The rector of St Finnian’s, Canon Jono Pierce, reflects on the last year in the life of his Belfast parish. ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.’ This is the opening line of Charles Dickens’s famous novel, A Tale of Two Cities. It sums up, in many ways, how I look […]
The Diocese of Down and Dromore is committed to extending the effective witness of its parishes through projects to reach out to local communities and benefit those who may not have any church connection. This new post of Diocesan Fundraising Officer is designed to facilitate the work of parishes by encouraging them to maximise their […]
And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14 God is the only One, who has the power to turn trials into blessings. Don’t ever doubt that He is Able. Nothing is impossible with Him. He’s always at work even when we can’t see the whole […]
Each year, Open Doors uses extensive research to list and analyse the countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution for following Jesus. The publication of the World Watch List offers a great opportunity to challenge those in power to act, and to pray for our persecuted family. As you read it, remember the great truth that God hears […]
Please note that the annual review of the Register of Vestry Members will be carried out at the meeting of the Select Vestry to be held on Tuesday 16 February 2021. Any person wishing to be registered as a resident or as an accustomed member must complete a Form of Declaration. Due to the Covid restrictions which will curtail Church worship until at least 6 February, the […]
With more evenings to spend at home during this second lockdown, why not take the opportunity to enrich your marriage with this short course written and presented by Revd Jim and Diane Cheshire. Let’s Talk About Marriage (found at this link) is a three–part video series that will help you invest in your marriage relationship together. Jim […]
The Liturgical Advisory Committee of the Church of Ireland has launched a newly constructed Service of the Word for use during the time of Coronavirus. The liturgy, which is available at this link on the Church of Ireland website, is intended to support clergy, readers and congregations as they seek to reflect the current global pandemic in […]
Have you ever had one of those days when everything was going along beautifully, and then suddenly a crisis hit? It may have caused you to say, “Why me, Lord? What did I do to deserve this?” The Bible asks the question, “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become […]
As the four main denominations move their worship online at this critical point in the pandemic, Bishop David writes to the diocese. Dear Friends, These past days we have witnessed our nation gripped by fear and at times confusion as political leaders and others seek to deal with a pandemic that continues to put the […]
With schools closed and the stay–at–home message potentially in place into February, how can we help our primary school aged children process another lockdown? Children’s Development Officer, Julie Currie, has reminded us about the Life in Lockdown booklet. It’s packed with fun, thought provoking and interactive activities to help our children reflect on their experience of lockdown […]