Irish Times Notes04 Dec 21

Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’

Advent Resources

The Liturgical Advisory Committee, in collaboration with the Children’s Ministry Network, have produced a Service of the Word for each Sunday in Advent, along with supporting resources. Recognising that there is still uncertainty in terms of the pandemic’s impact on gathering together, the materials have been developed in a ‘pandemic conscious’ manner and may be adapted for in–person or online worship. 

For each Sunday in Advent, themes drawn from the readings have given shape both to the liturgical elements and the accompanying suggestions for scriptural reflection and experiential prayer. The progression of themes – Wonder, Letting Go, Take Heart, and Hope – are intended to create a sense of pilgrimage through the Advent season.  

Lydia Monds, a member of the LAC children’s sub–group and co–ordinator of the Children’s Ministry Network, writes: ‘Children are captivated by Christmas. Not just the possibility of presents, but the preparation, the lights, the anticipation. They are ready to chat and to engage with the message of what it is and more accurately who it is we are anticipating. The orders of service and supplemental materials prepared for this resource invite children and families to interact with different parts of the incredible story of “Immanuel – God with us”, whether they are engaging from home or in person. These services are an invitation to reflect and engage together through the journey of Advent, and in doing so, to make room for Christ this Christmas.’ The resources are available here.

During Advent a series of online videos will explore how parishes in the diocese of Dublin & Glendalough are reaching out to serve their communities. The series of four videos, which will be released each weekend in Advent, began on 27 November. Entitled ‘Advent: Hope Peace Love and Joy’ the videos will focus on St Patrick’s parish and school in Greystones and their work for Dublin Christian Mission’s Light House which serves homeless people (Hope); Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, and their outreach to people living in Direct Provision accommodation centres as a cathedral of sanctuary (Peace); Gathering Grounds in Kilternan whose mission is to provide a place for community, belonging, growth and healing (Love); and the Storehouse foodbank in Crinken which reaches out to serve and support those in need in their community (Joy). These videos can be found on Youtube here or www.dublin.anglican.org and on other diocesan social media channels.

Tomorrow (Sunday) evening at 7pm there will be a service of Advent Waiting and Watching in Christ Church cathedral, Dublin. There will be reflective music, a peaceful atmosphere, and suggestions for creative prayer to help people reflect on the challenges faced over the last year.

In Enniskillen, on Friday at 8pm, there will be ‘Carols in the Cathedral’ with the Fermanagh Choral Society. Admission is free and  donations to Fermanagh Choral Society and St Macartin’s Cathedral Organ Fund are welcome.

Booking has opened for the Out Door Nativity event to be held in the precincts of Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, on 19 & 20 December with showings on the hour and half hour. There will even be a pair of live donkeys! The event is free of charge with pre–booking here.

Sources of support for families and individuals facing rising inflation and pressures from the cost of living are listed in a new briefing document provided by the Church and Society Commission.  This includes key contacts for support and advice from public services and Christian charities working to respond to need, in both jurisdictions, at this time. The resource is available here.