NEWS BRIEFS

Derry church leaders support for Tour de Foyle

Photo above – Leaders of the main churches in Londonderry on Saturday for the start of this year’s Flogas Tour de Foyle 10:80 at St Columb’s Park.

This was the sixth time the charity cycle and run had taken place. It is a fun event organised by the North West Methodist Mission.

‘The Tour’ brings people of all abilities together to raise much-needed funds for the homeless and for those in need right in the city.

The Flogas Tour de Foyle 10:80 offers the option of taking part in an 80km cycle along both coasts of Lough Foyle or a 10k walk or run.

Archdeacon Miller was Joining at the start were the Bishop of Derry, Dr Donal McKeown, Rev Colin McKibben from the Presbyterian Church’s Foyle Presbytery, the Superintendent of the city’s Methodist Mission Rev Dr Richard Johnston and Archdeacon Miller of ther C of I.

Egypt and Sudan bishops at Down ordination

There was a reunion of friends at the ordination of Deacons in Down Cathedral. Ian McAleavey was surprised to be embraced by Bishop Mouneer of Egypt who hosted his training placement in Cairo. Bishop Harold invited Bishop Mouneer and Bishop Moses of Maridi, South Sudan, to join in the ordination reminding the congregation that this is a calling into a world wide church and ministry.

Unpacking Youth Ministry in the local church

Booking is still open for the PCI Youth Ministry Course – On Monday nights 7.30-9.30pm, beginning 23 September until 9 December 2019 (including residential Friday 8 November evening to Saturday 9 November). Venue: Union Theological College, Belfast

This redesigned course is for anyone over 18 working actively with young people in their local church. It unpacks the why, what, who and how of engaging teenagers for the gospel. The course will cover some big picture thinking to help clarify where youth work fits in the overall life of the church and focus on some of the key skills of reaching, embracing and equipping young people to live out faith in Jesus Christ in an increasingly challenging culture. It will help participants reflect on their own practise as they apply the material to what they do, and equip them to be a more focussed and effective youth leader.

Dance and drama at East Belfast Mission

For the past two weeks kids taking part in the East Belfast Mission’s Revive Summer Scheme, funded by Belfast City Council, were delighted to take part in exciting dance and drama workshops provided by Glenn and Debra from C21 Theatre Company and The Grand Opera House, Belfast. The kids had a ball making new friends, trying new things and learning new skills including a dance routine to ‘Never Enough’ from The Greatest Showman.

Leckpatrtick Rectory Coffee Morning a big success

Saturday’s ‘Rectory Coffee Morning’ in Ballymagorry – organised by the Parishioners of Leckpatrick and Dunnalong – exceeded expectations, raising over £800 for the church’s Fabric Fund.

The weather held fair for the event, which lasted from 10 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon. The Rectory, adjacent to Leckpatrick Parish Church, enjoys magnificent views of the surrounding countryside, extending down to the River Foyle and beyond to Donegal.

The Rector, Rev Canon Paul Whittaker, has thanked all who called in for their support and generosity. Among them was the Rector of All Saints, Clooney, Rev David McBeth, who has very close ties with Leckpatrick and Dunnalong.

Food for thought

Every time you experience the pain of rejection, absence, or death, you are faced with a choice.

You can become bitter and decide not to love again, or you can stand straight in your pain and let the soil on which you stand become richer and more able to give life to new seeds – Henri Nouwen