May Street Presbyterian is extending it's programme of lunchtime services in the city. Last year the church began a weekly service on Thursdays at 1.05pm, catering for workers in the city during their lunch hour. The success of this service has now led to the introduction of a short communion service on Wednesdays at 1.05pm and a prayer time on Tuesdays from 1.05pm to 1.30pm, where participants can come and leave as it suits them.
This Autumn also sees the recommencement of May Street's support groups which began last year. On Tuesday evenings the Bereavement Support Group runs from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and then the group for those coping with separation or divorce is from 8.30pm to 10pm. May Street has also introduced a new fitness programme on Monday lunchtimes led by a fitness instructor. There are two sessions to choose from, either 12.30pm to 1pm or 1pm to 1.30pm.
May Street Presbyterian Church first opened for worship on 18 October 1829. The first minister was Rev. Henry Cooke, a minister of outstanding significance with Irish Presbyterianism. He was the second Moderator of the General Assembly in 1841 and his contribution to life in Ireland is marked by the statue representing him dressed in clerical and academic costume, which was erected by public subscription in College Square East. Over the years May Street has had a total of 11 ministers. During the 1950s and 1960s the church underwent two major schemes of renovation of the entire church buildings costing £50,000. Today May Street has a congregation of 98 families and largely ministers to commuters working in the city.
Rev Keith Drury, who was installed as May Street's minister in November 2003 and also appointed as the Presbyterian Church's first Director of Mission in Belfast city centre highlights the challenges currently facing the church, "This is a new style of ministry in Belfast. It's strange working in a parish that disappears at five and reappears the next day but I hope we can begin to develop a therapeutic ministry where people can bring their problems to a safe place, talk them through without in any way being judged, and ultimately find a resolution."
For more information on May Street Presbyterian contact http://www.maystreetchurch.co.uk
Issued by Sarah Harding, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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