UMC In Ireland

It was a beautiful and memorable weekend with the BPP congregants, filled with fellowship, laughter, worship, reflection, and a renewed sense of family in Christ.

Sunny Saturday was spent in sweet fellowship over a barbeque at Ormeau Park. The atmosphere was warm and joyful, with food, conversation, and games bringing everyone together in a spirit of community.

The games added plenty of fun and laughter, from the sack race to Crazy Eights, which certainly brought out the competitive side in some players. There were moments of light-hearted teasing, especially among those who did not take losing too well.

Sunday felt like a more serene continuation of the warm family event. The joy of Saturday gave way to a quieter and more reflective time of worship, as the congregation gathered to hear from God’s Word and be reminded of the importance of spiritual alertness.

Guest preacher Ms Phoebe Nyanjowa brought the congregation back to sobriety with her sermon on watching and praying at all times. Reading from Jeremiah 29:11–13 and Matthew 13:24–28, she reminded us that even in times of rest, the enemy may take advantage and plant negative things in our lives.

Ms Nyanjowa encouraged the church to remember that we have a friend in Jesus, one who helps us when we have been hurt, disappointed, or let down. She urged us not to allow anger to settle in our hearts, reminding us never to let the sun go down on our anger. She also emphasised that two cannot walk together unless they agree, calling us to unity, forgiveness, and wholehearted devotion to God.

The message centred on what she described as the “heart factor”: the need to love God wholeheartedly and to guard our hearts from anything that grieves the Holy Spirit. As our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we were reminded to live in a way that honours God and protects the peace, purity, and purpose He has placed within us.

The congregation was encouraged to acknowledge and claim its position in Jesus Christ, refusing to allow the enemy to derail God-given destiny. It was a timely reminder to remain watchful, prayerful, and rooted in the promises of God.

JSS boldly asserted that they will let their light so shine before the world, so that others may see and give glory to God. Their declaration added a strong note of faith and purpose to the service.

The youth also ministered through song, inviting everyone to rise and boldly spread the gospel. Their contribution brought energy, encouragement, and a sense of shared mission to the gathering.

The weekend ended on a joyful note as the congregation welcomed two new families. It was a fitting conclusion to a weekend that celebrated fellowship, faith, family, and the call to remain steadfast in Christ.

With gratitude for the sunshine and for every blessing God provides, the Belfast Preaching Point congregants gathered once again for worship. It is always an honour to have Pastor Budiyo and his family join us for Sunday service. On this occasion, he also brought a timely reminder from the Health and Safety team encouraging everyone to stay hydrated.

The young people of CYM (Children and Youth Ministry) delighted the congregation with their lively rendition of I Am a Christian and even got the whole church moving with the energetic song Father Abraham.

Preaching from the Third Letter of John, Pastor Budiyo warned us to be wary of Diotrephes. His sermon, titled “Life is full of chaos, yet God still sustains us,” explained how Diotrephes sought to disrupt the church by:
• Seeking preeminence - always wanting to be first
• Rejecting godly authority - refusing to submit to leadership
• Slandering faithful servants - speaking maliciously against those doing God’s work
• Hindering good deeds - stopping others from serving

We were encouraged to recognise chaos not as a setback but as evidence that we are moving in God’s purpose. Through prayer, we will overcome every challenge. God can turn every attack into a testimony.

What an honour it was at BPP today to conclude the Staff/Pastor‑Parish Relations Committee (SPPRC) week with a sermon delivered by the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe Ireland Chaplain, Reverend Matthew Ncube.

Preaching from Colossians 3:7–14, Reverend Ncube offered a powerful call to lay aside the sinful nature of the old self and to clothe ourselves with the character of Christ. He challenged us to abandon the “peacock mentality” of pride and instead embrace Christ’s humility.

He reminded us that we are like the ordinary people invited from the street corners to the wedding banquet of the King’s son after the honoured guests refused to come. Our task now is to remove the old, unfit garments and put on the new attire worthy of the banquet.

It was a truly blessed Father’s Day. JSS serenaded the fathers with the beloved classic I Love You Daddy by Ricardo & Friends, and in joyful praise the UMYF invited all fathers, and the whole church, to stand as co‑heirs in the Kingdom of God.

From the spirit filled intercession and worship session led by Mrs. Privilege Limbikani, through the heartfelt presentation on God’s love by the Junior Sunday School (JSS), to the vibrant praise offered by the Youth, Belfast Preaching Point (BPP) was immersed in a fresh outpouring of God’s amazing grace. The service culminated in a timely and powerful message delivered by Mr. Simon Botso.

Drawing his theme from Joshua 1, he reminded us with great conviction that courage is essential in the storms of life because the Lord Himself goes with us. Obedience to God carries the promise of His goodness, and every act done for His glory is never in vain.

It is precisely in moments of challenge that these assurances become most precious. Hard times are certain, yet God’s presence is even more certain. When we meditate on His Word day and night, just as He commanded, we can trust without hesitation that God will always keep His promises.