Sunday 27th August was Josh Galbraith’s last Sunday with us before he heads off to Mallorca.

Josh has served the parish in a number of areas over the last few years – including audio visual work, voluntary youth ministry and managing the intern programme, coordinating contemporary music, and playing the drums.

The vicar paid tribute to Josh’s work but also commended his hunger for God’s word (as well as chocolate spread sandwiches). This, we know, will nurture his ongoing service as he moves to Spain.

Josh received a gift from the parish but the most important part of the send off was being able to pray with him at the 9.45am and 11.30am services. There was even a brief and humorous musical interlude in Josh’s honour at the end of the 11.30am service.

If you would like to support Josh in his work you can contact him directly, or get in touch with us through the parish office.

Sunday 2nd July will be the first Sunday for our new Organist and Choir Director, Edwin Gray who takes up his new post on the 1st July. Welcome Edwin.

Edwin is no stranger to us in Holywood and has been one of many organists standing in (sitting down?) at the organ console over the last few months.

We look forward to having Edwin as part of our parish staff team and know that there are exciting things ahead as Edwin works with the choir, Jubilate and Choristers.

Please pray for Edwin and Marjorie as they settle into life in the parish and look out for a special open choir practice in September which will be a great opportunity to learn how the choir works and how you might also be involved. More details in the summer edition of the magazine.

Edwin will be playing at the 11.30am (Holy Communion) and 5.30pm (Evening Prayer) services on Sunday 2nd July.

We had the opportunity at the Family Service on 12th February to acknowledge Jason Woods’ ministry as our Children’s Worker.

Jason served the parish in this capacity for about 7 years,but we look forward to seeing him and the family around in parish life as Jason takes on more roles in teaching.

As well as a gift from the parish and an amazing ’emoji’ style cake adorned with self portraits of many of the children (thank you Rachel and all the children), Jason was also presented with a glass cross, commissioned for him from Eleanor-Jane McCartney.

We thought about Jason’s “pilgrim heart” and prayed that he would know Christ as his constant companion and guide.

At the close of the presentation, the congregation prayed for God’s blessing using words from the Northumbrian community:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you,
wherever He may send you.
May He guide you through the wilderness,
protect you through the storm.
May He bring you home rejoicing
at the wonders He has shown you.
May He bring you home rejoicing
once again into our doors.

Thank you Jason – may you know the joy of Christ on the next leg of your pilgrimage.

Some pictures have been sent back from the Kkalwe team on their arrival.

The pictures show the kids learning under a tree at the school, the boys’ dormitory, and the tiny room used by 59 girls which will be replaced by the new dorm.

The work the parish team is doing will make a real difference to conditions at the school.

Thank you for all your support.

Sunday 16th marked Deirdre Harshaw’s last Sunday with us in the parish.

There were presentations from the parish at the 9.45am and 11.30am services, and the choir had rehearsed a “surprise” anthem of the Clare Benediction for 11.30 and gave Deidre their own gift.

As well as accompanying worship on Sundays and at occasional pastoral services, Deirdre has enriched the life of the parish through regular concerts and events.

Over 8 and a half years she also developed a great rapport with the Choristers, Jubilate, the Youth band and musicians and will be missed by all our church family.

Thank you, Deirdre!

Leader of Music Deirdre Harshaw ran in the Belfast City Marathon on Monday 2nd May 2016 in support of Mencap, completing all 26.2 miles and raising over £600 for the charity.

Well done Deirdre, and thank you to all who sponsored her.

Holywood Parish had two stands at this year’s May Day (Pray Day) event on High Street.

The Mothers’ Union stand of produce and food was clear by about 1.30pm.

The Pray Day team gave out almost 500 bookmarks, over 300 Try Praying books for children, young people and adults, took notes of prayer requests and prayed with a number of people at the stand. It was a very special time, and as we pray further for those with whom we engaged we look forward to seeing God’s Holy Spirit at work.

Glory to God in the High_st!