Hub Renovations Update

Posted on by webadmin

Killiskey parish has a centre in Ashford village called “the Hub” which has a meeting space and a shop which is currently called “Ashford Gift and Book Shop”. The shop has been open for eight years. It is currently closed for necessary renovations until 15 February when it will re-open as with better displays of its goods, particularly second-hand clothing. It also sells greeting cards, books and bric-a-brac. Thanks are due to David Harte who is undertaking the renovations and to Martsworth for assistance with new carpet.

Good as New clothes are needed so that the updated shop gets a good start,  Please let Lesley Rue know if you can help. She is also looking for additional volunteers.

Climate Emergency

Posted on by webadmin

The expression “Climate Emergency” is used frequently these days: to our credit, Ireland was only the second country to declare a climate emergency; at a more local scale, Wicklow County Council has signed a Climate Action Charter. The real test is if these grand gestures mean anything at all. Approaching our general election, which candidates and/or parties even refer to climate change, let alone the urgency of the situation?  Now is the time to tell politicians that we want to reduce our emissions and become carbon neutral. More trains and buses for commuters rather than bigger roads; more retrofitting of homes; more renewable energy are just three examples. However, despite our grandiose declarations, when it comes to action, Ireland is as shameful as many other nations, as demonstrated in Madrid in December 2019, when COP25 (UN Climate Change Conference) ended with a watered down, unambitious “agreement” that falls way short of what is necessary to keep the global temperature increase below 1.5⁰C. The UN secretarygeneral António Guterres asked attendees: “Do we really want to be remembered as the generation that buried its head in the sand?” To avoid this, we must all do our bit – let 2020 be the year to reduce our emissions.

Friendship Group January

Posted on by webadmin

There is a friendship group within the joint parishes, for people who are retired, and for those who aren’t able to get out to meet people as regularly as they would like. The next meeting is on Monday 20th January in the Wicklow Methodist hall. For further details, please contact Linda Walsh: 086 8228378.

Youth Clubs January

Posted on by webadmin

Teen youth will meet on 5th & 19th January, 6.30-8pm, in East Glendalough School. All of secondary school age are welcome.

United Youth will meet on 11th January, 6-7.30pm, in East Glendalough School. Anyone 4th-6th class is welcome.

Planned Giving

Posted on by webadmin

Please consider renewing or beginning your financial commitment to Killiskey Parish by way of Planned Giving. By doing this you can maximise the amount of money received by the Parish and greatly assist the Parish to meet its financial commitments. Planned Giving is making a pledge to donate an amount of money regularly over the course of the year whether weekly, monthly, quarterly or by a single donation. Under the tax regulations, the Parish, as a registered charity, can obtain a tax refund from the government for recorded donations from tax payers (PAYE and Self-Assessment) who contribute a minimum of €250 in the tax year. This is the equivalent of €4.81 per week. The parish can claim a further approx. 45% of the amount donated from the government. Cash donations on the plate, while very gratefully received, are not eligible for a tax refund. If you are contributing more than €250 over the course of the year through this method, you might like to consider Planned Giving.

 

 

Planned Giving can be done in any one of the following ways:

The envelope system enables parishioners to donate regular cash amounts which can be recorded for tax refund purposes. Envelopes can be obtained from the churchwardens.

By setting up a standing order with your bank for a minimum donation of €5 per week (or monthly or quarterly equivalent).

A donation or donations totalling at least €250 can be made directly to the Parish Treasurer, Scott Golden, Malvern House, The Glebe, Wicklow Town.

Confirmation

Posted on by webadmin

An information evening concerning confirmation classes will be held on 26th November in East Glendalough School at 7.30pm. It is mainly geared for pupils in secondary schools. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please let Revd Jack or Revd Ken know.

Eco Tips — The Joy of Christmas Memories

Posted on by webadmin

A walk along supermarket aisles leaves no one in any doubt that Christmas is approaching. Shelves groan under the weight of sweets, chocolates, alcohol (all those lovely treats that are just that, treats, if consumed in the correct proportions!), but also a plethora of decorations, Christmas themed cushions, crockery, everything it seems, all there to lure customers to buy more than they need or can afford. Time was (still is for some) that decorations were stored in a box in the loft and then lovingly unpacked in the days or weeks coming up to Christmas, each item evoking beloved memories before being hung on the tree or placed around the house. For sure, replace those broken tree lights or buy occasional baubles, but maybe this year think before purchasing vast amounts that are not really needed. Ditto for Christmas presents. Children can be totally overwhelmed by piles of gifts, often the packaging being preferred. One could buy fewer, maybe better quality, presents for family and friends or go for experiences or gifts that will last all year round (e.g. annual subscriptions). Christmas should primarily celebrate the birth of Christ, but is also (partly) about giving, but not about wanton waste or debt. So, enjoy the festivities, remember others, reduce your waste / mind the environment.

The Hub

Posted on by webadmin

Christmas gifts and cards are now available from The Hub. The shop is currently open most mornings Monday to Saturday. Lesley Rue would be interested in hearing from any new potential volunteers.

On Thursday mornings from 10.30am LET’S CRAFT! meets in The Hub

Advent Midweek Services

Posted on by webadmin

There will be a series of midweek Advent services in Wicklow Parish Church. The services will begin at 7.30pm, and last around half an hour. This year, we will use a resource produced by the Irish Council of Churches, focusing on the homeless / housing crisis in Ireland, and our Christian response. The series is entitled: ‘A lot can change in 6 months’. All welcome. Themes as follows:

Thursday 28th November  What is a house? What is a home?’ Thursday 5th December  The scale of the issue / Personal impact Thursday 12th December   Addressing stigma / Complicity & exclusion Thursday 19th December  Hope – our Political agency is real!