PRESIDENT’S DIARY Jottings from Irish CE President Mark Crawford’s diary The second half of the Presidential year has had a few more engagements which has allowed me to travel around and meet more of our members. Unfortunately due to other commitments I wasn’t able to accept every invitation, but all the events have been in my prayers over this year. A synopsis of each of the events and meetings I attended are included below.
21st January – Priesthill YPs My first engagement of 2018 was to head to Moria to join with Priesthill YPs for their meeting. It was good to share with the members there.
4th February 2018 – Clonaneese CE Sunday I was invited along to the evening service at Clonaneese CE where the Young People and Young Adults CEs led the service, with a programme based on the Good News of Jesus. The most striking part of the night for me was videos of interviews with different members of the CEs in Clonaneese and what the Gospel message means to them. 9th February 2018 – First Ards Juniors In early February I had the pleasure of travelling to First Ards to join in with the Junior meeting. There was a good crowd and it was good to see all the members taking part, I especially enjoyed the quiz.
16th March 2018 – Lisbellaw YPCE My first official trip to Fermanagh since the CE Convention in September, was to join with Lisbellaw YPs for their bi-weekly
meeting. It was a pleasure to share with them and thanks for teaching me some Makaton sign language. The YP members were learning to sign the hymn, “When I survey wondrous Cross” which they planned on videoing and sharing with members of their congregation.
22nd March 2018 – Second Broughshane Juniors This was Second Broughshane’s annual Parents’ and Friends’ Night. The members put on a programme based on their theme for the year of, “The Armour of God”. Well done to all involved. 9th April 2018 – Knockninny Juniors & YPs Both CEs meet on a Monday evening so I was delighted to be able to attend both. It was nice to be able to head back to the Society that I grew up attending. 23rd April 2018 – Armagh & South Tyrone Presidential Rally It was my pleasure to accept an invitation to speak at the Armagh & South Tyrone Presidential Rally where Sandra was installed as the new Local Union President. Unfortunately I was unable to stay for the supper.
24th April 2018 – Ballygawley & Ballyreagh Juniors Night two on the road, took me to Ballygawley to share in the annual Parents’ Evening. I understand that traditionally it is the first engagement for the newly installed Armagh & South Tyrone President, however as Sandra is the leader there, I was pleased to be able to speak with the children and hand out prizes. 11th May 2018 – Magheramorne Juniors A few days of heavy rain meant that
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