UMC In Ireland

The Belfast Preaching Point congregation gathered for a joyful celebration of faith, music and appreciation. The service featured messages from Tatenda Maderera and Anashe Majiwa, followed by a special awards presentation honouring members for their contribution to congregational life.

Preaching for the first time at Belfast Preaching Point, Tatenda Maderera spoke from Isaiah 54:17, reminding the church that while challenges and hardships exist, no weapon formed against God’s people will prevail. She encouraged the congregation to trust in God’s promises, particularly in the face of attacks on families, marriages and personal wellbeing. Drawing on Romans 8:37 and Philippians 4:13, she urged believers to stand firm in faith, pray for their children and trust God in every circumstance.

Tatenda also shared a personal testimony of praising God through the illness of a loved one, explaining how that commitment strengthened her faith and gave her the courage to preach and praise God in the great assembly.

Anashe Majiwa encouraged the congregation to build their lives on Jesus Christ, the sure foundation. Referencing the parable of the wise builder, he reminded believers that while storms and trials are inevitable, those who put Christ’s teachings into practice will remain standing.

Following the sermons, the choir blessed the congregation with a moving rendition of How Great Thou Art, setting the tone for a joyful appreciation ceremony. The Lay Leader Mrs Danai Majiwa and Guest of Honour, Mbuya Mukwekwezeke, presented awards in a variety of creative categories, with UMYF drummers Chanice Mukwekwezeke and Prayer Botso among the first recipients recognised for their service. Other categories included Farmers of Aura, Live Wires, Sunshin & Smiles to name a few.

The celebration concluded with the presentation of a medal to Gosa, Mai Majiwa, in recognition of her and Gosa Mai Gurure’s wise leadership. The day was a fitting testimony to steadfast faith, dedicated service and the joy of building together on Christ, the firm foundation.

Today’s Sunday service at Belfast Preaching Point (BPP) was led by our liturgist, Mrs Tariro Gurure, Lay Leader, who encouraged us from 2 Timothy 3:16–17: all Scripture is inspired by God and equips us for every good work.
Our preacher, Mai Mufundisi H. Budiyo, who attended supported by Mufundisi Dumisani Budiyo and family, shared from Jeremiah 17:7–8, Isaiah 40:31, and Psalm 1:1–3.

The service was also filled with joyful praise! The Junior Sunday School (JSS) joyously sang about doing everything for God, whether singing, jumping or dancing. The Youth ministered vibrantly, led by the Spirit as they sang a hymn and a chorus reminding us to rise again whenever we are knocked down.

Jeremiah wrote words of hope during the difficult season of exile. In the same way, our growing Belfast congregation was reminded that we are like trees planted beside the never-ending spring of living water, Jesus Christ. We need not fear the heat, the changing seasons, or attacks from the enemy. When our roots remain deep in Christ, our leaves stay green and we continue to bear fruit in due season.

As BPP journeys towards becoming a local church, many among us will step into leadership. The call is to bloom wherever God has planted us, in the church, our families, our workplaces, and our communities. In this Year of Renewal, we believe God is doing a new thing in Belfast. Let us shine, use our gifts, remain open to continuous learning, and never be afraid to ask when we are unsure. Each of us has a God-given purpose, we are not here by mistake. Preparation often takes longer than service, so as we set our objectives for the year ahead, may we first prepare our hearts through the Word of God.

The Preacher also testified about facing discouraging challenges from people she respected. Yet she found renewed courage through Hymn 207, Nganditungamirwe Mwari, a prayer asking God to remove all fear and help us trust His strength to reach the other side of the river. Let us stay rooted in Christ, grounded in His Word, and connected to the Source. As we wait upon the Lord, He will renew our strength, and we will soar like eagles!

We also joyfully welcomed two new MUMC members today, and both boldly declared, “vauya zvachose!”, (they have come for good!) We praise God for the growth of His church and warmly welcome them into the UMC family.