About us

We see Woodlands as a vibrant community ON FIRE for the glory of God and the extension of His kingdom. Located on the edges of the Woodburn and Sunnylands estates, Woodlands is a church plant of First Presbyterian Church in Carrickfergus.

Our story

Woodlands began as an outreach to the families of the Sunnylands and Woodburn area, and that heart for our local community is still at the centre of who we are today.

• 1960sFirst Carrickfergus Presbyterian Church saw the need to begin an outreach work in the Sunnylands and Woodburn area, to reach the growing number of families moving in.
• Late 1970sWoodlands became a church extension charge, meeting in a wooden hut called Treetops in the middle of the Sunnylands estate.
• 1981Woodlands became a full congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and moved into our current church building on the edge of the estate at Burleigh Drive.
• 2004We took time to reflect deeply on our purpose and role for God in Carrick. Out of that came our Faith Plan and the vision that still guides us – to be a community of Christ-like people, conformed to His character and committed to His cause.
• 2015We reviewed our Faith Plan, and the Kirk Session is now prayerfully refreshing it for the years ahead, as we seek to grow strong and courageous disciples of Jesus.
• TodayAt the heart of Woodlands is our focus on the worship of God and the centrality of His Word in our lives. Over 200 people join us for worship on a Sunday morning, and through ministries for every age – from Treetots to Seniors – we seek to share the love of Christ with our community.

If there is any blessing to be had in Woodlands it is by the grace of God. We have the privilege of serving the King of kings. This is His kingdom. We are His servants. This is who we are.