connect

Your guide to whats going

on in Waringstown

June 17 - Sept 17
Edition 6

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 Welcome to the summer

and the sixth edition of our

Community Newsletter! I am always
encouraged to hear feedback on
CONNECT and recently someone told
me:
I love the sense of belonging and
personal approach within the articles
In this edition you will notice we have
made some small changes. We have
increased our number of pages to allow a more spacious layout and the
matt paper hopefully gives a more modern feel.
Some of the highlights for this edition are the feature on Blast, our new
youth club for children with additional needs. Suzie Taylor explains more
about this great initiative on page 8. If you are looking ideas for A Grand
Day Out this summer then take a look at page 14 where Melanie Bond
highlights four ideas for a family day out, as well as Shine our summer
Bible Club. With a wide range of features and adverts, we hope this
edition of CONNECT has something for everyone!
Our CONNECT 61 signage is now in place and it is great to see our
building used by various community initiatives such as the Cancer
Support Group and the Community Development Association. The Top
Floor meeting room can be booked for groups
at during daytimes and evenings and Caf
Eden can be used by groups the evenings.
Should you wish to enquire about the use of the
facility, then contact me using the details found
on the back page.
THANKS for reading this edition of CONNECT. I
hope you find it both useful and interesting!

Neil Harrison, Community Pastor

Waringstown Presbyterian Church

2 Welcome
The Rev-view
The cricket season is in full swing once again and people
from our community will be heading to The Lawn to
watch Waringstown in action. We are proud to have one
of the most successful clubs in Ireland. One of the
infamous moments in cricketing history was England's
1932-33 tour of Australia, which became known as the
Bodyline series. In order to try and contain the great Don
Bradman, England captain Douglas Jardine ordered his
fast bowlers to bowl deliveries into the batsmans body.
The Australian public and many cricketing purists were
outraged, and cried, Its not cricket! Nothing like this
had been seen before and it seemed so unfair.
So often in life we look at things and feel they are unfair. We are left asking where God is
in times of injustice and wonder why he doesnt stop something that is unfair. Im not
even going to begin to try and address the whole issue of why God lets unjust things
happen in a short piece like this! What I do know is this; the greatest injustice ever
perpetrated was the execution of Jesus Christ. The Bible tells how Jesus was without sin
and how, at his trial, Pilate could find no charge to bring against him. Yet Jesus was
crucified and the Bible tells us why. It was for us. To take the punishment we deserve for
our sin - all the rebellion against God in our lives that causes so much hurt and damage.
Long before his death, the prophet Isaiah understood why Jesus had to die. "But he was
pierced for our transgressions (sins), he was crushed for our iniquities (sins); the punishment
that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." The peace Isaiah
is talking about is peace with God. A peace we can find in coming to Jesus. It means
that God knows how we feel when we experience injustice, because, in His Son, he
experienced it too.
This will be the last article I will be writing for Connect in
my role as Minister of Waringstown Presbyterian. By the
end of June, my family and I will have moved to begin a
new life in Connor congregation near Ballymena. I thank
Neil and the team who produce this publication. It is
part of our commitment as a Church family to make
Jesus known in our local community, and I hope you find
this a useful guide to community life.

Philip Thompson, Minister,

Waringstown Presbyterian Church

3
 Charlies Angels

Each persons journey to Christ is

incredibly special, but when
congregational members shared their
testimonies online for WPC mission
week, something about Charlies
story struck a chord in particular
(reaching almost 17,000 views on Facebook alone).
Charlie grew up in Waringstown in a Christian home, but it was only in his
later years that he grew to realise the difference
between knowing about Christ and knowing
Christ. Whilst the message of the gospel is not, and
should never be, about fear or threats of so-called
eternal damnation, it is true that the reality of
death can often bring our own relationship with God
into sharp focus. With Charlie, it was the death of his
grandfather, and later, the sudden death of a cousin
that finally led him to Jesus. Charlies loved ones
were so confident in their own faith, than they spent
their last hours trying to save Charlie. More than that,
the fact that they uttered the same words to him that they were going
home to be with the Lord in their last moments was more than a
coincidence, as far as Charlie was
concerned. Such steadfast faith and
unwavering confidence inspired Charlie
to seek that same peace.
Charlie started going to church again
with his wife and family, and one day, a
message from the pulpit made him
realise the element of personal
responsibility in his own salvation.
Something clicked that day, and Charlie
gave his life to Jesus.

4 Church Life
Some time later, Charlie found himself in a situation where he would cheat
death. It was one of those situations where science and reason are left
speechless, where something else is at work. Charlie feels that he was saved
by God that day for a reason, and he comments that maybe the reason was
so he could be with us now to share his story.
As I listened to Charlies story, I remembered the words in a poem written by
Rev. Steve Stockman (Skeletons, May I dance for you) where he talks about
angels beyond coincidence that are much more precise
than fate. Hearing Charlies story, we can believe in
Charlies angels too.
To hear Charlies story for yourself, and other inspiring
stories from our church family, scan the QR code or visit our
website www.waringstownpresbyterian.com

Article by Jillian Derby

5
1st Waringstown Boys' Brigade is a Christian organisation linked to
Waringstown Presbyterian Church and Holy Trinity Church Waringstown. We aim to
provide a safe environment for boys of all ages,
backgrounds and abilities and offer a varied
programme of fun and adventure designed to
educate, challenge and inspire.
Anchor Boys (p2-p4): Anchors have a
programmebased on five areas; body, mind, spirit,
community and creativity. The emphasis is on fun
and activities include games, crafts, stories and
opportunities to learn and share in new
experiences.
Junior Section (p5-p7): The Juniors programme
provides challenges, adventure and opportunities
to learn and grow. Fun and engaging activities
enables boys to work in a team and take more
responsibility. Juniors also get the opportunity to go
on outings and residential trips, and for some this
will be their first night away from home. Throughout
their time in Juniors, boys can gain badges and
recognition for their participation.
Company and Senior Sections (yr8+): These young
men get the chance to develop existing skills and
learn new ones, through a fun, balanced and
challenging programme of activities. Theyre
encouraged to have a say and help shape their
own programme. There are also opportunities to
go on camping trips and participate in the Duke
of Edinburghs Award. Other BB awards can also
be gained including the Presidents and Queens
Badges.
OPPORTUNITY: We URGENTLY need additional leaders in all BB sections. If
you think you can assist in any way this would be greatly appreciated!
Please contact the church office on 02838 882654

6 Church Life
 Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!
Girl Guiding is the UKs largest girl-only youth
organisation. Guiding is about fun, meeting
new friends, and taking part in enjoyable
activities. The wide-ranging programme is
packed full of opportunities to lead, learn
and discover; empowering girls to be their
best and become confident young women.
Rainbows (age 4-7) get to express
themselves through craft, games,
adventures, food, trips, music & parties
in a safe space where everyone is
welcome. Our leaders all take great
joy in working with this age group while
indulging ourselves in some 'girlie'
activities now and then.
Brownies (age 7-10) take part in lots of
exciting activities, and make new
friends from other schools and classes. Girls grow in confidence through
adventure, group activities, sports and crafts. The girls love to gain badges,
and feel a great sense of belonging to Girlguiding and to the wider
community in Waringstown.
Guides (age 10-14) have the opportunity to get out into the world, have
new exciting experiences, and have fun with friends. We take part in
camps, adventures and exciting challenges, as well as craft, games and
chat! Plus, a lot of time eating hot chocolate and marshmallows being our
favourite! Girls take what they do in guiding with them as they grow up;
developing skills and confidence.
Senior Section (age 14-25) have an interesting programme ranging from
crafts, shopping days, cooking, exercise, debate, games, music, & lots of
food and chat. Girls from the
surrounding schools and area have the
opportunity to learn from and
encourage each other through
Article by and
personal challenges Elidhstressful
McKnight (16)
times.
With opportunities to achieve the Duke
of Edinburgh's Award and also go on
international residentials across the
world.

7
Having
a Blast!
Mummy, I was at the best party ever last night!
is a quote from one of our Blast kids when she woke up
the morning after our very first meeting.
BLAST - I suppose the name doesnt really tell you
much, nor does it have any relevance we just
thought it was a cool name, so let me explain to you
what Blast is. Blast is our new all inclusive kids club for
primary school aged children with any form of
additional needs.
As a church we believe that there is no limit or
boundaries to Gods love, its for everyone. Therefore,
Blast started because we realised that some of the programmes that we offer to this
age group arent accessible for all and arent all inclusive. We want to ensure that
every child has opportunity to experience Gods love. Blast allows children of all abilities
to do this, to worship God and hear His word in a suitable environment and in an
understanding way.
We have many skilled volunteers who communicate and interact with the children to
allow them to have the best possible time there. Our leaders love serving in this way
and see this as such an important ministry. We also want to provide support to our
parents too as we know life is busy and stressful sometimes. We offer tea and coffee for
the parents if they want to stay, relax and talk to other parents or leaders, but we also
know that in 45minutes on your own you could get a lot done! So if parents want to go
home or go and do some messages then youll know that your child is safe and in
capable hands.

We would love for you to

join us!

Consent forms available

to print at the
Waringstown Presbyterian
Facebook page.
For more information
please contact Suzie on
07706797647 or
suziesmile1@live.co.uk

Article by Suzie Taylor

8 Church Life
9
 Monday Tuesday
11am-2pm (WPC Hall) 11am-5pm
Luncheon Club (Senior Citizens Lunch) * Church Office Open *
Contact: Melvyn 07854 875170 Contact: Barbara 02838882654

6.45pm-7.45pm (WPC Hall) 10am-12pm (WPC Hall)

Rainbows (Girl Guiding for Ages 4-7) * Retired Mens Fellowship (Bowls & Coffee) *
Contact Joanne: 07709 393200 Contact: Melvyn 07854 875170

6.30pm-8pm (C of I Halls) 6-7pm or 7-8pm (C of I Halls)

Brownies ((Girl Guiding for Ages 7-10) * Anchor Boys (BB for p2-p4, places limited) *
Contact Trudy: 07769 977343
7-8.30pm (C of I Halls)
8pm-9pm (WPC Hall) Junior Section (BB for p5-p7) *
Guides (Girl Guiding for Ages 10-14) *
7.30-9.30pm (WPC Hall & C of I Halls)
Contact: Lynn 07761 902767
Company & Senior Sections (BB for yr8+) *
8pm-9pm (WPC Hall) Contact: Joe 07970 555303
Senior Section (Girl Guiding Ages 14-26) * or waringstownbb@live.co.uk
Contact Joanne: 07709 393200 or Waringstown BB Facebook Page
8-10pm (WPC Hall)
Banner Making *
Contact: Barbara 07525 265665

Friday Saturday
7-9pm (WPC Hall) 8-11am (Polypipe Factory, Dromore Rd.)
Friday Fun Club (Youth Club for p5-p7s) * WPC Wheelers (Mens Cycling Club)
Held fortnightly. Contact: Richard 07878 327196
Contact: Suzie 07706 797647 or richardpatterson101@tiscali.co.uk

7.30-9.30pm
Harbour Nights (Youth Fellowship for Ages 11-17) *
Fortnightly in WPC Hall
Contact: Mark 07903 614370
Anchor Groups (Small Groups for Ages 11-17) *
Held in various local homes
Contact: Mark 07903 614370

10 Weekly Diary
Wednesday Thursday
6.30pm-7.30pm (C of I Halls) 11am-5pm
Rainbows (Girl Guiding for Ages 4-7) * Church Office Open *
Contact Judith: 07548 526339 Contact: Barbara 028 38 882654

6.45pm-8.15pm (C of I Halls) 10.30am-12pm (WPC Hall)

Brownies ((Girl Guiding for Ages 7-10) *
Contact Zoe: 07715 346853
7.45pm-9.30pm (C of I Halls)
Guides (Girl Guiding for Ages 10-14) *
Contact Jill: 07730 952238
8-9.30pm (WPC Hall)
First Wednesday (Mid-week Bible study) *
First Wednesday each month
8.30-9.30pm (WPC Hall)
Open Door for Prayer (Weekly)
Little Lambs (Baby & Toddler group) *
Contact: Ruth 07879 665308
Facebook: Little Lambs Parent & Toddler Group
7pm-10pm (WPC Church)
Music Practice (For Sunday worship)
Contact: Sam 07976 369668
7.30-10pm (The Basement, Connect 61)
The Basement Youth Centre *
Youth centre for ages 11-18 offering a range of
programmes and projects during the year.
Come along and see what you think!
Contact: Neil 07745 534886

Sunday
June/July/August
10.30-11.45am (WPC Church)
Morning Worship
Coffee Time after the service

6.30-7.30pm (WPC Church)

Evening Worship *
September
normal services resume
9.30 & 11.30am Morning Worship
6.30pm Evening Worship

* These do not meet during July and August but will

resume in September. 11
 This
April, Exodus NI celebrated 20 years of
Christian disciple-making. Their goal is to serve the
church in Disciple making youth ministry. Led by Jim
Brown, a member of Waringstown Presbyterian
Church, they have sent countless mission teams of
young people all over Europe to spread the Word of
God. Indeed here at WPC we have seen the benefit
of collaborating with Exodus for the past ten years,
with a number of teams going to Sutor in Romania.

So where did it all begin?

Back in 1997 Jim Brown
worked for the charity Youth
2000. Every summer a mission team would go to
Romania, however gradually more people
wanted to join. Jim saw a real opportunity for
discipleship and service in Northern Ireland so
joined with a team in Portstewart to create Exodus.

From there, Exodus has moved from strength to

strength. Now in his role as Europe Director, Jim
oversees 13 staff in four centres: Coleraine, Lisburn
and in the NW of the province, as well as a new
centre in Sutor, Romania. He trains youth workers in Eastern Europe and is
a member of the European Youth Ministry Network- helping to advance
Christ-centred youth ministry in Europe. Although working in international
youth ministry is a huge task, Jim says that he has learnt to bring it all
before God, to do his best and then trust in God for the rest.

So where will Exodus be in the next few years? Exodus is increasing its
presence in churches with volunteer leaders
and family mission teams. Between 2015-18
their goal is to invest in 10,000 young people.
They will continue to send teams- like the one
from Waringstown that is heading to
Romania this summer- and so build a legacy
of disciple making in the next generation. To
find out more go to www.exodusonline.org.uk

DISCIPLE MAKING
YOUTH MINISTRY Article by Rebecca McNeill

12 Community News
13
Our
A Grand Local
Day OutPoet
If youre aged between four and eighteen then theres probably one
thing thats dominating your thoughts at this time of year: summer. Weve
just passed that tipping point where the time on holiday between now
and September is greater than the time in school, and for many the 30th
June just cant come soon enough. But not for everyone. If youre a
parent, babysitter, carer or lookerafterer then theres probably a distinct
trace of dread associated with the words July and August.
So heres the CONNECT Anti-Im-Bored Guide to what to do with your
sprogs this summer.
The Hidden-local-treasure Option: Slieve
Croob & the Turnip House
Go outdoors and explore the foothills of the
Mourne Mountains, taking a walk up Slieve
Croob. Ideal for families, the walk is paved
almost to the top. Youll meet some roaming
sheep on the way, see the source of the
Article by Jillian Derby
River Lagan and experience the
breathtaking 360 degree views over the
province, and to Scotland on a clear day. Stop by at Turnip House
(www.turniphouse.com) on the way home to pick up some local crafts,
sample their homemade soup and scones, and meet the friendly resident
dog.
The Long-way-away-and-a-bit-pricey-but-
worth-it Option: Exploris Aquarium & the
beaches of the Ards Peninsula
Where else can you adopt a seal, handle
an anemone, get up close to a shark, and
get complimentary soft play? Exploris
(www.explorisni.com) recently invested 1
million to rejuvenate one of Northern
Irelands best-loved tourist attractions, and
its paid off. It seems like a long way (well, it actually is) but all of the are
we nearly there yets? will be distant memories if you take the ferry across
from Strangford. Once youve finished with the fish, take a drive down
the peninsula to Ballyquintin Bay to experience some of County Downs
more secluded beaches. Book the Aquarium online, get there early and
bring a picnic and youll be guaranteed a great day.

14 Community News
 The Educational-and-free-for-a-rainy-day
Option: Ulster Museum
Ignite your childs passion for the past and
get a solid couple of hours of free
entertainment at the Ulster Museum on the
Stranmillis Road, Belfast. Younger kids will
love seeing the dinosaur and natural history
exhibits, and there is plenty there for
parents too. The museum runs a range of
activities for children throughout the year, but especially at holiday times,
and these are usually well priced, so keep an eye on the website
(www.nmni.com/um). If you manage to find a sunny day, finish off with a
picnic in Botanic Gardens. If not, hit the Lisburn Road for a coffee and
an ice cream.
The Every-Day-For-A Week Option: Shine
B e t w e e n 3 1 s t J u l y a n d 4th o f A u g u s t
Waringstown Presbyterian Church (WPC) will be
running its annual holiday bible club Shine.
Running each weekday morning from 10.15 to
12.30, Shine features Bible stories, songs,
quizzes, games and crafts, all packaged within
a fun and accessible theme. Remember also that Messy Church is on at
WPC throughout the year, next meeting on Sunday 18th June at 10.30am
as part of morning worship. Messy Church is a taster of the kind of fun
children will have at Shine. See www.waringstownpresbyterian.com for
more information.
Article by Melanie Bond

15
 Waringstown
Gardening Club
Founded in the 1920s, revived in
the 1970s, Waringstown
Gardening Club with nearly forty
current members is still going
strong.
Meeting in the Church of Ireland
Annex on the Mill Hill on the last
Wednesday of each month from September to May at 8pm, it hosts an
impressive and diverse array of inspirational speakers and topics, twice
yearly outings to visit beautiful private or Botanical gardens, and has an
open door policy to adult gardening novices and enthusiasts.
Meetings are informal, mainly powerpoint presentations and are both
informative and encouraging.
Gardeners I am told, are by nature both sharers and helpers. They want
to answer your questions. They will willingly demonstrate and assist you
practically in your endeavours to pursue gardening objectives no matter
how simple. And, this is a 'biggy', they will enable you and me to stop
wasting hard earned money on unsuccessful gardening experimentation.
Thankfully there is no entrance test or exam limiting membership of the
club (I would have no hope!). You do not need to have a large plot,
green house or countless pots at your disposal either. A meagre 10
yearly subscription and a basic desire to do something better with what
you have is all that is required.
Speaking recently to a long time member of the club, the benefits of
membership were made obvious to me. When asked what she had
gained, the answer was threefold:
A knowledge of what todo. Immense pleasure in the results and
life long friendships.
Why don't you consider coming to our outing on June 21stat 6pmto N-
eoghain Lodgegarden in Armagh. That sounds like a good place to start!

Article by Eileen Cardwell

16 Community News
Article by Jillian Derby

17


18 Community News
 Waringstown Together, a new Community Forum for the
Waringstown village, exists to promote the welfare and
interests of residents in Waringstown and the surrounding area
through co-operation with other similar organisations both
locally and nationally. Waringstown Together comprises
representation from a range of existing community groups
and organisations in the village, including those with interests
in Community Development, planning and environment,
sport, local churches, Neighbourhood Watch and others.
Objectives of the forum will be developed over the coming months but it is
anticipated to play key roles in working together to contribute to:
Building a stronger community and community spirit
Providing a shared voice for the community of Waringstown
Improving the wellbeing of people in the village, infrastructure, facilities and
amenities
Promoting the image of Waringstown
It is hoped that the establishment of this forum will build the capacity within
groups to work more closely together for the benefit of the village of
Waringstown.

Banana Bread
Ingredients
285g/10oz plain flour
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
tsp salt
110g/4oz butter plus extra for
greasing
225g/8oz caster sugar
2 eggs
4 ripe bananas, mashed
85ml/3fl oz buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Method
1. Pre-heat oven to 180oC/350oF/Gas 4.
2. Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda and
salt into a large mixing bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and
sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, mashed bananas,
buttermilk and vanilla extract to the
butter and sugar mixture and mix well.
Fold in the flour mixture.
5. Grease 20cm x 12.5cm (8x5) loaf tin
and pour the cake mixture into the tin.
6. Bake for about 1 hour, or until well-risen
and golden brown.

Finally let it cool and then enjoy a slice with

Recipe provided some butter while still slightly warm mmm
by Lynne Morrow
19
 Our last competition had no
entries unfortunately, so we are bringing
back the baking competition!
Heres how to enter:
Bake Banana Bread and decorate it
as you please. Use a recipe of your
choice or the one on page 19.
Take a selfie with the bread and
send it to use using the contact
details below.
Closing date for entries is 1st Sept 2017.
The winner will receive a 10 voucher for the Country Chippy in
Waringstown to treat yourself to a night of no cooking! The winning
selfie will appear in the next edition of CONNECT!
[Terms and conditions can be found on our Facebook page (notes section) or a
paper copy can be requested by contacting Neil using the details below]

IDEAS
would you
What content
in the next
like featured
CO NN EC T?
edition of using
yo ur id ea s
E-mail
lo w!
the address be

Neil Harrison
Community Pastor
T: 07745534886
E: neil@waringstownpc.org

Facebook Page:
Waringstown Presbyterian
www.waringstownpresbyterian.com

20 Competition