President's Page 2009/2010

Sunday 23rd January 2010

Priesthill Methodist YP’s

After a quite Christmas as president I was delighted to visit a newly formed young peoples society and equally as delighted to see our ex-president Carole.  The young people were very enthusiastic and it was great to see everyone take part in a time of chain prayer. 

They seemed to enjoy my talk and participated very willingly and were generally very attentive and it was a real pleasure to visit them.

I wish them all the best and would encourage the leaders to keep up the good work, I think they were all encouraged when two new members arrived and I will continue to pray for them all in the future.

Sunday 7th February 2010

Carnmoney Presbyterian CE Service

Had a lovely morning back at the church where my journey in CE began.  Saw a lot of old faces and could not believe it was 18 years since I left to start up a CE in Glengormley Methodist.  The kids and young people were excellent and the use of the projection system made for a very affective and interactive service.  It is great to see CE still very strong in Carnmoney Presbyterian.

Saturday 27th February 2010

Spring Council

Was not as nervous for this meeting and was encouraged by the prayers and support from my fellow council members.  Numbers were down slightly but this did not stop us discussing some important business.  I left quite exhausted and with some issues to follow up and I will trust that my Lord will guide me through them.

Wednesday 3rd March 2010

Westbourne Presbyterian

This was my first visit of a busy week on my tour round three Presbyterian Church’s.  It was also the first time I have visited this CE and was very excited to see a willing band of leaders and some enthusiastic young people.  As always I was pleased to see so many taking part and speaking out at the front of the meeting.  It was also nice to hear the boys and girls repeating the consecration promises.

Friday 5th March 2010 

1st Newtownards Presbyterian

This was not my first visit to this church however it was my first visit to their CE meeting and I was not disappointed.  Promises were again enthusiastically repeated and lots of participation.  I was especially encouraged by everyone joining in the chain prayer and praying for lots of people from their own church and also for the people in Haiti and  Chile.  The singing was great and I enjoyed sitting in on their group work activities as they planned their upcoming meetings.

Sunday 7th March 2010

Kilbride Presbyterian CE Service

My second visit to Kilbride this year was not disappointing and I enjoyed bringing my family the relatively short distance to share in their annual CE service.  The young people were fantastic and so confident standing up in front of a busy church.  The drama by the intermediate section was very entertaining but also told a strong story about temptation and how we must resist and trust in Jesus to help us at all times.  Saw a few old faces and was given a very warm welcome by Rev Moore who I remembered from Carnmoney Presbyterian more years ago that either of us wanted to admit. 

Friday 12th March 2010

Drumlough Presbyterian

I travelled to Drumlough with my wife and was given a lovely welcome by the local farmers who decided they would spread their ‘muck’ all over the roads just as I had cleaned my car.

However this was not as good a welcome as I received by the Junior CE members and Charlotte gave me a lovely welcome as she opened the meeting.  I was later interviewed by Peter who could be a future Piers Morgan with some very probing questions.

The boys and girls treated us all to some lovely singing and then they all expertly repeated all 66 books of the bible.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and I wish them all the best in the future with special thanks to Elaine who does a great work with some brilliant young people.

Friday 19th March

CE Executive

This was a very busy night and had some major issues that needed addressed so it lasted longer than usual but everything was successfully dealt with and everyone departed in good spirits.

Saturday 20th March 

East Antrim Talent Contest 

Kilbride Presbyterian played the perfect hosts for a very successful talent contest where the numbers had increased since last year.  There were some fantastic performances especially in the drama and choir sections.  Bible reading classes were again well attended and there were an increase in the singing groups as well.

East Antrim will be very confident going into the Irish finals in April at 1st Antrim Presbyterian.

Sunday 21st March

Dunluce Presbyterian

My family and I made a lovely trip up the North Coast to visit some old friends from Irish CE.  Auntie Gwen and Rev Carson were holding their annual service and prize giving and I was honoured to be their special guest.  The CE members were fantastic as they took the whole service.  We had solo singing and a praise time as well as some beautiful verses spoken by the whole CE.  The service was led expertly from the pulpit and the bible was word perfect.

My family really enjoyed our visit to Dunluce and thanks to some lovely weather the drive was also enjoyable as well.

Keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing some of you again at the Irish Finals of the talent contest.

Tuesday 23rd March

German CE – Kassel 

I was in Germany on business and thought I would call in to see all our colleagues in German CE.  I met with Thomas Kroeck who showed me round their impressive set up.  I was both stunned and excited to hear that German CE has a membership of over 40,000 and was impressed by their facilities which included 30 full and part time staff. 

I met many of their staff including their general secretary and the general secretary of the world union.

Saturday 27th March

Irish Top Society Quiz

I had a busy day on Saturday but was delighted to be able to take the time to call in to the Top Society quiz in Sydenham Methodist Church.  I was pleased to see teams as far away as Newry had made the trip up and they all seemed to be enjoying the snacks.  I was impressed by their knowledge of Genesis chapter one and must commend Rosemary and Caroline for all their hard work putting together the 8 rounds of questions.