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Larne Presbyterian Church Inver Road Larne Co.Antrim N.Ireland BT40 3BW +44 028 28 28269968 |
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audio visual system added another dimension to our services. The audio visual system is an
established part of the Future@First programme, the history of the praise group may not
be so well known.
The praise group had begun life back in 2005/2006 when Gareth McFadden had brought
together a group of singers and musicians on an Ad Hoc basis for three special services;
Children’s Day, the GB enrolment service and the Sunday School Christmas service.
These three services were well received by the congregation and encouraged
the group to meet regularly. So began the Sunday afternoon “jam session”. These
fellowship sessions enabled the group to establish a strong core membership and
to build a repertoire of pieces.
By June of 2006 the new sound system was installed and it made its debut on
Children’s Day. This service gave the fledgling praise group an opportunity to
demonstrate the new system while leading morning worship.
During the autumn, the Praise Group began to participate regularly in
services. This led to the establishment of a leadership team who meet
regularly with the Rev. McClure and Mrs McConnell to plan the music
for future services, to the benefit of the whole ministry team.
The arrival of Kerri Gibson, our youth development director,
boosted the musical ranks. She also gave a vital youth connection which
culminated in a wonderful youth service on
the evening of the “Continentals”visit.
The Praise Group were also privileged to be Nat Magee’s “backing group”
when the Moderator visited 1st Larne on the 29th of October 2006.
The months between September and December saw the group participate
n 14 services including the Harvest Thanksgiving, GB enrolment service,
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
In January some group members joined with fellow Christians from other
churches in Larne to prepare for the “Week of prayer for Christian unity”
service in the McNeill Theatre.
So what does the future hold? Well, it is bright, the group is well established
and our musical ability has reached a level where we can lead worship and
bring new pieces to the congregation. However like all fledglings the group
needs to be nurtured to survive and grow.
The First Larne Praise Group is not affiliated to any youth
organisation. We have some wonderfully talented young members,
but in the longer term we cannot be dependent upon them because so many
of life’s transitions are ahead of them. Older members of the congregation
need to become involved to give us consistency and strength in depth.
Any singers and/or musicians of any ability are encouraged to come along
to practices and consider joining. We also need technical support so any
would be “roadies” or sound engineers should feel free to volunteer
(training will be provided). Just speak to any group member for contact
information or email us (praisegroup@firstlarne.org.uk)
The Praise Group are not performance artists, music is the medium which brings us
together in fellowship to prepare for worship, indeed the Praise Group could more
correctly be called “A Praise Fellowship”. We ask for your prayers and support for
the group and for all those working towards a joyous future for First Larne.
Contact
Praise Group co-ordinator is Sharon McClure.
Tel: 02828270544
Email: praisegroup@firstlarne.org.uk
