Christ Church, Lisburn

Inter-church picnic

Christ Church — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The recently beautifully renovated Castle Gardens in wall to wall glorious sunshine was the idyllic setting for many members of local congregations to enjoy an Inter-Church Picnic and Prayer event last Sunday afternoon (Pentecost Sunday). Linked to the Global Day of Prayer which was held in a number of other venues in the Province and in many countries worldwide, the event was led by Lisburn city centre ministers and included prayers of adoration, confession, for the Church, for our community, our land and the nations of our world. Each prayer was followed by a suitable interpretation or response.

The lively open air worship was led by Christ Church Praise Band with David Honeyford (Zest Audio) and his team provided the sound mixing facility. The Night Reach team from Railway Street Presbyterian Church were on hand to offer free light refreshments to those who had not managed to pack a picnic.

Raft Race 2008

Christ Church — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Raft race is now over...safely!! The 24th was another beautiful day in May, and the sea was flat calm, so both rafts finished.

Someone asked did we win!! People need to understand the challenge is to finish!!

However, another great day was had by the participants and the many people from the parish that came to support.

A big 'Thank-you' to all who sponsored us. We especially need to thank our business sponsors, made up of companies that do work for the church on occasions and also companies owned by parishioners. These businesses give a great boost to the fundraising.

This year we have surpassed last year's total with around £2000 raised.

As in previous years 50% goes to Christ Church Challenge and the other 50% will go to missionary work (yet to be decided by 'The Link'). Last year you may remember we supported Lisa and the diocese of Yei.

Thanks again...any volunteers for next year??

Best website winner 2008

Christ Church — Sat, 31 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Central Communications Board launched its annual competition for magazines, websites and for the most innovative use of newer technologies.

The Christ Church website was announced as the winner of the Parish website category at the General Synod in Galway in May 2008.

Central Communications Board Chairman, the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd Alan Harper, in commending the competition, said:-

"Communication and proclamation are at the heart of the work of the Church of God. The 21st century is seeing an explosion in the variety of media available for the work of communication and proclamation. When shall we begin to exploit emerging digital media - even that which is consciously ephemeral - to communicate the Christian message?

Vacancies at Christ Church

Christ Church — Sun, 18 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Church Car Park Attendants

Have you got 2 hours to spare every 4 weeks on a Saturday to help with the Church Car Park between the hours of 9.30 am and 5.30 pm? If so, please contact Uel Briggs on 92 676400 if you wish your name to be placed on a rota or contact Rev Paul Dundas or speak to one of the Church Wardens

Flower Arrangers

Christ Church require Flower Arrangers (flowers will be supplied). If you would like your name to be placed on the Flower Arranging Rota, please telephone the Parish Office on 9267 3271 or give your name to Rev Diane Matchett or one of the Church Wardens

Christianity Explored

Christ Church — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The follow-up course to our outreach "Connect" will begin on Tuesday 4th March at 7.30 pm in the Hall. It is based on the course "Christianity Explored".

There will be refreshments served from around 7.20 pm each night as well.

This is a Christian Basics course who would like to investigate Christianity more after the outreach or for people to brush up on the basics of the Christian faith.

The Course will be lead by Captain John O'Neill of the Church Army assisted by a number of parishioners.

The outline of the Course is:

March 4th - "Jesus, who is He?"
March 11th - "Jesus, why did he come?"
March 18th - "Jesus, why did he die?"
March 25th - Off [Easter week]
April 1st - "Jesus, his gift of Grace"
April 8th - "Jesus, his Resurrection"
April 15th - "What is a Christian?"
April 22nd - "You're never alone - the Holy Spirit"

On the Web

Christ Church — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jim Collins, owner of the popular Lisburn website www.lisburn.com has last Sunday morning's "Christ Church Parish" articles online. He has also the Christ Church on the "Lisburn's Churches" article updated to show the Rev John Pickering, the new Senior Minister.

To see these three new articles, click on:

1 Connect 2008 at Christ Church Parish

2 New Senior Minister at Christ Church Parish

3 Lisburn's Churches - Christ Church Parish

Confirmation 2008

Christ Church — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Jesus himself drew near and walked along with them..." Luke 24:15.

It was a real joy for the entire parish to welcome our new Bishop Alan Abernethy to our confirmation service held in the parish on the 27th January. The church was brimming with people who are regular to our worship but also visitors who came to support their loved ones as they made important and significant promises in their confirmation, and as they embarked on the next step in their journey in following God.

The Bishop, in his address, very much focused on who it is that we were following and how important it was to be truly following Jesus. He related in an excellent way to the young people and the entire congregation.

The presence of God's people at such a service is crucial because all that is done in our parish, whatever age it is aimed at, is not meant to take place in isolation. Our church family ought to be clearly seen and experienced as an intergenerational family, in other words a family that values each other across the spectrum of age and ability. It was very special for the confirmation candidates to receive their first communion with family members kneeling at their side.

It was my privilege, along with Stephen Harvey, to journey for this short time with a wonderful, vibrant group of young adults whose faith and joy is an inspiration. We refuse to see confirmation as 'a passing out parade'. It is our desire that our young people find their worth and value affirmed and their gifts developed right here in Christ Church so they can take their gifts and their love into God's world with confidence and integrity. There are lots of different ways our young people are involved already through the CLB, GUIDES, GFS and Youth Fellowship, this is a huge encouragement, but there is room for other young people to join us.

The confirmation class continues for our young people right through CONNECT, the final date being the 2nd March. Thank you to Stephen Harvey for all his work and support, for the parents who clearly supported their children, and to the congregation who attended in their support. Finally, thank you to the members and spouses of the Select Vestry who organised the Soup Lunch. We are very much appreciative of your commitment, support and hard work. It was a great success that was enjoyed by around 200 people. Thank you to everyone who made this day so memorable.

Diane

An Invitation...

Christ Church — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The countdown in the Parish of Christ Church Lisburn to their 9 days of outreach "Connect" is almost there as they begin with a Barn Dance on Saturday evening at 7.30 pm in the Church Hall. There then follows many events and services which are geared at times to specific age groups such as the Kids Club each weekday afternoon from 3.30 pm and a drop in Soul Food Café for those at secondary level education at the same time. Many events will attract people of all ages from the barn dance, to Sunday worship, to the Bowls fun night on Monday and the Family Fun Day on Saturday from 1-5 pm when there will be bouncy castles, circus tricks, a BBQ, and displays from the Police and Fire Service. The Mayor of Lisburn will also be present at the Family Fun Day. For people who enjoy music a number of events are arranged from the Tuesday Lunchtime Concert at 1.15 pm, Symington Memorial Silver Band on Sunday 24th at 11.30 am and as the weekday programme concludes with Northern Ireland's latest singing sensations, the fantastic "The Leading Ladies" on Friday 22nd at 7.30 pm for Friday Night Live. People are asked to contact the Office at 028 92 673271 to make a booking for "The Leading Ladies" and there will be a Thank Offering at each event for the work and witness of Connect.

At all events during the nine days, Roger Murphy who is the evangelist will give a presentation of the Christian faith ably supported by Canon Paul Hoey, John O'Neill and Karen Webb and the Parish staff.

Gifts Dedicated

Christ Church — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

On Sunday 18th November the Rector dedicated a new sound system for our Parish Church. It was the gifts of two Parish families:

* Mr & Mrs William Bell

* Mrs Agnes Vokes, her daughter Norma and family. Presented in memory of Mr Bill Vokes

The new sound system has a number of head sets that can be used by people who have hearing problems. Speak to the Churchwardens to get one at each service.

Our Brownie Pack also had a bench dedicated by the Rector for use on Church grounds, recognising 80 years of their work and witness in the Parish and community.

Thank you to the two families and the Brownie Pack for their kindness and generosity.

New Senior Minister

Christ Church — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Rev. John Pickering will be joining us in the New Year to work one Sunday in the month and one day in the week.

The Bishop of Connor has given permission for Rev Pickering to exercise this ministry within the Parish and we hope that parishioners would welcome him as he comes to work with us.