Roberta Irvine

Roberta Irvine 1st Comber Presbyterian Church

At First Comber we seek to give a warm welcome at our church buildings on the top of the hill. Opening doors into the community and keeping a ‘friendly open door’ on the church premises are our means of spreading the gospel.  To this end the deaconess is involved with a variety of small groups of all ages which aim to spread the gospel of Christ in a warm down-to-earth way.  

The varied work includes meeting with people one-to-one.  The small groups she is involved in include ‘Flourish at First’ (a Bible group for women), meetings for mums, a Bible study for those in their twenties and groups for teenagers.   Her work also involves larger groups such as Parent and Toddlers, and Youth Club.

Roberta Irvine – First Comber

Called to Carry.  As Deaconesses, we are amazed at the variety of loads we are called to carry.  We are reminded in our fellowship and prayer times together that God gives us the back to carry the burden.
 For me the work has been as varied as the people themselves in Comber. 
I continue to carry the light of Jesus to the various homes in the congregation, to our growing parents and toddlers group, and to our young folk.
 Two groups have grown this year.  Our Unight group for those in their 20’s has grown in both numbers and prayer.  The themes we studied were on prayer and leadership.  Our Flourish (at First) Bible study has grown in numbers and is settling as an established Bible Study within the congregation.  The theme for our seniors group was “Making the Most of the Rest of your Life”.  This is a group in which the leadership is carried by the team of drivers, tea-makers and befrienders.
 This was to be the last year in First Comber that I would carry the questions of those in Christianity Explored to Jesus.  It has been a privilege to do this work and I will always thank God for it.  In pastoral work I carry the load beside folk, as I walk and pray with them on their journey.  Thank God with me that in this and in all my work He has promised, I have made you and I will carry you (Isaiah 46:4).