Ards Connect launches with special event
Ards Connect, a new outreach to the Ards Peninsula, officially launched on Saturday 20 February in St Andrew’s Church Hall, Ballyhalbert.
This exciting ministry for youth, young adults and young families is being led by Raymond McClure who is also the Pastoral Worker for the parish.
It was significant that the launch took place during Christian Unity Week as Ards Connect is intended as an outreach which will serve all denominations along the Peninsula.
Clergy from the Area Deanery took part in the worship which was led by Jim Marshall and band – Revd Sue Bell (Ballywalter) and Area Dean, Canon Gill Withers (Greyabbey & Kircubbin with Ballyphilip & Ardquin). Richard Borgonon, the founder of The Word One to One, gave a short address while Bishop David closed the evening with prayer and an exhortation to “Just go for it!”
Vision
The vision is that St Andrew’s church hall will become a central hub – a welcoming and relaxed space for youth and those in their 20s and 30s to gather, belong and encounter God through worship, Bible teaching, discussion and mentoring.
The shape of the outreach is based on research that Raymond conducted with young people in the area. He says:
“God has given us the vision to see the lives of young people, children and families transformed. By putting on worship events and services that are catered to their needs, we want to create an exciting environment where they can grow deeper in their faith and grow as a community of believers.
“We also want to be able to support young people, whatever path of life they are on. Whether that is working with children to develop social skills, working with young people to help them find direction and support, or working with adults to develop skills for employment.
“The overwhelming need for all age groups is a sense of connection. We want to develop small groups made up of people from different areas and backgrounds that will help encourage and develop the faith of that group.
“All these plans and projects will be under the central hub of Ards Connect. The overarching vision here is not to grow one church or one project, but to grow all the parishes of the peninsula by enabling young people and developing their faith.”
If you would like to receive updates and pray or volunteer for Ards Connect, please email Raymond at ardsconnect@gmail.com
You can also give using THIS LINK (via CAF).
