Pick up your autumn Connor Connections!

Monday October 25th 2021

The autumn issue of the diocesan magazine Connor Connections is now available free in all parishes in the diocese.

This bumper 24-page issue is packed with news and features, all the latest in youth and children’s ministry, and a message from Bishop George Davison. On the front cover, little Norah enjoys the flowers at the opening of a new community garden established by Ballymoney Parish.

Inside are interviews with international rower Giselle Coulter from St Stephen’s, Belfast; Robert Yarr BEM who has been organist in Ballinderry Parish Church for 60 years; the Rev Dr Andrew Campbell, St Patrick’s, Broughshane, who talks about how dyslexia has impacted his life and ministry; and John Williams, new Ulster Regimental Commander for the Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade, and a parishioner in Magheragall.

Sarah Coates, ministry assistant in the Parish of St Peter and St James, Belfast, shares the moving story of her son Noah, who died aged just 12 from a rare neurological illness, and the hope she and her husband Greg have for a new treatment for their daughter Gracie, who has the same disease. You can keep up to date with developments in this story on the family’s public Facebook page.

We look back on Agherton Parish’s Crest of a Wave weekend, which focused on mental health for all; and at the Rev Canon Stuart Lloyd’s Everest via Slemish challenge which raised funds for charities in Nepal.

A group of cyclists pedal-powered their way around all the churches in Antrim Rural Deanery to raise funds for NI Chest Heart and Stroke; and you can read how the parishioners of St Columba’s, Derryvolgie, got on when they set out to walk the length of Chile!

Lest we forget, we share the story of Flight Sargeant David Maffett who served in the RAF during World War Two and was a prisoner of war for three years. His medals have been presented to the Ulster Aviation Society by his niece, Magheragall parishioner May Best.

In case you missed any of the ‘action’ from Connor’s online diocesan synod, we have a full report of proceedings in this autumn Connor Connections.

Be sure you pick up your copy!