NEWS BRIEFS

Remembrance on Rathlin Island

The annual Service of Remembrance of naval and military personnel lost in shipwrecks and conflict in Rathlin Sound and adjacent waters was held on Sunday past. HM Deputy Lord Lieutenant was joined by senior naval and military officers, representatives of local councils and ex-service organisations. The worship was conducted by the Rector of Ballintoy and Rathlin, Rev. Patrick Barton

Church on the border prepares to celebrate 175th anniversary

A border church which lies in the Republic of Ireland but has most of its congregation living in Northern Ireland will celebrate its 175th anniversary this weekend. St. Mary’s Parish Church, Drummully, was build in the townland of Clonooney in Co. Monaghan in 1844 and this Sunday afternoon, 24th November, will mark its special milestone. The special anniversary will be marked at a joint group service including the parishes of Galloon and Sallaghy on Sunday, 24th November at 3pm, the Feast of Christ the King at which the service will be led by the Bishop of Clogher, Right Revd. John McDowell and Mr Roy Crowe, the Diocesan Reader and Diocesan Pastoral Assistant who has been leading services during the vacancy. Interestingly while Drummully Church is situated in Co. Monaghan, the majority of its congregation are from Co. Fermanagh. As the Revd Nigel Baylor wrote for the 150th anniversary, “Since the church was built, the world as it was then, has changed enormously and …

Transatlantic Slave Trade recalled in Belfast Cathedral

A Service at Belfast Cathedral on Sunday afternoon commemorated the Transatlantic Slave Trade. It is 400 years since the beginning of the Transatlantic Slave Trade in which some Belfast merchants had a role.

There was a magnificent rendering of spirituals by Clover Watts, a debut Bible reading by Rio McKee, and a recital by her mother Raquel McKee about the massacre of 130 slaves on the merchant ship Zoll followed by an excellent sermon by Dr Livingstone Thompson of University Road and Kilwarlin Moravian Churches.

There was Interpretative Dance by Suzannah McCreight and Company. Considerable effort was made for the service by ASCONI with Belfast Cathedral lead by the Dean, the Very Reverend Stephen Forde, and the Cathedral Choir joined by the Place of Victory Choir.

Pizza to fuel Derry Youth Leaders encouragement

Domino’s Pizza have been contacted and a large pizza order has been secured for Derry and Raphoe Youth’s Leaders’ Encouragement Evening. The organisers anticipate a great evening of fellowship, encouragement and inspiration from God’s word as Sam Moore, of Innovista, shares with us.

Youth or children’s leaders are encouraged to come tonight, Tuesday 19th November 7:30-9pm ,in the Diocesan Centre.

And a plug for a second event – Advent Kickstart Saturday 30th November 3:30pm – 6pm at the Acorn Centre, St Peter’s Londonderry. What’s in store? A Christmas jumper competition, fun and games, music and a time of worship led by Eglinton Parish music group. And, of course, more pizza. All young people and leaders welcome. E3:20