Agherton Parish on the ‘Crest of a Wave’

Thursday September 2nd 2021

Connor Diocesan Youth Officer Christina Baillie and some of the leaders of the Agherton Parish ‘Crest of a Wave’ weekend ensure they are in the picture!

Mental health was the focus of ‘Crest of a Wave’ – a big family weekend organised by Agherton Parish, Portstewart, from August 20-22.

The weekend was funded by an Education Authority grant, with around 70 people taking part, made up of the parish Sunday Surfer families.

The weekend included games, crafts, barbecues, a petting farm, singing, healthy snacks and family worship in the big marquee on the Sunday morning. Most events were held outdoors, with all participants contributing to the creation of a new ‘wet felt’ banner incorporating Agherton Parish’s logo.

Rector, the Rev Malcolm Ferry, was supported in this initiative by Agherton’s Parish Nurses. He said the whole weekend had been family orientated. “That was our desire – family should be the first port of call for a child who needs to say ‘I am not happy.’ Mental health was implicit and explicit throughout the weekend, with opportunities for children and parents to talk and share.”

A great time was had by all, as our photo gallery shows. You can read more about the ‘Crest of a Wave’ weekend in the autumn issue of the diocesan magazine, Connor Connections, which will be in parishes next month.