Dear Friends,

As I write this magazine our thoughts are turning towards Harvest Thanksgiving. These are always very special services for us in the church as we give thanks to God for His faithfulness to us.

We remember those who have many struggles and overwhelming challenges to contend with, from food shortages to crop failures, as a result of climate change. We think too of those whose very existence is constantly threatened because of war and conflict.

After our response to the middle Eastern crisis some months ago, this Harvest we are partnering with Tearfund. Our harvest offerings will contribute to bringing some relief to those affected by recent devastating earthquakes in Afghanistan. Tearfund has people working on the ground in that very challenging situation where so much infrastructure has been destroyed and so many have lost loved ones, houses and livelihoods in these devastating earthquakes.

If we are to be truthful, the world is torn apart through many divisions. Issues like immigration and internal political wrangling within mainstream political parties are causing a rise in anxiety levels. People are fearful, especially those who work here from overseas. They feel vulnerable after a sharp rise in racially motivated attacks. They are unsure if they are welcome anymore, despite the huge amount they have contributed to our society in the health service as well as in hospitality and other industries.

It’s for this reason that we are blessed to have two very thoughtful Harvest preachers coming to share with us on October 26th. At 11am, Fergus McMorrow from Divine Healing Ministries will share. At a time when we look in our helplessness to God for his strength and healing for our broken world in its need for hope and healing, Fergus will no doubt have some helpful and encouraging things to say.

At our evening service we look forward to welcoming the Dean of Armagh, the Very Reverend Shane Forster. Shane has been the Archbishop’s chaplain for many years. He has played a quiet but very important role in helping to guide the Church’s response during Covid 19 bringing church leaders together and also liaising with Government figures throughout that time.He also has experience of overseeing major civic services and gatherings in the cathedral including many royal visits and other occasions of national significance.

We are very grateful to all who worked so hard to make our community fun day and outreach weekend such a great success. Many people volunteered in all sorts of ways to make the local community feel welcome. Over 500 invitations were distributed in the local streets. Many who visited commented on our beautiful church and its grounds and how welcome they were made to feel with their families as we extended the hand of welcome.

Particular thanks to the small organising committee of Heather Harman, Linda Leonard and Helen McKnight who oversaw catering with her marvellous team. David Cairns did a wonderful job in attracting support and sponsorship from local businesses which helped to defray the costs of running the day as a gift to our local community.

We were blessed with favourable weather and it was a wonderful day to see the way people worked so hard and so well together doing so many tasks.

We provided information for visitors about our organisations and activities and told the local community in a powerful way that we are here to serve and bless them in all we seek to do and through the worship we offer week in week out.

Now that all our organisations are up and running again, we hope that you will find something that might be of encouragement to you during the autumn. Maybe you have questions about faith and life and would enjoy the Alpha course which meets on Wednesday evenings. Maybe you would enjoy the fellowship and company at activities like Pilates or Pickleball or our crafting group – Cregagh Crafters. Maybe you have children or grandchildren who might enjoy Boys’ Brigade, Anchor Boys, Sunday School or Messy Church. Ladies might enjoy the Mothers’ Union or the Ladies’ Friendship Group.

There are lots of opportunities to get connected and our busy Toddlers’ Group has been supporting young families for many years now, so hopefully, you can find something to get involved in.

I’m always grateful to those who lead our activities with such enthusiasm and passion and hold up the very best of what our church can offer to the wider community through giving of themselves with love and grace.

We are hoping that Ryan and his wife Sarah and their sons Liam and Jude will settle into their new surroundings in the curatage this month. We wish them well as they pack the boxes and get settled into their new home.

With every good wish.

Yours sincerely

Jonathan Pierce (Rector)

Telephone 02890 793822