CHRISTIAN AID As Christmas approaches and we begin to turn our attention to the birth of Jesus and the entire Nativity story I would invite you to take a look at our Christmas Appeal this year at https://www.christianaid.ie/christmas-appeal/stories and see some of the people whose lives will be changed by this appeal. This Christmas, we are highlighting the transformational change that women around the world, particularly mothers, can achieve if given the chance – even in the most desperate situations.
A Happy Christmas from Stephen, Lesley-Ann, Finn & Eric and also this Christmas Fionn and Ruairi! Thank you for every expression of Christmas goodwill we have received; we pray that you and yours know the “good news of great joy” that comes wrapped up in Jesus!
John and Claire are deeply grateful for the greetings and love expressed by members of First Antrim to them again this year. We send to all our good wishes for a Christmas
season, filled with the joy of the Lord and a New Year filled with His continuing presence. We continue to pray daily for you as a congregation. To all our First Antrim Church family, thank you for praying for us, supporting and caring for us in this past year. We look forward to seeing you in 2020 and worshipping with and sharing fellowship with you. We pray that you know the richest blessing of Christ this Christmas. Happy Christmas, from the Orme’s.
HERALD MAGAZINES The subscription cost for the 2020 Presbyterian Herald is £15. If you wish to make changes to an existing order or to place a new order, please contact Ann Clarke
CHRISTMAS HAMPERS THANK YOU to the congregation for their generosity towards the Hamper Appeal. All 40 hampers have been given out around our community. Pray that they will be a blessing to those who have received them.
THANKS We are overwhelmed by your huge generosity to Home-Start families! Thank you so much for the hampers you have donated to our appeal. We send you all a very warm welcome to come to our annual drop in on Thursday 19 December 10am-12pm, Home Start Antrim, 12b Market Square, Antrim.
FRIENDSHIP GROUP Our next meeting is on Wednesday 18 December @ 1:45pm when Heidi Blackwood and friends will celebrate Christmas with us. All very welcome.
“A new legal framework for abortion services in NI” Consultation The NI Office consultation on a new legal framework for abortion services in NI is currently underway. It closes on Monday 16 December @ 11:45pm and is available online at the following link: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-new-legal-framework-for-abortion-services-in-northern-ireland . Response to this consultation is open to anyone. It is an important way you can have input into shaping the implementation of this legislation which will have an impact well into the future. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland's Council for Public Affairs will make a formal response on behalf of PCI and guidance to help complete the consultation, based on our denominational response, will be issued by Monday 2nd December. On Thursday 5th December, 10.30am-12.30pm, West Church Ballymena, Evangelical Alliance are organising an event, "Give a Child a Chance". It is designed to resource and equip those seeking to make a response to the consultation. This is free to attend and you can register at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/give-a-child-a-chance-ballymena-tickets- 82184671 565. First Antrim congregation, through the Kirk Session, will be making a response to the consultation. If you are willing to assist in the preparation of our response on the basis of the Council for Public Affairs guidance please speak to Stephen Lockington.
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