Diocesan News29 May 12

Grand Cathedral Cycle Tour rides out for Zambia (Down & Dromore)

Two parishioners of St Columba’s, Knock, had time for a quick coffee break at the church before resuming their Grand Cathedral Cycle Tour in aid of this summer’s trip to Zambia.

Brian Acheson and Ronny Martin set out from Down Cathedral early on Saturday 26 May and were greeted mid–morning by Bishop Harold and well–wishers before climbing into the saddle again.

They completed their 180 mile tour around the Church of Ireland’s 8 northern Cathedrals in two days and Saturday’s route also included St. Anne’s, Lisburn, Dromore, Armagh and Clogher Cathedral. They were joined in Clogher by their wives Alison Acheson and Jayne Martin.

Early on Sunday morning, Brian and Ronny rode on to Enniskillen Cathedral where they were invited by the Dean, the Very Reverend Kenneth Hall to join the congregation. They received a warm welcome and the Rector of St. Columba’s, Knock, The Revd John Auchmuty, gave a short address about the forthcoming Zambia trip. The Dean presented the cyclists with the loose cash collection from the offertory at the service before they left to begin the final stage of their marathon to Derry Cathedral.

The Rector of St. Columba’s, Knock said, “In my Address at last year’s Easter Vestry I spoke about my hopes to explore the feasibility of providing parishioners with an opportunity to serve God overseas. I am delighted that those hopes will shortly become a reality. This marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in the life and ministry of our parish.

“They are a strong team with many diverse gifts and talents which I experienced for myself when I visited them recently in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute in Dublin for a training weekend that was facilitated by David Gough, the CMSI Partnership Co–Ordinator.

“It is very encouraging to see the team members receiving such strong financial and prayerful support from the parish and the community and I wish to convey my grateful thanks and appreciation to the Deans and the cathedral congregations for their support throughout the cycle marathon.”

Those who wish to contribute to the marathon are asked to send their donations with cheques made payable to St. Columba’s Parish Church to The Revd John Auchmuty, St. Columba’s Rectory, 29 King’s Road, Belfast. BT5 6JG.