Celebrate Parish Life at Back to Church Sunday – 21st September

We have a great parish here in Clontarf and we plan to celebrate this on Sunday 21st September, the weekend which coincides with the first anniversary of the Institution of Revd Lesley as our Rector.

There will be a service of worship at 10.30am as usual followed by a social tea / coffee / biscuit and a display of opportunities for activities on offer to parishioners. Please make an extra effort to come along and also invite a friend/relative/neighbour to come with you. A warm welcome is assured!

Regular church attendance strengthens us personally and builds up the life of our community – it’s a great habit to be in but an easy habit to get out of. This is a great opportunity to get back into the habit, especially if you haven’t been for a while

Family Treasure Hunt on 24th August

Prizes AND Hot Dogs!

On Sunday 24th August, immediately following the Family Service at 10.30am, everyone is invited to join in a fun walking Treasure Hunt starting in the church and ending at the Parish Centre where hot dogs will be served.

The route follows clues from the church to Clontarf Road via Vernon Avenue and returns via Belgrove Road and Kincora Road – 2 km in total. Entry fee is €2 per entry form which includes prizes and hot dogs. Fun for all the family!

President Higgins to attend ecumenical service in Clontarf Parish

Read the press release

Clontarf Parish is honoured to host an Ecumenical Service of Peace & Reconciliation in commemoration of the Battle of Clontarf on 23rd April, the 1000th anniversary of the day of the battle itself.

It has been confirmed by Áras an Uachtaráin that the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, will be attending the Ecumenical Service, the theme of which will be Peace and Reconciliation. The service will be attended by representatives of the six Christian churches in Clontarf, as well as representatives of local business, sporting, educational, leisure and political interests.

The Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Rev. Michael Jackson will be present, and the address will be given by the Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, the Most Reverend Eamonn Walsh, representing Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.

The Danish Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Niels Pultz, and the Norwegian Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Ronald Names, will also be in attendance, along with representatives of the Irish Defences forces.

This unique service takes place at 12 Noon on Wednesday 23rd April in our Church of St John the Baptist, Seafield Road West, Clontarf.

All warmly welcome

Lenten Ecumenical Study Evenings

*A message from Rev’d Robinson* –

Fr Martin Hogan and myself have organised an ecumenical Bible study over five Wednesday evenings during Lent, beginning on **Wednesday 12th March, from 7.30 – 8.30pm**.

We will be looking at Gospel readings for Lent each evening in an effort to deepen our relationship with God through his Word. No previous study or expertise is required and all are welcome. **The venue will alternate** between our parish centre and the parish centre of St John the Baptist, Clontarf Road, beginning on Seafield Road on 12th and there will be tea/coffee served.

It would be my hope to see our regular discussion group members present along with some new faces. If you are new to this kind of event you might be surprised at how enjoyable and valuable it can be.

‘Lighting Up Advent’ on Saturday 30th November

**All are welcome** to come along to ‘Lighting Up Advent’ at 3.30pm on Saturday 30th November – enjoy your first glass of mulled wine(!)  while the children make festive lanterns.

The lights on our very own Christmas tree in the Church grounds will be switched on by Reverend Robinson at **5pm**.

All proceeds go as usual to Aoibhneas Women’s Refuge in Coolock.

 

Advent Discussion Group – three Wednesdays in December

All are welcome to come along to discussion groups during Advent as part of our preparations for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

They will include a time of Biblical exploration, discussion, prayer and fellowship over a light supper, starting at 7.30pm and finishing at 9.

The dates are **Wednesday 4th, Wednesday 11th and Thursday 19th December**, in the Seafield Room of the Parish Centre.

**All welcome.**

Handel’s ‘Messiah’ – in the Parish Church on 5th December

Handel’s timeless masterpiece, Messiah, will be performed in the Church of St. John the Baptist, Seafield Road West, Clontarf, by the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama, Rathmines, on **Thursday 5th December 2013 at 7.30pm**.

Tickets are €15 and are available from Trevor at the Parish centre, Seafield Road between **8am-12pm, Monday to Friday** or by calling 087 9091561 or emailing clontarf@dublin.anglican.org.

Proceeds in aid of parish funds.

 

Institution of Revd Lesley Robinson, 8pm on 20th September

All Parishioners are invited to attend the Institution of Revd Lesley Robinson as Rector of Clontarf by the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin on **Friday 20th September 2013, at 8pm, in Mount Temple Comprehensive School**, Malahide Road, Dublin 3. (See map below.)

(Visiting clergy are invited to robe and to wear a white stole.)

A reception will follow.

Further information is available from Ms Jeanne Colvin, Rector’s Churchwarden at sjbinstitution@gmail.com.


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Lighting Up Advent on 8th December

Our first ‘Lighting Up Advent’ event will take place on Saturday 8th December, when we’ll switch on the lights on our very own Christmas tree in the Church grounds.

Parishioners are invited to sponsor a light, with all proceeds going to Aoibhneas Women’s and Children’s Refuge and the homeless charity Focus Ireland.

There’ll be seasonal refreshments in the Parish Centre from 3pm to 5pm, Christmas crafts for the children, and one of our famous cake sales.

The Church will be open to visitors and our organist, John Rowden, will be playing a seasonal musical selection.

Revd Marchant will switch on the lights at 5pm and, weather permitting, we’ll sing some carols, good practice for the annual Nine Lessons and Carols on 23rd December!

All are welcome!