My Dear Friends
We have experienced, once again, a year of mixed situations.
Families within the congregation have welcomed new 'additions' into their midst, with the resulting joy and blessing that accompanies such a gift. We congratulate them and look forward to watching our children grow in stature and in faith.
Couples too, have been married through the ministry of this church. Congratulations to them and our prayers are with them as they begin married life together.
On the opposite side of the coin, families have been devastated by the loss of a loved one. We mourn with those who mourn.
Particularly we mourn the death of our senior elder, Mr. D C Morrow, who died on 20 November 2004. David's ministry was consistent, thoughtful and kind. He will be remembered fondly by both congregation and community alike.
Over these past months we have experienced much pain as we have laid to rest committed members of the congregation too; our love and prayers to all who mourn.
May I say a little, however, of the last two funerals here in First. They have both been the victims of suicide. Death by one's own hand is hard to consider, even harder to understand. For families there are resulting extra emotions to the normal feelings of grief that death produces. There is trauma, pain, guilt and anger. As a community we must respond. Suicide here has cut across the divides of culture, age, class and creed. Currently we are considering the correct strategies as a denomination and as united churches.
Let me tell you of two responses which are connected to our concern over the suicides of young people and our general care for them. These have come from our Kirk Session's strategy and vision days:
- Prayer : times for united prayer 12/24 hour prayer times.
- Presence : over the weekends we want to be present in the town. Other churches will join us to hand out hot drinks as well as being a 'listening ear' to those young people around. There has been much trouble on Friday and Saturday nights. We want to see if we can help.
We will need willing volunteers to do both. More information will come. Please consider if you can help in any way.
The other new ministry that we have undertaken this year has been Master's Commission. We welcomed 19 new students from USA, South Africa, Germany and Northern Ireland to our church. They are here for nine months at a time and graduation is at the end of May. We also welcomed Lloyd and Brenda Rindels along with their son, Hunter, to Ballynahinch. Lloyd and Brenda are the Directors of the programme. Also we welcome Erica Healy and Michael Skinner, their interns.
My thanks and that of Kirk Session to all the host families who have welcomed these young people into their homes as part of their families. This has been an amazing witness.
In October we had the privilege of commissioning Clare Hill as our Director of Youth Ministry and already Clare seems as if she has been here forever. She has made an incredible input to our children's and youth work already. We are blessed.
The Rev Dr George Grindle continues to minister with kindness, humour and love. He has helped me with the pastoral care, particularly of our elderly and sick folk. My thanks to him and Pearl for all they do.
As a Kirk Session and Congregation we must express our love and unending thanks to Gavin for his long years as Clerk of Session. Gavin has been unceasing in his commitment and love for this congregation and indeed its minister. He has worked sacrificially for us in this role. He deserves his retirement and we know he will not stop. He plans to do more in the pastoral ministry of our church. Personally Gavin has and is a great friend and fellow worker in Christ.
As a Session we have decided to make the role of Clerk of Session a rotational one - folk would take on for between three and five years initially. Therefore, I welcome Jackie Scott into this new role and ask that you will pray for him and Valerie as he takes up his new responsibilities.
Last month I became Convener of Downpatrick and Ardglass when Rev Ernie Boggs retired. I ask you to pray for me and these congregations over the next months.
My thanks go to all in leadership within the congregation and to all who minister and help in any way. Your contribution is greatly appreciated by me and Kirk Session.
Please pray for our new committee as they begin their three year term in office.
Our love and thanks as a family are extended to you all.
Your friend in Christ's Name
MAIRISINE
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Session Report
Committee Report
Treasurer's Report
George's Report
Home Groups Report
Youth Ministry Report
Masters Commissions Report
Sunday School Report
Fusion Report
Youth Club Report
Scouts Report
Beavers Report
Guides Report
Brownies Report
Rainbos Guides Report
Cygnets Report
PWA Report
Young Woman's Group Report
Choir Report
Bowling Club Report
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