Archbishop of Dublin welcomes new Methodist President; Down Albany trip 2012; Movilla street party; Congress to open with celebration of heritage
Archbishop of Dublin welcomes new Methodist President
The Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, has welcomed the election of the Revd Dr Heather Morris as President–elect of the Methodist Church in Ireland.
Dr Morris was elected as the first female president of the Methodist Church in Ireland at its annual conference in Enniskillen. She will take up the post in June next year.
Dr Morris is the director of ministry at Edgehill Theological College in Belfast. She is married with two teenage children and follows in the footsteps of her father and her grandfather were both Methodist ministers. She will serve a year as “president designate” and will be installed as president in June 2013.
Welcoming her election, Archbishop Jackson said: “I greatly welcome the news of the choice of the Reverend Dr Heather Morris as President–elect of the Methodist Church, to hold office in 2013–2014. Dr Morris will bring to this position gifts of insight and teaching, spirituality and imagination, always put at the service of God and God’s people.”
“We in the Church of Ireland have already had the opportunity to work closely with her through the co–operation between the Church of Ireland Theological Institute and Edgehill Theological College. Dr Morris has also accepted my invitation to preach at the Service which will open the legal year in St Michan’s Church, Church Street, on the first Monday in October and we in Dublin look forward to welcoming her there. She and all members of her family are in our thoughts and prayers at this exciting time,” he concluded.
Ecumenical guest
Today the Archbishop of Dublin will preside at the Ecumenical Liturgy of Word and Water at the Eucharistic Congress.
Opening of new school
The new Powerscourt National School building will be officially opened and dedicated by Archbishop Michael Jackson on Thursday June 14 at 11.00 am.
Down Albany trip 2012
The Diocese of Down and Dromore continues to cement its links with the Episcopal Diocese of Albany and a small team will attend the 144th Annual Convention at Camp of the Woods in Speculator, New York. The theme of this year’s convention (8–10 June) is ‘Dare to Share the Joy of Jesus’ and Bishop Harold will preach at the Eucharist on Saturday afternoon. Other team members are: Roderic and Joan West, Walter and Barbara Laverty, Stephen Lowry and Julie Currie
The Convention is an all–age residential event and is the main business meeting of the diocese. Alongside business, the delegates worship together, attend seminars and enjoy leisure activities in a beautiful setting.
Christ Church choristers reunion
Next Saturday will bring the annual reunion of the past choristers of Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, beginning in the cathedral at 2pm. There will be a rehearsal followed by Choral Evensong at 5pm. Details may be had from Victor Coe at pastchoristers@cccdub.ie
Movilla steet party goes with a bang
Movilla Abbey’s free Jubilee community event was a great success with a crowd of 1500 people turning out to celebrate on 4 June.
Movilla in Newtownards (Down and Dromore) was also the location for one of over 4000 beacons being lit all over the United Kingdom as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The honour belonged to only three places in North Down and one of a few churches in the whole of Northern Ireland.
The ceremony took place at 10.20pm on Monday evening as the finale to the community fun night which started at 7.45pm. Everyone got into the spirit of the evening and took full advantage of all the activities on offer – live jazz, Ards Voice Community Choir, Vibe Academy, BBQ, Face Painting, Trialstar motorcycle display, Classic vehicles, All Age Fancy Dress, Face Painting, Beat the Goalie, Games and Bouncy Castles.
Retreats
The Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer Retreats will be held on 15–17 and 18–21 June at St. Columban’s House, Navan, where the Witness for the 50th Anniversary Retreats will be Canon Raymond Fox.
Congress to open with celebration of heritage
Irish Times – A ceremony celebrating Irish cultural and spiritual heritage will open the International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin today. The congress is expected to attract up to 12000 people each day over eight days. A welcome involving 500 participants with …
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0609/1224317568516.html