24.05.2016
‘God Loves You as You Are’ – GFS Members Hear at Diocesan Service
Members of the Girls’ Friendly Society from the Diocese of Glendalough gathered in Castlemacadam Church on Sunday afternoon for their annual Diocesan Festival Service. Archbishop Michael Jackson presided at the service which was led by the Rector, Canon George Butler. The Revd Cathy Hallissey, Curate in Taney Parish, gave the address with the help of a very special guest.
The service was attended by the All Ireland President of GFS, Sylvia Quinn and Diocesan President, Myra Moody. During the service, the Archbishop commissioned diocesan officer holders and members of the Dunganstown, Donoughmore and Donard with Dunlavin and Athy branches of GFS were presented with awards for Bible Study and Crafts.
The service had as its theme ‘I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength’. In her sermon Mrs Hallissey, ably assisted by Copperpot (her monkey) urged the girls to look into their own hearts to find their own gifts and talents.
“Often we look at other people and wish we could be like them. If you do that you don’t see what’s special about yourself. You don’t see what makes you you. Look at yourself and see how wonderful you are. You are the most perfect version of you that the world has ever known. God loves you as you are. He made you in His own image and he absolutely adores you,” she said.
Closing the service Archbishop Jackson thanked all the leaders and members of GFS and the parents for all the work they do during the year. “They have put their best foot forward in their contribution to their branches and all they have done. Thank you to everyone who has made that special effort to enable the branches of GFS to flourish,” he said. He welcomed the All Ireland GFS President and thanked all who had helped to put the service together and the hospitality afterwards.
Sylvia Quinn thanked all the members and leaders for their work in GFS and welcomed the new diocesan officer holders.
Photo captions:
Top – Representatives of the GFS branches in the Diocese of Glendalough at the annual diocesan service in Castlemacadam.
Bottom – The Revd Cathy Hallissey and Copperpot at the GFS Diocesan Service in Castlemacadam.