Three invites received in my inbox in recent days from organisations with whom we are glad to collaborate, gives us the opportunity to draw each of them to your attention and become involved, as you are able.

SERVICE OF LAMENT

The 21st of June has been set in Northern Ireland as a Day of Reflection. As the sun reaches its highest point, we are given time to pause and acknowledge the grief that countless individuals have experienced through sectarian violence – and to commit ourselves to a more hope-filled future for everyone.

Corrymeela invites you to ‘A Service of Lament’, an ecumenical service at St. Anne’s Cathedral, on Wednesday, 21st June 11.30am-12.30pm. Using the biblical practice of lament, this service will offers a space to reflect on the conflict in and about Northern Ireland – and to commit to a more peaceful future for everyone.

At the service last year, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland remarked on how rare it is for us in this society to come together to acknowledge our collective pain. The Archbishop of Armagh (RC) noted that we have separated ourselves from each other – even in our grief. A shared service of lament provides an opportunity for us to be together as we find the courage to remember the past and seek hope for a better future.

You can learn more by watching video from last years’ service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGwKOny2Yyc&t=4s

More information about the Day of Reflection is found at https://www.healingthroughremembering.org

A link to the livestream of the event will be available on the day through our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CorryCentre

You are warmly invited to be there. No prior booking is required.

REIMAGINE

This week Evangelical Alliance in Northern Ireland launched a new inspirational resource, called “Reimagine”, a call to action for evangelical Christians in Northern Ireland to reimagine a gospel vision for our people and our place and to speak with a prophetic voice to see transformation. As Proverbs 29:18 reminds us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.“

EA is urging faith organisations to look beyond broken politics and envision a future for Northern Ireland that is centred on the gospel. We are talking about transformation at every level: society, government, communities, families, and individual lives. Reimagine provides a space for collaborative and innovative thinking.

Reimagine is a catalyst, reminding us of our responsibility as change agents who can make a real difference. It challenges us to bring lasting, positive change to Northern Ireland through the power of a renewed understanding of a gospel vision.

For more info, contact Danielle Mcelhinney EA (NI) Public Policy Officer. Email: d.mcelhinney@eauk.org or go to the website and request a copy at https://www.eauk.org/about-us/nations/northern-ireland

September Day Conference: BEING CHURCHES TOGETHER IN 21ST CENTURY IRELAND

This year marks 100 years since the foundation of the Irish Council of Churches (ICC) and 50 years since the historic Ballymascanlon Talks, which led to the establishment of the Irish Inter-Church Meeting. You are invited to the event, ‘Being Churches Together in 21st Century Ireland.’

It will take place on Thursday 7th September from 10am to 4:30pm in the Helix, Dublin City University and we will consider how, together as Churches, can effectively and authentically engage with one another and in the public square in Ireland today. Three strands will be considered:-

• Witnessing for a reason: Connecting Christian values and public concerns (Prof Philip McDonagh)
• Witnessing together: How churches build connection and work together effectively (Dr Nicola Brady)
• Witnessing in diversity: Churches working for an Ireland of belonging (Rev Dr Livingstone Thompson)

‘Called to be One’… an updated history of ICC and IICM written by Rev Dr Ian Ellis will be launched on the day.

For info and registration please go to https://www.irishchurches.org/events/upcoming-events.

Please note that the statements and views expressed in this article of those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Contemporary Christianity.