The Church of Ireland

Diocese of Clogher

“Spring into life”

While Clogher Diocese straddles five border counties, there are only a few areas where the three historic reformed church traditions are found in one village. The village of Dromore in County Tyrone is one of those areas where the Church of Ireland is fortunate in being able to build upon the shared covenant it holds with the Methodist Church, but also enjoys close fellowship with the local Presbyterian Congregation. Having built a united Christian witness together over five years, largely due to the good will of the local ministers and people based there, the three congregations are now looking forward to nine special days of events in mid May. These three local churches are hosting the London based evangelist Roger Murphy and a colleague of his, Paul Woodman, who presents the Christian message through street theatre. The events have been planned in conjunction with CPAS, the anglican Church Pastoral Aid Society and their all Ireland Secretary Mr. Paul Hoey, formerly the Rector of Ballinamallard.

 

Roger Murphy is of Irish extraction and has roots in Coleraine, County Londonderry. Roger became a committed Christian in his early twenties. He describes himself as a typical inner city person who adores football and grew up without much awareness of God’s love towards him.  He  has spent much of his life  in London developing a ministry to others from a similar background, but in recent years his ministry has developed across the British Isles and he is regularly in Ireland. He is employed by Through Faith Missions, an organisation which has been accompanying the church in various parts of  this island in its programme of outreach. There was a significant response to Christ at recent meetings in Dublin, Belvoir in Belfast and in Kesh, County Fermanagh.

 

The nine days, entitled’ Spring into Life ‘ promise to have something for everyone and there is a clear commitment to make the Gospel presentation accessible to as many people as possible. There will be events held in community centres, barns, homes, churches, church halls and leisure centres.  With a number of events based around food and being hosted in the village itself, invitations to the Business lunch, the Men’s Breakfast, the Dads and Lads Football, and the Fun Bowls Tournament should prove very popular. The Trillick based beautician Mrs. Beatrice Keyes of  ‘B’s’ is  demonstrating her skills at the Ladies’ Body and Soul evening. The well known Gospel singer William Sawyers will lead the mid week concert. The children’s Puppet theatre group from Shankill in Lurgan will be present at the United Church opening service on Sunday 8^th May at 11.30am.

The Bishop of Clogher, the Rt. Reverend Michael Jackson will be present at the closing service of Prayer for Healing Sunday 15^th May at 7pm.

With visits to local schools, family homes and mission services at the various churches throughout the week many people will have the opportunity to reconsider their faith. There will be an explanation of the Christian message at all of the events.

This programme of events which will be advertised throughout local towns and villages, is open to the whole community and a warm welcome is extended to all.