Dear Friends
I love spring time and like nothing better than relaxing and unwinding in the garden. As the earth wakens from its slumber and heralds the beginning of new life. I marvel at the vibrant blooms like daffodils and tulips. The fragrance of hyacinths and wallflowers and the chorus of birds chirping their delight that spring is now here.

Helen Steiner Rice in her beautiful Easter poem tells how God blesses us through the enchanting beauty of the spring season. In her poem she narrates the beauty of spring merged with the grace of God. As we celebrate Easter let us thank God for His death and resurrection and quietly ponder the words of her poem.

Easter Reflections by Helen Steiner Rice
With OUR EYES we see
The beauty of Easter
as the earth awakens once more…

With OUR EARS we hear
The birds sing sweetly
to tell us Spring again is here…

With OUR HANDS we pick
the golden daffodils
and the fragrant hyacinths…

But only with OUR HEARTS
can we feel the MIRACLE of GOD’S LOVE
which redeems all men…

And only with OUR SOUL
can we make our ‘pilgrimage to God’
and inherit His Easter Gift of ETERNAL LIFE.

Blessings
Trevor Stevenson

Champions of Hope
We are very excited to see what this year brings as we seek God’s heart for the poor this Lent again. Some of you may have had the opportunity to see the Film 58 based on Isaiah Chapter 58 (http://www.live58.org). I felt both deflated and encouraged following it. The whole area of poverty seems so helpless and yet, we can’t stand back and do nothing. The one thing, I DO feel called to do, is to allow our children see, experience and feel the heart of their Father God who seeks after justice and compassion for them….and for every child in Uganda and beyond. We are currently using this film and studying this Bible passage with our children in Church and using it for discussion, drama, art opportunities as we walk our way through Lent together.

In our Church Review notes last month, Trevor Stevenson wrote about his recent trip to East Africa where a teacher in one of the Fields of Life schools called ‘Mama Tanaga’ approached him. God had spoken to her clearly and instructed her to invest in another person’s ministry who worked abroad and knew it was to be Trevor when she saw him. In her hand was €100 (3 months of her wages). Since then, all I can see are SEEDS! Have a look at your children in your home and think of all the dreams you have for them. We watch them grow and we aspire great things for them. Now picture a parent in poverty, their dreams are nothing less…they aspire for great things but their dreams are boxed in by….not a lack of finance, not lack of government grants for college or commuter difficulties, not which country, let alone which college to choose…..NO…their dreams are halted…by a lack of food and water. These children are the ‘seeds’ that we have been given to nurture and grow and into which I believe Mama Tanaga will invest.

Last year, our Champions of Hope, 4th/5th class, drove our Lent project with such a passion that I believe THEY grew in more ways than we imagined. For one more year, we have asked them to lead Crinken Church again in this year‘s Lent Project to raise €3,000 for a well in Uganda. With the remainder, we wish to purchase seeds, maybe farming equipment for those in the same area. And so, we ask God’s blessing on our sacrifices of all the ‘things’ we love and that cost us money. We pray that all who give up their weekly treats will realise how blessed we are in our everyday lives. But most of all we pray that God would change our hearts from greed to compassion and learn from Mama Tanaga, the art of giving.
Olly Adams
On behalf of the Champions of Hope

Youth News
As Easter approaches it’s a focused time of year to teach young people about the death and resurrection of Jesus. For some, this will be a reminder and encouragement, but for so many it is brand new, a true story they will have heard very little of before. Please pray that God will open the hearts of young people to help them understand that Jesus died for them and what life changing difference his resurrection could mean for them.

EASTER HOLIDAY CLUB April 2nd-6th
As our Church hall fills each morning of Holy Week with primary school ages children, many of the youth volunteer for a fun week as a junior leader. They do drama, run games, play quiz the leader, water fights, puppets and run crafts, sports and science activities. This is a great event for youth to learn about Jesus by teaching younger ones. In afternoons there is a youth programme which includes NET groups (group bible studies), dinner together, a thank you trip to the cinema, Ssh Time (personal quiet times with God), and the BBQ. Please pray for good unity and fellowship among the youth serving at holiday club.

SUMMER SOUL June 24th – 30th
A Christian summer camp run by Crinken Youth and the people who brought you TORRENTIAL. All the fun, games, friends we’ve had at past Crinken youth weekends away but now bigger and with other Church youth groups from across Leinster. It’ll be quality time where you can get to know Jesus as we learn from the Bible. Speak to Neil or checkout http://www.summersoul.ie for more details and a flyer application form. Limited Spaces!
Neil Douglas

Church Life
It’s good to celebrate together and over the past few months we have had plenty to celebrate with the announcements of the following engagements. Peter Scargill to Franziska Weber; Daniel Good to Emily McAllister and Lisa Fitzsimmons to Fabrizio Bottaro.

We wish each of these couples every blessing and happiness as they make plans for their future.

Dear Friends
“I need to chat to you” suggested Mama Tanaga at the 5th Annual Fields of Life head teachers conference held in Kampala at the end of January. This is a conference held for all the head teachers and chairpersons from the 102 schools built by Fields of Life in East Africa to date.

We found a quiet place and she shared with me something that has deeply touched me. She narrated; “I was visiting another school last year and went to the local church on the Sunday. The pastor shared during the sermon and challenged us to plant a seed in another ministry. I thought about it but to be honest forgot all about it. Then some weeks later I was visiting another school and went to the service on the Sunday and this preacher also spoke on the same subject. I knew I had to take this challenge seriously so I prayed long and hard about it. I felt very strongly that God was telling me to plant into Rev Trevor’s ministry at Crinken. The figure which was to come out of my own salary was to be 100,000 Ugandan shillings a term.” She then reached into her handbag and pulled out an envelope with 300,000 Ugandan shillings and asked me to bring it back to Crinken.

I stood there speechless with my eyes welling up. This sum of money amounted to €100 and in her case totalled up to three months salary. This was a real example of the story from the gospels of the widow’s mite. I thanked her for her sacrifice and extreme generosity and we prayed for her ministry, the ministry of Fields of Life and Crinken Church.

On returning to Crinken I shared the story with the congregation. I could have heard a pin drop as the story unfolded. We were all challenged by this woman and saint of God. The seed has been planted and we look forward with excitement to the harvest that this will produce.
Blessings
Trevor Stevenson

David Bowles
We were pleased to welcome David to Crinken on a Theological Institute Placement. During his time with us he endeared himself to the community with his friendly approach and concern for young and old alike. We will continue to remember David in our prayers as he continues his studies.

Youth News
A key part of Crinken’s Youth Ministry is the Sunday mornings discipleship groups. We have two;, TOAST and Genesis. TOAST is for 3rd-6th Year students from 9.30am and meets in the youth room in the Church hall. In recent weeks we have been studying topics such as Jesus our servant, the returning Lord and the Holy Spirit. After breakfast we have bible study as a group followed by ‘Ssh Time’ by ourselves. This is a time of personal prayer, journaling, writing out the bible to dwell on it more deeply and bible study.

‘Genesis’ on Sundays follows TOAST, but is for the younger age group: (1st & 2nd Years). This group meets during church and we are currently studying the ‘CY’ course, which stands for ‘See Why’. Each week we ‘See why: Jesus Died, See Why: Jesus Lives’ etc. It is a youth edition of the Christianity Explored course and creatively helps young people to learn about and consider their own relationship with Jesus.

Neil Douglas

Crinken Kids
What a wonderful month we have had with Crinken Kids, as we have been working together on the second Champions of Hope project (hopefully it will become a yearly tradition?!), to raise funds for Fields of Life during Lent. We hope to raise money to build a well and provide agricultural resources, focussing on the theme of seeds and how God can use our gifts in many ways. We have been focussing on the idea of sacrifice – thinking about the amazing sacrifice Jesus made for us at Easter, and how we can sacrifice something to then serve others. Crinken Kids are again leading the church in this project – through planning and designing the project, finding Bible passages for us to focus on, prayer, and being wonderfully creative in finding ways to teach the church about giving.

In On Route and Signposts, we have been focussing on Jesus’s amazing life and ministry, and on how we can follow him, through the book of Acts. We look forward to Easter and celebrating God’s amazing goodness to us.
Chloe McGovern

Parenting Course
We are currently involved in an initiative of the three local churches in Shankill working together to support and encourage families in the area. The Parenting Teenagers Course is currently running and The Parenting Childrens Course will begin in March. These are each five week courses. Each evening includes DVD presentations by experts and parents, discussion time with other parents and a cup of coffee during the evening. The course is run in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The goal is to help us build strong foundations and healthy relationships with our children. Topics include the role of the family, helping our children make good choices, handling anger (theirs and ours!), encouraging responsibility and much more. It has been really encouraging to have over 80 parents of teenagers come together on the Thursday evenings in the hall – all with the desire to invest in their families and their relationship with their teenager. In Africa the saying goes that it takes a whole village to raise a child. Perhaps it is time for us in our own village to adopt this saying . As well as investing in our own children and families perhaps it is also time to look beyond our own doors and support, look out for and invest in the amazing number of teenagers and children in our own community. It has been a real privilege to work together with Father John O’Connor from St. Anne’s Parish and Canon Fred Appelbee of Rathmichael Parish in making these courses available.

Further information on these courses can be seen on http://www.relationshipcentral.org

Dear Friends
I have been thinking today that if we were to go on a journey from A to B and did not know the way we would like a map and also to know what dangers or surprises might be on the way. We would like to be as prepared as possible. You would, if possible love to visualize what is on the road ahead.

Well there is a better way to be prepared for whatever you will encounter today. Spend quality time with God. He will not show you what is on the road ahead but will thoroughly equip you for the journey. He will be your companion each step of the way. Stay in communication with Him. Let Him redirect your thoughts. Then you can walk through today and tomorrow with your focus on Him. His abiding presence is the best road map available.

The Lord replied, “My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33v14
Trevor Stevenson

Youth News
Let me tell you about some of the highlights of my Christmas: On Christmas Eve many of the youth in Crinken took part in our Kids Carols service. Guests were greeted on their arrival to church by members of the youth club dressed up for Christmas. From looking after the powerpoint presentations, leading the singing and actions to the carols and songs, as well as skilfully using the puppets, it was wonderful to see all these young people serving the wider church family, and all for the glory of God! It would not have been possible without the heartfelt, enthuastic service of our young people and we pray many people will have heard the gospel and felt welcomed at the church.

Over the Christmas holidays we had a ‘Youth Retreat Day’. This was our first 13 hour long youth club! Beginning at 10am we split into boys and girls study groups and over three sessions looked at the topics: the bible, prayer and the church. We enjoyed coffee breaks, lunch and dinner together. A personal quiet time with God, along with a short hike and games in the evening finished off our day. Nothing like taking a day out with God and his people.

Into 2012 our Sunday morning discipleship groups restarted and youth clubs resume for 1st-6th Years from Friday 20th and Saturday 21st. All welcome. For further details or any questions please feel free to contact me.
Neil Douglas

Crinken Kids
This month Crinken Kids have been learning about the amazing adventures of Elisha the prophet, and how he followed God. We have seen how our God is powerful and we can put our trust in Him. Every week we hear from God’s Word, play games and do some arts and crafts. Our special fun-stations day let the kids play sports and compete against their leaders (they mostly won!). The On Route and Signposts kids have been very busy, between sports competitions, making gifts for friends, baking, drama, and plenty of other things! They are currently learning all about Jesus’ life, in John’s Gospel, and what it means that Jesus came to earth for us.
Chloe McGovern

Dear Friends
At our recent Church weekend away our theme was connections. We looked at how we need to be connected to Jesus, to each other and to the community. The passage we majored on was from John chapter fifteen where Jesus states “I am the true Vine”. The words remain and fruit kept coming up several times in the chapter. As we begin a New Year let us keep verse five of John chapter fifteen foremost in our minds in everything we do throughout this year of 2012. Jesus says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing.”

A very happy and blessed 2012 to all our readers.

Trevor Stevenson

Church Weekend Away
On Friday evening November 25th the outside of Avoca Manor was like a bustling holiday camp as the Crinken family ascended the long winding driveway up to the house for our church weekend away. It was with much excitement and anticipation that one hundred and thirty brothers and sisters of all ages, 8 to 80 and even younger (and older!), arrived at the manor for a weekend of relaxation, fellowship, praise and family fun. Scripture Union’s Avoca Manor had recently undergone a significant refurbishment with wonderful new facilities and accommodation. Children and young families played games as some relaxed in the manor over tea and coffee. The first evening ended with Trevor Stevenson leading an inspiring and entertaining “on the couch” interview with fellow church members David and Pamela Wilson of Agape. Crinken youth and children’s leaders Neil and Chloe had extensive programmes for the younger members of our church family. Saturday we had some wonderful teaching, and explored our church’s future mission and purpose. Over the weekend children played in many of the outdoor adventure attractions while some folk went for various walks exploring the extensive grounds, visited Avoca hand weavers and generally enjoyed a relaxed time socialising. There was a lovely sense of connection across the generations. The children, the young, the not as young but thought they were, and the young at heart, made all manner of wonderful newspaper hats for Saturday’s dinner. After the delicious meal more all age games followed. The sense of relaxed togetherness and church family was a blessing. Trevor undertook another “on the couch” interview with newly engaged Crinken couple, “Jonathan and Chloe”. The evening finished with a screening of the challenging but inspiring movie “58” which calls Christians to fight against global poverty and injustice. A late night tea and coffee chat by the fire was enjoyed before the house retired for the night.

On Sunday morning with great sadness and love for the Stevenson family we heard the news that our dear sister Elsie Stevenson had passed away during the night in hospital with her family by her side, but also with joy in the knowledge that she had gone on ahead to be with her Lord and Saviour. In life Elsie had “walked the walk” and radiated the love of our Saviour. As David Wilson preached later that morning in Avoca Manor on “Fruit of the Vine”, and the children of our church family read the scriptures, one could not but help feeling, here IS the fruit of a life lived faithfully in Christ, it was a palpable living testimony.

The church weekend had been a blessing, a time of fellowship and friendship, of fun, praise, learning and thanksgiving. Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who organised a memorable weekend. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Cor 13:13

Elsie Stevenson – In gratitude
At least one definition of loss is defined as “the state of being deprived of or of being without something that one has had: the loss of old friends”.
As usual words appear to be a clumsy vehicle in attempting to express that sense of loss we experienced at the passing of Elsie on 27th November. She was the longest serving member of Crinken and very much the heartbeat of the congregation. Her welcoming disposition was legendary and many a fine Sunday lunch did this scribe and many others enjoy at her dinner table. Involved as she was in Bowls, Young @ Heart and many other activities in Crinken her legacy is not primarily one of duty but of faith.
Her belief in a living Saviour was strong, unequivocal and undiluted by the transitory fashion of the day. She was forthright in her beliefs and age and sickness did not deter this enthusiasm as many Blackrock Clinic staff members can testify.
And indeed it is that knowledge of her faith that will bring so much comfort to her sons David and Trevor (our rector) and daughter (Rosalind) and their families. This loss is not without pain and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren remain in our prayers.
We miss Elsie; we miss her hugs, her warmth, her love. We are grateful for her life, for her example and for the knowledge that she is now rejoicing with her maker whom she loved so much and honoured with her life.

Young@Heart
Saturday 3 December, around 30 of our Young@Heart group and friends gathered in the hall for our annual Christmas dinner with all the trimmings! It was a great opportunity to catch with friends and judging by the conversation level there was plenty to talk about! The evening ended with music and singing from Scott Slate along with Kate Buggy & Ray Eakins.

Sincere thanks to all those who made the evening possible.

Congratulations
Congratulations and best wishes go to Kieron and Esther on the birth of a Jonah Samuel, Saturday 26 November, a baby brother for Finn.

Congratulations also go to Bas & Glynis on becoming Grandparents for the first time, and to Eddie & Marjorie on becoming Great Grandparents following the birth of Sam to Heidi and Omar. We celebrate the birth of new life with these our friends.

Crinken Church Review Notes

Dear Friends
Every belief system has some concept of a higher power or deity, but only Jesus brought grace. He is “…the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14 v 6).
If I am being honest and open I have to admit I sometimes lose sight of who Jesus is and the amazing respect He deserves in my daily life. I get so caught up in what I am doing for the kingdom that I at times forget for whom I am doing it!
As we approach the end of the year I am reminded of one of my favourite Christmas readings from John chapter one. “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. Children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1v12-14.

These verses just blow me away when I read them – I won’t try to expand on them but suffice to say, God is incredible and He loves me and He proved it by dying for me.
So as we close out another year let us remember that Jesus is full of grace and truth.

Blessings
Trevor

Christmas Services
Sunday 19th December 6.30pm: Carols by Candlelight
Friday 24th December 4pm: Kids Carols
Christmas Day: 9.30am Communion Service, 10.30am Family Praise
New Year’s Day: 11.00am Morning Praise

A very blessed Christmas and a happy new year to all our readers!

Youth News
As part of my ongoing training in ministry I recently attended the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit (November 9th and 10th). This annual conference aims to train and equip leaders. I was so encouraged by James Lawrence and his talk on ‘Young Leaders’ He encouraged us to mentor young followers of Jesus by coming along side them, sharing our lives with them and to be a good example before helping them become leaders. James also encouraged us to invest in young people by giving them genuine responsibility in the church and help them be confident of their identity in Christ as they grow in Christ-like character. James asked us to ‘for the sake of many, invest in a few’ as Jesus did, grow young disciples to carry on the work of proclaiming Jesus’ love to the lost. To read James thoughts on discipling young people and young leaders go to http://www.willowcreekevents.org.uk/leadership/where-are-the-younger-leaders-james-lawrence.

We have many Christmas themed special events in December at Crinken Youth – Christmas Dinner, Carol Services and Special Girls Only and Guy’s Only Youth Evenings. Please contact me for details

Neil

Crinken Kids
It has been a great month for Crinken kids, as we have been getting ready to celebrate Christmas! On Sunday mornings, children have been learning in their small groups about how God was faithful to Mary, and to His people by sending a Saviour to them. On Christmas Eve, the Kids’ Carols service will be a time of games, puppets, balloons and of course lots of wonderful Christmas tunes, as well as an opportunity for the children to learn about the greatest gift anyone can receive – Jesus.
At our midweek clubs for 2nd-4th class (On Route) and 5th-6th class (Signposts), children have been learning about God’s plans for His people, and about what it means to be a hero in God’s eyes. We play games, make crafts and do other fun things, like our end of time wedding feast! The term will wrap up nicely with a Christmas bowling trip.
Chloe

Young @ Heart
Members of the above group are well known for their spectacular energy so organisers Orla, Joyce, Noel, Jonie, Margaret and Geoff have a tough time keeping up!!

Following the service on Sunday 13th November, Noel and Jonie gave a most enjoyable nautical presentation entitled “The South Wind Blows” to the assembled landlubbers. This was accompanied by some of Noel’s spectacular photography. As with many (or perhaps most) of Y @ H events food played its part and the dinner prepared by Orla and team went down a treat!

Some up and coming events include:

Saturday 3rd December, Young@Heart Christmas Dinner/Party! At the time of writing members are bristling in anticipation of Scott Slates glorious voice. Full report in next issue!
Saturday 18th February – Lunch & a movie in the hall – 1pm.
Saturday March 10th – An afternoon of fun, crafts, games and a light supper – 4pm.
Saturday April 14th – We are hoping to go on an outing! Details to be confirmed!

Church Life
Congratulations to Chloe McGovern and Jonathan Douglas who have announced their engagement. We wish them every blessing and happiness as they make plans for their future.

Well done to Peter Mercier and team for organising the GLS (Global Leadership Summit) 9th and 10th November in The Helix. This event provides a world-class leadership-training event that challenges, inspires and serves the leadership core of every church. The seamless presentation of this event was a blessing to many and a tribute to Peter and his team who are no doubt ready for a well-deserved rest.

Our prayers continue to be with Jackie, Sydna, Elsie and Sarah as they each face their individual health challenges. Prayers and hugs in large doses going your way!
We were delighted to welcome the families of Clare Kingston and Arthur Fortune on 6th November for the baptism of their beautiful daughter, Rachel. Another addition to the Crinken family!

Our continued prayers go to those leading and attending the Alpha Course in Crinken and around the area. This is an incredible opportunity for those who are seeking encouragement or clarification on aspects of their Christian faith.

I had the privilege of attending a conference recently on transformation. One of the key highlights for me at this conference was the humility and servant hood attitude of the speakers who were willing to share their experience with you on a personal level. A key teaching was on the whole area of prayer which was based on Luke chapter 10. It is a model I and others are trying to put into practice. We were encouraged first of all to speak peace and bless people and systems around us. Secondly we were encouraged to fellowship and find out where the pain and brokenness is. Thirdly to pray and talk to God about someone else’s felt need (not what we think their need is) and finally to proclaim that the Kingdom of God is near. I encourage you all to practice these principles and see a transformation in your own life and then in those around you.
God bless you all.

Trevor Stevenson

Introduction of Trevor
The recent introduction of Rev Trevor Stevenson as Minister of Crinken Church marks an important new chapter in the life of our church. The Most Rev. Dr Michael Jackson led a wonderful service of celebration and thanksgiving and Bishop Ken (Fanta) Clarke called us as a congregation to look forward with expectancy to all that God has planned for us under the leadership of Trevor. We were challenged as a congregation to be carers and encouragers to Trevor and his family. The music and song “raised the roof” as over 250 people filled the church to capacity. Trevor and Ruth and their sons David and Mikey are already well loved within our church family as we have supported them over many years as they founded, and under God’s guidance and direction, grew the works of “Fields of Life”. In his first few weeks Trevor has reminded us that the church is not a building but rather the church is the people and while he is called to be the Minister in Charge, in fact everyone is called to minister.

Basil Good (Trustee)

Youth News
Crinken’s ministry to young people seeks to glorify God the Father and his Son Jesus the Saviour to young people and we pray that they enter into a personal saving relationship with him. That might sound deep and it is but it is deeply personal. God’s love for each one of us is vaster than we can imagine and at Crinken Youth we teach and model that in our youth ministry. This term we are working our way through the letter of 1 Peter. Which was written by the apostle Peter to Christians being tempted by go back to the life they lived before they called Jesus King and Saviour. It’s a great book to read to hear the challenge to mature as a believer and to become a believer as Peter clearly explains why one should be a Christian. Through fun activities and games, we pray young people will grow up with God and that is our theme this term. Referring here to God and his word Peter encourages us ‘Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good’ 1 Peter 2:3

God has been so generous in bringing along many young people and we give all glory to our great and loving heavenly Father for his blessing in Crinken Youth as young people become believers and grow as his disciples.

For further details for any of the above, please feel free to contact me at the details above.

Neil Douglas

Church Life
Congratulations and best wishes go to Karen & Christiaan Snell on the birth of a baby boy on 10 October. A baby brother for Zoe and another grandchild for Noel & Lily. Karen & Christiaan are one of our link mission partners, based in the Cape Flats in South Africa.

Another of our link mission partners is Lorretta Carroll and we are delighted to welcome her back home to Ireland and to Crinken. Lorretta has spent the past 21 years serving the Lord in Chad with WEC (Worldwide Evangelisation for Christ).

From Lorretta: “I have God’s peace that the time is right to leave Chad. I will miss Chad and know that it will not be easy to settle into something new but as I believe it is God who is bringing about this change then I will trust Him for what is ahead. The verse that God used to encourage me before going out to Chad was in Proverbs 3:26 ‘The Lord shall be your confidence’. I was rather a reluctant candidate for missions and struggled with God’s call for a while. Through this verse the Lord was showing me that my confidence had to be in Him as it was only Him that could keep me in Chad, not my abilities on lack of them. I have taken God at His word and He has been faithful to His word. Now that I am going home I know that I am going into an Ireland that has changed over the past 21 years and it will take time to adjust but my confidence is in the Lord and He will keep me in Ireland too.”

We want Jesus to be known in our lives and see a deepening of commitment of each child of God and encouraging each individual to discover and develop their unique gifts. We want to see Jesus known in our communities through outreach to children, youth and adults through different events and programs and by working closely with churches around us. We want to see Jesus known in the wider world seeking a continuous transformation in our hearts and lives so that all in the church have a passionate concern for the lost and the suffering and express that concern in the way that we live.

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Jesus Christ throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen – Ephesians 3v20-21

Trevor Stevenson

Youth News
Youth Clubs have started up again after the summer term. GENESIS, which is for 1st & 2nd Year students, meets weekly on Saturdays from 17 September from 6 – 7.45 pm. GENERATION, which is for 3rd-6th Year students meet each week on Friday evenings from 7.30 – 9.30pm (commencing 16 September weekly: Fridays 7.30-9.30pm. Both of these groups meet in the Church hall.

Discipleship Groups: GENESIS (1st and 2nd Years) weekly: Sundays at 11am Crinken Church. TOAST (3rd-6th Years) weekly: Sunday 9.30am-11am.

Finished secondary school? Well we have something for you also. Crinken Young Adults or TNT (Twenties & Thirties) meet weekly on Wednesday evenings 7 – 10pm at Neil’s house.

For details on activities, aims, values and everything else, please contact our Youth Worker – Neil Douglas on neil@crinken.com or mobile 087 6465281. http://www.crinken.com

Derek Langran
The church and hall were filled on Saturday 3rd September for a service of thanksgiving for the life of Derek Langran, a greatly-loved member of Crinken. Many of Derek’s former pupils and colleagues from Newpark School (where he had served as vice-principal) joined members of Crinken in celebrating his life. Derek was involved in many aspects of life at Crinken – as a preacher, home group leader, member of Bowls Club and Young at Heart but, most of all, he will be remembered at Crinken for his devotion to prayer. A regular at the church prayer meeting, he also led another prayer meeting which focused on praying for the Church of Ireland, the Church’s Ministry among Jewish people and for the persecuted church around the world. Derek’s energy, enthusiasm, appetite and humour (as MC at various social events) endeared him to us all and we extend great sympathy to his wife Joyce and his daughters Shirley and Miriam on their loss.

New Irish Arts
New Irish Arts exists to present Christianity, resource the church and support Christians in the Arts. The New Irish Choir & Orchestra is a vibrant group of Christian musicians which has been an inspiration to audiences in all the main concert venues in Ireland. The New Irish Arts presents the New Irish Experience in Crinken Church on 22 October at 7.30pm. For further details please call: 086 8628308 or email: office@newirisharts.com.

Church Life
Many congratulations to Peter & Brenda who recently celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary, to Noel & Lily who have celebrated their 35th and to Trevor & Ruth who will celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary on 11 October. We wish God’s richest blessing on these couples as they celebrate these special events.