Recorded in the Weir Chapel in Assembly Buildings in Belfast, Dr Bruce looks at Ephesians 1:15-23, “While looking at Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, we have been discovering how God has set out to bless his people with every spiritual blessing in Christ. As the journey continues, today we come to the end of Chapter 1 and look at the theme, ‘A powerful church,’ Dr Bruce said.
“So in what way is the church powerful? What kind of power does it have, and where does this power come from? How should it be used? The church in Ephesus was weak in the world’s terms – indeed it was insignificant – but it had at its disposal the power that raised Jesus from the dead - and so do we.”
Presbytery of Coleraine & Limavady
As in previous weeks, members of one of PCI’s presbyteries will take part in the service. Joining the Moderator this week, is the Presbytery of Coleraine & Limavady. The Presbytery is one of PCI’s 19 regional bodies and stretches along Northern Ireland’s north coast from the holiday destinations of Portrush, Portstewart and Castlerock to halfway down the western shore of Lough Foyle.
With a Presbyterian family of over 14,500 people, attending 36 congregations, a number of the churches were established in the mid to late 17th century. From Lough Foyle, the Presbytery moves across County Londonderry seeping up Binevenagh, south to Dungiven and the northern reaches of the Sperrin Mountains. The Presbytery then moves up to Garvagh, with Kilrea and Boveedy at its western reaches.
Hymns and worship songs in today’s service are:
- Across the Lands (Gettys)
- Living Hope; King of Kings
- Majesty
During the service, Rev David Brown, minister of Hazelbank Presbyterian Church and the Moderator of the Presbytery for this year, will introduce the Presbytery. Also participating today is the Clerk of the Presbytery, Rev Dr Trevor McCormick, minister of First Kilrea Presbyterian Church, who will pray and read from the Bible.