Ken Wilson, minister of Gorey, writes….

The idea for this event came from our Mission & Outreach Committee about two years ago.  A number of inter-church Alpha Courses had already been held, and in this way we had been reaching out into the community. However the Church Council sensed the need to also “reach in” to our own congregation.

We read the information on the Lay Witness Movement and invited some representatives to meet the Church Council.  It was reassuring to hear that “one size doesn’t fit all”, and that the LWM could be tailored to meet the needs of a small rural congregation.  The members of the Gorey Church are scattered far and wide – some taking 30 – 40 minutes to travel to church events.  Would they be willing to come to a LWM Weekend?

The dates were fixed and a local coordinator appointed. Three strong work groups were established:

1. Hospitality / Catering / Coffee Mornings / Men’s Breakfast.

2. Publicity / Attendance / Visitation / Literature.

3. Prayer / Finance / Follow-up.

On the Sundays before the event the Services were geared towards “witness” and the power of Christian testimony.  Long before the LWM Weekend there was a spirit of expectancy as the different work groups all pulled their weight.  A special evening of prayer was held and prayer cards given to every member. Few things unite a congregation as much as working together towards a common goal.

GOREY TEAM

Alan Morris, Ruth Kingston, David Ferguson, Joy Brookes, Lorna Douglas, Alan Shiel, Carole and David Lambe

There was much excitement when the eight members of the LWM Team arrived on the Friday afternoon.  They came from Methodist Churches throughout Ireland: four from the North; and four from the South. Lorna Douglas (Belfast) was the Leader, with Alan Morris (Dublin) the Assistant Leader.  The others were: Joy Brookes (West Cork); David Ferguson (Dundonald); David & Carole Lambe (Carrick ); Alan Shiel (Dublin); and Ruth Kingston (Cork & Dublin). God clearly had been guiding in the choice of the team for they complemented each other in a remarkable way.

The usual LWM events were held: a meal on Friday evening; Men’s Breakfast at 8.00 on Saturday morning; three Coffee Mornings; Hospital visitation in the afternoon; a meal on Saturday evening; and the Sunday morning Service. Many important friendships were built up in the homes, and there was a lot of fun and laughter – and some tears.  Throughout there was a quiet sense that the Holy Spirit was in charge.  A number of people asked for prayer.

Some look back on the Coffee Mornings as the highlight, while others remember the 40 men, some from other churches, who turned out for the Breakfast.  Each of the Witnesses seemed to have had a message that was spot on for someone in Gorey.

There is a strong feeling that the Weekend was extremely worthwhile. This was borne out by the very moving “testimony meeting” on the Sunday evening after the Team had left us.  To keep the fire burning, we plan to meet in peoples’ homes to study the “Discipleship Explored” Course.

Who knows where the ripples caused by the LWM Weekend will go? We think that it was hugely significant that a tourist, a total stranger, saw the lights burning in the church on the Sunday evening, and came in thinking that it was a coffee shop.  He listened to the words of testimony and clearly sensed the presence of God.  He spoke of his daughter recently linking up with a Methodist Church in London, and he took part in the Communion Service, and went on his way praising the Lord.

(click to enlarge)

Carole Lambe, team member, writes....

Our Gorey weekend began with Lorna driving David and myself, and David Ferguson on that long trip from Belfast to County Wexford. We arrived at 4.00pm at Gorey Church. We were welcomed by Val and David and had a lovely and very welcome cuppa.

The Friday evening meal and meeting had around 45-50 people and Alan Morris, Ruth and I witnessed to God's Love (Alan), Faithfulness (Ruth), and Hope (Carole).

Saturday men’s breakfast had 47 men from around the community and was great - both food and witness. Then we had 3 coffee mornings that had both men and women attending, which was really good.

Saturday evening’s meeting had not just so many there but was an opportunity to talk to more people during the meal and also afterwards. Joy, Alan Shiel, and Lorna witnessed and Alan closed the evening.

Sunday morning was very well attended. There was praise led by Joy as she had done throughout the whole weekend. Lorna did a children's story and Ruth and Joy taught the children a new song, which had us all up and doing the actions. David and Carole and also David Ferguson witnessed. Alan had asked everyone to take a stone and put it in their shoe (to always be aware of it).  A reading was done on the masks and barriers we put up. Then the people were asked to bring their stone as a token of themselves or their burden and lay it at the cross. Several people responded to this.  Lorna closed the service with a beautiful talk about the CROSS, which I personally loved.

The morning ended with tea for everyone and farewells. The team then were invited to the manse for lunch, which was really lovely, and for all of us to end the weekend together with Ruth and Ken Wilson. Ken prayed with us and we with them.

I really must mention Ken’s enthusiasm for the team and the weekend. It was wonderful for us to see how much he looked forward to us coming and to spending time with us. We were truly blessed by the Gorey people and our lovely hosts.