This Sunday (5th of March 2023) we begin a new Sunday morning series thinking about the grace of giving. The offering, in all of its forms; Free Will Offering, Building Fund, United Appeal as well as other special appeals, is an integral part of our worship.
God has freely given to us, our response is to freely give in return, to the work of the church as well as improving the conditions of our fellow man.
In this series we will talk about the vision of our church. What is it we are being asked to give to and for what purpose.
The series will begin with Stuart setting out the vision for the work of the church and how we as a congregation can get involved in turning that vision into a reality.
Martin Hampton, convenor of the United Appeal Panel will come and speak to us on Sunday 12th March about the work and importance of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s United Appeal.
This series will not be just another appeal for money, or an urging for the congregation to give more. The generosity of the congregation has already been recognised in how it has given to the United Appeal, World Development Appeal and the Moderator’s Appeal for Ukraine. Rather this series will aim to help us understand the place of our giving in the context of our worship of God.
Why not come along and find out more about how we can partner in the work of the church at home and abroad over the next 4 Sundays at 10:30 am.
Commitment really is something that Noel Lyttle takes seriously. Not only is Noel one of the longest serving elders in Portstewart Presbyterian Church, but he has also been coaching junior football with Coleraine FC since 2007 and was honoured by the club on St Valentines night of all nights, marking his final season with the U14’s as he plans to retire at the end of the season aged 86.
Noel (Back row centre) with his U14 team
Noel was born on Christmas Day 1936 in the City Side of Londonderry. He attended Ebrington Public Elementary school and played on the school football team, but was only able to take part in friendly games as there was no football leagues. Noel’s footballing career was briefly interrupted when he moved to Foyle College. This was a rugby playing grammar school, football was not allowed.
During those years Noel played for Boys Brigade but again this was limited to friendly matches with other BB Companies.
At 17 ½ he went to Stranmillis teacher training College and played for their team (Kings Scholar) In division 2 of the Northern Ireland Amateur League. Unfortunately this is where his footballing playing days ended as he suffered a foot injury which required surgery meaning he could never play in the league again.
He graduated and returned to Londonderry where he taught at 21 years old in Clondermott Secondary School, there at 21 years old he was given his first team to coach. In 1959 he became Secretary of Londonderry Schools Football Association and held that office for 14 years. They developed a league which started with 6 schools and ended up with 25/26 schools involving both primary and secondary level. He was nominated from Londonderry School FA to represent them at the Council of Northern Ireland Schools Football association. Travelled for over 40 years once a month to Belfast for meetings. During that time he was 1 year Chairman and 24 years treasurer of NISFA. He was one of three delegates from NISFA who represented Northern Ireland at British Schools Football Association. He did this for 23/24 years. During those years he did one year as Chairman of British Schools FA and one year as President of European Schools FA.
Also during this time was Principle of Primary Schools Carlisle Road Londonderry, then Broughshane and finally Portstewart Primary School. He coached school football teams in each school until he retired in June 1998.
He went back to coaching football when his grandson James was 5 in approximately 2007 at Coleraine FC (Irish League Club). They started football academy and he got his IFA Coaching certificate. Noel now is 86 years old and is one of four coaches for Coleraine`s Under 14s alongside Stevie McCann, James Watters and James Mulholland
Well done Noel on a life of commitment and service in your community and congratulations on becoming a life member of Coleraine Football Club.
BASIC is a new initiative from Coleraine and Limavady Presbytery aimed at helping young people from within the Presbytery come together in worship and fellowship. BASIC will strip back much of the hype around youth work and focus on the core principles of worshiping together and learning together.
Why not speak to your youth leader and ask to come along on Sunday 11th December in 1st Coleraine Presbyterian Church. Doors open at 6pm, event begins at 6:30 with food at the end before the doors close again at 8pm.
The Christmas market in Portstewart Presbyterian Church was back with a bang this weekend. Crowds flocked to find a bargain and a seat to enjoy one of the hundreds of cups of tea and coffee sold on the day.
A big thank you to all who organised the hall and tables, the stall holders who came and made sure there was plenty of opportunity to browse and buy those all important gifts. Take time to view the gallery below to get a flavour of the day.
There is a lot going on in Portstewart this Christmas. It all begins on Saturday 26th of November from 10:30 – 13:30 when the Christmas Market returns to our halls for the first time since the Covid pandemic struck.
Why not come along and sample the wonderful traybakes, cakes and incredible variety of craft stalls. More than a few Christmas presents can be sourced and all under the one roof.
Sunday the 4th December is the annual Salvation Army toy appeal. Bring a toy labelled for a boy or girl and leave it under the church Christmas tree. That sense of Christian community continues on Monday the 5th of December when the local churches come together for community carol singing. We meet at 6:30 in Burnside Presbyterian Church carpark before singing at the local folds and sheltered housing.
Then on Sunday 11th December our brothers and sisters in Burnside Presbyterian church are holding a drive in Carol service in their church carpark. A novel way for us all to come together and hear the Christmas story. Our own carol service will be on the 18th December at 6:30. This service will involve many of our own members, a choir which is coming together especially for the occasion. All of this with the unique Christmas atmosphere as we worship by candlelight
Our young people from GB, Glow Club and Treasure Hunters will all be coming together to tell the nativity service on the morning of the 18th. Two services not to be missed.
We will again be hosting the primary school carol service on the 16th December. All of this as well as our Christmas morning service and it really is a time to celebrate this Christmas time. Why not make plans to come to one or more of the events this Christmas.
The boys and girls in p5-p7 at Portstewart Primary School celebrated harvest in Portstewart Presbyterian Church this week. The boys and girls sang two songs, The Harvest Song and Praise to the one. There were also readings, prayers and poems. A truly wonderful service of worship and thanksgiving.
