Ballydown enjoys cinematic service for Easter

EASTER Sunday was marked in a different way this year by members of Ballydown Presbyterian Church and friends. Instead of the normal two services at Ballydown, the church moved to the Iveagh Movie Studios for its special celebration.

“This was a venture of faith,” said the minister, Liam Rutherford, “And it was wonderful to see both church members and a wide variety of people from the Banbridge community join us on Easter Sunday.”

More than 300 people packed out the main studio and enjoyed the superior comfort and atmosphere of this modern venue.

Preparations for this celebration had been going on for some time with the music team and singers playing a leading role.

A spokesperson said, “The certainty of the resurrection was also explored through drama, video clips and with a meaningful explanation of how people reacted to the events of that day nearly 2,000 years ago. Jesus’ resurrection is still having a life-changing effect on people, just as when on that resurrection Sunday, ‘Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” ’ (John 20:19). It is the resurrection that guarantees our peace with God through Jesus.

“Due to the numbers of people regularly attending Ballydown Church there has been a need for two services over the last couple of years. The downside of this is that many members do not see much of one another on a regular basis. The cinema has been good to bring the church family together and with its wide foyer space was excellent for serving coffee and socialising.”

Jimmy Bingham said, “The buzz both before and after and the sense of celebration during the service was what church should be about.

“This event proved that buildings are not what church is and outside venues may well be used again by Ballydown.

William Porter said, “As many people today are being tempted away from the regular, corporate worship of God, it is a challenge for the church to make itself accessible and welcoming to the whole community. This event went some way to bridging the gap.”

Members of Ballydown said the challenge of stepping ‘outside the box’ has been rewarding and part of the process to help them understand and identify with the community.

Ballydown Church would like to thank the manager, Giles Conlon and the staff of the Iveagh Movie Studios, for their help and support in making the event a success.

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