Irish National Convention 2019

Charlie, Maci, Lydia and Katelyn read our CE Promises, which we enjoy practicing each Friday. The congregation sang, ‘All things bright and beautiful’ before Zoe told us about the history of CE. Sophie then read us a poem entitled, ‘Remembering’.

Georgia and friends presented a drama about, ‘Junior CE’ The CE came together to sing, ‘Ask, seek, knock’ and, ‘Superglue’. This led into Chain Prayers read by Leah, Roxy, Lucas, Ella-Louise, Luke, Daniel and Shannon.

Currently the CE supports the Mission Aviation Fellowship which Katelyn told us more about. The offering was then collected and Noah and Lydia thanked the Lord through prayer. The congregation joined together to sing praise.

Emma, Nessie and members of the CE put on an excellent performance with a puppet show before Abigail read a poem called, ‘Our life is like a garden. The CE sang their final two songs, ‘To tell the truth’ and, ‘God made the chickens’ followed by Matthew who read from Ecclesiastes.

Mr Lockhart spoke on the verses Ecclesiastes Ch.12 v.1 ‘Remember your Creator in the days of your youth’ and Ecclesiastes Ch.3 v. 1 ‘There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the Heavens’.

The congregation sang, ‘Give me oil in my lamp’ and Mr Lockhart closed with the Benediction.

THE IRISH NATIONAL CONVENTION 2019

Getting to know this year’s convention speaker.

This year the 105th Irish National CE Convention will be held on Saturday 21st September in 2nd Broughshane Presbyterian Church when The Revd Stephen Kennedy will speak on the theme, “All for Jesus”.

The Revd Stephen Kennedy is the minister of Buckna Presbyterian Church, which is approximately four miles outside of Broughshane. The 29 year old Bessbrook native has been in Buckna since February 2018. He is married to Lynn and they have two girls, Eva and Erin. Before moving to Buckna, Stephen was the Assistant Minister in Hill Street Presbyterian Church, Lurgan and served there for three and a half years. He was delighted to be called by the congregation and has been greatly encouraged during his time there already.

Stephen came to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age and attended and was involved in his home congregation, Bessbrook Presbyterian. He attended Newry High School before studying Journalism with History at the University of Ulster, Coleraine. At the age of 21, he sensed the Lord calling him into full-time service. He believes the Lord used James 4:14 to challenge and call him into His work. Stephen believes he was given a taste of what ministry would look like through involvement with the Christian Union at UUC.