Jackie White’s Story: Faith, Crèche Ministry, and Serving at Calvary Cork

Jackie White’s Story: Faith, Crèche Ministry, and Serving at Calvary Cork

In this episode of the Calvary Cork Podcast, Mike sits down with Jackie White for a conversation about God's grace, faithful service, and the often-unseen ways that the Lord works in our lives. Jackie shares her testimony of coming to faith in Christ and reflects on how God was at work long before she recognised it, using childhood experiences, travels, relationships, and life circumstances to draw her to Himself. She also talks about how she first became involved at Calvary Cork and the various volunteer roles she has served in since joining the church in 2017. Today, Jackie leads our Crèche Team and serves on the Abide Youth leadership team. In this conversation, she discusses the joys and challenges of serving in church life, the value of behind-the-scenes ministry, and why taking a simple step of obedience can often lead to opportunities we never expected. We hope this conversation helps you get to know Jackie a little better and encourages you to trust the Lord's leading and serve Him faithfully wherever He has placed you. The following Leader's Corner article by Jackie White was referenced during this conversation: You may have heard a call out for Creche volunteers over the past few weeks either in church or on the church podcast. If this has touched your heart and you are interested in serving, the doors are not closed - but I am happy to report that we have had a few people sign up. Thank you all who have been praying and of course our new volunteers. With that, I wanted to share my first opinions on Creche many years ago starting in Children’s ministry. I used to volunteer in the Children’s ministry and before I began that I had doubt in my heart that I wasn't knowledgeable enough. I know kids ask tough questions and I thought, “what if I can’t answer their deep theological questions?”. I’m just glad I made that first enquiry and brought forward my fears. I was gently reassured that teaching materials would be provided and that I would always have support. So, if you’re reading this and there’s a ministry you want to join, why not ask, maybe you’d be just who they’re looking for. I loved Children’s ministry because although some deep topics may be simplified, the bible is never taken out of it and as an adult it felt exciting to see the bible through images, songs and live action stories. On the Calvary podcast Brian talks about going through the book of Revelations and certain pictures and symbolism which I know must be really exciting and I’m sure is bringing about rich conversations. Onto Creche. While I was a Children’s ministry volunteer, one week Creche was short a volunteer and I was asked to step in. I was nervous, at this point I had barely ever been around a baby, but of course I wasn't alone and despite what some people may picture there’s no nappy changes, toileting and bottle feeds, and the kids themselves are more robust. They are past the small fragile baby stage and they are toddling around, singing and playing, but of course still needing support and watchful eyes. Having my own son in Creche now I am grateful for the volunteers, some of which have been going for 10 years as Creche volunteers, some of the longest standing members being Melissa (10 years), Andrea (7 years) and Laura (4 years). Hearing this made me feel so grateful for their hard work and dedication to the team. We have some new team members this year and some others serving 2 - 3 years, all who are brilliant, kind and caring with a heart for Jesus no matter the length of service.

The 144,000, the Great Multitude, and the Lamb | Revelation 7

Who can stand when judgment comes? Revelation 7 answers that question with a vision of God’s preserving mercy, the Lamb’s redeeming blood, and the final safety of those who belong to Him. In this sermon, Mike Neglia walks through Revelation 7, where John hears of the 144,000 sealed from the tribes of Israel and then sees a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne and before the Lamb. This message considers the 144,000, the great multitude, the Great Tribulation, and the danger of misusing Revelation to point people toward movements, organisations, or secret interpretations rather than to Christ. At the centre of the chapter is the song of heaven: “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Revelation 7 reminds us that those who are sealed by God, washed by the Lamb, and shepherded into His presence can stand.

The Four Horsemen and the Wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6)

Revelation 6 contains some of the most dramatic imagery in the entire Bible: the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, the cry of the martyrs, cosmic upheaval, and the shocking phrase "the wrath of the Lamb." Yet this chapter is not primarily about horsemen, disasters, or end-times speculation. It is about Jesus. As the Lamb opens the seals, the world is shaken, suffering believers are heard in heaven, and every false refuge is exposed. Revelation 6 reminds us that history is not unfolding at random. The Lamb who was slain is also the Lord of history, the Judge of evil, and the refuge of His people. In this message from Revelation 6, Mike explores: * The meaning of the Four Horsemen * The cry of the martyrs: "How long?" * Why the wrath of the Lamb is both terrifying and just * The danger of false refuges * How believers can stand firm in a shaking world Revelation 6 ends with a searching question: "Who can stand?" This sermon points us to the only One in whom we can find refuge, mercy, and hope. Preached at Calvary Cork.

God Meets Us in Our Grief - Peter Kenny

In this sermon from 1 Samuel 1, Peter Kenny, pastor of Cork Baptist Church, considers the story of Hannah and the deep grief she carried before the Lord. Hannah’s sorrow was not shallow or easily solved. Her pain was intensified by disappointment, family brokenness, hurtful words, and the mystery of God’s providence. Yet in her distress, Hannah turned toward God rather than away from Him. She poured out her soul before the Lord, and before her circumstances changed, she received real peace. This message is an invitation to bring our grief honestly to God. The story of Hannah reminds us that God’s people can suffer deeply, that honest prayer is welcomed by the Lord, and that His peace can meet us even in the valley. Passage: 1 Samuel 1 Speaker: Peter Kenny, Pastor of Cork Baptist Church Recorded at Calvary Cork

Teaching Revelation to Kids: The Worthy Lamb and the Whole Bible Story - Brian Russell

In this follow-up conversation, Mike Neglia talks with Brian Russell about teaching the book of Revelation to children, why Sunday school matters, and how the whole church can learn the Bible together. This week at Calvary Cork, the main Sunday sermon focused on Revelation 5: the sealed scroll, the tears of John, the Lion of Judah, the Lamb who was slain, and the worship of heaven. At the same time, the children in Sunday school reached Revelation in The Biggest Story curriculum after working through the storyline of the whole Bible. Mike and Brian discuss what the children have been learning, why Revelation is not just for adults, how visual images like gemstones help children engage with biblical truth, what the sealed scroll represents, why Jesus is called both Lion and Lamb, and what Revelation 5 teaches the church about worship. They also talk about the value of children’s ministry and creche at Calvary Cork, and why volunteers play such an important part in helping the next generation know and worship Jesus. Calvary Cork is a Christian church in Cork City, Ireland, committed to being Christ-centred, Bible-treasuring, and humility-pursuing. Learn more at calvarycork.org.