Sydney McCormick

I have been attending Hill Street Church since 1970. I moved to Lurgan from Belfast in 1967 to set up the Kosy Bakery in Union Street - where you will still find me most days baking soda farls, making sausage rolls and piping cream buns galore!!

I became a Christian in 1974 during the time when Dr Girvan was minister at Hill Street. Since then I have been involved in many different aspects of life of our congregation. Being an elder in the church has provided me with the opportunity to visit many of our congregation in their own homes. I have found the opportunity of chatting, relaxing and praying with people in this way to be such a blessing and encouragement.

Putting my faith into action outside of church has always been something very important for me. I have tried to do this at work in the bakery and also during my time on the Board of Governors of the local Junior High School.

I really enjoy helping with the Sunday services held each week in Lurgan Hospital. I arrange speakers, sometimes do the talks myself and help with bringing the patients to the service - which reminds me, one week an elderly patient remarked when they first saw me that they thought I was the consultant, then when I spoke they thought I was a doctor, finally when I began to push their wheelchair they concluded I was the porter! :)

God has been good to me and my family. I love to read the Bible, eager to hear what God has to say to me. Recently I have been inspired and challenged anew by the story of Jonah.

Outside of church I'm mostly kept busy looking after the bakery but when I do find some spare time I love to indulge in my favourite pastime of video/DVD production. From early days I have been keen to document family occasions and special events with my video camera. I remember one incident when I managed to capture my three year old daughter eating a strawberry, which since has caused endless amusement when played at family reunions and get-togethers!