Intercession, teaching, action and celebration on the last night of Bible Week
Our studies in Jeremiah with David Parker have highlighted the inextricable link between our devotion to God and our representation of his name in the world, not just through words but by acts of kindness and compassion.
The last night of the Bible Week reflected that, with intercession for our land and a call to action on the refugee crisis.
Prayers
We were delighted to welcome Bishop John McAreavey, the Catholic Bishop of Dromore and local parish priest, Fr Andrew McMahon to Shankill Church. Bishop John and Bishop Harold together led us in prayers for our political leaders and our community at this time of challenge for the devolved government.
The prayers of intercession have been sent to all the parishes in both dioceses to be used in services this Sunday 6 September. Read the prayers here.
The plight of Syrian Refugees
Bishop Harold invited Jasper Rutherford (Church Army and Summer Madness) to share about his recent visit to Lebanon with Tearfund and the fundraising campaign he has run at this summer’s youth festivals. Approximately £50,000 has been raised so far, with one 25 year old young woman donating her entire childhood savings of £6,000. Jasper showed a short film and spoke movingly about the plight of thousands of displaced people in the Bekaa Valley.
Jasper also responded to criticism of the churches on the refugee issue on Friday’s Talkback and you can still listen at this link on the Radio Ulster website. Go to 38:36.
The offering was lifted for the appeal and we were directed to other ways in which to give. You can donate to Tearfund here and help Syrian Refugees get through the coming freezing winter in Lebanon.
Celebration
Adding something special to our worship on Friday night, Kerygma the Good News Choir, sang 4 wonderful pieces and we got the chance to join in! The choir has had several engagements this year and their Director, Lorna Palmer, gave us advance notice of their upcoming concert at 7.00 pm on Saturday 7 November in St Anne’s Cathedral. More details will follow but Kerygma will sing in a variety of styles and there will also be an opportunity for audience participation, so please save the date.
Teaching
David Parker concluded our studies in Jeremiah, looking primarily at chapters 29–33 which include the ‘Book of Comfort’ when God promises restoration and return. (Notes to come). Once again, the congregation had an opportunity to respond to the word and to receive prayer ministry from the team.
Next year’s speaker
We are very pleased to announce that our speaker next year is Revd Dr Ian Provan, the Marshall Sheppard Professor of Biblical Studies at Regent College, Vancouver. Ian gave the Bible readings at New Horizon this year and his ministry there was greatly appreciated. Read Ian’s biography here.
Next year’s Bible Week will take place from Tuesday 30 August to Friday 2 September. Venue to be announced.
Thank you again to Shankill Church Lurgan, Carl and the music team, visuals operators, welcomers and Kasat who handled the sound.
You can see some photos of our week together in the gallery here and download David Parker’s talks here.