Issue 189 “UNION NEWS” May 2026
Taste and See
“Taste and see that the LORD is good…” Psalm 34:8
We live in a time when God is often pushed to the margins, yet many people still feel a deep spiritual hunger. People try all sorts of things to satisfy it, but anything apart from God is like fast food—it may seem satisfying for a moment, but it never truly nourishes.
In Matthew 28, Jesus sets out his plan to address this spiritual hunger. As his people, we are called to share the life-giving message of Jesus, the bread of life. God meets people through his Church—that’s us. With all authority, Jesus sends us to make disciples, to introduce others to him, and to walk with them in faith. He is the one who provides; we simply serve what he has prepared. Though the task can feel daunting, his promise remains: “I am with you always.” This summer, can I encourage you to ‘taste and see that the Lord is good.’ Come to church, read your Bible, stop and pray, and when you’ve tasted and seen, why not share what you’ve found in Christ with others?
Vision & Mission Forum
In order to help shape the direction our union of parishes takes over the next few years, a Vision and Mission Forum has been planned for Sunday, 31st May following a united service in All Saints’ at 10am. After the service we will meet together in the Greville Arms to think about what our churches do well and what we could do better. This will be an informal meeting where you get to have your say on the ministry and mission of the church. It would be great to see you there.
May Sale: Saturday 16th 10am – 2pm
Planning is underway for this year’s sale with the ever popular cake and plant stalls along with a raffle, teas and tasty burgers. The children’s baking and craft competitions return this year. There will also be a quiz zone for all with a colouring competition and we are holding a fun Dog Show this year.
Baking competition details:
8 years & under: 6 decorated Fairy/Queen cakes presented on a plate 9 years & older: Chocolate Victoria sponge, decorated and presented on a plate.
Craft Competition: A Lego only creation
This year we are introducing a Lego competition with 2 classes: Class A – 8 years and under; Class B – 9 years and older. Please make an item of your choice that will fit on a standard Lego base place (32 dots x 32dots). Please note the item does not have to be presented on a Lego plate. Here are some suggestions to get you thinking: something from nature, a favourite animal, a building/structure/vehicle, a creation of your imagination. We look forward to seeing what you make on the 16th.
All entries to be submitted by 11am at the back of the Church Hall. No entry fee, prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd. Judges’ decisions announced at 12.30pm.
Fun Dog Show: This is new for 2026 and will be held on the grounds behind the church, in front of the school. There will be 4 classes, entry fee €5 per class, 3 classes for €10. Registration commences at 10.15 with the first class starting at 10.45. We expect to have all classes completed by 12 noon. Classes are: Dog with waggiest tail, Best 6 legs, Best Dog & junior handler (by a junior under 12), Best sausage catcher. Please note classes may change on the day. Water dishes will be provided & back-up poo bags!
Donations are requested for the cake and plant stalls in particular. The Church Hall will be open on Friday 15th from 3pm – 7pm to drop in items or bring along on the day of the sale (as early as possible). Can you help? Requesting volunteers to assist on the stalls, if you are available please let Emma Coburn or a Church Warden know. We look forward to seeing you on the 16th. Many thanks in advance for your support. Emma 087 6374131
Looking Back at Easter
This year the Lent and Easter period proved to be a real joy in our union. The Bible studies on Tuesdays and Thursdays were edifying for all who attended and helped us focus in on the Sunday readings in advance. Our daily reading In Quietness and Trust was well received and gave structure to Lent. The Holy Week services in All Saints were well attended and the journey helped us to renew our focus on the cross of Christ and the empty tomb. Many thanks to Canon Patrick for leading some of these services. On Good Friday we met in Almoritia and All Saints’ to reflect upon Jesus’s sacrifice for sin. On Easter Saturday, our young adults group met for dinner in the rectory, and to take a close look at John 20 – as ever the discussion was insightful and encouraging. And finally, we gathered in All Saints’ and Killucan for very well attended services to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord. Our prayer is that Lent and Easter proved to be a time of reflection and spiritual growth for all involved. Thanks to our church wardens, musicians, singers, readers, decorators, and all who put in the work to make this a special time in our churches. ‘…thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ 1 Corinthians 15:57
General Easter Vestry
Thank you to all who attended the Easter Vestry. It was lovely to see the union come together to select the committee for the year ahead. Many thanks to all who have served in the year gone by, and for all those who have agreed to serve in 2026-27.
Grounded Youth
We’ve had a brilliant year at Grounded Youth. Here are the last few dates before the summer break:
1 May: 7-9pm @ All Saints, 8 May: 7-9pm @ Mullingar Presbyterian 15 May: 7-9pm @ The Rectory. There will also be a group going to Summer Madness from 26-30 June.
Ascension Day Holy Communion – Thursday 14th May, All Saints’ 11am
Coffee Mornings
Why not stop by All Saints’ on Thursdays from 10:30am-12noon for our Coffee Morning? This May, donations will go towards the North Westmeath Hospice. It’s a lovely way to connect with others and support an important local service.
Confirmation
Please pray for our candidates as they continue their journey together towards their confirmation, which will take place in St Etchen’s Church, Killucan on Sunday 7th June 2026 at 11:30am.
Service Times For May
Sunday 3rd May
All Saints’ 10am Holy Communion Killucan 11:30am Morning Prayer Kilbixy 11:30am Holy Communion
Sunday 10th May
All Saints’ 10am – Morning Prayer Killucan 11:30am – Holy
Communion
Thursday 14th May – Ascension All Saints’ 11am – Ascension Day Holy Communion
Sunday 17th May
All Saints’ 10am School Service
Killucan 11:30am Family Service Almoritia 7pm Holy Communion
Sunday 24th May – Pentecost All Saints’ 10am Holy Communion Killucan 11:30am Holy Communion
Sunday 31st May – Vision & Mission
All Saints’ 10am – united service followed by vision and mission forum for the Mullingar Union
Sunday 7th June
All Saints’ 10am Morning Prayer Killucan 11:30am Confirmation
Parish Website : www.mullingarunionofparishes.net