Parishes within the Rural Deanery of Coleraine united for a special Pentecost Praise service on Sunday May 19.
Agherton; Ballintoy and Dunseverick; Ballymoney, Finvoy and Rasharkin; Ballyrashane and Kildollagh; Ballywillan; Billy and Derrykeighan; Coleraine and Dunluce parishes were all invited to attend the evening service held in St Patrick’s, Coleraine.
The rector of St Patrick’s, the Rev Roger Cooke, welcomed several hundred worshippers, and during the service three
people, hailing from town, coast and country
locations, all told something of their own personal story and selected a song or hymn that had special meaning to them.
Laverne Fillis, from Coleraine town (St Patrick’s), selected ‘Bless the Lord O my soul;’ Dr Frank Dobbs from the coastal resort of Portstewart (Agherton Parish) selected ‘There is a Green Hill far away,’ and Wendy Moorehead from the country parish of Billy and Derrykeighan chose the song ‘To God be the Glory.’
A film recorded by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy, especially for Pentecost Sunday was played to the large congregation. In his message, Bishop Alan spoke about the Connor Vision Strategy which focuses on the theme Connections: Empowering Ministry, Engaging Culture and Effecting Change.
The preacher at the service, the Rev Andrew Sweeney, rector of Ballymoney, picked up this theme, speaking about engaging, equipping and enabling.
Music was provided by the organist and the St Patrick’s Band, and following the service people from all parts of the Rural Deanery came together for fellowship and refreshments.
Bishop Alan’s Day of Pentecost video was broadcast in churches across Connor Diocese on May 19 as parishes responded to the Bishop ‘s invitation to engage with the Vision Strategy on this special day. Parishes were also provided with liturgy, a homily and a written message from the Bishop.
© Copyright The Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor 2024 | Web Design by LD2.digital