Rev
Canon RJN Porteus 867 62261;
Rev
M Hagan 8772 4356
March proved to be “a month to remember” - with Holy Week and Easter, the Confirmation Service, our Parish Visit to the Cathedral and the Queen’s visit to the Cathedral on Maundy Thursday.
We are so grateful to our organists and choir, Youthscope and Canon Wilfred Young for leading our worship during Holy Week and Easter as we focussed attention on a nightly series on “Through the eyes of St John” by the Rector. The church was, as ever, most tastefully decorated for Easter Day and our thanks are due once again to the Ladies’ Flower Guild and all who helped!
Confirmation was held on 9th March, and 20 young people were presented for the Laying on of Hands by the Archbishop, including 6 from Altedesert Parish. We wish them all every blessing in the days ahead!
On Palm Sunday some 85 parishioners travelled to Armagh by coach and car for our Parish Sunday in the Cathedral, followed by lunch at the City Hotel – another memorable day!
On Maundy Thursday we welcomed the Queen to the Cathedral for a truly memorable Service of Distribution of the Maundy money. The worship was inspiring and the sense of occasion truly uplifting! The rector was privileged to meet the Queen and reminded her of her visit to Loughry College, Cookstown, in 2002 as part of the Golden Jubilee visit to the Province – and of the fact that Buckingham Palace and Derryloran Church share the same architect – the famous John Nash! And yes, the rector did receive a set of Maundy money – not because of his age, but in lieu of fees to officials and others who take part in the service, including each choirboy.
April promises to be a quieter month as a look at the diary reveals:-
Tues 1st: THE ANNUAL EASTER VESTRY will be held in the Upper Room and the various Triennial Appointments will be made.
Sun 6th: THE MONTHLY HEALING SERVICE will be held as is usual at 7pm and an open invitation is extended to all.
Sun 13th: THE RURAL DEANERY COMMISSIONING SERVICE for those recently appointed to office at Easter Vestries within Tullyhogue Rural Deanery takes place in Desertlyn Parish Church, Moneymore, at 7pm. We invite all appointees, family members and choirs to be present on this occasion.
Wed 16th: DIOCESAN MISSIONARY EVENING: This popular annual event brings together the Diocesan Missionary family at 8pm as we discover how God has been using personnel in His Mission in various parts of the world. Refreshments will be served to all attending.
Fri 25th: HOLY COMMUNION for St Mark’s Day will be celebrated at 10.30am, followed by refreshments.
Mon 28th: THE CHURCH FORUM presents an evening entitled “The Way Forward” in Loughry College at 7.30pm with Trevor Ringland, the former Irish rugby international and British Lion, and now noted for his community and charity work. This event is open to all!
Thur 1st May: ASCENSION THURSDAY is observed with Holy Communion at 10.30am followed by refreshments, and the South Derry Choir Festival which will be held this year in Tamlaght O’Crilly Church at 8pm. Our choir will be taking part and parishioners are also warmly invited.