2nd Youth Rally @ Martyrs

Conscious that on any given Sunday night a number of other events have been arranged for young people, we at Martyrs still had the feeling of 'launching into the (almost) unknown' on Lord's Day evening, 20 November 2016, for our second Youth Rally. Our previous – premiere – meeting was extremely well supported but, as I learned from my mother's knee, "One swallow doesn't make a summer."

However, even though the swallows have now headed off for sunnier stations, it was tremendous to see another equally large turnout of young people for this rally. To all who attended – many travelling in from a considerable distance – we give our sincere thanks. It was refreshing to speak to many of you afterwards and, more importantly, to see you interacting so well with each other.

The theme for this rally was, 'Only One Life.' Items on the programme included an up to date report by Alana Wilkinson on how her university placement year as an assistant in our youth work is shaping up; Jim Gordon then treated us to a medley on his 'Gospel guitar' (songs and hymns that traced the journey of a young Ulster soldier in the First World War as he signed up to serve and laid down his life in the service of his King and country). The concluding talk was entitled, "They Were Your Age." With the help of seven young people who read out a variety of names of men from Ulster who died during WWI, Rev. Brown emphasised the Christian's responsibility to live life to the glory of God within the short time-frame that each of us is granted.

Many thanks to all who participated (report, readings and musical items) and attended. News about our next rally (15 January 2017) will be announced soon.