Riverside (Newry)
Describe the congregation’s History.
The congregation of Newry Reformed Presbyterian Church was formed in 1845, and in 1883 moved into the building we are still in today. This building being Newry Riverside Church. Throughout the years we have been put out of the building due to bomb damage and floods, most recently having been put out of the building by the flooding in autumn 2023.
Describe the Congregation.
We have several new young family’s attending as well our longer standing members of the congregation. It is a joy to have lots of young children in worship. Our average attendance is in and around 50 each week. Our session is made up of 6 elders including our Minister Nigel Agnew.
Describe the Area.
The building is iconic in Newry with its Venetian style red brick and tower. The City of Newry, in which the church is situated, has a population of just below 30,000 people who are predominantly Roman catholic. There is a good variety of Protestant evangelical churches in Newry which we share good relations with.
Describe an average Sabbath.
A normal Sunday consists of Sunday school, beginning at 10:45am, with our worship service following at 11:30am. We have tea and biscuits following the service which allows us to both enjoy rich fellowship together and get to know any visitors or new comers. On the 4th Sunday of each month we have an evening service at 7pm. As well as this we aim to eat together once a month, over church lunch or a picnic.
Describe an average Week.
An average week consists of our midweek meetings which happen at 8pm every Tuesday, Dochas and Curam every Saturday from 10-1, and New Youth every other Saturday evening from 7-9:30. On the first Thursday of each month there is also a women’s Bible study.
Describe the congregation’s Evangelism.
We work with Newry Baptist Church to run New Youth, which is our ministry to young people(11+). We also work with Newry Baptist for Dochus and Curam. This is our ministry to help support families in our local area, it runs as a drop in centre from 10-1 in Newry Baptist Centre. We have good connections with the food bank in Newry, regularly taking collections of food for it. We have occasional special services and events which are well attended by the local community. We have given out apologetics booklets in the local housing estates to our church. Finally, we utilise our digital sign on our church hall, to share God’s word to passers by.
We have a website, an active Facebook page and stream all our services on YouTube.
Describe the congregation’s recent Challenges.
We’ve struggled recently with being out of our premises due to the flood, this means we have not been able to run events or have much more than our morning worship, until recently regaining access to our church hall. We’ve also struggled to get numbers at youth, especially from the local community.
Describe the congregation’s recent Encouragements.
We’ve been very encouraged by all the new babies, born and on the way, an upcoming wedding, and our return to use of our building.
How could others emulate the congregation?
We have found the tea after church has been a great way to welcome new people into the congregation.
What can we Pray for?
Give thanks for our new families and growing number of children.
Pray for our older members who are no longer able to worship with us.
Pray that we would be able to be a godly witness to the community around us.
Pray that we would be sustained and encouraged in the ministries we partake in.