FRIDAY 8TH MAY 2026 FROM 18:30

GOOD NEW’S PEOPLES

WITH GOOD NEWS STORIES

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First Things Gathering at General Synod 2026

A purposeful gathering of evangelicals in the Church of Ireland

 

Join us on Friday 8 May 2026 in Newcastle Presbyterian Church, Main Street, for an evening of worship, encouragement, fellowship, and prayer during General Synod.

This will be a hopeful evening of worship, encouragement, fellowship, and prayer for those who care deeply about the life and witness of the Church of Ireland. As General Synod gathers, First Things offers space to hear good news stories of God at work, to reflect honestly on the present moment, and to look ahead with faith, courage, and gospel hope. With triennial elections approaching, it is also a valuable opportunity to strengthen evangelical partnership, renew confidence in the Lord’s work, and encourage thoughtful, faithful engagement in the years ahead. Buffet supper will be available from 6:30pm, with the main gathering beginning at 7:30pm.

Friday 8 May 2026

Evening Programme

Newcastle Presbyterian Church, Main Street

A relaxed time to gather over food, reconnect with friends, and welcome people from around the Church of Ireland. The buffet will include hot food, sandwiches, bread, cheese, fruit, meats, traybakes, and more.
We begin together in the church with a short welcome, a reading from Scripture, and a brief opening reflection, before taking a moment to greet those around us and set the tone for the evening ahead.
A time of congregational worship as we gather around the Lord together, with music led by James Turner and younger members helping to lead the evening.
Facilitated by Danielle, this conversation will reflect on what we can celebrate in the Church of Ireland right now, what gives encouragement for the future, and what kind of church we long to see in the years ahead.
We will spend time praying for the Church of Ireland, for gospel faithfulness, for encouragement in ministry, and for the Lord’s leading in the years ahead.
The evening closes with a final reflection, one more song of worship, and prayer for God’s blessing on the church and all who have gathered.
The formal programme ends at 9:00pm.

  • And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works,not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.

    HEBREWS 10:24-25

  • Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.

    1 THESSALOIANS 5:7

  • Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

    GALATIANS 6:2

A hopeful gathering for the whole church

As General Synod meets, this evening offers space to come together in worship, fellowship, prayer, and gospel encouragement. First Things exists to strengthen evangelical faithfulness in the Church of Ireland, and this gathering is an opportunity to hear good news stories of God at work, to reflect on the present moment with honesty and hope, and to encourage one another for the years ahead.

Whether you are clergy, lay, younger or older, from north or south, rural, urban, or somewhere in between, you are warmly invited. We would especially love to see younger adults and emerging leaders there, alongside those who have served faithfully over many years. Come for the supper, stay for the gathering, and join us as we seek the Lord together for the future of his church.