University Road Belfast - May 2025

At University Road we often speak about the importance of our 'Church Family', and that was emphasised when on Sunday 6th April five young people, who were already very much part of the church family from their baptism, were confirmed and received into full membership of the church.

Ruth Biggart, Jack Goodall, Darcey James, Charlotte James and Olivia James were confirmed during a moving and beautiful service conducted by our minister Rev Livingstone Thompson and Rev Kirin Young Wimberley. Rev Kirin, who brought us a powerful message on the journey of faith, depicted in the 23rd Psalm, had also conducted classes on preparation for confirmation which the young people had been attending over several months.

The family theme for the day took on further significance from the fact that all of the candidates for confirmation are members of families which have had several generations confirmed at University Road, and we were especially joyful to have three generations of each of the families present for this special occasion. Ruth Biggart's mother Sandra was confirmed in 1986 and her grandfather Derick Woods in the early 1950s. Jack Goodall's mother Nicola was confirmed in 1999 and his grandfather Charles Costley in 1967. While Darcey, Charlotte and Olivia James's mother Claire was confirmed in 1994 and their grandmother Ann Connolly in 1961.

In speaking about their reasons for coming forward for confirmation each of the young people spoke of the influence of the church in their family life and the inspiration and encouragement which their families have provided as they embarked on their Christian journey.

In the University Road Congregation we are truly blessed to have such strong intergenerational loyalty and support, and we joyfully welcome these newest members of our thriving church family.

Sr Carol Ackah