Many turn out for Bishop's Bible Week
The 2010 Bishop's Bible Week got off to a great start on Monday evening with Canon Dr Christina Baxter preaching the first of her series on Habakkuk to a full church at Willowfield, Belfast.
Bishop Harold gave a warm welcome to Christina, remarking that they had first met as teaching colleagues at St John's Nottingham in 1979. The Bishop also welcomed Margaret Ritchie MLA, MP for South Down and leader of the SDLP. She is the first of
4 prominent women
who will give the Bible readings at this week's event.
The evening was bathed in worship traditional and modern, led by the organ as well as by Zara Monteith and her band. Christina spoke on the first chapter of Habakkuk, setting the scene and contextualising this minor prophet. She encouraged the congregation to engage with God as Habakkuk had done, speaking freely and frankly about the things that concern us. In a time of response many took the opportunity to be anointed with oil as a symbol of their desire to speak, hear and see the things of God more clearly. Prayer ministry was available to anyone who desired it and will continue to be available on successive evenings.
The Bible Week runs until Thursday and we hope that many will come to worship and hear what God has to say to us through this gifted speaker.
Photo gallery to follow soon.