Moderator meets the people

Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt. Rev. Ian McNie and his wife, Anne, who toured Ballymena Presbytery last week INBT-42F-Ian and Anne McNie.

Alongside his wife Anne, Dr McNie also spoke to members of the farming community and called in to Dunclug Primary School.

In keeping with his personal theme emphasising ‘a caring fellowship’, Dr McNie took time to meet with clerical colleagues, town centre traders and worshippers in the area.

A united evening service for town centre fellowships was held in West Presbyterian Church where the congregation heard about the Presbyterian Church’s overseas activities.

Dr McNie said: “My wife, Anne, spoke about our recent Moderator’s visit to Malawi when we spoke to many of our missionaries who are involved in frontline work there. Other people also talked about various projects that their churches will be involved in over the coming months and I preached a sermon where I challenged people to get involved in missionary work at home and abroad.”

One of the week’s major highlights saw the Moderator preach at a Gospel rally in Connor where Christians in attendance were encouraged to ‘bring a friend’ and a clear gospel message was delivered.

During his meeting with local business owners, the Moderator was keen to demonstrate understanding of the issues they face during this time of economic uncertainty.

Dr and Mrs McNie also attended a civic reception hosted by Deputy Mayor Timothy Gaston and visited congregations at Buckna, Second Broughshane, First Ahoghill, Clough and Third Portglenone who are currently celebrating 50 years since their building was opened after a fire destroyed their original meeting house.