A CALL TO REMAIN CONSTANT
First Things gathering: Saturday 27th April, Moira Parish Halls, 10am-4pm
In a society of continual change, the call to evangelical Christians remains constant; to make disciples, baptise believers and teach the truth revealed through scripture. The challenges to the church are great but the power and life of Jesus are all-surpassing.
The First Things gathering 2024 is aimed at all those in the Church of Ireland who have a heart for this call to baptise, disciple and be rooted in biblical truth. It will seek to promote fellowship and support, encourage new visions for our church and inspire a new generation of evangelicals in our church. So, whether you are young or old or in leadership or not we’d love you to be there.
Most Revd Justin Badi Arama is archbishop of South Sudan and previously bishop of Mardi from 2001. He was confirmed at 16 years old and his father at the occasion gave him three gifts -a bible, a pen and a hoe. He was a youth leader and lay reader before being ordained in 1995. Archbishop Justin also chairs the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches comprising 25 provinces from mostly Africa, South America and Asia. He is passionate about proclaiming, living out and guarding the Gospel message.
Canon John McGinley leads Myriad, an initiative for Church Multiplication to serve the planting of thousands of new church communities by everyday people. John has twenty-six years of church leadership experience and is the author of Mission Shaped Grace and Living books and The Church of Tomorrow. He has a vision to see 10,000 new churches come into being over the next 10 years, especially through identifying and supporting lay leadership.
Our two keynote speakers are Archbishop Justin Badi and Canon John McGinley. Justin is Primate of South Sudan and Chair of the Global South Fellowship of Anglican churches. John directs the Myriad programme in the Church or England, that seeks to plant 10,000 new churches in 10 years. Both our speakers will be speaking on the theme of Heritage and Hope -reflecting on the great inheritance of evangelism we’ve been given, our role in bringing the Gospel to others today and hopes and renewed visions for the future.
The day will also include an opening bible reading, worship, Panel input from local speakers and time for fellowship and discussion.
Cost for the day is £15 (£10 if under 23 or in training) and this includes lunch and tea break goodies. Get your ticket now:
The significance of this gathering cannot be overstated. It serves as a vital junction for reflection, learning, and envisioning the future of evangelism within the Church of Ireland. By bringing together individuals from various backgrounds, experiences, and generations, we foster a unique environment where wisdom is shared and new ideas can flourish. Our commitment to scriptural truth provides a firm foundation as we explore innovative ways to reach out and connect with our communities, demonstrating the love and grace of Jesus in tangible, impactful ways.
Moreover, the First Things gathering is an opportunity to strengthen our bonds as a church family. In a world where isolation and division are all too common, the importance of Christian fellowship and mutual support cannot be overstated. Through shared worship, insightful discussions, and the collective exploration of our faith, we encourage one another and equip ourselves to be more effective disciples in our daily lives. It is through these connections that we find the strength to face the challenges ahead and the inspiration to carry the message of Christ to all corners of the world.
