Presbyterian Moderator, Rt. Rev. Dr. Frank Sellar, is spending today supporting the Church’s presence at the 149th Royal Ulster Agricultural Society’s Balmoral Show.

Looking forward to the day, Dr. Sellar (pictured) said that he had very fond memories of his grandparents’ farm in Rathkenny, County Antrim, and throughout his year in office had met many farming and rural families across Ireland.

“Among many great memories I have as a child are the days spent on my grandparents farm, in particular the hay bales and making secret passages and slithery slides. Then there were the squealing pigs we took to market and occasionally getting a ride on the trailer.

“Jesus often used farming and elements of everyday rural life in His many parables to demonstrate different aspects of God’s Kingdom. In attending this year’s show, Dromore Presbytery is not only showing its support for rural communities, but bringing an opportunity to demonstrate God’s love to those who visit the show,” Dr. Sellar said.

Organised by the Church’s Dromore Presbytery - one of Church’s 19 local regional bodies, which includes the show grounds – is taking a stand for the third year running to demonstrate its support for farming families and those involved in the rural economy.

 

Rev. Kenny Hanna of Second Dromara Presbyterian Church, one of the stand’s organisers said, “The Presbytery’s presence at Balmoral demonstrates that the Presbyterian Church in Ireland cares passionately about the life of the local community and wants to show its support for all farming families and everyone involved in the rural economy. We are very excited to be taking a stand again at Northern Ireland’s premier Agri-Food event.

“We have been delighted by the very warm response we have received over the last two years, as we welcomed folk from all arts and parts and backgrounds. The stand was often thronged with people, from babies in push-chairs to pensioners and all ages in between. The friendly buzz of conversation, a seat to rest weary legs, a refreshing cup of tea, face-painting for the children, all came together in a most enjoyable experience,” he said.

“With the Show taking on an extra day this year, we hope to continue to be good ambassadors for Jesus, by pointing people to our Saviour, in word and action. A warm welcome awaits you and it is not only for Presbyterians, all are welcome.”

The Presbytery’s stand, EK27, is located in the Eikon Exhibition Centre, which is situated between the cattle tents and the big wheel.