Hills alive with sound of music as Drumlough celebrates thanksgiving

The hills around Drumlough Presbyterian Church, near Hillsborough, were alive with the sound of music when the bowling and table-tennis clubs held their Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday, September 22.

The evening began with a warm welcome from Mr Will Young, President of Drumlough Bowling Club and Chairman of Drumlough Table-Tennis club. Will congratulated Rev Gareth McFadden on his third anniversary in the church and stated that he was a real blessing.

Mr Young also thanked all those who organised, took part or helped in any way to make the service possible and ended

by saying that everyone was there to give praise, honour and thanks to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for the friendship and fellowship we share together.

We were delighted to have The Right Worshipful Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Margaret Tolerton, attend the service, and she was accompanied by Councillor Luke Poots. Musical items were provided by the ‘Voice of the Bann’ under the leadership of Pastor Sheila Smyth, together with musicians James and Ann Patience. Voice of the Bann performed six pieces during the evening, with featured solo performances by Will Young, Roberta Young, Sheila Smyth, Pauline Collins, and Linda Little. Sharon Jordan, Drumlough’s church organist, lead the congregational praise.

Other members who participated included Mr Bobby Cairns, a member of the Table-Tennis Club, who led the congregation in prayer and Rachel Jordan, the youngest member of the bowling club.

The sermon was taken from Matthew ch 5 vs 43-48, and was entitled ‘Loving the Other Side’.

Gareth gave a very challenging address to love our neighbours, pray for them, to live more like Christ and overcome evil with good. Following supper in the church hall, the Right Worshipful Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Margaret Tolerton said thanks on behalf of everyone for the beautiful supper provided and also for the kind invitation extended to her, and she wished the congregation every blessing in their new church hall project.

The weekend of October 13 and 14 was another occasion of celebration as the rural congregation celebrated God’s provision of the harvest. The choir provided a good service in song as did our special guests, Angie Katherine, Ali and Ros from Boardmills.

In recent times the congregation has been blessed to see growth in numbers but ageing facilities have prompted the church to start plans for a new church hall. The collection from the bowls and table-tennis service was in aid of the new church hall fund and further community events are planned by Drumlough Presbyterian Church. Everyone will be made very welcome.

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