Dear Friends,

As we move towards Christmas, and I reflect back over the last few months, I realise they have been busy in many different ways. As many of you know I was in Burundi in’ Africa as part of the Armagh Diocesan Partnership Link visit for 2 weeks at the end of September. We had the privilege to see first-hand the work and ministry involved in one of the poorest countries of the world. It was a very humbling experience but also very encouraging to see how the church is growing there and new families are joining on a weekly basis. There is a real hunger for the Gospel and a deep commitment from all their clergy and church members to reach out into the local community around them, support and help and at the same time share the Good News with everyone.

Your Knit and Natter Craft Group have also been meeting every Wednesday morning ,0.30-12pm), and more recently have been working on the Poppy Fall, which we were Able to install in church for our Remembrance Day Service on 9th Nov. Our little group knit around 9OO poppies and then carefully attached each one to special netting along with some knitted leaves. It was a work of love and commitment in memory of those who pad the supreme sacrifice.

The Alpha Course has been running every two weeks since the beginning of September, along with our neighbouring parish of Ballymore, and we have been using this time to rediscover the basics of the Christian faith, and how we can live that out daily in our world today. It has been encouraging to see those who come along, share their experiences and feel able to ask questions about the different subjects covered.

IGNITE - our new Youth Group started in September on a Sunday evening, for those of secondary school age and upwards. We have a great group of young people and a fantastic group of Leaders who meet every week between 7-9pm in the church hall with lots of activities organized and planned. If you have a young person we would love to see them come along to this very informal weekly activity.

As part of my Diocesan duties as Rural Dean, I am still looking after the Parishes of Loughgilly, Acton and Drumbanagher during their vacancy, chairing Vestry Meetings in each of their parishes and dealing with any pastoral calls or funerals. I have been Rural Dean since 2018, but a role that I hope will be passed on to another colleague in the spring, It is not usual that a Rector is a Rural Dean, and an Archdeacon, as the role of an Archdeacon can be very demanding, working alongside the Archbishop, overseeing the ministry in the Diocese and issues that arise in some parishes from time to time.

Mullavilly is a busy wee parish, and I am always thankful for the those who give of their time and talents in serving God In so many ways.

Your Friend and Rector,
Elizabeth