SESSION REPORT FOR 2025
Thanks be to our gracious heavenly Father for another year. 2025 has been a year where we have seen much illness in our congregation. We continue to pray to our heavenly Father to bring relief to those who are suffering illness and recovering from surgery.
Session met 6 times during the year. Twice for communion and four times for normal business. Session was also represented at the statutory meetings of Presbytery and also at the annual meeting of Synod.
The congregation held a number of events during the year. The largest of these being the April weekend. The theme chosen for the weekend was “the I Am’s of Christ”. On Friday evening we had a meal then the Rev Kenny Stevenson spoke on “I am the bread of life”. On Saturday morning we had a men’s breakfast. Over 50 men came along, many of which were invited by the men of the congregation. Some came on their tractors, vintage and modern. Mr George Conn spoke on “the good Shepherd” emphasising the need to know the good Shepherd. On Saturday afternoon the ladies enjoyed an afternoon tea with over 70 ladies in attendance. Mrs Melanie Bond spoke on “ I am the light of the world”. During an interview she talked about her faith and her journey into fashion. The ladies enjoyed a fashion show with some of the ladies modelling. On Saturday night the 5 alive met for the children. On sabbath morning the Rev Allen preached, with members of the congregation taking part in the service. After the service we had a lunch provided by the ladies and in the afternoon we went for a walk in Hillsborough park. Instead of an evening service we held a psalm sing where a number of the congregation presented a psalm and spoke about it. All the events were very well supported by the congregation inviting friends and family along. A psalm singing event was held in the assembly buildings Belfast. This was organised by the psalmody committee. The congregation hired a bus and about 30 people went along to an enjoyable evening of praise. A Holiday Bible Club was held in August. About 30 children registered with members of the congregation speaking, leading choruses, teaching memory verses and serving juice. We give thanks for the opportunity to share the gospel with the children. At the 12[th] of July demonstration, which was held in Dromara, the session decided to have a marque selling books and distributing literature. Only a few books were sold and 1000 leaflets were distributed. Again we thank God for this opportunity knowing that His work is not in vain. Our congregational outing was held on the 8[th] of September. A good number of the congregation travelled to Delamont country park. There we had a barbeque lunch followed by team games arranged by Gareth. Some then went for a breezy walk and then returned to have some desserts. A very enjoyable afternoon was had by all. For the last 2 sabbath evenings in November and the first sabbath evening in December we held guest services. The Rev David McKay spoke on “The Last Things”. There were approx. 50, on average, in attendance at these services. The Rev McKay spoke plainly about the return of Christ and what the scripture says about it leaving no one in any doubt of their need to be ready for his return. On the first Friday night in December we held our family night. A meal was prepared by the ladies after which the sabbath school prizes were given out and pupils were then to go to the book stall, provided by the bookshop, to pick up their prizes. After this we had a party enjoyed by young and old alike.
Verdun and Rhoda Bond were presented with a bible marking their 50[th] wedding anniversary. We wish them well and pray that they will enjoy many more. Mr Jonathon Chambers joined the congregation this year. We pray for Jonathon that he may enjoy fellowship with us.
The session decided to study the Body Life Book produced by the home section of the mission committee. This was done at the evening services in September and October. These were not well attended by the congregation and the session will be reviewing this in the incoming year.
The session held a committee election this year. All the sitting members were returned.
Our prayer meetings continue as usual on Sabbath morning at 11:15am and on Tuesday evening at 8pm. The session would encourage you to come to one or both of these meetings and to take part with us in prayer.
The Sabbath School continues the work of teaching our children the word of God. We do commend the teachers for their diligent preparation week by week. This is an important work in our congregation laying a Christian foundation for our children’s future.
The 5 alive continues under the leadership of Zoe Campbell and her team with a steady number of children attending when they meet. The joint CY also continues to meet once a month between September and May with Matthew Greer on the leadership team from Dromara.
The ladies fellowship meet from September to November and from January to March. A ladies bible study meet on Wednesday morning once a month and also on a Thursday evening once a month.
Youtube still continues to grow with the number of subscribers up 23 on last year. Total number of views for the year 4298. The average views per service was 29. The most viewed service was the sabbath morning of the church weekend when 99 views were recorded. These are encouraging numbers and make the effort of placing these services online worthwhile. Facebook followers also has increased now up to 101 followers. It’s important we maintain an online presence so people from far and near can be in touch with us. The session are also in the process of having a new website designed. We will keep you posted when this becomes live.
As a session we deeply appreciate the work that goes on in the congregation. We do thank all those who give up their time to prepare for and be at the events run for the congregation and the organisations in it. To all the office bearers, precentors, sound technicians and all those who lead various groups we thank you. The congregation would not run without you. Please pray for the session that God would guide us in His will for us as we face the future together
Our verse for the year 2026.
Isaiah 41:10. Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Submitted on behalf of session Gordon Bond. ( clerk )