Parish Diary - May 2008

Together let us make a difference ...

It's Fête Time Again!! Saturday 17th May 2008 - 11am to 3pm - The High School, Zion, Rathgar

The Fete is rapidly approaching and preparations are well underway. Each area of the Parish will have it's own collector who will contact you, or you can deliver your own items - Books, Bric-a-Brac, Toys, Gifts, Plants, DVDs, Bottles (beer, orange, etc), raffle ticket stubs, etc - to the Memorial Hall, Rathfarnham Road, Terenure, from Monday 12th to Thursday 15th between 7 & 9pm each evening.

The Fete is great fun and a networking opportunity to meet people. If you would like to help, please give us a call - there are jobs to suit everyone - whether you have a little time or lots - give us a shout!

Situations Vacant - Please Help
The Gift Stall, Chocolate Fountain, Gate Duty, Clean Up - all need volunteers on the day
Cake bakers, jam makers, collectors, leaflet drop - volunteers needed beforehand

Emma 4949503 - Anne 4905543 - Carol 4931548 - Sam 4957671 - Gillian 4507035
Books (086 8244609) - Accessorize (087 2794086) - Bric-a-brac (087 2937793)

DANIEL’S COFFEE DAY

Joyce, Laura and "The Team" wish to thank everyone that contributed in any way to making 'Daniel's Coffee Day' a fantastically successful occasion. A truly astounding figure was achieved. This means, not alone can the "Hippocampe Chair" be purchased immediately, but additional specialist equipment necessary for Daniel's development can now be bought much earlier than originally planned.

Healing Service

There will be a Healing Service at 7pm on Sunday 11^th May in the Side Chapel

Parish Lending Library

Our new lending library, situated in the Side Chapel, contains a range of books on a variety of subjects.

KWASA PROJECT - Our Parish Outreach

KWASA PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOL:

Since Rathfarnham Parish has got involved with the Kwasa Project substantial sums of money have gone to the project each year and it has been heartening to see the project develop so well - having qualified teachers, new classrooms, a toilet block, more pupils attending, a kitchen garden and the increasing involvement of the local community. This year we are committed to sending €20,000 towards teachers' salaries and in the autumn we will be holding a "Kwasa Cabaret" to help fund that commitment. A grant aid of €20,000 has been received from Irish Aid which will go towards securing a chalet for Aids orphans - one of Sharron's dreams. When we go out in July we hope to see the project started by local builders so that we can fully account for the Grant to Irish Aid.

Grateful thanks to all who continue with the Child Sponsorship Scheme. Further details from the website of Springs Anglican Church, South Africa.

The need in Africa is immense and there are many, many charities and individuals working with aid agencies in Africa. This webmaster's cousin Gary works with a Canadian charity in Lesotho, a country (relatively) near to Johannesburg and I copy (with permission of Rathfarnham Parish) a recent illustrative email from Gary's wife Andrea.

"Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2008 03:31:51 -0500 (EST) From: Andrea Palframan andrea_palframan @ yahoo.ca
Hi guys
Hope you are all bearing the winter with ski, skate, or at least fancy toque-style. It continues to be hot and wet here in Lesotho: the hills are still green, amazingly, as this time of year things are usually shriveling up and yellowing. Lots of rain: a good year for corn, which means people are feeling optimistic about the harvest. Tree planting time is coming, and for the first time ever I live somewhere where I can plant trees to my heart's content. Pomegranate and local Crèche went in this week: I'm on the hunt for apple and pear seedlings to plant for when it cools down further. We spent an afternoon with a 90 year old farmer the other day who gave us apples from his fine orchard. A double rarity: in a place where life expectancy is 38 years and people grow corn, corn, and more corn, here was a fit old maverick hoofing it through his lush permaculture garden to fetch us some juicy Granny Smiths. Here, where life is so stripped down, an apple can taste like a miracle.
This isn't meant to be a big update letter: much to tell, not the moment to indulge, unfortunately. I am attaching a newsletter from the Kits for Kids child sponsorship project, (click to download a PDF copy) which outlines a lot of what is going on here. Hope you enjoy and please pass on to anyone you know who may be interested in this low-key but direct injection of support for African kids, and by extension, their community. You hardly feel the $30 a month direct debit on your end, but over here it's life-blood. Don't know what I'm on about? visit: www.phelisanong.com or, if you need yet another excuse to visit Facebook, go to www.facebook.com and search for Phelisanong to see recent pictures. Alright, lovely friends. May mighty peace come like a tsunami and drench you all! Love, Andrea
Resistance is FERTILE"

CRÈCHE

The Crèche is in the Parish Centre during the 10.30am service. The last Crèche before the summer break is on 18th May and the Crèche reopens in September. All under 3'a are very welcome. If you need time out of the service with a restless baby, you are welcome to use the foyer of the Parish Centre, the Committee Room or the Side Chapel.

We welcome all children to church. To help families we provide colouring sheets and books which can be found at each door - please help yourself or ask a church-warden for help. A new addition has been a speaker into the Side Chapel - so if little ones get restless and you would like to give them space, please feel free to slip out of Church and into the Side Chapel.

CELIAC WAFERS

The Church of Ireland is now encouraging the use of specially made gluten-free wafers. The wafers will be kept in a separate box and handled only by the communicant. If you are a celiac and would like to receive communion, please let Anne & Ted know before the service.

CHOIRS

• We still live in an era of cheap flights and last-minute holiday bargains, not to mention Sunday sporting activities, and so it is essential that we have a large choir to ensure a good lead for the congregation each Sunday. We would be delighted therefore to welcome new members. In a large parish like Rathfarnham there must be more people who would enjoy singing with us – it involves weekly evening rehearsals from September to May, Sunday morning services and an evening Carol Service. Please give me a ring if you are interested or speak to me after Sunday Service – I would love to hear from you. David Wilkinson 4931850
• Youth Choir - for singers and musicians. Think about it and maybe give me a ring. I look forward to hearing from you. David Wilkinson 4931850
• Junior Choir - Primary School age. David Wilkinson 4931850

2008 Parish Fete

May - Saturday 17th - Parish Fete

Stall holders meeting on Thursday 10th April at 8pm in the Parish Centre

Fete Brochure - if you have a local shop or belong to a company willing to place an ad, please contact the Parish office

New Stall - "Art Books and Equipment" - now is your chance to offload your unused material and buy some more Contact 01 490 5273
- Fete Bookshop - Books and Old Postcards - 086 8244 609
- Jam Makers Wanted - Contact Emma
- Bric-a-Brac Stall - 087 293 7753
- Accessorize Stall - Old Jewelry, bags, scarves, wraps, etc - Volunteers to fit all sizes!!

SUNDAY CLUB & GOOD NEWS CLUB

Last call for collection boxes for Sightsavers International! You have raised €450 so far and we have only half the boxes in. Families in the Sunday Club who have just received a Sightsaver Box are asked to keep it for the summer and return it in September

Closed for the summer

RATHFARNHAM ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION

On 7th May there will be an outing to Mount Usher Gardens, while on the 11th a group is leaving for a 5-day holiday in the Castlecourt Hotel in Westport. On the 29th we are having a day at the races in Punchestown.

MUSIC & REFLECTION

The next Music and Reflection will take place at 10am on Tuesday 13^th May in the Side Chapel. All very welcome!

MOTHERS’ UNION

Our Mothers' Union Annual Dinner will be held in the Yellow House on Tuesday 20^th May at 6.30pm. The cost of the 4-course dinner including service charge is €30 per person. Please send name and money to Sylvia Richardson by 10th May.

PARISH WHIST DRIVE

I guess, the May Whist Drive wouldn't be held because the Memorial Hall will be used for sorting and storing items for the Fete.

THE WEDNESDAY CLUB

The last meeting before the summer break will be our day-long outing on Wednesday 21^st May. We will first visit a private garden in Greystones, and after lunch, we will visit the National Garden Exhibition Centre at Kilquade. All are welcome on what should be ann interesting and enjoyable outing. Further details from Cynthia Daley or Robin Miller.

PARISH GOLF OUTING

The Parish Golf Outing was held in Rathfarnham Golf Club on Friday 11th April. Many thanks to Leslie and Bryan.

TODDLERZONE

No Toddlerzone on 6th May (School Half-term); 13th & 20th - meeting as usual; Wednesday 21st - Meal for Toddlerzone Mums; 27th - Last Toddlerzone until September. Any queries to Heather 4947930

LADYBIRDS

Ladybirds will start again on Saturday at 10am for Girls aged between 5 and 7. Contact Joan Kennedy 4947086/087 233 7837

BROWNIES

The summer break has flown and we will be resuming in September. Girls 8-11. Contact Mary Somers

GUIDE NOTES

If there are any 10½ - 14 year old girls who wish to join Guides, then please contact Heather (6102150).

31st RATHFARNHAM GROUP NEWS

Good news on the funding front for the Group. WEe received an annual grant from The City of Dublin Youth Services Board. We have also been recommended for funding from "The Dormant Accounts Scheme" and await confirmation on the amount. The money will be used to purchase new equipment for the sections - subject to Group Council approval. Discussions on the future of scouting (new age ranges, new programmes for each range) will take place this year in June at National Council. See http://www.programme2008.ie/ for anyone interested.

BEAVERS

Beavers restarts on the Saturday 15th September at 11.15am in the Memorial Hall. Boys 1st & 2nd class. Please contact Samantha Hall. Email: hallco(at)irishbroadband.net for information.

CUBS

Boys 3rd to 5th class. Contact Keith Wallace 4944472

SCOUTS

Summer Camp 2008 - Croatia - Scouts for Boys aged 11+ are back on Friday 21st September. Contact Glen Sheridan, ASL or Email: rathfarnhamscouts(at)yahoo.com

VENTURE SCOUT UNIT

Open to those who are in 5th and 6th year in secondary school. The leader team is comprised of Shane Buckley (Secretary), Nigel Kinlan (Chairman), Alan O'Keefe and Tom Meredith. With the same sort of enthusiasm that is seen in the scout unit we hope to have very successful first year. Contact by email rathfarnhamventures(at)yahoo.ie

YOUTH CLUB

The Youth Club Summer Season has lots of activity and the plans for this month includes such activities as - Sunday 4th May - NO Youth Club ~ May Public Holiday Weekend; Sunday 11th - 7.30pm "Bring your own BBQ ~ we provide drinks, baps, sauces you bring the filling, sausages, etc!; Sunday 18th Quad Biking ~ Meet at the Hall 1.45pm sharp. Cost €30 (not including McDonalds) Phone or text names to Anne 086-8509475 or Keith 087-2236567 by 11th May. The Welsh trip on Sunday 22nd & Monday 23rd June has proved very popular and is now fully booked. Sorree!!

CROSSROADS

A Church of Ireland Social Club serving Dublin and surrounding counties The target age group are those in their 20's & 30's, but older ages welcome. Regular meeting on the last Thursday of every month from 9pm at Buswells Hotel, Molesworth Street. For further information drop in or phone or text David Thomas 085 7272 019 or visit their webpage: http://homepage.eircom.net/~crossroadsdublin/index.htm

LADIES BADMINTON

The Ladies Badminton will be starting again at 10.30am on Tuesday 4th September in the Memorial Hall. Give Karen Dent 49444472 or Helen McMurray 4542262 a call.

SENIOR BADMINTON CLUB

The 'Finals Night' and AGM of the 2007/08 season is on Tuesday 20th May and we would love to see all our members back plus, particularly, any new badminton players who would like to join us. Finally before hanging our racquets up for the summer, we intend having a night out on the town to celebrate a most enjoyable and rewarding season for all. Contact Heather Fisher 451 6948 or Carolyn Gordon 494 4345 for further information.

BOWLS CLUB

Our Club will re-open on Tuesday 25th September. We have two teams in both the League and Cup Competitions in the United Churches Association. Information from the Hon Secretary (Des Gray - Phone 4902225) or just come along.

MEALS ON WHEELS - CHRIST CHURCH RATHGAR

An urgent appeal for Drivers, Deliverers and Cooks. Drivers and deliverers required once a fortnight from 12 - 1pm. Cooks to help on a team of 5 one morning once a month 9am - 12. If you would like to help please contact Sheila Hilliard, 4904145 or Margaret Sykes 4976049, we would love to hear from you.

EVERGREEN CLUB - VOLUNTARY WORKERS REQUIRED

From mid-September The Evergreen Club on Terenure Road North urgently require the assistance of voluntary helpers on Mondays and Wednesdays to enable them to continue the service of providing lunches for the elderly in the area. Assistance is required to help serve the lunches (pre-cooked) and to clear up afterwards. Volunteers attend from mid-morning until 2.30pm approx. If you would be willing to help on one day per week, or even one day every second week we would be delighted to hear from you. For further details please phone: Mary at 490 9481 or Nuala at 490 9802.