 THE SUNDAY CLUB
The Sunday Club at St George’s was revamped and renamed in 2005. We have about 15 members with ages ranging from 4 to 11.
The Sunday Club has its own Sunday club room, where we share in a liturgy using a simple language traditional nursery rhyme tunes. The children enjoy singing which is often complemented by simple percussion instruments.
Sunday Club worship follows the lesson of the day and we augment this with some form of activity to illustrate our theme. Sometimes we play games; or arts and crafts; or singing; or drama.
Sometimes, we just… play!
The children participate in a tableau at Christmas as well as having a special role at Harvest, Mothering Sunday; Easter and a summer prizegiving. We even manage a Sunday Club summer outing, 2005 saw everyone at Belfast Zoo.
The emphasis behind the Sunday club is one of encouraging the children to think about how God relates to them. Often children are pushed to one side as the church of tomorrow when they are very much the church of today. The spirituality that children have is amazing and their insight and perception can leave adults floored! One child told me how Jesus sat next to him on the sofa as he watched TV-
“ I knew he was there and that he was laughing at the funny bits as well”
Children don’t need to be taught who God is or what he does; they simply feel God, and know that He loves them. Anyone who would like their child to join the Sunday Club should contact Carolyn Rhodes via the Parish Office, click here to link to the Parish Office.
Saint George’s Singers
Saint George’s Singers was formed in 1984 in Saint George’s Parish Church by Jonathan Gregory for the express purpose of performing the great choral masterpieces of the Baroque era. It was a choir of about 50 voices, and membership was by invitation. During Jonathan’s time as musical director the choir gained a significant reputation in performing the works of the major Baroque composers, such as J S Bach, Handel and Haydn, although the repertoire expanded to include the work of many other composers. The highlight of this period was a performance of the Britten “War Requiem”
A major personality in Saint George’s Singers from its formation until his untimely death in 2000 was Darcy Chillingworth. Darcy was a one man organising committee throughout his time in the choir, and its survival through testing times is a tribute to his persistence and his hard work. The choir owes a great deal to Darcy and he will be long remembered.
When Jonathan left to become musical director at Great St Mary’s Church in Cambridge, he was succeeded by Andrew Cantrill. Although his time with the choir was sadly short his quality was evident. His stay featured a performance of the Monteverde “Vespers of 1610”.
David Byers brought to the role an encyclopaedic knowledge of classical music. As a result his time as musical director was characterised by a significant broadening of the repertoire, and the choir performed new and challenging work. David left in 2000 and is now the Chief Executive of the Ulster Orchestra.
The choir was directed for a short time by Charles Harrison, before he left to take up the post of musical director at Lincoln Cathedral
Brian MacKay ’s appointment as musical director in 2002 opened a new chapter in the choir’s history. His focus has been on development. The choir has grown to about 70 voices. Vocal coaching and workshops have significantly improved the quality of the choir. The formation of Saint George’s Sinfonia has ensured that the choir has high quality orchestral support, and a number of collaborative ventures with other groups are planned
The choir is particularly pleased to be associated with Saint George’s Church in Belfast’s High Street. This is a building of immense character and history in the heart of Belfast, with a considerable reputation for the development of music throughout the city. The choir was formed here and although it has grown to be an outward-looking organisation attracting a very diverse cross-community membership, Saint George’s remains our weekly rehearsal vebnue and the traditional “home” of our annual Christmas Concert. Saint George’s Singers can be contacted through the Parish Office, click here to link to the Parish Office or via their own website www.saintgeorgessingers.co.uk.
SERVERS GUILD
Altar servers perform most of the functions of the former "minor order" of ordained clerics known as acolytes (from the Greek word akolouthos or 'attendant'). Church writings from the second and third centuries discuss the role of acolytes, giving the office great importance and honour in the history of the Church. Altar servers today are not ordained, but are 'commissioned' by the Rector of the parish.
The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during the Eucharist. This is done through specific actions and by setting an example to the congregation by active participation in the liturgy (hymns, responses, etc.), by 'looking alert' and by sitting or standing at the appropriate times.
The Guild of Servers at St. George’s comprises of a group of 11 people who offer their services voluntarily on a rota basis.
Servers are present at each of our celebrations of the Eucharist on a Sunday. Our function is to provide the Celebrant with assistance during the Eucharist and also in the preparation of the high altar before and in the clearing away and cleansing of the vessels and other items used after the mass. We also provide a crucifer for processions and candle bearers for the main Sunday Eucharist and for celebrations of the Eucharist on feast and other major festivals. For civic, interdenominational and special services, we provide a ceremonial procession.
If you would like to join our team, new members are always welcome, please speak to the Rector or one of the other clergy or to a member of the Servers Guild. You will be made most welcome.
 BELFAST COUNTY TREFOIL GUILD
Belfast County Trefoil Guild meets in St George’s Parish Church Hall on the third Thursday each month from September to March/April depending on Easter. The meetings are from 2pm to 4pm. The Trefoil Guild is part of the Guide Association, but maintains a separate identity with its own Constitution, Council and financial independence. Nearly all Trefoil Members have a Guiding background, but do not wear uniform.
The Guild provides friendship, fun and activities for its like-minded Members, as well as support for the Guide Movement. Full membership is open to anyone aged 18 and over who has been a member of the Guide Association or Scout Association or who makes the Guide Promise.
The Belfast County Guild has various activities, from inviting outside speakers with a wide range of topics to address the meetings, to having Members of the Movement talk about international Guiding events, to participating in Arts, Crafts and Keep Fit. There is a summer outing each year and visits with our Twinned-Guild from Dublin, as well as hospitality evenings with other County Guilds. Anyone interested in joining should contact the Guild Secretary, Mrs Yvonne Fails via the Parish Office, click here to link to the Parish Office.
Last Updated:
Wednesday 11 October, 2006
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