St John’s Church of Ireland in Newtownhamilton is hosting ‘The Knitted Bible’ exhibition with all voluntary donations to go towards their new hall building fund.
The exhibition – which is due to open on Friday May 30 and runs until Sunday June 8 – features a variety of Biblical figures which have been hand-knitted by sisters Doris Killow and Ethel Parks of Tartaraghan Parish, Portadown.
There are over forty separate displays depicting various scenes, beginning with creation alongside several well-known Old Testament scenes such as Noah’s Ark, Joseph’s coat of many colours, David and Goliath, Daniel in the Lions’ Den and Jonah and the Whale.
Also among the displays are many scenes from the Gospel writers; the Nativity, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, the Baptism of Jesus, Jesus walking on water, Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus, the Last Supper and the raising of Lazarus from the dead.
The exhibition is open for public viewing over both weekends – late afternoon of Friday May 30 to Sunday June 1, and late afternoon of Friday June 6, to Sunday June 8.
From Monday June 2 to Friday June 6, the exhibition is expecting various school groups along to view the Bible scenes, and any other groups who wish to come along could be accommodated by arrangement.
During the viewing times on Saturday and Sunday of both weekends light refreshments are available in the parish hall, just across the road from the church.
On Friday May 30, they will host the opening service at 8.00pm, with guest preacher the well-known Bishop Ken Clarke, former director of SAMS. Also taking part in the service are the Wilson family from Middletown who will be singing.
On the first Sunday evening June 1, at 7.30pm there will be an evening of hymn singing, including hymns chosen by members of the church congregation. Mrs Hazel McCullagh from Keady will be along as soloist.
The Bible Society of Northern Ireland will be providing a display stand at the exhibition, and on this evening Mr Wilson Beare will be along to tell of the work which Bible Society of Northern Ireland is involved in.
On the last evening of the exhibition, Sunday June 8, there will be a closing service, with guest preacher Rev Trevor Johnston, Rector of the United Parishes of St Nicholas and All Saints, Belfast.
Rev Johnston is from the Newtownhamilton area, being a former parishioner of Ballymoyer church, and a past pupil of Newtownhamilton High School. On this evening they also welcome Mr David Livingstone from Caledon as the soloist.
St John’s Church of Ireland extend a warm welcome to everyone to come along and view the exhibition and also to attend the special services/events.
There will be an opportunity to make a voluntary donation at the event, and all the proceeds will be in aid of their hall building fund.
St John’s Church of Ireland will be seeking planning permission for the new hall in the next few months.
