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This Saturday, 07-11-98, at 2.30pm Presbyterian Moderator Dr John Dixon will open the first phase of a building project at Knock Presbyterian Church, 53 King's Road, that will create the resources the congregation need to take their witness into the next millennium.
Phase One of this millennium project is a refurbished and extended youth centre. First opened 25 years ago the centre needed renovation and £200,000 has been spent to modernise the facilities, double its size and to create a building that will not only be for the members of Knock but that can be used by the wider community around the church. Included in the new accommodation are a coffee bar, library, smaller group rooms and a larger meeting room.
'Churches need to be welcoming and inclusive, ' thinks Rev Alastair Dunlop, Minister of Knock. 'Buildings are around for a long time and in this project we have been as forward looking as we can to try to create surroundings which we can use effectively now but which future generations will be able to use as they are or can adapt them easily to the styles of worship and witness that the church may develop in the year's ahead.'
One of the new functions of the building will be to have a contact centre operating on Saturday mornings. This is a joint project between Family Mediation and the Presbyterian Orphan and Children's Society to provide a neutral venue where children of separated parents can meet the non-resident parent in a safe environment.
Knock are also investing in people to assist with their expanding ministry. Recently Rev David Montgomery has come to the congregation as Associate minister with responsibility for Worship and it is hoped to appoint a full-time youth worker in the near future.
'You can't do effective work without the right resources both in terms of facilities and people,' added Mr Dunlop. 'We are investing now to create the best environment possible for our Christian witness today and for Knock congregation in the future.'
Phases 2 & 3 of Knock's Millennium project involve refurbishment of the church itself and renovation of the church halls, all of which the congregation hope to complete by 2000.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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