Connecting People in Jesus at St Donard’s Community Church, Dundrum
The diocese is very much committed to reaching and serving all within our community through the local church. St Donard’s Community Church in the village of Dundrum is well placed to do exactly that as they seek to grow further as a gospel centered, hope filled church in the community with a love for people and a love for Jesus.
At present there is a small yet faithful evening congregation led by Colin Morris. They want others to join them with a new passion for the gospel, a new love for the community and a new excitement to see lives transformed by a faith in Jesus.
Colin says: “In recent weeks we have seen how new shoots are beginning to sprout at our Sunday evening gatherings. However our hope for 2021 is to grow a new Sunday morning gathering that will be a place where all in the community, especially young families, can connect to one another and also to Jesus.
“I’m thankful for the gospel vision and partnership of both Bishop David and Crosslinks as I have taken up my new role whilst also continuing with Crosslinks part time. To be asked to be Community Pastor and lead a new chapter at St Donard’s is something that is humbling, exciting and nerve wrecking in equal measure but we trust God in the task he has given us. We pray that in the days ahead St Donard’s will be a place that reaches out to others, that grows in discipleship, that cares for one another in fellowship and worships in every aspect of life, for the good of Dundrum and the glory of God.”
Meet Colin
I grew up in Moira and was faithfully sent to every children’s meeting going. However, it wasn’t until I was 15 that I came to a personal, saving knowledge of Jesus through the witness of friends and peers at my school Scripture Union. I attended St John’s Parish, Moira where I was encouraged to explore ministry with young people. This led me to studying theology at Union College, Belfast before taking up roles in Donaghcloney Parish and West Presbyterian, Ballymena as youth pastor and most recently as a staff worker with the mission society Crosslinks. I married my wife Jenna in 2009 before moving to Kilkeel, joining Christ Church there and training as a Diocesan Reader. We have three children aged 6, 5 and 3, all of whom are excited as I begin this new role as Community Pastor at St Donard’s Community Church in Dundrum.