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Two Presbyterian congregations in County Antrim mark significant dates in their church life this weekend, commencing Saturday 8th September 2001. Moderator Dr Alistair Dunlop will be welcomed at both events which are being organised in Ballyclare and Greenisland.
After nearly a years work, Ballyclare Presbyterian Church are preparing to open a brand new hall. Costing £800,000, the two story construction originally started out as a 'revamp' of the old Allen hall. Substantial plans however, led to the design of a purpose built center which is intended to develop the church' s witness in the Ballyclare community. A central feature of the hall is the 'Crosslink', a meeting point linking the main church building with the new building. The 'Crosslink' foyer area comes complete with a coffee bar, which will facilitate more informal fellowship within the congregation. Five new meeting rooms have been added to this new main hall of the church, with innovative children's rooms built into the design.
One eye catching feature will be the display of the Moderator's slogan "People Matter to God - at the hall entrance. Ballyclare minister Rev Robert Bell describes why the church chose to use the slogan: "It really sums up what we think here in Ballyclare, that people do matter to God. With this new hall and it's facilities we're really hoping to send a message to people that they are welcome in the living community of this church."
Slightly further down the road on Sunday Dr Dunlop visits Greenisland Presbyterian Church, who celebrate the 60th Anniversary of their church buildings. After the service, which starts at 11.30am, the congregation will host a church lunch with the Moderator in the Patterson Hall. This weekend also sees the launch of fund raising for a new building project to be started next year. Dr Dunlop himself has a connection with Greenisland Church his father and former Moderator Dr James Dunlop started his ministerial life as a student in the church during the 1930's.
Issued by Martin McNeely, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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