Mount Merrion set to celebrate 50 years
Between 10 –17 March 2013, Mount Merrion Parish Church will be hosting a week long community event celebrating all that is good about life on the Cregagh estate over its first half–century of its existence.
“It will involve individuals of all ages, local businesses, schools, and community groups and in doing so celebrate Cregagh’s history, recognise local talent and hopefully raise expectancy about what we can do together in the next fifty years,” said Bishop’s Curate, Revd Adrian Green.
The programme begins on Sunday 10 March with a special Mothers Day celebration when all the ladies in church will receive some flowers. The guest speaker will be Revd Jono Pierce, rector of theMount Merrion’s ‘mother church’, St Finnians.
Events planned for during the week include an exhibition of community life, a Daffodil Tea Dance, a concert, pub quiz and ‘Messy Church’.
Throughout the week a ‘Treasure Hunt’ is planned around the local shops in an effort to increase footfall in local businesses in recognition of all that they provide for the community.
Although the church has had a building on the estate since 1956, the 16 March marks the 50th anniversary of its consecration and there will be a family fun event at 4.00 pm with face painting, crafts and a hog roast. This will be followed at 5.30 pm with the grand finale at which prizes for various competitions over the week will be awarded and local talent celebrated. Bishop Harold will join in the festivities on this special day.
“Our guest speaker on Sunday 17 March will be the rector of Willowfield, Canon David McClay. After the service one member of the congregation born in each decade of the church’s existence will release one of five white doves – a symbolic reminder of the Holy Spirit without whose power we would be nothing,” said Adrian.