NEWS BRIEFS

Church Army Centre

“When I first arrived at the Marylebone Project I couldn’t speak English & I didn’t have any idea how to prepare for a job interview. My life is so different now. I have a full-time job in customer services & I also have my own place, which makes me so happy.” – Tehani – Photo above

A Bible course to change lives

A unique opportunity to sample an outstanding new Bible Course will be offered this September by the Biblical Association for the Church of Ireland (BACI) at the Theological Institute in Dublin. The course itself, offered by the Bible Societies of the UK and Ireland, aims to familiarise participants with the overarching story of the Bible – Creation, Redemption and the Promise of Eternal Life – as expressed in Old and New Testament alike, and thus to offer day–to–day inspiration for our lives.

On Saturday, 28th September, from 9.45am to 3pm, for only €15 per head including tea/coffee and lunch, those who think it might work in their own setting will have the opportunity to find out. Main speakers at this Bible Course Introduction Day will be Julie McKinley of the National Bible Society of Ireland, and Catherine Little of the Bible Society in Northern Ireland. They will offer samples of the course, lead discussion on the content, and equip participants to lead the eight–week course in their own parish or community setting.

Drafted by lecturer and pastor Dr Andrew Ollerton, the course is designed for anyone who has, or shares, responsibility for running Bible study or discussion in the context of a Christian community. It will also appeal to anyone who would like to expand their own understanding of the Bible.

To register interest or to sign up for BACI’s Course Introduction Day, please contact BACI treasurer Barbara Bergin ([berginba@gmail.com]), with CC to Revd William Olhausen ([wolhausen@gmail.com]).

After the final session and teabreak, the BACI AGM will follow at 3.30pm.

The Biblical Association for the Church of Ireland exists to serve as a ‘bridge’ between clerical and lay, academic and faith–based approaches to the Bible within the Church of Ireland and in conversation with ecumenical partners. The Honorary Patrons of BACI are their Graces, the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Reverend Richard Clarke, and the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Reverend Michael Jackson.

Mothers Union 2020 Diaries and Calendars

Mothers Union 2020 Diaries and Calendars are now available online. Stocks sell fast so make sure you order today so you don’t miss out!
[https://mueshop.org/product-category/mu-products/diaries-and-calendars]

Four star Cathedral

Belfast Cathedral has just been awarded 4 stars in the Tourism NI Quality Grading Scheme.

The scheme by Tourism NI awards a one to five star rating to indicate the level of quality a visitor can experience, with a score of 4 indicating an ‘Excellent’ visitor experience. A huge well done to all the team who have been involved in raising the standard for visitors to the Cathedral, after exiting the scheme for a year to take the chance to work on what they have to offer, they are very proud to have received this 4 star rating upon re-entering.

A spokesperson said “We’ve seen lots of additions to the Cathedral in recent months, including the introduction of our new multilingual audio guide, new interpretation throughout the cathedral, a WW1 exhibition, and our new children’s corner with a new interactive kids trail launching very soon – if you haven’t paid us a visit recently please do come on down and discover your Cathedral”.