Gardenmore cleric to address annual CE convention

Very timely with the Olympics and Paralympics in mind will be his theme “Train, run, win”.

Delegates representing all the CE societies and unions, as well as personal members, from throughout Ireland have been invited to attend. Visitors will warmly welcomed at all the public events.

There will be something for every age group with special events for Juniors, young adults / young people and seniors / comrades but one of the highlights will be the induction of the new all-Ireland president of Christian Endeavour at the Saturday evening rally.

Mrs Gwen Carson has been nominated to succeed Gillian Thompson, who has very successfully completed two years in office.

Mrs Carson is the wife of Rev Stephen Carson, minister Emeritus of Dunluce Presbyterian Church, Bushmills, recently retired. She was brought up in Co Tyrone and attended Clonaneese Presbyterian Church, where she first became involved in Christian Endeavour in the 1960s. Gwen became a Christian 43 years ago through the preaching and influence of the late Rev Tom Cuming.

Stephen and Gwen, who live in Ballyclare, have three grown-up children, Vivienne, Diane and James.

Over the years Gwen has held many posts at Local and Irish CE levels, including being president of Lurgan and district and Ballymena and Coleraine CE unions.

A post which she particularly enjoyed, and held for eight years, was national Junior Convener of Irish Union when she was known as ‘Auntie Gwen’ to Juniors all over Ireland.

CE is an international and interdenominational organisation and Gwen thinks that every church could benefit from having one.

She is looking forward to meeting and encouraging Endeavourers throughout Ireland during her year as Irish president.