If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:13-14
It is with great sadness on behalf of the Kirk Session of Carryduff Free Presbyterian Church that I have to inform you of changes to our regular Sabbath and weekly services affecting this congregation. Due to the outbreak of the coronavirus which is stalking our land, the United Kingdom Government has recommended the restriction of all unnecessary public gatherings, including faith and religious groups. In light of this recommendation, the Executive Committee of the General Presbytery of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, decided on Thursday night to comply with this request. Their decision was also based on the medical evidence posited by the Department of Health for NI. None of us profess to know better or more than the Chief Medical Officer, who advises the Government on such matters.
Therefore, the executive committee, with a heavy heart, took the difficult decision to suspend all congregational activities, with immediate effect and until further notice of every Free Presbyterian Congregation under its care.
Having considered this directive, and being in subjection to our brethren in the Lord, as well as being responsible citizens, it is proper that we fully comply.
In light of this, we will not be holding our regular services inside our meeting house for the foreseeable future. However, the Church buildings will be open at the time when we normally meet for worship, and our Biblical and Pastoral ministry will continue via online streaming of all services at our appointed times for worship.
Morning Worship at 11:30am and Evening Worship Gospel Service at 7pm. In order to access these services, I invite you to visit our church website and click on the live broadcast links.
In times like these, we need the Lord to meet with us and we must strive by the grace of God to adhere to the word of God. The Scriptures teaches us ‘Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh unto thee..’ James 4:8
D.V. the Rev. McLaughlin will be preaching each week and will be at the Church most days for times of prayer, unless he himself falls ill. He earnestly covets your prayer support at this difficult time.
If you are one of those who are advised to self-isolate please, adhere to this guidance. It is for your own wellbeing and that of others. If your symptoms persist and you feel worse over time, seek immediate medical attention.
Please remember our congregation, the whole Free Presbyterian family worldwide, and our country in prayer.
Remembering the words of 2 chronicles 7:13-14. This will not last forever, please don’t give into fear or panic. If we trust in the Lord, pray, repent before Him and seek the face of the Most High God, then we can get through this and be brought into a new place spiritually before the Lord.
Do not feel you are alone in your struggles. Remember Carryduff FPC is your friend and is filled with your friends. Rev. McLaughlin will be available to help in any way he can. Feel free to call him on 07857474320 and 02890815846.
Remember to look out for each other and to look after each other, in particular, the elderly and the vulnerable.
A free delivery service for any or all households, medical products etc is on offer from Miriam Rose McLaughlin. Rev. McLaughlin has already established a phone ministry offering counsel and help to needy families.
A bible-study will be uploaded at least once a week here or sent via text or whats app to all the congregation.
CD/DVDs of the services will be available to all house bound individuals,upon request, especially those without internet access. These can be delivered weekly to individual letter boxes by the Rev. McLaughlin or Miriam Rose McLaughlin. You can contact them by email, phone or text.
A possible drive-in church will be advertised in due course, unless there is a complete lockdown of movement by the Government. It is also likely that, in due time, we will set up a Skype prayer group for corporate prayer.
Recordings of the services are available on our website, via our podcast, on our YouTube channel and can be made available on DVD if required.
Psalm 62:8 reads: “Trust in him at all times ye people, pour out your hearts before him: God is a refuge for us . Selah”. This is excellent advice in a time of trouble.
God Bless and take care of yourself, your families and your neighbours.
