Weekly Announcements

Heartfelt thanks from The Vicar  .. I am still lost for words after last Sunday’s service where my 30 years as Vicar were marked with the most kind comments and a most generous gift.

The 30 years have gone in the blink of an eye and I am so fortunate to have had such a marvellous ministry among the very best parishioners in the Church of Ireland.  It has been my privilege to be with you through many of life’s major moments from the cradle to the grave and all points in between.  Working alongside nine curates and seeing them grow and develop has been a very special journey for me.  To continue to be surrounded and supported by the most excellent team of volunteers in every area of church life is what makes being in All Saints’ such a wonderful experience.  We have laughed together, shared tears together as we play our own small part in building up God’s kingdom together.

Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make last Sunday so special and managed to keep it a secret.  Thanks too to Helen, Rachael and Alex for all their love and support behind the scenes – I could not have done it without them.  Thanks to everyone at All Saints for everything.

Thank you from Antrim Foodbank … parishioners were invited to mark Harvest Thanksgiving in a practical way this year by supporting the local food bank.  There was a wonderful response and our donation has allowed Antrim Foodbank to provide 59 meals to individuals and families in the local Antrim community.

Parish project … more than 500 handmade poppies will be displayed on the railings outside the Parish Centre each weekend ahead of Remembrance Day, honouring all who have lost their lives in wars and conflicts. 

The ladies of the parish came together to knit, crochet and sew poppies of all shapes and sizes, creating two wonderful displays that speak of love, gratitude and community spirit.  Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and talent to this thoughtful act of remembrance.

2025 Flower List (July–December) – The Flower List for July to December 2025 is available for parishioners who wish to donate towards the church flowers on a particular Sunday – whether in memory of a loved one or to mark a special anniversary.  You can find the list in the foyer of the Parish Centre or simply speak to one of the churchwardens.

Extra Mile Bucket update: We’re delighted to share that £1,028.84 has now been raised since the launch of the Extra Mile project in support of ShelterBox.  This generous amount is nearly enough to fund two standard ShelterBox kits at £590 each.  By providing emergency shelter and tools for families robbed of their homes by disaster, the ShelterBox teams are transforming despair into hope.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far to the Extra Mile collection for ShelterBox.  Your support is making a real difference.

FIRE DAMAGE REPAIR FUND – there is a GoFundMe link available on the Parish Facebook page [https://www.gofundme.com/f/all-saints-parish-church-antrim-repair-fund] for anyone wishing to donate to this fund.  As an alternative, if you are a tax paying parishioner, we can claim Gift Aid if you make your donation through the Fabric Fund.  Please speak to Brian Neill for more information.

OASIS FOOD BANK – please consider donating an item or two to support the local food bank project.  This is a marvellous way of showing God’s love in a practical way.  Please leave items in the box in the Parish Centre [eg pasta, tinned soups, tinned vegetables, cereal, toiletries, etc]