Sadie Mc Cullough: Whiteabbey Presbyterian Church
Trained at Union College 2000/02
Roberta Irvine and myself where the first Deaconesses to be fully trained at Union.
My Probationary Year was in Greenisland and in September 2003 I was Commissioned and Installed as Deaconess in Whiteabbey Presbyterian Church.
Whiteabbey Presbyterian Church is situated in the greater Belfast area and serves the Whiteabbey and Jordanstown area and is part of the North Belfast Presbytery.
Main Role within the Congregation:
My main role within the congregation is pastoral care. Visiting those who are sick at home and in hospital. Getting along side those who are bereaved or facing difficult times.
As deaconess I also lead and coordinate our Parent and toddler group ‘Kids & Co’. Kids & Co is a great way to outreach into the community as most of the parents that come would have no church connection and I see it as an opportunity to share the love of Jesus with these adults and children.
At the other end of the age scale I am Leader and coordinator of our senior citizens group ‘Friendship Hour’ and although most of our ladies belong to us we have some who come from other denominations. But all need our love and care.
The list of jobs can be endless from coordinating crèche rota’s and church flower rotas along with deputation and pastoral visitor coordinator but as I see it, my ministry within Whiteabbey is one encouragement and that is to everyone both colleagues and everyone in the congregation. I believe with all my heart the Lord has placed me on this earth to show his love to everyone I come into contact with. And that can be in different ways. It may be drawing along side someone to listen without speaking. It may be just to give someone a hug who needs one. It may be rolling your sleeves up and offering practical help. It can be a simple as reaching out and touching someone who hardly ever get touched.
News
In last year’s report I commented on some of the changes that took place within our congregation and also the changes which affected me personally. That theme of change has continued throughout 2008. As a congregation we began the search for a new minister. Thankfully, in the midst of change there was a sense of continuity because there were still three of us within the ministry team headed up by James Rogers, our Associate Minister. Thankfully our new minister Rev Angus Stewart will be installed soon.
However, we had a number of bereavements within our congregation and a number of people who became ill. Change indeed for these families - worry, anxiety and sadness. It was my privilege to try to bring God’s comfort into those situations.
Change happened to me as well recently, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but our God is good and He has spoken to me through Scripture, reassuring me of His love and help. The assurance in Matthew 10:29-31 is just one of the many I am claiming every day. Although changes in life come, one of the steadfast assurances we have is the love of our Lord Jesus – He never changes, and His love never changes, and He takes our hands and walks through the difficult times in life with us.
Whiteabbey is not only where I work, it is also my spiritual home, and I can only describe the love my husband Neil and I have received from everyone as God’s love in action. My sincere thanks to the many, many people throughout the whole Church who are praying for us at this time.
Prayer requests:
That I would be guided by the Holy Spirit in all things
That my personal time with the Lord would not get squeezed out by my busyness.
For health and strength as I continue to share the love of Jesus with the folks in Whiteabbey and further a field.
Pray for wisdom in difficult situations
Pray for a sense of God’s Presence each and everyday
Pray for safety when travelling and good health
Pray for my family and personal time
Thank God for His grace and mercy and for the opportunities he gives me to share the Love of Jesus with others.