2022-12-31-annual-report

OMAGH CHURCHES FORUM Co-chairs: Rev R Herron & Fr D McGeehan (Charity No. 106243) Annual Re ort 2022 Throughout the year there the Forum has continued to meet but with continued redU￿d attendance from Lay members representing the various denominations. In the early part of the year the Forum was shocked by the death of Mr Bob Lingwood, our fond longterm member and Treasurer after a short illness. At the May meeting time was taken to allow all present to bring a tribute to the work and person of 'Our Bob". Several other members had family bereavements during the year. Mrs L Coleman a long term member retired during the year . At the Annual Meeting Mrs H Watson was appointed as Treasurer. As referred to in 2021 report the Omagh Half Maiathon moved to a Sunday Run. This posed significant difficulties for some churches and the Co-chair and Churches effected agreed to meet with the organisers. There was discussion on the Constitution and workings of the Forum and it was agreed that as the communrty recover after Covid rt has been difficult to engage with people generally. During the year the Forum were able (thanks to Fr Declan McGeehan) to establish a Fa￿book page to help keep the community informed of activities. At a meeting Rev Herron and Rev Nelson shared a synopsis of 'Mission in Contemporary Scotland.. On considering the contents it was giving very similar information to the themes in the N Ireland Census retum of 2021, reflecting a general decline in religious affiliation. However, this is negated when there are times of crisis and churches need to continue to be ministering to the communty outside actual buildings. There was no specific Christmas event this year but plans are being progressed for the Se￿1￿ for the Week of Christian Unty and Lent 2023. Clergy from Churches where the lay members have not attended will discuss this with their members in an effort the re-invigorate the membership. The Forum is grateful to Mrs Eileen Gallagher continued to provide articles for spiritual reflection during the year. Thanks are also expressed to Mrs Pauline Clarke (Good Relations Officer, F & O Council) Esther Millar