EAST ANTRIM ENDEAVOURERS HAVE FUN
The expressions on the children’s faces said it all. It was evident they were enjoying the games, which were both interesting and original, at East Antrim Christian Endeavour Union’s annual Fun Day. This was well supported and it was hosted in First Carrickfergus Presbyterian Church’s hall.
The Leaders, drawn from the participating Societies, had an equally good time. Six teams gave of their best with The Heroes edging forward as winners.
The success of the afternoon was down to hard work and the organisational skills of Mrs. Lynda Anderson and First Carrick’s Children’s Ministry Co-ordinator, Mr. Robert Penney.
In the middle of the fun and activity there was a welcome break for refreshments and an opportunity to make a purchase at the CE requisite stall.
It was a special treat for the children to have not one but two CE Presidents in their midst.
Gillian Ferguson, East Antrim Union’s President conducted the short opening devotions, making reference to her Presidential theme, “ Light of the World”, based on Matthew chapter 5, verse 14.
Irish Union President, Paul Nesbitt conducted the closing devotions and spoke about his Presidential theme, “Shine from the inside out” based on 1 Samuel 16 verse 7. Paul wants Jesus to shine in the children’s lives and for them to shine for Jesus.
East Antrim Fun Day '09
Armagh & South Tyrone
Installation of new Local President
At the beginning of a new season of Christian Endeavour, the Armagh and South Tyrone Union are pleased to welcome Mr Desmond Buchannan as President. Although Desmond is relatively new to the CE family, he is no stranger to many of us as he was the local worker for Child Evangelism Fellowship in the mid-Ulster area for many years. He is currently working as a Pastoral Assistant in Dungannon Presbyterian Church.
Desmond was installed at our Union Presidential Rally in April in 1st Portadown Presbyterian Church. The meeting was chaired by out-going President, Mrs Ruth Agnew, who worked tirelessly throughout the year, visiting many Societies on a number of occasions. During the Presidential Rally there was an interesting mix of old and new, as the praise and worship was led by groups from Clonaneese YPCE and Seniors from Hill Street, Lurgan. Mrs Carole Dillon, the Irish President, spoke at the Rally encouraging us to ‘Finish the Race.’
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Ruth for all she has done over the past year, and wish Desmond God’s blessing as he undertakes his duties this year.
95th Irish Convention
NEW PRESIDENT DECLARES, “CE IS GROWING AND VITAL”
“Building Foundations” was the theme for the 95th Irish National Christian Endeavour Convention, hosted by the Belfast Union, and held in Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Agnes Street.
For those not too familiar with Belfast, Agnes Street runs between the Shankill and Crumlin Roads.
The Revd Alan McCann, Rector of Holy Trinity, Carrickfergus based his addresses on Genesis 3: 1-15 and Romans 5: 1-11.
We need to know the Word of God and we need to know that we are sinners. We must not just know about Jesus Christ but know Him personally, putting our faith and trust in His death on the Cross for us.
Mr. McCann, thankful for his own foundation in CE, acknowledging its value to him, prayed that God would richly bless the Movement.
Archdeacon Barry Dodds, Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, the Revd. Victor Patterson, Minister of the host Church and Mrs. Carole Dillon, outgoing President of the Irish CE Union warmly welcomed everyone. Carole was particularly pleased to have joining with us Mr. Stuart MacDonald, Secretary of the Christian Endeavour Union of Great Britain and Ireland and his wife, Avis, President of the English Union.
As usual, special events were held for every Grade. Seniors/Comrades heard Norman and Lorna Wilkinson speak about Logos Ministries International; YPs/YAs had a wonderful time visiting the former Crumlin Road Prison- now one of Belfast’s most popular tourist attractions – while the Juniors enjoyed their own programme and were presented with their Convention Competition awards.
YPs appreciated the convenience of the Hostel Accommodation within the complex of this beautiful new church, especially after their two late night events.
A plaque, transferred from the former Agnes Street Church commemorating the formation there, of the first CE in Ireland, in 1889 by Miss Margaret Magill, immediately catches the eye as one enters the church and was popular with photographers.
Sandra Stokes, Irish Union Missionary Convenor presented Diana Holt, from the Link, Newtownards with a cheque for £5,048.00.
This year’s project, the Lo-debar Trust is a small missionary organisation founded in 1998, based in N. Ireland, and sharing God’s love in Siberia. It is faith based, 100% resources go to God’s work in Russia, trustees work as unpaid volunteers and cover their own expenses when travelling to Russia.
Carole extended warm thanks to all who had supported her during her Presidency especially her husband, Chris.
Some of us may be disappointed at the response to Rallies and special events but Carole’s findings, as she travelled throughout Ireland, visiting Societies, during the year, gave a note of encouragement and hope. She expressed her total amazement at what God is doing in CE.
She continued, “I can see God is training people up for the future. There are 3 new Societies and hope for more this year.
People will do anything for their champion, we must do anything for Jesus.
I leave you with 2 Tim 4: 7-8”.
Carole’s last duty as President was to install her successor, Mr. Paul Nesbitt, Leader of Glengormley Methodist Juniors.
East Antrim Union’s President, Gillian Ferguson, on behalf of the Union, made a presentation to Paul.
The late Mr. Fred Gardiner had been the longest surviving Irish Union President, his widow, Olive graciously presented his Expert Badge to Irish Union for the pleasure of the Irish President, while in Office.
Robert Tinney, General Secretary, presented this to Paul and to his wife, Julie a pearl necklace with CE medallion.
Robert extended thanks to Carole for all she had done, noting that under her chairmanship, committees were always over in good time!
Paul thanked his predecessor for all her hard work. He acknowledged the influence upon his Christian life of three Endeavourers – Jackie Mulholland, Yvonne Grills and Mary Henderson.
Introducing the theme for his Presidential year, “Shine from the inside out,” based on 1 Sam 16: 7, Paul wants Jesus to shine in the young people’s lives and for them to shine for Him as he said, “from the youngest Junior to the oldest Comrade, we are all important to God”.
Reiterating what Carole had already expressed, he stressed that the CE Movement is on the march in Ireland; it is growing and vital and we have to acknowledge the Lordship of Christ as our Head if we are to serve Christ and the Church.
The Revd. Victor Patterson, Immanuel Presbyterian and Mr. Jim Crothers, St. Michael’s, Shankill led the Prayers while Mr. Neil Glass, St Michael’s Seniors/Comrades and Mr. Leslie Scott, Belfast Union President were the lectors. Young people from Immanuel led the Praise.
Steff Neil, All Ireland Prayer Convenor, with the help of a promotional display and attractive literature shared her enthusiasm for the Cleenish Renewal Centre. This is a new residential complex for Church groups, youth groups and individuals in the heart of the beautiful Fermanagh countryside and is opening Easter 2010.
More details are available at: www.cleenishrenewal.com
Prayer meetings, within the weekend, formed a firm foundation for everything else which took place.
95th Convention
East Antrim President Rally
“Trust Him, love Him, serve Him”, urges Methodist President at East Antrim Union’s C.E. Rally
What a wonderful sight – Greenisland Methodist Church, near Belfast, was packed for the installation of Gillian Ferguson, a leader from Carrickfergus Methodist Junior Christian Endeavour Society, as President of East Antrim C.E. Union.
Gillian who is the Irish C.E. Union’s Recording Secretary, had previously served as Young People’s Convenor for the Enniskillen C.E. Union, had contributed much to the success of the last Irish C.E. Convention hosted by the Union and had been a Leader in Letterbreen C.E.
Family and friends had travelled long distances and Gillian was honoured to have the All Ireland President of C.E., Mrs. Carole Dillon accompanied by her husband, present.
The Service was opened as Local Minister, the Revd. Stephen Sheerin welcomed everyone, together with the special Speaker, the Revd Aian Ferguson, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Gillian’s father.
Outgoing President, Mrs. Anne Acheson also extended a very warm welcome to everyone including the Irish Union C.E. President.
Installing her successor in the Presidency, Mrs. Acheson said that she had enjoyed her time in office and hoped that Gillian would find it as fulfilling as she had done.
A young member of Carrickfergus Methodist Junior Society then presented a gift to the new President.
Gillian Ferguson’s first act as President was to thank everyone for coming and introduce her Presidential theme, based on Matthew chapter 5 verse14, “Light of the World” – incidentally very apt for someone who has a longstanding fascination and great love for lighthouses.
She explained, with the help of several verses of Scripture, that Jesus is the Light of the World and posed the question, “Whether a young person or an adult – how bright does your light shine”?
One of the more traditional aspects of any C.E. Rally is the Roll Call with someone, from every Society present, responding by reading a Bible verse, singing or performing a piece of drama. The vast majority of Societies within the Union were represented.
Mrs Carole Dillon, All Ireland C.E. President and East Antrim C.E. Union’s Prayer Convenor Mrs. Janice Walker led the Prayers of Intercession.
Before commencing his Address, the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Revd, Aian Ferguson thanked everyone for coming and extended greetings and good wishes to Gillian and hoped that she would have as good a year in her Presidency as he had in his.
He based his Address on a Lesson from Matthew chapter 28 verses 16-20.
“Are you having a special dinner tomorrow” asked Mr. Ferguson? “Tomorrow is a very special day in the Christian Church. It is Ascension Thursday. We celebrate Christ’s birth. Why do we not celebrate His return to the Father? He showed us what God is like. He was perfectly obedient. He died that we might be forgiven. He rose again that we might have life – eternal life.
The Risen Jesus said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me’. Jesus is Lord and King of creation. He is the King who came and died but evil and death could not conquer Him. He is the King of Kings. There is no one greater, stronger or better so we should trust Him and surrender to Him”.
Referring to Holman Hunt’s picture of, Jesus the Light of the World, Mr. Ferguson said that the Lord Jesus knocks at the door of all our lives and continued, “Are we going to have Jesus as Saviour and Lord. All need to turn to Him, trust Him and surrender to Him.
One day Jesus will come back. It is our task to go and tell others about Him and make disciples, showing people our care and compassion”.
Mr. Ferguson, mentioning numerous commands of Jesus from Matthew’s Gospel, stressed that it was imperative that we not only obey them but also teach them to others.
In conclusion, quoting Jesus’ words, ‘And surely I will be with you to the end of the age’, he said that Jesus would be there to help us just as He was in his own experience.
Top Society Quiz'09
HYPER HIPPOS WIN TOP SOCIETY QUIZ
Sandy Street/Downshire Road Presbyterian Junior C.E. Society, Newry hosted the Irish Finals of the Christian Endeavour Union’s Annual Top Society Quiz.
There were eight rounds of questions ranging from Bible Knowledge, General Knowledge, C.E History, C.E. Personalities and a Picture Round.
Minnie Tinney, Caroline Edgar, Gwen Carson, Rosemary Carson and Tim Gunning set the questions. Caroline Edgar and the Irish Christian Endeavour Union President, Mrs. Carole Dillon marked the answers and kept the score.
The standard was high, the competition was keen but most importantly, all the competitors thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
The “Hyper Hippos” from Sydenham Methodist emerged as winners with “Smarty Pants” from First Antrim Presbyterian the runners up.
Talent Contest '09
FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN HOSTS TALENT CONTEST
The Irish Christian Endeavour Union’s Junior Talent Contest has been held in First Antrim Presbyterian Church.
Children representing the Ballymena and Coleraine, Belfast and East Antrim C.E. Unions took part.
The adjudicators included Paul Thompson who was responsible for Vocal Music; George Hewitt, Instrumental, Music and Mrs Olive Gardner, Bible Reading and Verse Speaking. Their job was not an easy one, it was hard to make choices as there was such a talented group of young people competing.
Mrs. Gardiner graciously presented a Challenge Cup in memory of her late husband, Fred, a loyal and faithful supporter of the Christian Endeavour Movement throughout his long life.
Mrs. Carole Dillon, Irish C.E. Union President, presented the Cups and Certificates to the winners. These included: -
CLASS 1- SOLO 8 YEARS & UNDER - 1st D’Arcy Connor, Glengormley Methodist.
CLASS 2 - SOLO 9 &10 YEARS – 1ST James McCullough, Dunluce Presbyterian; 2nd Lydia Hull, Shore Road City Mission; 3rd Rachel Cooke, First Antrim Presbyterian.
CLASS 3 - SOLO 11, 12 & 13 YEARS – 1st Amy Shearer, Hillhall Presbyterian; 2nd Lauren Finlay, First Carrickfergus Presbyterian; 3rd Kirstie Dunlop, Joanmount Methodist.
CLASS 4 - VERSE SPEAKING 8 YEARS & UNDER – 1st Jack McCullough, Dunluce Presbyterian; 2nd Daniel Steele, do; 3rd Emma Hull, Shore Road City Mission.
CLASS 5 – VERSE SPEAKING 9 & 10 YEARS - 1st Megan Gammon, First Antrim Presbyterian; 2nd James McCullough, Dunluce Presbyterian; 3rd Hannah Fullerton, Sydenham Methodist.
CLASS 6 – VERSE SPEAKING 11, 12 & 13 YEARS – 1st Dylan Sloan, Shore Road City Mission; 2nd Toni Storey, Westbourne Presbyterian.
CLASS 7 – BIBLE READING 8 YEARS & UNDER – 1st Faith Nelson, Joanmount Methodist; 2nd Rachel Currie, do; 3rd Jack McCullough, Dunluce Presbyterian.
CLASS 8 – BIBLE READING 9 & 10 YEARS – 1st Amy Caldwell, Glengormley Methodist; 2nd James McCullough, Dunluce Presbyterian; 3rd Hannah Fullerton, Sydenham Methodist.
CLASS 9 - BIBLE READING 11, 12 &13 YEARS - 1st Kirstie Dunlop, Joanmount Methodist; 2nd Lauren Finlay, First Carrickfergus Presbyterian; 3rd Laura Brooks, First Antrim Presbyterian.
CLASS 10 – PIANO SOLO 9 YEARS & UNDER – 1st Megan Gammon, First Antrim Presbyterian.
CLASS 11 - PIANO SOLO 10 & 11 YEARS – 1st Joshua Boyd, First Carrickfergus Presbyterian.
CLASS 12 - PIANO SOLO 12 & 13 YEARS – 1st Nikita McMullan, Joanmount Methodist; 2nd Toni Storey, Westbourne Presbyterian.
CLASS 13 – INSTRUMENTAL SOLO [STRING] – 1st Emma Jefferson, First Carrickfergus Presbyterian; 2nd Laura Finlay, do; 3rd Hannah Fullerton, Sydenham Methodist.
CLASS14 – INSTRUMENTAL SOLO [WIND] – 1st Joshua Boyd, First Carrickfergus Presbyterian; 2nd Lynsey Kerr, Hillhall Presbyterian. 3rd Christopher Hogg, First Carrickfergus Presbyterian.
CLASS 15 – RECORDER SOLO 11YEARS & UNDER – 1st Holly Blair, Joanmount Methodist.
CLASS 16 – RECORDER SOLO 13 YEARS & UNDER - 1st Nikita McMullan, Joanmount Methodist; 2nd Kristie Dunlop, do.
CLASS 17 – DUET 10 YEARS & UNDER – 1st Hannah Robinson & Sophie Craig, Magheramorne Presbyterian; 2nd Abigail Park & Jon Ramsey, do.
CLASS 18 – DUET 13 YEARS & UNDER – 1st Sarah Doherty & Emma Jefferson, First Carrickfergus Presbyterian; 2nd Mark Ramsay & Abigail Adamson, Magheramorne Presbyterian
CLASS 19 – SINGING GROUP – 1st Magheramorne Presbyterian; 2nd Joanmount Methodist; 3rd [tie] First Antrim Presbyterian and Magheramorne Presbyterian.
CLASS 20 – CHOIR – 1st Magheramorne Presbyterian; 2nd First Antrim Presbyterian.
CLASS 21 – DRAMA - 1st Joanmount Methodist.
Armagh & South Tyrone Junior CE Fun Morning
On Saturday 21st March some fifty junior’s came together in 1st Portadown Presbyterian church hall for the annual junior event. This year the leaders from Milltown Holiday Bible Club delivered a most enjoyable programme under the theme of “Champions Challenge”.
On arrival the junior convenor Mr James Smith welcomed everyone, and opened in prayer, this was followed by a short introduction by Kate Greenaway the person in charge, followed with some well known choruses and a catchy theme song, which the children enjoyed.
The morning included drama, games, team challenges, quizzes and lively music, ending with a short time of teaching based on Luke Ch 22 and 23, which looked at Jesus being our substitute by taking our punishment for sin, this was followed with work sheets and a short time of discussion within various age groups.
The morning concluded with our president Mrs Ruth Agnew thanking everyone involved.
Rosemary McDaniel cooked up a large number of delicious hotdogs, which went down a treat.
Ennislillen Outing
On Saturday 28th March 2009 Enniskillen Union headed to Dundonald Ice Bowl. After a fun bus journey we arrived at Dundonald to enjoy ice- skating, ten-pin bowling and even some of us braved the cold and went Crazy Golfing. To round the night off no trip to Belfast is complete with out a trip to Mc Donalds before we headed back on are way to Fermanagh! Thanks to Avril and Mark are Y.P Convenors for organising a very enjoyable night.
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94th Irish Convention
Enniskillen Drama
Enniskillen District Union held its annual Drama competition in Lisbellaw on Saturday 28th February 2009.
The night started with Drama’s on the Theme of ‘Parables’ which where prepared by each C.E. The three C.E’s who took part this year competition where Knockinney, Pettigo and Lisbellaw. The Drama’s focused on many Parables including Feeding the 5000, Water into wine and Walking on water. This was a great night with many young people demonstrating their talents in acting. All three drama’s where well prepared and related to the theme. A lot of time, props, customs etc where used making it a very difficult competition. The judges who were Stephaine Neil and Gillian Ferguson came to the decision that Pettigo was the overall winners. Awards where given for Best Actor – Ian Armstrong - Pettigo, Runner up Best Actor – Joseph Elliottt - Knockinney and Best Actress – Emma Loane - Lisbellaw and Runner up Best Actress – Sarah Pennell – Lisbellaw. The night concluded with supper.
Whitehead Junior Christian Endeavour
Early in July, 2008, we enjoyed a special day with the four teenagers who had been our CE members for the previous few years. We went to the cinema to see ‘Prince Caspian’, the film based on one of C.S. Lewis’ books, and then feasted royally at a BBQ in our church grounds. That, perhaps, was the one sunny evening of the summer of 2008!
Our celebration was, however, tinged with sadness, because we were saying goodbye to those young people, who had reached the age for membership of the town’s Youth Fellowship. Our Church has quite a ‘senior’ congregation, and with the departure of those teenagers from C.E. it seemed that our Society was at an end. We had only one little five-year boy in the congregation. However, we, the leaders of the Society, still felt that God was calling us to continue the work amongst children, and after much prayer and discussion, we knew what we had to do next.
That involved more prayer, courage and raincoats and umbrellas, - the last two because of the heavy rain which we experienced last August. Perhaps people felt sorry for the two bedraggled, very wet females, who called at their homes and handed over invitations to C.E. for their children. We found people were very polite and friendly. We went to those houses, where there were obvious signs that children lived there, bicycles on pathways, toys in the garden, teddies on windowsills etc. We also went to the gates of the local primary school and spoke to parents there about C.E.
The more we prayed about this next step in the life of our Society, the more we felt that we needed to make some changes to encourage a new ‘generation’ of children to attend. Although we still function as a Christian Endeavour Society, we have adopted an additional name. We are ‘The King’s Club, Junior C.E.’: we meet on Tuesdays from 4.00 until 5.00pm. rather than evenings as we had done previously, and something that we are really pleased about, is that we have been able to organise a room where parents can wait for that hour and enjoy a chat and coffee/tea and biscuits. The refreshments and a listening ear are provided by a valued friend, who is a hard-working member of the congregation. Our minister also calls in, whenever he can do so.
We prepared for the first meeting of the new C.E. year to take place on Tuesday, 16th September, 2008.We went down to the church nice and early, set out the tea tray for the parents, prepared fruit and juice for the children and organised our teaching materials. Suddenly, it was five to four! We looked at the door! We looked at each other! Was anyone going to come?
God answered our prayers. Within a few minutes we had eleven beautiful boisterous children with us and on that first day five mothers stayed for tea.
Since that first day, our numbers have fluctuated. We have eighteen names on the roll, but the average attendance figure would be ten/eleven, with our lowest number being only six, one Tuesday in early January. However, we thank God for every child entrusted in His name, to our care on Tuesday afternoons.
As Christmas approached, we realised that there was another change that we would have to make. Every Christmas for over twenty five years, our Society has visited the homes of elderly folks, to sing carols and to give them gifts, but since our ‘new’ children have an average age of five years, our tradition did not seem to be feasible. Our replacement venture was a Christmas party, held in our Church room {it’s too small to be called a hall}. We invited our Senior Citizens to join us, and on the day we had a wonderful time, with eleven Senior citizens, twenty-three children!! several parents and Santa Claus. We all enjoyed games, a feast of goodies and Santa had presents for everyone!
The children are a joy to teach, but the going is not always easy. One lovely grandmother who arrived early one day to pick up her grandsons, and who was welcomed in out of the cold to join us, said,
‘It’s wonderful just how much the boys are learning, even if they are hanging upside down like monkeys.’
That remark was very encouraging to us, as sometimes we can’t help wondering if the children are actually taking in what we teach. At such times we realise especially how much we need to rely on the Lord and to remember what He did with one little boy’s picnic lunch, and what He can do with even our efforts.
Armagh and South Tyrone
Seniors and Leaders of Armagh and South Tyrone CE Union met on Saturday 7th Feb in Dungannon Presbyterian Church Hall to enjoy a meal together. Some quiz sheets were distributed to keep everyone busy after the meal. Some people got so engrossed that they even neglected their sweet! Brian and Ruth brought the evening to a close by singing a couple of well known hymns.
BUCKNA C.E. FELLOWSHIP SEEK TO LIVE - “FOR CHRIST AND THE CHURCH”
Buckna Presbyterian Church has had a long association with Christian Endeavour. When Rev. Tom Cuming arrived as minister of our congregation in 1971, one of his first actions was to start a YPCE society. In the following years as the original members moved on, they joined the Adult Fellowship, which in 1980 changed its name to the Senior CE.
Recently the name of our society has changed again to the CE Fellowship to better reflect the ages of our members. We meet once a fortnight between the months of September and Easter, with usually 25-30 members. The age of our members ranges from twenties to senior citizens. There is a great sense of friendship, fellowship and fun in our meetings, in which most of the members take an active part; indeed membership of CE has given confidence to some to take on other roles in our congregation and beyond. Our meetings are largely conducted by ourselves and several are willing to take on speaking on various topics. This year we are using the book “In the Grip of Grace” by Max Lucado as a basis for our topics, and in recent years we have looked at the “Purpose Driven Life” and Selwyn Hughes’ “Seven Laws of Spiritual Success.” Missionaries come to speak to us as well throughout the year, and we support the CE Missionary project with a special collection.
The CE Fellowship is also involved in visiting the local nursing home and also a Fold where one of our ladies is a supervisor. At Christmas we have a dinner, always popular with the men. In February we have the annual CE Service. The year ends with an outing and a meal when other people from the congregation join with us. Our society may be small in number but we more than make up for that in our fellowship together as we seek to live “For Christ and the Church.”
Dublin District
The Dublin Societies have started well with an influx of new members coming each week to have fun and learn more about the Bible.
In Grosvenor, the children have been divided into three teams to compete against each other through quizzes, attendance, wearing their CE badges and other ways to gain points for their team. Each year, a different theme is adopted with an appropriate poster to record each team’s progress and encourage healthy competition. This year, transport is the theme and progress across the world by car plane and boat is recorded on the specially adapted world map poster in the picture above with the target to arrive back in Dublin before the CE year ends. The three teams, marked in blue from Cape Town, red from Melbourne and Green from Cape Horn are progressing well and about equal.
The weekly meetings have been varied with visiting speakers, a missionary evening when Nicki, one of our former leaders who went as a missionary to Uganda and has now returned to London continuing the work, told the boys and girls about a trip she would be taking to Uganda to visit projects she had worked with. These evenings, letters and reports all help to keep us up to date on how we can support these projects.
With Christmas coming up both societies are busy Dundrum have been filling Shoeboxes for the Samaritans Purse and delivered them to the warehouse to see how there are sent out to the children. They are also doing a Christmas play for parents and friends. Grosvenor Road made advent calendars during a craft night and some of the finished calendars are shown in the picture on the left. At the same time, they are practising carols and will be singing carols at local retirement homes before Christmas again this year – a good time enjoyed by young and old.
COMRADES ENJOY REUNION DINNER
Saturday 25th October turned out to be a day of gale force winds and rain but it did not deter the determination of 27 C.E. Comrades attending the first Spring reunion lunch held at Harmony Hill Presbyterian Church, Lisburn.
Friends had travelled by trains and cars from Limavady, Belfast, Bangor, Lurgan, Ballymena, Ahoghill and Cullybackey to renew friendships.
Everyone was delighted with the ladies in the Church who not only provided us with a beautiful lunch but “seconds” all around.
Mr. Sandy Woods said Grace before lunch began.
After lunch, a short programme followed. This included a Bible quiz and Mrs. Olive Gardiner, gifted at writing poems, recited and “brought to life” one of them for us. Everyone enjoyed a Christmas musical video, which also included a message from Dr. Billy Graham. The afternoon concluded with a short talk by Mr. George Ferguson who had taken up a part time post in Cunningham Memorial Presbyterian Church, Cullybackey.
All too soon the happy “get together” had to come to an end but we all left feeling that it had been very worthwhile and hoping that this will become an annual event.
Barbara Lowry
94th Irish National Christian Endeavour Convention
The World C.E. Union Board of Trustees and Finance Committee met from Sept 17th – 21st in N.Ireland in conjunction with the 94th Irish National Christian Endeavour Convention.
World C. E. President, Faataape Lavata’i, American Samoa headed a large delegation of international officials as well as British and Irish delegates to the Irish Convention held in Carnmoney Presbyterian Church. It was hosted by the East Antrim C.E Union and organised by a Committee under the Chairmanship of Philip McCall, Larne.
So much was packed into two days with two Rallies; Seminars, Seniors’/Comrades’ Rally with author, Dr. Noel Davidson; a Fun Day attended by more than 120 excited children enjoying games organised by Paul Nesbitt; the Annual Business Meeting and the Young People, with the help of Gospel Group, “Reality” going to Junction One Shopping Centre at Antrim to help relaunch CE’s logo and its website www.ceireland.org
At the Convention’s Annual Business Meeting greetings were conveyed from the Revd. Aian Ferguson, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland and Joyce Spicer, Vice President of the Australian Union.
The Revd, Faataape Lavata’i brought greetings from his National Union in Samoa and Mr. George Ferguson on behalf of the European Region and European Endeavourers.
At the Presidential Rally, the Revd. John Dickenson, Carnmoney’s Minister, welcomed everyone, spoke of his foundations in C.E. and led the Prayers of Approach.
Irish Union Extension Convenor, Mr. Ken McGall led the Prayers of Intercession and spoke about Irish C.E.’s relaunch.
Rosemary McDaniel, All Ireland President, installed Carole Dillon as her successor.
Carole’s Address, based on the Olympics, aptly led into the theme for her Presidential year - “Heaven’s Champion – Jesus Christ”.
Sandra Stokes presented a cheque, of more than £7688, for last year’s Missionary Project to Michelle Gault of the Irish Branch of Blythswood, based at Ballyclare.
Dawn Hope introduced this year’s Project, “The Link”, based in Newtownards and working with socially deprived people of all ages including socially excluded teenagers and adults struggling with addiction.
East Antrim Union’s President, Anne Acheson, Ballyhenry and her predecessor, Jayne Wright from Kilbride were both lectors.
The Rev. Dr. Paul Blackham, formerly of All Souls, Langham Place, London speaking on the Convention’s theme, “Work in Progress” and basing his addresses on Romans 12, said, “Jesus is the true pattern and blueprint for a satisfied life and that daily we must trust Him. The people of God must be holy because He is Holy, this is a work in progress and we must be patient”.
There was so much else that was good about this Convention too – the food, thanks to Neil McMullan and his helpers; the weather; the accommodation at Carnmoney Presbyterian Church and halls, the warm, friendly atmosphere and the fellowship.
One of the new President’s first engagements was an informal reception for the World delegation when she presented the World President with a plaque from the City of Belfast.
Anne is the New President
On a warm sunny evening, her family and friends joined Christian Endeavourers from throughout East Antrim, in Ballyhenry Presbyterian Church, just north of Belfast, to see Anne Acheson installed as President of East Antrim Christian Endeavour Union. They came from Lisburn, North Down and as far away as Fermanagh.
She extended a very warm welcome to everyone, as did Ballyhenry’s new minister, the Revd. Niall Lockhart who led in prayer.
The Act of Installation was performed by outgoing President, Jayne Wright from Kilbride Presbyterian Church who had approached her own term of office with fear and trepidation but, for her, it had been a tremendous year and one of great blessing.
Jayne spoke of what a wonderful person Anne is, a “can do” person with a heart of love for young people and a real heart of love for her Heavenly Father, the Lord Jesus.
The new President’s theme, “He is still working on me” is so appropriate as the 94th Irish National Christian Endeavour Convention, hosted by East Antrim C.E. Union later in the year – 19th-20th September in the nearby Carnmoney Presbyterian Church – has as its theme, “Work in Progress”.
Jamie and Cameron Owens, Jenny Cole, Chloe and Emma Robinson and Naomi Knox from Ballyhenry Junior C.E. led the Praise Time with such joyous expression. They also helped with stewarding.
Erin McBride, from Kilbride Presbyterian Juniors, demonstrated that she was worthy of her success at the recent All Ireland Talent Contest when she recited, “Where is Jesus”?
It was through the visiting speaker, Miss Mary Henderson, that Anne, when she was 18, had been introduced to C.E. and it was through it that she met her husband, John, at a C.E. camp in Portora Royal School, Enniskillen.
Anne spoke of Mary’s involvement with the C.E. Movement having been President of the East Antrim Union, the Irish Union and the British Union together with being Irish National Junior Convenor.
As a token of thankfulness to Almighty God for the part C.E. had played in her life for the past 25 years, Mary made a surprise presentation of a shield to Anne to be used, at her discretion, in competition amongst Juniors.
The short Address was based on Nehemiah 2: 1-8.
Nehemiah was sad that the walls of Jerusalem lay in ruins so he left a secure position in the government of Persia to return to his home to rebuild the walls. God had given him a building project – this desire to rebuild the walls.
He encountered opposition but he prayed and trusted God and worked on.
As Christians, God wants to build our lives.
God is still working on us to make us what we should be for him.
We must daily pray and read the Bible.
Mary concluded by saying, “when we have Jesus in our lives, He does not give up, He is the greatest builder I know. When I turn to God as my builder, He will not let me down”.
Ballyhenry Praise Group and Laura Patterson were responsible for the music of the Service.
Further fellowship was enjoyed over a wonderful supper in the adjoining hall.
GARDENMORE JUNIOR CE
PARENTS’ NIGHT
Margaret Robertson organised an opening game in which all children, parents
and friends took part. After this we opened with a song lead by Rebecca McCall, one of our helpers, a variation on the Children’s hymn, “Jesus Loves Me”.
We had an opening prayer lead by Erin and a Bible reading brought to us by Philip Paul. A number of members took part in our chain prayer time and then we had a quiz organised for us by two of our Juniors, Ellie Carmichael and Sheldon Beggs.
After this we had some supper and after this our leader Mr Philip McCall spoke to us on the subject of the Sea, Larne being a port, our thoughts were directed to the chorus “Do you want a pilot, signal then to Jesus”.
Then our Assistant Minister, Mr. Scott Woodburn gave out our prizes. Scott has been a great friend to CE at Gardenmore and we will miss him greatly but wish him every blessing in his new charge, God Willing.
Scott closed the evening in prayer and our members, friends and parents stayed on to enjoy each other’s company.
We will see one another again at the beginning of October when we will restart our season.
We commend Amy to our Young People’s Society when it starts in September but look forward to receiving new members, God Willing, in October.
Gardenmore Juniors
Ennislillen Union - Young Adults Dinner
On Saturday 23rd February the 1st Irish Union Young Adults dinner was held in The Otter Lodge, Cookstown. The night was well attended by young adults mostly from Tyrone and Fermanagh. We all enjoyed a great meal, followed by short talk from the Irish President Rosemary McDaniel titled ‘Put God First’. After the meal a very enjoyable time of fun and fellowship was had during a Beetle Drive organised by Mark Crawford. Thanks to everyone who attended and helped in any way to make the night a success.
Sharon Mc Elroy
Young Adults Dinner
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Spring Rhythm 2008 Review
This year Spring Rhythm was once again held at Hillhall Presbyterian in sunny Lisburn. It was a jam-packed weekend of fun, fellowship and a healthy dose of madness and although numbers were down on previous years there was a real presence of God throughout the entire weekend.
The theme for this year was “Since You’ve Been Gone” and the speaker Stu Neill brought to us the importance of the Gospels and in particular the Great Commission. This started on the Friday night when we were reminded to ‘keep the main thing (the Gospels), the main thing’. The band as usual was amazing and we had great times of worship throughout the weekend. After playing some games, we all went quietly to bed and went to sleep immediately. (Well, after 3 hours of football and table tennis in the guy’s hall.
After all being gently awakened by Dave playing the some rocking tunes on the Mac, we got up for a new day. The morning was spent learning a bit about some different outreach organisations and events – Celebration Of Hope, Abaana and Blythswood. After hearing these groups, we had the task of coming up with our own outreach ideas, which produced some really worthwhile results.
After lunch we went out into Lisburn to take part in some outreach. There was praise, prayer and testimony and of course the ever popular puppet ministry. The rain held off for us and we were able to reach out to those on the streets.
That night after another amazing time of worship and praise with Stu once again bringing Gods word to us, we had a bit of a social which was led by John McCreedy were Hillhalls new minister showed everyone how dancing should be done!
The next morning, we led the morning service @ Hillhall and again Stu spoke really effectively about taking the Gospel out into the world around us. After a great lunch provided again by our ever-faithful chef Nicoleo, we packed up and went our separate ways, until next year of course!
However, it was not all-good news, Dave the main leader announced that this would be his last year in charge. We are all sad to see him go.
Stephen
Hillhall YPCE
SR'08
Enniskillen YP Outing'07
Presidents Photos 2007/08
East Antrim Talent Contest Apr'08
Gardenmore Presbyterian Parents Night
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