Kingsley's locked up!
The parishes of St Mary's and St Patrick's in Newry are embarking on an outreach weekend. ‘Light out of Darkness' which will run during the first weekend in December. The run up to the weekend is certainly unusual. Kinsley Sutton, the rector of the Newry parishes is going to be locked inside a 20ft lorry container for three days!
When interviewed about his impending ordeal Kingsley explained: "November, and the run up to Christmas can be a very dark time. At St Mary's and St Patrick's along with Christians everywhere, we want to show solidarity with those who are finding life tough, but at the same time make it clear there is hope. What will help me through these three days in the container is the thought that the darkness will end, the door will open and I will see light again. Light out of darkness is a weekend of events open to all the community that wants to convey the hope that can be put back in life through Jesus - The Light of the world. Also, while I am in the container, there will be a roadside collection to support the work of the Samaritans, who in particular help people in times of darkness."
The Lord Mayor of Newry, Councillor Michael Carr, will lock Kingsley inside the container at noon on Monday 27th November. The container will be parked outside St Mary's Church. In complete darkness and solitary confinement, Kingsley plans to remain there until noon on Wednesday 29th November, when Bishop Harold will unlock the door to let him out.
The outreach weekend kicks off on Saturday 2nd December with a Men's breakfast and afterwards a team of people will be on the streets to offer prayer for healing to the general public. In the afternoon a Christmas Fayre takes place and in the evening a live Youth event will feature a band called ‘Worship Ireland'.
The churches services on Sunday morning will be Advent Services to which everyone is invited. On Sunday afternoon Roger Murphy of Church Army, who will be the special speaker at all the events, will be speaking at the Salvation Army Carol service in the City Hall. The outreach weekend finishes on the Sunday evening with a special Healing Service in St Patrick's church.