​KNIT OR CROCHET Anyone who would like to knit and crochet little Christmas stockings, please contact the office for the pattern. These will be used at various events.

​CALLING KNITTERS! GB would like to get their girls knitting and are looking for your help! Can you knit? Could you give up an hour on a Wednesday night to help teach the girls? If you could please speak to Lynda Little. The dates of the knitting evenings in GB are as follows 28/9, 12/10, 16/11, 30/11, 11/1/17, 22/2/17

​LADIES COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY will be studying the book of Ruth up until Christmas. New faces always welcome and a crèche is available. So if you’re free on a Tuesday morning from10-11:30am, we would love to see you there. Why not call in this Tuesday for a cuppa, collect a study book and share in a time of prayer.

​“FUN BOWLS” 1st Antrim Bowling Club has withdrawn from participating in the Churches league for this year. Instead they will be running “fun” bowls on Tuesday evenings at 7:45pm (excluding the 1st Tuesday of every month). No need to bring bowls as they can supply them. Everyone is very welcome to join in.

​According to Google approximately 1.71 billion people use Facebook at least once each month. That number represents a potential mission field bigger than China. 
A small group of people help to maintain the First Antrim Facebook page. The purpose of the page is to share the Gospel on Facebook while communicating news and events in the life of our Congregation. We would encourage you to"Like" or "Share" the First Antrim posts on a regular basis.  In doing so you are playing a part in spreading the Gospel to your friends and across this enormous mission field.

​HUB Elevation plan to go to HUB in Orangefield Presbyterian on Saturday 26 November. Leaving the Church Avenue at 6:30pm, returning at approximately 10:45pm. Cost £4 for entry, plus additional money for McDonald’s. Please see Jonny Alexander for details.

Church Roof Repair Update
A condition survey was carried out of the main Church building in May 2016 to investigate the cause of fungal growth in the West Vestibule ceiling. The survey found that water had been penetrating into the solid walls.  This had caused rot to develop within the ceiling timbers. Repairs were recommended including roof repairs, timber repair and treatment and the removal of defective plaster.
In July it was reported to the Congregation that this work would be carried out in August at a cost of around £50,000 plus VAT.  The work was completed by the end of August at a cost of £38,945 plus VAT. It is anticipated that the VAT will be refunded by the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme.

The rotten sections of timber in the Vestibule ceiling have been removed and chemical treatment has been applied to the external walls to reduce the chances of a future outbreak. It has been recommended that the walls are left without plaster for as long as possible to allow them to fully dry out.
During the repair work it was discovered that the wall plates supporting the roof on both sides were also badly decayed. This was particularly evident on the West Side as shown below. New wall plates have now been inserted and the rotten timber has been removed. Had this not been discovered this could have presented a very serious risk to health and Safety.
Rotten wall plate exposed
​

The stair to the classroom had to be removed. The stair was badly damaged by woodworm and without removing it the wall could not receive the full chemical treatment.  There are no immediate plans to replace this stair until future plans for the Church building have been decided.
The work to the front of the Church has significantly reduced the risk of further water ingress into that area of the building. We are aware however that the full roof of the Church is exhibiting signs that it will need to be replaced in the near future. Crack monitors have been fitted in the basement to allow potential structural issues to be assessed.  Fire safety issues are currently being considered by the Congregational Committee and these will result in further building work being required. 
There are very significant expenses ahead and we ask you to pray for God’s wisdom to determine His will for the future of our buildings. In the meantime thank you for patience during the summer months.
If you have any questions or queries in relation to the above please come and talk to me at any time.

Mark Finlay 
                                                                                                Exposed Decay

Completed Roof 

​2016 COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER The Dinner this year will be held on Thursday 24th November starting at 6.30pm in the Majury Hall. The epilogue will be given by Billy Patterson and Philip McClelland will lead in the singing of some Christmas car-ols. After the meal there will be a crèche for tiny tots and a separate programme for primary school children. There is a part for every member to play in this outreach event and you can choose from the following;
1. Prayer will be vital to the success of this event so please use the enclosed prayer sheet.
2. We would strongly encourage members to invite non Christian family and friends and to come with them. Please let us know numbers by 16th November 2016. Invitations cards will be available 6th November.
3 Help with the crèche and the separate programme for primary school kids.
4. Help prepare and tidy up the hall.
5 This dinner is free to all but we are looking to members for donations to help with costs. If you would like to support the event in this way please put your donation in an envelope marked Community Dinner and place on the offering plate any Sunday. If you wish to gift aid your contribution please add you name or FWO number.
​ If you would like to offer help or want further information please speak to Nora McKnight-- Norman Allison-- Angus Cuthbert

​COFFEE MORNING & CRAFT FAIR Saturday 19 November, 10am—2pm in Antrim Baptist. Suggested donation £2 for adults and £1 for children which includes tea/coffee and buns. Proceeds are in aid of the SU E3 project in Antrim and Lisburn.

​THANKS from Nancy Montgomery for the prayers and kind wishes before and during her trip to South Africa. Everybody was well and safe and the work was accomplished. God was glorified through all that we done and the missionaries really appreciated us.