Page 9 - Moravian Messenger July 2018

University Road Belfast
Since we last shared our congregation news with Messenger readers we at University Road have had a time of very mixed emotions. As a congregation we have experienced both sadness and joy.
The sadness came from the loss of a number of longstanding and faithful members, three of whom died in October 2017.
Sr Carol Fisher had been a part of the University Road 'family' for very many years but it was only in May 2017 that she expressed a wish to be confirmed and her confirmation service conducted by Br Livingstone Thompson was a memorable and emotional occasion. Carol was a very active member of the MWA, taking part in many overseas visits, conferences and retreats and she will be fondly remembered not only by sisters at University Road but also throughout the Irish District and beyond.
Br William Jackson who also died in October 2017 had been, with his wife Harriet, a loyal member of the congregation for many years. Although we had not seen him in church for some considerable time due to progressively failing health, the pastoral support offered by our ministers was very important to his family over a period of years.
His untimely death in October 2017 was marked by a real sadness amongst all who knew him.
We will sadly miss all of the above and we keep their families in our prayers.
As a congregation however we have also had the joy of welcoming new members through infant baptism and
Br Jackie Morrow was received into membership at University Road when his wife Joyce and their daughters transferred their membership from Gracehill in the mid 1980s. He immediately became a popular member of the congregation and soon his obvious abilities and his reliability led to his election to the congregation committee. He served with distinction for the best part of twenty years, the latter half of which was in the role of Treasurer.
Fulneck
On 10th February Junior Church held a Mardi Gras event to celebrate the beginning of Lent. Br Michael Newman explained the meaning of Lent to the children before the fun began. Sr Maree Thompson made the pancakes.
Lent lunches were held as usual, but the bad weather affected attendance and one lunch had to be cancelled. The Dramatic Society's production of 'The Canterbury Tales' in March took place before reduced audiences because of snow, so the play was revived for three further performances in May so that those who had been unable to attend before could see it.
On 13th May a memorable Cafe Church was held in the Boys' Brigade Building. Tea and delicious cakes were served as we began exploring the theme of friendship. The importance of communicating with each other, with children and with Jesus was introduced. A century-old autograph book was compared to the way we express our friendships today. Ideas, such as giving High Fives, to Twitter and Facebook were mentioned, along with ways we can stay in touch with Jesus. One member produced an acrostic about true friendship:
Forever
Really kind Indispensable Never too busy Dear to me
herself one of those confirmed at a service on 6 May 2018 and, perhaps uniquely, she was joined on that occasion by her daughter Angela Miller who was the other candidate for confirmation.
We welcome and are grateful for the vibrancy which our new members bring and give thanks for those who have gone before in the service of our congregation.
Sr Carol Ackah
Our friends and Jesus are there in joy and sadness and have a true understanding of us. The photograph shows Harrison and Kieran Dickinson demonstrating the action song.
A well-attended District Mission Evening was held on 17th May. Br Michael Newman talked about
his visit to the Unity Conference in South Africa whilst Br Robert Hopcroft spoke about Elim Home (also in South Africa) which cares for profoundly disabled children. He went on to describe the missionary work being undertaken in South East Asia. The meeting was illuminating and inspiring.
On 20th May the Sisters' Festival took place, starting at the cafe at No. 54. After a delicious breakfast the twenty-seven ladies took the Cup of Covenant led by Sr Jane Dixon, Minister at Lower Wyke, who also conducted the morning worship in the church.
Br David Ingham
Br Livingstone Thompson and Sr Carol Fisher © Sr Carol Fisher
welcoming others into full communicant membership through confirmation.
In January 2018 Thomasina Esther Parkes was baptised and in February there was further joy when little Charlotte Geddes was baptised. Thomasina is the granddaughter and Charlotte the great granddaughter of Thomasina Miller whose family has had a longstanding connection with University Road over several generations. Sr Thomasina (senior) was
Exploring the theme of friendship
© Sr Lisa Dickinson
at Cafe Church
81
Br Jackie Morrow © Sr Carol Ackah