EEC Blog

The Irish Times reported that the retreat centre at Ballyloughran will be closed due to funding difficulties.

"A popular outdoor activity and retreat centre near Ballybunion in Co Kerry that is owned and run by Limerick Youth Service is to close with the loss of 29 jobs.

Over the past decade Ballyloughran Centre had developed a calendar of school activity days, offering archery, swimming, basketball, tennis, canoeing, pitch and putt, orienteering and other activities.

“Recent financial difficulties” are being blamed for the expected closure of the centre. Set in 11 acres of grounds, Ballyloughran was established by the late Sr Joan Bowles as a safe haven for disadvantaged families, and as a retreat centre.

With accommodation for more than 50 people, the centre had also been used for short holiday breaks and small conferences.

Limerick Youth Centre said it had examined a number of options in an attempt to secure its future.

“Regrettably, given the financial losses incurred on a sustained basis, it has been decided to close the centre. The date of closure has yet to be finalised. In implementing this difficult decision, management, in discharging its statutory obligations, have contacted employee representatives with a view to entering into collective consultation over the coming weeks on how best to wind down operations."

Update:

I just realised that this is "old news" - the newspaper article is from th 14th of October, a few days before we actually had our Church camp there. Did anybody know that at that time?

See also a statement from Limerick Youth Service on their blog.

New Mission Box Gets its First Outing!

Some of you may have noticed EEC’s new Mission Box a couple of Sundays back, in the foyer at church.  Well, the citizens of Ennis got to see it ‘in action’ for the first time on Saturday 24th October, at the Height, during our regular Street Outreach and it’s been in use since then.  If you would like to make use of this outreach tool in your work, school or club, please contact Vincent.

VIA Christmas Party! - 12th December.  Please ask Dave or Avril for details.

Chew & Chat - starts again in the New Year.

Trip to Romania - Louis is traveling to Timisoara, Romania, Dec 10-15th with OCC’s Irish distribution team.  Our Romanian partners are ‘Ecce Homo’  (Behold the Man), a Christian social welfare agency in Cluj-Napoca, who run a family-style orphanage and help Cluj’s street kids. Romania has close to 200,000 orphaned children, many with families unable to support them financially. I look forward to telling you all about the trip on my return.

Congratulations! Well done to Ann who collected her degree in Fine Art recently. Ann is pictured here in full hat & gown, proudly displaying her certificate, with hubby Nigel sharing in the good news!

Volunteers needed!

Maddy & Phil will be unavailable on December 5th and away on 19th, both days it is planned to go out on the streets (with the new mission box - see above).  The lost are still lost and there is such a need for a message of hope to be brought to the people of Ennis.

Can YOU make it for a couple of hours on either of those nights to go out with Vincent and maintain our visible presence in the town?

As they say in the adverts - no experience necessary, full training provided! Contact Vincent.

Some personal reflections on the weekend away

Planning is finished, the time’s come so soon
To head off to Kerry, it’s just after noon.
Think Gideon’s calling, I can’t hear a thing
The engine’s too loud, my head’s in a spin….
Phew, now we’ve arrived, with Jimmy behind,
He is new to the place - it’s so hard to find!
Next Ballybunion, to where they will stay
At the Ballyloughran church weekend away.

Back at the place, signs up on the doors.
Bedding’s arrived for sleeping on floors.
Vin’s in the kitchen, he’s remarkably calm
- tho’ food’s coming late (where’s that Gilead’s balm).
Changes to rooms, must show folk the way.
Heard Tom is coming so – hip, hip hooray!
Fire procedures next, there’s no time for play
At the Ballyloughran church weekend away.

Hear Stephen’s held up, rules need to be taught
(I’m starting to feel just a tiny bit fraught!).
No need to panic, Barry’s stood in the breach
and Dave’s here all set up and ready to teach.
His message is simple, he’s using the board
To show we must all give our lives to the Lord.
When could be better than do it today
At the Ballyloughran church weekend away.

The throng are heading off to swim in the pool
Time to relax, I’m still keeping my cool.
Tea and biscuits arrive, even time for a chat
or should I be busy with this thing or that?
Thanks Avril and Dave, for the greatest of favours
for supervising all of our hyper teenagers.
At last all’s gone quiet, I’m tired and yawning.
What’s that? The alarm bell! It’s already morning.
Enjoyed the breakfast, now we’re going to pray
At the Ballyloughran church weekend away.

Then into the hall for singing and praising
Our Lord Jesus Christ – He is truly amazing.
Dave’s teaching on love - what a great word!
His message is something we’re glad that we heard.
Chops and trifle for lunch, then the afternoon’s free
For crafts and the sports hall before we have tea.
We rush back upstairs to prepare for the gig -
Phil needs some help with his make-up and wig.
Dan passes amazed, even slightly afraid
At the Ballyloughran church weekend away.

That’s our act over, now it’s on with the rest;
Riverdance is my favourite with pigtails and dress.
Thanks again George for being MC
(He and Stu - surely good enough for TV!)
Avril’s organising the late night of singing
Those who have stayed on are really swinging
It’s great to praise Him – what a noise we can make
(Hope we’re not keeping those upstairs awake!)
Tonight some real gifting has been on display
At the Ballyloughran church weekend away.

The Sunday lesson, God wants our best love.
To Him be the glory, our Saviour above.
It’s lunchtime, I’m hearing that chicken is falling,
Chef’s shut the door, it seems that he’s stalling.
Don’t go in the kitchen if you can’t take the heat!
Ah, it’s fine, all is well, phew, (that pudding’s a treat).
Time to clean up, another year done
Now I look back and see it was truly such fun!
Thanks to all who helped in every way
At the Ballyloughran church weekend away.

Todays service was introduced by Mossy and Vincent gave the message on Luke 10:39-42 “Do you listen?

You are my strength (All in All) MP1019
King Of Kings Majesty MP1000
Thine Be The Glory MP689
O For A Thousand Tongues MP496

Psalms 99:8-9 (NIV)
Psalms 100:1-5 (NIV)

I want to worship the Lord with all of my heart MP304
Thank You For The Cross Lord MP 1109
What A Friend I’ve Found
O happy day (Doddridge) MP499
Happy Day (Jesus is alive)

Before The Throne Of God Above MP975
Jesus Christ (Once again) MP995

Sermon on Luke 10:38-42 (NIV) - download recording
Further Scripture References:
Matthew 14:12-14 (NIV)
1 Samuel 3:9 (NIV)
Psalms 46:10 (NIV)
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
John 8:28 (NIV)
Philippians 2:6-7 (NIV)
Luke 4:1 (NIV)
John 14:23 (NIV)

I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say MP275

“No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the father, he hath declared him.” — John 1:18

I always note with a little chuckle the frustrations of the translators when they come to such passages [as John 1:18]. . . .

God’s Word is just too big for the translators. They come to this phrase in the Greek: The Son hath declared Him. In the English of the King James Version it is just declared. In other versions they skirt it, they go around it, they plunge through it. They use two or three words and then they come back to one. They do everything to try to say what the Holy Ghost said, but they have to give up. Our English just will not say it all.

When we have used up our words and synonyms, we still have not said all that God revealed when He said: Nobody has ever seen God, but when Jesus Christ came He showed us what God is like (paraphrase of John 1:18).

I suppose that our simple and everyday language is as good as any.

“He has revealed Him—He has shown us what God is like!”

He has declared Him. He has set Him forth. He has revealed Him. In these ways the translators shift their language trying to get at this wondrous miracle of meaning.

Lord, I am too limited to fully understand or express who You are. Fix my eyes on Jesus, that I might see you. Amen.

(by A.W.Tozer)

Quiz Time!

This is the 6th month that we have put forward a Verse of the Month.  Yes, hard to believe isn’t it, but the first one came out in May 2009!  Who can remember any of them or why we have them?

Each month, the Lord has given us a verse that encapsulates a truth that He has been showing us.  This may have come either through our teachings, His work in our daily lives or it may be more prophetic.

The idea was to lay hold of these verses corporately, in our prayers, quiet times, daily devotions, etc.

Reviewing the ones we’ve had so far makes interesting reading:
Read on…

October Events:

8th & 9th - Revival Week Event
Richard & Henry Blackaby
at Shannon Christian Church, 7.30pm - Brochure

9th - Darwin’s Dangerous Idea
River of Life Church, Athlone, 8pm - Info (scroll down!)

11th - The Voyage That Shook The World (movie)
Meadowlands Hotel, Oakpark, Tralee, Co. Kerry, 6pm

Munster Christian Camps
23-29th - See our blog for more info

Upcoming in November:

Building Blocks Children’s Ministry Conference
14th & 28th - info

More details on all these events can also be found on our web site.

Brenda Duffield asked us to spread the word that BCM will be sharing their ministry at an iMAP-Event on Saturday evening.

In case you’re wondering, “Who is BCM?” - it’s Brian and Brenda’s mission board.

And in case you’re thinking, “Why do I need to be there?” - Because as well as Church Support, Camps, Clubs, and Teacher Training, BCM has a new Camp Conference Centre!

Why not go to Mungret and check it out? Just tell Richard Thompson: “Brenda sent you!”

Further Information, free event registration, schedules and maps can be found on iMAPs web site.

"The aim of Munster Christian Camps is to provide quality camps for the youth of Munster. The purpose of these activities is to lead young people to a personal understanding of God’s plan for their lives, not only through Bible teaching and discussion, but also in other activities. We aim to show that the Lord Jesus can be a part of every aspect of their lives. God’s Word can equip our young people to become active, helpful members of society, and it is our purpose to help them come to a living, personal faith that will remain when all else fails." (MCC)

Download the brochure or just the application form

Something a little different this month as Michael Grant brings us news from Midleton Evangelical Church in Co. Cork.

Midleton Evangelical Church is known locally as the “Church in the Park” which leaves no-one in doubt as to our location.  The local Council Offices are our neighbours as is the “pitch & putt” course.  In fellowship with the Baptist Union of Ireland, we share a common doctrinal position yet each church is free to conduct its own affairs.  At the beginning of 2009 we were having problems accommodating the number of people attending (80-90), a dozen people had to wait for the seats occupied by the Sunday School children.  That problem has now been solved in that our numbers have decreased and for a very good reason!

Clubs Restarting - a number of activities are starting up again after the summer break …

Friday Club & VIA restart this month: VIA on 11th and FriClub on 18th. 

Ladies Bible study begins again on Monday 7th (ring 682 0880 for weekly venues). 

Chew & Chat restarts next month, 17th October (see Louis for details).

Christian DVDs - One of our sisters has asked if there are any Christian DVDs available to borrow. I reckon that we must have many between us, the question is: are we willing to share them?  And if we are, how about setting up a simple list and booking in/out system?  Please let me (Phil P) know if you have DVDs & are willing to lend them out are interested in a more structured ‘library’

More help needed! - We still need more people to help with both Friday Club and, especially parents, to take a turn minding the children in crèche on Sunday mornings.  Please contact Grace or Carrie.

Sermon’s & Bible studies -  does anyone think it a good idea to make past messages/teachings available on CD?  We have over 2 years of Sunday sermons and could easily produce archive CDs containing batches of messages if there is a demand.  Please let Phil or Matthias know (or even discuss it on the Forum!).

(From a devotional by Bob Hoekstra)

There are "exceedingly great and precious promises" and "unpopular" promises. Both play a vital role in God’s plan. Our present verse (Php 4:19) contains a promise of the first type. The context of this promise concerns material provisions.

The saints at the church in Philippi regularly gave of their financial resources that the Apostle Paul might concentrate on ministering the gospel. “I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” (Php 4:18) Their recent gifts left Paul abundantly supplied. This generosity was also a pleasing spiritual sacrifice in the eyes of the Lord.
Read on…

Kathy’s return - at the end of her Personally Speaking article, Kathy notes she is still seeking finances.  It is her hope to come back to Ireland this month, so please pray that the Lord will provide the means.

Maura’s son David is setting up home - and is looking for a microwave oven, an ironing board, a tallboy, a fridge-freezer and a vacuum cleaner.  If you can help, please contact Maura.

Art Exhibition - at Ann Phillipson’s from Saturday 1st to 10th August. Click on the picture on the right for full details.

The EEC Forum - If you’ve enjoyed blogging about the newsletter articles and submitting the odd ‘thought for the day’ take a look at the Ennis Evangelical Church Online Community (aka the Forum).  At the Forum you can ask questions, chat about issues, leave feedback, in fact have your say about most things to do with our faith, our church or our community!

A number of folk will be going to Cape Town on 3rd August to help orphans and street kids on behalf of Youth for Christ. Dave Wade is organising a Clare contingent (drawn from EEC/other Ennis churches). Those travelling will be:

• David & Avril Wade
• James O’Callaghan
• René Kuhs
• Padraic & Pat Morrissey. 

Hi-Vis Vests - Just a reminder that we have 25 of these vests ranging from S through M, L, XL, XXL to XXXL size. Each bears the motif “To Make Him Known” on the front and Ennis Evangelical Church on the back. Ideal for witnessing, outreach and any other EEC organised events.

Announcements

• There will be no 5-day club this summer
• Last Chew & Chat this month until October.

Logos Hope - Just a reminder that she will be in Cork from 3 - 12 July at Horgan’s Quay.

Shane will be on LifeFM (a Christian radio station from Cork) tonight between 8pm and 10pm. He will be defending the "Mosaic authorship" (i.e. that Moses has written the first 5 books of the Bible) and the historical reliability of the Bible. They hope to have an Atheist calling in to debate the issue.

We hope to have a recording of this session available later, but for now, we ask people to pray for this opportunity to defend the Christian faith!

You can listen in via the Internet by going to http://lifefm.ie/radio/.

Helpful articles about this topic can be found here:

• "Gospel Dates and Reliability" 
• "The Resurrection and Genesis"

Phil went to a men’s conference in UK in mid-June, he writes:

We had a great time in England last weekend (12th-14th June) attending the Heal the Land Fathers and Sons men’s conference. Angus Buchan (Faith Like Potatoes) was the speaker and it was an awesome time of worship, fellowship and teaching. The Lord blessed us with perfect weather as over 2,000 men camped in the fields of Top Barn Farm, courtesy of David Harper.

We praised, we cried, we laughed, we praised some more! We saw people saved, we saw the power of the Holy Spirit convicting professing Christians of sin that had to be dealt with.

Wives, children and girlfriends attended on the Sunday morning and about 8 cohabiting couples were married as Angus told us straight that sleeping with a girl you’re not married to is nothing but fornication and a sin in the eyes of God.

He reminded us of many more basic truths in God’s Word and called the men present to rise up to be leaders in their families and in the land. “As for me and my household, we will worship the Lord!” Amen!

There are over one hundred references to the word ‘wait’ in the Bible. It seems that people in the Bible were to wait or that they were waiting frequently. Things haven’t changed very much because we are still waiting today. Waiting seems to be one of the more difficult things that I have to do. We catch a vision of what may be and we work and wait and finally that vision comes to pass.
Read on…

A new ship, a new experience!

Open to the public to come and enjoy from 3. - 12. July 2009 at Horgan’s Quay, Cork.

Opening times are:
12:30pm to 8:30pm, Tuesday to Friday,
10am to 10pm on Saturday and
2pm to 8:30pm Sunday.
Closed Monday 6th July.

Take a tour and see different areas of a ship, browse the low price Book Fair (ca. 6,000 titles), enjoy an art exhibition on the theme of “HOPE” (arranged by local artists), have a snack, tea or coffee in the International-Café or meet the crew (45 different nationalities!).

Be challenged in the Logos Hope Experience, through sound and pictures and participate in the exciting events programme on board!

Please go along to support this work and invite your friends and neighbours too.

Entrance donation: adults - €1; teens 12-18/students/OAP - €0.50; under 12 yrs - free.

See more: www.logoshope.org/

Some pictures from Regina’s visit

Video from Logos Hope and a message from George Verwer:

Limerick Christian Bookshop - Jim King from LCB will be bringing a selection of Bibles and books for sale after church on 7th June.

Thanks - First from Elizabeth Finnan, our friend in Switzerland, who says thank you for praying for her husband Colm who,still ill, has made great improvement and is no longer in terrible pain.  Let’s join Elizabeth in really praising God!

Second from John & Di Tuttlebee, who say thanks for all who prayed for baby Evan, who finally had surgery on 8th May & which seems to have been successful.  (More details on our web site.)

Dealing with Depression & Suicide: When Hope Runs Out - a two-session seminar hosted by Covenant Fellowship in Galway on 3rd June at 7.30 pm. The speaker is Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Andrew Collins and the venue is the Menlo Park Hotel, Headford Road, Galway. Admission free.

02 Blue Renault Megane 1.6 16v Hatchback - one owner, full service history, abs brakes, airbags, aircon, alloys, central locking,   electric windows/mirrors, radio/cd, power steering, sunroof, NCT 02/10, 85k miles, €2,500 ono.  Phil

Wanted - 4-to-6 drawer chest of drawers.  Simon

Saturday at the Fleadh Nua in Ennis and the Lord sent wonderful, bright, dry weather (beautifully sunny in the afternoon, following buckets of rain in the morning!) for the folk of Clare to enjoy the party atmosphere! A large open-sided lorry had traditional Irish musicians playing to the passers-by at the Height so Nigel, Ann, and Dave Stevens (Pastor at Mallow Street Hall in Limerick) set up their picture board in Lower Market Street where the road is now blocked off to traffic. Read on…

It was with some anticipation that I met up with some of the other ladies from the Ennis church and we headed out to Shannon for the Ladies’ Day of fun and fellowship.
Read on…

Verse of the Month - You might have noticed a new feature in the newsletter - the EEC Verse of the Month. Typically this will be a scripture describing one of God’s great promises that we can really lay hold of in our prayers, quiet times, daily devotions, etc. But only the Lord knows what He wishes to put on our hearts, so watch out each month and meantime, you are encouraged to thank Him daily for reminding us that in the Lord your labour is not in vain and to be encouraged to remain steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Amen!

New Births - Congratulations to Silvester & Ekene and Carleen & Samuel on their recent new arrivals: Emmanuel on 14th April and Regan on 24th April. Give thanks for the blessing of new life!

Stop Press - Knockanean Bible Requests. Just in, the number of bibles requested following the Amazing Journey presentation was 33. Praise the Lord that He has made it possible for so many more children to have their own bibles and for His plans to use them for His glory! Praise Him too that so many more heard of Jesus’ love and we stand aside as He works out His plans for all those present that day. Let’s pray that for many it will be part of their own Amazing Journeys!

These are challenging times for our young people who are constantly being bombarded with worldly viewpoints and values that are often contrary to God’s perspective. The idea behind Chew & Chat is to give our young people (the VIA teens) an opportunity to discuss issues relevant to their lives in a relaxed, informal setting and to seek biblical input and direction on those issues.
Read on…

Well, no sooner had we laid our heads on the pillow (or so it seemed!) after a late night on the streets than it was time to be up again for a quick cup of coffee and out of the door with the Duffy’s to pick up Samara and Ezrah and head for Mooghaun Fort. As we drove, there was happy chatter in the car (mainly Ezrah!) and a sense of excitement and anticipation of what was to come.
Read on…

Easter Sunrise! - Meet at  Tim & June’s or go straight to Mooghaun Fort, Newmarket on Fergus on Easter Sunday in time to see the sunrise at approx. 06.45. Prayer & worship before normal Sunday service.

Watch this space for some pictures from the sunrise outing!

6 Months in Ireland - 15 year-old Klara, a Christian from the northern Black Forest region of Germany, with three brothers and one sister, wants to spend half a year here going to school. She says: “I’m looking for a Christian family who could accommodate me from Sept 2009 to Feb 2010 and of course I don’t expect to stay for free.” Please contact Klara if you can help. Her email address is klara"dot"schubert"at"web"dot"de, or contact Matthias. He knows Klara’s parents, should you wish to know more about the family.
Read on…

by Bob Hoekstra

Just as the resurrection was essential in our starting out with God (in justification), it also plays an irreplaceable part in our going on with God (in sanctification). In the new covenant of grace, the resurrection is involved throughout the Christian life.

This scripture is one of the great prayers in all the Bible. It begins by asking God to give spiritual insight: “the eyes of your understanding being enlightened.” God desires to give us heavenly insight on this vital matter. God wants us to experience the proper power source for living the Christian life: “that you may know . . . what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe.” We who have been justified through faith in Christ are not supposed to face each day by our meagre, inadequate resources. We who have been born again by the Spirit of God are to live this new life by the power of God!

The aspect of God’s power in view here is resurrection power: “according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.” Think of the mighty power of God that was at work to bring Jesus from a crucified Saviour to a victorious risen Lord. This is the power that our God wants to unleash upon us day by day.

As great as this display of power was, even more is available to us: “and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.” This mighty divine power that brought forth Jesus from the dead, also raised Him to the right hand of the Father in the heaven realm. Surely, this power is sufficient to lift us out of any deadening situation of our minds or our surroundings.

Pictures from the conference can be found here.

A full report was included in the May Newsletter

A study by the Mapping America project has found that children have fewer behaviour problems when they live with both biological parents and attend religious services frequently.

“Children who worship at least weekly are least likely to have their parents contacted by school teachers or administrators about school-related problems,” the report said.

Those who live with both parents and frequently attend religious services are five times less likely to repeat a grade, and more likely to be cooperative and understanding of others’ feelings.

Read the full article on: Creation Ministries International

Today will see the "Amazing Journey" in Knockanean National School in Ennis happening.

"We need your prayers", said Vincent last night, "for Charis Tully, for Grace, the actors (Phil, Maddy, Carrie, Dave) and all the helpers".

Please pray for the children who come watch it and take home their little gift pack which includes a Gospel of Luke and also a voucher for a full bible. Pray that many will use it! Pray for the teachers and especially for the principal of the school.

Here are some Pictures

Update by Carrie @ 6:19 p.m.:

"Wow - what an amazing day being involved in "The Amazing Journey" up at the school. It was a very exciting day for Robbie, Leo, Vincent and Shona (sorry Sarah missed it) as Dave, Maddy, Phil, Grace, Laura, Regina, Mirjam, Amanda and myself all came to "their school" with Charis. From talking with pupils and teachers, all seemed to really enjoy the day, especially the food tasting and dressing up. I did find it sad how little many of them knew of the Bible but much seed was sown and we pray that all the children will read their copies of Luke’s gospel and take up the offer of free new testaments. I really enjoyed the day, and look forward to hearing feedback as Regina, Grace and I continue to be involved with various activities within the school, both with teachers and parents. Well done on the photos, Regina."

Praise the Lord that He has placed it on the hearts of His people to witness to the unsaved! It is such a pleasure and privilege to be able to stand on the streets of Ennis on Saturday nights and speak to passers-by about our Lord Jesus Christ. However, in recent months we have given out many tracts (which, of course, the Lord may choose to use for His purposes) but I can’t recall anyone stopping to have a discussion since before Christmas. Until last Saturday, that is!
Read on…

With hopefully a report (and lots of comments from other paritcipants) following soon, here are at least some pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/reginabonanza/CarleenSBabyShower

I was at the AONTAS family day on Saturday and was very challenged by a story the speaker shared in his talk about how do we as a church get to ‘the harvest’ ? Mark 4:26-29.