DROMARA SESSION REPORT 2022
As a session we look back on another year and thank God for his provision. With covid restrictions relaxed it has been a more normal year for us as we were enabled to meet and sit together in the church building enjoying closer fellowship and singing. We thank God for this, but are still aware that many in the congregation are still contracting this virus.
The session was constituted 7 times throughout the year. Twice for communion and twice for baptism. Our communion was on the usual days in May and November. Session was also represented at presbytery and synod. At the synod in June our minister was appointed as moderator for the year from June 2022 to June 2023. We wish him well in this role and pray that God would be with him as he fulfils the work connected with this appointment.
With less restrictions we were able to hold our congregational A G M. Social distancing was still in place, but it was good to be back again to some normality. A treasure hunt was organised at the beginning of May and was well attended and enjoyed by the congregation. We had a congregational outing on the afternoon of the 2[nd] of July and went to Peatlands park. We had games together a twitcher treasure hunt to spot some birds and a leisurely walk and a BBQ to round off the afternoon. It was lovely weather and the afternoon was enjoyed by all. A Holiday Bible club was organised in August. Instead of the usual evenings the club was held on 3 mornings from 10:30 – 12noon on the 10[th] to the 12[th] of August. An average of 30 children attended. It was good to again engage with the children and share Gods word with them. It was also good for the congregation as many came along to help, and made the Holiday Bible club successful. It was 3 years since our last mission, but our mission went ahead on sabbath the 9th of October. Our speaker was Rev Philip Moffett from Cullybackey. His theme for the week was the gospel in Genesis and spoke from portions right through the book. These meetings are still available on our YouTube channel. The congregation attended well during the week of mission but it was disappointing that not many from outside the congregation came. The choir took part on 3 of the nights of mission and also readers from the congregation read the scripture each night. We were able again to hold a family night on the first Friday night in December. A buffet meal was organised by the catering committee followed by the distribution of sabbath school prizes. The children were then able to redeem their prize tokens at the bookstall provided by the bookshop. After that there was a time of games enjoyed by all.
Our prayer meetings continue as usual on Tuesday night at 8pm and on sabbath morning at 11:15. Please keep these meetings in mind and make an effort to attend.
There were 2 baptisms during the year. Eliana Sarah Lydia daughter of Matthew and Suzayna Greer was baptised on the 13[th] of February and Simon Henry son of David and Sarah Chambers was baptised on 3[rd] of July. We commend these and all our children to your prayers and pray that God would bless them and their families and that our children would all come to know Christ as their own and personnel saviour.
Mrs Donna Allen took up the role of Sabbath School teacher and Sonia Stafford agreed to teach full time as Lyndsey Campbell married and left the congregation. We wish Lyndsey and Mark well in their married life together and pray that God would richly bless them.
During the year Bibles were presented to two couples Wesley and Rosemary Woods and Samuel and Nan Rankin. This was to mark their 50 years of marriage. We thank God the he has preserved them and pray that they may have many happy years ahead.
Harold Kerr was appointed by presbytery as an interim elder in Bailiesmills congregation. He has already been active in helping to augment the session there in their activities.
The youtube channel continues to slowly increase in viewers. The number of average views per week remains the same but the total number of hours watched has risen from 244 to 692. The most watched service was the student preaching in January with 490 views. This continues to be a worth while means of outreach. The church now has a facebook page. If you are able you can access this from your mobile device or computer.
As a session we thank you all for your support in the work of the congregation, to those who are officebearers and keep records of all that goes on, and those who willingly give their time to help in many ways we do thank you. Please remember session in your prayers and pray that God would guide us and give us wisdom in the days ahead.
“Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen”. Eph 3: 20-21.
Submitted on behalf of session
Gordon Bond ( clerk )