Aside from the joy of having new people within the congregation, there is a specific reason the family, who hail from Glengormley are visiting Islandmagee and that is because William is hoping to train as a Presbyterian Minister, after feeling he is being called to the ministry by God. Thus, he is spending around six weeks with us to increase his experience of working in different communities. As an aside, If William’s surname sounds familiar, that is because his Father, Rev. Dr. Bill Parker is also a Presbyterian Minister serving in Sinclair Seamens Presbyterian Church.

Meanwhile, Ruth works as a district nurse and 2 year old Josiah is enjoying lots of time with his family, exploring and learning lots of new things every week.

Currently, William’s day job is managing a Christian community cafe in Belfast called “The Seed and Bean” whereby in addition to serving superb coffee and snacks, the team inspire visitors with Jesus’ word and help them on their own journey in faith. 

William says: ‘‘I am used to working in cities and so it is a real honour and pleasure to be visiting Islandmagee and a real change to be within a rural setting where a lot of agricultural and farm work takes place. I am looking forward to getting to know the congregation better over the following weeks and help to play my part in inspiring people to live in Christ for His glory, as well as seeing the church flourish. I have a great desire to see the church be the bride of Christ that we are called to be, and to be holy for Him.’’

Speaking specifically about why he wants to work in ministry, William says: ‘’Many of us do God’s work in many ways: from working in an office to farming the land and working with crops and animals, which all advances Christs Kingdom, which is wonderful and amazing in its own right. I have loved working in the community in the Christian cafe, but now feel God is calling me to ministry to work specifically within the church, which is very exciting.’’

A big hello and welcome to the Parker family from all of us in the Islandmagee church family! We look forward to getting to know you and praise God while working to His glory! 

QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS

Favourite takeaway

Chinese

Interests/hobbies

Anything to do with sport really. I enjoy watching ice hockey, rugby, football, tennis etc.

Favourite book?

Outside of the Bible, Volume 1 in the Works of John Flavel: A Display of Christ in His Essential and Mediatorial Glory.

Favourite song?

Currently: Sovereign Grace Music - O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer

 Favourite hymn and why?

I couldn’t possibly pick one hymn - So many have a depth and richness that still minister to The Church centuries after they were written. Some of my favourites are, “It Is Well”, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”, “Crown Him with Many Crowns" and “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name” to give just a few.

 Favourite Bible passage and why?

John 17 - The High Priestly prayer of Christ allows us to incline our ears to the most lengthy discourse between Christ and The Father in Scripture, and allows us to know the desires of our Saviour as He goes to the cross in our place.

 avourite holiday destination and why?

Kruger National Park (South Africa) - I love African wildlife and seeing them in their natural habitat is the best way to experience them.

A place you would still like to visit and why?

Israel - It would be special to visit the places where Jesus lived, ministered, died and rose again.

Those of you who were in church on Sunday 15th January may have noticed three new faces in the form of the Parker family, consisting of William, his wife Ruth and their son, Josiah (sporting a very fashionable wooly hat embroidered with his name - I think he may have started a trend there.) Excitingly, the family are looking forward to welcoming a new baby very soon, when the trio will become a quartet!