The Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor

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Harvest with a difference in Antrim Rural Deanery

Tuesday September 29th 2020

Leading worship at the Antrim Rural Deanery drive-in Harvest Celebration.

A Harvest Celebration with a difference took place in the car park at Sixmile Leisure Centre, Ballyclare, on Sunday evening, September 27.

Due to the coronavirus restrictions, and building on the success of the summer drive-in services in Ballyclare, the Rev Canon Kerr, Antrim Rural Dean, came up with the idea of a rural deanery drive-in Harvest Service.

Bishop George Davison was the preacher at the drive-in service.

Parishioners from across the Antrim Rural Deanery gathered in the safety of their cars to listen to the service on their car radios.

The theme was recognising and thanking God for his faithfulness. Music was led by members of different churches within the rural deanery, and the guest preacher was the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison.

More than 50 cars travelled from various parts of the deanery to worship from the comfort of their warm cars, tuning into a local FM frequency.

The rector of St John’s, Ballyclare, the Rev Jonny Campbell-Smyth said: “It was so encouraging to see in these uncertain times the enthusiasm of people to gather in this way.

“We have once again proven that our worship is not restricted to just church buildings, and this event has been a tremendous witness to our community.

“Bishop George has reminded us tonight in his study of Genesis 8 that God remains faithful, even when in difficult times like these we may lose hope. We thank God for his provisions, and pray that our parishes within the rural deanery will come close to him in the months ahead.” 

The Rev Canon Derek Kerr, Antrim Rural Dean, addresses those who attended the service in Sixmile Leisure Centre carpark.

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