The Parish of Glenavy
The Parish of Glenavy is the Church of Ireland Parish that comprises of St Aidan's, St John's and St Andrew's Churches
Glenavy Parish is situated close to the shores of Lough Neagh in Co Antrim. It consists of three churches with one vestry to represent the parish.
Our Parish
Glenavy Parish is situated close to the shores of Lough Neagh in Co Antrim. It consists of three churches with one vestry to represent the parish.
St Aidan's Church
St Aidan's Church is located in the centre of Glenavy, the grounds contain St Aidan's Church Hall and the Parish Graveyard.
Our Sunday services are at 11.30am and are live streamed.
St Andrew's Church
St Andrew's was built in 1854 as a “chapel of ease”.
St Andrews meets at 10am on Sundays
St John's Church
St Johns is in Main Street Crumlin with the Church Hall and car park adjacent.
St John's meet at 10am each Sunday
Our Worship
While we tend to have a more informal approach in how our services are structured, we also value the beauty of the more traditional forms of worship and use The Book of Common Prayer for the Church of Ireland alongside other appropriate readings and prayers. The Word of God is central to our worship and teaching. Each Sunday in each Church is varied and led by the Vicar or one of the Diocesan Readers. We usually follow the Lectionary readings, but on occasion we have a sermon series, where we consider a particular theme or book of the Bible. Lay people often read the Bible readings and lead us in our corporate prayers. Holy Communion is celebrated regularly in each of our Churches. The music we use is a mix of both traditional and contemporary and we are blessed with choirs and musicians.
On the second Sunday of each month, we meet for Cafe Church worship. There is no service at St Andrews on the second Sunday. Cafe Churches alternate between St Aidan's Hall and St John's Hall.
Please check the weekly newsletter for location and times
SAFEGUARDING
Glenavy Parish seek to create a safe environment for all
If you have any concerns please contact Reverend Stephen McElhinney
on 07716663226
Glenavy Parish Lenten Prayer Diary 2025
Click to download
Ash Wednesday – March 5, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Yet even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with
weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." – Joel
2:12-13
Reflection:
Lent begins with a call to return to God wholeheartedly. It’s a time to examine our hearts
and seek His mercy.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a humble and repentant heart, asking God to reveal areas in your life that need
His healing and transformation.
Thursday after Ash Wednesday – March 6, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." – Psalm 51:10
Reflection:
God’s mercy is abundant, and He can renew us from within. Let us seek His cleansing
and renewal.
Prayer Point:
Ask God to cleanse your heart and renew your spirit, helping you to live in alignment with
His will.
Friday after Ash Wednesday – March 7, 2025
Bible Verse:
"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." –
Matthew 6:14
Reflection:
Forgiveness is at the heart of our relationship with God and others. Let us release any
bitterness or grudges we hold.
Prayer Point:
Pray for the grace to forgive those who have hurt you, and ask God to heal any wounds in
your heart.
Saturday after Ash Wednesday – March 8, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." – Matthew
11:28
Reflection:
Lent is a time to lay our burdens at the feet of Jesus and find rest in His presence.
Prayer Point:
Pray for God’s peace and rest in your life, especially in areas where you feel overwhelmed
or weary.
First Sunday of Lent – March 9, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." –
Matthew 4:1
Reflection:
Like Jesus, we may face trials and temptations during Lent. Let us rely on God’s Word
and strength to overcome.
Prayer Point:
Pray for strength to resist temptation and for God’s guidance in moments of weakness.
Monday of the First Week of Lent – March 10, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful." – Luke 6:36
Reflection:
Mercy is a hallmark of God’s character. Let us strive to reflect His mercy in our
interactions with others.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a heart of compassion and mercy, especially toward those who are difficult to
love.
Tuesday of the First Week of Lent – March 11, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." – Psalm 119:105
Reflection:
God’s Word guides us through the darkness. Let us commit to reading and meditating on
Scripture during Lent.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a deeper understanding of God’s Word and for the discipline to study it regularly.
Wednesday of the First Week of Lent – March 12, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." – Matthew 3:2
Reflection:
Repentance is the doorway to God’s kingdom. Let us turn away from sin and draw closer
to Him.
Prayer Point:
Pray for the grace to recognize and turn away from sin in your life.
Thursday of the First Week of Lent – March 13, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to
you." – Matthew 7:7
Reflection:
God invites us to seek Him with persistence and faith. Let us approach Him with
confidence in prayer.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a steadfast spirit in seeking God’s presence and will in your life.
Friday of the First Week of Lent – March 14, 2025
Bible Verse:
"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and
follow me." – Luke 9:23
Reflection:
Lent calls us to self-denial and sacrifice. Let us take up our crosses and follow Jesus with
courage.
Prayer Point:
Pray for the strength to embrace sacrifices that draw you closer to Christ.
Saturday of the First Week of Lent – March 15, 2025
Bible Verse:
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." – Psalm 34:18
Reflection:
God is close to us in our struggles and pain. Let us bring our brokenness to Him.
Prayer Point:
Pray for healing in areas of your life where you feel broken or discouraged.
Second Sunday of Lent – March 16, 2025
Bible Verse:
"And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes
became white as light." – Matthew 17:2
Reflection:
The Transfiguration reminds us of Christ’s glory and the hope of resurrection. Let us fix
our eyes on His light.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a deeper revelation of Christ’s glory in your life and for the faith to trust in His
promises.
Monday of the Second Week of Lent – March 17, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave
you." – Ephesians 4:32
Reflection:
Kindness and forgiveness reflect God’s love. Let us strive to live in harmony with others.
Prayer Point:
Pray for the grace to show kindness and forgiveness, even in difficult situations.
Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent – March 18, 2025
Bible Verse:
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." – Matthew 6:21
Reflection:
Lent is a time to examine what we value most. Let us store up treasures in heaven rather
than on earth.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a heart that seeks after God’s kingdom and His righteousness above all else.
Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent – March 19, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." –
Matthew 18:4
Reflection:
Humility opens the door to God’s kingdom. Let us approach Him with childlike trust and
simplicity.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a humble heart and a spirit of dependence on God.
Thursday of the Second Week of Lent – March 20, 2025
Bible Verse:
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be
added to you." – Matthew 6:33
Reflection:
God promises to provide for our needs when we prioritize Him. Let us trust in His
provision.
Prayer Point:
Pray for the faith to seek God first in all areas of your life.
Friday of the Second Week of Lent – March 21, 2025
Bible Verse:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him
should not perish but have eternal life." – John 3:16
Reflection:
God’s love is the foundation of our faith. Let us meditate on the depth of His sacrificial
love.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a deeper understanding of God’s love and for the courage to share it with others.
Saturday of the Second Week of Lent – March 22, 2025
Bible Verse:
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end." –
Lamentations 3:22
Reflection:
God’s love and mercy are unending. Let us rest in His faithfulness, even in difficult times.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a heart that trusts in God’s unfailing love and mercy.
Third Sunday of Lent – March 23, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Jesus said to her, 'Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever
drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.'" – John 4:13-14
Reflection:
Christ offers us living water that satisfies our deepest thirst. Let us come to Him and drink
deeply.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a thirst for God’s presence and a heart that finds satisfaction in Him alone.
Monday of the Third Week of Lent – March 24, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." –
Matthew 5:6
Reflection:
Righteousness is a hunger we must cultivate. Let us seek to live in a way that pleases
God.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a hunger to live a righteous life and for the strength to pursue holiness.
Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent – March 25, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Be still, and know that I am God." – Psalm 46:10
Reflection:
In the busyness of life, God calls us to be still and recognize His sovereignty.
Prayer Point:
Pray for moments of stillness and quiet to hear God’s voice and feel His presence.
Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent – March 26, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give
up." – Galatians 6:9
Reflection:
Perseverance in doing good is a mark of faith. Let us remain steadfast in serving others.
Prayer Point:
Pray for endurance and encouragement to continue doing good, even when it’s difficult.
Thursday of the Third Week of Lent – March 27, 2025
Bible Verse:
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in
weakness.'" – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Reflection:
God’s grace is enough to carry us through every weakness. Let us rely on His strength.
Prayer Point:
Pray for the humility to depend on God’s grace in your weaknesses.
Friday of the Third Week of Lent – March 28, 2025
Bible Verse:
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his
cross daily and follow me.'" – Luke 9:23
Reflection:
Following Jesus requires daily surrender. Let us take up our crosses and walk in His
footsteps.
Prayer Point:
Pray for the courage to deny yourself and follow Christ wholeheartedly.
Saturday of the Third Week of Lent – March 29, 2025
Bible Verse:
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." – Psalm 23:1
Reflection:
God is our shepherd who provides and guides. Let us trust in His care.
Prayer Point:
Pray for trust in God’s provision and guidance in every area of your life.
Fourth Sunday of Lent – March 30, 2025
Bible Verse:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the
gift of God." – Ephesians 2:8
Reflection:
Salvation is a gift of grace, not something we can earn. Let us live in gratitude for this gift.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a heart of gratitude for God’s saving grace and for the faith to receive it fully.
Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent – March 31, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." –
Proverbs 3:5
Reflection:
God’s ways are higher than ours. Let us trust Him even when we don’t understand.
Prayer Point:
Pray for the faith to trust God’s plan, even when it doesn’t align with your own.
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent – April 1, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us
down, and he will bind us up." – Hosea 6:1
Reflection:
God’s discipline is meant to restore us. Let us return to Him and receive His healing.
Prayer Point:
Pray for the willingness to return to God and for His healing in your life.
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent – April 2, 2025
Bible Verse:
"But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him
was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." –
Isaiah 53:5
Reflection:
Christ’s sacrifice brings us peace and healing. Let us meditate on His suffering and love.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a deeper appreciation of Christ’s sacrifice and for the healing it brings to your life.
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent – April 3, 2025
Bible Verse:
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not
give up." – Galatians 6:9
Reflection:
Perseverance in doing good is a mark of faith. Let us remain steadfast in serving others.
Prayer Point:
Pray for endurance and encouragement to continue doing good, even when it’s difficult.
Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent – April 4, 2025
Bible Verse:
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in
weakness.'" – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Reflection:
God’s grace is enough to carry us through every weakness. Let us rely on His strength.
Prayer Point:
Pray for the humility to depend on God’s grace in your weaknesses.
Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent – April 5, 2025
Bible Verse:
John 10:11 – "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the
sheep."
Reflection:
Jesus is our shepherd who laid down His life for us. Let us trust in His care and guidance.
Prayer Point:
Pray for trust in Christ’s guidance and for a heart that follows Him faithfully.
Fifth Sunday of Lent – April 6, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it
bears much fruit." – John 12:24
Reflection:
Death to self leads to life in Christ. Let us surrender our lives to bear fruit for His kingdom.
Prayer Point:
Pray for the courage to die to self and live fully for Christ.
Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent – April 7, 2025
Bible Verse:
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those
who are called according to his purpose." – Romans 8:28
Reflection:
God works all things for our good. Let us trust His plan, even in difficult circumstances.
Prayer Point:
Pray for faith to trust that God is working all things for your good.
Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent – April 8, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your
abundant mercy blot out my transgressions." – Psalm 51:1
Reflection:
God’s mercy is greater than our sin. Let us come to Him with contrite hearts.
Prayer Point:
Pray for God’s mercy and forgiveness, and for a heart that turns away from sin.
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent – April 9, 2025
Bible Verse:
1 Peter 2:24 – "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin
and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed."
Reflection:
Christ’s sacrifice brings us healing and new life. Let us meditate on His suffering and the
redemption it offers.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a deeper appreciation of Christ’s sacrifice and for the healing it brings to your life.
Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent – April 10, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." – Matthew
11:28
Reflection:
Jesus invites us to find rest in Him, especially when we feel burdened. Let us bring our
struggles to Him.
Prayer Point:
Pray for God’s rest and peace in areas of your life where you feel weary or overwhelmed.
Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent – April 11, 2025
Bible Verse:
1 John 4:10 – "In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent
his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
Reflection:
God’s love is the foundation of our salvation. Let us meditate on His sacrificial love for us.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a deeper understanding of God’s love and for the courage to share it with others.
Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent – April 12, 2025
Bible Verse:
Psalm 103:8 – "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in
steadfast love."
Reflection:
God’s mercy and love are boundless. Let us rest in His faithfulness, even in difficult times.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a heart that trusts in God’s unfailing love and mercy.
Palm Sunday – April 13, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your
king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he." – Zechariah 9:9
Reflection:
Jesus entered Jerusalem as a humble king. Let us welcome Him into our hearts with joy
and reverence.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a heart that truly welcomes Jesus as King and Savior.
Monday of Holy Week – April 14, 2025
Bible Verse:
"And when Jesus entered the temple, he drove out all who sold and bought in the temple,
and he overturned the tables of the money-changers." – Matthew 21:12
Reflection:
Jesus cleansed the temple, calling us to purity and devotion. Let us examine our hearts
and remove distractions.
Prayer Point:
Pray for the courage to cleanse your heart of anything that distracts you from God.
Tuesday of Holy Week – April 15, 2025
Bible Verse:
"Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but
the flesh is weak." – Matthew 26:41
Reflection:
Jesus calls us to vigilance in prayer, especially in times of trial. Let us remain steadfast in
seeking Him.
Prayer Point:
Pray for strength to resist temptation and for a disciplined prayer life.
Wednesday of Holy Week – April 16, 2025
Bible Verse:
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a
ransom for many." – Mark 10:45
Reflection:
Jesus modeled servant leadership. Let us follow His example by serving others selflessly.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a heart of service and humility, willing to put others’ needs before your own.
Holy Thursday – April 17, 2025
Bible Verse:
"And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them,
saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'" – Luke
22:19
Reflection:
The Last Supper reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice and the gift of communion. Let us
remember His love.
Prayer Point:
Pray for a heart of gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice and for unity with fellow believers.
Good Friday – April 18, 2025
Bible Verse:
"And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'" – Luke 23:34
Reflection:
Even on the cross, Jesus forgave. Let us reflect on His boundless love and forgiveness.
Prayer Point:
Pray for the grace to forgive others as Christ has forgiven you, and to fully embrace His
love.
Saturday – April 19, 2025
Bible Verse:
"So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard." –
Matthew 27:66
Reflection:
This day of waiting reminds us of the silence and uncertainty the disciples faced. Yet, in
the stillness, God was at work. When we feel lost or uncertain, may we trust in His plan.
Prayer Point:
Pray for patience and faith in times of waiting, trusting that God is always working, even
when we cannot see it.
Easter Sunday – April 20, 2025
Bible Verse:
"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." –
Matthew 28:6
Reflection:
The resurrection is our hope and victory! Christ has conquered death, bringing new life to
all who believe. Rejoice in the power of His resurrection and the promise of eternal life.
Prayer Point:
Pray for renewed faith, joy, and boldness to share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection
with others.
Our mission
Data Privacy Statement
Glenavy Parish
1. Your personal data – what is it?
Personal data relates to a living individual who can be identified from that data. Identification can be by the information alone or in conjunction with any other information in the data controller’s possession or likely to come into such possession. The processing of personal data is governed by the UK General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA).
2. Who are we?
The Parish of Glenavy is the data controller (contact details below). This means it decides how your personal data is processed and for what purposes.
3. How do we process your personal data?
The Parish of Glenavy complies with its obligations under the “UKGDPR” and the DPA by keeping personal data up to date; by storing and destroying it securely; by not collecting or retaining excessive amounts of data; by protecting personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorised access and disclosure and by ensuring that appropriate technical measures are in place to protect personal data.
We use your personal data for the following purposes: -
- To enable us to provide a voluntary service for the benefit of the public in a particular geographical area as specified in our constitution;
- To administer membership records;
- To fundraise and promote the interests of the church;
- To manage our employees and volunteers;
- To maintain our own accounts and records (including the processing of gift aid applications);
- To inform you of news, events, activities and services running at Glenavy Parish;
- To share your contact details with the Diocesan office and the NI Charities Commission where necessary and appropriate, in line with Church of Ireland requirements.
4. What is the legal basis for processing your personal data?
- Explicit consent of the data subject so that we can keep you informed about news, events, activities and services and process your gift aid donations and keep you informed about parish and diocesan events.
- Processing is necessary for legitimate interests in running the parish.
5. Sharing your personal data
Your personal data will be treated as strictly confidential and will only be shared with other members of the church in order to carry out a service to other church members or for purposes connected with the church. We will only share your data with third parties outside of the parish with your consent, unless there is a legal requirement to share it.
6. How long do we keep your personal data?
We keep data in accordance with the Church of Ireland guidance, which can be accessed here: GDPR – Retention Guidelines - Church of Ireland - A Member of the Anglican Communion
Specifically, we retain electoral roll data while it is still current; gift aid declarations and associated paperwork for up to 6 years after the calendar year to which they relate; and parish registers (baptisms, marriages, funerals) permanently.
7. Your rights and your personal data
Unless subject to an exemption under the UKGDPR, you have the following rights with respect to your personal data: -
- The right to request a copy of your personal data which we hold about you.
- The right to request that we correct any personal data if it is found to be inaccurate or out of date.
- The right to request your personal data is erased where it is no longer necessary for us to retain such data.
- The right to withdraw your consent to the processing at any time.
- The right to request that, where possible, we transmit your personal data directly to another data controller, (known as the right to data portability), where applicable.
- The right, where there is a dispute in relation to the accuracy or processing of your personal data, to request a restriction is placed on further processing.
- The right to object to the processing of your personal data, where applicable.
- The right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioners Office (UK)
8. Further processing
If we wish to use your personal data for a new purpose, not covered by this Data Privacy Notice, then we will provide you with a new notice. The new notice will explain the new use of your personal data prior to commencing the processing. It will set out the relevant purposes and processing conditions. Where and whenever necessary, we will seek your prior consent to the new processing.
9. Contact Details
To exercise all relevant rights, queries or complaints please in the first instance contact Glenavy Parish at honsec@glenavyparish.org
You can also contact the Information Commissioners Office (UK) on 0303 123 1113; via email https://ico.org.uk/global/contact-us/email/ or by writing to the Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF
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