Issue 187 “UNION NEWS” March 2026
Great Expectations
“I have seen the Lord!” John 20:18
On Good Friday we are reminded that, as Christians, we are to be
people of the cross, people who identify with the Crucified One,
people who believe in the forgiveness of sins and the defeat of evil and
death. Easter Sunday reminds us that we are also to be people of the
resurrection.
As people of the resurrection, we live as those who expect the
unexpected. The world expects that if Jesus ever lived at all, he is dead
– we expect to see him one day because we know he is alive. Many
expect that if there is a God, he would want nothing to do with them.
We expect God to make anyone who comes to him with faith in his
risen Son, intimate members of his family. The world expects that
Jesus is at best distant up in heaven, and at worst, a fairy-tale. We
expect that he is near and that, through the Spirit, his presence is in us.
The world expects that death is a full stop. We expect the unexpected
as we know that those who trust the risen Lord Jesus will rise too. This
Easter season, as people of the cross and resurrection, let us hold
these great expectations close, and share them with others.
Sam and Leo, Jenny and I wish all of you a blessed Easter!
Easter Week
The details of our Easter Services are below. This is an important time
in the Christian calendar as the death and resurrection of Jesus are the
centre point of our faith and vital to our understanding of Jesus. As
P.T. Forsyth wrote: ‘Christ is to us just what his cross is. All that Christ
was in heaven or on earth was put into what he did there…You do not
understand Christ till you understand his cross.’ Can I encourage you
to attend church during Easter, to invite others along, and to seek a
deeper understanding of our beautiful Saviour.
Young Adults
There will be a Young Adults Supper for those aged 18-30 on Easter
Eve (Saturday 4 th April) at 7:30pm in the Rectory. We also continue our
Lenten Bible study at the Rectory on the other Saturday’s in the run up
to Easter from 7:30-8:30pm.
Lenten Bible Study
Our Lenten Bible study continues on Tuesday mornings from 10:30-
11:30am in All Saints’ Church on 3 rd , 12 th , 24 th March. Alternatively you
can join us in the Rectory on Thursday evenings from 7:30-8:30pm on
5 th , 12 th , 19 th , 26 th March. All welcome – you don’t need to be there
every time – come and go as you are able!
Lenten Reading
There are still copies of In Quietness and Trust available in the
churches. It’s never too late to start the Lenten reflections!
Grounded Youth
Here are the times and dates for Grounded Youth in March. If you are
6 th class – 6 th year we would love to see you there. New members
always welcome:
Friday 6 th March 7-9pm @ Mullingar Presbyterian
Friday 13 th March 7-9pm @ All Saints
Saturday 21 st March @ Mullingar Presbyterian – (times to be
confirmed)
Friday 27 th March 7-9pm @ All Saints
Friday 10 th April 7-9pm @ Mullingar Presbyterian
Memorial
As a Union of Parishes we were saddened to hear of the passing of
David Rolston in January. A poignant memorial service was held in All
Saints’ on 7 th February. Many thanks to all who played their part in
making it a very moving service. We continue to pray for Suzanne and
Ben, Anna, Wendy, Sandra, Florence and Newton as they continue to
mourn for David – that they may know God’s comfort.
Coffee Mornings
Coffee mornings continue in All Saints’ every Thursday from 10:30am
to 12 noon. All donations received in March will be in aid of
Multyfarnham Alzheimer’s Day Care. Please join us for good coffee
and great chat, and to help support this worthwhile cause.
Whist
The next Whist Drive will take place in All Saints’ on 6 th March at 8pm.
All welcome.
Board Games Saturday
Board Games Saturday will take place on 21 st March in All Saints’ from
3-4:30pm. This is for 7-year-olds and older.
Confirmation
This year’s confirmation service will take place in St Etchen’s Church,
Killucan on Sunday 7 th June 2026 at 11:30am. Classes will begin after
Easter. Candidates in 1 st year or above are welcome.
Easter Vestry
The General Easter Vestry will take place in All Saints’ Church at
7:30pm on Wednesday 15 th April. This is a very important meeting in
the life of the four churches. It is open to all church members, and
everyone is encouraged to attend.
St Patrick’s Day
There will be a service in All Saints’ on St Patrick’s Day at 11am. As the
streets around the church will be closed, we would ask that you park at
the Rectory and walk in through the garden.
Baptism
We were delighted to welcome Liam Ruairí Forristal into the church
family at his baptism on Sunday 1 st February. Please continue to pray
for Liam as he grows into the faith in which he has been baptised.
Sunday Club
Thanks to our dedicated leaders Sunday Club takes place every week at
the 10am service in All Saints’, Mullingar – except when there is a
family service. We’d love to see more children coming along to hear
about, and enjoy, God’s love. All welcome.
Join the Parish Choir
The Choir in All Saints is looking for new members. If you think you
might be interested, please talk to Bill McConnell or get in touch with
Rev Ian.
Service Times For March – Easter Weekend
Sunday 1 st March
All Saints’ 10am Holy Communion
Killucan 11:30am Morning Prayer
Kilbixy 11:30am Holy Communion
Sunday 8 th March
All Saints’ 10am Morning Prayer
Killucan 11:30am Holy
Communion
Sunday 15 th March
All Saints’ 10am Family Service
Killucan 11:30am Family Service
Almoritia 7pm Holy Communion
Tuesday 17 th March – St Patrick
All Saints’ 11am Holy Communion
Sunday 22 nd March
All Saints’ 10am Morning Prayer
Killucan 11:30am Morning Prayer
Sunday 29 th March – Palm Sunday
All Saints’ 10am Holy Communion
Killucan 11:30am Morning Prayer
Kilbixy 11:30am Holy Communion
Friday 3 rd April – Good Friday
Almoritia 6pm – Holy Communion
All Saints’ 8pm
Sunday 5 th April – Easter Sunday
All Saints’ 10am – Family
Communion
Killucan 11:30am – Holy
Communion
Parish Website : www.mullingarunionofparishes.net