Presbyterian Herald February 2023

Your legacy of hope and care - a gift in your Will.

A gift in your Will could not only help your loved ones but can leave a legacy of hope for generations to come.

In Northern Ireland four in ten adult deaths are caused by chest, heart and stroke illnesses. We’re working hard to change this by funding life-changing research and caring for those who are affected by devastating health conditions every day.

We’ve been helping local people for almost 75 years, and with your help we can continue to be there for people who need us now, as well as those who will need us in the future.

Please visit nichs.org.uk/giftsinwills for further information on leaving a gift in your Will to NICHS or call

W: www.presbyterianireland.org

CONTRIBUTORS

Andy Lamberton is the director of ‘Legacy’, a ministry for fathers. He is also a member of Fahan Presbyterian, together with his wife Debbie and four children.

Andrew Dickson is the Congregational Life Development Officer for PCI. He lives in Whitehead with his wife Katherine and their two children, and is a member of Islandmagee.

Ruth Sanderson lives in Scotland with her husband and two daughters. She is a freelance radio/television presenter and producer.

Editor: Sarah Harding

Subscriptions and Advertising: Edward Connolly; Elaine Huddleston

Design and Layout: Edward Connolly

Printing: W & G Baird Ltd

Very Rev Dr David Clarke is a former PCI Moderator and is minister emeritus of Terrace Row, Coleraine.

The views expressed in the features, news reports, letters and book reviews of this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor. Editorial comment and signed articles do not necessarily contain the official views of the Church, which can only be laid down only by the General Assembly. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply endorsement of the goods or services. Advertising will not be included if the product or service is deemed to be in conflict with the Church’s official views, or if it is inappropriate for a church magazine. It is not Herald policy to include any editorial content along with adverts. The editor reserves the right to decline any advertisement or letter without assigning any reason. Letters may be edited for publication. No correspondence can be entered into regarding nonpublication of advertisements or letters.

Legacy p36

Grace at work p34

Ukrainians in Ireland p30

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is a Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104483); Registered Charity in Republic of Ireland (20015695).

Anniversaries

2023 marks 80 years of the Presbyterian Herald. It is a momentous landmark for us to look back and reflect on; not only on the magazine itself, but also on the social history contained within it.

I have thoroughly enjoyed trailing through the pages of our back copies to find out how the denomination responded to significant events, both inside and outside of the Church. We have picked out extracts from a selection of articles to offer a flavour of each decade. Two former editors also reflect on their experiences in the role, Rev Robert Cobain and Stephen Lynas, both former press officers as well as Herald editors.

In 1943, the establishment of the Presbyterian Herald was the amalgamation of two magazines: the Missionary Herald (denominational); and the Irish Presbyterian (independent). Therefore, at its core, the Herald has always had the dual function of being a magazine that champions the work of PCI; but also maintains an element of independence, allowing Presbyterians to take a critical, yet constructive, look at the denomination.

During the time that Stephen Lynas was editor, the strapline ‘Giving a voice to Presbyterians in Ireland’ was printed on the front cover. He says, “Looking back, I was probably disappointed by the response.” Although the strapline is no longer printed, this ethos very much remains at the heart of the magazine. As we move into a new year, I should like to invite Presbyterians to engage more with the content. Please get in touch if you would like to share a letter; a story of faith; a photo; a review; or to tell us about something your church is doing.

Another milestone, which is a much sadder one to mark, is the first anniversary of the war in Ukraine. In this edition we hear from three congregations (although I’m sure there are many more!) who have sacrificially reached out to Ukrainian refugees in their local communities, meeting practical needs and sharing the good news of Jesus. Moderator, Dr John Kirkpatrick also reports on his trip to Hungary and western Ukraine, where he saw first-hand how PCI donations are being spent. These accounts from churches and Dr Kirkpatrick extol the blessings in giving, as well as the learning and love that has been received in return.

In the first edition of the Herald in 1943, the editorial comment said of the magazine, “To many of us it will be – cannot but be – the mirror, index, and most typical representative of the brave Presbyterian Church in Ireland…” May PCI continue to be brave and may the Herald continue to reflect and encourage its work and witness for the Lord.

Climate crisis

Dear Editor

The discussion of ‘degrowth’ (some use the term ‘steadystate economy’) is gradually gaining some traction in the mainstream media. This must include, a global progressive wealth tax, a global universal basic income, a shorter working week and open borders.

The climate crisis demands action at all levels: individually; within churches; within local communities; nationally and internationally. Perhaps all kirk sessions and church committees should have a climate crisis standing item on all their agendas and the Herald should have a climate crisis article in every issue!

With very limited progress at COP 27 on ‘climate justice’ (reference Matthew 22:34–46) and little on ‘loss and damage’, apart from a vague fund to be financed after COP 28; we need more attention on ‘global governance’ as the third leg of a three-legged stool. Global governance will encompass a world parliament and a global assembly and will build on the work of www. democracywithoutborders.org, Democracy International and ‘we the peoples…’ etc.

The effort of establishing the 2021 Global Assembly on the Climate and Ecological Crisis needs to be more widely known. The executive summary is worth a read. A 2023 Global Assembly is planned I believe. A stool will not stand without all three legs functioning properly. Degrowth, climate justice and global governance are all equally important.

Dr Mark Dick Ballymena

Time to reconnect

Dear Editor

I read with interest the recent contributions from Rev Ken Patterson and Rev Liam Rutherford. I agree with their

assessments and thank them for having the courage to speak out.

PCI is experiencing the combined turbulence of Covid, cost-of-living crisis and a loss of focus on the essentials. Money, time and resources are too often wasted on perfectly adequate buildings, trendy socalled outreach programmes and employing an everincreasing range of staff to do things that volunteers could easily do. In the process many fellowships have forgotten to feed their own sheep in these times of crisis and as a consequence some sheep have wandered off. We need to get back to God’s Word where we will rediscover our mission.

In the midst of all this economic churn, some of our ministers continue to be rewarded handsomely with packages of salary, pension, expenses and holidays while sections of their congregations are struggling. The people in the pews are beginning to speak and to move, especially in churches where the leadership contribution is clearly inadequate. The problem in the future may not be a shortage of ministers but a shortage of church members.

The answer is: we need to repent and return to God’s Word. We need to preach, teach and pray in the power of the Holy Spirit. We need to return to the simplicity and distinctiveness of our worship and witness to a chaotic world.  Some ministers and leaders need to reconnect with their flocks, rediscover their work ethic and concentrate more on their responsibilities rather than on their rights and entitlements. We need to pray for the revival of our leaders and our congregations.

If we are faithful, God is able to turn these days of uncertainty and discouragement into golden years of opportunity.

W.J. Arrell Randalstown

Two ministers up for Moderator

Mark Smith reports on how presbyteries will have two ministers to prayerfully consider when they meet this month to determine who they would like to see as Moderator for 2023/2024.

When the Church’s 19 regional presbyteries meet across Ireland on Tuesday 7 February, one substantial agenda item will be the annual selection of the Moderator-Designate, the minister who will become the next Moderator of the General Assembly.

The two ministers who have agreed to let their names go forward this year are contemporaries of each other. Rev Dr Sam Mawhinney of Adelaide Road Presbyterian Church in Dublin and Rev Richard Murray of Drumreagh Presbyterian Church, near Ballymoney in County Antrim attended Union Theological College at the same time and were called to their first congregations in 1997

The process of choosing a new Moderator starts in the late autumn when presbyteries begin to suggest the names of ministers who they would like to see considered in February. Having been sent the names, the Clerk of the General Assembly and General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rev Trevor Gribben, then approaches

those on this ‘long list’ to confirm if they would be willing to have their names go forward to the next stage.

“The way in which we select our Moderator is a relatively simple process and one that is, in the best sense of Presbyterianism, a democratic one as well. This year we have two names for presbyteries to consider and each one may be proposed, seconded and voted on at February’s meeting,” Mr Gribben said.

“The candidate who has received the majority support of those voting then becomes the person for whom that presbytery has registered their vote for, and the person with the backing of the most of the 19 presbyteries becomes our Moderator-Designate. They will then be formerly nominated for election as Moderator to our General Assembly in June and elected by its members.”

Whoever succeeds the current Moderator, Right Reverend Dr John Kirkpatrick, will be the ninth holder of the office Mr Gribben will work closely with since becoming Clerk in 2014.

“I always look forward to the first Tuesday in February as this annual event

Rev Dr Sam Mawhinney M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O., B.D. Sam Mawhinney has been the minister of Adelaide Road Presbyterian Churches in Dublin since 2008. Born in 1962, Sam was ordained in 1997 as minister of the joint charge of Fermoy and Cahir Presbyterian Churches, in Counties Cork and Tipperary where he served for 11 years before being called to Adelaide Road.

is part of our denominational DNA and there is always a sense of anticipation in Assembly Buildings that evening as we wait for each presbytery to phone through their vote. Whoever is selected, I very much look forward to working with them when they take on their new responsibilities in June.

“And as they step away from their congregations to lead and encourage the Church, playing an important role in the life and ministry of PCI, much of which is often unseen, one thing will remain unchanged however; they will continue to proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, the sole King and Head of the Church, albeit from a bigger, national stage,” Mr Gribben said.

The name of the Moderator-Designate should be known around 9pm on 7 February and will posted on PCI’s website and communicated via the denomination’s social media channels.

Mark Smith is PCI’s press officer.

Rev Richard Murray B.A., B.D. Richard Murray has been the minister of Drumreagh Presbyterian Church in County Antrim since 2016, originally a joint charge with Dromore Presbyterian Church, County Londonderry until June 2022. Born in 1965 Richard was ordained as minister of Hilltown and Clonduff Presbyterian Churches, County Down in 1997 before being called to Connor Presbyterian Church, County Antrim in 2005 where he was installed as minister.

Church leaders meet the President

The leaders of the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches in Ireland, Roman Catholic Church, Church of Ireland, and Irish Council of Churches met the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin in Dublin.

In a statement issued by the Church leaders following the meeting, they said, “The context for today’s meeting was our shared commitment to reconciliation and peacebuilding on the island of Ireland. While recognising the obvious challenges, we acknowledged that the important and vital work of peace is still an unfinished work, but one we are all committed to actively pursuing for the common good of all the people of Ireland… We were also keen to discuss together the difficult economic situation and its impact across the island.“

4 Corners Festival dream of bringing people together

The annual 4 Corners Festival has announced this year’s theme will be ‘Dreams…Visions for Belfast’.

The festival will feature a range of art, music, discussion, sport, debates and faith-based events from 27 January to 5 February in venues across the city. Now in its 11th year, the festival was conceived as a way to inspire people from across the city to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all.

Included in this year’s busy programme will be a photographic exhibition and discussion of homelessness in the city, women in peace building, visions of Belfast, and will conclude with the theme of ‘the city where dreams become reality’.

2023 marks a number of significant anniversaries: 25 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and 60 years since Martin Luther King’s ‘I had a dream’ speech. The 2023 festival explores whether the dreams behind these historic events have been realised and if we still hold enough hope to dream big for Belfast.

A full programme is available at: www.4cornersfestival.com/the-festival

Safe Access Zones Bill

At the end of November, when the Oireachtas Committee for Health undertook its pre-legislative scrutiny on the General Scheme of Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD’s ‘Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2022’, PCI took the opportunity to submit its views on the draft legislation to

the Minister and the Committee. In its submission, PCI states that while it is important that women seeking to access services should be protected from harassment “… a sincere desire to help women and their families in crisis has arrived at a misguided and unwise proposal.” It goes on to express concern that “the law as proposed and framed

World Development Appeal focuses on Lebanon

A centre that is supported by the Lebanese Society for Education and Social Development (LSESD) in a deprived and rundown suburb of Beirut, which has been described as “a lighthouse in a dark place” and “a haven of hope”, is the focus of this year’s PCI World Development Appeal (WDA).

Rev Richard Kerr, PCI’s chair of the Council for Global Mission’s Global Development committee, visited the LSESD supported centre in Beirut earlier this year with Tearfund. “What we found amongst the ramshackle concrete buildings was a place that chose to be in the midst of one of the most impoverished and deprived districts of the city, working with some of the poorest and marginalised of people caught in an intergenerational cycle of poverty…”

While the centre in Beirut is the lead project for the Appeal, it will also support a second featured project in South Sudan through Christian Aid’s partner, the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC). Following the outbreak of violence in 2013, one in three people in South Sudan is an Internally Displaced Person. The huge movement of people around the country, with already existing tribal tensions, has led to conflict. The SSCC is working at a community level to bring reconciliation across South Sudan. The Appeal will also support similar projects in other areas of the world.

is unnecessary, impractical, and likely to be counter-productive, undermining public order and curtailing the freedoms of expression and religion that are necessary for a constitutional republic.” It concludes by urging the Minister and the Committee to reconsider the legislation and recommends that it is withdrawn completely.

Photographed with President Michael D. Higgins are (left to right): Rt Rev Andrew Forster, President of the Irish Council of Churches, Rt Rev Dr John Kirkpatrick, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Most Rev Eamon Martin, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland, President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins, Most Rev John McDowell, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland and Rev David Nixon, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland with the Co-Secretaries of the Church Leaders’ Group (Ireland) Rev Dr Heather Morris, General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Ireland and Rev Trevor Gribben, Clerk of the General Assembly and General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Launching PCI’s 2022 World Development Appeal are (l-r) back row: Rev Stephen McCracken, Convener of PCI’s Council for Global Mission, Rev Liam Rutherford, Convener of the Church’s World Development Appeal committee, Rev Richard Kerr, chair of PCI’s Global Development committee and (front row) Glen Mitchell, Head of Tearfund in Northern Ireland and Christian Aid Ireland’s Head of Fundraising and Supporter Engagement, Ruth Cooke.

‘Safe Place’ award

PCI has received a partnership award at the Onus Annual Awards Ceremony of the Workplace Charter on Domestic Violence. Pictured at the event with Naomi Long MLA, and receiving the award as a ‘Safe Place Partner’, on behalf of PCI is Jacqui Montgomery-Devlin, PCI’s Head of Safeguarding.

Death of Rev Dr Paul Bailie

PCI Moderator, Dr John Kirkpatrick has said that with the sudden death of Rev Dr Paul Bailie the Church has lost “a very wise, gifted and talented Christian leader”.

Dr Bailie was ordained as a minister in Greenwell Street, Newtownards in 1995 where he was an assistant to the minister until 1998, when he left for Kenya. Here he served PCI directly as an overseas missionary. He returned to Northern Ireland in 2005 and began working for the charity Mission Africa. At Union Theological College Dr Bailie taught various aspects of Old Testament and will be remembered by many of his students, past and present, along with those he taught at Belfast Bible College. He also played an active part in the life of the Church and its committees.

Dr Kirkpatrick said, “Paul was not always in the public eye, but he enjoyed broadcasting and had a great aptitude and voice for it. He often commentated on BBC Radio Ulster during the Opening Night of our General Assembly and also contributed to Good Morning Ulster’s Thought for the Day…

“He leaves an aching gap in the lives of so many who will feel his loss so keenly.”

Commissioning abortion services

Following the Secretary of State’s announcement in December that he has commissioned abortion services in Northern Ireland, PCI has described his decision as “not only deeply regrettable, but deplorable,” saying that “Mr Heaton-Harris has chosen to give life to the most destructive and liberal abortion regime in these islands.” The Church also expressed its astonishment at the lack of consistency on the part of the Secretary of State in choosing to take action in this particular area while leaving Permanent Secretaries to take unaccountable political decisions in most other areas.

Speaking following the latest development, Rev Trevor Gribben, Clerk of the General Assembly and General Secretary of PCI said, “It is a sad and distressing day for everyone who values the sanctity of life, and is devastating for those who will not live to experience it… “There are many staff across the health and social care sector who will not want to participate in the abortion process for reasons of conscience – Christian staff, those of other faiths and none. There appears to be little guidance, or instruction in this regard… Many people today will be rightly angry that the Secretary of State has prioritised the commissioning of abortion services in the midst of an economic crisis.”

TWR Ukraine: ministering in mortal danger

TWR Ukraine is continuing to broadcast the hope of Jesus and provide practical support to Ukrainians on the ground during this time of war.

Alexander Chmut, the leader of TWR’s national partner in Ukraine says: “It has become much more difficult to work and we are working in mortal danger…God teaches us wisdom, prudence, punctuality, and these are good lessons. God also shows his miracles.”

The miracles he’s witnessed vary in scale, from safekeeping – two missiles recently struck within a kilometre of the team – to having electricity to record a programme even while a power cut was supposed to be in effect; another Christian organisation lent the team a generator during one of the lengthy power outages so they could record a programme.

TWR Ukraine is mastering the art of continuing to minister through radio, social media and in person whatever the circumstances. They ask for prayer for all their work and for safety.

Myanmar situation still precarious

On 1 February 2021, a military coup began in Myanmar.

Two years on, the country remains in a precarious state. PCI’s partner organisation, the Presbyterian Church in Myanmar has been directly affected, with members being detained or losing their homes or lives in the violence. For some time, PCM’s Theological College became a refuge for those fleeing from surrounding villages. Regular updates from PCM include news of fighting around their homes and offices.

Despite this, their work continues. At a recent Partners’ Meeting, PCM shared their plans for a large project to move their hospital, which has outgrown its current site. They also continue to support theology students, with the help of PCI grants. Churches carry on, where they are able, in the midst of persecution.

PCM and Myanmar need our prayers as they walk through this violence and uncertainty.

IN BRIEF

Schools’ dedication praised

PCI Moderator, Dr John Kirkpatrick, has written to the principals of controlled schools in Northern Ireland to express on behalf of the Church, his “heartfelt thanks” to all staff and governors for “…their dedication and commitment to the education of children and young people, particularly during these challenging times.”

He also said that he would “continue to encourage those throughout our Presbyterian family to uphold you and your colleagues in prayer.”

Hungarian and Ukrainian churches say ‘thank you’

The Reformed Church in Hungary (RCH) has written to PCI and its other partner Churches, thanking the Church for its solidarity and support as it continues to help thousands of refugees in Hungary and Internally Displaced People in Ukraine.

In a letter from Bishop Zoltán Balog, President of the General Synod of the Reformed Church in Hungary, one of PCI’s partner Churches, he wrote, “There are no words sufficient to express our gratitude on behalf of the Hungarian Reformed Church Aid (HRCA) and the Reformed Churches in Hungary and Ukraine, as well as the thousands of refugees to whom you have offered hope in a time of hopelessness.”

Since the war began, Irish Presbyterians responded to the humanitarian emergency by giving £1.3 million to the relief effort through a Moderator’s Special Appeal, which was launched two weeks after the Russian invasion.

Events

Onward

PCI is holding regional oneday events that youth leaders can bring their young people to, as part of the process of reconnecting after the interruption of the last few years.

Young people will have a chance to learn from Bible teaching and stories of encouragement, enjoy worshipping together and have fun connecting with others.

The cost of the day is £25 per young person and £15 per leader.

Two upcoming Onward events will take place on Saturday 18 February in Waringstown Presbyterian Church (11am–7.30pm) and on Saturday 1 April in Lisneal College, Londonderry (11am–7.30pm).

To find out more or to book your place go to either: www.presbyterianireland.org/onwardwaringstown or www.presbyterianireland.org/onwardlisneal

Kids’ Big Day Out

Kids’ Big Day Out is back! It will take place on Saturday 11 March from 2–4pm in Waringstown Presbyterian Church. This fun afternoon will be packed full of music, interaction, games and activities, while learning about God together.

This event is for children of primary school age and tickets cost £5. To buy tickets or for more information go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/kidsbigdayout

Impact

Impact summer teams are an opportunity for over 16s to be together with others of their own age for a residential week of worship, learning and serving God alongside local congregations across Ireland. Teams will gather each morning for worship and Bible study, then go to serve alongside a local congregation in different outreach activities. The young people will grow in leadership ability and in confidence in being a witness for Jesus.

The locations for 2023 are:

• Belfast hub: 22–29 July

• Londonderry hub: 29 July–5 August

• First Monaghan: 5–12 August

• Seskinore: 12–19 August

• Co Cavan: 12–19 August

To find out more or apply go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/impact

Church planting taster day

Save the date! PCI will be holding a church planting taster day on Saturday 13 May at Central, Belfast (23 May Street). More details to follow.

A series of regional evening events will take place in the coming months, between 7.30pm and 9.15pm. ‘Foundations’ will be a mix of encouragement, teaching, discussion and ideas for those working with children and young people. Events will take place on Monday 20 February at Richhill Presbyterian, Monday 27 February at Trinity Presbyterian, Ballymoney and Monday 20 March at Banbridge Road Presbyterian. An online event for congregations in the Republic of Ireland will take place on Monday 27 March. For more information on dates and regional venues and to book tickets go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/foundations

Scattered & Sent

Mission in Ireland evenings will be taking place in various presbyteries in March 2023. The theme of the evenings will be ‘Scattered & Sent’. More information on venues, dates and times can be found on the PCI website www. presbyterianireland.org

News

PCI’s Apprentice Scheme offers individuals and congregations the chance to either give or receive mentorship and training in a congregational environment. There are several opportunities through this scheme:

Serve: If you are 18 years and above, an active member of your church, seeking to grow and serve, wanting to be supported in exploring and developing your gifts, an apprenticeship is ideal for you.

Recruit: If your congregation would like to profile an apprentice opportunity on our website, provide a short profile by 28 April 2023.

Host: Find out more about having an apprentice and facilitating a good programme for both participants and your congregation.

Train: An accompanying training programme for apprentices, jointly designed and delivered by the Council for Congregational Life and Witness and the Institute for Ministry at Union Theological College, begins with a two-day intensive training session at the end of August 2023, and will then be delivered one Friday each month until May 2024.

To find out more go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/apprentice

Newsletter

To stay connected and up to date with the latest resources, events and training for your congregation’s life and witness, sign up to our E-quip e-zine at www.presbyterianireland.org/equip

DIARY DATES

February

Sharing faith – Growing in confidence

Assembly Buildings, Belfast –Starting Saturday 4

Taking Care adult safeguarding training

Omagh Presbytery (online) –Tuesday 7

Donoughmore – Thursday 16

Monaghan Presbytery (online) – Wednesday 22 High Street, Antrim –Tuesday 28

Foundations

Richhill – Monday 20

Trinity, Ballymoney –Monday 27

Stepping Forward: Stepping Up Online – Thursday 23

Onward

Waringstown – Saturday 18

March

Kids’ Big Day Out Waringstown –Saturday 11

Foundations

Banbridge Road –Monday 20 Online – Monday 27

April

Onward Lisneal College, Londonderry –Saturday 1

May

Church planting taster day Central, Belfast – Saturday 13

80 years of the Presbyterian Herald

This year the Presbyterian Herald celebrates its 80th anniversary. We hear reflections from two former editors and take a snapshot look at some memorable articles over the decades.

My time as editor of the Presbyterian Herald ran from April 1976 to September 1993 and here are some of the things that, for me, were memorable events:

• In 1977 we celebrated the silver anniversary of the late Queen Elizabeth II in February of that year, with the editorial devoted to her.

• In 1979 PCI appointed a delegation under the leadership of the then Clerk of the General Assembly, Dr Jack Weir, to meet with Pope John Paul II during his visit to Ireland.

• In 1980 PCI withdrew from membership of the World Council of Churches and in 1989 declined to join the new

British Council of Churches.

• The rediscovery of the link between redemption and being zealous for good works, I believe, is what led to the General Assembly to establish the work of the Social Witness Board with its variety of services to the elderly and disabled, along with those suffering from addictions and offenders on release from prison.

• In June 1992 Princess Diana visited Assembly Buildings to perform the official reopening after its repair due to an IRA bomb blast. She met with members of staff and toured an exhibition of the Assembly’s agencies and their work.

Rev Robert Cobain (editor from April 1976 – September 1993)

The tap on my shoulder was as unmissable as it was unexpected. “It’s not often we see the editor of the Presbyterian Herald in these parts.”

Feeling a bit like an endangered species my ‘spotter’ in the Tron Church, Glasgow, told me how he had been brought up an Irish Presbyterian who had moved to Scotland many years ago and reading the Herald every month was an important connection to his formative years.

Our meeting confirmed two things. Firstly, having my picture printed in 10,000 plus magazines every month meant I could no longer be anonymous. Secondly, I would have to update the mental image every editor has of their readers.

All my Heralds carried the strapline ‘Giving a voice to Presbyterians in Ireland’. Its pages were open to anyone to contribute. Looking back, I was probably disappointed by the response. However, the magazine did not shy away from difficult issues that were in the public eye or the ‘in-house’ debates, opportunities and problems that will always confront the denomination.

It’s important that the Herald now incorporates pages from various Councils. It presents a more holistic picture of the

1940s

JANUARY 1943

Salutation

Rev W.H. Hamilton, Editor of The Presbyterian Register and General Secretary of the World Presbyterian Alliance

Sir Editor – At many an ordination or induction service you and I have doubtless heard vigorous proclamation of the superiority of the spoken over the written word…Yet no instructed or experienced leader will ever belittle the power and reach of the pen…

Irish Presbyterianism has, in the past, contributed nobly in this field of serial literature, both permanent and ephemeral, and it is the earnest prayer and confidence of your friends everywhere that this new magazine will indeed serve our great cause with no less distinction and success.

To many of us it will be – cannot but be – the mirror, index, and most typical representative of the brave Presbyterian Church in Ireland…

I offer you, Sir Editor, my respectful good wishes, and pray that you and your writers – and your readers and subscribers – may in partnership together, take pride and find joy in the Presbyterian Herald and in making it the glowing and winsome messenger to Irish homes and other lands that the organ of so great and eager a Church ought to be…

denomination’s witness. However, I do wish that more General Assembly conveners would take the opportunity to explain their work to fellow members in the relaxed atmosphere that the Herald offers, away from the rigor and legal correctness required by minutes and resolutions.

But the pages that drew and still draw most attention are the stories and pictures from local congregations. There will always be someone there that we know who will be an encouragement whether through birthdays reached, service given, appointments accepted or suggesting ideas to incorporate in congregational life.

And in those pictures you might occasionally spot a congregational Herald agent, vital people in reaching this milestone through promoting the magazine, recruiting readers, collecting subscriptions and delivering copies. Congratulations to them, all the staff, and contributors over the last 80 years and to the present editor, Sarah Harding, all her writers, columnists, photographers and illustrators, designers and proof readers, especially Ed Connolly who must be the longest serving staffer on the Herald working alongside four editors.

Stephen Lynas (editor from February 2008 – July/August 2012)

Viewpoints

The name – Herald Rev H.C. Waddell

The familiar name remains with an epithet adapting it to a wider range of Church interests. It is a name of noble significance: the herald’s was “an honourable office in early times”. The word never occurs in our Authorised Version of the New Testament. But the original is full of it – both noun and verb. It is thinly veiled under such terms as “proclaim” or “preach”. Best of all, it is constantly in immediate association with the Evangel itself. It is inseparable from the ‘Good News’. That sets the keynote for the Presbyterian Herald. May it be in the broadest sense a bearer of good tidings…

1950s

FEBRUARY 1956

Why not a living wage for ministers?

J.V. Beggs

There exists a condition which ought to trouble the layman’s conscience and make him hang his head in shame: we are sadly neglecting our ministers… We are asking them to live nobly, dress respectably, labour selflessly, and provide for their families – on absurdly inadequate salaries…

Facing similar circumstances, any other economic group would have raised prices or gone on strike long ago. Not for our ministers is the five-day, 37-and-a-halfhour week – they are expected to be on call 24 hours per day, seven days a week –and all for a miserable pittance compared with incomes enjoyed by most workers today…

JANUARY 1955

First cover using coloured ink was printed.

APRIL 1956

Church House: A midwinter meditation

John G Faulkner

ADVERTISEMENTS FROM THE 1950s

Church House is to Irish Presbyterians what the White House is to the peoples of the USA or what Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey are to the British Commonwealth of Nations. It does, therefore, seem a pity that at this growing Mecca of our faith there is neither a library where men might read, nor a study where they might think, nor yet a little chapel where they might pray, but only a great hall where they can talk. Perhaps this is an unfair criticism but it does emphasise our Presbyterian weakness of judging a man’s worth, or the rightness of his case, by his ability to plead his cause. We call our ministers, after hearing them preach on trial, forgetting, very often, that the real trial only starts after the men leave the pulpit, just as the true test of any sermon begins when the congregation leaves the church.

Problems in the West of Ireland

J

Cochrane

There is a definite challenge to the Church we cherish here in the west of Ireland. Our congregations face many difficulties, and their loyalty to their Church is a great encouragement to those who minister to their spiritual needs.

Many of our people have long distances to come to worship, and I often think that the people in the west put many of our Northern brethren to shame by the way they come together on Sundays to ‘wait upon the Lord’…

FEBRUARY 1964

Critical reflections on the Church

Frank Russell

“Why must we have such dreary services and such dull sermons?” People keep on saying this even though the Church has never tried so hard to make itself attractive. Sermons used to last an hour, now they are down to 20 minutes…

Our main task, therefore, is to convince people that the Church and the message it proclaims are as relevant now as they ever were to the deepest needs and longings in human hearts.

MARCH 1964

An excess of men

J.R. Boyd

Have you ever wondered, like me, how it is that while in any congregation with which you worship there will be at least as many women as men, you will hardly find one woman on its kirk session, and very few on its committee?

…When the fathers and brethren took their places at the 1963 General Assembly there were 494 ministers and 491 representative elders, but only five elders were women, and only two of them were members of the sessions which they ‘represented’.

My aim in writing this article is simply to plead that women be brought into the core of the administration of our Church… at the heart of our Christian faith lies the great affirmation that, in Jesus Christ, and because of his work, there is neither male nor female.

APRIL 1964

Discrimination (editorial)

Much has been said about ‘discrimination’ among us lately… Not enough has been said, nor has it been said soon enough…

By discrimination we understand a treatment of people differently from one another for reasons which have nothing to do with the matter in hand. Such would be the employment or advancement of one person rather than another on account of colour, class, creed, political views, personal connections or sex, when these have nothing to do with the work itself…

Christians are called to seek the aims of Christ’s kingdom and the ways of God above their own political preferences or personal advantage…

JULY/AUG 1964

APRIL 1964

Where have all the elders gone?

W.J. McWilliam

The Office of the ruling eldership has been a distinctive feature of the Presbyterian form of Church government… In Ireland this participation in government at congregational level has been well maintained, and some would say overemphasised, but their interest and the part they play in the superior Church courts appears to be declining…

The effect of all this is to restrict lay interest to purely local affairs and to encourage a somewhat parochial outlook…

The challenge of church extension

John Morrow

When church extension first hit the headlines between 1945 and 1950 there was a tendency to think of it as a temporary problem created by the lack of building during war-time. It has become increasingly clear, however, that we have entered a period of almost continuous population upheaval. The plans for new towns and for the re-building of city centres seem to indicate that this problem will extend indefinitely into the future…

JUNE 1964

Young Ulster and religion in the 60s

David Bleakley

The first systematic survey of Ulster teenagers’ attitudes to religion and the church has recently been completed by Mr David Bleakley, MP, supported by the Churches’ Industrial Council…

Up to 95 per cent reckoned to attend with fair regularity in the country, but this remarkable record dropped in the city area… There was, on the whole, surprisingly little criticism of the content of the services. The favourite part quite clearly was the hymn singing…

1970s

JANUARY 1973

Stop press: £100,000 to be spent on new churches in Ballymena

After much discussion it has been decided to proceed with all possible haste to build three centres in Ballymena. At Ballykeel there will be 1,400 new houses, 300 of which will be private development. At Ballee there will be the same number with 400 private developments. At Dunclug there will be 1,200 houses with some 300 private houses. When it is considered that the ration of Presbyterians in this area is 40 per cent it will be obvious that there is urgent need for church extension buildings. To purchase sites, pay for buildings and buy at least one new manse will cost a minimum of £100,000 – all within the next 18 months.

APRIL 1973

Letters to the Editor Challenge

Sir,

The letter from the housewife asking you to bring the Herald down to her level is most opportune. I have been agent in my congregation for over 40 years and it is only in the last two years I have had requests from subscribers to cancel their copies. Simply because you are catering for the ministers, students and, shall I say, highbrows and getting further and further away from the ordinary man in the pew (and woman too).

D.R.N.

JULY/AUG 1973

Those in favour… vote against by

J. C. Faulkner

This year’s Assembly was rather like a too long drawn out and rather damp firework display. There were the flashes, not so much illumination as of controversy –women in the ministry, the Tripartite Conversations, the Hierarchy’s invitation. In between, the Assembly dragged its feet and lapsed business snowballed. Could we not have a motto on the rostrum? Don’t make a speech, Brother. Make your point and sit down.

SEPTEMBER 1977

Ulster’s Troubles

Rev K. MacMillan (Church of Scotland)

JANUARY 1977

Criticising the Church (editorial)

It is good for the Church to be under criticism. There is certainly no lack of critics today, without and within. Some without the Church are asking for the clear voice of the Church to be heard on questions such as unemployment, housing, parental responsibility, battered wives, one-parent families, to name but a few. Some within the Church, are seeking answers to questions about peace initiatives, reconciliation, living in a divided community, the mission and role of the Church in today’s and tomorrow’s world…

There is a cry for a ministry of succour. The Church can help fill the gap. It is by identification with human need far more than by administrative reform – though that has its relative importance – that it will reach the unchurched multitudes, demonstrating the relevance of the gospel in 1977.

JULY/AUG 1973

Women in the ministry

Miss F. Robertson

The decision was the final act of a process of discussion that has gone on during the past 12 months in presbyteries who voted 18 for and 3 against the proposal that “women shall be eligible for nomination as students for the ministry and for ordination thereto”. One presbytery voted both ways!

…The Clerk of Assembly, Dr A. J. Weir said that the ordination of women was not a matter of women’s rights or of men’s rights. The ministry was a calling.

There was considerable criticism both inside and outside the Assembly of some of the arguments presented against the proposal to ordain women, such as the statement that even a very good woman could not replace a half decent man!

The Rev. Donald Gillies argued that sin had entered the world because of the deception of women. Instead of submitting to God she rebelled and wanted to be like God. Eve, he maintained, was the founder of women’s liberation and was responsible for the entry of sin into the world.

The first question is always of concern for the people; how do they live with all those dreadful things happening? The answer must be, as normally as the circumstances permit. They accept many restrictions and limitations, the check points, the searches at the shops, the armed police, the military patrols, the locked doors and so on, but they are determined that they will not be frightened into defeat by the terrorist or the assassin…

I am pleased to be able to explain that Ian Richard Kyle Paisley does not in any way represent the Presbyterian Church

in Ireland. One of the great disappointments of my visit was to find not one single person mentioned the peace movement. When asked about it, there was a complete lack of enthusiasm… Last year hopes were so high; at long last a real peace movement had come from the people. This was bound to succeed. It seems so sad so little has come from all the hopes and prayers.

1980s

1980s

JULY/AUGUST 1980

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland cuts its links with the World Council of Churches

The decision to withdraw from the world body, which represents 400 million people in 300 Churches in 100 nations was taken by the General Assembly meeting in Belfast by 433 votes to 327 after a tense and searching five-hour debate…

Leading the opposition to the withdrawal proposal was the Rev Douglas Armstrong of Greenisland… He said: “This is a time, not for weakening our ties with other Christians throughout the world, but for strengthening those ties.”

…Proposing the motion for withdrawal from the WCC the Rev Robert Dickinson of Tobermore and Draperstown… He said that it would appear that the WCC sought to change the world not by obedience to the Word of God, but by the pursuit of Marxist politics, economic sanctions and terrorist violence. It substituted political objectives for the spiritual goal of evangelical missionary enterprise…

The decision to withdraw has already caused some ripples in official circles… Two missionaries felt it “almost certain” that they could be sent home because of the Assembly’s decision. The Rev James Haire said Church officials in Indonesia would feel they had been “stabbed in the back”.

Moderatorial Dress

Very

Rev. Dr. G. Temple Lundie

Now that we are getting variations in the practice of the wearing of the Moderatorial court dress, it was interesting to see the present Moderator, Dr. Howard Cromie, presiding over the General Assembly in the full Moderatorial dress… Perhaps it would be a worthwhile exercise to give some thought to the functions and purpose of the Moderatorial dress.

It is, in essence, the attire worn by the man of the 18th century and its form was governed by the mode of travel of that period, namely travelling on horse-back. Hence he would always wear riding-breeches and stout riding shoes with attractive silver buckles.

JUNE 1988

General Assembly 1988 Preview

Rev Robert Cobain

The 1988 General Assembly will be asked to approve the plans and proposals being presented by the Committee on ‘Future Use of Church House’…

In summary, the plans are to reconstruct the entire ground-floor to provide for eleven new shops, showrooms or office units…These ground floor units would, it is hoped, provide a good return in rents.

These plans, which it is believed will revitalise the existing Church House buildings with minimum disruption, may call for around £2,500,000 in total but these are hopes that grant aid may become available for the project.

JUNE 1985

As I see it …

Alf McCreary

JANUARY 1985

What I hope for in 1985

Rev. John Dunlop

We live in difficult times, in a world where there is too much injustice and deprivation and too much money spent on keeping people safe from one another and too little energy expended on bringing people together in love and understanding.

It is in this area of life that I believe the Churches have a part to play…I do believe that we must be involved in creating that climate of opinion which will facilitate reconciliation.

And…what of my hopes for the Church? I would like to see a greater love for Jesus and a greater commitment to him and his Church by many more people. I would like to see the Church filled with people who are themselves continuing to be filled with the Spirit… Within the Presbyterian Church of Ireland, I would hope to see less suspicion and factional infighting and a much greater love for, and appreciation of, one another and of other Christian Churches in Ireland and the world.

It’s General Assembly time, again…There was a time, as I probe the depths of my reporter’s memory, when the Presbyterian ‘Blue Book’ was required reading and when speakers at the Assembly had almost a Divine right to be heard. Those days have gone. The Church is in the world and it has to compete with the secular for attention. A Moderator, no matter how nattily or ridiculously he wants to dress and no matter how more or less controversial he chooses to be, is poor competition on television for Denis Taylor or John McEnroe, in a world which now takes sport more seriously than much of life itself…

Does Assembly radically change anything? Even when it appears to do so, as in the prolonged and agonised debate and the ultimate decision to leave the World Council of Churches, life goes on…

Curiously it is not the deliberations of the General Assembly that touch the raw nerve, but rather the unexpected happening outside Assembly Week that throws into sharp focus the current mood of the Church…One was the quite extraordinary statement by the outgoing Moderator, Dr Howard Cromie, who rounded on Cardinal O’Fiaich at Ballymascanlon and told him exactly why his stated views about Irish unity were so divisive in the eyes of Protestants. It might not have been the place to say it, or the way to say it, but it certainly needed saying. And it was one of the moments of stark ecclesiastical truth that stands out in the past decades of necessary bridge-building. Perhaps future bridge-building will be more realistic, and the better for it.

1990s

SEPTEMBER 1994

Attitudes to Presbyterians in the Republic of Ireland

Senator Shane Ross

As citizens of the Republic, we ought to be ashamed of ourselves. We know almost nothing about Northern Ireland’s Presbyterians. Despite the fact that they are the largest religious group in Northern Ireland, we sometimes pretend that they are not there at all.

Why? Mainly because it is more convenient. Politicians and the media here have tended to paint Presbyterians as dour, austere, unionist and intransigent. The image is unfair but it often suits their purpose.

Not a sinner in the Republic is aware of the conciliatory moderation of the Presbyterian Church in the current conflict. I doubt if more than a handful of politicians here realise the contents of the Presbyterian Church and Government Committee’s submission to the Opsahl Report and its emphasis on the need to build confidence not only between North and South but also between the two Northern communities…

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has made many sensible proposals in its submission to the Opsahl Report. It is a pity that we have not yet responded. We start by dispatching my shy TD friend on his holiday to Newcastle in County Down. He might, at the age of 63 enjoy his first ever meeting with a Presbyterian.

MAY 1998

A Good Friday?

Guest editorial by Dr Sam Hutchinson

The secular media cannot have been unaware of this red-letter day in the church’s calendar, but their eyes and ears were turned in a different direction, namely the gates of Castle Buildings, where the marathon talks about a political settlement were finally reaching

a conclusion. Among negotiators and reporters alike the reaction seemed to be a mixture of satisfaction and exhaustion…

Christians should ask themselves whether these proposals will create an environment that will help advance the cause of the gospel, whether they represent a reasonable accommodation between various interests and whether we are avoiding the “sinful tendency to see things from only one point of view.” Some initial reactions did sound very partisan… However, the final verdict now rests with the people.

SEPTEMBER 1998

Omagh Reflections

Rev Arthur O’Neill, speaking at the funeral of Mr Fred White and his son, Mr Bryan White.

Sometimes we keep silent as a mark of respect for those who suffer. But there are times, when we must speak, for what must be heard is the voice of truth, the voice of justice, the voice of God. However, the first voice we will want to hear is the voice of comfort and consolation. Our hearts go out today to all whom Fred and Bryan loved and cherished…

So here you see were two men who had a great deal to offer, but not anymore. The wicked and the sinful have seen to that.

Rev Ian Mairs speaking at the funeral of Mrs Ann McCombe.

This was an offence against our community and it has evoked a powerful response from our community. Undoubtedly designed to drive a wedge through this community, I believe time alone will show that this was the decisive act in unleashing a fierce determination from the people of Omagh to stand together as a community…

We must commit ourselves to resist, and as the people of God to actively pray against, the activities of the demonic minority who are hell bent on destroying us, our loved ones, our community, our island and our future. …Forgiveness will be costly…but in time we will seek his grace to forgive…

HERALD AT 80 2000s

OCTOBER 2001

The small heroisms of ordinary people

Editorial comment by Rev Arthur Clarke

For a few moments on Tuesday morning, 11 September, the Irish architect Ronnie Clifford perceived himself to be twice blessed, he was both survivor and hero of the Manhattan massacre. Standing in the lobby of the Marriott Hotel after the first plane hit, Clifford saw the burning body of a woman rising from the pyre.

He was shielding her with his coat when a second shudder sent them both to the floor. To keep her from drifting into unconsciousness they conversed and prayed. With the help of a Marriott employee and oxygen from the hotel’s medical kit, Clifford led the woman to the nearest ambulance. She survived…

Later that day, Ronnie Clifford learned that his sister-in-law and niece were on board the plane that crashed into 2 World Trade Center. This story, and thousands like it, will be recalled when the events of September 11th are being discussed and

written about in years to come. The compassion and bravery of Ronnie Clifford illustrates what Eudora Welty the Pulitzer Prize short story writer called, “the small heroisms of ordinary people”.

FEBRUARY 2008

Pew position: Standing up and speaking out

Billy Kennedy

Religion in Northern Ireland gets comprehensive local news and media coverage, which I believe may not always be fully appreciated in the upper echelons of some Church circles.

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2008

Credit crunches again

Rev Dr Alan Russell

It seemed like a very good idea at the time, back in 1982… So why has the Presbyterian Mutual project ended in tears for many people who can’t access the money that they need?

…This issue is more than financial –it’s moral and spiritual. Let’s remember that the Mutual Society was formed by Presbyterians, run by Presbyterians, invested in and borrowed from by Presbyterians and brought to its knees by Presbyterians. There was no one else involved. So what happened? People got nervous and withdrew their money because they were told that the Mutual Society has not been covered by the government financial guarantee…

In financial terms, the Society was as near to a closed system as you can get. There was no link to the stock market

and an absolute undertaking not to speculate with the money. In other words, a significant number of people came to the conclusion that it was better to trust the government than their fellow Presbyterians…

The general public will conclude that Presbyterians are just as greedy, insecure, opportunistic, selfish, and ‘me first’ as anybody in the community… Will our grandchildren look back with regret at how much our witness for Christ lost credibility because Presbyterians blew the chance of showing the world how Christians could show trust and solidarity in hard financial times?

…Too often I have come across senior clerics who appear cautious, nervous and even suspicious when talking to the press and media. But surely if something needs to be said frankly and sincerely in the name of religion, theology or about a relevant social issue it should be said; silence merely results in the Church view being sidelined and considered to be of little consequence.

2010s

SEPTEMBER 2016 Choosing grace

Rev

Charles McMullen

A few months ago, it would have been impossible to predict that the UK would vote to leave the EU, and within days have a new Prime Minister. The country finds itself in a choppy sea of uncertainty and needs a strong hand at the helm to guide it into calmer waters. Theresa May has indicated that “Brexit means Brexit”, although what precisely this means will undoubtedly be the subject of convoluted negotiations and endless detail. There are all kinds of ramifications for relationships across these islands and the continent of Europe…

The two sides of the campaign were dubbed ‘Project fear’ and ‘Project hate’. The former produced doomsday scenarios, which included austerity budgets and complete economic meltdown. The latter argued that the entire population of Turkey could descend on these shores, if admitted to the EU…

Is there something the church can contribute to this particular debate? Could it be ‘Project grace’? …How we need to be praying for…a mighty outpouring of God in our churches that will break down barriers and spread throughout the land in lifechanging, healing power.

JULY/AUGUST 2018

Tearing the tartan

William

Scholes

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland does not wear its Scottish heritage lightly. The links to the ‘mother church’, the Church of Scotland, are long and deep, woven through decades of shared history, theology, kinship and tradition.

But the Kirks’ family tartan is not as tightly woven as it once was. It has become increasingly frayed around the edges, and this year’s General Assembly was charged with deciding whether the fabric should be repaired or rent asunder. As the bells tolled for 6pm on Wednesday, 6th June, it became apparent that the Assembly… had backed the separatist proposal, as Dr Trevor Morrow had characterised it, by 255 votes to 171…

JULY/AUGUST 2018

Same-sex couples and the sacrament

The General Assembly heard a report by the Doctrine committee on same-sex couples and the sacraments, having been asked by the General Council to prepare guidelines for kirk sessions to address the issue of samesex couples who may seek communicant membership, or who may request the baptism for a child. The focus of the report was on the “specific theological question of what constitutes a credible profession of faith and how it is to be understood and applied in these particular circumstances.”

Speaking to the report, Prof. Stafford Carson said, “It is crucial that we speak the truth in love to those who make such requests.” He continued, “We cannot say other than what God’s Word says about those who live in a way that is contrary to God’s will, and whose lifestyle does not match their profession.”

…John Hunter said, “Over the last nine years I have observed our Church becoming more harsh and judgmental in its attitudes, more concerned with breaking rather than building relationships, and more anxious to pursue doctrinal purity at the expense of love and grace. I regret to say that there is evidence of all these characteristics in the Doctrine Committee’s report.”

A lengthy debate followed… Rev. Richard Murray said, “I am glad this report is a trumpet giving a very clear sound… We need to go down the road of ‘Go and sin no more’.”

…the full report was passed by the House, meaning that the policy outlined in the appendix on credible profession of faith becomes the policy of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

The breaking point was the Scottish Church’s liberal approach to same-sex relationships… Those sitting outside the General Assembly may also perceive a disconnect between the ending of the formal, public link with the Church of Scotland and the passing of a resolution allowing PCI to continue to collaborate with Scottish brethren on matters of “mutual benefit”.

It all sounds rather close to PCI wanting to have its oatcake from Scotland, but to eat it alone. The Church of Scotland Moderator, Rt Rev Susan Brown, had said as much in her contribution to the debate… Once the result was declared, Dr George Whyte, the Scottish Church’s Principal Clerk, told the General Assembly that he and Mrs. Brown felt they had “no choice but to leave”. With that, they immediately left the hall, with not a few tears. Breaking relationships is an emotional business.

SEPTEMBER 2012

Current editor Sarah Harding’s first edition

Empowering emerging leaders

Settling myself on the sofa one evening, I flick over to BBC One in time to watch television’s loveliest programme. As my eyes gaze upon a thatched barn set against a bright blue sky, the sound of Bill Patterson’s soothing voice welcomes me into the extraordinary world of The Repair Shop. Inside this wonderful workshop of dreams, furniture restorers, horologists, metal workers, ceramicists, upholsterers, and all manner of skilled and caring craftspeople transform pieces of family history, bringing loved but broken treasures, and the memories they hold, back to life. I find myself struck by the repeated mention in this episode of one particular word: apprenticeship.

It’s easy to forget that The Repair Shop’s expert restorers once started out as apprentices. Their present skills were not simply gained nor honed overnight. For weeks, months and even years, each one of them had to take their turn standing alongside a gifted and well-practised master from whom they could learn their craft. They each had to be taught, shown, and involved in every last step of various restoration projects, whilst also being given both the permission and freedom to have a go at practising what they had learned.

This idea of learning from and being shaped alongside another is a concept which lies at the heart of both Christian discipleship and leadership. Throughout the gospels, apprenticeship was Jesus’ primary model of envisioning, encouraging, equipping and empowering the disciples for their future ministry tasks.

The Apprentice Scheme

PCI’s Apprentice Scheme is all about: bringing emerging leaders alongside us; involving them as we lead; letting them learn from what we do and how we do it; giving them the space to ask their questions; offering them practical tools that will equip them to lead fruitfully; releasing them to have a go; celebrating their joys and successes; and helping them learn from the difficulties and setbacks.

Since launching in the spring of 2022 with the vision of facilitating a fresh

wave of emerging leaders in PCI, eight ministry apprentices have taken the opportunity to serve. From Ballykeel to Carnmoney, Clontarf and Scots to Donegal, Dromara to Greenisland, and High Kirk to the university chaplaincies in Belfast, this year’s apprentices have been gaining practical experience across a broad range of ministry areas.

Apprentice|Train

The Apprentice Scheme, however, is not just about giving these eight emerging leaders the opportunity to experience what it looks like to serve day-to-day over the course of one year within a congregation or chaplaincy. As Jesus demonstrated with his disciples, it is also about engaging their head, heart and hands that they will be envisioned, encouraged, equipped and empowered for both their present and future service in the life and witness of the church.

To help achieve this, the Council for Congregational Life and Witness (CCLW), in conjunction with the Institute for Ministry at Union College, has developed a bespoke monthly training programme. It incorporates a mix of theological and practical learning and allows apprentices to further explore essential topics such as: what ministry

Throughout the gospels, apprenticeship was Jesus’ primary model of…empowering the disciples for their future ministry tasks.

Andrew Dickson highlights PCI’s Apprentice Scheme, which is helping

to envision, equip and empower emerging leaders in PCI.

Matthew Audley

Jack McQuillan

is; leading well; spiritual formation and helping others grow; working collaboratively with others; sharing faith; and how to open, understand and teach the Bible. Yet, there is also a further benefit to the establishment of this learning community; apprentices can catch up, share their stories of the previous month, and pray for one another and their host congregations. Such moments are key for their learning, growth and encouragement as they serve.

Apprentice 2023, coming soon Apprentice 2023 will provide congregations with an effective means to either develop their own emerging leaders, or else recruit and support an apprentice from another congregation to come and serve for one year in their church. It is important to note that the

responsibility for the recruitment and development of an apprentice lies with the host congregation. If your congregation would like to find out more information about what is involved or receive help in the process of recruiting an apprentice, then visit www.presbyterianireland.org/apprentice or email: clw@presbyterianireland.org Or perhaps you are an emerging leader keen to discern your calling whilst also growing your gifts within the life and witness of a local congregation. If you are 18 years and above, an active member of your church, then this opportunity is ideal for you.

Andrew Dickson is PCI’s Congregational Life Development Officer

Experiences of apprenticeship

“This year I have been serving as the creative and communications intern in Carnmoney congregation. It maybe isn’t the most common role in church, but I have found that the experience of getting involved in the day-today operations of church so influential. Working alongside a great team of staff and volunteers has benefited my skills and experiences. Being able to attend the monthly ‘Apprentice|Train’ sessions has given me a fantastic opportunity to grow in knowledge and practically apply the teaching to my own journey as a disciple. The whole experience has been so relevant and informative for me, and I would highly recommend this to anyone who is interested.”

Matthew Audley

“This year I am an apprentice in High Kirk, Ballymena, specifically serving within the youth and children’s department. The ‘Apprentice|Train’ programme has been such a brilliant way to meet others who are also serving this year, and it’s lovely to hear what everyone else has been getting up to. It’s a space where we can share not just our experiences but also pray for one another as well. The training itself has been so helpful in guiding me through this year, with lots of practical tips and great teaching from a variety of different people. I would highly recommend it; it has been such a worthwhile way to spend my year.”

Molly Cranston

“Through PCI’s Apprenticeship Scheme I have had the opportunity to serve God in a variety of ways part-time in my home congregation of First Dromara. So far, I have been involved in reaching out to young people through serving in our church’s youth club and Bible class. In addition, I have been blessed by having the opportunities to both lead church services and preach in them as well. Participating on the scheme has enabled me to gain greater clarity as I have sought to discern where I believe God to be calling me. The highlight for me each month is the training facilitated at Union College. These times of training, as well as the opportunity to share fellowship and pray with the other apprentices have been of great benefit to me personally.”

Jonny Rodgers

“Having Jonathan serve with us in First Dromara has been a real blessing. It’s not easy doing a placement such as this where you’ve grown up, where people have known you all your life. Within his role, Jonathan has preached on average once a month, led many children’s addresses, taken part in other aspects of public worship and engaged in pastoral visitation with me as well. I know that many in the congregation have valued and appreciated Jonathan’s abilities and gifts, which are being nurtured day and daily. For me, it has been a blessing to see the skills he has learnt being used by God across a variety of contexts.”

Rev Scott Moore, minister of First Dromara

I have found that the experience of getting involved in the day-today operations of church so influential.

Molly Cranston

Scott Moore (centre) and Jonny Rodgers (right)

TALKING POINTS

Passing on faith

Following recent census figures, which highlighted the trend towards secularisation, Norman Hamilton addresses the importance of passing on faith to our children and being Christ’s witnesses in every aspect of our lives.

The headlines on the BBC website were stark as the first results of the 2021 census in England and Wales were published at the end of November last. “Less than half of England and Wales Christian” and “Wales no longer mostly Christian nation”. The trend towards secularisation was further confirmed – and whatever the figures here in Ireland, it is hard to believe that the process of secularisation is lagging far behind that in the UK.

The statistics do, of course, rather beg the question of why this loss of allegiance to the Christian faith is happening at such a rapid rate. Prof Linda Woodhead, head of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at King’s College London, said that some of the decline in Christian identification was due to age: “The Christian population is quite an aged population, and therefore the death rate affects it. People are simply dying.”

She added: “But it’s also about not passing on religion to your children.” In Christianity, faith was not being passed down generations,” she said, whereas “it’s happening much more effectively in Islam and Hinduism.”

These are very troubling comments. We are an ageing group – and we have not passed on the faith to our children – even though Scripture is explicit that we actively seek to do so. The words of Deuteronomy 6 could not be clearer. They need to be factored into life in every Christian home, even though we know all too well that our children might well turn away from sharing their parents’ faith.

I would suggest a further reason – spelled out in detail in one of this year’s Reith lectures on the BBC by the Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She said: “There are many people in Western democracies today who will not speak loudly about issues they care about because they are afraid of what I will call, ‘social censure’ – vicious retaliation, not from the government, but from other citizens.”

Chimamanda observes that “we now live in broad, settled, ideological tribes” which leads many young people to practise self-censorship. “Even if they believe something to be true or important, they do not say so because they should not say so.”

There is little doubt in my mind that this is a very important reason why speaking about Christ and explaining why you are a believer is now something of a rare event, both in the workplace and even in the family. Fear of the reaction, bringing with it a loss of confidence in our ability to “give a reason for the hope that is in us” (1 Peter 3:15). So, by default, we increasingly accept that our faith is really a private matter between ourselves

and the Lord, which in turn opens the floodgates to those who wish to rubbish Christian belief, the truth of the Bible and the importance of Christ in both personal and public life.

If the ongoing decline is to be halted and even reversed, there surely is a huge need for all of us who take Christ’s name to see it both as a privilege as well as a responsibility to speak of Christ and spell out in straightforward language why we are believers – and take the hits if they come. There is no shame in that – even though it may well be uncomfortable from time to time.

I am firmly of the view that if we are not upfront in our homes with our faith and witness, then there is little likelihood of any wider witness to Christ. So, may I offer a few suggestions as to what this might look like?

Firstly, give thanks for our food at every meal, and ask the children to help lead the prayers.

Secondly – to read (and explain) Bible stories with our children and pray with them every night at bedtime. There are many ‘story’ editions of the Bible available in your local Christian bookshop which are very well suited to children of all ages. Thirdly – chat with other believers (and the children!) about what we are learning or grappling with in Christian faith and living. Such conversation is much less common than you might think – but doing it helps us ‘think through’ the challenges and privileges of following Jesus in this increasingly godless society. We may never again be able to say that we live in a Christian nation, though I am not quite sure what that actually means. But the followers of Christ didn’t live in one either – far from it. Yet they made opportunities and took them – often at considerable cost – and God honoured them. In our generation we are still called to be Christ’s witnesses wherever he puts us –at home, at work, amongst our friends and family. That remains a huge privilege.

I am firmly of the view that if we are not upfront in our homes with our faith and witness, then there is little likelihood of any wider witness to Christ.

Rev Dr Norman Hamilton

Very Rev Dr Norman Hamilton is a former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Mission Connect

Walking in God’s path

Mission news from workers around Ireland and the world.

Every aspect of our Church’s mission depends to some extent on United Appeal. Hundreds of projects and programmes at home and overseas are helping to advance God’s kingdom, showing God’s love in action to hundreds of thousands of people.

No two days are the same Rev Lesley-Ann Wilson

Carrigart, Dunfanaghy and the Bewglas Centre

Fiona McNutt

Looking to the future

Edwin and Ann Kibathi

Walking in God’s path

Michaela Tuccillo

Loving our neighbour

Sonya Anderson

Serving others

Steve and Rosie Kennedy

Including February prayer diary

No two days are the same

Rev Lesley-Ann Wilson Chaplain in Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre

Following Rev Colin Megaw’s retirement from Woodlands Juvenile Justice in Bangor, I applied for the role of Lead Chaplain and started in May 2022. I have always had an interest in prison ministry having been on a visitor rota to Maghaberry while a member of Fitzroy Presbyterian in the 1990s. I’m also a volunteer with Prison Fellowship.

No two days are the same in Woodlands and the hours are changeable as numbers of teenagers vary from week to week. Some teenagers are in and out very quickly with no opportunity to meet a chaplain. We produced wall mounted posters for each house, introducing the pastoral team of James, Bobby and myself. Beside that there is another poster with a quote or verse from somebody well known, like Bear Grylls. There are also literature racks to hold a range of tracts, New Testaments and Christian books.

to two sisters on the phone. He was elated and after the phone call he told his friend: “It’s just like what the woman said – only God could have organised that!” He was delighted to receive a New Testament from us.

Many have no background in faith so when the opportunity arises, I invite them to share a bit of their story.

Recently, an asylum seeker from Eritrea came into custody with little English. I had to use my best sign language! She was from the Orthodox Christian faith and in order to encourage her I visited her with an Orthodox priest and sourced a New Testament in her own language. She was very appreciative of this support.

Currently there are three houses for boys and one for girls. I go into each house to chat, play cards and pray with the teenagers. Many have no background in faith so when the opportunity arises, I invite them to share a bit of their story. I talk a bit about my faith in Christ, share a Bible story, give encouragement or whatever seems appropriate.

One day, one of the boys asked me how I knew that God was real. We chatted over the idea of ‘coincidences’. I explained that when we pray, very often that can result in a ‘God-incidence’, where something amazing happens that only God could have done. The next day I was back in the centre unexpectantly and the teenager couldn’t wait to tell me about a ‘God-incidence’ from the night before. For the first time in many years, he was able to speak

There is a work of prayer for the teenagers that goes on behind the scenes and part of my role is to develop support for that. Without God’s love and grace intervening in individual lives our work is empty. Our role as a pastoral care team is to reflect God’s love in our presence and actions. If you would be willing to pray, please email me to receive a monthly update: Lesley-annwilson@ hotmail.co.uk

Please pray:

• Pray for Lesley-Ann in her role as Lead Chaplain at Woodlands, that she would know God’s blessing and guidance in her interactions with the young people.

• Pray for increased opportunities for Lesley-Ann to share her faith.

• Pray for the young people entering Woodlands, that they would be encouraged and comforted by the support and prayers of Lesley-Ann and the pastoral team.

Carrigart, Dunfanaghy and the Bewglas Centre

Fiona McNutt

Carrigart Presbyterian Church is a small but vibrant church in north west Donegal. We are a positive, outward looking congregation whose members have a deep faith, are dedicated and give willingly of their time to promote their faith in our area. The Carrigart area is presently flourishing with new homes being built and a new business hub recently opened. Many people are relocating to work remotely in the area and our summer visitors continue to holiday here. There are many people for us to reach out to.

Carrigart Church is blessed to own the Bewglas Residential Centre. The centre is presently used for church meetings and activities. It is rented out to local community groups and is used as a self-catering residential centre for families and groups. Along with the congregation in Dunfanaghy, we are current seeking a minister. Part of the role for this ministry will be to work parttime from the Bewglas Centre in a missional outreach capacity, alongside pastoral duties in the congregations. This is a great opportunity to develop existing relationships and make new connections with groups and individuals from all backgrounds. Within this vision, we would like to open up the Bewglas Centre to more groups and individuals, using it as a neutral venue for people to witness faith in action. The centre could be used as a base to work with young adults to encourage them back to church, and we would like to offer more faith related activities to holiday makers.

As well as this, we wish to promote the Bewglas Centre to a wider audience in Ireland and further afield. We encourage groups within PCI to come for retreats and prayer and reflection

programmes. The centre sleeps 35; four family rooms that each sleep eight people and one room that sleeps three. The other facilities in the centre are shared. We offer the centre at a reduced rate so that families, who may not otherwise be able to afford a holiday, can come to this beautiful area and share in the life of our church family. Also, a diverse range of groups already use the centre. Some of these groups take part in Sunday worship, and there is the opportunity to engage with them all.

A large number of Ukrainian refugees have come to the area in the last few months. We have recently engaged with some of these families and they have started to attend church. Some of these families come from a Christian background but the majority do not, however they are coming to church and are enjoying the fellowship. There is great opportunity for mission with many outreach opportunities, and we look forward to welcoming a new minister in the future to embrace this exciting challenge. Email: carrigartpci@gmail.com or bewglascentre@hotmail.com

Please pray:

• For the congregations of Carrigart and Dunfanaghy as they are currently without a minister – that God would call the right person to serve in this area.

• Give thanks for the outreach opportunities that exist within the Bewglas Centre, and pray for these to grow.

• Give thanks for the Ukranian refugees coming along to church and enjoying worship. Pray that they will know God’s blessing.

Elder, Carrigart Presbyterian Church

Within this vision, we would like to open up the Bewglas Centre to more groups and individuals, using it as a neutral venue for people to witness faith in action.

Looking to the future

Greetings from London. As we emerged from the Covid pandemic, 2022 was a year of reflection, refocusing, and repositioning. Like many other churches and organisations, we have reluctantly accepted that we are in a new normal. Having now opened all the congregations, our prayer is that we be guided by the Holy Spirit on how we respond to God’s calling in the new dispensation.

Our congregations, namely: London, Reading, Luton and Birmingham have resumed their physical worship services, except Birmingham which meets online every Sunday, but also physically once every month whenever possible. We all join the midweek online service every Wednesday evening. The children from all the congregations meet on Saturday morning through Zoom for their service. However, attendance in all the congregations is still low following the pandemic; we are hoping and praying the situation will improve in the near future.

As I write this report, we have held our end of year Christmas dinner. This has become an important event to many. The reason being many cannot join their loved ones and so the church becomes their family. However, this is a very hard season as the cost of living has continued to rise. The increase in fuel and other basic commodities is a nightmare to many. We are, however, reminded that there are still others around the world who don’t have the opportunity to celebrate because of war or other natural calamities like drought and floods.

In response to God’s call into the communities around us, we have continued to partner with other churches and organisations. We thank God for our main partner, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, whose support spiritually and financially has made a huge impact. Since we don’t have our own building in any of the areas

we are working in, we have partnered with our host churches in different ways, as we seek to discern and respond to the needs of the members and the communities around us.

We now visit all the congregations to support and oversee the progress. All our church ministries – namely the men, women, youth and children – have resumed most of their activities. Though the numbers are low, we are encouraged by their presence and participation.

One of the major achievements in recent times is the purchase of a property which we intend to use as a manse. We are aware that without the support we get from PCI it would have been very hard to do this. In responding to the new normal and mostly the way we work and worship, we are constructing a cabin in the backyard which will be used as the office and studio to transmit our online services. The intention is to reduce the church activities’ interference with the minister’s family.

As we enter into 2023, we are reminded of the words in Joshua 1:9 that we be courageous and that God has promised to be with us wherever we go.

Please pray:

• For God’s guidance as we navigate into the future after the pandemic.

• That our ministry will make an impact in the communities where churches have been planted.

• For many families and individuals who are struggling financially as a result of the high cost of living.

• For continued vision, patience and boldness in implementing the work.

Edwin and Ann Kibathi

Global mission workers, PCEA UK Outreach, London

…our prayer is that we be guided by the Holy Spirit on how we respond to God’s calling.

Walking in God’s path

It’s great to have started working at Abbey, which I have found to be a very welcoming and supportive congregation with excellent facilities. While I’ve only been in post since September, we have seen God open doors for ministry. From established activities, such as Girls’ Brigade and Boys’ Brigade, consistently and committedly working with young people, to ‘Tots’ run by a dedicated team of volunteers, there are opportunities to meet and chat to the various people that come through the doors.

New ministries that have started are a coffee morning and community lunch. We hope that we can develop a team of volunteers that will be able to serve at these on a rota basis. While these currently serve members of the congregation, there have been a few others that have come in, and the hope is these volunteers could become a first point of contact with people from the community.

Some other opportunities have developed with outside organisations already working in the housing estate near Abbey. One example is a group we recently hosted who explored a variety of issues surrounding mental health. Their input was helpful and we hope that our connection with them can help to bring in the life changing power of the gospel alongside their programme.

Another opportunity that has arisen is to help at a Friday night children’s club in the local community centre, run by a number of people who live in the area, including a local councillor. It was a surprise and delight to be asked and to have had the freedom to share the true meaning of Christmas at one of these Friday nights

in December. Pray for more occasions like this to be able to speak to the children.

Going door-to-door can be difficult and discouraging, but each Tuesday as I knock the doors in the estate, I ask God for one encouragement and God has said yes to that plea. From a lady in church who has volunteered to join me each week, to someone who has come along to several of our Christmas events, to a young man asking about church services that he could attend. I thank God for these encouragements each week.

As we look towards the future, we thank God that he has very definitely confirmed that we are, together as a church team and family, in the right place and walking in the path that he has laid out for us. We look forward to seeing a mighty move of God in Monkstown.

Please pray:

• Give thanks for the opportunity to help at the Friday night children’s club and pray for more occasions to be able to speak to the children.

• Give thanks for the new ministries that have started and pray for the development of a team of volunteers.

• Pray for Michaela as she does door-to-door work every Tuesday, that she would continue to be encouraged and that people would be open to her.

Michaela Tuccillo

Community outreach worker, Abbey Monkstown

It was a surprise and delight to be asked and to have had the freedom to share the true meaning of Christmas.

Loving our neighbour

As we engage with our community, we see the great need for practical help. We see many who struggle financially when they face job loss or when their benefits are delayed. Many families struggle to make ends meet with the increasing costs of living. As a church, how can we help and support those in need and the vulnerable in our community? How can we love our neighbour well?

Over the years, we have tried a number of initiatives. For example, we had a freezer ministry where our congregation would supply freezer meals to those who were going through challenging times. We also began a Christmas hamper project where our church family would bring in hamper items in the weeks leading up to Christmas, and we would then liaise with the local primary schools to see who may require these to keep them going over the festive season.

Our heart as a church was always to do more as we saw the needs in our community. When we heard about Christians Against Poverty (CAP), we thought that it would be useful to run the CAP Money Course. We ran a number of courses in 2013/14 to help people manage their finances. Around that time, the idea of a food bank ministry was birthed and began to be investigated.

By February 2017, our Shore Street Food bank was established. The team includes many volunteers – some manage the donations; some prepare the parcels and others do the deliveries. The ministry has grown through the years and has served Donaghadee and beyond. The local shops have baskets for the community to contribute necessary items. Through generous donations, we have been able to supply meat and fresh produce vouchers, as well as help with electricity and gas top-ups. Occasionally, the team has been able to source household items

to those in desperate need. Firsthand we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of businesses, schools, community groups, as well as individuals. We have also seen people give back to the food bank when their situation has improved.

The past months have seen an increasing amount of food parcels being sent out and we anticipate the need getting greater as cost of living increases for us all.

The team is praying about what is next. What does God want us to do with the financial resources that he has provided? How can we develop the relationships that we are forming and meet not only physical needs, but also emotional and spiritual?

As a deaconess, I stand in amazement of the gifts and abilities that God has given people within the church and see the fruit of gifts being used well. I am privileged to have a food bank to refer people to, knowing that alongside the food parcels that are being delivered, God’s love and care is being shown, and that people are being prayed for and with. I wait in expectation to see how God will use this compassion ministry in the months and years ahead.

Please pray:

• Give thanks for the opportunities that Shore Street congregation has to reach out to the community, providing much needed practical help and support.

• Give thanks for the generosity of the community through donations to the food bank.

• Pray for Sonya and the many other volunteers as they engage with those in need, that as they show love in action, they would also have opportunities to share their faith.

Sonya Anderson Deaconess, Shore Street Presbyterian Church, Donaghadee

I stand in amazement of the gifts and abilities that God has given people within the church and see the fruit of gifts being used well.

Serving others

Steve and Rosie Kennedy Global mission workers, Romania

In our last article for Mission Connect, we concluded that our regular refrain in ministry in Cluj-Napoca has been to serve those that God has brought us. Currently, one of the key groups is the Ukrainian community. Together with the leadership of the Tóköz Church we have sought to provide support to those who have fled the war and found a home in ClujNapoca.

As an English-language ministry, our initial opportunity was to provide access to education for Ukrainian children. More recently, the Tóköz congregation has been able to secure funding that allows us to support this community more fully, and look to develop programmes initiated in February following the outbreak of war. As we have journeyed with the Ukrainian community and existing workers, we have been able to understand their needs better, and consider how we might best serve in the name of Jesus Christ.

We have adopted a ‘baby and mum’ group that was started by a partner organisation, and continue to work with the afterschool club that has run in our building since April. As we have become more involved, we see where God is opening doors in areas already identified as opportunities for our English-language ministry. Work with teens, women and a small group of men are ministries we hope to explore in the coming months.

A core part of our fellowship is developing a sense of community, and we wish to reflect this in our work with the Ukrainian refugees – welcoming them into our church community, helping them feel

connected in our city. The Christmas season gave us the opportunity to demonstrate this in a tangible way. On the fourth Sunday of Advent, we hosted our first Multi-lingual carol service. We had songs and readings in English, Hungarian, Romanian, Ukrainian, French, German and Arabic, reflecting our international ministry. We were honoured to invite a young Ukrainian girl to sing, a lady to read Scripture, and for some of the community to attend. We provided a full translation of the service in booklets in four mother-tongue languages. Many of the Ukrainian community in fact celebrate Christmas in early January, and we were able to help them celebrate in their own way. At Christmas, we celebrated that Jesus Christ came as Saviour for people of all nations, tribes and tongues. As we seek to reflect the light of the world to those around us, we pray for his hope in this coming year.

Please pray:

• For an end to the continuing conflict in Ukraine. For families separated from each other and from home.

• For the current projects of Tóköz and its English ministry, and for wisdom as more may develop, reflecting the needs of the Ukrainian community.

• Praise God for the involvement of those from the Ukrainian community in the Christmas services at Tokoz, and that more opportunities like this will arise.

As we have journeyed with the Ukrainian community…we have been able to understand their needs better, and consider how we might best serve in the name of Jesus Christ.

n COMMUNITY OUTREACH – For Mark Annett, community outreach worker in First Rathfriland. Pray for Mark and the congregation as it is currently vacant.

n DEACONESS – Sonya Anderson, serving in Shore Street, Donaghadee. Pray for relationships to be deepened with those in the surrounding community, that the hope of Jesus may be shared.

n SOUTHERN AFRICA – Give thanks for the writing project Volker Glissmann is currently involved in to help preserve TEE history,, due to be published in spring 2023. Pray it will be a blessing to TEE practitioners around the world.

n HOME MISSION – the congregation of Sligo; pray for Rev David Clarke and the leadership as they seek to go deeper in fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

n THOMPSON HOUSE – Give thanks for the work and witness of Thompson House, our Church’s supported housing scheme for offenders. Pray that those residents attending a Bible Study led by two members of staff will have an encounter with Jesus.

n COMMUNITY OUTREACH – For Ben Day working in Kilbride Presbyterian Church, pray that he will develop good relationships with the surrounding community particularly among young people in the area who aren’t connected to a church.

n UNPAID CARERS – Pray for the many thousands of unpaid carers as they do their best to support elderly relatives and those living with disabilities.

n URBAN MISSION – For the congregation of St Columba’s, Lisburn; pray for the various activities that take place each week which seek to connect with the local community.

n KENYA – Pray for the organisers of Presbyterian Church of East Africa’s mission conference planned for early February and for international partners travelling to Nairobi.

n CHAPLAINS – Pray for Revs Lindsay Blair, Stephen Hibbert and Ross Kernohan, parttime healthcare chaplains at Altnagelvin Hospital; that they would have a good balance between their chaplaincy duties and their congregational ministries and that the patients they serve would know God’s love.

n BEREAVEMENT – For many, recent weeks have been a time of sadness and sorrow. Pray that those who mourn will feel God’s presence.

n SOUTH BELFAST FRIENDSHIP HOUSE

– Pray for Rev William Harkness and Carol Reid working there and for the various programmes that take place each week including kids’ clubs for those in the Sandy Row area.

n CSW BUSINESS AND FINANCE PANEL –Pray for the panel as it considers how best to use the resources available for the Council’s work. Pray that they may be blessed with wisdom in the decisions they make.

n MIDDLE EAST

– Give thanks for Near East School of Theology which celebrated its 90th anniversary in November 2022. Pray for the Seminary as it serves the churches of the Middle East, despite the significant challenges faced in Lebanon at this time.

n COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Tori McClelland has begun work as an outreach worker in Movilla congregation. Pray for her as she settles into her new role and gets to know those in the congregation and surrounding community.

n INDIA – Give thanks for the 24th meeting of the Gujarat Diocesan Council (Church of North India) which took place from 20–22 January. Pray especially for Rt Rev Silvans Christian, Bishop of Gujarat Diocese, as he oversees the implementation of decisions.

n CHAPLAINS – Pray for PCI’s Forces chaplains who serve in very isolated and challenging circumstances. Pray that they would know the Lord’s presence wherever they are placed.

n INTERNATIONAL MEETING POINT

– Pray for the staff and volunteers of the International Meeting Point in both north and south Belfast, that they would be guided by God as they serve and care for those arriving into Belfast from different countries.

n INDONESIA –Pray for ongoing reconstruction work, following Cyclone Seroja, on the Suara Kasih radio station of the Christian Evangelical Church in Timor (GMIT). The station is dedicated to broadcasting the gospel to congregations and communities of Timor and surrounding islands, reaching some locations that are remote.

n HUMAN TRAFFICKING – Pray for all those caught up in human trafficking; for courage and perseverance and for hope in their individual situations. Pray also for those who work tirelessly to combat human trafficking.

n IRISH MISSION – Philip Whelton, Irish mission worker in Arklow; pray for those who attend the Wednesday club, Friday club and the coffee dock, that opportunities for gospel conversations would develop.

n BRAZIL – Pray for the Presbyterian Church of Brazil, that it would provide wise leadership and godly witness throughout the nation. Remember also the recently inaugurated President of Brazil, Lula da Silva, as he takes up his third term of office.

n CHAPLAINS – Rev Graham Stockdale serving as coordinating chaplain with the Northern Ireland Prison Service based at Maghaberry prison; pray for the hope and transformation of the gospel to break through into the lives of those currently in prison.

n HOME MISSION – For the congregation of Tullamore. Pray for the congregation as they seek to be a place of welcome to people from many places and backgrounds who are seeking safety and protection in Ireland.

n OLDER PEOPLE – Give thanks to God for older people and the encouragement and practical help that they can offer to their families, their church and their community. Pray that they may feel valued and appreciated.

n FRANCE – Give thanks for the visit towards the end of 2022 by Prof Gordon Campbell to engage in intensive teaching on Faculté Jean Calvin’s (FJC) undergraduate programme and for opportunities to reconnect with former colleagues and the rue Villars congregation. Pray for FJC as it trains Christian leaders, some of whom are from sensitive areas of North Africa.

n CHAPLAINS – Pray for Rev Kenny Hanna, PCI’s rural chaplain and the wider rural chaplaincy team as they are present in local marts and speak at different engagements.

n URBAN MISSION – Pray for the Urban Mission Network which exists as a support and encouragement to those serving in urban mission contexts. Pray specifically for the core team as it seeks to facilitate the network in an effective way.

Volker and JinHyeog Glissman

Rural Chaplaincy

Our subordinate standards enflame holistic discipleship Andrew Conway

Most committed Christians will likely agree that it is a constant challenge to be holistic in our discipleship. By ‘holistic’ I mean being actively committed to all that the Lord calls us to be committed to. A heartfelt and passionate commitment to one aspect of the Master’s call on our lives can too easily lead to a neglect of some other aspect of his call.

One of the most pertinent examples of this in my own experience to date has been with regard to social justice and evangelism. Even a casual reading of the New Testament makes it clear that these are both matters for Christian people to be committed to, and that they naturally go hand in hand. You might think, for example, of Peter, James and John encouraging Paul to remember the poor in his evangelising of Gentiles. “The very thing,” he says, “that I was eager to do” (Galatians 2:20).

Yet I expect that I am not the only one to have often found it a struggle to pursue these two commitments in tandem. At times it seems like whole swathes of the Church are passionate about either social justice or evangelism but not both.

We can easily neglect the materially poor because we allow a proper concern for spiritual health to be an excuse for not pursuing social justice, and equally we can easily ignore the spiritual needs of the materially affluent. The Master surely calls us to take a holistic interest in the welfare of others, which expresses itself in a commitment to both evangelism and social justice.

If we recognise in ourselves a tendency to struggle with this balance, where might we turn for help? The supreme answer of course is to look to the Lord himself as we earnestly study his Word in the power of his Spirit and pour out our hearts to him in prayer. In doing so we are continually brought face to face with his holistic heart for us and for others, and graciously and gradually transformed into his likeness.

Subordinate to this supreme answer, there are various resources available to us today. Hearing from brothers and sisters in other parts of the world can often be the Lord’s means of showing us how our own perspective is not as holistic as it should be.

All manner of information is available from organisations such as Tearfund that can be a humbling and helpful reminder

of our calling to pursue social justice. Updates from global mission workers in countries that are materially wealthy but in great spiritual need can help safeguard us against neglecting evangelism.

Surprising as this may sound in some ears, our subordinate standards within PCI can help us be holistic, pursuing both evangelism and social justice. I venture to suggest that the more familiar someone is with the subordinate standards, and the puritan movement out of which they sprang, the less surprising they will find this statement. In engaging with puritan writers, I of course find some things that I think are mistaken, but invariably they expose more faults in me than I can find in them. In blunt terms, they were better at holistic discipleship than I am.

Last summer, our summer assistant and I read through The Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter. It was about 10 years since I had last read it. I was struck afresh by how often Baxter’s obvious passion for the spiritual health of those to whom he ministered went hand in hand with a clear desire to help alleviate material poverty, even at the cost of personal sacrifices we might baulk at today.

At times there are differences of opinion around what the Westminster Confession (WCF) means for us today and one such topic of disagreement is around social justice. I do not believe that the WCF speaks against the pursuit of social justice at all though. Indeed, as a denomination we might do well to consider what the Confession says about sharing with brothers and sisters in need (chapter 26, paragraph 2) and ask ourselves whether our commitment to impoverished Christians the world over really lives up to the standard the Confession teaches.

I need all the help I can get if, by the grace of God, I’m to grow in the pursuit of evangelism and social justice. I’m glad I can count our subordinate standards among the helps he has made available to me.

Andrew Conway is minister of Second Comber Presbyterian Church.

At times it seems like whole swathes of the Church are passionate about either social justice or evangelism but not both.

Ukrainians in Ireland

A year on from the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the Herald hears how three PCI congregations are reaching out to Ukrainian refugees who have found themselves in Ireland.

Kilbride

Alan Montgomery, one of Kilbride’s young adults, explains how the Co Antrim church has been hosting several Ukrainian families.

Kilbride’s engagement with our Ukrainian friends began when our minister proposed to the church committee that the sexton’s house, one of the church’s properties, be used within the ‘UK Homes for Ukraine’ scheme. A room at our manse was similarly dedicated by the McFadden family to this worthy cause. We initially believed that two properties ready to accommodate our Ukrainian guests was good progress. However, it then emerged that three other families within our congregation, each acting entirely independently, had also registered with the Homes for Ukraine initiative. So, with no announcements or strategy, motivated solely by God’s movement in our host families’ hearts, Kilbride became a cluster of four willing host families and five properties, ready to support the coming refugees.

The process of connecting with and bringing these families into the country was not straightforward; visa applications proved complex and frustrating, with some cases taking many months. However, invigorated by the knowledge that God inspired our actions, we persevered.

A local organisation, Starfish Ukraine (starfishukraine.com), played a key role in our efforts by pairing hosts to incoming families and assisting with the many aspects of administration and integration. Our Ukrainian friends’ journey was inevitably challenging. One family travelled from Kyiv. They had been sheltering in their church’s basement before making their way to our community through Belfast, arriving in mid-May. Two more families came as a group, making their way from Southern Ukraine to Romania, before travelling through Ireland to reach Kilbride in

June. Another family came from a rural area in Ukraine. The last of our families journeyed from Odessa, joining us in July. Each family had their own difficult and individual story. Once the families arrived, our hosts worked hard in helping them adjust to their new home, assisting in enrolling children in schools, registering with GPs and navigating the benefits system. The host families also played a valuable role in introducing our new friends to Northern Irish culture, our particular form of English and general way of life. Our land is very different from Ukraine, including our weather. One Ukrainian remarked that Northern Ireland has no seasons (compared to Ukraine) – we have what he saw as a single autumn period.

In total, Kilbride has hosted five families, comprising 19 individuals. One family has since moved to another location, so we currently have 13 individuals. We have also successfully connected with families in other areas, who now regularly engage in activities we have to offer.

Kilbride’s goal has always been to allow our Ukrainian guests to worship alongside us as much as

possible. Therefore, we do not hold separate services in Ukrainian. Instead, translations of the upcoming service are made available before Sunday. Our motive for this pursuit is simple: our Ukrainians are cherished members of the congregation, and we wish for them to fully participate in Sunday worship alongside the entire community. This approach has proven effective, and church attendance among our new friends has remained consistently high. We are also pleased to see our Ukrainians integrating into church life, by joining the welcome rota, helping to collect offerings, and lending their musical talents to our praise groups and choir.

In addition, a number of special events have been organised with our Ukrainian friends in mind. One Sunday in November, time during the worship service was devoted to them telling their stories to the congregation. This proved emotional for everyone involved, but we are grateful to them for sharing this experience with us, and now feel we better understand the pain they have endured.

In December, our Ukrainian families hosted a lovely evening with a traditional Ukrainian meal for our Kilbride team as a thank you. Meanwhile, at our annual Christmas carol service, we were privileged with a recital of Silent Night, performed by one Ukrainian teen in her

Kilbride may never be the same again – and we welcome this change.

own language. During this service, Bible readings were delivered in both English and Ukrainian by two of our new guests, allowing the congregation to appreciate their language’s beauty.

At Kilbride, we want our Ukrainians to feel able to participate in all aspects of church life; the church’s organisations have sought to welcome our new friends. The Friday Fellowship seniors programme has proven popular, as have our Saturday morning prayer breakfasts. The Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade have both received Ukrainian members. One such teenage attendee, is well on his way to achieving the Queen’s Badge award, a remarkable effort.

As well as our host families, we have been blessed with a large number of active volunteers, an enthusiastic subset of our congregation who have deliberately built up a trusting relationship with our Ukrainian guests. For us, these volunteers are embodiments

of the church experience – normal members who have gone out of their way to help families meet their needs. They have assisted with school runs, including later collections when children wish to participate in extra-curricular activities. They have delivered food parcels prepared by the local food bank, organised walks and other outings. We rented the rural transport bus, with one of our volunteers registering as a driver to carry Ukrainians to English classes and other events. These months have been a special experience – joyful, inspiring, frustrating, exhausting, energising – so many adjectives could be used! Kilbride may never be the same again – and we welcome this change. Compassion has always been part of our church’s ethos. However, we have now had the opportunity to practise global compassion face-to-face in BT39. We firmly believe this experience has changed our church for the better. Paul commands us to “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality” (Romans: 12:13). Kilbride has done what we can to obey this instruction with those who truly needed our help over these past number of months.

Arklow

Emma Anderson, a member of Arklow Presbyterian who is trained in teaching English as a foreign language, explains how the congregation has reached out to Ukrainian refugees in the town, including providing English classes.

Our church building in Arklow has long been used by community groups of all types, including international refugees from a variety of war zones. As the congregation responded to the unfolding refugee crisis in our town from early March, it has continued to be a relevant witness for Christ.

Ukrainian refugee children have been enrolled in the Montessori pre-school since the beginning of the conflict. English classes were facilitated from early March with a lovely blend of volunteers from church, including enthusiastic and diligent retirees as well as those who are CELTA teachers (teaching English as a foreign language) with previous experience working with global refugees. The unity in this team has been fabulous. Over 300 students have been in our classes, some only for two weeks while they were waiting for accommodation in other areas but many on a consistent basis. There’s a constant need as new refugees still continue to arrive in the town.

Church members quietly volunteer to help refugees with many of life’s practicalities. Everything from guitars to rollators have been supplied with speed and grace ensuring dignity and discretion.

Food hampers were generously provided by the congregation at Christmas and distributed through

It has been a blessing to see God use us as a church and grant us the stamina and emotional strength to continue to give.

the local Ukrainian hub to celebrate Ukrainian Christmas in early January. There are many spontaneous gatherings in coffee shops and visits to homes as deep relationships have developed. Children have attended the weekly Friday club and Holiday Bible Club in the summer.

A group of refugee psychologists has developed a programme for dealing with trauma and has used the building weekly. Some refugees have asked the minister, Michael for prayer or for Bibles. All enjoy the bright and warm church building as a respite from hotel rooms, cramped shared housing and even the sports centre.

Quotes from Ukrainians and volunteers at Arklow

The fact that the church organised English language learning for Ukrainians was very important to me as support. This is a big help in adaptation and integration. Having taken refuge from Ireland and Irish people, it is very important to have that feeling of support.

Ruslan

When my family and I came to Ireland, I only knew a few words of English. I was very embarrassed that I did not understand what they were saying to me. But people were friendly and sensitive to me. And when I came to class with my parents, toys and fun games were waiting for me and I quickly stopped being afraid of strangers and an unfamiliar language.

Matvii, 5 years old

I really enjoy English classes at the church. In my group, we always have a lot of speaking practice. It’s very important for us. We can talk about different topics: history, politics, hobbies... also we improve our grammar. Thank you to all the teachers. Thank you for your support.

Natalie

All of this speaks to our new neighbours of the love of God. It has been a blessing to see God use us as a church and grant us the stamina and emotional strength to continue to give. We pray he will continue to give us the love, patience, kindness and gentle, faithful commitment that only he can provide that we may continue to serve. He came not to be served but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many. May we continue to serve too.

The Monday English class in the church has become a club where we genuinely just have fun together and learn from each other. The heart wrenching stories we have heard about the loved ones they have lost, their towns and cities that have been blown apart and their family and friends that are left behind, some of whom are working in hospitals that have been the target of missile strikes and others who are fighting on the front line. We are heartbroken for them.

Paul and Pauline (volunteers)

This time last year I would have had difficulty finding Ukraine on a map. I have enjoyed so much meeting these lovely people week by week over the last year. We have laughed and yes, we have cried as we heard their stories. I am certainly better for the experience as they have given me far more than I have given them.

Dave (volunteer)

Letterkenny

Minister of Trinity, Letterkenny, Rev Tommy Bruce, describes how the congregation felt compelled to help Ukrainian refugees in the town.

“Let strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich the house of another” (Proverbs 5:10).

“What can I do? How can I help?” These were the questions I was asking myself at the beginning of March. Like many it became a prayer, “Lord how can we help, how can our church show mercy in this distressing situation?” We prayed; in our services and in our prayer meetings. We prayed for peace, for an end to the war; we prayed for protection for those who were trying to escape the war and we prayed that God would give us an opportunity to respond in a practical way.

The Moderator’s Appeal was timely and was supported admirably by all, but was that it? Give a few euros and then move on? Then there was one of those ‘chance’ meetings, with a man who had a family connection in the church. His Ukrainian partner, who had volunteered alongside Helen in our local community food bank, had been appointed as a local liaison.

So we asked, “What can our church do?” I was thinking that we could run a coffee morning (Presbyterians are renowned in Donegal as great bakers, and so a coffee morning is always a success), but their need was not for money, but for a space to play for the pre-school children who had moved into the hotel.

…they have given me far more than I have given them

(It just so happened that the main hotel where the refugees were staying was opposite the church.) So, an appeal went out to the church and local community for toys to set up a parent and toddler group. It was amazing to watch as people brought trailer and van loads of toys into the hall.

Some ladies in our church set up a safe place for adults and children seeking refuge from the war. It became obvious that there were more opportunities to minister to this group who had become our new neighbours, and so a second hall was set up with good second-hand clothing and shoes and an appeal was made for toiletries. Google Translate was downloaded, and the process of building trust and relationships began, as the love of Jesus was practically displayed to those families who came along.

Of course, pastoral needs also developed, with opportunities to speak of God’s help and grace in the midst of suffering as well as to pray with groups and individuals. To celebrate the end of term, a barbeque was organised, for our church family and our new neighbours. The barbeque was the best of Irish meat, cooked by a South African and a Brazilian, in the pouring rain of an Irish evening, while some 120 people enjoyed sketch board Bible stories and puppets to present the gospel message.

‘What is God calling us to do?’ is the question we continued to ask as we opened our halls in August for summer camps for 4–14 year olds, in art and crafts, music and cookery. The relationships continued to grow through September to December, through the parent and toddler group, now running every Tuesday and one to one pastoral ‘catch ups’ over coffee or lunch. Christmas gave us the opportunity to share in a service of ‘Light and Hope’. The Ukrainian children sang and it was a privilege to speak of the hope that Jesus, the light of the world, brings to our lives. Sam Shaw from Godshandiwork Puppets provided us with the Jesus Story Book Bibles in Ukrainian and the local hygiene bank gave us toiletries to distribute to the 70 children and their families that attended.

We asked God what we could do and he led 200 Ukrainians to our doorstep. Please pray for us as we continue to be obedient to God’s call to serve others and to share our faith in Jesus.

Could you help Ukrainian refugees?

A small team of Christian volunteers has been working hard over the last few months under the banner ‘Starfish Ukraine’. The founders have significant experience in ministry in Ukraine and following God’s prompting have used use their skills and connections to help place refugees into Christian homes throughout the island of Ireland. Their vision was to provide safe refuge in family homes and to develop small ‘hubs’ of Ukrainians placed in local areas, with support from churches for both the host and Ukrainians, in areas such as English teaching, navigating the benefits system and transport, as well as help finding work.

To date they have placed over 400 Ukrainians into homes. A significant number of these are Christians who have started to attend local churches and build their own fellowship network to reach out to other Ukrainians who do not yet know Jesus.

As the war shows no sign of ending, the number of people hoping to find refuge here continues to grow. Would you consider hosting? This can be done on an individual basis or as part of a group of families linked to a particular church. It can even take the form of a church using an unused manse or taking on the rental of a property for a particular family.

The Starfish team will do their best to find a suitable Ukrainian family to match your requirements and can give guidance on the visa process and other issues that may arise.

They would love to hear from you – both individuals and churches –to discuss your interest and can be contacted via starfishukraine.com or email: starfish.ukraine.2022@ gmail.com

We asked God what we could do, and he led 200 Ukrainians to our doorstep.

MODERATOR

Grace at work

Moderator, Dr John Kirkpatrick, reports on his recent trip to Hungary and Transcarpathia in western Ukraine, to see first hand how PCI donations are helping the refugee crisis.

Sitting here in the quiet peace of my kitchen, it’s difficult to have a true sense of life under fire. Today the news report speaks of 70 missile attacks on Ukraine. In a country of over 200,000 square miles, the ripples of war are felt in ever corner. It was the right thing to respond as we did in February by donating what was the largest gift of its kind from PCI, almost £1.4 million.

In October 2022, Joan and I had the privilege of visiting the western region of Transcarpathian Ukraine, in solidarity with the Reformed Church in Transcarpathia, as they respond to the effects of the war. What we discovered was that all aspects of life have been affected in some way. Many people have left the country in search of safety, causing gaps in the workforce. This means that a greater demand falls on those left behind, especially in terms of social care. Often the elderly and vulnerable are not able to leave.

So as the ripples of war wash on these

far western edges of Ukraine, how has the Church responded?

Before I explain that, I need to give a little context to this Church. This region of Ukraine has been the subject of many boundary changes in the last century. The small Reformed Church has found itself under Czech, Hungarian, Nazi, Russian, and Ukrainian control. With each change there have been particular trials for the Church. The worst of these occurred in the period from 1956–1989. During this period, many pastors were exiled to the extremes of the Soviet Union, some to the labour camps. At the conclusion of this time, only a small number of faithful pastors survived and courageously nurtured the Church.

According to Mikhail Gorbachev, the

disaster at Chernobyl in 1986 caused the collapse of Soviet communism five years later. The Soviet Union’s last General Secretary described the explosion as a “turning point” that “opened the possibility of much greater freedom of expression, to the point that the system as we knew it could no longer continue.”

Such times can remind us of the greater stories that are being written where the human eye cannot see and the journalist cannot ask questions, nor the camera record. This is a good reminder to us in our present situation in Europe, that what may at first seem only tragic and disastrous is not the complete picture.

The clear and consistent gospelshaped lives of these faithful pastors was used by God in a special way after the new freedoms… their lives acted as powerful examples of the grace of God. Their ministries produced much fruit, so that today after just 30 years, there is a Church of 67,000 members and 108 congregations, served by 75 pastors and 124 religious teachers. This is a Church

The grace of God is seen to be at work in so many ordinary and extraordinary ways.

moulded in hard times and is well equipped to minister to the hurting people who are in its midst or passing through.

It is the unremarkable but consistent repetition of simple acts of grace and kindness that define the Church’s response to the overwhelming need. A small bakery, producing thousands of loaves of bread, delivered by bus to Kiev and then filled with children for the return journey. The opening of every church facility to create space for thousands of displaced people. The construction of bomb shelters, the visitation of hundreds of vulnerable people on a regular basis. From donors like PCI, it has been possible to provide over 500,000 tons of food, clothing, hygiene and medical equipment.

The grace of God is seen to be at work in so many ordinary and extraordinary ways. Small gestures of grace have a deep impact. I was moved and challenged by the story of the woman who felt unable to provide a home or something big, but offered to stand in the long border queue for a mother and her children. She offered the gift of rest on the long, tiring journey. Many ‘cups of water’ have been given to honour the Lord and bless others.

While it was true that the streets of Beregszász in Ukraine, where we visited, had few men and the villages had many empty homes, it was also true that there was a great presence of compassion. The churches spread across the countryside were still active and alive, the pastors remaining to serve the community and the displaced people in their midst. As a result of the generosity of PCI, they have been enabled to remain, giving the hopeful grace of presence, as well as ministering to needs.

When I asked Bishop Sandor what he would like us to pray for the country; his response was “peace”. There is no desire for victory, but a peace for all. I was blessed by the response, which goes counter to some of the other voices.

He recognises that ordinary people are victims on every side of this conflict and there is need to pray for the Russian people too, to remember that there are believers in Russia who suffer, but have to be mostly silent. His words should resonate with us and guide us in our prayers.

train station to relocation and all the needs required to make that possible each and every day. We can only imagine the weariness and the exhaustion many will feel as they reach out day after day with no clear end in sight.

We witnessed grace at work in the practical and in the emotional support, in the patience and love shown again and again. In Vörösmarty Street, in the midst of the bustling city of Budapest you will find St Columba’s Church, which lives up to its mission statement: “We will nurture one another in faith, uphold one another in prayer, encourage one another in service”. It is here that a small but significant food bank and café now operates to care for Ukrainian refugees. While this is an English speaking church it is clearly communicating grace; working to bless the traumatised and disoriented who are trying to find some semblance of normal life.

I am so aware that our part is the very privileged one. We can leave this behind physically, although we cannot really in our hearts and minds. This is because it is not a story of statistics and facts; it is about people. The people, so traumatised they could not speak to us about their experiences in their Donbas homes. The people each day trying to plan care, ministry, and help in a very changing and unstable world. To visit once is good to identify with and stand with folk on the ground, but it cannot end there.

There is a contrast on the other side of the Hungarian border. Everything is ‘life as normal’ on the surface… but later we meet some of the team from Hungarian Church Aid and there we discover that under the ‘waterline’ all is very different. The figures tell their own story. 180,852 refugees have been provided with care in Hungary, by 4,300 volunteers. This is but the tip of a very large iceberg. Involved in this word ‘care’ is the whole journey; from

As I have reflected since, I am more conscious of the other warfare we are all a part of: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). This fight has to be won on our knees and in our hearts; these wars shall all cease one day but until then we must fight daily with the might of Christ.

…it is not a story of statistics and facts; it is about people.

Legacy

There’s nothing I want to do more than to see my children thrive and embrace the future with that humble confidence which characterises faithful disciples. Together with my wife Debbie, I want to raise our children as worshippers, not worriers. But we are parenting through unchartered territory, or if it’s not unchartered, it certainly feels that way.

It is hard not to be anxious as a parent, even if we believe the pull of God’s grace far outweighs anything else. As a father, I recognise the world is a scary place. I’m nervous and I feel inadequate. Debbie and I need the body of Christ to help us raise children in today’s world.

The average teen now spends 7 hours and 22 minutes on their phone every day. And when I compare that to the amount of time I get to spend with my children, I wonder what impact I can have or how I can regulate what it’s doing to their young minds and hearts. In short, our children don’t know what’s ahead of them and I don’t know where to start. But as a youth leader, walking with many young people over the past 16 years, I can tell a different story. One we as a Church need to hear.

It has been my observation that the most significant influence on a young person’s future is not social media, a friendship group, or even their smartphone. Overwhelmingly the stats confirm it’s their parents (including the role of their father), who have by far the most significant influence in their lives.

My own experience tells this story and I’m sure this resonates with every reader dotted across our island.

In light of this, I believe there are three home truths our Church community needs to hear:

1. We live in an under-fathered society

The evidence of this is everywhere. Somewhere along the way, fathers have become discouraged, begun to believe the lie that their role is irrelevant, and in some cases abdicated their responsibility altogether. As a result, the potential of father-son and father-daughter relationships is unrealised in our society and in our church. For the young person, moments of affirmation are missed, opportunities for sharing wisdom and experience are passed by, questions remain unvoiced and the potential of making disciples at home is lost. The ministry of fathers lies dormant despite its potential.

2. Fathers are more important than we think

Recently, through my ministry with Exodus, we read Mark Chapter 1 with 920 pupils in a school in the north west, class by class, all in small groups.

On Wednesday morning, as our team prepared for another day, one of our volunteers commented that most of the young lads were giving the same answer to the last question of the class: ‘What do you want to remember from the passage?’ Interesting.

Mark 1 is action-packed: from John the Baptist eating locusts, to demon possession, to Jesus calling his first followers. In light of our volunteer’s comment, I paid attention as I read with another 20 classes that week, posing the same question. Every time, it was the same answer. The verse they wanted to remember is this: “And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased’” (Mark 1:11). Each time those words shook nervously from a pupil’s mouth, the conviction of the importance of fathers held my heart with a tighter grip. There is something significant… no, there is something defining about the voice of a father. God the Father was sure to affirm his son before he began his ministry and young people are longing for the voice of an affirming father figure. I have come to realise that fathers are more important than we think.

3. Fathers need encouragement

Fathers matter, and as a Church committed to passing on faith, we must realise fathers have a defining voice in the raising of a faith-filled generation. We must harness the latent potential that often lies unmined in our pews.

…young people are longing for the voice of an affirming father figure.

Andy Lamberton outlines a new ministry for fathers, launching from Exodus, that is designed to encourage and equip dads in their important role.

Every father I talk to wants to do the best they can. And as fathers, we don’t need to be patronised into manning up or being better; we need to be invited into a vision of what fatherhood is and its place in our families and society. We need to know that God believes in fathers, in fatherhood and in the father’s ability to pass on faith to his children. We need to remind ourselves how God commissions fathers and father figures to play their part in his kingdom strategy: the church, as a family of families.

Throughout the ages, the church has led in education, health care, human rights and gospel proclamation. We see a need in our society, hear the command in Scripture and choose to act. I believe we are at a moment in history where we must take a lead and proclaim within our culture the necessity of family and the value of fathers. We need to say with conviction and clarity: fathers are important, we’re standing with them and we will create space for their God-given workmanship.

What is ‘Legacy’ and what programmes are available for your church in 2023?

At Exodus, we’re launching a ministry for fathers called Legacy. We want to work with churches to provide programmes

for us fathers to invest in our sons and daughters at key moments in their lives.  We want to start humbly, generously and move at a healthy pace. Humbly: we don’t know all the answers but we want to begin to seize the opportunity. Generously: we want to offer ourselves ‘on the ground’ to your church. A healthy pace: we believe this is a cultural shift for the body of Christ, so as with anything

Presbyterian), Bishop Ken Clarke (Church of Ireland), and Andrew Lynas (Lynas Foodservice).

We’ve got these programmes available for your church this year:

Legacy days: a facilitated day-out packed with activities and conversations for a group of fathers and sons, or fathers and daughters, from your church, both shoulder-to-shoulder and face-to-face, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Men Behaving Dadly: a series of four conversations for all fathers and father figures in your church, thinking about how we pass on faith. This works well on a weekday evening, once a month, and can be incorporated into a midweek series.

Speaking: as a ministry, we want to offer ourselves to men’s breakfasts, church services and session meetings to talk about the need for engaged fathers today.

important we’re not rushing ahead but want to develop, grow and move together.

Our ministry team is made up of: myself, Andy Lamberton (Legacy director); Jim Brown (Exodus CEO), Johnny Bell (Saintfield Road Presbyterian), Ian Lamberton (Fahan

The Legacy Award: Specifically for fathers and sons (12–14). This is a six-month journey of adventure and faith development. Think of a Christian ‘Duke-of-Ed’ that you do with your son and you’re on the right lines.

We would love to serve you in any of the above ways. For more information on these programmes please email: andy@ exodusonline.org.uk to chat about how we can serve your church today.

Andy Lamberton is a member of Fahan Presbyterian Church, together with his wife Debbie and four children. His first book, Letters for Exiles, is out in June, with 10ofThose.

The ministry of fathers lies dormant despite its potential.

Joy in the Morning

Tauren Wells

AVAILABLE VIA STREAMING SERVICES

Tauren Wells is an American singersongwriter from Houston, Texas. His album, Joy in the Morning, highlights how Wells firmly believes that our problems and troubles are in the hands of God. The album has a strong welcoming aspect to it, showing the universal love and care that God has for everyone. Each song carries its own meaning in such a unique and special way.

Song three, entitled Come Home, allows those who feel as though they don’t belong in the world that they belong and have a home within God. The title song tells the beautiful truth that when the storm passes, there will be joy and reason behind our struggles. This track is both encouraging and reassuring to those who are facing difficulties in life – as Tauren proudly proclaims in this song: “If it’s not good then he’s not done”. Such special lyrics carry so much truth, reassurance and encouragement to those who might be questioning their faith due to the struggles they are facing.

Overall, the style of the album is upbeat and modern whilst still carrying such important and strong messages of God’s Word. Each song is lyrically strong, conveying a special and comforting message to those who need it. The album highlights that soon there will be joy once again – it is all in the hands of God.

2 Peter: Growing in Christ and false teaching

Harry Uprichard

WESTBOW PRESS

£17.95

Following on from his 2019 book, 1 Peter: Living for Christ in a suffering world, former PCI Moderator Dr Harry Uprichard moves on to 2 Peter and considers the key lessons in this oftenneglected book in the Bible.

His latest offering looks at the key lessons in the book, namely Peter’s instructions to Christians about growing in Christ amid false teaching. Writing to refute those teachers who are spreading false knowledge which leads to nowhere, Peter defines true knowledge as saving, growing and fruitful and its source is Scripture.

“Second Peter chapter 1 is about true knowledge of God. Chapter 2, by way of contrast, is about false knowledge of God. Chapter 3 shows what the outworking or application of this knowledge of God should be in the thinking and living of Peter’s readers. If knowledge of God is really true, it will have practical results in the lives of those who profess it,” writes Uprichard.

This is a thorough commentary, which helpfully takes the reader through 2 Peter verse by verse. It has received endorsements from Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology at the Reformed Theological Seminary, USA, and former Moderator and Union Theological College Principal, Dr Stafford Carson, who says, “As we await the new heavens and the new earth in which righteousness dwells (3:13) we need to reflect carefully on these important lessons which are laid out so clearly for us in this book.”

God in Number 10: The personal faith of the Prime Ministers, from Balfour to Blair

Mark Vickers

SPCK PUBLISHING

£12.98

In 2003 when former Prime Minister Tony Blair was asked about his faith, Alastair Campbell his adviser at the time famously cut in to say, “We don’t do God”. This book, researched and written by Mark Vickers, traces the faith stories of UK Prime Ministers through the 20th century – both those that ‘did do God’ along with those that didn’t. He also takes time to examine the influence of faith within family relationships – parental through to marriage – on those who have held the highest political office. Drawing on biographical material and his own interviews, Vickers does not offer sugarcoated representations of the lives recounted in the book, but includes accounts of differences of opinion between church and state, often at crucial moments in the nation’s past.

Surveying each Prime Minister chronologically, God in Number 10 offers a potted political and social history of the UK throughout the last century. Those who might look back with rosetinted glasses on those times as heady days when faith was an integral part of public life, may be surprised to find a more nuanced picture. Reading through the book the changing place of faith in the public square becomes increasingly apparent. A short post-script summarising the faith of our 21st century leaders (up to former Prime Minister Boris Johnston) is a useful reminder that while the role of faith has changed, religious belief cannot be dismissed, even by those at the top.

SH – Suzanne Hamilton is an administrative officer for the Herald KJ – Karen Jardine is PCI’s Public Affairs Officer

ER – Emily Rowan is studying English and Drama and attends West Church, Bangor

The glory of the church

David Clarke

Studies in 1 Peter (2:4–10)

John Fugelsang is a quick-witted and articulate American writer, actor and comedian who said something recently which Christians need to take on board. He remarked: “I’ve come to view Jesus much the way I view Elvis. I love the guy, but the fan clubs really freak me out.”

He had in his sights certain American churches, whose members, with crass insensitivity, picket the funerals of dead homosexuals, holding aloft banners condemning gay sex. Such ‘fan clubs’ would freak most people out! He would almost certainly approve of another critic who remarked, “I have no objection to churches so long as they do not interfere with God’s work.”

Aware of such criticism one American church which adopts a fixed liturgy, regularly uses a prayer which runs: “Forgive us for turning our churches into private clubs; for loving familiar hymns and religious feelings more than we love you; for pasting stained glass over our eyes and ears to shut out the cry of the hungry and the hurt of the world.”

To combat such feelings of inadequacy, it is worth examining the New Testament vision of what the church is intended to be.

The church’s foundation. Employing a chain of Old Testament references (Isaiah 28:16, Psalm 118:22 and Isaiah 8:14) Peter hails Jesus as the “chosen and precious cornerstone” (2:6). Just as a cornerstone was essential for the structure of a building, so Jesus is the essential foundation of the new Temple God is building. Those who build on him will “never be put to shame” (v6). That phrase is a deliberate understatement. It would be nearer the mark to say that they “will find great glory”.

Peter himself burst through to that realisation at Caesarea Philippi, where he hailed Christ as Messiah (Luke 9:18–27). In that passage, the rock on which the church is built is not Peter, but rather Peter’s confession. Here the rock is Christ himself. No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).

Peter’s first readers were well aware, and perhaps daily reminded by their neighbours, that Jesus had been “rejected by men” (v4 and v7). Peter counters that feeling by declaring that their Lord was “chosen by God and precious to him” (v4).

The church’s fellowship. Each new believer is a new stone added to the spiritual house: “As you come to him…you are being built into a spiritual house” (v4). One commentator pointed out the significance of that truth: “To accept the

Redeemer means also accepting the people whom he has redeemed…The freelance Christian…is simply a contradiction in terms”. “The people of God” (v10) implies plurality.

Rick Warren has written that in some churches in China, new believers are greeted with the declaration: “Jesus now has a new pair of eyes to see with, new ears to listen with, new hands to help with, and a new heart to love others with.”

This challenges the ethos of our individualistic Western society. Some American research suggests that Afro-American students do not always strive for their best grade, or demonstrate their knowledge by answering the teacher’s questions. The reason is that they value being part of their group rather than standing out from the group. Perhaps we could learn from them. The church’s function. Two functions emerge; first, to “be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices” (v5). The day of material sacrifices is over; what is required is the surrender of a life, with even the most menial task being seen as an offering to God. “Who sweeps a room as for thy laws”, wrote George Herbert, “makes that and th’ action fine”.

The second function is to “declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (v9). While some may be aggressively noisy in their witness, many of us are far too reticent. If Christian people are not going to speak of him, who will? It is hard for a sceptic to refute the simple testimony, “I was blind but now I see” (John 9:25).

The church’s future. The members of Christ’s church are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God”. This tapestry of Old Testament phrases descriptive of ancient Israel is now applied to the Christian church, identified early by Justin Martyr (100-165 AD) as “the true, spiritual Israel”. This high dignity is emphasised by the phrase, “belonging to God”, where the word in Exodus 19:6 refers to a private royal treasure, such as a crown worn on special occasions. Such people have a glorious future. They belong to One whose purposes cannot be defeated.

While some may be aggressively noisy in their witness, many of us are far too reticent. If Christian people are not going to speak of him, who will?

Alexandra art group

Alexandra Presbyterian Church elder, Wesley Lewis, has been interested in watercolour painting over the past 20 years. He was previously a member of Ben Madigan Art Group, which was based at Chichester Library in north Belfast.

This was well organised by Pat Jenkins, however, membership decreased and during the pandemic, Mrs Jenkins passed away. Having inherited the group’s past records and finances, Mr Lewis saw the opportunity to merge the remaining members of Ben Madigan with the small existing group who met in Alexandra Presbyterian Church halls.

There is now a group of seven aspiring artists who meet on a weekly basis, sharing ideas, mostly working in watercolour and occasionally dabbling with acrylic. “We are involved with ‘Arts for All’ at City Side and recently have had Claire Brady-Murphy facilitating us with a six-week workshop, supporting and guiding us with instruction. She provided us with photographic prints of our work and these were on sale along with some of our original framed paintings at the Alexandra Church artisan market on 26 November 2022,” explains Mr Lewis.

“For many years, I have produced a calendar from one of my watercolour paintings with donations going to a designated charity. In

past years, charities have included NI Hospice, Friends of the Cancer Centre (BCH) and Open Doors. A few years ago, I created some Christmas cards which were sold to raise money over a two-year period for the Presbyterian Children’s Society. The calendar for 2023 is to raise money for the Air Ambulance and depicts the emergency helicopter close to Cavehill, Belfast.

“Our church is very much involved in community outreach with a free ‘Wee Café’

Special anniversary for Rathmullan

One hundred and fifty years of Rathmullan Presbyterian Church was celebrated recently. The story of the County Donegal church, like so many Presbyterian churches of that time, started with a meetinghouse.

The original meetinghouse was built in 1828 on the site where the Pier Hotel once stood. According to church records: “It cost £115 besides much free labour, could contain 180 hearers and is well attended.” Church records noted the generous financial help of the Episcopalian Church in the sum of £7.6.10 towards the erection of the meetinghouse. (In 2018 a new audio and screen system was installed in the church at a cost of 7,000 euros – how monetary values have changed over the last 150 years.)

On 29 July 1872 the foundation stone for the new church building was laid. This has been the dwelling place for Rathmullan Presbyterians until now. The strapline for the recent celebration was ‘Living God’s Love – yesterday, today and tomorrow’. The story goes on. Former PCI Moderator Dr Charles McMullen was speaker at an anniversary service of thanksgiving. He was joined by the current minister, Rev Susan Moore, and some past ministers of the congregation, including Rev Bill Moore, Rev David Brice, and Rev Janice Browne.

Dr McMullen reminded those gathered that when the church first opened there was much going on in the world that was challenging and uncertain – it was just after the American Civil War, and a few short years after the Potato Famine with the mass emigration that followed. There were many challenges to church life and worship then, and over the next 150 years there would be many other turbulent times that would forge and develop faith within our church members.

“In more recent times we, alongside our community, have navigated and weathered the challenging period of Covid-19 closures and restrictions. It was so good to be gathering with others to celebrate 150 years of Presbyterian presence in this beautiful part of Donegal. We do not have ‘180 hearers on a Sunday morning’, but there is still a bright and steady light when we meet to worship,” commented the current Rathmullan minister.

every Wednesday from 10am to 12 midday, and a ‘free food’ table every Friday morning. Both our minister, Rev Ian Cahoon, and our community mission worker, Jason Sime, are establishing good links with local churches, schools, their E3 worker and other community networks, including Lower North Belfast ROC (Redeeming our Communities) and the Ulster Scots society. I am happy to say the Art group fits in well with this community approach,” Mr Lewis adds.

Above: Rathmullan elders Alan Stoddart, Christine Edwards and Bert Anderson with Rev Susan Moore (centre) and, Dr Charles McMullen (second right).

Licensing in Wellington

Mark Rodgers (seated, second right) was licensed by the Presbytery of Ballymena at Wellington Presbyterian Church. Included are, standing from left: elders Mark Hood, Trevor McIlhagga with Rev Eddie Chestnutt. Seated from left Rev Alistair Bates, Rev Brian Smyth (Moderator of Presbytery) and Rev William Dickey.

To share good news stories from your congregation please send your photographs and details to herald@presbyterianireland.org

Retirement in Ballykelly

Mrs Doreen Nicholl was presented with a gift to show the appreciation of the congregation on her retirement from her role as clerk of session and elder.  The presentation was made by Audrey Neil, the new clerk of session. Also pictured are elders (From left to right) Ian Conn, Gerald Miller, Ian Conn, Phil Houston (minister), Hugh McCollum, Robert Craig, Marlene Kelly and Victor Whiteside.

100th birthday at Second Presbyterian Church, Comber

Former Presbyterian Moderator, Rev Charles McMullen, and Rev Andrew Conway, minister of Second Presbyterian Church, Comber, congratulate Ruby Sherwood on her 100th birthday on 5 November 2022. Photo courtesy of Newtownards Chronicle.

New elders in Abbey

Thanks for faithful service

The Groves congregations, Co Monaghan, said thank you to Mrs Myrtle McKee for many years faithful service. She was over 60 years organist in McKelvey’s Grove and 30 in Garmany’s Grove.  She also taught in the Groves Sunday school for over 30 years. The photo shows left to right: Mrs Sharon McNiece (Sunday school superintendent), Rev Ker Graham, Mrs Myrtle McKee, Mrs Heather Smyth (Garmany’s Grove), Mrs Hazel Dickson (Sunday school teacher) and Sarah McKee, Amy Hill and Lucy McKee who made the presentation.

The following elders were ordained in Abbey Church Dublin (left to right): Felix Ekieson, Martha Sikwese and Mark Gorman.

Twenty years of service in Harold McCauley

Ruth Mitchell’s 20 years of service as a cook in PCI’s nursing home, Harold McCauley House, Omagh, has been recognised and marked. Ruth is pictured receiving her gift Bible with Michelle Murray, home manager and Dermot Parsons, Director of the Council for Social Witness.

CROSSWORD

Puzzle no 275

New chaplain at Queen’s

Rev Nigel Craig was recently appointed as Presbyterian chaplain of Queen’s, Stranmillis and Union College. He is pictured at his installation service alongside the chaplaincy staff team and some of the students at Derryvolgie Hall.

solution on page 50

ACROSS

1 Jewish religious sect (9)

6 Jack’s wife enjoyed this (3)

7 Often left out on Christmas Eve (8-4)

9 Alert (8)

11 Continental cheese (4)

12 O.T. character (5)

13 Donkeys (5)

16 Short tree-lined road (3)

18 Holiday venue (6)

20 District in the Big Apple (6)

22 Decays (4)

23 The middle of 17 down (9)

24 Keen (5)

25 He set a great example (9)

DOWN

1 Popular jam (10)

2 Thirst quenching (5)

3 Go undetected (5-3-5)

4 Female animal (3)

5 Not at all hard (4)

6 Gets walked on (5)

8 Pay a price for (6)

10 Car maker (4)

11 Stinging insect (3)

14 Put a point on (7)

15 We are to be this (4)

17 Ship for example (6)

19 These notes are back to front (5)

21 An informal conversation (4)

compiled by Harry Douglas

Cold walks Ruth Sanderson

Of all the things I have come to enjoy as I’ve gotten older, an icy, windy walk is the most surprising to me. There was once a time when I could think of nothing worse, preferring the joys of a warm living room and a view of the world from the comfort of my sofa with a cup of tea in hand.

Of course, like any child, we were taken on our fair share of family walks – up hills, over fields, the length of beaches, along river banks; all four of us children dressed in matching Peter Storm rain coats, usually freezing, with bare legs. We went armed with interesting sticks we had found, caked in mud, while my parents tried to jolly along an increasingly disgruntled, hungry, and bickering troupe.

Family photos always seem to be of us shivering on beaches (bear in mind, these photographs were almost always taken in the summer, leading me to the conclusion that these beaches were in Ireland).

I remember crying in frustration and shouting, “CARRRYYY MEEEE! I C-CCAN’T WALK ANY MOOORREE!”

“Come on!” my parents would say cheerfully, “We just have to make it over that hill.”

Of course, I cottoned on pretty quickly that this was just a rouse to get me to walk, and that there was always a considerable distance left to go ‘over that hill’.

When I got a little older and was able to have some autonomy, I dismissed these walks as an utter waste of my time, preferring instead to watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, reading Bunty magazine or doing something equally as stimulating. Or, as happened once, sitting in the car with my teenage brother listening to a Zig and Zag comedy cassette album as my parents made it to the summit of Croke Patrick and back (I had walked approximately 20 yards before begging to go back to the car).

Now that I’m a parent of small children, I must apologise profusely to my own parents – I totally get it! I wasn’t being tortured at all; they were just trying to instill a love of nature, fresh air, exercise, family time and most importantly getting us ‘out’.

This revelation hit me yesterday afternoon, when, in an icy whipping wind, late in the afternoon, bundled in tiny pink thermal suits and hats, my husband and I carted our two small girls up a very steep hill and back down again. It was brisk, short and exhilarating.

The elder of the two (who can barely say her own name) shouted “MY HANDS ARE COLD! I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE CAR!” (The shock of cold seemed to jolt her vocabulary pretty sharply.) The little one squinted against the wind as she was trundled along strapped to my front in her baby carrier, forcing a rictus smile when we gave her a little jiggle about at the summit. She is the most chilled out baby you could imagine, yet even her patience seemed to be wearing thin.

I’m sure you have times in your life when you say something which sounds just like your parents. It often catches us unaware. I had that moment yesterday when I declared, “It’s lovely to be out in the fresh air! Isn’t this great!”

Two sets of watery little eyes looked at me dubiously. I handed out some chocolate coins I found in my pocket which had been there since Christmas and everyone seemed a little happier on the descent. As we turned to leave, the clouds lifted and the most beautiful orange and scarlet sunset lit up the valley below us and the mountains which climbed behind it. The lowering sun caught on lochs and rivers, and the landscape glistened like it was covered in glinting rubies. Birds swirled in the sky not far above us; sheep in the fields below glowed luminously in the soft, curious last light of the afternoon. As we came back down the hill through a small wood, the wind picked up. The noise through the trees was spectacular. Words from Psalm 96 echoed in my head: “Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy.”

I hadn’t ever really thought about that line before. Did you know that each tree has an individual sound when the wind hits it? Various leaves move in different ways so that no two types of trees sound the same. In fact, you can teach yourself how to identify trees by their sounds as much as by their appearance. It struck me as we made our way back to the carpark, that the forest wasn’t just trees, but rather a choir, singing praises to God. Sing to the Lord a new song.

Yesterday turned into something better than simply ‘getting the kids out’, it was a walk to bring praise to God, to feel the thrillingly cold wind he had set to blow; to climb the hill he had moulded with his hands, hundreds of thousands of years before any of us came into being. To feel his presence in the things we take for granted. Now I understand why my parents wanted to get us out and into the fresh air, even if we didn’t understand it when we were little, they knew we would one day.

…the forest wasn’t just trees, but rather a choir, singing praises to God.

CHURCH RECORD

VACANT CONGREGATIONS, MODERATORS AND CLERKS OF KIRK SESSIONS

(Information supplied by Clerks of Presbyteries, Conveners of Assembly Commissions and Councils.)

1. LEAVE TO CALL GRANTED

Application forms are available on request from the Clerk’s Office or may be downloaded from the PCI website.

BALLYALBANY and GLENNAN:

REV D.T.R. EDWARDS: (Ballyalbany) Mr Sam Condell, Billary, Smithborough, Co Monaghan. (Glennan) Dr Michael Wallace, 8 Fellows Grange, Fellows Hall Road, Killylea, Co Armagh, BT60 4LR.

BALLYGRAINEY:

REV R.S. HAMILTON: Mr Brian McDowell, 263 Killaughey Road, Ballyhay, Donaghadee, BT21 0ND.

BALLYMENA, FIRST:

REV N.A.L. CAMERON: Mr Tom Heaney, 109 Loughmagarry Road, Ballymena, BT43 6ST.

BALLYRONEY and DRUMLEE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years)

REV A.M. BORELAND: (Ballyroney) Mr David Peters, 30 Seafin Road, Ballyroney, Banbridge, BT32 5ER. (Drumlee) Mr Graham Truesdale, 128 Lackan Road, Ballyward, Castlewellan, BT31 9RX.

BELMONT:

REV T.J. STOTHERS: Mr Christopher Steele, 1 Hawthornden Drive, Belfast, BT4 2HG.

CARRICKFERGUS, JOYMOUNT:

REV G.A.J. FARQUHAR: Mr Stephen Drake, 8 Bluefield Way, Carrickfergus, BT38 7UB.

COLERAINE, NEW ROW:

REV R.D. GREGG: Mr Adrian Cochrane, 12 Cambridge Park, Coleraine, BT52 2QT.

DUNFANAGHY and CARRIGART: (Home Mission) 50% Congregational Ministry, 50% CMI Mission Project

REV DR BRIAN BROWN: (Dunfanaghy) Mrs Ethel Montgomery, ‘Millrace’, Marble Hill Road, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal, F92 N2WO. (Carrigart) Mrs Joy Buchanan, Figart, Carrigart, Co Donegal, F92 N2WO.

DUN LAOGHAIRE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years)

REV A.J. BOAL: Mrs Dorothy Shanahan, 1 Holmwood, Brennanstown, Cabinteely, D18 T2T5.

GARVAGH, MAIN ST and KILLAIG:

REV DREWE McCONNELL: (Garvagh, Main St) Mr Alan Farlow, 39 Ballynameen Road, Garvagh, BT51 5PN. (Killaig) Mr Ivan McKane, 27 Cashel Road, Macosquin, Coleraine, BT51 4PW.

HILLTOWN and CLONDUFF:

REV KENNETH NELSON: (Hilltown) Mr John Ervine, 51 Rostrevor Road, Hilltown, Newry, BT34 5TZ. (Clonduff) Mr Cecil Brown, 39 Bannfield Road, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5HG.

KNOCK:

REV G.J. MACLEAN: Mr Hugo Wilson, 5 Finchley Gardens, Belfast, BT4 2JB.

LECUMPHER and MAGHERAFELT, UNION ROAD:

REV J.A. MARTIN: (Lecumpher) Mr Sammy Thompson, 10 Ballynagowan Road, Desertmartin, BT45 5LH. (Magherafelt, Union Road) Mr Ian Francis, 32 Caraloan Road, Magherafelt, BT45 6NW.

LOWE MEMORIAL:

REV DR D.J. McKELVEY: Dr Moyna Bill, 6 Old Coach Avenue, Belfast, BT9 5PY.

NEWTOWNARDS, REGENT STREET:

REV P.T. DALZELL: Mr Ian MacDonald, 11 Stanvilla Road, Newtownards, BT23 8HE.

RATHFRILAND, FIRST:

REV C.G. HARRIS: Mr David Scott, 13 Sleepy Valley, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5HL.

TOBERKEIGH and RAMOAN:

REV JOHN STANBRIDGE: (Toberkeigh) Mr Jim Kane, 67A Ballinlea Road, Ballinlea Upper, Ballycastle, BT54 6NN. (Ramoan) Mr Robert Getty, 23 Carrowcroey Road, Armoy, Ballymoney, BT53 8UH.

WARINGSTOWN:

REV R.L. BROWN: Mr David Crawford, 148 Avenue Road, Lurgan, BT66 7BJ.

2. LEAVE TO CALL DEFERRED

CLADYMORE and TASSAGH:

REV R.I. ABRAHAM: (Cladymore) Mr David Wilson, 73 Kilmachugh Road, Mowhan, Armagh, BT60 2EN. (Tassagh) Mr Philip Crozier, 68 Bachelors Walk, Keady, Armagh, BT60 2NA.

DROMORE and DRUMQUIN:

REV E.T. FRAZER: (Dromore) Mr Lynden Keys, 25 New Park Road, Dromore, Omagh, BT78 3JU. (Drumquin) Dr Paul Booth, 231 Tummery Road, Irvinestown, BT78 3UF.

RICHVIEW:

REV N.S. HARRISON: Mr Victor Garland, 25 Abingdon Drive, Belfast, BT12 5PX.

SETTLED STATED SUPPLY APPOINTED

BALLINDERRY:

VERY REV DR W.J. HENRY, Minister of Maze.

BOVEEDY:

REV DR T.J. McCORMICK, Minister of 1st Kilrea.

CAHIR: (Home Mission)

REV WILLIAM MONTGOMERY, Minister of Fermoy.

KATESBRIDGE:

REV N.J. KANE, Minister of Magherally.

TYRONE’S DITCHES:

REV J.K.A. McINTYRE, Minister of Bessbrook.

3. DECLARED VACANT

ARMAGH, FIRST:

REV G.R. MULLAN: Mr Ian Kyle, 8 Drummanmore Road, Armagh, BT61 8RN.

BALLEE:

REV T. P. McCULLOUGH: Mr John Quigley, 81 Queen’s Avenue, Magherafelt, BT45 6DB.

BALLINA, KILLALA & BALLYMOTE: (Home Mission)

REV D.J. CLARKE: Mr Geoffrey Shannon, Robin Hill, Carraun, Corballa, Ballina, Co Mayo, F26 A070.

BELLAGHY and KNOCKLOUGHRIM:

REV J.B. MULLAN: (Bellaghy) Mr Harry Ferson, 12 Railway Terrace, Castledawson, Magherafelt, BT45 8AY. (Knockloughrim) Mr Wilbur Bownes, 10 Meadowell Fold, Westland Gardens, Magherafelt, BT45 5DP.

BELVOIR:

REV B.J. WALKER: Mr Brian Dunwoody, 19 Drumart Drive, Belfast, BT8 7ET.

BUSHMILLS:

VERY REV DR D.I.J. McNIE: Rev Martin Gracey, 6 Bush Crescent, Bushmills, BT57 8AJ.

CASTLEDERG FIRST AND KILLETER:

REV R.A. ORR: (First Castlederg) Mr James Emery BEM, 8 Lurganbuoy Road, Castlederg, BT81 7HS. (Killeter) Mr Isaac Crilly, 7 Fort Road, Castlederg, BT81 7UL.

CASTLEDERG, SECOND AND URNEY:

REV C.H. DEERING: (Second Castlederg) Mr Bert Huey, Tossa, 8 Listymore Road, Castlederg, BT81 7JG. (Urney) Mr Norman McMullan, 80 Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9QT.

CASTLEROCK:

REV D.H. BROWN: Miss Heather McSparran, 26 Freehall Road, Castlerock, BT51 4TR.

CLONTIBRET and MIDDLETOWN:

REV J.H. HANSON: (Clontibret) Mr S.R. Gray, Legnacrieve, Castleshane, Co Monaghan, H18 DN20.

CRUMLIN:

REV BEN JOHNSTON: Mr James Livingstone, “Edin”, 56 Largy Road, Crumlin, BT29 4RW.

Editor’s Note: Information for this page is supplied by the General Secretary’s Department. Vacancies for conveners of commissions, councils and committees of the General Assembly are online at www.presbyterianireland.org/convenerships

Clerks of presbytery please note: Only material received by the General Secretary’s Department by 12 noon on the first Friday of the month can be included in the Church Record.

CUMBER and UPPER CUMBER:

REV S.W. HIBBERT: (Cumber) Mr Eric Christie, 43 Gorse Road, Killaloo, Londonderry, BT47 3SS. (Upper Cumber) Mr Jack McFarland, 12 Cregg Road, Claudy, Londonderry, BT47 4HX.

DROMARA, SECOND:

REV D.H. GILPIN: Mr Herbert Chambers, 29 Stewarts Road, Dromara, BT25 2AN.

DUNDROD:

REV R.C. KERR: Mr William McClure, 20 Thorndale Road, Dundrod, BT29 4UD.

ENNISCORTHY and WEXFORD: (Home Mission)

REV M.R.J. ANDERSON: (Enniscorthy) Mr Ian Gibson “Tanglewood”, Monart, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. (Wexford) c/o Mr Ian Gibson.

ENNISKILLEN:

REV G.M. ANDRICH: Miss Kate Doherty, Tiernisk, Drumgay, Enniskillen, BT74 4GH.

FAHAN (Home Mission) and WATERSIDE:

REV G.A. McCRACKEN: (Fahan) Mr James Lamberton, 1 Deanfield, Limavady Road, Londonderry, BT47 6HY. (Waterside) Mr William McIlwaine, 19 Glenaden Hill, Altnagelvin Park, Londonderry, BT47 2LJ.

GARDENMORE:

Rev B.S. PRESTON: Dr Philip Shepherd, 1 Huntersbuoy Lane, Larne, BT40 2HH.

GLASTRY and KIRKCUBBIN:

REV A. GILICZE: Mr James McClements.

HYDEPARK & LYLEHILL:

REV C.K. McDOWELL: (Hydepark) Mrs Lynas Alexander, 22 Broadacres, Templepatrick, BT39 0AY.

KELLS: (Home Mission)

REV ALAN McQUADE: Miss Ruth McCartney, Shancarnan, Moynalty, Kells, Co Meath, A82 PF60.

KILMAKEE:

REV ROBERT LOVE: Miss Aileen Irvine, 5 Aberdelghy Park, Lambeg, Lisburn, BT27 4QF.

KILREA, SECOND:

REV DR CLIVE GLASS: Mr John McIlrath, 9 Moyagoney Road, Kilrea, Coleraine, BT51 5SX.

McQUISTON MEMORIAL:

REV R.S.J. McILHATTON: Mr Ken Galbraith, 14 Millars Forge, Dundonald, Belfast, BT16 1UT.

MONEYDIG:

REV DR S.D.H. WILLIAMSON: Mr Steven Torrens, 115a Agivey Road, Kilrea, Coleraine, BT51 5UZ.

NEWINGTON:

REV DR I.D. NEISH: Mr John Lynass, 8 Bushfoot Park, Portballintrae, BT57 8YX.

NEWTOWNARDS, SECOND:

REV C.W. JACKSON: Mr Ivan Patterson, 11 Heron Crescent, Newtownards, BT23 8WH.

PORTAVOGIE:

REV G.J SIMPSON: Mr Trevor Kennedy, 1 Cairndore Road, Newtownards, BT23 8RD.

RANDALSTOWN, O.C:

REV A.W. MOORE: Mr Alun Coulter, 48 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3DB.

RASHARKIN:

REV A.J. McCRACKEN: Mr Norbury Royle, 96 Drumsaragh Road, Kilrea, BT51 5XR.

RATHCOOLE:

REV A.K. DUDDY: Mr Norman Creaney,7 Coolshannagh Park, Newtownabbey, BT37 9LA.

RATHGAR – CHRIST CHURCH:

REV DR S. MAWHINNEY: Mr Paul Fry, 44 Monolea Wood, Firhouse, Dublin 24, D24 A2V3.

SAINTFIELD, FIRST:

REV B.A. SMALL: Mr Paul Jackson, 20 The Grange, Saintfield, BT24 7NF.

SPA and MAGHERAHAMLET:

REV D.F. LEAL: (Spa) Acting Clerk - Mr Stephen McBride, 28 Ballynahinch Road, Castlewellan, BT31 9PA. (Magherahamlet) Mr David Whan, 74 Castlewellan Road, Dromara, BT25 2JN.

STRABANE and SION MILLS:

REV COLIN McKIBBIN: (Strabane) Mr William Watson, 44 Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9QS. (Sion Mills) Mr Colin Campbell, 26 Albert Place, Sion Mills, Strabane, BT82 9HN.

TULLYCARNET:

REV DR COLIN BURCOMBE:

VINECASH:

REV P.W.A. McCLELLAND: Mr Thomas Graham, 38 Richmount, Portadown, BT62 4JQ.

WHITEHEAD:

REV N.W. DUDDY: Ms Helen Graham, 4 Kilcarn, Islandmagee, BT40 3PJ.

TEMPORARY STATED SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT

BALLYCAIRN:

REV WILLIAM HARKNESS: Mr Brian Milligan, 19 Glenariff Drive, Dunmurry, BT17 9AZ.

BELLVILLE:

REV D.S. HENRY: Mr Mervyn King, 29 Ardmore Road, Derryadd, Lurgan, BT66 6QP. CARNLOUGH-CUSHENDALL and NEWTOWNCROMMELIN:

REV J.A. BEATTIE: (Carnlough-Cushendall) Mr Norman McMullan, 91 Ballymena Road, Carnlough, BT44 0LA. (Newtowncrommelin) Mr James Gillan, 67 Gracefield, Ballymena, BT42 2RP.

GRANGE with CRAIGMORE:

REV R.S AGNEW: Mr Jamie Harris, 32 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3BE. NEWTOWNSTEWART and GORTIN (Home Mission):

REV JONATHAN COWAN: (Newtownstewart) Mr James Baxter, 22 Strabane Road, Newtownstewart, Omagh, BT78 4BD. (Gortin) Mr Adrian Adams, 32 Lisnaharney Road, Lislap, Omagh, BT79 7UE.

RALOO and MAGHERAMORNE:

REV D.R. CROMIE: (Raloo) Mr Geoff McBride, 72 Raloo Road, Larne, BT40 3DU. (Magheramorne) Mr Morris Gardner, 89 Ballypollard Road, Magheramorne, Larne, BT40 3JG.

WARRENPOINT and ROSTREVOR:

REV S.S. JOHNSTON: (Warrenpoint) Mr Denis Brady, 28 Seaview, Warrenpoint, Newry, BT34 3NJ. (Rostrevor) Mr Terry O’Flynn, 15 Aurora Na Mara, Shore Road, Rostrevor, BT34 3UP.

THE ELDERSHIP

Ordained & Installed:

BALLYCASTLE: Valerie Sykes, Paul Hayes

CREMORE: David McKee, Samuel Gilmore

ORANGEFIELD: Naomi Campbell, James Cummings, Gavin Doherty, Hannah Elliott, Sarah McCullough, Peter Shields

REDROCK: Colin Dougan

Died:

BUCKNA: Paddy Cruickshank, John Robinson

CHRISTCHURCH, DUNDONALD: Jackie Haggan

EGLISH: William James (Jim) Long

FINVOY: James Beattie

MALONE: Norman Allen

McQUISTON MEMORIAL: Jim Hunter

MOSSIDE: Edwin Getty

TOBERDONEY: James McCandless

CHURCH RECORD

continued from page 45

THE MINISTRY

Licensed:

Mark Frederick Hawthorne, by the Presbytery of Armagh, on 11 November 2022

Ordained and Installed:

James O’Neill, as Minister of Carland and Newmills, on 14 December 2022

Retired:

David Bruce, as Council Secretary of Mission in Ireland, on 12 November 2022

Nancy Cubitt, as Minister of Bushmills, on 31 December 2022

Died:

William John Paul Bailie, Specified Ministry – Mission Africa, on 15 November 2022

David Chapman, Minister Emeritus of Second Islandmagee, on 15 November

2022

James Fleming Barnes, Minister Emeritus of May Street, on 1 January 2023

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Accommodation

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CROSSWORD

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PORTRUSH HOLIDAY LET : Modern 3 bedroom house, 1 en-suite, WiFi. Easy walk to town/West Strand. Can send photos. Tel: 07769 744816.

Republic of Ireland

CO DONEGAL : 3-bedroom farmhouse to rent for holiday accommodation all year round. Pets welcome. 1 mile from Carndonagh town centre. 10 minutes from beautiful local beaches and Ballyliffen golf course. Tel: 00353 749374227; mob 08684 48955. €80 per night.

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DONATION ENVELOPES

Artistic Director: Cherie Nummy

Friday 26th - Sunday 28th May 2023

Times:-

Friday: 26th May 11.00am - 7.00pm

Official Opening & Dedication of Festival at 11.00am

Saturday: 10.00am - 7.00pm

Sunday: 2.00pm - 5.00pm (no refreshments)

Closing Service at 7.00pm conducted by the Moderator The Rt Rev Dr John Kirkpatrick

Refreshments available - group bookings essential

Contact: Anne Love - Tel. 07751 577 003

Email: balteaghpresbyterian@gmail.com

Balteagh Presbyterian Church Drumsurn Road Limavady BT49 0PH

Ballymena

seeks to appoint a full-time (37.5 hours/week)

Coordinator of Youth Ministry

(Part-time applicants will also be considered.)

Duties will include supporting the strategic development of Youth Ministry within the congregation and the effective equipping of youth leaders.

PCI recommended salary scale Band A (£20,462–£24,340 per annum) point dependent on qualifications and experience, with annual review.

For further details, job description and application pack please contact

Rev Daniel Kane

Tel: (028) 2565 3111

dkane@presbyterianireland.org

Or visit our church website www.westchurchballymena.org

Applications close at 12 noon on Friday, 3 March 2023.

Only buy the envelope numbers that you need

THE BENEFITS!

• Save Money

• Larger Envelope

• Better Visibility

Great value envelopes from your local accredited supplier

• Locally Sourced

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• Fresh Colours

THE CASE STUDY

We only print and supply the actual number of EnvelopeSets that you need for your contributing members. One congregation was able to reduce the envelope sets they purchased from 350 to 200 and save 48%!

This congregation saved £515!

Read the full Case Study here:

Tricord Ltd 4 Ferguson Drive, Lisburn, BT28 2EX DONVELOPE.NET

“Great is thy faithfulness”

Let your live loveon

By leaving a gift in your Will to Christian Aid, you can help build a fairer world for the next generation, and keep your love alive.

Your love will live on in the life-changing cocoa beans that Angela grows in Nicaragua. It will be in the clean water that reaches Yasmin’s refugee camp in Bangladesh.

And it will be in Janet’s eyes in Zimbabwe, because she’s full of hope for her great grandson’s future.

Give a Gift of Love

Just as making a Will is a promise of love and care for your family and friends, leaving a gift to Christian Aid is a promise of love and care to your global neighbours, keeping your love alive across the world.

Thank you to those who have already pledged a lasting gift to Christian Aid, we are grateful for your continued solidarity, love and generosity.

If you are considering a lasting gift in your Will, you can get more information on the potential impact of your gift by speaking with Sarah Leeman. Please email giftsinwills@christian-aid.org or phone 028 9064 8133 (Belfast) or 01 496 7040 (Dublin) to arrange a conversation.

A gift in your Will can help families like Janet Zirugo and her great grandson Mufaro in Zimbabwe.