UMC In Ireland

UMC ROI Belfast Preaching Point (BPP) Sunday 31 May 2026 in pictures

The dedicated UMC ROI participants in this year’s VHI Women’s Mini Marathon have shown exemplary commitment throughout their entire journey, from registration to race day. Both virtual participants and those who completed the main event on Sunday 31st May demonstrated equal enthusiasm in their efforts to raise essential funds for the Church.

The atmosphere at the main race was vibrant and energising, with music bands, cheering supporters, and humorous signs that lifted spirits and eased the fatigue of the challenge.

One of our primary fundraising objectives this year is the acquisition of a permanent property for worship. Our original target of €5,000 was already ambitious, representing a 20% increase on last year’s total. Yet through God’s faithfulness and the remarkable generosity of donors, this milestone was surpassed far sooner than expected. A second target of €10,000 was then set and amazingly this too was reached even before marathon day.

*We would like to take this moment to express our deepest gratitude to all who have donated so far. Your extraordinary generosity, love, and support mean more than words can convey. May God bless each of you abundantly.*

We are now working toward our third goal of €15,000 by 1st July.

We warmly welcome any further support. Donations can be made to our church group at: https://www.idonate.ie/team/vhiwomenmarathon81897

Alternatively, donations may be made through any of the individual team members on the list, which can be found by scrolling down on the Church iDonate page link above.

All roads on the island of Ireland truly did lead to Belfast Preaching Point (BPP) today as ROI UMC’s Big Sunday lit up Ballynure Methodist Church with faith, family, and Holy Spirit fire. With more than 70 new members joining ROI UMC in Dundrum and BPP in the last few months, the welcome service overflowed with joy, unity, and God’s unmistakable presence. Pastor Dumisani Budiyo delivered a powerful, Spirit anointed message drawn from the story of Jacob and Laban in Genesis 30, reminding us that those who come among us often carry blessings that multiply not only their own lives, but the lives of everyone they touch.

As we welcome new members, we are embracing future Kingdom builders, leaders, intercessors, and worshippers. Each person brings a testimony, a gift, an anointing, a ministry, and a story that God intends to flourish in His courts. What a privilege to receive them with open arms.

Teamwork shone brightly across every committee, each one serving with passion and purpose. From start to finish, the atmosphere was electric — vibrant praise, heartfelt worship, and joyful participation from the youngest to the oldest, all rising together for the glory of God.

This year’s Big Sunday wasn’t just an event. It was a celebration of growth, unity, and God’s unstoppable work among us.

BPP congregants continue to experience the presence of God in meaningful ways, whether we gather in great numbers or small. Today’s sermon, drawn from John 11:1–35, the account of Lazarus’ death, focused on how Jesus turned His attention to the two grieving sisters, even though a whole crowd was present. On the other side of the Ministry of Presence lies the Ministry of attentive listening, hearing even the words that remain unspoken.

Our preacher of the day Mr Chihinga Ndumba, unpacked this with relatable examples, some of which filled the church with laughter. On a more serious note, he shared his own testimony of how God blessed him with true friends who checked on him throughout his chemotherapy journey, when he was unable to work. His message challenged us not only to show up when others are burdened, but to go further and actively help carry the load.

No service feels complete without the joyful contribution of JSS, who once again expressed their delight in God’s immeasurable love. Under the guidance of Lay Leader Mrs Danai Majiwa, they learned a new song and embraced it with great enthusiasm.

Although some of their peers were absent, the dedicated members of UMYF still offered their part in worship, lifting their voices in song to the glory of God.

The power and fire of the Holy Spirit was profoundly experienced by congregants and visitors gathered for this year’s UMC ROI RRW Revival, held under the theme “Do not remain silent, O Lord” (Psalm 83:1).

The day began on a special and uplifting note with a powerful devotion from the UK District Superintendent, Rev. H. K. Mudambanuki. His message, titled “The Dothan Experience,” brought fresh and eye-opening insight into 2 Kings 6. With remarkable clarity, he reminded us that when we perceive God as silent, it is often because we have tuned into the wrong channel rather than His voice.

The moving sermon seamlessly led into a joyful moment of baptisms, where three new members were added to the fellowship, an occasion for which we give heartfelt thanks to God.

Continuing the spiritual enrichment, Mr. S. Mudhara delivered a powerful message under the sub-theme “The Blessings of Your Hands,” drawing from Acts 19:11. He spoke passionately about how God performed extraordinary miracles through Paul, challenging us to live lives that visibly reflect the rewards of serving God. He encouraged all to work diligently and wholeheartedly in whatever their hands find to do, emphasizing that there must be a clear distinction between believers and unbelievers. Ultimately, we should be able to declare, like King David, “the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.”

Each sermon concluded with a deeply moving response, as congregants thronged to the altar for heartfelt personal prayers, joined by clergy in covering everyone in God’s grace.

Our Junior Sunday School (JSS) also contributed meaningfully by presenting the extraordinary faith of Noah, accompanied by a touching and powerful prayer led by one of the youngest members.

As always, the hospitality team shone brightly, welcoming our esteemed visitors with a beautifully presented cake and deliciously prepared meals, all served with cheerful smiles and tireless, admirable dedication.