Welcome to Bannside Presbyterian ChurchBannside is a progressive congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Growing in a faith that has stood the test of time we are open to where God is leading us through the wind of the Spirit at our back.
We are a welcoming and inclusive community. Rooted in God’s love for all, we believe everyone has gifts and talents to share as together we play our part in transforming our society and world as we follow Jesus. Each Sunday Morning Service is at 11am conducted by Rev. Dr. Mark Gray Tea and Coffee will be served in the Church Hall following the Morning Services. Bannside is a Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC 105121) To join our "Online Worship Live Stream" from the sanctuary on YouTube each Sunday
Click here just before 11am to join us live each Sunday Bannside's Facebook Page Link
Click here to go to Bannside's Facebook Page Something to ponderAs Summer Turns Towards Autumn
Hello everyone. A contributor to ‘Town and Country Magazine’ once wittily observed that deep summer is when laziness finds respectability. Along the same lines, another writer, James Dent, noted in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way that, ‘A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing…and the lawn mower is broken.’ However you have spent your summer, I hope that you have been able to carve out enough time and space to slow down, step back, breathe a little more easily and take in the wonder of creation – to understand that, as a very interesting Victorian character by the name of John Lubbock put it, ‘Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.’ Inevitably though, at this time of year, there comes a morning that dawns a little bit clearer and cooler, bringing with it a crispness, which hints at the end of summer. In its way, in a turn of phrase Shakespeare crafted in one of his sonnets, such a morning underlines for us that, ‘Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.’ As summer turns towards autumn this year, let me take the opportunity to remind you that all the regular church activities will soon be starting up again after their seasonal break. You can read more about them in the leaflet which accompanies this note. The nineteenth century American thinker and nature lover, Henry David Thoreau, once interestingly suggested that, ‘One must maintain a little bit of summer, even in the middle of winter.’ But how might we do that? Let me suggest – in part – by being involved in the warmth of Bannside’s fellowship, and by seeking the light of Christ in Bannside’s worship. Like leaves which turn to the summer sun, we will be turning to the living God, the source of all life. And in the turning we will experience God’s love to sustain us, God’s strength to support us, and God’s wisdom to guide us in all seasons. God bless. Your friend and minister, Mark.-- We have a strong sense of mission: in our town and around the world.
Church Fellowship Morning Worship - 11.00am Creche in the minor hall for children up to nursery school at 10.45am. Contact: Linda Wills - 075 1791 2975 Evening Worship - 6.30pm (Notice will be given when it takes place) Drop In Prayer Time Pre and Post Church - 1st Sunday of the month. Praise led by CHOIR and MUSIC GROUP Contacts: Margaret Taylor 028 4062 2122 or colin734@btinternet.com Music Group: Christine Nesbitt, 07779 243 525 or christinenesbitt18@outlook.com WIDOWS’ GROUP Meet last Friday in the month at 7.30pm for a cup of tea chat. You could also bring a friend. Contact: Sandra Bickerstaff, 0774 393 9448 The Church provides a Bereavement Support Group |
Youth and Children's Organisations
BANNSIDE TOTS
Fridays 10am-1145am Contact: Barbara Huey, 07849 650 830 or barbarahuey@hotmail.co.uk SQUIRRELS Wednesday 6.30 - 7.30 pm for ages 4-5. Contact: Carolyn Dean, carolyn.dean1@live.com BEAVERS Wednesdays 6.30-7.30pm for ages 6-8. Contact: Yvonne Patterson, 07708 052 731 CUBS Mondays 7.00pm - 8.30pm for ages 8-10½ boys & girls Contact: Richard Dean, 07788 534 710 richard_bannside_cubs@outlook.com GIRLS' BRIGADE Fridays 6.45-8pm Tiny Tots & Explorers Fridays 8.00-9.30pm Juniors, Seniors & Brigaders Contact: Michelle Foskett via Bannside Girls Brigade Facebook page. Other Church Activities
MISSION GROUP
Meet Quarterly. Date and time to be advised. Contact: Doreen Draffin, 0781 273 0318 PW (Presbyterian Women) 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm September - June Contact: Caroline Kirkwood, 0746 256 1784 BIBLE STUDY & PRAYER GROUP - Wednesdays at 8pm Contact: Mark Gray, 028 4062 2484 or mcagray@btintemet.com LADIES' PRAYER GROUP Mondays 9.15-10.15am in the Choir Room. Contact: Helen Derby, 0759 940 7823 or helenderby@btinternet.com FRIENDSHIP GROUP 2nd Thursday of the month 11.30am - 1.30pm. Soup served at 12.30pm. Everyone Welcome. Contact: Pauline White, 0751 910 1037 LADIES’ BADMINTON - Wednesday at 10.30am Contact: Pearl Boyd, 028 4062 4164 CRAFT GROUP Meet Wednesday mornings from 10am onwards Contact Colleen Rimmer, 077 8915 3158 or colleenrimmer@hotmail.com BOWLS - Tuesdays at 7.30pm Contact Colleen Rimmer, 077 8915 3158 or colleenrimmer@hotmail.com Additional Church Contacts
Minister: Rev. Dr. Mark Gray, 028 4062 2484
mcagray@btinternet.com Clerk of Session: Jeremy Kyle, 078 4077 8669 jeremykyle101@msn.com Treasurer: Leslie White, 075 4987 5448 leslie.white2@btinternet.com Secretary: Gavin Henry, 079 5144 0249 gavinbh51@aol.com A Message from J29
Thank you Bannside, for supporting J29 We genuinely value the love and support of all at Bannside. You make a difference to the lives of many in the town through your support to us. How can you help? • Monthly standing order • Cash donations • Fund-raising events • Tesco vouchers • Prayer Support Contact Us:- 07900 552244 or neil.j29project@gmail.com |