ISSUE 9 - DECEMBER 2016 MISSION • MINISTRY • OUTREACH * NEWS LIVING WATER FOR THIRSTY SOULS on Sunday 18th December at 7pm at Enniskillen Presbyterian Church, East Bridge Street, Enniskillen Join us for a heart warming Christmas Service. A not quite traditional service of songs and reflections on the true value of Christmas. Tea and hot mince pies will be served afterwards. Unwrap the real gift of Christmas this year! Invitation to our Christmas Service Christmas Unwrapped
Transcript
Desig
ned &
Print
ed by
Eccle
sville
Print
ing Se
rvice
s Ltd
| 02
8 828
4 004
8 | w
ww.ep
sni.c
om
ISSUE 9 - DECEMBER 2016
M I S S I O N • M I N I S T R Y • O U T R E A C H * N E W S
L I V I N G W A T E R F O R T H I R S T Y S O U L S
on Sunday 18th December at 7pm
at Enniskillen Presbyterian Church, East Bridge Street, Enniskillen
Join us for a heart warming Christmas Service. A not quite traditional service of songs and reflections on the true value of Christmas.
Tea and hot mince pies will be served afterwards.
Unwrap the real gift of Christmas this year!
Invitation to our Christmas Service
Christmas Unwrapped
Minister’s Letter Dear FriendsOne of the highlights of church life recently was the visit of our team to Operation
Rescue Ethiopia in August. Often people who come back from poor countries will say something like this. “They have so little of what we take for granted and yet they are so happy.” Why is it that people living in circumstances we would consider stressful beyond description seem to be less afflicted by stress than we are? Stress – the great modern disease of the western world. I think there are two reasons at least. First, they experience a greater togetherness. They are usually part of a community that shares everything, so they don’t feel isolated and alone. In contrast loneliness and isolation is what drags so many people in our society down into depression.
Despite our social media, email and all other forms of communication relationships can be desperately superficial. Many are alone in a crowd. But the second reason is the one I want to focus on – it is the paradox that the more you possess the more complicated life becomes and with that comes stress. Christmas is just around the corner and surely if anything proves my point it’s Christmas – our society goes into overdrive in its mad consumption of things and is there a more stressed time of year? Do you ever feel like saying “ Stop the world I want to get off”. So much information, so many decisions, so many demands, so much noise – you just want to get away and ‘get your head showered’, as the saying goes.
So, I would like to talk about the blessing, the sheer pleasure, the release, the de-stressing power of simplifying your life. A spiritual exercise often mentioned is “simplicity”. What I think it means is something like this – it is the decision and discipline of getting rid of things and letting things go. Materialism has made us think of always acquiring things but what about the greater pleasure of sharing? Is this not one of the reasons for the success of the Church Mouse Shop. We love clearing all that stuff out and seeing it sold in the shop and bringing some pleasure and use to others.
So, we can declutter our houses of things. But is there a deeper decluttering of our lives as well? Here are a few thoughts. Yes there are times when we must let go of commitments we have made – maybe a responsibility we took but it is time to let it go; maybe a relationship which has run its course; maybe an activity or involvement that was useful at a time but it just isn’t a priority any more as life has changed. Doing some of these things requires us to overcome the desire within us all to please others, so the secret of it is to spend time with God each day listening to His voice and answering his call. When the disciples heard the call of Jesus to follow him, they had to leave their nets behind. We must live before the audience of One.
So sometimes life needs to be simplified. We can’t do everything. Things accumulate. Life has to be pruned to be fruitful, just like a tree. Let go of things. Let go of activities. But there is a deeper and more difficult challenge. Let go of baggage from the past. In the famous film The Mission from 1986, Mendoza the slave-trader as penance for his sins climbs up a mountain dragging all his armour in a huge bundle. When he arrives at the top humiliated and exhausted, the native Indians, instead of killing him in revenge, cut the rope and throw his burden away. Mendoza sobs great sobs of gratitude, joy and amazement at this act of mercy. I wonder what we all are carrying from the past that is like a weight on our back or a ball and chain round our ankles or an infection in our lungs that stops us breathing the pure clear air of God’s love and mercy.
How can we find out? You must go into the silence. That’s what Elijah did after Mount Carmel when Jezebel threatened his life. He journeyed back to where it had all begun and heard God in the still small voice. I do believe that many of us do not actually properly process our life experiences. We don’t bury things dead; we bury them alive and they haunt us continually. They accumulate and eventually our lives
Enniskillen Presbyterian Church Newsletter
Editorial Team
Terry Mulholland:Editor
David Cupples:Policy
Gordon Annan: Design / Layout
Contact details:Church website: www.spce.org.uk
Church Office: Ph: 028 6632 5759 e-mail [email protected]: The Church Office, 16 East Bridge Street, Enniskillen. BT74 7BT.
Gordon Annan:12 Castlewood, Enniskillen BT74 6BFPh: 028-66324139 e-mail: [email protected]
become like the houses of those people in TV programmes about hoarders. They get beyond cluttered to the point where normal movement is choked and blocked. The Sabbath day for rest and renewal is God’s basic provision for de-cluttering and simplifying and cleansing our lives if we will make proper use of it. A weekly de-cluttering. Sabbaticals are longer opportunities for that – or even just a long walk in the hills. If God permits it, I do hope to walk the Camino in Spain as a sabbatical next spring. One writer walked it after the tragic death of his brother and found the walking helped him process his grief – he called his book Redemption Road.
If I am able to go, I hope it will be a redemption road for me too. A time when instead of every day bringing more and more new things into a crowded life, the reverse can happen – and what has accumulated there over now nearly 60 years of living might have space to come up and come out – memories, experiences, coming into consciousness, being placed before the presence of God for God to redeem them – affirming, teaching, forgiving, restoring, illuminating. As we come to the busiest and maybe most stressful time of year in our crazy society take note of what I am saying – get serious about simplifying your life, de-cluttering your life outwardly and inwardly. Feel what it is alike again to let the burden go, to take a full deep breath and live a less frantic and more focused life.
In the welter of voices and activities hear the call of the One who wants to give you rest – Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened – follow me and I will give you rest. Come with me and simplify.
Yours sincerely in Christ, David Cupples
In the welter of voices and activities hear the call of the One who wants to give you rest – Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened – follow me and I will give you rest. Come with me and simplify.
Enniskillen Presbyterian Church
2 3
Enniskillen Presbyterian Church
It is hard to believe that, come the beginning of December 2016, the Church Mouse will be in business three amazing years. We thought that now was an ideal time to
update you on this aspect of the church’s overall community mission. The shop has proved to be a success far beyond our most optimistic hopes and dreams.
Each Friday, when we open the doors, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation for the day ahead. In fact, there are a number of Fridays when we have a queue of eager customers lined up to get in. This buzz of anticipation then turns into sales and so another Friday begins.
The range and quality of the stock received by the shop is the cornerstone of its continued financial success. One of the heart-warming tales we have is when a customer came to us to let us know that we had under-priced something, how wonderful is that? As a result of this, we were able to re-price the item before it was sold. We do our best to research, where possible, all donations so that we can price the goods appropriately but there are times when items slip through.
Even though the shop has been open for three years, stock continues to be received from members, and other friends of the congregation. We want to take this opportunity to, once again, thank everyone for supporting in this way. In fact, the name of the Church Mouse is becoming so well known that donations are now being received from shop customers too.
We do try as best we can to reflect the season of the year or focus on a particular theme when we restock the shelves and the shop window each week. Over the summer the shop enjoyed fantastic sales of china tea sets, garden furniture, books and summer clothing for the fun-loving holiday bound customers.
As we are now moving into Autumn/Winter, the stock is taking on a warmer cosier focus particularly in the area of clothing. The summer stock has been removed and replaced with jumpers, warm coats, jackets and some party dresses in readiness for the Christmas season.
Each week we thank God for his rich blessing on the shop and for the willingness of all the volunteers working there.
A particular area of fun and success for us is stocking the shelves with Christmas items in time for the festive season. However there are items that are always popular, small items of furniture, china, kitchenware, children’s toys and pretty items of jewellery. A big favourite, and an item that is frequently requested, is Country and Western CDs. We rarely receive this type of CD but when we do it is snapped up as soon as it is received.
Down the back is always a hive of activity with the Volunteers sorting through all the boxes and bags of donated items every Friday. Each item is checked to make sure it is complete/intact. When an electrical item is donated it is placed on the storage shelves down back and then periodically a registered Electrician is contacted so that all the electrical items can be PAT tested before we are allowed to place them out for sale. As you can imagine a lot of clothing is donated and the volunteers sort through every item. While not everything makes it to the shop rails, that doesn’t mean these items haven’t a value, they are placed in recycling bags and there is a financial value to them also.
The rejected goods are placed in a range of bins and periodically a very willing volunteer spends a whole morning transporting these items to the local dump. This is a vital job as the area down back would become totally swamped if this task wasn’t undertaken.
The shop also receives many items of furniture and in many cases another loyal Volunteer “uplifts” these items. There have been some items that, when they arrive into the shop and are examined, prove to be damaged or broken. They would be rejected, however, there are a number of volunteers who have taken upon themselves to repair these items with great success. They have then been sold.
Each week we thank God for his rich blessing on the shop and for the willingness of all the volunteers working there. Whether they are sorting, ironing, washing, cleaning, delivering, repairing or going to the dump, all these tasks are so valuable and important to insure the smooth running of this little enterprise. Little did Louise and I know when we began this project how much joy, fun, fellowship as well as financial success would be realised from the Church Mouse. Eleanor Harpur
The Church Mouse Shop on East Bridge Street, is open each Friday between 10:00am to 4:30pm to sell donated goods at great value prices. It is run by church volunteers and the money raised in the shop supports the work of the church and its missions both locally and oversees.
Three Year Old Church Mouse
The Church Mouse ShopEast Bridge Street Enniskillen selling good quality previously used clothes, general household goods and furniture.
Open Fridays 10.00am to 4.30pm
Enniskillen Presbyterian Church
4 5
Enniskillen Presbyterian Church
‘Light Shinning in Darkness’.... the phrase that comes to mind when I reflect upon my recent trip to Ethiopia. Going to bed at night I looked out of the window in my room (which I shared with Joanne, Alison Glass and Lucy) into the darkness of the night and the darkness of the tiny stone hut with a tin roof (with numerous holes in it, crumbling bricks, mud floors which housed more than it was ever fit to).... yet I got into bed with a trusting feeling that each day we would, through God, be bringing some LIGHT into these situations.
What did this mean to me? It meant that I was able to obey, share and rely on God.Sharing the Gospel humbly, boldly, and passionately is our Christian mission and something I felt called to do in an active way. Through Kate (and her heart for ORE) I was able to follow God’s call for me at this time in my life. Alongside the team I was able to share God’s word, promises, truth and above all his message of love for us all with the kids and young people at ORE. For me, I found this a very humbling opportunity and an experience I will always remain thankful for - to both God and my church family.
The opportunity to actively serve a living God, to walk alongside 14 others from my church family and have the chance to get to know these (truly amazing) people in ORE.... simply meant everything to me. We went with the desire to bring God’s word and help change/ bring something to the lives of these people... yet I left feeling more changed than I never imagined and came home feeling closer to God than ever before. I certainly feel I gained more from them than I ever gave to them.
I carry with me so many memories of my time in Ethiopia, many thoughts of my brothers and sisters, many concerns for those we left and much joy for those lives we touched through our teaching..... and still... I go to bed each night with a knowing feeling that each day, God will continue to shine his light over them.
Stacey Lawson
Light Shining in DarknessEnniskillen Presbyterian Church
6 7
Enniskillen Presbyterian Church
Why men’s ministry? That is a question that I have been thinking about quite a bit over
the last few weeks. So here is where I have got to. As a church we believe that discipleship is really important. I mean really important. We want to see people come to faith and grow in faith.
I think primarily the place that this takes place is on a Sunday, as we gather together around God’s Word and hear God speak. But it happens in other ways too. Our own private Bible study, a family devotional time, fellowship groups and through serving together. The list could go on, but I do believe that there is value in meeting separately as men and women. That is why we encourage those who are able, to go along to PW or to The Troop. This will not be possible for everyone and so we don’t want you to feel pressurised into going but this is an opportunity to get to know each other better, build up friendships and also be challenged and encouraged by those who speak at the events.
This year The Troop plans to continue with its breakfasts on the first Saturday of the month. These will be in the Killyhevlin Hotel. We have an exciting line up of people who will share their story - pointing us to the greatness of God who is at work in their lives.
We will also try and run a couple of social nights throughout the year which will allow for others to come and join us whom it doesn’t suit on a Saturday morning. So if you are a man then I would like to encourage you to consider coming along. The breakfasts are pretty informal, we eat around a number of tables and then someone will share their thoughts for a short time. If you want to find out more info as to what is coming up then chat to Scott Fallis or myself.
Jeff Gawn
The Troop Men’s Ministry
Some things... Some things are unpredictable at Tea4U: We set up from 10 am each Friday and clear up from 3.30pm. The set-up takes over an hour and so does the clear-up. Our busiest slot is 12-2.00pm when soup and sandwiches are the most popular choice.
Some things are unpredictable at Tea4U:Will we serve 40 or 80 today?Will we see any holiday makers or mostly locals?
Some other things are predictable at Tea4U:We serve just as many men as women.We can be sure to have some laughs together.We hear peoples’ stories, some recent some not.Many people come in alone and most people, when asked, are happy that someone joins them for a chat.
Some other things are unpredictable at Tea4U:One week a Freedom in Christ DVD got passed around a table and the five people sitting there said they’d like to do the 13 week course which got started the next Tuesday.
A follow-up to the Freedom In Christ course; Bible Study4U was asked for, so has been running for 40 minutes in one of the small side rooms with whoever turns up.
So, we’ve a mixture of predictables and unpredictables going on at Tea4U. Another predictable is that we, the workers will be few in number so if you could spare a few hours to wash dishes or make sandwiches or chat with customers we’d be happy to have your help, and wouldn’t expect you to do anything you weren’t comfortable with. Or, if you could make scones or soup, tray bakes or cakes now+again we’d appreciate your help on that front too. Finally, THANK YOU to those of you who have joined us on Friday’s or have supplied us with food. You are enabling a wonderful outreach into the community to operate and indeed flourish.
The small (but open to becoming bigger!) Tea4U team.
Christians Against Poverty is a national debt counselling charity with a network of debt centres based in local churches. CAP offers hope and a solution to people in debt through its top quality, in-depth service.
Enniskillen Presbyterian Church, together with churches in Ardess and Dromore has partnered with CAP to offer debt counselling in our community.
The service we offer is completely free.
CAP West Area Manager Jonathan HaywardCall 0800 328 0006 to book an appointment
money
Every Friday 11.30am to 3.30pm
Bridge Centre Riverview Room
Pastoral Care CommitteeThe pastoral care committee is alive and well. We
number the following congregational members - Averil Dunlop, Rosemary Magowan, Catherine Mulholland, Catherine Mullan, John Phillips, Sheila Phillips (coordinator), Sam Robinson and Karen Wilson. We hope to work closely with Rev. Cupples and the elders and of course all of you! We know that many in the congregation already show practical friendship – which is basically our remit and concern – to other members and indeed also to neighbours outside our congregation. But there may be those who are being missed out or that you know of, but are not able to befriend as well as you would like. If you are aware of needs, please let us know either through your elder or Rev. Cupples or directly through Sheila Phillips who is our coordinator and intended to be our “communication hub” in modern parlance. And we have another opportunity for those of you who are budding chefs! We think that there may be occasions, perhaps a new baby, or an operation or bereavement, when a member would appreciate a meal or two at short notice, and we would like to have a few home-made simple meals stored in the Island Hall freezer for use in an emergency. If you would like to help in this way could you please prepare a meal in a freezable pack for Sheila to collect and store in the church freezer. In all our activities good communication will be essential, so keep a look out for unmet needs of many sorts and let your elder or Sheila know (66329359 or [email protected]).
John Phillips
Enniskillen Presbyterian Church
8 9
Enniskillen Presbyterian Church
Chess ClubThe primary aims of these clubs are to enjoy chess and to teach it. It is a game that fosters imaginative
thinking, planning ahead and the ability to adapt to the unexpected. It also offers to those who are not good at sport and team games the chance to succeed in another sphere. But it has the disadvantage that the adrenaline and endorphin rush that can come with an exciting game are slightly addictive!
There were other aims, however, in setting up these clubs (with Kirk Session agreement). One was to bring outsiders into the environment of our halls and help them to feel comfortable entering our premises. Then we wanted to draw together members of different part of our communities, Protestant, Catholic and immigrant. Indeed I hoped that Eastern Europeans in particular would join and get to know local people this way, and although only a few have stayed with the club, probably because many immigrants are too busy earning an income to spend time on chess, we do have a few who remain. Chess also appeals to introverted folk who find chat and revealing details of themselves to others difficult, so over time it
does give them an opportunity to build up friendships. So when you see appeals from me in the church notices for you to join the club, it is not just so that you will learn and enjoy chess and swell the club numbers, but also to encourage you to stretch out a hand of friendship to the great majority of our members who are not in our congregation.
The photos, taken at our first meetings this session in September, show one of the younger children in our schools club who won a trophy in a competition last summer in Belfast (and went on to experience competing in Manchester) with others present on that first day, and of play getting started in the open (mainly adult) club that same evening. The ranks of the schools club have since been swollen by an influx of beginners, many from Mullinaskea primary school, and the initial turnout at the open club was rather lower than normal, because several members were away then, including one teenager from Manorhamilton who is a strong player and, as I type this, is competing in the girls’ under 16 section of a major international chess event in Siberia, but should be back on 10th October! John Phillips
Youth FellowshipAs many of you know over the last number of years we have had Lynx running on
a Friday night. Well this year it is all change. Firstly it is a name change to Youth Fellowship. It’s a bit like Ronseal - it does exactly what it says on the tin.
The second change is that it is moving from a Friday night to a Sunday night. We recognised that for some of the young people in the church there were other organisations that ran on the same night and so we didn’t want them to miss out on being able to come.
The third change is the venue. We are moving from meeting in the church halls to meeting in a living room. Hopefully we will enjoy getting to know each other better from the comfort of a sofa.
The fourth change is that we will only meet once a month. We recognise that time is precious, and time with family is often something that can be difficult to get. With Sunday evening services happening twice a month, we want to leave a Sunday night a month where there is more time for the family to spend together - you can choose what that looks like!
The fifth change is the time. Youth Fellowship will start at 7:00pm and finish at 9:00pm (we know that school awaits the next day). I think that is probably all the changes that you can cope with for now, so the rest of the changes we will just call ‘surprises’.
So what will happen? We will start off by playing some games, then take some time to explore characters in the Bible and what we can learn from them and then we will finish with some food! So if you are at post-primary school then this is for you. To get more details pick up a flyer from church or check the announcements. If you have any questions then please chat me. Jeff Gawn
Youth Fellowship
As many of you know over the last number of years we have had Lynx running on a Friday night. Well this year it is all change. Firstly it is a name change to Youth Fellowship. It’s a bit like Ronseal - it does exactly what it says on the tin. The second change is that it is moving from a Friday night to a Sunday night. We recognised that for some of the young people in the church there were other organisations that ran on the same night and so we didn’t want them to miss out on being able to come. The third change is the venue. We are moving from meeting in the church halls to meeting in a living room. Hopefully we will enjoy getting to know each other better from the comfort of a sofa. The fourth change is that we will only meet once a month. We recognise that time is precious, and time with family is often something that can be difficult to get. With Sunday evening services happening twice a month, we want to leave a Sunday night a month where there is more time for the family to spend together - you can choose what that looks like! The fifth change is the time. Youth Fellowship will start at 7:00pm and finish at 9:00pm (we know that school awaits the next day). I think that is probably all the changes that you can cope with for now, so the rest of the changes we will just call ‘surprises’.
So what will happen? We will start off by playing some games, then take some time to explore characters in the Bible and what we can learn from them and then we will finish with some food! So if you are at post-primary school then this is for you. To get more details pick up a flyer from church or check the announcements. If you have any questions then please chat to Jeff.
#YF2016 Youth FellowshipTime // 7:00-9:00pm Where // 23 Station Park, Maguiresbridge Who // Yr8+ What // Explore characters in the Bible and lots of fun! When // 9th Oct, 13th Nov, 11th Dec, 8th Jan, 12th Feb, 12th March, 9th April, 14th May
Enniskillen Presbyterian Church
10 11
Enniskillen Presbyterian Church
13
Giggles for Girls Encounter Youth ClubGirls In God: Growing, Loving, Eating and Sharing together.
G.I.G.G.L.E.S
it is and plenty of
giggles we have!
At one stage in my life, I spent my Saturday nights and very early Sunday mornings with a group of
Christian friends distributing tea, coffee and soup to the youth of Enniskillen. Standing in the Diamond, we observed the masses emptying out of the bars in Enniskillen, after a night’s socialising with friends. While young people stood, shivering, waiting for their taxis, we sought to engage them in conversation and serve the Lord through simple acts of kindness. On many occasions, while out in the freezing Fermanagh winter nights, I founding myself wondering what Christian alternatives there were for young people in the Enniskillen area at the weekend.
Jump forward six years and I’m met by a pupil on a Friday lunch time when leaving the school canteen. He asks me whether Encounter youth club was commencing on the Saturday evening and, when informed that it was, responded with great enthusiasm that he couldn’t wait for it to begin. In response to my previous late night, early morning, musings on the Diamond, there are positive, Christian, alternatives in Enniskillen at the weekend for young people and our own Encounter youth club is one of these alternatives.
Encounter youth club is not a young people’s meeting, or a youth Bible study. It exists to provide a space for young people to meet in a safe and warm environment, to socialise, develop friendships, play games, have fun and learn basic truths from the Bible. Last season we enjoyed a varied programme of events, experiencing everything from bubble balls to bouncy dragons, laser quest to bowling, even managing a weekend residential at the CEF centre in Kilkeel, Co. Down.
The new season kick-started on Saturday 8th October with a revised format to the evening. Juniors (p6+p7) meet from 7pm-8.30pm, with seniors (secondary school age) meeting from 8.30pm-10.00pm. We have planned another varied programme for the year, including, once again, a residential. The theme for the Bible talks is ‘Who am I?’ This series of will focus throughout the year on what the Bible teaches regarding personal identity in God’s gracious purposes towards us.
We very much value your prayers for this ministry. Please continue to pray for the young people and their parents, many with no formal links to Enniskillen Presbyterian Church. Pray also for the leaders, that they might be granted wisdom and strength from God throughout the year.
Paul Martin in an article entitled Why We Need Youth Ministry (The Gospel Coalition) comments regarding youth ministry: Jesus modelled one of the best practices for the church. His discipleship did not depend on the latest book, the newest game, or the best icebreaker. Instead, his model relied on the spiritual health of the leader, and his willingness to spend time investing himself, his love, and his truth in them.
Pray that we, the Encounter youth club leaders, would truly reflect this model throughout the year in our approach to the important ministry God has graciously called us to.
Alvin Mullan
People, new things... GodENCOUNTER
GIGGLES got off to a great start on Friday 23rd September with the topic, ‘This is me’. We were able to get to know each other through an icebreaker game before
we learnt about who we are in God’s eyes. The verse we illustrated this from was Ephesians 2v10 where it says ‘For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus’. A memory verse we hope the girls will remember as the meaning of it shows they are a precious creation. We ended the night with games lead by Katherine and Rebecca Dickson and Sarah Mullan.
These three girls are a credit to the GIGGLES team as they not only do what is asked of them but they take the initiative and do everything whole heartedly. In October we began our program of ‘Women in the Bible’. Firstly looking at Mary who listened, Ruth who followed and the servant girl who helped Namaan. By looking at these women we hope to teach the girls the importance of living our lives for God and to do so by listening, following and serving. Various activities are included after the main story is taught to illustrate the story but to have fun while doing so.
We end the term with a craft project led by Rachel Beckley and a Christmas party. In the New Year we hope to continue looking at Women throughout the Bible and even throughout history who walked with God and served him, learning how we can walk and serve in the name of Christ. This is the aim of GIGGLES that the young girls we teach will rise up and be women of God themselves.
Some prayer points for GIGGLES:• That each girl will learn more about their loving Saviour• We have fun while learning about God• God will be with the leaders each week as they teach the girls
through words and actions.• That ultimately God will be glorified in everything that takes
place at GIGGLES Thank you for all your prayers and support, GIGGLES Team
Enniskillen Presbyterian Church
12 13
Enniskillen Presbyterian Church
Born in Belfast and grew up just north of Maghera in South Derry. Came to Enniskillen in late August 1980.
Married Hilary in July 1981 and after the arrival of Ciara, Colleen and Paul we spent a year in Adelaide, South Australia during 1991. Taught geography and history to A level and in recent years have taught English to non native speakers. I have always enjoyed sport and for a period was in charge of physical education in Portora and Erne Integrated College. Would consider playing and coaching rugby as a hobby for many years and now enjoy regular cycling, occasionally long distance, and also hill walking. Enjoy reading and travelling. Have taught English in a voluntary capacity too and have embraced the arrival of new ‘blow ins’ to this area whether they are from Banbridge, Bulgaria or Brazil! Variety is one of the spices of life!
Philip Galbraith
I was born in East Belfast then moved to North Belfast at the age of four. My home church is Abbotts Cross Presbyterian and my minister was Dr Fleming. The Girls
Brigade and C.E.F. were big influences on my life. It was there that I was taught to memorise the Scriptures and sing many choruses all of which have stayed with me.
I graduated from The Queen’s University of Belfast with a degree in Business Administration and went on to qualify as a Chartered Accountant. Through Accountancy I met Ken and when he was sent to Enniskillen with his work I got a job as Finance Manager with F.A. Wellworth & Co. Ken and I were married in August 1986 and we have been living in Enniskillen and been members of this church since that time. I now work part time as Finance Manager for The Fermanagh Trust and have been there for fifteen years. I have four children, Andrew, Joanne, Philip and Stuart.
Andrew and Joanne are both working and living independently, while Philip and Stuart are both at University in England. All four children are Christians and are actively involved in serving God both here in Fermanagh and further afield. God has richly blessed me with my children, they are a delight and I am grateful to God for entrusting them into my care and keeping His hand upon them.
I have always loved sport, especially racquet sports – tennis, squash and badminton. I still love playing badminton on a Thursday night – (even after Committee meetings !!!) Another favourite pastime is walking, especially in Austria and Switzerland. I have recently combined my love for walking with raising money for the charity Help for Heroes by trekking in South Africa in November 2015 and I am hoping to trek in Burma (Myanmar) in February 2017.
As an Elder in this church I would simply pray that everything I do may bring Glory to God He is a mighty God who saved me at the age of 14 and has kept me to this day. He has never failed me, He has blessed me so much and my love for Him is only surpassed by His love for me.
Pam Rainey
Welcome to our new EldersBorn in Dungannon in 1969, I have lived in Enniskillen for most
of my life and teach at Devenish College as Head of Religious Education. Married to Catherine for sixteen years, we have two daughters: Sarah and Rachel. I have attended the church for six years (with my family) and been a communicant member for two years. In terms of church involvement, I teach the Bible Class with Diane and Rebecca Stevenson and co-ordinate Encounter Youth Club with Stacey Lawson. Outside of my school work, I enjoy reading, playing the flute and listening to classical music. Though reluctant to identify a single moment of conversion, I enjoy a deep, personal, assurance of salvation, grounded in God’s grace towards us in Christ. Serving as an elder is both a humbling and daunting prospect. I do, however, look forward to serving God in this role, believing it to be his will and trusting in his grace to enable and empower.
Alvin Mullan
I moved to Fermanagh just over five years ago. I lived initially in Lisbellaw before getting married and moving to Maguiresbridge. I am one of seven children, three
brothers and three sisters. Some of you know my sister Valerie who attended this church when she worked in Enniskillen for 6 months around the time I moved here. Growing up I had great fun being part of a large family and thoroughly enjoyed my childhood. I was born in Ballymena and grew up just outside Parkgate (near Antrim) on a farm. My home church was Second Donegore Presbyterian and the years there growing up are ones I look back to with great fondness. I am very thankful for those who taught me God’s Word and helped me to grow. It was as a young boy that I came to understand my need of a Saviour and put my trust in Jesus. On moving to Fermanagh for my job with Scripture Union I knew that settling into a local church quickly would be really important and I was thankful to those who cared for me as a newcomer and I became a member of Enniskillen Presbyterian not long after. My current involvements within the church on a regular basis are co-leading The Troop men’s group and leading the Youth Fellowship. These are both highlights in the month! What do I like most about Fermanagh? Probably the fact that since moving to Fermanagh I got to know Vicky, that has to be my highlight! However, I also love the beauty of the county, especially places like Crom. I think another highlight is the people. There is a great warmth and friendliness which makes it a great place to live. As a new elder my prayer is that I would continue to love God, love others and encourage them to grow in their faith, leading in a way that honours God.
