Feb 1941

Seagoe Parish Maqazine.

FEBRUARY, 1941.

CLERGY:

REV. J. W. APPELBE, M.A., B.D., Seagoe Rectory.

REV. W. F. HAYES, B.A., L.Th., The Bungalow,

Lower Seagoe.

CHURCHWARDENS.

Rector's—GEORGE LEAKE.

People's—J. R. REID.

THE CLERGY WILL DEEM IT A FAVOUR

IF IN CASES OF SICKNESS THEY ARE

INFORMED IMMEDIATELY.

CALENDAR FOR FEBRUARY.

February 2nd—4th Sunday after Epiphany.

February 9th—Septuagesima.

Monthly Service in Drumgor, at 3 p.m.

February 16th—Sexagesima.

February 23rd—Quinquagesima.

Monthly Service at Hacknahay, 3.30 p.m.

February 24th—St. Matthias.

February 26th—Ash Wednesday.

Penitential Service and Holy Communion

at 11.30 a.m.

LENT.

on ASH WEDNESDAY, Feb. 26th, which is the first

day of Lent, there will be the usual Penitential Service

in the Parish Church at 11.30 a.m., followed by

Holy Communion.

Commencing on Wednesday, March 5th, and on the

following Wednesdays until Easter, there will be an

Intercession Service, with a short address, in the

Parish Church at 8 p.m.

These special services during the Lenten season

afford us an opportunity of spiritual stocktaking.

Lent leads up to Good Friday and Easter Day, the

days when we commemorate the Death of Christ—

the great act of atonement made for us men and for

our Salvation, and the triumph of Christ in His

Resurrection—His victory over death and sin, and the

opening of heaven to all believers.

The word Lent is the old English name for Spring,

the season when the world makes a fresh start to-

wards more light, more warmth, more fruitfulness,

more beauty. In the very early days of Christianity

a feeling arose among Christians, that, while Nature

was waking to fresh life, Christians also ought to be

making a fresh start, and a period was set apart during

which the Church asked its members to make a

Special effort to become better Christians. After a

time it was agreed to make this period forty days,

because our Saviour began his earthly ministry with

forty days' retirement in the wilderness. Immediately

after His baptism, before He began to teach or to

gather disciples, He withdrew for forty days and forty

nights into the Wilderness of Judea, where he was

alone with God. Here He thought out plans for the

Redemption of mankind, rejecting the easy ways,

which the Devil tried to get Him to adopt, and choosing

the slow, difficult way, which in the end brought

Him to the Cross.

These two above mentioned facts, which were

responsible for leading men to set apart the season of

Lent as a time for special meditation and self examination,

suggest the meaning that this season should

have for us Christians in these days. It sounds the

call to us to respond more fully to the love of God in

Christ, so that we may become better Christians.

This is the crying need of our world today, it is a

sad but, nevertheless, a true fact that Christ's cause

is hindered and the growth of His Kingdom is delayed,

more often than not, by the apathy, carelessness, and

unChristlike lives of those who profess to be His disciples.

Because of our faithlessness, and the fact, that

we too often are self-satisfied and ignorant of the vast

difference between our practice and our profession of

our loyalty to Jesus Christ, we are thereby limiting

His power and thwarting His purpose. When our

Lord was on earth His sternest rebukes were spoken

to those, who considered themselves to be good and

religious, there is a great danger that we, professing

Christians, may fall under the same stern condemnation,

unless we see to it, that we are continually measuring

our lives and our ideals according to the

standards of His perfect life. Too often Christians

make standards for themselves, or worse still, they

are content with the standards of the world. This

sharpening of our conscience, of course should be our

aim every day in life, but there is a danger that we

might never do it at all, unless we recognise and use

the weeks set apart by our Church, which lead up to

the days commemorating the Cross, Passion and

Resurrection of our Lord. The season of Lent then offers

a glorious opportunity to us for an annual spiritual

stocktaking. Is is only when we try to see ourselves

in the light of Christ's life and teaching, that we see

ourselves as we really are and thus allow Him 'to show

us our failures and our shortcomings; if we draw nigh

to Him in faith and prayer, we can never be content

with things as they are, contact with Him in worship

always cleanses, strengthens, and inspires us to a

fuller and more loyal discipleship; it will make us

better Christians.

The old time association of Lent with our Lord's

temptation and His forty days in the wilderness, suggests

to us our need of special times for self examination,

meditation on the meaning of the will of God

for us, and rededication of ourselves to His service.

If there was need for our Saviour, the Son of God to

do this, how much more necessary it must be for us to

make a special effort to get away from the world and

the world's standards and to re-adjust our lives in the

light of what He has shown us, as to what true life

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

really is. We know what barnacles are. On the sea-

shore at very low tide you find the wooden supports

of a pier covered with little shellfish, which cling so

tightly that you cannot pull them off. These are

barnacles, and they cling just as tightly to the bot-

toms of ships. To sailors they are a terrible nuisance.

When the ship is clean, it cuts quickly and smoothly

through the water. But when barnacles begin to

gather, the water catches in the little roughnesses,

and holds the ship back, so that it cannot travel nearly

as fast as it should. It looks all right, for the barnacles

are out of sight under the water, but the Captain

feels that something is holding his ship back,

and he knows he must bring it into dry dock and find

out where the barnacles are, and have them scraped

off. Little sins, little bad habits, fasten on to our

lives like barnacles, and keep us from being our best

as Christians and the season of Lent is the dry dock,

which enables us to come in, and make time to discover

these barnacles and get them removed.

We get out of anything, at least as much, and sometimes

more, than we put into it. This is a law of life,

if we put nothing in we cannot hope to derive any-

thing in return. This is why things like Public Worship,

Holy Communion, Lent, etc., mean little or nothing

to many; they have never used them as they

were meant to be used and they do not realise what

they are missing. Let us this year try to use the season

of Lent in the way the Church meant it to be used

and we will realise more fully our need of Christ's

our vision of God's love and God's will will be clearer

and we will realise more fully your need of Christ's

cleansing and Christ's strength. The first step in

coming to Christ is, that we should be dissatisfied

with ourselves and feel our need of Him. Unless

we feel our need, He cannot help us.

SEAGOE CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR SOCIETY.

The annual meeting for the election of office-bearers

for 1941 took place in Edenderry Orange Hall at

8 p.m. on January 6th. There was a large gathering

of " Endeavourers" and friends. Mr. John Dermott

presided.

The meeting opened with a hymn, prayer and a

Bible reading; Miss Norah Montgomery and Miss

Mabel Best sang a duet. The Hon. Secretary's report

was very satisfactory, showing that a good year's work

was done; and £l 17s 6d was sent to the Bible

Churchman's Missionary Society.

Twelve woollen shirts, fourteen pairs of hand knitted

socks, two woollen mufflers, half a dozen handkerchiefs

and magazines were sent to help the work of

" Floating Endeavour" among sailors. Parcels were

also sent to the sick.

The Hon. Treasurer reported a credit balance at

the end of the year.

The following elections took place:—President, Mr.

R. M'Murray; vice-president, Mr. Ernest Gibson; treasurer,

Miss Norah Montgomery; correspondence secretary,

Miss Mabel Best; recording secretary, Mr.

Harold Watters; Foreign Missionary work, Mr. David

Allen. Miss Nellie Montgomery, the outgoing president,

thanked all the members for their help and

co-operation during the year; she also

the new president and office-bearers, and expressed

the hope that 1941 would be Seagoe Christian Endeavour

Society's " best year yet."—(N.M.)

We take this opportunity of commending this

parochial organisation to our young people, who have

been confirmed, and to older parishioners, who would

like to join. The motto of Christian Endeavour is

FOR CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH, an ideal which

summarises admirably what should be the two-fold

aim of the Christian, viz. (a) personal allegiance to

Christ; (b) the testing and exercising of this allegiance

in the Fellowship of Believers, which is Christ's

Body, in other words, the Church. As well as holding

up before its members a splendid motto, C.E.

encourages regular Bible reading and study, which is

not only a help, but an essential for a vigorous Christian

life and also it helps its members to be useful

Sunday School teachers. At the weekly meetings

members are encouraged and given an opportunity to

make their contribution.

Any parishioner wishing to become a member will

be assured of a welcome and will find himself or her.

self in an atmosphere, in which the things of the spirit

are given their proper place. The meetings are held

weekly on Monday evenings in the Orange Hall,

Bridge St., at 8 p.m. Those desiring to join Seagoe

C.E. Society should attend the weekly meeting or get

into touch with any of the offce bearers mentioned

above, who will gladly give any further information

required.—(J.W.A.)

MOTHERS' UNION.

The monthly meeting of the above took place in

Seagoe School on Thursday, January 9th, at 3.30 p.m.,

when the Rev. W. F. Hayes gave a helpful address at

short notice.

The next meeting will take place in Seagoe School

at 3.30 p.m. on Thursday, February 13th, when it is

hoped there will be a special speaker.

The members of the M.U. work party have, since

last April sent in to the local War Hospital Supply

Depot the following articles:—

160 pairs of hand-knitted socks; 3 knitted trawler

blankets; 2 seamen's knitted jerseys; a few pairs of

mittens.

The above list shows that the knitting needles are

being used to good effect by our mothers on behalf

of our gallant service men.

W.F.O. ENVELOPES.

New sets of the above for 1941 were distributed at

the end of the year.

Every wage earner should contribute regularly as

much as he or she can afford to the upkeep of the

Church and its services.

There are still some sets available for any who wish

to become subscribers. Application should be made

to Mr. J. H. Twinem, Hon. W.F.O. Secretary, High

St., who will gladly supply them.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

CARNE.

On Sunday, January 5th, instead of the regular

sunday School a simple service took place, at which

the Rector gave an address on the motto chosen for

the year, " Seek ye first the Kingdom of God." There

was a good attendance of pupils and their friends pre-

sent.

We congratulate Miss Lyness on getting a Bible as a

prize awarded for the choice of the most suitable

motto text. At the end of the service, all present

were given a tastefully printed card with the text

for the year on it.

LEVAGHERY.

The annual prize distribution and social took place

on Wednesday, January 15th, at 7.30 p.m. The Rev.

W. F. Hayes presided. There was a good attendance

of the children and their parents. After tea, the

usual popular games were played and enjoyed by all.

We congratulate the teachers on the success of the

evening, and we are grateful to them for the loyal

help and service on behalf of our Church children

in this district.

DRUMGOR SUNDAY SCHOOL.

Statement of Income and Expenditure, 1940.

INCOME.

To balance on hands. Jan. 1940 £1 7 10

Church Service Collections 1 19 7

Sunday School Collections 2 12 10

Harvest Service Collections 4 0 0

Proceeds from Social 2 12 6

Receipts S. School Excursion . 1 8 6

Harvest Collection for Missions 1 3 6

Subscriptions for Wreath 0 14 9

Fee for use of Hall 0 5 0

Total £16` 4 6

EXPENDITURE.

By Sunday School Prizes £2 5 0

Sunday School Excursion 2 17 0

School Rent 2 10 0

Catering Account 0 17 9

Heat and Light Account 1 2 5

Printing Account 0 10 0

Wreath Account 1 0 0

Caretaker 1 0 0

Harvest Offering for Missions 1 3 6

Postages 0 5 9

Balance on Hands, Jan.,' 1941 2 13 1

Total £16 4 6

SPLENDID RECORD.

We congratulate Mr. Joseph Monroe, Levaghery, on

completing his seventieth year as a collector for the

Parish Sustentation Fund. It is a record which very

few are spared to attain, and we are grateful to him

for his long and devoted service,and we wish him

many years of still further service.

LIST OF REGISTERED VESTRYMEN.

A registered vestryman or vestrywoman is a person

entitled to attend the annual General Easter Vestry

meeting, at which the Select Vestry and other Church

officers are elected annually.

To become a registered vestryman or vestrywoman,

one must (a) have attained the age of 21 years, (b)

be a subscriber to the W.F.O. Scheme or Sustentation

Fund of the parish (c) sign a declaration form stating

one's membership of the Church of Ireland, (d) be a

resident parishioner or an accustomed member of the

parish.

This list is revised annually in the month of February.

Parishioners who have not registered are invited

to do so and should sign the form provided before

the end of February. Any Select Vestryman will,

if asked, provide the necessary form.

SIDESMEN.

FEBRUARY:

Morning Prayer—The Churchwardens, Messrs. H.

M. Gibson, R. Scott, Wm. Hutchinson, R. M'Murray.

Evening Prayer—Messrs. J. Walker, N. Campbell, T.

Stanfield, S. D. Walker, G. Nixon, J. M'Lough1in.

MARCH:

Morning Prayer—The Churchwardens, Messrs. R.

M'C1ements, G. Price, W. White, E. Mitchell.

Evening Prayer—Messrs. G. Wilson, A. Kirke, Thos.

Gracey, H. Ellis, Wm. Neill.

HEAVY SNOWFALL.

A heavy fall of snow, which had formed very deep

drifts, especially on the side roads, was responsible for

very poor attendances at the Services on Sunday,

January 19th.

During the winter the attendance was well maintained,

in spite of the black-out in the evenings and

some very cold, wet weather. Now with the approach

of Spring and longer hours of daylight, we look forward

to a further increase in the attendance at both

Morning and Evening Prayer.

OBITUARY.

This month we regret to have to chronicle the passing

from our midst of three parishioners and three

persons, who at one time had a connection with this

parish.

James Reid had been in failing health for some

time; until a few years ago he was a regular worshipper and a Communicant.

James Ellis was a kindly neighbour; he passed away very suddenly after

an operation. Agnes Hickland was in poor health for

some years. She belonged to an old Carne family.

To the bereaved we offer our sincere sympathy in

their sorrow, and we have been remembering them in

our prayers.

We also tender our sincere sympathy to

Mitchell on the death of her mother, Mrs. Mrs. E. M'llroy,

who was known to many in Seagoe.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

BURIALS.

IDENTIFIED—A CHRISTIAN!

" We are made a Theatre unto the world, and to

angels, and to men" (I. Cor. 4. 9, Marg. Reading).

We are watched, as the Master was watched, while on

earth (St. Mark 3. 2),

And " challenged" each day that we live;

" Are you Friend?" "Are you Foe?" " Approach" and

reveal !

An answer direct you must give.

Can the world, that is watching, identify you,

As Christ's first Apostles were seen?

Can the world, by your converse, take knowledge of

you (Acts 4. 13).

That you with our Saviour have been?

You say that you hope that you are not a Foe,

But can the Lord call you His friend?

Can you be identified, where'er you go,

As a soldier, Christ's cause to defend?

Do you bear in your life the marks of the Lord?

(Gal. 6. 17)

Marks never allowed to grow dim,

" Identity Marks," which all may obtain

By prayer and Communion with Him.

We are watched by our enemies, watched by our

friends,

To see if we're faithful and true;

We are watched by the Saints, and the Angels on

high (Heb. 12. 1),

And a loving God watches us too.

Let us act well our part on the stage of this life,

Persevere till the green curtain falls;

" Play the men for our people and cities of God"

(11. Sam. 10. 12),

And win the " Well done" when God calls (St.

Matt. 25. 21).

CLAUDE D. KINGDON.

above poem appeared recently in the " Church

Army Gazette." We print it as it expresses an aspect

of Bible teaching, which Christians often forget.)

SERVICES—THE PARISH CHURCH.

" Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from

henceforth, yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest

from their labours."

Dec 30th—James Reid, aged 72 years. 159 Bridge St., Portadown,

Jan 3rd—Ruth Lyness, Castleblayney St., Newtownhamilton, aged 88 years.

Jan 7th—James Ellis, 4, Carrickblacker Avenue, Portadown, aged 57 years.

Jan 7th—Thomas Hall, 25 Cavour Street, Belfast, aged 69 years.

Jan 21st—Agnes Hickland, 164 West Street, Portadown, aged 70 years.

Jan 21st—Brenda E. J. Reid, 36 Coombehill Park, Belfast aged 14 months.

SERVICES—THE PARISH CHURCH.

HOLY COMMUNION—1st Sunday after Morning

Prayer; 3rd Sunday at 8 a.m., and on the Chief Festivals

HOLY BAPTISM—1st Sunday of each Month at 4 p.m.,

and during any Service in the Parish Church, notice to be

given; Two Sponsors at least are required. The father and

mother must be present. Churchings are held at each Baptism.

Mothers are expected to bring a thank offering. (See Book of

Common Prayer.)

MORNING PRAYER—Sundays and Chief Festivals,

11.30 a.m.

EVENING PRAYER—Sundays, 7 p.m.

DISTRICT SERVICES.

Hacknahay—Last Sunday of Month at 3.30 p.m.

Drumgor—Second Sunday of Month at 3 p.m.

Edenderry—Wednesdays at 8 p.m., Oct—Easter.

CLASSES &c.

BIBLE CLASSES FOR MEN in Edenderry on Sundays at 10.15 a.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS—10.15 a.m. Edenderry Parochial

Hall and Seagoe School. 3 p.m. Seagoe, Edenderry

Parochial Hall, Levaghery, Hacknahay, Carne, Drumgor, Bocombra

MOTHERS' UNION—2nd Tuesday of each month at 7.30 p.m.

CHURCH LADS' BRIGADE in the Parochial Hall on Tuesdays.

GIRLS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY in Seagoe School on Mondays at 8 p.m. as announced

G.F.S. Candidates - Oct. – Easter, Edenderry Parochial Hall, Saturdays at 3 p.m.

SEAGOE CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR SOCIETY – Mondays, Orange Hall, at 8 p.m.

SEAGOE P.E. SCHOOL—9.15 a.m. Principal—Mr. R. Scott.

MARRIAGES must be performed between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Licences are issued by Ven. Archdeacon Hannon, the Rectory, Lurgan. Due notice (48 hours) must be given to the Rector of intended weddings. FEES—BY License—Labourers 5/-, Tradesmen 10/-, Merchants and Farmers £1, Professional £l. By Banns 5/-.

FUNERALS will be attended by the Clergy if proper notice be given. SICK CASES should be notified to the Clergy without delay. FEES FOR CERTIFICATES—BAPTISM 3/7, Children (Factory) 1/- and 2/- (non-residents); MARRIAGE 3/7. An extra Search Fee is chargeable in certain cases. It will be a help to the Clergy if they are notified of the arrival of new Church families in the Parish.

A copy of the Magazine will be sent by post to any subscriber for 3/- per annum.