Blog for the congregation and members of Dromore Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church - Dromore Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church

Lean on me

7/6/2017

Joe Martin (Senior) and his son Joe Martin at Dromore NSP Church

Ernie Martin and his son, Joe, sing in the church choir. Joe leans on his son’s arm as they make their way each Sunday to the choir’s position just below the pulpit and each Sunday as he passes my pew he - sort of double taps the pew door on his way. If the door is slightly ajar, he’ll close it.

It’s like a “pay attention, the service is starting now!” sort of signal for me and, as simple as it is, it’s another little tradition that I look forward to.

You can read more about Ernie in the post, Hands of the Carpenter.

How Seniors Can Improve Their Physical And Mental Health By Going To Church

5/3/2017

Front elevation of Dromore Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church

Dromore Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church

While many seniors are active in their communities and continue to have a social circle well into their golden years, many are confined to their homes by illness or simply can’t perform daily tasks the way they used to. For these people--and especially for those who don’t have family nearby--belonging to a church can be a blessing. Not only can it provide a sense of belonging and community, members can also prove very helpful and supportive during difficult times.

Belonging to a church can also improve mood and self-esteem and can provide a welcome place for seniors to go during the day to get social, play games to help improve memory and brain function, and get out of the house for a while.

Here are some of the best benefits of attending a church when you’re a senior:

A shoulder to lean on

Becoming an active member in the church means having a sense of belonging and a support system during the most difficult times, such as battling substance abuse, going through marital troubles, or coping with health issues. Many churches even offer counseling services for members of all ages to take advantage of.

Help during hard times

Most churches will offer help for seniors who are confined to their homes, such as coming by to clean up the house, bringing groceries by, or just checking in and visiting for a while. For those who don’t have nearby family, loneliness can be one of the hardest things to get through, and being a member of a church allows them to feel a sense of family and community.

Adult day care

Many seniors have in-home care, and when those caregivers need a break or to take time off, adult day care is a perfect way to ensure the senior’s safety and happiness in their absence. Many churches offer these services, which allows the individual to come and socialize, participate in arts and crafts, or offer their own services for a charity.

Norman Lindsay, Dromore Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church

Norman Lindsay was baptized in Dromore Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church and is a life-long member

Ease stress

Belonging to a supportive group of people can help ease stress and anxiety and boost mood and energy levels, especially if the individual is active within the group. Many churches have community outreach programs, a choir, and various other activities that seniors can participate in. This can help them feel important and vital in their community.

Better decision making

Studies have shown that people who pray daily exhibit better decision-making skills, because they feel more grounded and self-confident. For those who pray within a group setting, the benefits are even more obvious because the individual feels a strong connection to others and forges relationships.

Guest post: Jason Lewis

Women's League Quarterly Meeting

12/2/2017

Quarterly meeting of the Women's League of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland

Quarterly meeting of the Women's League

On Saturday Afternoon 28th January Sonya Russell, Helen Kinghan and Marie Holmes attended the Service and meeting in our Cairncastle Church.

This special service, led by Rev Lena Cockcroft, was the start of celebrations to mark the 90th anniversary of the founding in 1927 of the Ulster District of the Women’s League.

Nine candles were lit commemorating the nine decades of work and worship of the League. The 48 members attending rededicated themselves, as Liberal Christian Women, to the ideals of the League:

companionship
prayerful and practical witness
charitable giving and, most importantly,
hospitality to all those who wish to join with us.

Nine decades of work and worship, the Women's League of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland

Nine decades of work and worship - the Women's League

All present were very pleased that our Moderator, Rt. Rev Chris Wilson and his wife joined us for this special occasion. The Moderator was most complimentary of the work and witness carried out by the women of our Churches.

Carols by Candlelight 2016

19/12/2016

The "Carols by Candlelight" service was a lovely afternoon of worship on Sunday, December 18.

With dusk falling outside, and the only illumination inside the church being dozens of small tea-lights, everything combined to create a warm and relaxed atmosphere in which the church family came together for some praise and singing at this special time of year.

Organised by Donna McDonald, the whole thing ran like clockwork, and Donna deserves all our thanks for recruiting so many willing volunteers and putting together such an enjoyable Christmas event.

In her introduction, Donna thanked all the participants, the choir, organist Leona Coulter, and Amy Flanagan, who had put up the Christmas tree and made the church look suitably festive.

An early highlight of the afternoon was soloist Catherine Black singing the first verse of Once in Royal David's City, before the congregation joined in at the second verse. Catherine sang beautifully and we look forward to hearing more from this talented young girl in the future.

Others carols to feature in the service were Still the Night, Holy the Night; O Little Town of Bethlehem; See Amid the Winter Snow; While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night; and Joy to the World.

Organist Leona Coulter at Dromore Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church

Organist Leona Coulter was presented with a bouquet of flowers as a thank you for all her hard work leading the choir (photo: Roderick McMurray)

Christmas Carol Service at Dromore Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church

Catherine Black impressed everyone with her beautiful singing at the Carols by Candlelight service (photo: Roderick McMurray)

The choir performed two special pieces - Not That Far From Bethlehem and When a Child is Born, which was particularly well arranged.

All the readings were delivered loud and clear, with the Bible lessons read by Louise Simpson, Elma Fairley-Matthew, Norma Shields, Hazel Russell and Hannah Webb, while poems were read by Zara Greenfield (The Bells Across the Snow) and Jordan Wilson (Cradled in a Manger Meanly).

It was a pleasure to have Alister Bell in the congregation, who was visiting along with his mother, and he brought proceedings to a close with the Benediction.

A retiring collection was held in aid of Marie Curie.
Thereafter, the congregation moved to the Ervine Hall for some refreshments and fellowship.

Roderick McMurray

St Anne's Cathedral Choir gives Christmas Concert in Banbridge

17/12/2016

The Choir of St Anne’s Cathedral processes into Banbridge Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church for the 300th anniversary concert

The Choir of St Anne’s Cathedral processes into Banbridge Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church for the 300th anniversary concert (photo: Karen Bushby)

The Choir of St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, travelled to Banbridge on Wednesday December 14 to help the First Presbyterian Church (Non-Subscribing) celebrate its 300th anniversary.

The Cathedral’s Master of the Choristers David Stevens was accompanied by the Girls’ Choir and Lay Clerks.
The choir sang 5.30pm Evensong in St Anne’s before heading down the M1 and A1 in the Cathedral minibuses. They were welcomed by the minster the Rev Norman Hutton, and enjoyed some sustenance in the form of the ever reliable pizza!

The Rev Norman Hutton welcomes the Choir of St Anne’s Cathedral to the concert of Christmas Music to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Banbridge Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church

The Rev Norman Hutton welcomes the Choir of St Anne’s Cathedral to the concert of Christmas Music to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Banbridge Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church (photo: Karen Bushby)

The First Presbyterian Church (Non-Subscribing) was founded 300 years ago and 2016 also marks the 170th anniversary of the opening of the present church building in Downshire Road in Banbridge.

The original church was in Lurgan Road, in what is now known as Old Meeting House Green. The congregation worshipped there until 1846, when they moved to the impressive new church. A special 300th anniversary service was held in the church in September.

Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church, Banbridge (photo (C) Drew McWilliams 2016)

The First Presbyterian Church (Non-Subscribing) was founded in Banbridge 300 years ago (photo: Drew McWilliams)

David Stevens had prepared a varied festive programme. He played the historic church organ and the choristers sang a number of items including the Advent Hymn Creator of the Stars of Night, Torches (John Joubert); Jesus Christ the apple tree (Ledger); Mary’s Magnificat (Andrew Carter); In the Bleak Midwinter (H Darke) and the Little Road to Bethlehem (M Head). Their rendition of O Holy Night (H Adam) was simply stunning.

There were congregational hymns including O come, O come Emmanuel, Once in Royal David’s City, Away in a Manger, Silent Night, While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night and Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

The audience was treated to some wonderful pieces played by David on the organ. These included Bach’s In dulci jubilo, Noel X (LC Daquin); The Holy Boy (J Ireland) Sleigh Ride (L Anderson)

Mr Hutton had invited representatives of other churches in Banbridge to do readings between the musical items.

Members of the St Anne’s Cathedral Girls’ Choir singing in Banbridge Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church

Members of the St Anne’s Cathedral Girls’ Choir singing in Banbridge Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church (photo: Karen Bushby)

Thanking David and the choir for a wonderful concert, Mr Hutton said the evening had been a fitting end to the church’s tercentennial celebrations.

The concert was free, but a retiring collection raised £600 and this will be divided between the Cathedral Black Santa Appeal and the St Anne’s Choir School Project. The organisers of this concert thank all those who attended for their generous support.

For further information contact Karen Bushby, Press Officer, St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, on 07766 103880; email [email protected]

Sunday School Christmas Service 2016

11/12/2016

Mary and Joseph at Dromore Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church Sunday School Christmas Service

Starring Indie and Scott as Mary and Joseph

The congregation was taken on a magical journey by the children of our Sunday School, and reminded of the real story of Christmas by our Bible Class. We are grateful once again to the Poole family of SuperValu, Dromore for their generosity in supplying chocolate gifts for all the children (and, as a matter of fact, the webmaster!).
Teachers and children have a well deserved break for the holidays and return on Sunday, 8th January.

Dromore Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church Sunday School Christmas Service

Hark the Herald Angels Sing! - or even Kaitlin, Samara and Abigail

Santa at Dromore Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church Sunday School Christmas Service

Have yourself a very happy Christmas from Santa (Scott) and all at Sunday School

Click here for Sunday School Christmas Service 2015

The Moderatorial Pectoral

20/11/2016

Rev Sam Peden at Dromore Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church

Rev Sam Peden wearing the Moderatorial Pectoral

In his account of this year’s General Synod, published in the September (2016) issue of The Non-Subscribing Presbyterian magazine, the Clerk of Synod referred to a medallion or pectoral (decoration worn on the chest) presented at the meeting by the Revs Brian and Lena Cockroft.

This jewel is for wear by the Moderator of the denomination, to indicate his or her role when not robed. It features the Burning Bush, the symbol of the denomination, and the inscription ‘Moderator of the NSPCI’.

The Moderatorial Pectoral of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland

The pectoral was commissioned by the Revs Brian and Lena from Steensons Goldsmiths based in Glenarm, Co Antrim, and was presented as a gift by the “Two Revs”.

The presentation is recorded in the inscription on the reverse of the pectoral, which is also engraved with the dates during which they themselves served as Moderators.

Rev Lena and Rev Brian Cockcroft photographed at Dromore Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church

Rev Lena and Rev Brian Cockcroft at Dromore Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church

This generous gift is bound to be greatly cherished by the present Moderator and appreciated by generations of his successors, just as “the Two Revs” themselves are cherished by all of us in the denomination.

(Source: The Non-Subscribing Presbyterian, October 2016)

Our own Rev Sam has been associated with the church for over 50 years - as member, committee member, treasurer, Elder, Sunday School superintendent and lay preacher.

He studied for the ministry and was licensed by Presbytery of Bangor in 1996, installed to the charge of Dromore by Presbytery on 19th October 2001.
Rev Sam served two terms as Moderator of the General Synod of the Non--Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland and helped raise over £76,000 for The Friends of the Cancer Centre, Belfast City Hospital.

You can read about Rev Sam's last service in Dromore here: I (still) need thee every hour...

Remembrance Sunday 2016

13/11/2016

Alister Bell at Dromore NSP Church on Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Day service was conducted by Alister Bell (photo: Roderick McMurray)

Remembrance Sunday was commemorated in our church on November 13 with a suitably sombre and reflective service conducted by Alister Bell.

Many in the congregation had come to church having attended the Act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in the Town Square at 11am - and our own service began with Alister and Joe Martin laying a poppy wreath at the memorial window. A recording of the Last Post was also played.

In his address to the children, Alister revealed that the medals he was proudly wearing were his father's who had served for 36 years in the RUC.

Alister's family has a deep association with policing - and sadly his uncle, Inspector George Bell, was murdered in 1976. In fact, it was at his uncle's funeral that another policeman, Ben Forde, was so moved by the hymn 'Supreme Sacrifice' that he made a recording - and Alister brought along the LP to show the boys and girls.

Alister explained the significance of the poppy to the children and gave them each some poppy seeds to plant and a bookmark with the verse "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends". (John 15:13)

In his sermon, Alister asked the question: "What makes a good disciple?" and rounded off his address with the following thoughts:

"So to become that good disciple ourselves, we are to build on the solid rock which is Jesus and interpret the use of the Word in a way which shows our love for each other.

"Today we remember those whose love knows no bounds, those who paid the supreme sacrifice, those who for our tomorrow they gave their today.

"And we show our example to those whom we come into contact with. We may not be on the bloody battlefield which our forefathers were, but we still have to be those soldiers of the Cross, showing love and compassion to all we meet."

The service came to a close with the singing of the National Anthem.

Remembrance flower display at Dromore Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church

Flowers provided by Joan Black and arranged by Jean McElroy (photo: Roderick McMurray)

A special mention must be made of the flowers, which were supplied by Joan Black and arranged by Jean McElroy. It was a very creative display of poppies, rising up from a patch of grass. Amongst the flowers was a card bearing the poem "In Flanders Fields", and towering over the poppies on either side were some beautiful white lilies.

Roderick McMurray