An ‘Extra - Ordinary' Day!
CMS Ireland Sunday celebrated in Parishes across Down and Dromore.
"A real gift", "a blessing" and "very challenging" - just some of the feedback from churches following this year's CMS Ireland Sunday.
Under the theme of ‘embracing the ordinary' 30th November saw a team of more than 20 speakers and 40 churches across the Church of Ireland. About 10 churches in Down and Dromore took part with another 10 speakers/volunteers from CMS Ireland coming from the Diocese. The idea was to celebrate the beginning of Advent with a focus on mission in everyday places.
This was a pilot process that CMS Ireland hopes to develop and use in many more parishes next year.
"It's fantastic to see so many churches bringing mission right into the heart of their worship and prayer," said CMS Ireland's Director of Mission, Ian Smith.
He continued, "Advent is about preparing for the coming of our King - about longing to see something of heaven come to earth - and that's what this year's CMS Ireland Sunday was all about."
"Helping people embrace the challenges of contemporary mission, on their own doorsteps and around the world is exactly what CMS Ireland is here for and we're delighted that the response to our rejuvenated CMS Ireland Sunday has been so positive."
"Our speaker team of volunteers and staff members were able to visit parishes across all of Ireland - from Coleraine to Cork and Bangor to Ballintra!" Ian commented. "On one day alone we have had the chance to share our stories and our passion for God's mission with more than 3000 people. We are immensely thankful for that opportunity," he continued.
"We want to say thank you to all the churches who welcomed us and put so much work into the services and events that took place. It was a real privilege to work with so many committed people. It's our prayer that this Advent season will see God's people in Ireland reaching out, in love, to a broken and hurting world - as together we ‘embrace the ordinary'.
For more information on how get involved with CMS Ireland visit www.cmsireland.org