Session and Committee
In a Presbyterian congregation, all matters of doctrine, discipline, worship and order are the responsibility of the Kirk Session. The role of the Session is “to work together with the minister in the oversight and governance of the congregation, for the up building of God’s people in spiritual fruitfulness and holy accord, and for the extension of Christ’s kingdom.”
The Congregational Committee consists of members elected from the congregation. The committee is responsible for the practical affairs of the congregation as outlined in Presbyterian Church in Ireland Code.
Kirk Session
The Kirk Session’s role is to
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look after and promote the spiritual interest of the congregation, and of persons not connected with any congregation who are within its bounds;
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ensure a scheme for pastoral care is in place in the congregation,
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seek to further the contribution of the Church to Christian witness and service in the local community;
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approve such measures of practical co-operation with other Churches as may involve the life and work of the congregation.
Session meetings are ‘representative assemblies’ or courts of the Church. There are two other similar courts within PCI which are Presbytery and the General Assembly. First Holywood Presbyterian Church's Session is accountable to the East Belfast Presbytery for its leadership and oversight of the congregation, and East Belfast Presbytery is then accountable to the General Assembly.
The Kirk Session of First Holywood Presbyterian Church meets monthly on the first Wednesday of the month. For more information contact the Clerk of Session, Mark Baillie.
Mark Baillie
Lynda Francis
David Kennedy
Paul McClenahan
Craig Russell
Brendan Bromley
Sandra Gallagher
Elizabeth Laing
Stuart McCrea
Graeme Thompson
John Ferguson
Jeremy Harbinson
Richard McCall
Andrew Nugent
Fiona Woods
Congregational Committee
The work of the committee is divided between sub-committees and can be summarised as follows:
The Finance Sub-Committee manage the financial affairs of the Congregation including preparation of accounts, payments, budgeting, employment issues, mission support and congregational giving.
The Hospitality Sub-Committee manage and co-ordinate the catering and domestic matters at the church. This includes the management of the kitchen facilities, food hygiene training and provision of catering at many of the functions held at the church. In addition, the hospitality sub-committee look after all of the stewarding arrangements for services in the church.
The Property Sub-Committee is responsible for the maintenance of all of the church buildings and halls, and also oversees all necessary aspects relating to Health and Safety.
The Communications Sub-Committee is responsible for the church website, social media and signage, in addition to the management and provision of the audio-visual equipment.
The Congregational Committee of First Holywood Presbyterian Church meets bi-monthly on the fourth Wednesday of the month. For more information contact the Committee Chair, Trevor Reaney via the church office.
First Holywood Presbyterian Church
7 Bangor Road
Holywood
Co Down
BT18 0NU
028 9042 5035