Around 300 people – from the very youngest to the (ahem) most knowledgeable – took part in today’s Diocesan Family Fun Day at the Ulster American Folk Park near Omagh.
It was a most encouraging turn-out for the organisers – Diocesan Children’s Officer Kirsty McCartney of SEEDS Children’s Ministry, Diocesan Youth Officer Claire Hinchliff from Derry and Raphoe Youth, and the indefatigable members of Derry and Raphoe Mothers’ Union, led by their president, Jacqui Armstrong.
The day began with some group time – including an interactive story, music, and prayer – in the Meeting House. Worship was led by the local Rector, Rev Graham Hare, with The Rector of Urney, Rev Johnny McFarland, supporting him on the guitar.
Bishop Andrew Forster welcomed those present, and thanked Kirsty and Claire and the “wonderful” Mothers’ Union for organising the Fun Day. Bishop Andrew also introduced the two newest members of the Diocese’s clergy cohort: Rev Andrew Neill, who will be ordained to the priesthood in September, and Rev Susan Elliott, who was instituted as Rector of the Inver Group early last month.
After worship, there were street games, stories, songs and a treasure hunt for those who wanted them while others were free to wander off and visit the park’s many attractions.
The weather for the day was hot but overcast, and there were plenty of rather fetching hats being sported to protect wearers from the sun’s UV rays.
