Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden; Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen
And he said, 'Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.' And he said to him, 'Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise'.
Luke 23 v 42-43
"Jesus says: Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives give I unto you."
"Surely I am with you always to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28 verse 20
"I believe in Christianity as I believe the sun has risen. Not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."
C.S. Lewis
Headline News in the Anglican Church Worldwide
"Father of all we give you thanks and praise that while we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home.."
An extract from the prayers used after we have recieved Holy Communion together.
"...what does the Lord require of you but to
do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God" Micah 6:8
Download a copy of John's Gospel using this link
Living God, your Son made himself known in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in all his redeeming work; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Saint Gall's & The Church in the Sudan
As a parish community we are part of a link which unites our diocese with the church in the Southern Sudan. This association has seen a number of teams travelling out to the Sudan over the past number of years. The Rector of the parish was a member of one such team in 2001.
The situation in the Sudan is a tense one. The position of Christians living in that country has at times been difficult and intolerance of their faith by the government there has seen a degree of persecution. The south of the country, where the majority are Christians, has been particularly badly hit. Attacks by troops and aircraft have blighted the lives of the people living there. Over the years many have fled to refugee camps in Uganda and Kenya.
The Anglican church in the Sudan has sought to support returning refugees and to play its part in rebuilding communities. The Diocese of Down and Dromore has offered its support to that church in its efforts.
St. Gall's as a parish church has
undertaken to provide the funds to build a school in the Sudan. This represents
an ongoing commitment as we will also be seeking, in partnership with other
churches in the diocese to provide funds for teaching staff and equipment for
children as they study.
This photo shows a recent group who travelled to Sudan, along with a team from our link diocese of Albany. Over the last number of years increasing numbers of parishes and church members have listened to the story of the church in the Sudan - and responded. A growing number of people from the diocese have visited churches and communities there and now commit themselves to working to make a significant impact in confronting the challenges that people face.
This is a photo of a nameless child in Yambio, Sudan. We watched as she played with this old wheel rim. The vision we have as a church and a diocese is one that should change her future for the better. Basic needs in the Sudan need to be met if the communities are to grow strong and achieve their potential. Education is a clear priority. Basic health care is a clear priority. The church is an effective structure through which these needs can be met - delivering tangible results and changes on the ground. Already a difference is being seen in how things are developing.
The Sudanese are well able to move forward. Their commitment and talents are there to see. All they need is ongoing support. Through the Church Missionary Society here in Ireland effective programs targeting the building of schools in the Sudan and the training of personnel is going on. The wider support of parish communities in Down and Dromore diocese and in Albany will ensure that what has already been achieved can be further sustained in the future.
In July of 2004 it was a pleasure for us to welcome to our annual Rectory Garden Party Bishop Justin Badi, Bishop of Maridi. It was a wonderful opportunity for members of the parish to meet Justin and to hear from him first hand just some of the challenges facing the church in his diocese. He is pictured here with our churchwardens Harry Kerr and Noreen Curry.
For further information on the Sudan and the work of the wider church follow this link to the Church Missionary Society
"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has his foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral - the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality."
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
