Diocesan News
Eglinton community bears witness at Christmas
Passengers who had disembarked from a delayed Stansted to City of Derry flight were assured they had not wandered into a flash mob on Sunday evening. They made their way into the terminal – cases in tow – just as the Eglinton Community Airport Carol Service was getting into full swing.
Scores of people had thronged the concourse for Sunday’s interdenominational event, which drew worshippers from Faughanvale Presbyterian Church, Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church and St Canice’s Church of Ireland.
The carol service has become an eagerly–anticipated fixture in the Eglinton and Greysteel social calendar. A combined choir comprising children from Broadbridge and Eglinton Primary Schools led hymn–singing at the event and there was music, too, from a small brass band formed specially for the occasion.
The worship was led by local Parish Priest, Fr Noel McDermott (who gave the introduction and welcome), Presbyterian Minister the Rev Lindsay Blair (who read the Gospel) and Faughanvale Deacon the Rev Stu Reid (who delivered a Christmas message). During his address, Mr Reid surprised his young audience by unveiling a large cinema poster which had been used to advertise the film Paddington 2.
Towards the end of the service, a collection was taken up for the Salvation Army (earlier in the day toys had been donated to the charity by members of all three churches at their Sunday morning services). Mr Reid – who had provided reassurance to bemused passengers arriving from London – thanked City of Derry Airport for once again accommodating the carol service and providing refreshments for those who took part.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Derry & Raphoe
Mr Paul McFadden
028 7126 2440
07525 826290
press@derryandraphoe.org