News 3

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
Psalm Ch 119 Vs 18

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As part of the 250th Anniversary Celebrations the Flower Festival at the end of August was a significant landmark in the year. The theme was To God Be The Glory and, as visitors moved through the areas within the church, the twenty three major arrangements gave meaning to the selected biblical texts. Much thought and planning had gone into the weekend; the members of Greenisland and Ballymena Flower Clubs along with many volunteers worked tirelessly under Mrs Jean Robinson's supervision to prepare the displays.

The festival was declared open on Friday morning by Rev Robin and Margaret Boyd, and over the three days visitors from far and wide enjoyed the flowers in the beauty of the sanctuary. Throughout, welcome refreshments were served in the Brann Memorial and Coulter Halls.

The weekend concluded with a Celebration Service on Sunday evening.

Memorial donations from members of the congregation and commercial sponsorship from local businesses helped defray expenses, and a sum in excess of £9000 has been added to the Development Fund.

Much hard work went into the planning and preparation of the Festival. Sincere thanks are due to all those who helped in the preparation, and over the weekend itself.

Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Matthew Ch 24 Vs 35

The annual Youth and Children's Service was held on Sunday 23rd June 2013. The Service was conducted by the Minister who gave the address. This service was led by Sunday School (Mrs Emma Hanna, Superintendent) who looked at the history of the congregation through time travel - combining drama, readings and song. The worship was led by the Praise Band and Choir. Afterwards a very successful barbecue was held in the church grounds. We would like to thank everyone for supporting both this service and the BBQ.

Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Psalm 29

Rev Boyd and Rev Glover at Congregational Dinner 2013

The Congregational Dinner marking the 250th Anniversary of the congregation took place on Saturday 18th May 2013. The evening was chaired by the Minister, the Revd Chris Glover. After a delicious buffet dinner supplied by Bon Appetit, desserts were provided by members of the congregation. A 250th anniversary cake baked by Mrs Alison Hall was cut by the Minister Emeritus, the Revd Robin Boyd. After the meal the capacity attendance was entertained by Mrs Irene and Miss Erin Boyd, flautists, and by soloist Mrs Jayne Davis accompanied by Mrs Rosemary Basher.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn
Romans Ch 12 Vs 15

As part of the 250th Anniversary Celebrations The Clare Chorale visited 2nd Ballyeaston on Saturday 11th May. The historical theme threaded through the evening as Ronnie Hassard, our com-pere, introduced the choir and our guest flautists, The Fleming Duo.

The Clare Chorale, a mixed voice choir, was formed in 2003 and draws singers from across the community. The choir has a wide and varied repertoire of sacred and sec-ular music drawn from tradi-tional, spiritual, folk and pop-ular genres and we enjoyed examples of each on the evening.

Sheelagh Greer, the choir’s conductor, is well-known in the area, and her enthusiasm
and expertise brought much to the performance. In the interval members of the audi-ence enjoyed refreshments and chat in our newly refur-bished Coulter Hall.

From the evening the Development Fund benefited by over £400.

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. Romans Ch 12 Vs 4-6

The 250th Anniversary Service took place on Sunday 28th April 2013 at 11.30am and was conducted by the Minister, the Revd Christopher Glover. The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Rt Revd Dr Roy Patton took part in this service which marked 250 Years of Worship at Second Ballyeaston. The praise was led by the Choir (organist Mr Wilbert Garvin) and Praise Band (leader Mr Rodney Beggs. After the service the Moderator and Mrs Dorothy joined members of the congregation for a reception in the Brann Memorial Hall at which they cut the Anniversary Cake.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John Ch 14 Vs 15-21

This year's Service for the Farming Community took place on Sunday 21st April 2013 with a packed congregation in the sanctuary at Second Ballyeaston. The service was conducted by Revd Chris Glover who also gave the address. A Focus on Farming was given by Mr James Campbell, the Northern Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal, and the commendable work of Rural Support was discussed by Mr Jude McCann. The Donaghadee Male Voice Choir led the praise along with the Church organist Mr Wilbert Garvin. The offering at the service was donated to Rural Support and to this year's Presbyterian Church in Ireland Youth and Children's Project, supporting educational initiatives in Kenya. Following the service, supper was served in the Brann Memorial Hall. We would like to thank everyone for the help and support for this evening.