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.
Prayer Requests and News
The Beijing Olympics, what a summer of sport. I loved it. One of the mornings while having breakfast I was watching the synchronised swimming on TV and I was fascinated by the skill, strength, coordination and the plan and control of the routine these girls had as they weaved, bobbed and made shapes with there bodies half in and half out of the water.
Above the water line everything looks very much in control. When their heads popped up out of the water they where all smiles, they made it look so easy. It made me think that in life we are all a bit like that, on the surface we smile and tell everyone we’re fine as if all is well but underneath like the synchronised swimmers we are paddling away like mad just to keep a float. We all can struggle at times with health, work and family issues and the list could go on.
As a deaconess I have the wonderful privilege to be able to come along side people facing difficult times but whatever our situation we need to put our trust in God and know He cares for us.
Like the synchronised swimmers we need to listen to the coach [the heavenly coach Jesus] follow His instructions, work from His plan and even though the schedule is gruelling in the end we can stand on the podium with Jesus and share His victory.
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.