Deaconess Information - Eileen Black

Background:

Before starting Deaconess training in September 2009, I followed a long career in Nursing. I live in Cookstown and I am the mother of two grown-up children. My home congregation is Orritor Presbyterian Church.

Present Ministry:

I work under the guidance and direction of my minister and here are some of the things that I am involved in:

• Pastoral visitation and bible study
• Presbyterian Women
• Street outreach on Saturday mornings
• Youth fellowship
• Volunteer in 'speech-matters' a support group for people affected by ‘stroke’
• Involvement in church praise group
• Involvement in bowling club
• Pre-Sunday morning fellowship with tea and coffee
• Involvement in prayer-cell groups

Interests:

I live in the heart of the country and I enjoy the challenge of working in the garden and sawing all my own fire-wood. When not outside, I like to curl up at the fire and read a good book or listen to music. I keep myself fit by going to the gym. I cherish time spent with my family and my friends. I have a Shetland sheepdog called Holly and she and I are often found walking through the Forest park beside my home. Every now and again, I escape to Edinburgh to spend time with my daughter and generally relax and take things easy.

Prayer Requests:

• I praise God for His steadfast love and guidance in all the experiences I have had throughout my life.
• I praise Him that He has opened the door for me to serve Him as a Probationary Deaconess in First Presbyterian Church Cookstown and I give Him thanks that I have been enabled to settle quickly into the life and work of the church.
• I pray that Christ will remain central in my life.
• I pray that I will be given the wisdom to discern God’s will for my future service and that I will trust Him completely with every aspect of my life.
• I ask that God will keep His hand of protection on myself and my children, David and Naomi.