Knappagh Night, 18 July

 

On Friday 18 July, the graveyard of St Thomas’s Church, Knappagh (a church which has been closed for over 30 years but remains consecrated) came to life with the ringing of the church bell and the steady trickle in to the churchyard of over fifty people, eager to gather for Outdoor Prayer and Praise and to reconnect with one another. The congregation was made up of people of all ages and stages, from the locality and beyond - plus two curious cats! We were blessed with a beautiful warm, bright and dry evening, and at the gates Shirley Kitterick and Caroline Bourke offered each attendee a warm, bright welcome. Achill-based singer and friend James Kilbane contributed richly before, during and after the service, and readings were delivered by Val Kitterick (Westport-Dugort Union of COI Parishes) and Susie Fry (Castlebar COI Parish). The hymns and songs were: For the fruits of his creation; O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder; There is a place, a moving solo by James Kilbane; and Lord, the light of your love is shining.

The sermon was on the rather "quirky" story found in the Old Testament reading, Judges 17:1-13, and was titled, 'Losing my religion?' or 'Do we need a priest (/pastor/ rector/ minister..)?'. 

Here are a few photographs from the evening, shared with thanks to all who attended, supported and contributed in one way or another. 





















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