Jackie O'NeillBoard of Mission in Irealnd-MissionIrelandorg

Jackie O'Neill Joymount Carrickfergus

This year started very differently!  Rev Graham was on sick leave from mid-January until June - so my working week changed quite a lot!  Rev Anne Tolland was appointed Convener for this period and, along with assistance from Rev Derek Weir, the Lord’s work by His grace continued to flourish in Joymount.  I thank them both for their thoughtfulness and care to me during this time.  Rev Graham’s health was restored and he was able to return to work for which we gave thanks.

        I continue to enjoy being involved with the groups for which I am responsible.  Causeway Prospects helps people with special needs to integrate with society.  Through this we have a richer experience of life and of God’s love for all His children.  To further equip me in this ministry I had the privilege of attending a training conference in Sheffield in November.  I found this training to be an excellent resource.  Tots&Co continues to act as bridge to encourage families into the church, and valuable relationships are being built between the members.  Our senior members continue to support each other prayerfully and I thank them for their prayerful support to me also.  Members of the Friendship Club have had a difficult time this year with bereavements and failing health.  We had a very successful outing in the Spring to Coleraine and Garvagh Museum, finishing with our evening meal at 1st Garvagh, where Rev Mark Donald and his wife, Elaine, gave us a very warm welcome.  The Senior Members’ Christmas dinner was held in The Coast Road Hotel in November when 140 of us enjoyed a lovely meal followed by an afternoon of good entertainment.

        I would like to thank Rev Graham, Joymount Session and BMI for allowing me to take a three week sabbatical during September/October.  I went to Ellel Scotland, for a retreat entitled Sitting at the Feet of Jesus which was led by Johannes Facius.  This was a challenging course for me personally, and I learnt so many precious truths, including the importance of taking time to meditate on God’s Word and truly feed on Him.

        Pastoral visitation within the congregation, services in nursing homes and deputation all continue.  Thank you to the ladies on PW Central Committee and in PW Groups, the staff in PW Office, and the Board of Mission in Ireland for their prayerful support throughout the year.