How to Build Alife

guidethe September 2017 – January 2018

How to build aLife

191-193 Upper Lisburn Road, Finaghy, Belfast BT10 0LL INTERESTING people who have God in their lives...

Alice Cooper “I grew up in a Christian house,” said Cooper. “My dad was a pastor, he was an evangelist for 25 years, and I used to go up and do missionary work with him with the Apaches in Arizona. My grandfather was a pastor for 75 years. I grew up in a Christian home. And my wife’s father is a Baptist pastor. So, I was like, we were PK’s – preacher’s kids – so we married each other.” “So I always refer to myself as the real Prodigal Son, because I went out and the Lord let me do everything,” said Cooper. “Maybe didn’t let me but allowed it, and then just started reeling me back in. You know, you’ve seen enough. Let’s bring you back to where you belong.” “When you get out there and realise you’ve had every car, every house, and all that, you realise that that’s not the answer,” he said. “There’s a big nothing out there at the end of that. So, materialism doesn’t mean anything. A lot of people say that there’s a big God-sized hole in your heart. And when that’s filled, you’re really satisfied, and that’s where I am right now.” Cooper then explained that his return to Christianity occurred when he tried and eventually quit drinking alcohol in the mid-1980s. (He also had a dangerous addiction to cocaine, which he discussed in the 2014 movie, Super Duper Alice Cooper.) “I stopped drinking and I started going back to church,” he said.

Matthew McConaughey “As soon as we had children, I was like, You know what? Church was important to my childhood, even if it was just for the ritual of giving an hour and a half on Sunday to yourself, to pray and to think about others, even if you’re tired or whatever,’” McConaughey said. “I noticed how much I missed it and needed it.”

2 INTERESTING people who have God in their lives...

David Luiz “My faith in Jesus gives me strength to keep on going out on to the field and to do my best,” he says. “But I also want to inspire others - that is what God inspires me to do. For me, true life is found in the relationship with Jesus Christ. I believe that everything in life belongs to God and he has a clear plan for us if we follow him.”

Mother Teresa We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.

John Lennox “The most incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible.” God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God? – John C. Lennox

3 LIFE – It Happens! Whether we like it or not, life is happening to us right now. Each one of us is building a life. So how is your life going? No life can be on pause. The seconds count away.

If I were building a house, I’d want progress reports from the architect and builder. If a kit-car, a regular call from the mechanic – “Aye, aye, the wheels are on and the steering wheel’s attached. Waiting for the engine from Germany.”

Progress reports.

The greatest gift we have is life. Yet, unlike homes, cars and bank balances, many of us rarely, if ever, think about what we’re building. There are so many pressures (holding down a job, paying the mortgage or rearing children) pushing us along, it can feel as if we are not in control of the who, what, when, where and why of life. Building a Life God wants to help. He so badly wants to help you build your life. What if you are missing out on what could be with God’s help? But isn’t God for seriously dull people? Organised religion can grievously misinform people with wrong ideas about God: “Do this/don’t do that/and never smile!!” God isn’t about religion and lists of do’s and don’ts. He’s interested in you as a person and how He can bless your life. He longs to have a relationship with you. He sent Jesus into the world to find you, to forgive your sins and make this relationship possible.

4 A LIFE WITH GOD Jesus says Matthew 7:24-27 New International Version - UK (NIVUK) The wise and foolish builders 24 ‘Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.’

Having God in our lives makes such a difference. Come and join us on Sunday mornings, and throughout the week at our various events and activities, as children, young people and adults all discover what life can be like if God is helping us to build it.

God makes all the difference in the world.

Please accept this edition of The Guide as our invitation to our church, Lowe Church, Belfast. You can follow us on Facebook and check our website – www.lowe.church – for updates and further information.

Have a great autumn! James Minister/ Senior Pastor

5 Community Open Day Saturday 9th September 2017 • 1-5PM Come along to an action-packed day of fun and extravaganza at Lowe Church. No matter the weather, the show will go on! All activities can be brought indoors Activities include: ALL FREE OF CHARGE!!! giant slide • bouncy castle • Phil’s farm • children’s train • Buddy the Clown • and many more fun inflatable activities

Super Hero Sundae SUNday 10th September 2017 • 11AM Dress up as your favourite Super Hero! Ice-cream and goodies

6 SpecialJoin us on Guest Days

On the Sofa

On the Sofa with David Blevins Ireland Correspondent with Sky News Sunday 5th November @ 11am Come and hear about faith, the news and politics from a live reporter

LIFE, MEMORIES AND FAITH

On the Sofa

A Special On the Sofa with Paddy Quinn Former Tyrone GAA player Sunday 26th November @ 7pm

7 Discovering Hope

8 Discovering Hope

9 Sundays @ Lowe

Service Times 9.45am Traditional 11.00am Contemporary 7.00pm Discipleship and Café Praise

10 Sundays @ Lowe As an all-age and inter-generational church, our three worship services reflect different styles of praise and worship. 9.45am - Traditional Hymn Singing 11.00am - Contemporary Praise 7.00pm - Fresh Expression, giving opportunity to explore new approaches to praise and worship.

On pages 38-45, a weekly guide to ‘what’s on’ on Sundays is listed. The following symbols will give you an idea of diversity within Lowe praise services and what might appeal to you most.

How to Fusion with Guest build Praise Leaders a life New Expression Praise & Prayer Conversations with Job Youth Service On the Sofa Guest

Live inMusic Café Hub Choir

There are so many ways to express praise! Come and join us!

11 Café Hub Special Coffee Times

Monday Evenings at the HUB 7.30-9.30pm commencing Monday 2nd October Chill/chat/relax or plug in to an activity of your choice such as crafts/book club/board games etc

Macmillan Coffee Morning Friday 29th September 10.00am – 12 noon Join us for some good coffee and eats and raise money for a great cause!

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT PRESENT FOR YOUR LOVED ONE? THEN COME AND JOIN US FOR A COFFEE MORNING, CAKE SALE AND A DISPLAY OF MIGLIO JEWELLERY ON SATURDAY 28TH OCTOBER FROM 10:00-1:00 IN THE HUB PROCEEDS IN AID OF LOWE MISSIONARIES

12 DAY TRIP to Kildare Outlet Saturday 11 November 2017 Contact Church Office for details and to book your place

139 HANDEL’S MESSIAH ‘IN A DAY’ Saturday 13th January 2018 Come and be part of the concert choir! Come and attend the Concert! The “In a day” event involves morning and afternoon rehearsalS, with the performance beginning at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to the evening performance. Singers are invited to attend from 10am. Light refreshments will be available throughout the day. This offers an enjoyable day of music-making for singers of all abilities. Suggested donation of £10, All profits going to Cancer Research. Please contact the church office to register interest and /or for more details.

14 Hoping for Help?

CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY (CAP) is an award winning charity committed to helping people who have problems which could cause poverty. Lowe, in partnership with CAP, runs services for debt, unemployment and addiction. All services are free. weighed down by debt? Free debt counselling in your community from Belfast Finaghy Debt Centre

capdebthelp.org

CALL FREE ON 0800 328 0006 Calls are free from landlines and mobiles in the UK

15 Hoping for Help?

Unemployed? BELFAST FINAGHY JOB CLUB STARTING 2ND OCTOBER 2017 meets at LOWE CHURCH 191-193 UPPER LISBURN ROAD, FINAGHY MONDAY 10am – 12noon

CALL FREE ON 0800 328 0006 Calls are free from landlines and mobiles in the UK OR 07704 218 560 FREE LIGHT LUNCH PROVIDED

DO YOU NEED HELP? Talk to us about our Hamper and Helps Ministries For more information please contact the church office

16 Hoping for Help?

Want help for life-controlling habits such as smoking, drinking, gambling, internet addictions? This free confidential eight week course will run during October and November. Information Evening for you and your family/friends will be held on Tuesday 3rd October at 7pm at International Meeting Point, 133 Lisburn Road Belfast BT9 7AG For more information: capreleasegroups.org [email protected] 9062 6561 (Lowe Church Office) and website

South-West SOUTH WEST BELFAST Belfast FOODBANK provides hope and short-term emergency food to individuals and families. All of the food is generously donated by local people helping to feed local people. To donate see website: southwestbelfast.foodbank.org.uk

THE INTERNATIONAL MEETING POINT Find them on Facebook: themeetingpoint133 133 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AG

CAP SUNDAY 1st OCTOBER at all three services Come and hear stories from those who have found help, inspiration and challenge through CAP, which celebrates its 21st anniversary in 2017.

17 Hoping for Help?

Join us for this free course on Monday 8th January 2018 and get your finances under control. The CAP Money Course will teach you budgeting skills and a simple, cash-based system that works. In just a few weeks, you will get to grips with your finances so you can budget, save and prevent debt. More information capmoneycourse.org [email protected] 9062 6561 (Lowe Church Office) www.lowe.church

Belfast Finaghy CAP Centre presents

A musical journey, from troubled painful past, to hope and freedom

Friday 24th November 7.30pm In the HUB at Lowe

18 Christmas at Lowe

2119 SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER MARTIN HALL : 10AM - 1PM

YouChristmas are invited to enjoy a cup of fairly-traded Fair tea or coffee, while browsing our stalls which include: a ‘nearly new’ gift stall, a wide range of fairly traded gifts and Christmas cards from a range of suppliers.

Senior Citizens Christmas Party

SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER DUCKWORTH HALL • 2.00 PM

20 This Christmas... VISIT

the wonderful world created by CS Lewis recreated at Lowe on Sunday 10 December A Christmas Journey for all the Family! PROGRAMME: • Arrive 6pm for Narnia refreshments • Journey through our Wardrobe and into Narnia • 6.30pm, enter the Winter Place and see the characters of Narnia tell their fabulous story!

THIS CHRISTMAS VISIT NARNIA! The show will be finished by 7.15pm, followed by refreshments and ‘meet the characters’.

21 Prayer Sunday 24th December at 7pm Wear a Christmas Jumper and donate £1 for Save the Children Fund (Optional fun for a good cause!)

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Inter-church Prayer times

1622 PrayerUnited in Revivalfor in Ireland Inter-church Prayer times Wednesday 4th October 8.00 pm Wednesday 6th December 8.00 pm

23 Welcome to Lowe Children

24 WelcomeCelebratin to gLowe Children

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND VULNERABLE ADULTS

At Lowe, safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults is a top priority.

All our staff and volunteers are Access NI checked and receive regular Child Protection training.

It is our policy that each child and young person must return a completed consent form for each organisation before attending. These are available from organisation leaders.

25 CelebratinWelcome gto Lowe Youth

We long to see young people unleash their God-given potential as they build their lives on Jesus. Youth Club: Saturdays | Yr.11-Yr.14 | 6.00-10.00pm Saturdays | P7-Yr.10 | 7.30-9.30pm (Please register by contacting [email protected])

Re:Load: Relentless: Sundays | 11am-12 noon Sundays | 7.00-8.30pm Boys’ Brigade: Girls’ Brigade: Mondays | more info. pg 27 Thursdays | more info. pg 27

For further information on any of these organisations please contact us [email protected]

26 CelebratinWelcome tog Lowe GB & BB

GB Enrolment 2017: Sunday 15 October | 11.00am

Boys’ Brigade Sure and Steadfast Mondays: Anchor Boys | P1-P4 | 7.00-8.0pm Junior Section | P5-P7 | 7.00-8.30pm Company Section | Yr.8-Yr.14 | 7.45-9.30pm

BB Enrolment 2017: Sunday 12 November | 11.00am

27 CelebratinWelcome tog Lowe Youth

COMMUNITY YOUTH ORGANISATIONS

109th Scout Group Fridays: Squirrels and Beavers | 6.00-7.00pm Tuesdays: Cubs | 6.15-7.30pm Scouts | 7.30-9.30pm For more info. please visit www.109thscoutgroup.org.uk

Creative workshops for children and young people For more info. please visit www.pophousearts.com

28 WelcomeCelebratin to gLowe Youth

29 Celebrating CelebratinHobbiesg andSport Knitting at Lowe (WITH COFFEE) Every Thursday at 10.30 am All ages and every knitting ability welcome (or if you would like to learn to knit). No signing up and no charge – just come and bring your knitting (and a friend). For further information speak to Maud Wilson 9082 6966

Badminton Tuesday Evenings @ 7.45pm

Venue: Duckworth Hall

All skill levels and new participants welcome

30 Celebrating CelebratinHobbiesg andSport Lowe Friendship Walking Group

If you enjoy a walk of an hour or so in good company, then join us on the first and third Wednesday of each month, leaving the Church car park at 1.30 pm; transport provided.

For information contact Joe Furphy on 9061 2311

Table Tennis Tuesday morning Seniors @ 10.15am Wednesday Club Night @ 7.30pm Martin Hall All skill levels and new participants welcome

31 Weekly Planner Celebrating Sunday 9.45am Traditional Service 11.00am Contemporary Service 11.00am Promiseland 11.00am Re:load 7.00pm Discipleship and Café Praise 7.00 – 8.30pm Relentless

Monday 2.00pm Bowls Veterans Boys’ Brigade 7.00 – 8.00pm Anchor Boys P1-P4 7.00 – 8.30pm Junior Section P5-P7 7.45 – 9.30pm Company Section Yr 8-14 7.30 – 9.00pm Monday Contact Group 8.00pm Monthly Prayer Meeting

Tuesday 7.00 – 8.00am Prayer Meeting 10.00 – 12.00pm Toddlers 10.15 – 12.30pm Seniors Table Tennis 12 noon – 1.30pm Open Door Lunch (2nd and 4th Tuesday in month) 2.00 – 3.30pm Tuesday Circle (Senior Citizens) (1st and 3rd Tuesday in month) 2.00 – 3.00pm Prime Time Bible Study (2nd and 4th Tuesday in month) 6.15 – 7.30pm Cubs 7.30 – 9.30pm Scouts 7.30pm onwards Badminton 7.30pm PW (Presbyterian Women) (2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month)

32 Weekly Planner Celebrating Wednesday 1.30pm Lowe Friendship Walking Group (Meets first and third Wednesdays) 7.30pm till late Table Tennis 7.45/8.00pm Contact Groups (Meet in various homes - check starting time)

Thursday 8.30 – 9.15am Prayer Meeting 10.30am Knitting at Lowe - in the Lounge (with coffee) 6.30 – 7.30pm Girls’ Brigade Tinies (Nursery), Explorers (P1-3), Juniors (P4-7) 7.30 – 9.00pm Seniors and Brigaders Yr 8-14

Friday 6.00 – 7.00pm Beavers & Squirrels 7.30pm Bowls (Mixed Fellowship)

Saturday 7.30pm-9.30pm Youth Club (Term time)

33 34 Your Guide to Sundays

9.45am Traditional 11am Contemporary 7pm Discipleship and Café Praise

35 We love to worship God at Lowe and learn what the Lord has to say to us all, living in today’s world and context.

MORNING This autumn, the morning theme is How to build aLife That’s the big challenge we all face.

36 EVENING

“Conversations about the Universe with Job” is our dynamic approach for Sunday nights. Job is well known in the Bible as someone who suffered greatly and yet his life raises many questions about modern life, suffering and justice. These are real and live issues for many of us. See the special guest nights, when the format switches to a conversation ‘on the sofa’, with live music and chat in the Hub café afterwards.

YOUR WORSHIP SYMBOL GUIDE At Lowe, you will find a great variety of services, music and praise. To help everyone understand these nuances, the following symbols will appear on the service planner How to Fusion with Guest build Praise Leaders a life New Expression Praise & Prayer Conversations with Job Youth Service On the Sofa Guest

Live inMusic Café Hub Choir

37 SEPTEMBER 2017 Sunday 17th September 2017

9.45 You, faith and God 11.00 You, faith and God

7.00 Conversations with Job Why our worlds fall apart (Job 1)

Sunday 24th September 2017

9.45 Love and Relationships 11.00 Love and Relationships

7.00 Conversations with Job The WHY of Suffering (Job 2) OCTOBER 2017 Sunday 1st October 2017

9.45 Christians Against Poverty 11.00 Christians Against Poverty

7.00 Social Justice with CAP

38 Sunday 8th October 2017

11.00 United Harvest Sunday Character and Purpose

7.00 Fusion

Sunday 15th October 2017

9.45 Service 11.00 Youth Service Girls’ Brigade Enrolment

7.00 Conversations with Job Honest to God (Job 3)

Sunday 22nd October 2017

9.45 Church and Community 11.00 Church and Community

7.00 Youth and the missing generations with Rick Hill

Sunday 29th October 2017

9.45 Work and Money 11.00 Work and Money

7.00 Visiting Preacher

39 40 NOVEMBER 2017 Sunday 5th November 2017

9.45 Traditional Service 11.00 On the Sofa with David Blevins, Sky News Ireland Correspondent

7.00 Conversations with Job Meet Job’s friend Eliphaz (Job 4-5)

Sunday 12th November 2017

9.45 Remembrance Sunday 11.00 Youth Service Boys’ Brigade Enrolment

7.00 Fusion

Sunday 19th November 2017

9.45 Prayer and Strength 11.00 Prayer and Strength

7.00 Faith and Same-sex Attraction With Guest Speaker Rob Wood, True Freedom Trust

41 Sunday 26th November 2017

9.45 The Holy Spirit and Me Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit 11.00 The Holy Spirit and Me Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit With Guest Speaker Phil Emerson, Emmanuel Church, Lurgan

7.00 On the Sofa with Paddy Quinn Former Tyrone County GAA Player DECEMBER 2017 Sunday 3rd December 2017

9.45 Why Christmas? (1) 11.00 Why Christmas? (1)

7.00 Conversations with Job Job’s break with natural justice (Job 6-7)

Sunday 10th December 2017

9.45 Why Christmas? (2) 11.00 Why Christmas? (2)

6.00 Christmas Special

Sunday 17th December 2017

9.45 Why Christmas? (3) 11.00 Why Christmas? (3)

7.00 Fusion

42 43 Sunday 24th December 2017

11.00 United Promiseland Service

7.00 Carols by Candlelight

Monday 25th December 2017

10.00 Christmas Day Service

Sunday 31st December 2017

11.00 Service JANUARY 2018

Sunday 7th January 2018

9.45 Going deeper with Philippians 11.00 Going deeper with Philippians

7.00 Conversations with Job Job’s friend Bildad plays the blame game (Job 8)

Sunday 14th January 2018

9.45 Going deeper with Philippians 11.00 Going deeper with Philippians

7.00 Conversations with Job Helplines and support with Mark Kernohan from The Big House

44 Sunday 21st January 2018

9.45 Traditional Service 11.00 Scouts Service

7.00 Conversations with Job Job and St Paul talk theology (Job 9) Praise and Prayer

Sunday 28th January 2018

9.45 The Holy Spirit and Me 11.00 The Holy Spirit and Me Special Guest speaker at both services Rev David McClay Willowfield Parish Church

7.00 Fusion FEBRUARY 2018 Sunday 4th February 2018

9.45 Communion 11.00 Communion

6.00 Communion 7.00 Conversations with Job Does God care? (Job 10)

45 Getting started with Prayer

As we think of thousands of children returning to education, let’s pray for all the schools in our community commencing the new autumn term. This is a Nigerian prayer for the start of the school year. Use these words to pray for our children and young people.

First Term God be in my head, And in my understanding. God be in my eyes, And in my looking. God be in my mouth, And in my speaking. God be in my heart And in my thinking. God be in my hands, And in my serving. As I enter this first term In Junior Secondary School Amen

Remember all teachers and parents as they play their roles in the lives of children.

4646 Getting started with Prayer

Prayer at Lowe Do something radical and pray... embark on a wonderful adventure, get to know God better, rather than on a casual basis. Come and pray for each other, for our community, for our country and for the work at Lowe: Weekly: Tuesday morning @ 7-8 am. Sunday evening 6.30pm Monthly Prayer Meeting – 4th Monday of each month: 25 September, 23 October, 27 November and 22 January - 8pm

Join us for Fusion on the following Sunday Nights • 8 October • 12 November • 17 December • 28 January

47 Getting started with Prayer

When and how can we pray or ask for prayer? 1. Through our very confidential Prayer Chain. If you have prayer requests for yourself or others contact Noelle Millar at 9061 9385 or leave a message at the Church Office. A series of people will then pray specifically about your request.

2. Use our monthly Lowe Morning Prayer guide on a daily basis. and supplement it with the weekly prayer points.

3. There is also a Prayer Box in the church entrance hall for requests. All will be prayed for specifically and confidentially.

4. Individual prayer is available each Sunday after our morning and evening services.

5. At our Contact Groups which meet weekly.

6. Attend a weekly and monthly prayer meeting.

7. Join a Prayer Triplet.

8. Join a Special Prayer Team focusing on ministries and mission.

9. 1 in 4 Prayer initiative. We set aside a week each month to encourage everyone to pray, both individually and together, through special prayer times.

48 At Lowe Church, our desire is to see everyone find their spiritual gift and use that gift for serving others.

If you would like to serve perhaps one of the following areas may be of interest: • Youth • Christians Against Poverty • Café • Music Ministry • Hospitality • Alpha • Helps Team • Hampers • Senior Citizens • Summer SU leaders @ Finaghy • Organisations • Administration • And more besides…

Get going with God! Serve!

Please speak to Isobel (Volunteer Co-Ordinator) for more details. Her details are available via the church office 90626561 or [email protected]

49 Have you ever read the Bible? Reading the Bible is a wonderful investment of time that will give you a return one hundred fold. “But where do I begin?” many people have asked. There are fantastic opportunities to study the Bible in homes at Lowe (see page) as well as excellent online resources for your personal use. On the next page are a few examples:-

50 There are so many wonderful resources online to help our faith grow. Here is a sample: Word for Today App Receive a thought for today on your mobile phone Biblegateway App The whole Bible is available wherever you go Bible for Kids App Other tools The Alpha Course speaker Nicky Gumbel has daily thoughts for the day tied in with daily Bible readings www.alpha.org/bioy Great Messages – e.g. Rick Warren, Tim Keller, Bill Hybels, Bill Johnston and Jim Cymbala. Type in their names and follow the links. Billy Graham Association UK – Second Chances. Watch online an amazing DVD of stories about real people who meet Jesus, narrated and set within the ministry context of Billy Graham.

2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month Living for Jesus PW Groups are envisioned as women’s fellowships in which women are encouraged to become Christ-like. In addition to supporting mission at home and overseas each group seeks ways to reach women in its own area for Christ. The group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday from October to March. Time: 7.30pm Venue: Corkey Hall More details at the Information Desk

51 Getting started with Reading your Bible

It is our passion that every Christian of whatever experience or maturity should find an opportunity to go further in their relationship with God.

Lowe is committed to ‘everyone growing together towards maturity in Christ’. This growth is facilitated through service to God, teaching and learning, and prayer ministry within the context of a church family. Bible in One Year

At Lowe we are passionate about reading the Bible and we encourage our members to regularly read the Bible for themselves.

Reading the whole Bible in one year brings a particular benefit and blessing to the reader, as the teaching, stories and events are given their proper context. There are many different tools that we are excited about and believe will help you in your exploration of God’s Word including, but not limited to: Nicky Gumbel’s “NIV Bible in One Year” and “The One Year Bible”. Both have free email and online options as well, just visit www.htb.org.uk/bioy or www.oneyearbibleonline.com. There are also free mobile apps available for smartphones, such as YouVersion, just visit www. youversion.com. Won’t you join us in this adventure?

52 Discipleship Reading in Small Groups Small Group Ministries YOU are invited to join one of the many Contact Groups meeting in homes around Finaghy to learn more about the Christian faith in a totally non-threatening situation, ask all those ‘stupid’ questions, feel the support of fellow seekers, and enjoy each other’s company.

CONTACT GROUPS Where are they? There are now 3 in Erinvale, 3 elsewhere in Finaghy, 3 in the Malone area, 2 in Lambeg, and 1 in Lisburn. All except one group meet on a Wednesday evening, the other on a Monday.

Did you know that over 140 How do I join? people are members of adult Just speak to Joan Contact Groups in our church, Tittmar, Small and that’s not counting the Groups Co-ordinator many young people who go to (Tel: 07919 088 their own groups? 568), or email: lowecontactgroups@ Our aim in Lowe is that EVERYONE gmail.com in the church is known, loved and supported by at least one group of Just give it a go! people, and those in contact groups Your life will testify that this is a wonderful way to undoubtedly be both give and receive that support. enriched by the experience!

53 Discipleship in Small Groups Senior Citizens We have many senior citizens within the fellowship and this group is very important to us as a church.

In addition to the visitation scheme operated by Elders and the Ministry Team, the following opportunities for friendship and fellowship will continue. Lowe’s Friendship Scheme This scheme provides additional pastoral support and friendship to some of our elderly members who may be lonely and housebound, or whose personal circumstances are difficult and demanding. Please contact the church office for more information about joining. Prime Time Bible Study Prime Time is an interactive Bible study group for all who are retired. We meet from 2pm to 3pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Venue: Seminar Room.

54 Discipleship in Small Groups

Tuesday Circle Tuesday Circle is for any retired person and who would love some company, activity or a trip out. It meets twice a month on Tuesday afternoons and lifts can be arranged to and from meetings. You are warmly invited to come along at 2.00pm! Programme September 19 Outing to Donaghadee October 3 Healthy Cooking - talk and demo October17 Outing to City Hall Exhibition November 7 Leprosy Mission - talk November 21 Christmas lunch at Hillmount December 5 Who was Martin Luther? - talk January 16 Old Sayings - talk February 6 Armchair Aerobics February 20 Fish & Chips at Edenmore More details are available from the Church Office (Tel: 9062 6561)

55 Getting started Pastoral with Care

Lowe is a richly diverse church and comprises every generational outlook and background. We are just as concerned for the 5-year old child in our Promiseland Sunday School as we are about the senior citizens who can no longer leave their homes. In our experience, and with such diversity, the approach of ‘one size fits all’ to pastoral care does not work which is why Lowe cares for ‘the family’ through a number of ministries and approaches. The Pastorate The Pastorate is made up of ministry staff, elders and others gifted in counselling and pastoral care provision. Lowe works on the basis of a team approach and all needs or requests should be sent to the Church Office in the first instance (9062 6561/ email: [email protected]). The Pastorate helps the church family with the following: Marriages • Baptisms • Visitation of the sick (hospital care) • Support for the elderly & housebound • Counselling • Funeral Services • Eldership visitation of the church family by areas • Advice • Other Pastoral Issues The Bereavement Care Team The Bereavement Care Team writes to all those recently bereaved offering support, comfort, and visits. The Friendship Scheme A number of our members benefit greatly from a monthly visit by a member of the Friendship Scheme team. This has been a tremendous source of strength and friendship especially to those who can no longer attend church services due to illness, for example. Church Family Ministry Group The CFMG seeks to develop and constantly review the welfare of the church family at Lowe. Under the lead provided by the elders the CFMG helps Lowe to care for the needs of all of the church family including the young, old, single, married and divorced. Young People with Special Needs The youth organisations welcome children with special needs. Speak to the leader of the organisation your child wants to attend about the support and understanding needed. If required, a team of Lowe members with special needs expertise may be asked for advice. Adults with Learning Difficulty The Beehive Club run by South Belfast Presbytery meets fortnightly on Mondays at 7.30pm in Taughmonagh Church. For further information please contact Nan Hill (9061 9942). Contact Groups and other Small Groups Increasingly within Lowe, pastoral care is being provided through Contact Groups and other small groups (see page 53).

56 Getting started Joining with Lowe A church for all the community Welcome to membership

Hopefully you have felt welcome if you have recently joined with us in worship. Perhaps you would now want to consider one of two options for Membership. Option 1 - Become a Member Simply fill in the form overleaf and get involved in the Church’s life. We will recommend courses that help you grow in the Christian Faith. Option 2 - Become a Communicant Member Full membership includes everything recommended in Option 1 with the additional feature of joining a communicant class and coming to the Lord’s Table. If you need any further help please do not hesitate to contact us through the church office or [email protected]

• Lowe is a member congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. www.presbyterianireland.org • To view our Vision Statement, Our Values, Our Purpose and a statement of faith, please go online at www.loweonline.org • Watch out for Lowe’s new Facebook page

57 Getting started Joining with Lowe

I/We would like to become a member(s)

Name/s:

Address:

Home Telephone:

Mobile Phone:

Email:

Please detach and give to a member of the Welcome Team on Sunday

58 Meet our Wider World Family

Mission begins in the heart of God. His purpose is that His church takes the Gospel to the Wider World. In addition to our commitment to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) Mission Overseas, a number of families connected with Lowe are involved in ministry in the wider world.

The Madlener Family Godwin and Werner and Cecilia Madlener and Family are working with Gail Ekanem Operation Mobilisation Serving with Mission Africa in London. in Nigeria.

59 Meet our Wider World Family

Michael and Harry and Jane Shaw Catherine Bryans Working with Christian Working with Urban Saints Literature (CLC) in Leicester organisation in Belgium

The Martins The Church also has links with Christians in: Malvern URC through the work of Rev Ken and Doreen Martin; Romania through the work of Zsuzsi and Andor Ferko; Mongolia through the work of Bayarmaa and Zorigoo Erdenebileg and the Christian Church in Germany through our missionary associates David and Sylvia Willson in Cologne.

We also encourage all our members: • to assist in projects • to make themselves aware of opportunities to serve the Saviour at home and abroad • to pray for those who are called to serve in this way, and • to join teams going to a variety of locations on short or long term mission work

60 Meet our Ministry Team Ministry Team and Staff

James Burnett Dorothy Scott Minister Office Secretary

Kathy Craig Ross Munro Youth and Evangelism Associate for Associate Community Work

Jean Patton Andrew McCaw Ministry Associate Youth Intern Pastoral Care

Bobby Keag Youth Intern Church Officer Appointment 07528 749 633 September 2017

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 9:30am – 1pm Office Telephone: 9062 6561 Email: [email protected] Our official name is ‘Finaghy Lowe Memorial Presbyterian Church’

Getting Come to church.

involved Come to a Newcomers’ Lunch.

@ Lowe Join a Contact Group or sign up for an Introduction to Christianity course. The four easy steps... Find a special interest or activity group

61 Useful Local Information

Useful Local Contacts for Education those living in the Finaghy Belfast Education and Library Area Board: 9056 4000 Finaghy Library: 9050 9214 Medical / Doctors Dunluce Health Centre: Schools: 9020 4330 Finaghy Primary School: Finaghy Health Centre: 9020 4444 9061 2623 Rowan Tree Practice, Dunmurry: Hunterhouse College: 9061 8153 9061 2293 The Hill Medical Group, Dunmurry: Malone College: 9038 1988 9061 8211 Rathmore Grammar School: Out of Hours Doctor – 9061 0115 South and East Belfast: St. Anne’s Primary School: 9079 6220 9030 8661 St. John the Baptist Primary Hospitals School: Boys: 9061 4412 Belfast City Hospital: 9032 9241 Girls: 9061 4546 Lagan Valley Hospital: 9266 5141 Cranmore Integrated Primary Mater Hospital: 9074 1211 School: 9066 4410 Musgrave Hospital: 9090 2000 Royal Victoria Hospital: 9024 0503 Day Care: Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Benmore Playgroup: 9030 8677 Children: 9063 2151 Finaghy Primary Day Care Centre: Ulster Hospital: 9048 4511 07936 528 461 Rascals’ Nursery 9062 8760 Blood Transfusion Service: 9032 4431

62 Youth Centres: Gamblers Anonymous: Local Finaghy Sports Zone: 9061 2623 9024 9185 Finaghy Youth Club: 9030 1474 Narcotics Anonymous: Stevenson Youth Centre, 07909 575 836 Dunmurry: 9030 1057 Parents Helpline: 0808 801 722 Women’s Aid: 9066 6049 General Help and Advice The Samaritans: 08457 909 090 Housing: Relate: 9032 3454 The Housing Executive: General Enquiries: 03448 920 900 Police and Crime Prevention: Repairs: 03448 920 901 PSNI: 0845 600800 Housing Benefit: 03448 920 902 Crime Prevention: 9070 0535

Jobs & Benefits: Member of Parliament Local Jobs and Benefits Office: for ‘South Belfast’ at 0800 022 4250 Westminster: Social Security Agency: Emma Little Pengelly: 9082 9101 02072 101359 / 9045 5936 Pension Service Enquiries: 08456 018 821 or 08456 018 841 Transport: Translink Train and Bus Enquiries: Money and Debt Advice: 9066 6630 Christians Against Poverty (CAP): Aircoach Belfast: 9033 0655 0800 328 0006 Undertakers: Personal Problems: David Crymble & Sons: 9066 7784 Age N.I. 0808 808 7575 James Brown & Sons: 9066 6385 Alcoholics Anonymous: 9043 4848 Elwood & Brown (Co-op Child Line: 0800 01111 Funeralcare): 9061 7835 Citizens Advice Bureau: Elwood and Capper: 9060 5060 Belfast: 9030 1916 / 9062 3594 Melville & Co: 9077 9252 Lisburn: 9266 2251 Bobby Morrison, Lisburn: Cruse Bereavement Care: 9267 4292 / 9266 0262 9043 4600

63 Connect with us on or online: www.lowe.church

You are very welcome to join us at Lowe

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