I am the Lord I Change Not Malachi 3v6 (NLT)

Contents Page No.

Presbyterian Orphan and Children’s society ……….. Church Breakfast ………………………………………. Blankets for Malawi ……………………………………. When we are at our weakest …………………………. Celebrations ……………………………………………. General Assembly June ’16 ………………………….. The Difference …………………………………………. The really really busy person’s book on marriage …. HBC 2016: The thrills and spills ! ……………………. Young people’s day and Church Picnic ………………

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Church Organisations: Children’s Church ……………….. BB ………………………………… GB ………………………………… Choir notes ………………………. Cradle Roll ………………………. PW ……………………………….. Flower Rota………………………. Committee Report ………………. Catering Group ………………….. Treasurer’s Report ……………….

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Church Record …………………………………………. Upcoming Events………………………………………..

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Many many thanks to all who have sent in contributions to this latest edition of the magazine. Without you there would be no magazine! John and I are extremely grateful for all who help to make this magazine informative, topical and interesting. We are always looking for new people to be involved. Please do get in touch. My thanks to John for printing the magazine . Claire McDowell Page 2

The Manse 2 August 2016 Dear Friends, There is little doubt that the world is becoming a scarier place as the threat of Isalmic terror continues to increase. It is difficult to take in the lengths to which these fanatics will go to for their cause. As I write, the horrific death of Father Jacques Hamel in his church near Rouen is the most recent of a whole series of barbaric massacres by Islamic terrorists. And yet we shouldn’t be surpirsed that such things are happening. In Matthew 24 Jesus himself said that at the end of the age you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. Nation will rise against nation and Christians will be persecuted and even put to death. I don’t wish to be alarmist but Jesus words are being fulfilled today. In this dark and ever changing world we praise God that He is unchanging. We can trust in the unchanging love and grace of our eternal God to supply all of our needs. He even gave his only Son as the guarantor of His love. When we really trust God through Jesus Christ, then his Spirit assures us that he is present with us and that nothing can touch our lives apart from His will. God is the only sure and lasting hope that we can know and have. In Christ we have nothing to fear for He promises to be with us for all time and those who stand firm to the end will be saved. Your friend and minister, Eddie McDowell

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Children’s Church After the children’s talk children of primary school age can go to Splash (P1-P4) or X-Stream (P5-P7). Pre-school children, including those of nursery school age, are welcome to join crèche at this stage. Scripture Union Light materials are provided for use in Splash and X-Stream. Over the past year the children have learnt about Elijah and Elisha, as well as covering some chapters from Mark’s gospel. On the first Sunday in September X-Stream members organised a church breakfast which was a lovely start to the church year. Breakfast consisting of fruit, fruit juice, yogurt, cereals, and a selection of breads, tea and coffee, was served in the Lecture Hall. It is planned to host this again this year so please come and join us from 10.15 on 4th September for breakfast, or for the early risers, a morning cuppa and a chat. In the autumn children in crèche, Splash and X-Stream filled shoe boxes for distribution by Blythswood. We anticipate taking on this project again in October so would very much appreciate donations of shoeboxes, full or empty, and also toiletries, hats/scarves, gloves and sweets (in date until March). Last year it was lovely to be able to include small teddies, which had been knitted by a member of the congregation, in the children’s boxes. Please leave any donations in the Galbraith Hall or give to Jean Currie. In March the children filled small gift bags and gave these to the Easter Sunday morning congregation at the close of the service. The commitment from all the leaders and helpers, both teenage and adult, is greatly appreciated and contributes to morning worship each Sunday allowing all present, and especially parent/grandparents, to concentrate on the teaching with fewer distractions. It is a pleasure to have a willing group to call upon for help and great when they tell me that they have Page 4

also enjoyed the experience. Our hearts should fill with thankfulness that we have a group of children who are regularly present at Sunday morning worship and who are a part of God’s family in First Ballyeaston. Jean Currie

Our start dates for the next session are: Anchor Boys (P1-P4) Monday 5th September 6.30pm - 7.30pm Junior Section (P5-P7) Friday 9th September 7pm - 8.30pm Company Section (1st Year to Upper 6th) Monday 5th September 7.30pm - 9.15pm. All groups meet in Brann Hall, 2nd Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church. Anyone who would be interested in helping out on either a Monday or a Friday, either weekly or occasionally please get in touch with me at [email protected] or [email protected]? Anyone with any questions or queries please contact Gardiner McAuley.

1st Ballyeaston Girls Brigade We hope everyone has had a good summer and ready to start a fun packed year at Girls Brigade. This year we are celebrating our 65th birthday and we have lots of exciting activities planned. Registration night is Friday 2nd September 2016 at 6.30pm in the MacConnell Hall for all sections. Please remember that your attendance at registration night counts as part of your full attendance for the year. Any queries please contact Claire on 07812 043644 or Jayne on 07703 006640. We look forward to seeing you all on Friday 2nd September.

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Our Joint services with Second Ballyeaston congregation are nearly over for another summer. Hopefully we will all be refreshed from holidays and enthusiastic about another winter’s activities in the life of our Church. This time last year we were looking forward to working along with the music group and Thomas Brown our Musical Coordinator. I think I can now say we are looking forward to another year working with him. He has become a good friend to the choir and music group members and indeed many in the congregation. Our first main event this year is the Annual Harvest Services in October. Those of you out there men and women who have been given the talent for singing (we know who you are, we have heard you!) please come and join us at the front. Watch the bulletin each week for details of our Harvest Choir practices, which will be starting in early September. They are on a Wednesday evening 7.00pm to 8.00pm Margaret Waugh (Choir Secretary)

Presbyterian Orphan and Children’s Society The time for the Orphan and Children's Society collection will soon roll around again and we will be taking contributions from Sunday 4th September until Sunday 27th November. Envelopes may be placed on the collection plate any Sunday during this period. If you would like a donation to be collected from your home please ring Jean on 93 324185 or Lily on 93 323450 and this can be arranged. Page 6

Cradle Roll When a child is baptised, he/she is placed on the Cradle Roll of the Church until they are 4 years of age. The church keeps in touch by sending a birthday card each year. It is hoped that after the age of 4 the child will be coming along to Sunday School, Church and when they start primary school Children’s Church. From the 1 April 2016 – 31 August 2016 we wished the following children Happy Birthday: 4 April 2016 28 April 2016 9 May 2016 19 May 2016 1 July 2016 25 July 2016 1 August 2016 10 August 2016 19 August 2016

James McKnight Jessica Dickey Ellen McDowell Jennifer Hamilton Alicia Crothers Emma Rogan Emily Baird Emma Hamilton John McFarland

4th birthday 2nd birthday 1st birthday 1st birthday 3rd birthday 3rd birthday 3rd birthday 4th birthday 4th birthday

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Church Breakfast, hosted by X-Stream (P5 - P7) You are warmly invited to join us for breakfast in the Lecture Hall from 10.15am on Sunday 4th September as we celebrate the start of the new church, and academic, year. Menu will include fruit juice, fruit, yoghurt, cereal, selection of breads and tea/coffee. Everyone is welcome to come along for all or part of the time, for breakfast or just a cup of tea and a chat. Page 7

Theme for 2016/17: ‘This is the day’ Throughout the summer months, the PW Committee has been working hard behind the scenes planning a programme of meetings and events for the new 2016/2017 session starting in September. Our theme this year ‘This is the Day’ is based on Zephaniah 3:5 ……every new day He does not fail. We hope our programme below has something to suit ladies of all age groups. We would encourage you to come along and share fellowship and friendship with us on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in the MacConnell Hall starting at 7.30pm. Tuesday 13th September – Abernethy Butter Come along and hear Alison Abernethy tell how she makes handmade country butter from the hills of Co Down in the traditional way by churns and get to sample it on homemade wheaten bread and pancakes! Yum! Monday 10th October – Harvest Supper Join us in our Harvest Celebrations and be entertained by father and son duo Dessie and Owen Mac. Owen is only 13 years of age and is already making it big with his singing career on stage, radio and TV. We also have The Alastair Scott Ceilidh Band a 3 piece bunch of talented musicians from Counties Tyrone and Antrim who will keep your toes tapping with lively music, stories and poems. Tickets are available as it is likely to attract a big crowd. They are £10 each, including supper, and are available from any PW member. Tuesday 8th November – Made to Stitch n Design Come along and meet Michelle Davies, a wife and mum to 3 boys who loves fabric and the endless possibilities it brings to change our surroundings and bring love, joy and comfort to others. She makes bespoke one off cushions, curtains, roman Page 8

blinds, bible/journal covers and anything else you ask of her. A truly talented lady! Our Mission Box Opening is also on this night. Please pass your mission box to any member of PW or drop it into the collection box that will be available in the church vestibule for a few weeks prior to this date. Please remember to put your name on your box so we know who to return it to. Could we please ask you to COUNT the money in your box this year and change it into notes and silver coins to make it easier for our volunteer counters. This would be greatly appreciated! Saturday 3rd December – Christmas Fair Enjoy an afternoon of Christmas festivities in our Church Halls from 2pm – 5pm with Santa’s Grotto, Stalls, Homemade Crafts, Gifts, Produce and not forgetting Ballyeaston’s Famous Afternoon Teas! Tuesday 13th December – Christmas Dinner (venue to be confirmed) Join us for our Annual Christmas Dinner. A nice relaxing meal out amongst friends where somebody else gets to do the cooking and the washing up! Well ladies as you can see we have a very varied and interesting programme to kick start our 2016/2017 session. Details of our New Year events will be available in the next edition of the Link. Please do come along and join us! Gillian Cahoon PW Secretary

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Flower Rota - Sept to Jan September 4th – Mrs M Davis 11th Mrs H McAuley 18th Mrs L Hill 25th Mrs M Bingham October 2nd Mrs A Grimason 9th Harvest 16th Mrs M McNeilly 23rd Mrs J Currie 30th Mrs M Strain November 6th Mrs J Woodside 13th Mrs D Cunningham (Remembrance Sunday) 20th Mrs L Gordon (GB enrolment) 27th Mrs E Witherhead December 4th Mrs B Irvine 11th, 18th & 25th Mrs A Beard Thank you for supplying flowers each Sunday. If your allocated date does not suit please try to swap with someone or failing that contact Agnes Grimason on Tel: 93 323952 Anyone who has received flowers in a container from the church can they please return this to the Galbraith hall or your district elder or visitor so it can be used again.

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Blankets for Malawi On behalf of PW, I would like to thank everyone who has knitted or crotched baby blankets for the David Gordon Memorial Hospital in Malawi. The first shipment of 18 blankets went out in July. Dr Lyn Dowds is the main doctor and medical officer at the hospital and was speaking about her work at a PW presbytery rally. After the meeting I spoke with her and asked if there was anything she particularly needed that our PW group could help with. Her response was that they needed nappies and blankets for new born babies. The PW bought a large consignment of nappies and these were shipped out to the hospital along with the blankets in July. Please continue to knit or crochet blankets for shipment around November. Dr Dowds requested that the blankets are one metre square, as they are folded a certain way to swaddle babies up to the age of two. The blankets can be made using different colours of wool or of one colour, but as some of the babies are jaundiced a full yellow blanket is not preferred. Blankets can be made up of squares, long strips joined together or made as a complete blanket. If you need any further information please contact me at 02893 341533. Thank you again for your support and please continue to pray for the work carried on by Dr Lyn Dowds and her staff at the David Gordon Memorial Hospital in Livingstonia, Malawi. Jane Stewart Page 11

Church Committee Report Access to the Church Roof. John Dickey has been working with the members of the property committee in relation to providing access to the roof of the vestibule to allow easier access for any future work. Unfortunately, this isn’t a straightforward task and hopefully a solution will be identified in the near future. Paintwork on the exterior of the vestibule There has been issues with the new paintwork on the upper area of the outside of the vestibule. There have been discussions with the paint manufacturer and the painter about the problem, which may be due to damp in the render. It has been decided to ask a specialist to come to site to check if there is a leak in the roof that is causing this problem. Access to the MacConnell Hall and the Lecture Hall. The flagstones at the entrance ramp to the Lecture Hall are due to be replaced with a non-slip finish material to help reduce the likelihood of anyone slipping in this area. The step outside the fire door on the MacConnell Hall will need altered to comply with the requirements of our Entertainment Licence -the step will either be made significantly larger or be replaced with a ramp. Manse Roof. The roof of the Manse needs work carried out and we are currently waiting for additional quotations before proceeding with this work. Church Heating System. The heating system that feeds the Church, Vestibule and Galbraith Hall has been giving problems for a considerable period of time. It cannot be guaranteed that the heating will come on when required and our Clerk of Session, William Stewart has to come up to the Church early on Sunday morning to check if the system has come on. We are unsure if the problem lies with the boiler or the control systems, so a specialist has been asked to investigate the problem during August when the joint services are to be held in 2nd Ballyeaston. Malcolm Downey Congregational Secretary Page 12

When we are at our weakest, God is at his greatest I was reminded the other day that it was over a year ago since I had surgery. The surgery came after months of tests, scans and waiting for results. A cancer diagnosis is the last thing any patient wants to hear but I was incredibly blessed; I had a merciful, forgiving and loving God who was more than capable of getting me through the months ahead. I put my life entirely in God’s hands and carried on. God didn’t let me down he drew me so close I could feel his very presence. He answered my prayers in ways I never thought possible. I can never thank God enough for all he has done for me over the past 18 months. I know during this time many people in the congregation were remembering me in prayer. Thank you God for answered prayers and I thank each and every one of you for all your prayers and support and pray that God will continue to bless you. Thank-you Eddie William and Jim for your visits and words of support. I remember one particular visit from William on the day before I went in for surgery his parting words were to remind me that God is in control. As I was being wheeled towards the theatre for a second time these words brought me great comfort. I will need to have further check-ups for a while but recent results are looking very good indeed. I had a loving family, great surgeon, fantastic doctors and nurses and a wonderful saviour - who could ask for more. No one knows what tomorrow may bring but we don’t have to face it alone, put your trust in God and let him be your refuge. Psalm 46.1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Patsy McAuley Page 13

Celebrations On 1st May 2016 our minister emeritus, Dr J H MacConnell celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a Presbyterian minister. To recognise this significant milestone in his ministry there was a special service in our church on 1st May when Dr MacConnell conducted worship. His wife Adelaide, daughters Louise and Andrea and granddaughter Cara accompanied him. A large congregation of current and past members along with invited guests and friends was present to share in this special occasion.

In his address Dr MacConnell looked back over his 50 years of ministry and shared how God had led and guided him through the many responsibilities and challenges that he faced. At the end of the service Rev McDowell and Clerk of Session, William Stewart paid tribute to his faithful and dedicated service to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, to this Page 14

congregation and to the local community. On behalf of the congregation, Ian Patterson presented Dr MacConnell with a gift in recognition of his 50th anniversary and Roberta Patterson presented Adelaide with a bouquet of flowers. After the service everyone was invited to lunch in the church hall after which further tributes were paid to Dr MacConnell by some of his invited guests. On behalf of the Kirk Session and congregation I take this opportunity to give thanks to God for the 50th anniversary of Dr MacConnells ordination and for his faithful and dedicated service to this congregation and community. We pray that both he and Adelaide will be blessed with many more years of health and strength to enjoy retirement. Also, Mr Ian Patterson retired from the eldership this year after 46 years’ service. During this time he was Clerk of Session for 27 years. As a small token of our appreciation for this long and dedicated service he was presented with a gift on behalf of the congregation at morning

worship on 12th June. William Stewart, Clerk of Session, paid tribute to Ian’s faithful service to the congregation and the large part that he played in all aspects of the work and witness. He is held in very high esteem by members of Kirk session and the congregation and we wish him God’s richest blessing in his retirement. William Stewart, Clerk of Session Page 15

General Assembly Report I attended the General Assembly in June on behalf of the Kirk Session. It is quite some time since I last was Session Rep and I found the experience very interesting, informative, challenging and a reminder of the range of important issues that our Church engages in from Mission in Ireland to Global Mission, from Congregational Life and Witness to Social Witness and the Church in society, to name a few. I want to report on some of these issues but firstly a word about the new Moderator - Rev Frank Sellar - and the theme for his year of office which is: to be a church of global concern. The Old Testament book of Jonah and his reluctance to go to Nineveh was the inspiration for the theme and featured in much of the teaching that was given at the opening night, communion service and daily services of worship. In summing up the theme Rev Sellar said “it is therefore with embarrassment I recognise in Jonah not a champion to be celebrated but a fellow believer and member of the Church of Jesus Christ”. He went on to refer to Jonah's bigotry, selfishness and lack of care for the spiritually lost and for the God who created the environment and affirmed that Christ Jesus who is love wants those within whom His spirit dwells to be set free in order to serve expansively and love lavishly. Now a brief account of what for me were the highlights of the sessions I attended.

The Council for Church in Society Honouring Christ in the Public Square The first part of this report focused on reconciliation and some of the issues in dealing with our troubled past. You could have heard a pin drop as the Rev John Hutchinson gave a very moving account of his journey from being in prison as a result of paramilitary involvement to coming to the point where he committed his life to Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord and Page 16

subsequently entered the Christian ministry, becoming minister of Moy and Benburb congregations. What a testimony of how God can transform a seemingly hopeless situation into one of glory and grace. Later on Rev Norman Hamilton, speaking in the context of public morality said that "it is a profoundly moral question as to whether the state should borrow ever more millions, since the repayment of those loans will fall on future generations who had no say in the decision to borrow in the first place. He also questioned the morality of why it seems acceptable for farmers to receive 46 pence for two litres of milk while consumers pay 89 pence in the shops for it and willingly hand over £1 for a two litre bottle of Coca-Cola".

The Council for Congregational Life and Witness PCI Counselling Service One of the challenges referred to in this report relates to the PCI Counselling service and the difficulties arising from its affiliation with the Association of Christian Counsellors. Much of the detailed issues are covered in the minutes of that session but one of the concerns raised in the debate was the lack of information to and consultation with our volunteer Counsellors who provide an excellent service to individuals, Congregations and Ministers within PCI. Boys Brigade On a more positive note the Boys’ Brigade in Northern Ireland has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the first time a region-wide organisation has been recognised in this way and we in First and Second Ballyeaston need to congratulate our Company and make sure we appreciate the faithful work of the current and former BB leaders. The report pointed out that there are an increasing number of families for whom The Boys’ Brigade is the only regular contact with a Church, in this generation. The Page 17

organisation’s object of ‘Advancing Christ’s Kingdom among Boys’ is as relevant and vital as ever. I'm sure we would all endorse the Council's hope that Her Majesty’s award will be an encouragement to leaders and senior members in that continuing mission.

The Council for Mission in Ireland This report covered a large range of Home and Irish Mission initiatives and strategies including: New church developments and church planting; Nightlight - which reaches out into the entertainment areas of Belfast to share the gospel with young people, students, party goers, homeless people, rough sleepers and many others; International Meeting Point - which provides a valuable service to visitors from overseas many of whom have come through the asylum system. One of the discussions concerned the Belfast Task Group and the challenges of mission in urban situations. The debate brought comments that were seemingly poles apart. A set of statistics was reported and the speaker gave a gloomy outlook based on the figures. However a young minister responded and gave an account of ministry initiatives going on in the Cliftonville Road / New Lodge area including small fellowship groups and a Christians Against Poverty service. He spoke of people meeting Jesus and said "we talk about crisis - I want to talk about opportunity. We are overwhelmed with opportunity".

The Council for Global Concern This was another uplifting and challenging report and I just want to mention two of the speakers. Safi was an Architect from Iran. This pleasant soft-spoken man told of how after many years of being a Muslim he began to question the Islamic faith. He joined a mainly secular group of Page 18

like-minded people, which had some contact with the underground church. He told us of how the Spirit of God came upon this group and as it tried to develop the Republican Guard cracked down on it. Two of his uncles were murdered and he had to flee with his young family. He ended up in Belfast and found his way to Windsor Presbyterian Church. Here he has been welcomed and supported. Dimitri is a Pastor in the Greek Evangelical Church and he spoke of his work with the refugees. He was passionate about bringing the gospel to them. He said that the best thing you can do for these people is to tell them about Christ. This is what he is seeking to do and he asks us to pray for this work. A detailed record of the Council Reports, Supplementary Reports and Resolutions is available on the PCI web site. www.presbyterianireland.org. Robert Woodside

Church Record Baptisms 19th June Master Archie Brian McCartney, son of Mr Brian and Mrs Tanya McCartney, Ballybracken Road, Doagh.

Deaths 5 April 16 April 21 April 10 May 12 June

Mr Brian Hamilton, Castleton Court, Belfast. Mr Knox Greer, Seabank Nursing Home, Portrush. Mr Dereck Bailie, 36 Springvale Road, Doagh. Mrs Sally Cherry, 19 Elizabeth Gardens, Ballyclare Mr James Cherry, 19 Elizabeth Gardens, Ballyclare.

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The Difference I got early one morning and rushed right into the day; I had so much to accomplish that I didn’t have time to pray. Problems just tumbled about me, and heavier came each task. “Why doesn’t God help?” me I wondered He answered, ‘You didn’t ask’ I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on grey and bleak, I wondered why God didn’t show me, He said, ‘But you didn’t seek’. I tried to come into God’s presence; I used all my keys at the lock. God gently and lovingly chided, ‘My child, you didn’t knock’. I woke up early this morning, and paused before entering the day; I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time pray. ****************************************** Such a brilliant book! I really don’t like reading but this book caught my eye. I thought well, if its for really really busy people then it couldn’t be that hard to read …….. and I was not wrong! Rob Parsons and Katharine Hill from Care for the Family have written many informative books on family over the last 30 years. This one is slightly different - it tells you at the top of the page how long it will take you to read it. Anywhere from 5 seconds to 30 seconds –BRILLIANT !! It is a light-hearted collection of quotes and sayings that capture the pressure points, the highs and lows of domestic trials and bliss. It will leave you with a smile on your face, cherishing your love for one another and remembering the importance of spending time with your spouse. Page 20

Catering Group The catering committee would like to thank all ladies and gentlemen who have helped throughout the past year. We would be pleased to hear from anyone else who would be happy to help either setting up tables the night before or part of the time during the event. ‘Many hands make light work.’ It has been while now since we had a get together of everyone. We would ask you to please come along to a meeting on Thursday 8 September 2016 in the MacConnell hall at 7.45pm. Please put this date in your diary, phone or even your calendar – or all three. It would help the organisers if everyone was there to update our records, and add the details of anyone else who would willing to help. As most of our catering now is for funerals you can appreciate that arrangements have to be made at short notice so if we held a few more details from our helpers it would hopefully take the pressure off the committee. For those who are thinking of offering help we need people to: * Set out the tables and chairs. * Set out cups/mugs, plates etc. * Make sandwiches and pastry, place on trays or cook the sausage rolls. * Make tea and pour it. Then there is the clearing up – putting tables and chairs away. Clearing up in the kitchen and leaving everything tidy. Even half an hour or an hour would be helpful.

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HCB 2016: The Thrills and Spills Another successful year for First Ballyeaston’s Holiday Bible Club. An event where fun could be found in abundance although the central and primary focus of the event was to show the children God’s grace and draw them closer to him. Around ninety children attended this year’s event, which is consistent with previous years. This event could not have taken place without the invaluable support of the congregation of First Ballyeaston. When all of these components align, Holiday Bible Club is the result. In the absence of one of these components, Holiday Bible Club would simply be an ambition, an aspiration. Fun and games was the order of the day. Children learn about God’s love and ministry through different means than adults. Children learn through fun and games and there was certainly no shortage of that at Holiday Bible Club. With quirky quizzes, fabulous food and spellbinding drama, the itinerary was brimming with excitement. So much so, the hall developed quite a raucous atmosphere at times. 2016 was my first year helping out at Holiday Bible Club and for me personally it was certainly a worthwhile experience. I developed strong bonds with some of the children and seeing them having so much fun was enlightening. I hope in the coming years as I continue to help out at Holiday Bible club that my relationship with God is strengthened evermore and develops into a more prosperous and fruitful relationship. I envisage that next year my experience of Holiday Bible Club will surpass this year’s experience. This year’s Holiday Bible Club certainly gave us plenty of thrills and spills and lived up to the precedent set in previous years. Months of meticulous planning paid off and helped us to deliver an event like no other. Although without the incredible commitment of Rev. Eddie McDowell, Holiday Bible Club Page 22

simply would not have been what it was this year. During Holiday Bible Club, God’s grace and richest blessing was with us throughout as we carried out God’s ministry and that was perhaps the most rewarding and fulfilling part of the entire experience. Peter Wilson

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Treasurer’s Report Thank you to all members of the congregation who have contributed regularly over the past 7 months towards God’s work in our church. Contributions through envelopes and SO’s to the WFO and Property are up on last year while slightly down for the United Appeal. Contributions to the individual funds through envelopes and Standing Orders up to the 29th July: 2014 2015 2016 Change on previous year WFO £39,682 £34,384 £36,017 £1,633 United £2,906 £3,434 £3,335 -£99 Appeal Property £3,414 £3,064 £4,223 £1,159 Fund Totals £46,002 £40,882 £43,575 £2,693 Income and expenditure up to the 29th July 2016: Fund

General Revenue Property Fund United Appeal

Balance B/F

Income

Expense

£54,758

Fund Balance July 16 £10,936

Fund Balance July 14 £733

£12,909

£52,785

£40,987

£5,378

£8,174

£38,190

£22,465

£0.00

£4,826

£0.00

£4,826

£4,012

In July 2014 we paid the last instalment of the loan to build the vestibule. You can see how the balance was in each fund in the second table in 2014 and what the balance is now. The Income in the second table includes Gift Aid we got back from the HMRC. £13,072 to WFO, £1,115 to Property and £1,491 to United Appeal. Page 24

Even though things are improving financially we are not out of the woods yet. By mid-August we will be in the RED in the General Revenue account as the Assembly Assessments of £15,385 will have been paid. The Gift Aid scheme is an easy way for the church to get money back from the taxman. If you have signed up for this scheme, thank you, but please remember that we can only claim against tax you pay so please check and contact either Cecil Davis, John Cummings or myself if you are concerned about the amount we are claiming. If you haven’t signed up, why not? We don’t have to make a claim against all you contribute; we only claim what you tell us to. i.e. contribute £300 a year; only claim on £100, church gets back £20. 25 members of the congregation contribute monthly / weekly through a Standing Order. Online banking is easy to setup and maintain. You are in control. You decide how much each month and into which funds you want to contribute. You can talk to either John Waugh or myself if you want any more information about setting a standing order up. United Appeal. The target for 2016 is £9,548. It would great if we could make the target solely on donations made through the envelope. Harvest Appeal. This year will be towards the General Revenue Account and the Property Account. Envelopes and a letter about our services will be distributed in the middle of September. Housekeeping and advanced warnings * Please, please, please record the amount you contribute on the front of the envelope. This helps the finance team as sometimes we find envelopes that haven’t been sealed properly. * Final contributions for 2016 is the last Sunday in December, Christmas Day ! Any contributions made after this date will have to be recorded in the next financial year. Page 25

* Contributions from congregational and associated groups should be with the Treasurer before Christmas so as to be cleared within the financial year since no monies can be carried back. Joe Bingham Congregational Treasurer [email protected]

Young People’s Day and church picnic Young people’s day was on the first Sunday in June. The children from the Sunday School and Bible class took part in the service. They read, prayed, sang and did a drama under the theme of Moses’s call by God. We were all challenged and encouraged to live out our faith. After the service, the congregation went for a church picnic to Antrim Castle Gardens. This was very successful particularly with the weather - sun cream, sunhats and water were the order of the day ! We enjoyed our picnics and refreshments laid on by the Currie family. The kids had plenty of scope to play all manner of games. After a while those of an energetic disposition walked to the Loughshore and back. Those not so inclined took the opportunity to rest and soak up the rays of sunshine ! We look forward to next year.

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Upcoming Events September Sunday 4th

Church Breakfast from 10.15 in Lecture Hall. All Age Worship and Commissioning 11.30am Evening Communion Service 7pm.

Saturday 17th Senior Members, Misty Burn 6.30pm

October Sunday 2nd

All Age Worship 11.30am

Sunday 9th

Harvest Thanksgiving 11.30am Speaker: Rev Dr Bill Parker Evening Worship 7pm

Monday10th

Harvest Supper 7.45pm (page 8)

November Sunday 6th

Morning Worship - Communion 11.30am

Sunday 13th

Morning Worship - Remembrance 11.30am

Sunday 20th

Morning Worship - GB Enrolment 11.30am

December Saturday 3rd

PW Christmas Fair 2pm

Sunday 4th

All Age Worship and Gift Day 11.30am

Sunday 11th

Evening Candlelight Service 7pm

Sunday 18th

Family Nativity Service 11.30am

Sunday 25th

Christmas Morning Service 10.30-11am Page 28