Lives celebrated in ‘Shining Stars’ in Mid Belfast Rural Deanery

Wednesday December 21st 2022

Launching ‘Shining Stars’ at St Michael’s.

The railings of the churches at St Michael’s, St Matthew’s, Immanuel, St Andrew’s, and Whiterock (Connect Base) are adorned with ‘Shining Stars’ this Christmas, thanks to a Mid Belfast Rural Deanery project.

Staff and pupils from Malvern Primary School, the Rev Alan Conly and Emmajayne from Shankill and Woodvale Methodist and Keeva and Ben from ROC NI helped the staff team at Church of Ireland Lower Shankill (COILS) celebrate the lives of everyone represented by this project.

A special star above the banner was designed by staff in Small Wonders Afterschool Care in remembrance of little Stella-Lily McCorkindale.

COILS Development Officer Heather Carson said: “It was a privilege for our Community Chaplain, Frank, to lead a service of remembrance at the Afterschool Centre recently and for Rev Janet to pray at our ‘Shining Stars’ Celebration for Stella-Lily’s family and all who knew her at this very sad and difficult time.

“Thank you to everyone in Malvern Primary School, Hemsworth Court, Small Wonders Nursery and Afterschool Care, St Michael’s Afterschool Clubs and St Stephen’s Sunday School, who designed our beautiful stars.”

Launching Shining Stars at Connect Base, the North Belfast Centre of Mission, are, from left: Rev Tracey McRoberts, Heather Carson, the Rev Canon Jim Carson; Mr Jim Patterson, Mrs Rosemary Patterson and the Rev Adrian Bell.