Issue 183 “UNION NEWS” October 2025

Giving Thanks At Harvest Time
‘One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He
threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him…’ Luke 17:15-16
In Luke 17, only one of the ten men who had suffered from leprosy returned to thank Jesus
for healing them. All ten received mercy, but only one recognized the giver behind the gift.
The others, though healed physically, may have missed the deeper spiritual healing Jesus
offers. Sometimes, we’re so focused on what we receive that we forget the one who gave it.
True gratitude values not just the gift, but the giver also. Jesus has given his followers the
greatest gift of all: Himself. Through His death on the cross, He offers forgiveness and new
life. This harvest season, and every day, let’s not forget to give thanks—not just for what
Jesus has done, but for Jesus himself.

Harvest
In the coming weeks we will have several chances to give thanks to God for all his good gifts,
as we worship together. All are welcome to our Harvest services:
Sunday 28th September in Almoritia at 3pm.

Sunday 5
th October in Kilbixy at 3pm.
Sunday 12th October in Killucan at 11:30am.
Sunday 19th October in All Saints Mullingar at 11am.

Whist Drive October 2025
The Mullingar Whist Drives recommence on Friday 3rd October. We look forward to seeing
everyone again and extend a welcome to new players. There will also be a Whist Drive on
November 7th and the 5th December. All start at 8pm in All Saints’ Church Hall. If anyone
has items they would like to donate for prizes, please give to a Church Warden or bring along
on the night. With many thanks in advance.

Board Games Saturday
It was great to see Board Games Saturday up and running again at the beginning of
September. We had a full hall on 6th as the children played their favourite games together,
from Extreme Uno to Lord of the Rings Monopoly! There may have been a few treats
toward the end too! Many thanks to Barbara and Anna for organising everything.
Our next Board Games Saturday will take place on 4th October in the church hall from 3-
4:30pm. This is for 7-year-olds and older. We’d love to see you there!

Grounded Youth & Lost and Found Worship
We’re excited to announce the launch of a new youth group for secondary school-aged
teens, brought to you in partnership with Mullingar Presbyterian Church and Mullingar
Christian Fellowship. Grounded Youth will meet on Friday evenings from 7:00–9:00pm
(times to be confirmed), with the aim of helping young people become deeply rooted in God.
Out hope is that these meeting can help young people become deeply rooted in God,
building a strong foundation of faith that guides their lives. These meetings will move
between the 3 church buildings. We also hope to meet monthly on a Saturday night for a
worship service called Lost and Found.

Here are the first few dates:
Friday 10th October – @ Mullingar Christian Fellowship

Friday 17th October – @ Mullingar Presbyterian

Friday 24th October – @ All Saints

Saturday 1st November – Lost and Found Worship Service @ All Saints.

Coffee Mornings
We are currently exploring the possibility of restarting the popular coffee morning
fundraisers at All Saints, and so we are on the lookout for a team. If you think you could
help speak to Jenny or contact her on 086 342 0299.

Remembrance Service
This years’ Service of Remembrance will take place on 9th November in All Saints Church at
10:30am

Playground Thanksgiving
On Sunday 21st September, a large congregation gathered at All Saints to give thanks for the
completion of the new school playground. The playground project has involved a great deal
of hard work, but the school now has some wonderful facilities for the children to enjoy
during break times, as well as for sports and games. Many of those who contributed to the
project were in attendance at the service. The children did a fantastic job leading the prayers
and readings, singing beautifully, and sharing a specially written poem to mark the occasion.
Sincere thanks go to Mrs Denniston, along with all the staff and pupils, for the dedication
and effort they put into making this project a success. Special thanks also to those who
kindly provided tea and coffee afterwards in the playground – a lovely way to celebrate
together.

Sunday Club
Sunday Club got underway again in All Saints Church at the 10am on Sunday 7th September.
It was great to see this place alive with children again. Many thanks to Mona Lisa, Anna,
Diane, Barbara, Lillian, Silver and Jenny for enthusiastically taking on the teaching of our
children. Please hold our Sunday Club leaders, and this vital ministry, in your prayers.
Sunday Club will meet every Sunday of the month during the school term, except for when
there is a family service.

Join the Parish Choir
Our parish choir adds so much to our morning worship and we are grateful for all they do.
The choir is always looking for new members. If you think you might be interested, please
talk to Bill McConnell or get in touch with Rev Ian.

LARCC Donation
Thanks to the generosity of the congregation at the Songs of Praise in Almoritia on 24th
August, €845 was raised for the Cancer Support Sanctuary: LARCC. We pray that this
donation can go some small way towards bringing comfort to someone in need.

Baptism
Congratulations to baby Eliza Sloane, daughter of Amy and Richard, on her baptism in
Almoritia on Sunday 24th August 2025. We hold Eliza in our prayers as she continues to grow
in the faith in which she has been baptised.

Young Adults Suppers
Many thanks to those who came to the young adult’s supper and bible study on 11th
September. We had a great time discussing The Fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5, whilst
enjoying some great lasagne and pavlova! Our young people had a lot to bring to the table,
and thanks to them the discussion was thoughtful, encouraging, and really helpful. Please
remember our young adults in your prayers in the year ahead as they head their separate
ways to college. We hope to have more of these evenings in October and November – keep
an eye out for the dates.

James Kilbane – Songs of Life and Hope
On the evening of Sunday 14th September, we were honoured to host James Kilbane into the
Mullingar Union. An enthusiastic crowd gathered in All Saints to enjoy a wonderful evening
of uplifting music. Accompanied by John Flatley, James’s Songs for Life & Hope proved to be
a tonic to the soul and was enjoyed by all. Many thanks to all who put in so many hours of
hard work selling tickets and organising this event. Thanks also to those who bought tickets
and come along on the night to enjoy the show. Of course, many thanks to James Kilbane
himself for using his talents to entertain us and to encourage us.

Choral Society
It was lovely to see the choral society back in action in the church in September. We pray
that God blesses them this year as they sing and bring joy to many.

Pastoral Care
If you know of anyone who might like to be visited by the Rector, please get in touch with
him on 087 6223609.

Homework!
Throughout October we will continue to explore the story of Joseph on Sundays at church.
Feel free to read Genesis 37-50 as preparation!

Advent Reading
As the busy run-up to Christmas begins, it’s important to find ways to keep our hearts and
minds focused on the Lord. One great way to do this is through devotional reading.
With that in mind, Advent devotional booklets will be available in our churches on the
Sundays leading up to Advent. This year’s booklet is Hallelujah by Dave & Sally Gobbett,
which guides us through the Advent season using the themes of Handel’s Messiah.

Each day from December 1st-25th includes a short Bible reading and reflection. It would be
wonderful to journey through this together as a church family. The booklets will be available
for – or next best offer!

Services Times For October

Sunday 5th October
All Saints 10am Holy Communion
Killucan 11.30am Holy Communion
Kilbixy 3pm Harvest (with Revd Simon Scott)

Sunday 12th October

All Saints 10am Morning Prayer
Killucan 11.30am Harvest

Sunday 19th October
All Saints 10am Holy Communion
All Saints 11am Harvest
Almoritia 7pm Holy Communion

Sunday 26th October

All Saints 10am Morning Prayer
Killucan 11.30am Morning Prayer

Sunday 2nd November
All Saints 10am Holy Communion
Killucan 11.30am Morning Prayer
Kilbixy 11.30am Holy Communion

Parish Website : www.mullingarunionofparishes.net