Happy 1st birthday to Glen Community Church
Glen Community Church, one of our church plants, celebrated its 1st birthday at the end of the summer with a big bash in its usual meeting place, Londonderry Primary School, Newtownards.
A year to the day on Monday 24 August, 120 adults and a large group of children had an amazing night together. There were tonnes of desserts, great worship, kids doing their puppets and plenty of smiley faces!
The theme was ‘Celebrating our relationships’ and considering there were 22 people at the church’s very first meeting, there was much to give thanks for. The regular church family, now 50–60 strong, turned out in force. They were joined by the rector and well–wishers from St Marks, Julie Currie (representing Bishop Harold), local ministers and a great representation from local people.
Community involvement has characterised the church from the start and so the 3 readings were given by the School Prinicipal, a member of the Salvation Army and a representative from the Community Association.
Leader of the Glen Community Church, Stephen Doherty, said: “I was blown away by the celebrations. So many local people came through the doors with the children leading the way, bringing their parents with them. I think one of the keys to our growth is that we value and integrate the children and there’s a very strong sense of family. One young Mum said to me, ‘It’s like worshipping God in your living room!’”
Pictured above, Diane Price who brings her grandchildren along to church.