Joyful joint emergency services Northwest community carol service held in Derry

PICTURED ABOVE: Bishop of Derry & Raphoe Right Reverend Andrew Forster with Bishop of Derry Most Reverend Dr. Donal McKeown at the at the Joint Emergency Services North West Community Carol Service held in St. Columb's Cathedral. From left is Rev. Canon Katie McAteer, the Very Rev Raymond Stewart Dean of Derry, Rev. Canon Robert Boyd. From right Rev. Susan Moore, Moderator of Derry & Donegal Presbytery and Rev. Peter Morris, Minister at Carlisle Road and Clooney Hall Methodist Churches. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

The sound of rapturous applause filled the brightly decorated St Columb's Cathedral on Monday evening during surely the most joyful event in its annual calendar, the Joint Emergency Services Northwest Community Carol Service. 

The thundering ovation was prompted by the outstanding renditions of some favourite Christmas carols by the choirs of Ebrington Primary School and Foyle Down syndrome Trust, and a solo performance by the latter's talented saxophonist, Conor Collins.

The cross-community Service was led by leaders from the main local churches, and the musical worship was led by the Cathedral's Boy and Girl choristers, under the direction of Mr Nicky Morton.

As usual, the event attracted a host of dignitaries, including The Lord Lieutenant  Ian Crowe, and his wife, Christine; the Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane,  Darren Guy; and the PSNI Chief Constable, Mr Jon Boutcher.

Welcoming the congregation, the Dean of Derry, Very Rev Raymond Stewart said the service recognised the work and contribution to society of the NI Ambulance Service, NI Fire & Rescue, the PSNI, St John Ambulance, Foyle Search and Rescue, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, British Red Cross and other emergency services. Members of some of these organisations gave readings at this evening's service.

The Dean also welcomed the four church leaders, the Bishop of Derry, Most Rev Dr Donal McKeown, the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster, Rev Peter Morris of Carlisle Road and Clooney Hall Methodist Churches and the Moderator of Derry and Donegal Presbytery, Rev Susan Moore, all of whom took part in the service.

Dean Stewart said this year's offertory collection was in support of Foyle Women's Aid. "This is a group that provides a very important service here in the city and the community," the Dean said.

"In this festive season, when many are enjoying each other's company, sadly in some homes this is not the case. Reports of domestic abuse increase at this time of the year. This means the work of Foyle Women's Aid increases, and they have to find the resources to meet these needs."

Deputy Mayor Darren Guy with The Very Rev Raymond Stewart Dean of Derry, Raymond Stewart, Lord Lieutenant Ian Crowe and Christine Crowe at the Joint Emergency Services North West Community Carol Service held in St. Columb's Cathedral. (Photos - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

Bishop Andrew described the annual Carol Service as one of the highlights of the Season of Advent. It was an opportunity, he said, to say 'thank you' to the men and women, staff and volunteers in our emergency services, many of whom were in the congregation. "I think it is an extraordinary thing," the Bishop said, "to put other people's safety at the top of your priority list, and today we say 'Thank you' for what you do.

"A moment or two ago, we read about the coming of Christ into the world, represented by light. It says, 'The light shines in the darkness.' Many of you bring light into dark places through the work that you do and the love that you show."

After the Carol Service, the congregation were invited to make their way the short distance to St Augustine's Church, on the City Walls, to enjoy refreshment and fellowship.