Happy Birthday Movilla Abbey!
Movilla Abbey, Newtownards, recently marked its 30th anniversary with a weekend of celebrations. Rector, Revd Kevin Graham writes...
"Our weekend of activities culminated in two joint worship services in our Worship Centre on Sunday 6th of June. It was great to gather as God's people and to thank God for the many blessings he has poured out on our two congregations over these last thirty years.
In the morning we had a joint All Age Service, when the praise was led by a combined praise group and they literally lifted the roof off the Worship Centre. To see the church filled and everyone singing out to God from their hearts was uplifting and encouraging and, God willing, a glimpse of the future at Movilla Abbey. Following the worship we all gathered in the church hall for a birthday party as we continued to celebrate our 30 years of shared ministry and witness at Movilla, following on from such giants as St Colman, St Columba and especially St Finnian.
In the evening the Reverend Roy Cooper, Regent Street Methodist and Down District Superintendent, led a service at which the Right Reverend Harold Miller was the preacher. The choir and praise group shared in the leading of the worship which was very thoughtful. Alongside the theme of the sermon, the hymns and praise songs reminded us all of the calling we have as Christians and God’s gifting through the Holy Spirit. The evening service was followed by refreshments when past ministers shared with old friends memories of Movilla Abbey.
The above photo shows some senior members from both congregations, members for the last thirty years cutting our birthday cake, and wow! What a cake! We pray that as we continue in this great tradition that God would bless our work to his glory."