is it?
It is never that simple or neat or clean.
And maybe that is where the real meaning of Christmas begins to make sense.
And, where we might find hope enough to hang onto as we find our way in and through
this wonderful and sometimes crazy world in which we live.
I believe the meaning and message of Christmas is this:
That which we know and name as God is not up there or out there or somehow distant
from or removed from your life and mine, or peering over the edge of heaven to see if we
have been naughty or nice. The meaning and message of Christmas is that which we know
and name as God comes to be God with us…
To mix it up with life as it really is for us.
In all those places where life is anything, but simple.
God with us…
Right here and right now. Just as you are. Just as life is.

The story begins that way with real life issues.

Roman taxation. A young woman unexpectedly pregnant. A mother’s dream wrapped up

in the birth of a child in an occupied land. And, it continues from then to now.

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 God with us … as strength and steadfastness and patience.
That which you need as you do the hard work of raising children
and sustaining relationships.

God with us ... causing us to lift our eyes and unwrap ourselves from our sometimes
shrink-wrapped lives to see the other as we sort through the difference between what we
want and what we need and how that gets lived out in a culture and climate that incessantly
tells us more is always better.

God with us … as vision and hope and possibility as we wrestle with the complexities of
the issues that face us – hunger and war and poverty and unemployment and political
stalemate – the complexities of all those issues and the absolute simplicity of human need.

God with us…Right in the middle of all those places where we do our best to follow our
best angels and hold faith and values and a vision for tomorrow close amidst the push and
pull of life as it is.

God with us…that unnerving, ever hopeful, not settling for good enough presence which
continually challenges us to turn strangers into neighbours, and enemies into guests at the
table, and to look not just inward at our own family, but outward towards that larger
human family.

The promise of Christmas is that God is with us in all those moments…and more.
And tonight, one more time, we get to decide what Christmas is really about.
And about which story is true.
We get to decide between Santa Claus who is easy, but doesn’t hold up to life as it is.
And, the God who comes to be…
Hope.
Promise.
Peace.
Presence.
Compassion.
Who comes to be God with us…
In every moment of every day in life just as it is.

https://paulalcorn.com/santa-claus-is-easy-a-reflection-for-christmas/

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 A Nail at Christmas

It’s Christmas time at our house

and we are putting up the tree.
I wish I could find one simple way
to remember Christ's gift to me.

Some little sign or symbol

to show friends stopping by.
The little baby was born one day,
But He really came to die

Some symbol of His nail pierced hands,

The blood He shed for you and me…
What if I hung a simple nail
Upon my Christmas tree?

A crimson bow tied ‘round the nail

As His blood flowed down so free
To save each person from his sin
And redeem us for all eternity.

I know it was His love for us

that held Him to that tree,
but when I see this simple nail

I know He died for me!

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Snowman Soup!
1 package hot chocolate mix
3 chocolate buttons
10 mini-marshmallows
1 candy cane

Place in a small zip lock bag, a jar or in a new mug.

Attach this poem:
"Was told you've been real good this year
Always glad to hear it
With freezing weather drawing near
You'll need to warm the spirit
So here's a little Snowman Soup
Complete with stirring stick
Just add hot water, sip it slow
It's sure to do the trick!"

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Starry Mincemeat Slices
Preparation and cooking time

Prep: 20 mins Cook: 35 mins

Ingredients

 a little butter, for the tin

 175g grated Bramley apple, squeezed to remove excess juice
 2 jars mincemeat
 2 packs ready-rolled shortcrust pastry sheets
 white caster sugar, for dredging

Method

STEP 1

Butter a 30 x 20 x 2.5cm tray tin. Mix the mincemeat and grated apple. Unroll the pastry
sheets. Lift one sheet into the tin so that the pastry lines it and the excess hangs over the
sides. Spread the mincemeat mix over evenly.

STEP 2

Leave the other sheet on its wrapping, but lightly mark the size of the tin onto it. Stamp out
stars, spaced apart – don’t go outside the markings. Carefully invert on top of the mincemeat,
pastry side down, and peel off the wrapping. Press the edges together around the edge of the
tin, trim the excess, then randomly place the cut-out stars over the pastry. Will freeze for up
to 6 weeks. Defrost before baking.

STEP 3

Chill for 20 mins. Meanwhile, heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 with a large baking sheet
inside it. Dredge the pastry with sugar and bake on the hot baking sheet for 30 mins until
golden. Remove and dredge with more sugar.

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Chocolate & Ginger Refrigerator
Squares
Preparation and cooking time

Prep: 15 mins Cook: 5 mins

Ingredients

• 300g ginger nut biscuit, roughly crushed

• 140g crystallised stem ginger, finely chopped

• 300g plain chocolate

• 100g butter, diced

• 100g golden syrup

Method

STEP 1

Line a 20 x 30cm tin with baking parchment. Mix the biscuits with most of the ginger, then
set aside. Melt the chocolate, butter and golden syrup in a bowl set over a pan of simmering
water, stirring occasionally, until smooth and glossy. Pour this over the biscuit and ginger
mixture and mix together well.

STEP 2

Tip the mixture into the prepared tin and sprinkle over the reserved ginger, then flatten the
top lightly – it doesn’t need to be completely smooth. Chill for at least 2 hrs, or overnight,
before cutting into small squares.

MAKE AHEAD

These squares will last in the fridge in an airtight container for a week, or freeze for up to a
month. Keep them chilled until you pack them up to give away, so that they don’t melt while
you’re transporting them.

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Really Easy Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

 350g can ready-made croissant dough

 30g unsalted butter, softened
 2 tsp cinnamon
 6 tbsp soft light brown sugar

Method

STEP 1

Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Line a 23cm cake tin with a square of baking parchment
so the corners stick up (this will help you to lift the rolls out).

STEP 2

Unroll the croissant dough from the can and lay it out on your work surface. Cut it into three
sections along the dotted lines, but don’t cut the diagonal line. Spread over a quarter of the
butter onto each piece.

STEP 3

Mix the cinnamon and sugar together. Using one square of dough at a time, sprinkle over 2-
3 tsp of the sugar and roll up the dough. When you have three rolls, cut each one in half and
then each half into three. Arrange the rolls in the tin in two circles – you need to spread
them well apart as they will rise and spread. Stick the end bits in among fatter pieces from
the centre of the rolls so they cook evenly. Bake for 15 mins or until the rolls are risen and
cooked through.

STEP 4

Meanwhile, heat the remaining sugar mix with the remaining butter until you have a thick
caramel (don’t worry if some of the butter separates out, it will soak into the dough). When
the rolls are cooked, pour over the caramel. Leave to cool a little, then eat warm.

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Filo Mince Pies
Preparation and cooking time

Prep: 20 mins Cook: 35 mins

Ingredients

 50g unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for the tin

 140g filo pastry sheets
 icing sugar, for dusting

For the mincemeat

 1 cooking apple, peeled, cored and finely grated
 400g mixed dried fruit
 ½ orange, zested and juiced
 50g shredded suet (ensure vegetarian, if needed)
 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
 ½ tsp ground allspice
 ½ tsp ground nutmeg
 75g light brown soft sugar
 2 tbsp brandy

Method

STEP 1
Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. First, make the mincemeat.
Tip all of the ingredients into a large saucepan and cook over a low-medium heat for 10 mins,
stirring frequently until sticky and combined. Remove from the heat and set aside.

STEP 2
Lightly brush the holes of a 12-hole muffin tin with melted butter. Cut the filo sheets into
quarters to make small squares, then use one square each to line the holes. Brush with more
butter, then top with a second filo square, turning it to form a cross shape. Fill each pastry
case with a heaped tablespoon of mincemeat, then loosely fold the overhanging filo towards
the middles.

STEP 3
Shred any leftover filo into small, thin strips and top each pie with filo nests. Brush the
exposed pastry with melted butter, then bake for 25 mins until golden brown. Leave to cool
completely in the tin, then dust with icing sugar before serving.

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 - Please read it again!

Christmas Trees
 Place real Christmas trees securely in a sturdy base filled with
water – metal stands cause trees to dry out and become
flammable
 Check water level daily
 Ensure artificial trees have been pre-treated to increase flame
resistance
 Keep tree away from candles, heaters, fireplaces or other heat
sources
 Dispose of tree properly – never burn a real tree in the
fireplace

Christmas Lights

Indoors

 Only buy Christmas lights marked with a safety standard

 Don’t overload sockets
 Make sure a competent person checks all connections and examines the wiring for
fraying
 If in doubt, throw them out.
 Unplug all Christmas lights and electrical appliances before leaving your home or
going to bed

Outdoors

 Ensure lights are suitable for outdoor use

 Check all wiring and follow manufacturers instructions.
 Never use indoor extension leads outside.
 Fasten the bulbs securely and point the sockets down to avoid moisture building up.
 Keep outdoor electrical connections above ground and out of puddles and snow.
 Ensure trees hung with Christmas lights are not touching power lines.

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Candles

Remember when it comes to candles:

 Keep them out of reach of children and pets

 Trim the wick to 6mm (1/4 inch) each time before burning
 Always use an appropriate candleholder placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface
 Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents and air currents
 Extinguish a candle if it smokes or flickers repeatedly or if the flame becomes
too high
 Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times
 Do not burn a candle for longer than manufacturer recommends
 Extinguish the flame if it comes too close to the holder or container
 Place lighted candles at least 75mm apart form one another
 Never place a candle on top of a TV set and keep well away from curtains
 Always extinguish candles before leaving the house or going to bed
 Never use candles on Christmas trees, even artificial ones
 Remember hot wax burns!

Other Christmas Fire Safety Tips

 Never burn wrapping paper in your fireplace

 Keep strings of Christmas cards away from candles and open fires
 Fit a spark guard in front of open fires
 Extinguish cigarettes properly and do not let ashtrays get overfilled
 Check that your smoke alarms are in perfect working order
 Never remove batteries from smoke alarm to use in children’s toys
 Clean out the oven and stove prior to Christmas

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