Holywood Parish Weekend at Dromantine
On 21 February, about 70 adults, children and young people from Holywood Parish travelled to the Dromantine Retreat and Conference Centre for a weekend together in the company of guest speakers Bishop Ken (Fanta) Clarke and his wife Helen.
The weekend was structured around sessions of teaching and worship with the Clarkes but included coffee breaks, wonderful food, a free Saturday afternoon and some family fun later that evening.
Associate Vicar, Ken McGrath: “Throughout the weekend we ran a crèche and separate programs for the children and teens so that everyone could be encouraged without distraction. A massive thanks to Hannah, Gemma, Paul, Bridget and Angela who looked after and blessed our children and young people and to our musicians who led worship.
“Referencing the first chapter of Philippians, Bishop Ken’s overarching theme was to encourage us to “Go Deeper and Grow Stronger” in our faith. He highlighted the crucial role of team in church life and the need for interdependent rather than independent Christians who have a real thirst for G&T (Grace and Truth!). Bishop Ken urged us to be M.A.D. Christians, not crazy people, but ‘Make a Difference’ for Jesus people in a world which needs him so badly.
“Ken’s wife Helen shared with the group on Saturday morning. She spoke personally and very honestly about her recent studies in the book of Proverbs entitling her thoughts, “The Way of Wisdom”. There were indeed nuggets of wisdom for everyone to take away.
“Later on Saturday evening we gathered in the Coffee Dock for a Beetle Drive and quiz. It was great fun with a speedboat and a brand–new car among the prizes! A new discovery was parishioner Peter Crookes who treated us to a couple of pieces on the violin/fiddle (accompanied by a certain vicar playing the bodhran).
It was a great weekend full of fellowship and challenge for us all (but don’t mention the 1000–piece jigsaw).”