East Antrim Union

EAST ANTRIM

Gary Bissett installed as new East Antrim CE President

The young people of Magheramorne Junior CE greeted the congregation, gathered for the installation of Gary Bissett as President of the East Antrim CE Union, with an uplifting rendition of “I’m in the Lord’s Army” and this was followed by a welcome by Morris Gardner – Session Clerk of the Church.

Community praise was accompanied by organist, Phyllis Boyd while CE leader, Lorna Swann led in prayer. Gillian Craig and Gillian Dawson, also leaders, read the “Parable of the Sower” a passage which Gary has adopted as his theme for the year as it relates to his work as a gardener.

Lynda Anderson, outgoing President, thanked, congratulated and encouraged Gary before, with the assistance of Rev Nathan Duddy, guest Minister for the evening, performing the formal installation and handing over the chain of office to Gary. Mr Duddy prayed for God’s blessing on the outgoing and new Presidents and added his own congratulations and encouragement.

Gary’s address included a short cartoon on his theme and he thanked the many people who had contributed to the evening and supporting him on his journey with a special mention for his wife, Nicola and sons, Mark and Gareth.

Mr Duddy’s benediction included thanks for the supper which was provided by members of the congregation and organised by Jennifer Paisley.

Gary comments on his new role Talented East Antrim Juniors shine at talent show

Several years ago Lynda Anderson successfully completed her term as President of East Antrim CE Union but faithfully continued to “hold the fort” until someone felt led to allow his or her name to go forward for election to the position. Gary Bissett has responded to God’s call and when asked to tell us a little about himself, this is what he had to say:

Hi, my name is Gary Bissett, I have recently been elected to the position of the Christian Endeavour President for the East Antrim Union for the incoming year. I am 46 years old and grew up in Doagh, Ballyclare.

When I got married, I moved to Larne where our two boys Mark [18] and Gareth [15] were born. I attend Magheramorne Presbyterian Church, Larne. I first got involved in Children’s Ministry when my kids were growing up and attending Christian Endeavour. I started out as a helper, helping with the Pre Juniors, the youngest age group in CE.

Due to changes in our CE, I began to take a more active role in which I became the leader in charge and began to take on other roles and activities within the Children’s Ministry of my Church. In CE I am surrounded by a very talented and faithful team both within the East Antrim Executive and within my own CE. I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead of me throughout this year as East Antrim CE President. I am also looking forward to visiting other CE Societies within the Union.

The theme for the year of my Presidency will be sowing the seed and nurturing the young people in growing God’s Kingdom”.

Gary, who was very much looking forward to his Presidential installation, on Friday 6th September 7:00pm, in his own church, Magheramorne Presbyterian, concluded by saying that this was a huge honour and privilege given him by God and he would be spending this special night in his life with his family and friends in God’s House.

East Antrim Junior Christian Endeavourers have excelled, yet again, in the Irish CE Talent Contest, held in Carnmoney Presbyterian Church.

The Adjudicators were George Hewitt for music and Dee Hawthorne for Bible Reading and Drama. Barbara Wilson meticulously calligraphed all the certificates.

The event was organised by Rosemary Carson and Caroline Edgar while Belinda Gage ran a very popular Craft Spot which gave great pleasure to all the children.

Much thanks are due to them and all who helped to make this a particularly happy time for all the competitors.

The presentation of cups and certificates was made by Mr George Hewitt assisted by Caroline Edgar.

Results were as follows:

Class 1 - Solo 8 years & under:

1st Sophie Montgomery, Magheramorne Presbyterian; 2nd Elsie O’Dornan, Magheramorne Presbyterian; 3rd Matthew Acheson, Ballyhenry Presbyterian.

Class 2 - Solo 9 & 10 years:

1st Abigail Magee, Ballyhenry Presbyterian; 2nd Jessica Wilson, Magheramorne; 3rd Sophie Mallard, Ballyhenry Presbyterian.

Class 3 - Solo 11, 12 & 13 years:

1st Zoe McCullough, Ballyhenry Presbyterian; 2nd Emma Montgomery, Magheramorne Presbyterian.

Class 4 - Bible Reading 8 years & under:

1st Elsie O’Dornan, Magheramorne Presbyterian; 2nd Sophie Montgomery, Magheramorne Presbyterian; 3rd Landon Woodfield, Magheramorne Presbyterian.

Class 5 - Bible Reading 9 & 10 years:

1st Jessica Wilson, Magheramorne Presbyterian; 2nd Emily Loughridge, Magheramorne Presbyterian; 3rd Louise Semple, Magheramorne Presbyterian.

Class 6 - Bible Reading 11, 12 & 13 years:

1st Emma Montgomery, Magheramorne Presbyterian.

Class 7 - Piano Solo 9 years & under:

1st Lia Tweed, Magheramorne Presbyterian; 2nd Matthew Acheson, Ballyhenry Presbyterian.

Class 9 - Instrumental Solo String:

1st Emma McNamee, First Carrickfergus Presbyterian.

Class 10 - Instrumental Solo Wind:

1st Alexandra Dougan, Carnmoney Presbyterian; 2nd Isabella McNamee, First Carrickfergus Presbyterian.

Class 13 - Duet 10 years & under:

1st Elsie O’Dornan & Jessica Wilson, Magheramorne Presbyterian; 2nd Lia Tweed & Louise Semple, Magheramorne Presbyterian; 3rd [tie] Noah Murphy & Grace Fulton, Ballyhenry Presbyterian; Landon Woodfield & Molly Bell, Magheramorne Presbyterian; Sophie Mallard & Shannon McCully, Ballyhenry Presbyterian.

24 l THE IRISH ENDEAVOURER