As part of a Friends of Sligo Gaol fundraiser, the Venerable Isaac Hanna was arrested on Saturday 13th of February and remanded into custody on the charge of ‘getting rid of communion wine that was out of date’. The complaint had been made to the authorities by one, Ms. Sally Siggins. The nominators have, however, met the minimum bail terms of €50 and the Venerable Isaac Hanna was released just in time to do a baptism on Sunday morning.

The bail money raised will be put towards the refurbishment of Sligo Gaol with a vision to seeing it reopen as a tourist attraction. If you would like to support  the Friends of Sligo Gaol – Jail and Bail fundraiser you can see more information at: http://www.sligogaol.ie/#!jailandbail/e5mzd.

>> Click Here To Download The Form <<

This Sunday the 24th January 2016, Revd. Nick Jones was welcomed as the new Minister-in-charge of the Drung Group of Parishes at a Service in Drung Church. During the service the congregation were introduced to Nick, his wife Dorothy and their two children, after which they were officially welcomed by representatives of the five churches in the group; Drung, Castleterra Larah & Lavey and Killoughter. In his sermon from 2 Timothy 4, Bishop Ferran Glenfield, told Nick that just as Paul had passed the baton of ministry onto Timothy so the baton had been passed to him. His role means he is charged with preaching the Word – with urgency and endurance, encouraging us in our faith. The service was followed by a time of fellowship and some very welcome refreshments in the School hall.

Christmas is a season of mystery. Gifts are bought in secret, presents are wrapped and then hidden away only to be revealed on Christmas Day. At Christmas we are faced with the greatest mystery of all time, the coming of God to earth. The clues of God’s coming litter the Bible. Readings at carol services have brought these clues to light and give us insight into,where, when, how and who was involved ? But why? What was God’s motive in coming to earth? The clue as to why is found in the prophecy of Isaiah and repeated in Matthew’s Gospel.Twice the biblical authors repeat that God will give a sign, a clue, hidden in a name, Immanuel, which is translated, God is with us. That’s the reason why God came, he wants to be with us.

Picture the scene at the arrivals area in Dublin Airport on Christmas Eve.
People stream out of the gate only to be cheered and embraced by waiting loved ones. They are home, they are with us and that’s all that matters. God, too, wants to be with us, to be part of us, to share our lives, because he loves us. What an incredible reality and truth. Our ignorance, indifference or rejection does not deter him. Those who receive him, who believe in his name, the name of Jesus,are allowed to experience the greatest mystery of all, God with us.God loving us, God securing us, God purposing us. Immanuel, the why of Christmas.

+ Ferran