Pat Shirley

Pat Shirley

For the past 12 years I have been serving as Deaconess in Greystone Road Presbyterian Church, Antrim.
 
An address for contact at work could be that of our Clerk of Session:  Mr Winston Booth, 72 Castle Park, Antrim.
 
I live in BALLYCASTLE.  Should have retired at the end of 2006.  Agreed to stay on until a New Minister is appointed which, we trust, might be this year DV.
 
Greystone Road Congregation is a strong, vibrant Church Family.  It is the youngest of the 3 Presbyterian Churches in Antrim.  The Church was established in 1969 and its Foundation stone laid in 1971.
 
To-day there are approximately 400 families attached to the Congregation.  There has been a tradition of Deaconesses.  I am the sixth to serve there.
 
The Church and Halls have been refurbished during 2007 and as you come into the building on a Sunday Morning you become aware of a warmth.  The colours of carpet, walls, chairs and pew fabrics etc blend together and the result is a transformed Sanctuary.
 
During these days of vacancy there is much to do.  I enjoy the ongoing work of Pastoral Care to the Sick, House-bound and Bereaved. 
 
No longer living in Antrim I travel up and down from Ballycastle and continue to be grateful to those who provide B & B.  On Sundays I spend the day in Greystone.  At Morning and Evening Services I meet the congregation and am brought up to date with hospital admissions etc which will take place during the week. 
 
I do appreciate Prayer for Safe travel and for Health and Strength to carry out my responsibilities. 
 
Pray with us that we will have the joy of installing a New Minister in the not too distant future.