Notices for November 30th 2025
Services for December 7th 2025, Second Sunday of Advent
Morning Worship at:
9.30am Holy Trinity Church, Ballisodare
10.45am Emlaghfad Church, Ballymote
12.00pm St Paul’s Church, Collooney
Collect for Today
Almighty God,
Give us grace to cast away the works of darkness
and to put on the armour of light
now in the time of this mortal life
in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility;
that on the last day
when he shall come again in his glorious majesty
to judge the living and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Reverse Advent Calendar
For harvest we collected food for the Foodbank and I remarked on the other items also needed such as toiletries, nappies, cleaning equipment, first aid items etc.
So for Advent we are doing a sort of reverse advent calendar where rather than opening a calendar and finding a little bit of chocolate we bring in these items for the Sundays of advent. Toiletries are quite often a Christmas gift and it would be great to “gift” them to those less fortunate. The suggestion is to bring on the following Sundays as below:
1st Sunday, Nov 30th Lady’s toiletries
2nd Sunday, Dec 7th Men’s toiletries
3rd Sunday, Dec 14th Kid’s toiletries
4th Sunday, Dec 21st Cleaning stuff
Items include: toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, combs, shampoo, nappies, wipes, bathroom/kitchen/toilet cleaners washing up liquid, cleaning cloths and brushes etc.
Mission Opportunity in South Africa
In July 2026 Christiaan Snell will lead a 10 day visit to Cape Town working in a township alongside Crosslinks. It’s an opportunity to be exposed to God’s global Church, to serve the church in Cape Town and be encouraged by what God is doing in other places.
Applications can be made through Crosslinks but if you have someone in mind and want to know more you can contact Christiaan. The criteria for those considering going is that they are:
1) over 18 (or 16 if accompanied by a parent)
2) a committed Christian, having been part of your church for over year
3) a team player motivated by service and mission.
For anyone under 25 coming some grant funding available to offset some of the costs. Estimated cost is around 1600 euros. Further details are on our website.
Open House at the Rectory
Andrew and Julie are having mince pies and mulled wine at the Rectory on Saturday December 6th from 3.30pm to 5.30pm and you are welcome to drop in anytime.
St Brigid’s Carol Service
St Brigid’s Church in Ballisodare is holding their Christmas Carol Service on Friday December 12th at 7.30pm and all are welcome.
School Nativity Play
St Paul’s School Nativity Play will be in St Paul’s Church at 6.00pm on Thursday December 4th.
MU Carol Singing
MU members and others are all invited to join them at Ballymote Nursing Home on Saturday December 6th at 2.00pm.
Advent Prayer by Henri Nouwen
Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness,
send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people,
walking in darkness,
yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!”
Service Plan – Advanced Notice
Please note that from January 2026 all services will move forward one slot. The new pattern will be:
9.30am St Paul’s Church, Collooney
10.45am Holy Trinity Church, Ballisodare
Noon Emlaghfad Church, Ballymote
MU News
“Souls of Our Shoes” reception which is being held in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Belfast on Tuesday 25th November 2025.
Twenty-eight women have been killed in Northern Ireland since 2020 by someone known to them. Mothers’ Union has actively participated in the “16 Days of Activism” initiative for more than 10 years, raising awareness of, and campaigning to bring an end to domestic abuse and gender-based violence. One of the initiatives which we use to raise awareness is the “Souls of Our Shoes” exhibition which has been displayed in many locations throughout Ireland since 2018. We are delighted to bring it to Stormont to mark the 2025 “16 Days of Activism”.
This exhibition is a thought-provoking and effective method of displaying the powerlessness and fear of those facing domestic abuse, as well as inspiring the strength and courage needed to escape it.
We hope that you will be able to attend, please remember to rsvp to allireland.mothersunion@gmail.com by the 28th October.
Thought for the Future
I recently opened a box that contained some old holiday slides only to discover I had packed space fillers including my father’s wallet. In his wallet was this called ‘One Voice’
In 1645 one vote gave Cromwell control of his country.
In 1649 one vote decided the execution of Charles 1
In 1776 one vote gave America English instead of German as a language.
In 1923 one vote made Hitler leader of the Nazi Party.
Don’t say one voice is never heard.
Leaving a Gift for the Church in your Will
Legacy gifts or ‘gifts in will’ are an important source of income for churches, allowing us to make long-term plans. They are also a way of enabling you to continue to support the church after you’re gone.
By remembering us in your will, you can help ensure the church’s presence will continue to benefit many generations to come.
Further details on how to do this are on our website along with answers to some of the questions you may have. A paper version can be provided on request.
Irish Hospice Foundation
Bereavement Support Line available Mon-Fri, 10.00am-1.00pm 1800 80 70 77
Bank Transfers and Standing Orders
If you would like to make donations via bank transfer or by standing order please contact the Rector or the local treasurer who will provide appropriate details.