Two Northern Ireland Pastoral Councils Commissioned!

Two pastoral councils were commissioned by David Silcox and David Stirk in Northern Ireland on Saturday the 12th of April in a joint service in Belfast. The Belfast pastoral council (pictured left) consists of William Huston and William (Billie) Beattie (the third member of the council, John Magowan, was unable to make the commissioning). Stuart Foster, Gus Roycroft and Constance Maxwell form the Craigavon pastoral council and were also commissioned in the joint service.

Local Community Rocked as Elvis comes to the Avenue Community Centre

Craigavon held their 1st annual Variety Concert in the Lurgan Community Centre, Carrig Drive, on Saturday 5th April 2008. The concert consisted of a variety of amusing and entertaining acts performed by both gifted amateurs and highly polished professionals. The audience consisted of a cross section of the local community and a fun time was had by all. Refreshments were provided by the Church during a short interval and this was also an opportunity for the audience to meet the cast and vice versa. Thanks were expressed at the close of the show to the staff of the Avenue Community Centre and a small presentation was made to both caretakers. Gus Roycroft thanked the shows organiser, Maurice McCabe, and the many acts that assisted in making the concert a resounding success.

Running the Good Race By Denys Fell

On Sunday, March 30, we had our first service at the farm just before the Hornsea 1/3 marathon and fun run which were based there. About 225 runners turned up and enjoyed the occasion and it looks like over £3,000 will be raised for Marie Curie Cancer Care. We have had lots of positive comments about the day including the following which mentions the service I helped perform during which I read and elaborated on Hebrews 12 verses 1 and 2.

“Hi Denys, Well what a great day Sunday turned out to be! You must be delighted with how it all went and I heard nothing but positive comments while chatting to other runners. It was well organised and marshalled and a lovely route. You said to me it was an ideal course for farmers because of the scenery. Well for part of the run I was running with a chap from the middle of Hull and he said if he won the lottery he would buy a property in the area because it was so beautiful! It was certainly a reminder to me how lucky we are.

I think the service was well worth organising - it was the first service Jill and I have attended before a run and certainly gave it added meaning and something to contemplate - reference here to your sermon!! Jill and I hope her sister may have found it thought provoking because she felt almost let down by her faith when she lost her second husband to cancer and now doesn't believe.

Well thank you again Denys and I'll bet it’s the earliest you've ever had your grain store ready for harvest! - Alan” (Names have been changed)

Women’s Conference at Victoria Falls

Ladies from Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe met together over the weekend of the 3rd-6th April for a joyous 10th anniversary celebration conference at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The gathering was all the more amazing for taking place immediately following the disputed national elections. The decision had been taken to step out in faith and go ahead with the planned conference despite potential unrest and severe food and water shortages. The conference was indeed filled with joy and praise in the stunning setting on the banks of the Zambezi River. Meetings were held outside under a large tree where uninhibited singing and dancing punctuated the presentations given by a number of different people. Guest speakers included Tammy Tkach from the US, Wendy Moore and two other ladies from Canada as well as visitors who had made their way from South Africa.

Legacy Podium for Glasgow Church

A long time member of the Glasgow church, Archie Watt, who died over a year ago, left a legacy to the Worldwide Church of God congregation in Glasgow that was to go toward having a new lectern built for the church. This was finally realised in a beautifully constructed, portable cherry wood podium custom-made by Turning Leaf. An inaugural blessing and thanksgiving was given in April when it was completed and presented to the church. A photo of the lectern is on the right with Ian Smillie, Pastoral Council Chairman for Glasgow.

WCG Couldson & Churches Together Dance Evening – 24th May 2008

Coulsdon Community Centre is the venue for a dance evening on Saturday 24th May. There will be live and recorded music featuring soul, blues, gospel and jazz – plus a bit of pop, funk and country - anything you can dance to except ballroom! The evening includes a fish or chicken and chips supper, a licensed bar, raffle and auction all for only £8 an adult or £4 for under 13s. Dress is casual. A percentage of any profit will go to charity.

The dance will be preceded by a church service from 3.00 to 4.30pm. Please invite family and friends and join us. Tickets for the evening must be bought by 19th May (choose fish or chicken), Non-meal tickets will be only £5 (under 13s free). The date again – Saturday 24th May. Further info/tickets can be obtained from Sheila Francis at sherden@btinternet.com or 020 8642 2033. More detailed information is also being sent out in the weekly announcements.

Young Adults Spiritual Formation Weekend – Dorset 13-15th of June 2008

The Chantmarle Christian centre in Dorset will host the next Young Adults Spiritual Retreat, this exciting new location is on the grounds of a country manor house which has an outside badminton & volleyball court along with a swimming pool. The event will begin on Friday evening (although latecomers welcome) and will be a continuation on the theme of Relationships – led by James Henderson. The cost for the weekend is £95 full board. For further information, or to make a booking for this event, please contact Gavin Henderson at the Church Service Centre on 01858 438 281 or email gavin_henderson@wcg.org.uk. Come and join us!

Autumn Harvest Festival, Kenmare – 27th September to 5th October 2008

The Irish Autumn Harvest Festival will be in Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland. The festival will run for a week set in idyllic countryside replete with history, from ancient stone circles to 18th century churches.

If you are interested in joining us for the Kenmare festival, please contact Vic Scott for further information on vicscott@indigo.ie or alternatively ring the Church Service Centre on 01858 438 282.

Kenmare has a wide range of accommodation options and a group discount rate is available for self-catering accommodation. Details of prices and accommodation options will be available on the church website in the next week. More details and information about Kenmare and the surrounding area can be found at www.kenmare.com.

Lake District Autumn Harvest Festival – 19-22nd September 2008

Come and Join us at the Lake District Autumn Harvest Festival set at Rydal Hall in the Lake District. Enjoy the spectacular landscape and peace and quiet. Prices for the festival will be available in the next week on the website. For further information please contact Gavin Henderson on 01858 438 281 or email gavin_Henderson@wcg.org.uk

SEP UK 2008 Update By Gordon Wilson

Preparations for SEP 2008 are well underway. We have received a good number of camper applications already from the UK, Ireland, Spain and Portugal. We are however down on staff applications so anyone intending to apply for staff is encouraged to do so as soon as possible please. Application forms are available from www.sepuk.org.

Work party
As part of the set up activities for SEP this year there will be a work party at the site on Loch Lomond from Saturday 3rd May to Monday 5th May. We are in need of volunteers to help with some work required on the barn and kitchen areas. If you are able to help please contact Darren Glennie at design@sepuk.org.

Scholarship fund
We have received several donations from church areas sponsoring or part sponsoring a camper to attend through the scholarship fund. This fund enables young people to attend SEP who would otherwise not be able to do so for financial reasons - we are extremely grateful for these donations.

For any questions or more information regarding SEP please email admin@sepuk.org.

Upcoming WCG Events in 2008

If you would like any further information on an upcoming WCG Event or would like to submit an article for InTouch please email gavin_henderson@wcg.org.uk or ring 01858 438 281.