Page 5 - Contact Winter 2015

1 2 Richard’s Letter to the Ballymenians Well ‘hello’ from Lucan! You probably Thanks be to God for his Word. On Sundays thought you’d heard the last from me, but through autumn, we’ve been studying the Refections on 25 years in High Kirk Presentation of a gift to when the Contact team asked me to write letters as found in Revelation 2-3 and asking, Anne on 6th Sept to mark an update from Lucan, I couldn’t resist. “What is Christ saying to us today?” We’ve It may be 25 years ago but I still remember 25 years anniversary as I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone found the messages of comfort and that initial overwhelming feeling when Director of Pastoral Care over these past 5 months. Thank you to all challenge to be inspirational. We’ve also I realised how many people were in High Kirk of you for keeping me in your prayers and for been praying as a congregation asking God, associated with High Kirk – nearly 2000 all the personal notes, emails and comments “What’s next?” This has been an ongoing from the smallest baby to our eldest Over the past 25 years, there have been many which have greatly encouraged me through theme through autumn and has culminated member. How was I ever going to learn all special occasions and big events – the 1991 this transition. I love you all. in a recent elders’ retreat where much prayer their names? And knowing names is only the mission, the two 40 Days programmes, new and prayerful discussion proved very fruitful frst stage in knowing people at a deeper LPC (as we like to be known) has around in discerning God’s will for our next phase of level. Often it has been in the times of buildings, new staf members and plenty more. But for me the greatest highlights have 150 people of all ages worshipping on any ministry together. In spite of all the human horrendous emotional and physical pain been seeing God’s Word coming alive in given Sunday. We’re not your typical and worldly challenges, we’re confdent that that I have come closest to individuals and someone’s life and that life being changed Presbyterian congregation with around 12 God has a plan for Lucan and beyond and He families as they have shared their heartbreak. and transformed by God’s Spirit. diferent nationalities and many people has a purpose for LPC in that plan! fnding their way from other denominations; It has been my privilege to sit alongside many In my early years in High Kirk many people we are an interesting melting pot of Keep praying for us, especially as the elders hurting people, bringing the caring presence welcomed me into their homes for meals and believers. This diversity is represented in continue on the journey of re-visioning for of Christ’s Spirit within me, as so often I’ve helped me in countless practical ways. I was the staf team at Lucan; Renee, our the future. We’re excited and praying been blessed by seeing the Lord at work, the envy of my neighbours as teams of folk administrator is from South Africa, Romas ‘To God be the Glory!’ giving someone the grace and strength they arrived each summer evening to clean and our caretaker is Lithuanian and Samuel our need to keep going in the face of adversity. paint my new home and dig the garden. And intern is Italian with both parents being Your friend and brother, throughout the years I have continued to be Ghanian. Yet we are all united in Christ Richard It has been humbling to remember those at the receiving end of many acts of love and and it is a beautiful thing to witness a who have become Christ’s followers and kindness – thank you so much! diverse church worshipping around the 1: Richard’s frst LPC wedding. Joanna and David asked professed faith publicly. Christ calls us to be throne of Jesus, the great unifer! for a selfe - this was captured by the ofcial photogra- involved in a local church so receiving new pher 2: Richard, Samuel, Romas and Renee, at Samu- members is always special - seeing many My pastoral care has never been one way - el’s appointment as Intern. 3: The merry band of leaders many people have shown me their love in This strength of diversity is also one of and helpers at “Summerfest” our Holiday Bible Club 4: more people become active communicant giving of their time to listen to me, particularly my biggest challenges. Understanding Irish Harvest decorations. This was taken before the service members and serving the Lord here has been in the dark and difcult times. Like others, I’ve culture with all its many sub-cultures is key started, hence the presence of a cofee cup immensely rewarding. I long for every faced times of illness, loss, disappointment to preparing the congregation for a life of member to feel valued and know that they and discouragement and have appreciated the discipleship. The Irish position in Europe have a vital role to play in our care and concern of our church family. means the church in Ireland has more in congregational life. common with the church in Spain, for I am very aware of my weaknesses and failures example, than perhaps it does in other One of my great passions has been to see and appreciate your understanding and parts of these Islands. The centenary more and more people beneft from being forgiveness when I’ve made mistakes. celebrations in 2016 will evoke a plethora active in a small group so it has been My greatest need has always been your prayer of political emotion which needs careful 3 wonderful to watch the numbers involved support and I’m so grateful to God for calling navigation as it flters into church life and in laser groups increase fvefold – but there’s me to serve Him in such a caring and praying witness. And ‘Modern Ireland’ with its recent always room for more! Jesus’ ministry put church. I have learnt and received so much referendum approving same sex marriage is great emphasis on that group of twelve who from you, the people of High Kirk - it truly has a debate which is not showing any sign of heard His teaching but also learnt by putting been a privilege to minister among you. cooling of. How can we be disciples in it into practice. Christian character and this world? behaviour are best developed in 4 community as we relate to one another. Anne Taylor