​I (still) need thee every hour....

Rev Sam Peden in the pulpit at Dromore Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church

There was 'good news' and 'bad news' on the first Sunday of January 2016.

The 'good news' was that the church enters a new year, and a new chapter in its long history; the Session and Committee look forward to the challenges which lie ahead ; and the congregation are eager to hear news of applications for the pulpit vacancy.

The 'bad news' was that Rev Sam Peden preached his last sermon to his flock.

Rev Sam has been associated with the church for over 50 years - as member, committee member, treasurer, Elder, Sunday School superintendant 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.

Rev Sam received a warm round of applause at the end of the service and met friends and well-wishers for refreshments in the Church Hall immediately following.

Typically modest and sincere, Rev Sam finished by quoting St Paul:

"I have kept the faith and finished the race"
...and wished every blessing to each and every one of the congregation and wider community.

​The organist was Leona Coulter and all the hymns were chosen by Rev Sam himself, though he commented that there are many more that he could have included:
​
I need thee every hour
Will your anchor hold
In Christ alone my hope is found
Love divine, all loves excelling

The choir sang the anthem, "Here I am Lord".

Rev Sam Peden

It is perhaps fitting that Rev Sam chose "In Christ Alone" as one of his chosen hymns:

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;

....Rev Sam is still leading by example, and encouraging his people.