Recorded in the Weir Chapel in Assembly Buildings, Belfast, the Moderator will bring this service to the wider Presbyterian family during the autumn. Today Dr Bruce looks at Ephesians 4:14-24. “The second half of Ephesians focuses on the practical outworking of Paul’s teaching about the origins and purpose of the church in chapters 1-3. This morning I would like to show how speaking the truth in love is a powerful balance to strike for a church which wishes to retain the integrity of its witness,” Dr Bruce said.
During this morning’s service the Moderator will also reflect on how people who have abandoned faith, and left the church, have often been affected by getting this balance wrong.
Joining Dr Bruce this week is the turn of the Presbytery of Carrickfergus. During the service Presbytery Moderator, Rev Ben Preston, minister of Craigy Hill Presbyterian Church in Larne, will be joined by Presbytery Clerk, Rev Colin McClure, minister of First Larne Presbyterian. They will introduce the Presbytery in a short video, read and pray.
Presbytery of Carrickfergus
With a Presbyterian family of around 13,400 people, the Presbytery of Carrickfergus is the longest established of the denomination’s 19 presbyteries. Bounded strategically by the scenic East Antrim coast, within, and around a triangle marked by the main towns of Ballyclare, Carrickfergus and Larne, it consists of 20 congregations. Among these is the oldest congregation in Ireland, Ballycarry Presbyterian, whose origins date back to 1613.
Songs included this week include:
- The Power of your love
- His Mercy is More
- Be Thou My Vision
At the close of the service, Rev Gary Glasgow, who is the minister of Gardenmore Presbyterian Church in Larne, will lead in prayer for others.
Next week…
Next week, Dr Bruce will explore how this Church, of which we are part, needs to be a distinctive Church. During the service members of the Omagh Presbytery will take part.