Crinken Church Review Notes

September sees the start of an exciting new chapter in the life of Crinken as Trevor Stevenson takes up the role of our new minister. We as a Church look forward to seeing where God will lead and guide us under Trevor’s leadership as we all set out on this journey together.

We, as a Church, are committed to praying for Trevor, Ruth, David and Mikey in this new chapter of ministry.

Youth News
The first week in August saw a number of our young folk heading to Teenstreet. This is a large international Christian youth event held every year in Germany, run by Operation Mobilisation (OM). The main purpose of Teenstreet is to motivate and equip Christian teens to have a real firendship with Jesus and reflect Jesus in their world. It’s a great opportunity to meet together with other young people from various churches and youth groups from many countries, spend time learning about Jesus, pray together and just hang out. Yet again, those who attended this year really enjoyed the event.

For those from Crinken youth who were unable to attend Teenstreet, there was an alternative. ‘Fortress’, organised and led by the young people themselves, was held from the Tuesday to Friday at the Chisnall’s house. The group explored Psalm 18 in their daily bible study along with worship music led by Oisín. They also had “Shh Time” (a time of silent prayer and reflection) and group prayer at the end of the day. Prayer was the main aim at Fortress, with everyone learning to pray openly and talk to Jesus. Everyday there was also an activity – such as a hike, games and an arts evening. The four days went well and everyone enjoyed themselves. There were many discussions and memorable times of sharing and fellowship. By all accounts Teenstreet might have some competition next year with the young folk keen to organise a similar event soon!

Church Life
Congratulations to all those who recently received their Leaving Certificate results. This is an exciting time for our young folk as they contemplate the direction of their careers and our thoughts and prayers are with them as they embark on this journey.

Congratulations also to Eddie and Marjorie who celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary on July 25, and to Richard and Barbara who celebrate their 30th Wedding Anniversary on September 4th.

It’s a summer of weddings at Crinken this year. On July 13 Charis Rowan and Mark Henderson got married. The following week on 22 July Jennie Griffin and Sean Conneely married. On September 1 Emma Wood and Alastair White celebrate their wedding and the following day (September 2) sees the wedding of Sharon Thompson and Ronan Kelly. We send our prayers and best wishes to all these couples.

We continue to remember those amongst us who are experiencing ill health and are in need of our prayers, in particular Derek, Jackie and Sydna.

On a sadder note, our thoughts and prayers are with the Jennings family following two recent bereavements. Frank’s niece died in July following a tragic accident, and then a few weeks later Angela’s father Ernest died. Ernest had been a regular attendee at Crinken on his visits to Bray, joining in with the bowls club on a Monday night, Young@Heart events as well as church gatherings and will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.

At a recent prayer together evening in Crinken, we were reminded of the fact that while it seems everyone is on holidays over the summer, God never takes a holiday. He is always there for us, providing for us, and his steadfast love never ceases. What an encouragement and what a promise.

Summer time is traditionally a season of slowing down after the busyness of the previous months. A time for recharging the batteries in preparation for everything starting up again in the Autumn.

While many church activities take a well earned break at this time, there is still plenty of action around! Sunday by Sunday we continue to meet together. Crinken kids continue to have their own summer programme led, each week by different members of the congregation.

To end the youth club year, our two church youth groups took a 4 day trip away to Ovoca Manor in late June. It was a wonderful time to have some extended quality time together. New friends were made as everyone enjoyed a day trip to the beach, played some miniature golf and much more fun and games.

Through evening talks from the book of Daniel, the teenagers learned about living as a Christian in our world, knowing we are citizens of Jesus’ eternal kingdom, yet still honouring God in this age as wait for Jesus’ return. Highlights included: morning Ssh Times (quiet times) of bible reading, journaling and prayer. ‘Art Attack’-A community worship time of art and music and our ‘make your own pizza night’.

In the first week of July, Crinken hosted a holiday club for primary school children. Each day we had crafts, games, bible story time, drama, puppets and quiz the leader! The kids loved seeing the bible come alive in drama, getting soaked in our water fight. Many thanks to the adults who came to help and the youth team who lead all the activities and because firm favourites with all the children!

Young@Heart continues to meet over the summer. In July we had a Strawberry Tea in the home of Trevor & Ruth. We had a wonderful day, plenty of fun and laughter and of course the Strawberries were good too! In August we have been invited to the home of Stephen & Lindsey for lunch which is always something to look forward to. Our thanks to these families for opening their homes to us.

This September (Saturday 17th) sees the Church in Chains annual national conference in Athlone. Church in Chains is a charity led by David Turner and Virginia Chipperfield who worship at Crinken. It seeks to encourage prayer and action in support of persecuted Christians worldwide. This years guest speaker will be Pastor Bob Fu,
Founder and President of China Aid Association. Bob was a house-church pastor in China and spent time in prison after police discovered a secret Bible School that he was leading. Now living in the USA, Bob has become the leading spokesman for persecuted Christians in China. The conference is being held at Athlone Springs Hotel, from 11am – 4pm. Complimentary tea and biscuits will be available from 10.30 am. Admission free and all are welcome. Phone the Church in Chains office (01-282 5393) for more details or visit http://www.churchinchains.ie

A number of our church family are currently facing various health issues which have resulted in hospital stays and on going treatment. We pray for God’s strength and comfort for them and their families at this time.

In times of sickness and health, good times or bad, what a reassurance it is to know that our heavenly Father is with us always, to encourage, comfort love and support.

Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Ps 62:8

Trevor is married to Ruth and they have two sons, David and Mikey. Trevor will be taking up the full time position from next September and we want to assure him and Ruth and the boys of our love and support for them as a family in this new chapter of their lives.

When Ed & Jane and Michael & Therese and their families left to return to Australia at the start of the year Trevor handed them a baton to symbolise the handing on of our faith and the responsibility of taking and sharing our faith to wherever God takes us. This past Sunday Trevor was also handed a baton and this time to symbolise the acceptance of the task as minister and leader of our church – Trevor takes the baton in a line of previous exceptional ministers who have led our church through different times and seasons. Trevor brings a wide variety of leadership and pastoral skill that he has developed over many years.

As a church we do not expect Trevor to take on and do everything. His leadership style models how the body of Christ should be working – each growing and using their gifts and serving God in the way that God desires. We look forward as a church to working together under Trevor’s leadership and seeing where God guides and takes us in the present time as well as into the future.

1 Thessalonians 5: 24 ‘The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it’.

Basil Good (Trustee)

Crinken Youth
It’s all action this summer – starting with Youth Camp, then on to Holiday Club, followed by Teen Street in Germany and finally ending with Youth Week. Wow, we won’t be bored this summer! Catch up on all the details on our website http://www.crinken.ie/generation. If you want further information about any of the above or about Crinken Youth, please feel free to contact me(details above).
Neil Douglas (Crinken Youth Worker)

Young@Heart
It wasn’t looking good. The weather forecast for the week wasn’t great – ‘heavy showers…, it will feel much cooler…, another wet day with widespread rain, which will be heavy at times…’ another summer in Ireland! However, there was a glimmer of hope – ‘Saturday will be the best day of the week’ and it was!
Saturday 11 June dawned bright and sunny and so at 10am 28 of us boarded the coach outside Crinken for what has become our annual Young@Heart outing. This year we visited Ardgillan Castle and Demesne in Balbriggan. The residence at Ardgillan is a large country-styled house in a parkland of 194 acres, with views overlooking the Irish Sea and Mourne Mountains in the distance. Patrick, our guide, brought us on a very informative guided tour of the house. It was fascinating to step back in time and see how ‘the other half lived’! After lunch, which for many was eaten outside in the sunshine, there was free time to wander around the amazing gardens at Ardgillan or just to sit and enjoy the sunshine overlooking the sea. What a great amenity this is and well worth the visit for all.

Congratulations!
Congratulations to Arthur and Claire on the birth of their baby daughter Rachel, a sister for Emily, and grand-daughter for Muriel. Also to David & Celine and Stephen & Lindsey who celebrate 25th Wedding Anniversaries in June, and to David & Pam who celebrate their 40th Wedding Anniversary, also in June.

Wedding Bells!
13 July Charis Rowan and Mark
22 July Jennifer Griffin and Sean
1 September Emma Wood and Alastair
2 September Sharon Thompson and Ronan

I know for many change is difficult but I see it as a very exciting time as we look to the future and all that God wants to do in our midst. God has performed many great miracles throughout history and indeed here in Crinken. It’s important to give Him all the praise and glory. But at the same time we also have to look forward to what God wants to do in our lives today. Remember, God is a God of increase. Where you are today is not where you are supposed to stay. He has greater levels of favour and blessing in store for you. Dare to dream big! Dare to keep a God sized vision in front of you! Dare to take hold of every blessing that the Lord has in store for you!

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” Ephesians 2v4-7 (NKJ)

Trevor

Extract from Trevor’s report to Easter Vestry (Full report can be read on http://www.crinken.ie/news/)

Our Easter Vestry was on Wednesday the 4th May. It was a good meeting and I think everyone was pleased with the evening.

The following were elected to the Vestry for the coming year: *Rectors Churchwarden: Eddie Blackstock *Peoples Churchwarden: Lindsey Gardiner *Rectors Glebe warden: Basil Good *Peoples Glebe warden: Robert Thompson
Also the following people were elected
Geoff Scargill, Sharon Healy, Noel Griffin (Honorary Secretary), Freda Owens(Honorary Treasurer), Mick Donohue, Olly Adams, Tim Leech and Derek Bradshaw.

This year we also had to vote for Synod persons and this is a triennial election where three members of the church represent Crinken at the diocesan synod. The following were elected: Lily Reid, Stephen Gardiner and Andrew Ellis.

Many thanks to all those who have taken on roles and responsibilities.

Crinken Youth
This summer at CY Crinken Youth!
MAY Our Discipleship training groups continue on Sundays where the we study the bible to know God our Father and Jesus our Saviour better.

We pray for all those taking school exams and particularly those sitting their Junior and Leaving Certificate; for rest at night, energy to study and that God will help them in exams to keep calm and recall all the work they put in.

There will be many events over the summer, some such a Beach Day and Hiking trips are not finalised yet, however here is a guide to what’s on for Crinken Youth.

JUNE: Genesis and Toast Summer trip away in late June to a Christian Adventure Centre in Ireland.

JULY: Many of our youth will be serving as leaders at the Crinken Summer Holiday Club in early July, teaching primary school children the great gospel of Jesus. Our trip to Teenstreet, Germany for 3rd-6th Years is in late July which encourages us to live our whole lives for Jesus.

AUGUST: Crinken Youth Week is from Monday August 22nd-Friday 26th. Invite your friends for a week of games, videos, food, great bible teaching, sumo wrestling suits, water fights and the 6am alarm clock video challenge! For 1st – 6th Year.

We commit this ministry to the Lord in prayer as we seek to tell young people the loving and saving gospel of Jesus and encourage them to live for Him.

As always feel free to contact me: Neil Douglas Crinken Youth Worker

Neil Douglas

Crinken Kids
This term Crinken Kids have been doing a series called ‘Gofors and Grumps’ – looking at different characters from the Bible who either ‘go for’ it in terms of doing what God wants them to do, or they are ‘grumps’ and go their own way.

Crinken Kids never ends, but the slightly more relaxed summer programme begins the first Sunday in July.

Champions of Hope
The final total for the Champions of Hope well project in Uganda was €7508. This amount has been matched by a donor, so amazingly we will be able to drill 5 wells! Praise the Lord.

Young@Heart
Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.
Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.
This can certainly be said of our Young@Heart group. In April we had a ‘sing along’ to the Sound of Music movie night which was a great event. At our recent Games Night, we had the teenagers from our Youth Club (which was running at the same time) enviously peering through the windows of the hall as some of our members flew light aircraft and even landed a jumbo jet on the flight simulator, while others competed in golf and ten pin bowling on the Wii!! The more sedate (or sensible?!) among us joined in a game (or two) of scrabble. Our next event will be our Outing to Argillan Castle and Gardens in June, followed by a Strawberry Tea in July and Sunday lunch together in August.

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Psalm 37.23-24 NLT

Trevor

Crinken Kids
Crinken Kids have been very busy over the last number of weeks going on a journey with Paul, Silas, Luke and others, around Israel, Greece and Italy. During the morning “Take Away” programme we have realised how people change for the better when they begin to follow Jesus. That’s what happened to Paul. Also, we have learnt to be grateful for those who tell US about Jesus and have understood how important it is to tell others. Paul had some amazing and terrifying adventures – but God was with him and had a plan for his life. No matter what the children of Crinken Kids face at home at school or on the sports pitch, Jesus is there beside them. The leaders and children are looking forward to “Showstoppers” Holiday Club during Holy Week, when the hall will be a frenzy of exciting activities. We have water fights, funny graces, cool experiments, silly dramas and much more to do. Each day we will also be learning about God’s great plan for the world, starting with Creation on Monday and finishing with the Resurrection on Friday.

As well as all this, many of the Crinken Kids have been playing their part in sacrificing something, to reach the grand total needed to build a well in Uganda. It has been humbling to receive money children have got for their birthday or as hard-earned pocket money.

Kirsten Elliott

Crinken Youth
Crinken Youth has been looking towards Easter this April and what the death of Jesus accomplishes. We’ve looked at the crucial Old Testament passages of Exodus 10-12 and Leviticus 16 which feature the story of the Passover and the Day of Atonement. We went down to Bray seafront to read the bible and see how God’s people demonstrated their obedience and faith in the Lord by killing a faultless male lamb and spreading it’s blood over their doors as God told them to so his anger at their sin would literally ‘pass over’ them, protecting them. We also imagined God parting the sea to rescue his people. For the believer living on this side of the cross we read John 1:29 “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Jesus is God’s Passover lamb who died in our place for our sins. If we come to him and ask him to save us from our sins we will be saved.

GENESIS for 6th Class, 1and 2nd Years is on Saturdays at 6 – 7.45pm for Youth Club and Sunday Bible Study from 11am-12.15pm. GENERATION for 3rd-6th Years is on Fridays at 7.30-9.30pm for Youth Club and Sunday Bible Study TOAST from 9.30am-11am.
Contact Neil Douglas, Crinken Church Youth Worker 087 6465281 neil@crinken.com for more information.
Neil Douglas

Champions of Hope
Last month we told you about the Lenten project our Millennium Kids (their name!) challenged us to be a part of. These Champions of Hope want to drill a well in Uganda with Fields of Life, so many children (and adults) will have access to clean drinking water. Sunday 17 April saw the finale to our project and what a day it would prove to be. The morning started with around 60 adults and children meeting in Shankill Village and, led by the Champions of Hope, walking to Crinken carrying bottles of water as a symbolic gesture with our friends in Uganda. Daily, women and children walk distances like this to collect water, carrying containers weighing up to 20kg.

Our goal was €3,000 and when told we didn’t hit our target there was momentary disappointment. It was not to last long – in fact we far exceeded the target – the Champions of Hope raised €6,530.77! God is good – now we can drill two wells.

From the Atomoro Community Uganda where the first well has been drilled:
We thank God and Champions of Hope to allow God use them to answer our prayers and drill for us clean and safe water, may God give them a bright future and life everlasting.

We thank the Crinken kids for their kindness, they are indeed Champions of Hope because this community had considered itself as a forgotten society. They have indeed given this community hope.

Welcome
A very special welcome to William Olhausen and his family to Killiney, Ballybrack. We wish William and his family Gods richest blessing in their ministry here in South County Dublin.

On first reading one thinks I would never do anything like that and yet we do. We may not walk by on the other side of the road but we ignore those who are out of sight and out of mind. The question I have asked myself over and over again is “Why in the year 2011 with all our technological advances are there over 1 billion people without access to clean drinking water”. Why do so many men, women and children have to drink dirty water and many die as a result. I am so encouraged that the Crinken Kids have begun a project for lent where they will drill a well for people they have never met in Uganda.

Are we any better than the religious folk in the story? Let us learn from this story that compassion is based on need not worth and also feels something. Compassion also leads us to action and also costs something. Compassion also demonstrates our relationship with God. Let us be like the Good Samaritan in the story who showed us what true compassion is like.

Trevor

Champions of Hope

‘Every 15 seconds a child dies due to lack of clean water. It’s not fair.’

‘1.1 BILLION people don’t have access to clean water. It’s not fair’

‘In the 10 years we’ve been alive, more children have died from diarrhoea than have been killed through war since 1945. It’s not fair.’

‘Every day, women and girls carry water weighing up to 20kg on their heads. This means the girls don’t get to go to school. It’s not fair’

‘IT’S NOT FAIR’ was our cry up the aisle in our church in Crinken. We are the ‘Millennium Kids’ and are in 4th/5th class. We meet every Sunday in Crinken Church and were very excited when Trevor, our leader, asked us to lead the church in this project. When we heard how children our age were being killed all over the world because of simply no clean water, we were very upset. We even feel anxious that this could happen to us in Ireland. Some of us felt ashamed because we have wasted water.

We wanted to do something so we decided that for the 6 weeks of Lent, we would sacrifice something that would save us money. Here are some of our ideas:

- give up our weekend treats, biscuits, etc. – our parents give up newspapers/magazines – give up treats from Vending Machines and sugar – give up Ketchup (if my Daddy gives up chocolate!)

Some of us have cleared our bedrooms of good toys to sell, some have done tasks around the house for money, some have made muffins to sell at school and some have chopped kindling for their Granny.

We asked everyone at church what could they sacrifice? If 100 families could get €30 each, we would have €3,000. The cost of a well! We decided rather than fundraise, we would sacrifice things, time, belongings, etc. to get money.

Fields of Life has a village in northern Uganda, which like so many other villages in Uganda has no access to clean water. By Easter when they have a well, we will see more girls going to school, more women saved long journeys to help their families and more children living into adulthood…just like us!

Now, that’s FAIR!

By The Millennium Kids, Crinken Church
Liadin (11), Luke (10), Jacob (10), Caitlin (10), Jasmin (11), Alex (10), Karen (10), Juliet (10), David (10), Iain (10), Simon (10), Guy (10), Shane (11), Ben (11), Jasmine (11), Alana (10)

Easter at Crinken
Good Friday 22 April *7pm Service of Reflection

Easter Sunday 24 April *10 am Communion *11 am Easter Celebration *5pm Impact Service