It is with a sense of great anticipation and with thankfulness to God that the congregation of Stranmillis Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Belfast returned to its normal location in September.
For the past 12 months the church has been in a period of transition. Having vacated their normal location at 36 Stranmillis Road at the end of July 2017, due to the major building and redevelopment project, services of worship relocated to Stranmillis University College on Sunday mornings and to Lisburn Road Hall in the evenings.
They are thankful to the Lord for his hand upon them during this time both in the measure of unity and togetherness and the increasing number of visitors that have joined them, especially on Sunday mornings.
Vision to reality
With the costs involved in such a project, many wondered whether the vision for the future would become reality. The Lord’s goodness and his generous provision is truly a matter of praise and thankfulness. In just over three years the total income towards the project now stands at just over £1million. While there is still a shortfall in the building fund, the church looks to the Lord and to his people to meet the need. To that end there is a ‘My Donate’ facility available on the church Facebook page and website www. atstranmillis.com for anyone who would like to help close the gap!
Not just about buildings
Their location in the university area provides a mission field to both local and international students. Much prayer is necessary as they seek guidance on how best to utilise the new building in increased witness and outreach in South Belfast. The level of interest that has been aroused in the area during the construction period has led to some good conversations and opportunities for witness both with those working on the site and people in the immediate neighbourhood.
Special opening services have been scheduled for the weekend of 29/30 September with Dr Derek Thomas, a former pastor of Stranmillis, as the guest preacher.
Originally from Wales, Dr Thomas is currently minister of First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina and a Ligonier Ministries Teaching Fellow.
