Behind the Scenes I recently finished an absorbing memoir of the former Irish President, Mary McAleese. It told her story of growing up in Ardoyne in north Belfast and how the troubles changed everything for her family in 1969. Her brother, who was deaf, was the victim of a vicious sectarian attack which has left […]
Don’t you realise that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 1 Corinthians 9:24 My son Christopher was a great runner, and we used to race on the beach. For many years, I somehow managed to beat him, probably because I was a sprinter and he […]
How can a church become a sanctuary—a place where individuals living with mental health challenges feel safe, supported, and a sense of belonging? The Sanctuary Course was created to inspire and equip communities of faith that are asking this important question. Developed in consultation with mental health professionals, theologians, and people with lived experience, this […]
The Rector and Fergus McMorrow, Director DHM, have agreed to the return of Healing Services to St. Finnian’s. The monthly services will be held on the last Tuesday of each month commencing on 27th September 2022 at 7.30pm. This arrangement will be kept under review in light of any changes in the Covid-19 situation. All […]
Dear Friends, It’s hard to convey the sense of sadness and sorrow the Nation and the Commonwealth are feeling as we prepare for the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as this month’s magazine goes to print. As we have communicated in some special services recently to give thanks for her remarkable life of […]
On the first Sunday in November (6th November this year), we are holding our annual Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance for those who have died in the past year. It is always a poignant service in which we give thanks to God for those people who have been part of our church’s life. The Book […]
A tree, which was given to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, will be planted by the Mothers’ Union on Saturday 1st October at 11am. Given the new monarch’s pioneering work in environmental issues, it is a very appropriate gift at this time. The Mothers’ Union would be delighted if any members of the congregation or […]
Autumn has arrived and, although seasons change and summer will soon be a fleeting memory, the Pilates classes on Wednesday evenings will carry on providing a low impact form of exercise that anyone can participate in. I’m very pleased to say that, in recent weeks, some brave souls, who had never tried Pilates before, have […]
Funerals I suspect many people tuned in at some point yesterday to watch the funeral service for Queen Elizabeth II. As one would expect, it was a very moving and grand occasion to give thanks to God for her remarkable life and her reign for over 70 years. I watched the service from Westminster Abbey […]