Bible Week finishes on a high note
The final night of the Down and Dromore Bible Week struck a celebratory note as the event finished on the glorious words of Romans 8.
It was the culmination of four nights of excellent teaching by Greg Venables, Bishop of Argentina and Primate of South America.
Bishop Greg’s short series in Romans chapters 5–8 had the title, Accept No Imitations, and that message came through loud and clear. He urged us to base our lives on the reality of what God has done in Christ as revealed through the Word of God.
It was a message for the church, as too often we fail to read, study, believe and obey the Bible. Relativism and pluralism, he contended, would not see us through dark days, nor give us any lasting joy. They are poor imitations of the gospel truth so powerfully described in Paul’s Letter to the Romans.
Bishop Greg was accompanied by Sylvia, his wife of 47 years and they have spent almost 40 of those years as missionaries in South America. Sylvia had an opportunity each night to share how they had lived that gospel truth through some difficult experiences, including being robbed at knife point in their home in 2014.
Sent out
Concluding, Bishop Greg reminded us that God is about mission. We are secure; we are renewed; we are in Christ and not under the law. It’s done. “Now,” he said, “the only thing that matters is if we get out there and do something. Be salt and light. God has no plan B!”
Kerygma Choir
We were delighted to welcome back Kerygma, The Good News Choir and their patron (jointly with Bishop Harold), Bishop John McAreavey. The choir played a wonderful part in our worship, singing 5 pieces in total. (Pictured above)
The Bible Week is the first event in a new season for Kerygma. They will lead a special evening Harvest Service in Kilmore Parish, Crossgar on 1 October and hold their ‘Evening of Celebration Praise’ in November (find out more here).
Thank you
The Bible Week is very much a team effort and we are grateful to everyone who made the event run so smoothly. Shankill Parish volunteers and staff did an excellent job in support whilst Carl McCambley and his team led us in worship. Thanks to those from different churches who led the intercessions and read the passages in Romans and to our prayer ministry team who were available each night. A shout out also to Kasat for a wonderful job on sound. (Pictured, Shankill Churchwardens Daphne and Trevor Jones)
Finally, thank you to everyone who made the journey to Lurgan each night. See you next year!
Bible Week 2018 will take place from 28–31 August in Willowfield Church Belfast when our speaker will be Bishop Grant Lemarquand.