The SandMill Challenge 2021 had twenty-one suggestions to keep young and old busy over the summer. From blowing bubbles to growing seeds – there was something for everyone. We were really glad that the children who participated in the challenge this year enjoyed their ‘treat bags’. Each bag included supplies…
Adults and children were delighted after church on Sunday 27 June to have a surprise visit from the ice-cream van!
It was a beautiful Autumn morning for the Joint Outdoor Family Service ‘Celebrating Community in Creation’ in St Philip’s Church on 19 September, where we were reminded that we are all part of nature, it is for us to enjoy and to take good care of. It was followed by…
On Sunday 1 August we assembled for an uplifting outdoor service of worship. The service took place on the lawn of St Philip’s Church. We gave thanks for the wonder of creation. Canon Gyles’ sermon brought to light the profound consequences of climate change for one particular family in Ethiopia.…
We were delighted to welcome Philip Daly to our services one Sunday during the summer to speak about the Ranelagh Community Response, a community volunteer group set up in response to Covid-19. Members of the Confirmation Group and Garden Gang helped out in the spring and summer by growing flowers…
In light of World Bee Day on 20 May 2021, I thought I would write about ways that we can help reduce the decline in Ireland’s bees and other pollinators. I’ve recently pledged my (small) garden for pollinators, by taking these really simple steps: Reduce Frequency of Cutting Your LawnThe…
Many thanks to the children of SPNS for the wonderful Easter posters on the railings of Sandford Church. The following is a message received from a passer-by “I walked to Ranelagh today and the beautiful decorations adorning the railings at Sandford Church gave me such a boost. I’m still smiling.…
One can only laugh: Last week I was visiting a classroom to speak to the children. I was on auto pilot and actually entered the room. One of many ‘bright little buttons’ observed that I was in the room. I smiled and said that I was feeling particularly brave that…
Owing to the cancellation of our planned Hymnathon in summer 2020, and the continual restrictions on singing, a rather different sort of Hymnathon will take place on Friday 11 June, during which I plan to play through the entire Church Hymnal on the organ of St Philip’s Church, beginning at…
This year’s Summer Music series will take place entirely online, with recitals released every second Friday on the Music at Sandford and St Philip’s YouTube channel. This year we will have our very own Anne-Marie O’Farrell performing a solo harp recital, as well as young Feis Ceoil winner Evan Lawrence…