Thank you for visiting our Service Extras for Sunday 23rd May - scroll down to discover announcements, news updates and more …

In our service today from Galatians 6 we were considering how, through the work of God’s Spirit in our lives we are transformed to bear the fruit of the Spirit in our relationships with each other. As a church family looking to the future we want to continue and excel at ‘doing good’ and caring for each other in our church family. The short video below continues to help us consider this theme.

Some further thoughts after our service on Sunday …

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians Ch 6 v 10

In this season it could be easy for us to become complacent with a church building “full to capacity” on a Sunday morning. 

It might be easy to forget about those people who aren’t physically present.  The old adage out of sight, out of mind may have set in as weeks of restrictions stretched to months and even a year.

For those who haven’t been back in the church building to meet together it might be easy to think you aren’t missed and maybe in some way you think you aren’t missing anything.

On Sunday we were challenged about doing good to everyone, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.  Last week we remembered that one of the positive aspects of being physically present together is the encouragement and building up of our faith.

Have a think about those people you have missed seeing at church.  How could you encourage them in their faith?  Maybe you could do this by simply letting them know that they are missed.

We know that this time has been different & even difficult for our children and young people as we haven’t been able to run activities tailored to their needs.  On the other hand, it has been really encouraging to see children and families joining with us on Sunday mornings.

Next week (Sunday 30th) we will have a service especially aimed at engaging with our children and young people and we would love to see them.  If you have been unsure about coming back to church with your children or grandchildren, this might be a good opportunity to do so.  We welcome all the chatter, tears and unpredictable moments that little ones bring so don’t be afraid to come along.*

Of course, it’s not only young families who may not have returned to church at this time. There are those don’t feel comfortable in larger gatherings just yet, those who are housebound and those for whom their enthusiasm or hope is lacking.

Think about how you could be an encouragement to them.

We closed our service by singing the song, Holy spirit living breath of God, the third verse goes as follows:

Holy Spirit, from creation's birth, Giving life to all that God has made,
Show Your power once again on earth, Cause Your church to hunger for your ways.
Let the fragrance of our prayers arise; Lead us on the road of sacrifice,
That in unity the face of Christ Will be clear for all the world to see.

My prayer is that as we do good to all people and encourage one another that the face of Christ would be clear for all the world (& Islandmagee) to see.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10 v 24 & 25

*The Long Room is below the church and is accessible by going down the stairs at the front left-hand side of the church.  A live stream of the service will be on the TV screen if anyone feels they need to go out or take a little one out for any reason.

With our children we heard the story of Pentecost and God giving the gift of the Holy Spirit. If there are children in your home who missed the story why not play the video below or listen to the song that speaks about Pentecost. (The song is great no matter what age you are!)

As we reflected on Life in the Spirit from Galatians 5 we saw how we are encouraged to be both ‘Led by the Spirit’ (being open to the Spirit) and to ‘Keep in step with the Spirit’ (proactively following). I mentioned the morning prayer of the late pastor and author, John Stott. Why not use it in your life …

We continue to be thankful for the generosity of those in our church family who continue to support the ministry and mission of our congregations. Over these last months we have been encouraging people to consider setting up a financial standing order to either of our congregations. Information about this can be found on our announcements page. www.islandmageepc.org/announcements

We of course understand that your financial situation may have changed and would like to support you if we can. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Peter. (07795694499)