Rekindling the spark: Rev Roger MacPhee

By Charlotte MacAulay

Roger MacPhee, pastor of St. John Presbyterian Church says he always finds inspiration when he’s exploring the outdoors.
About 7 years ago he was on his daily walk when he noticed the stump of a tree with some new shoots sprouting out of it.
“That is a wonderful symbol of what the church is all about,” he thought.
The church was built in 1824, making it one of the oldest on the Island, yet the church community prides itself on doing new things and changing with the times.
The stump gave him the idea to have a celebration for people to come together to renew their spirit and that is when the first weekend revival was born, he said.
For the fourth time in the past 7 years the St. John Presbyterian Church in Belfast will hold a interdenominational weekend conference filled with music and motivation.
‘Revival in Belfast’ will take place May 13-16.
“The format changes from year to year depending on the ideas of the people who organize it, he said.
This years conference will feature music by Robin Mark and talks by Paul and Priscilla Reid all from Belfast, Ireland as well as Father Gerry Tingley, Kings County pastor.
The music has a Celtic connection which is something that will make the Maritimers feel at home.
The conference is becoming more popular every time and 400 people are expected to attend this year said Rev MacPhee.
There are people from not only PEI, but from all over the Maritimes.
“I hope that people leave here refreshed, positive and hopeful about what God’s doing in their lives, but most of all, I hope they leave having enjoyed the company of everyone involved,” Rev MacPhee said.
There is no registration fee for the weekend. A free will offering will be collected nightly. For more information or to register call 838-3663 or visit www.belfast2010.ca.