Monthly Archives: December 2020

Dear friends, I hope you have managed to join with us online (or by phone) at our services week by week. I wonder if you were struck (as I was) by one particular carol at our Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday 20th December (still available to watch on our website!)  Judith sang aContinue reading “The Rector writes … a Christmas Message”

A message to encourage us and point us towards the Christ Child this Christmas. In the Christmas story, Joseph is sometimes overlooked, but we have much to learn from this character. Facing fear and uncertainty, he was full of compassion, courage and looked to God for help and comfort. 

Advent Hope – Rebecca. The fifth and last video in the Diocese’s short series for Advent 2020. Rebecca Barr is a midwife in Craigavon Area Hospital. Even in the midst of COVID there have been many moments of joy in her job and she believes that God can use this season for good.   Advent HopeContinue reading “Advent Hope”

A message from Bishop David in light of the recent announcement from the Northern Ireland Executive, appealing to people to be sensible and careful in the coming days as they prepare for Christmas. 

Belfast’s Black Santa, Dean Stephen Forde, is on the steps of Belfast Cathedral ready to receive in–person donations from the city’s generous public. The Dean was joined for his first shift this morning by the Bishop of Down and Dromore, the Rt Revd David McClay, and the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Revd George Davison. Continue reading “Black Santa is on the steps!”

A Pastoral Letter from the Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Ireland. ‘And the light shines in the darkness; and the darkness could not overcome it.’ John chapter 1 verse 5. “2020 is a year which we will never forget. It is a year in which the gathering darkness sometimes seemed as though itContinue reading “A Pastoral Letter”

The Church of Ireland’s Board of Education (Northern Ireland) has expressed its thanks to all those involved in the life of our schools as the Christmas break approaches. Speaking in his role as Chair of the Board, the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd John McDowell, said: “As schools prepare to break up for aContinue reading “Thank you to schools”

So looking forward to gathering together on Sunday 13 December for our All Age Christingle Service. As you know, the church has been closed for 2 weeks, but here’s a sneak peak of what’s been happening behind the scenes. Thanks to Malcolm for decorating the tree, to Dorothy B for the knitted Nativity set andContinue reading “Christingle Service”

This video was produced to celebrate and give thanks as this year marks the 30th anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood in the Church of Ireland and was shown recently at General Synod. © copyright the Representative Church Body

This time of year is difficult for many people, and of course this December is very different for all of us in our churches as we are not able to hold all of our usual services. This Sunday, 6 December, St Finnian’s Parish Church, Belfast have very kindly extended an invitation to all across ourContinue reading “Blue Christmas”