Presbyterian Herald February 2025

FEBRUARY 2025

EXPECTANCY Expecting God to move and work in 2025

DEALING WITH END OF LIFE WELL Implications of the Assisted Dying Bill

NEW THINGS Good news stories in PCI

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CONTENTS | FEBRUARY 2025

FEATURES 9

Presbyteries to choose new Moderator Candidates revealed

14 Being present in congregational life

Three stories of being present

18 Expectancy

Expecting God to move and work in 2025

20 How will PCI’s ministry be reconfigured?

Explaining the process of reconfiguration

31 Looking afresh at ordinary opportunities Inspiring elders in their role

34 Going the distance in marriage

Expectancy p18

Strengthening relationships

36 Dealing with end of life well Implications of the Assisted Dying Bill

38 New things

Good news stories in PCI

REGULARS 4 5 7 8 12 13 17 22 23 40 42 47

Letters News Culture Watch In this month Life lessons My story Tommy Bruce Norman Hamilton Mission Connect Reviews Life in PCI Ruth Sanderson

Dealing with end of life well p36

CONTRIBUTORS

Cover illustration: Susanna Banks February 2025 No. 865 £2.20/€2.60 Published by: The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, Belfast BT1 6DW. T: +44 (0)28 9032 2284 E: herald@presbyterianireland.org W: www.presbyterianireland.org

New things p38

Very Rev Dr Charles McMullen is minister of West Presbyterian Church, Bangor and a former Moderator.

Philip Jinadu is director of Care for the Family. He is married to Kate and has two daughters.

Suzanne Hamilton is a senior administrative assistant for the Herald.

She attends St Andrew’s Presbyterian in Bangor, is married to Steven and mum to twin boys.

Rick Hill is Secretary of PCI’s Council for Mission in Ireland. He is an elder in Carnmoney Presbyterian and lives in Doagh with his wife Sarah and three children.

Editor: Sarah Harding

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 Subscriptions and Advertising: 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 Edward Connolly; Hazel Gilliland does not imply endorsement of the goods or services. Advertising will not be Design and Layout: included if the product or service is deemed to be in conflict with the Church’s Edward Connolly official views, or if it is inappropriate for a church magazine. It is not Herald policy Printing: to include any editorial content along with adverts. The editor reserves the right W & G Baird Ltd 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.

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

Herald February 2025

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EDITORIAL

LETTERS Reaching students with the gospel

In his hands

As I write, the Los Angeles fires are raging. Watching the news coverage, it has been heart-breaking to see people lose everything they own, as well as staggering to witness what fire is capable of – the scale and ferocity of its attack and its power to inflict such rapid destruction.

People have likened the scenes to that of a warzone. Most of us in the Western world have no comprehension of what this is like. But sadly, this is not the case in other parts of the world. In Mission Connect, Rev Uel Marrs writes about what is currently happening in Lebanon. Here is a country that in the last few years has been plunged into an economic crisis with 80% of the population below the poverty line. It has also been caught up in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with 40,000 homes destroyed, 3,000 deaths, 14,000 injuries and 1.5million people displaced.

Uel reports that despite the atrocities, God’s people are working and moving in the power of the Holy Spirit: “…to be light, to put love into action courageously and compassionately by addressing people’s basic needs without conditionality...”

‘In this month’ looks back to the Herald in 1976, when Dr Cecil McCullough wrote about working in Beirut during another time of war and instability in the country’s history. Dr McCullough later became principal of Union Theological College and sadly passed away recently (see news p5). In his article, he says: “We stood on our balcony at the sunset, and watched them leave…Foreigners they were…leaving in a hurry and in a dreadful panic…we sat and watched and waited with the citizens of Beirut, waiting for the death of the city…”

His words have a poignancy as we watch the news in Los Angeles – it has felt like watching the death of a city.

In the land of Hollywood, it is unsurprising that some of the coverage has focused on the celebrity homes that have been lost – a sobering reminder that no matter who we are or how much money we have, we do not have ultimate control of our lives.

Former Moderator, Dr Charles McMullen, reflects at the start of a new year on the theme of expectancy – encouraging us that although we cannot control the future, we can trust the One who does. He suggests we should live in a spirit of expectancy, which is about “leaving ourselves in God’s hands for him to move and work, even in the deepest, darkest places of our lives.” A great resolution for us all to adopt in 2025.

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Herald February 2025

Dear Editor Research shows that five out of six people become Christians before the age of 25. That means that people most likely became a Christian at home, school or university. That’s why at Christian Unions Ireland (CUI) we believe that working with university students matters. They’re at an age when they’re deciding who they are and what life is about. They’re asking big questions. The student years are our last, best opportunity to show them that they were made for a joy-filled relationship with their God. CUI seeks to give every student across the island of Ireland the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel. We do this by supporting students, best placed at their university, to reach each other and equip them for mission.

Every summer we host a conference specifically for students before they start term. ‘EQUIP’ is a conference that brings students from across the whole island of Ireland, north and south, together to ‘fire and fuel’ them for a year of CU mission. Our prayer is that our students will leave refreshed and excited to share the good news of

Jesus with their friends and coursemates. Students join us from more than 30 CUs; some with 400 students and others with just 1.

We would love for readers to join us in praying for EQUIP, for this generation of students. We would also love people to share EQUIP with their church and/or any students they know, so that more may be equipped as they go out. This year EQUIP is from 1–5 September at Castlewellan Castle. Students can find out more info if they head to www.cui.ie/equip, or follow us on social media.

Thank you for praying for us as we share Jesus’ name in the student sphere.

Lizzie Irvine, EQUIP coordinator

Reconfiguration of ministry Dear Editor Dr David Allen’s article (Dec/ Jan) is an explanation of why PCI needs to plan for a ‘reconfiguration of ministry’ which is more than reorganisation. It aspires to the revitalisation of ministry which is exciting.

The report of the Reconfiguration of Ministry task group to the General Assembly 2024 stated: “To fully grasp opportunities and face challenges, the deployment, configuration and role of ordained

IN THE ROUND | NEWS ministers must be revised” and went on to list many others to be involved in ‘ministry’.

David Allen’s article makes no mention of how ministry might be changed. I worry that the opportunity for ministry development will be lost amongst the immediacy of the challenges of reorganisation.

Your own article (November) on the new church in Maynooth (MCC) quotes the minister Rev Keith McCrory: “MCC has around nine men and women who preach regularly…

Encouraging people to take on new things can seem scary and risky, but there are great rewards to be had…

Speaking at the front needs to be a community thing and not just from the minister – otherwise the minister just becomes the professional and everyone else is the amateur.”

Changing congregational practice where there are settled expectations of the role of the minister is difficult, so the challenge to all of us is to be prepared to affirm and welcome much more public participation by many, so that people’s gifting may be revealed and used.

By implication, the minister needs to be more than the senior teacher. Ministers need to be enablers and equippers of the people.

Skills and gifts need to be recognised and developed in practice.

Maybe the next article in the Herald from the ‘Reconfiguration of Ministry’ team could explain how the role of ministers might change and how congregations could be supportive of that.

Jeremy Eves Bangor

PCI regrets assisted suicide vote The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has expressed its “deep disappointment, sadness and regret” that MPs voted in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, saying that it is “a watershed moment for the United Kingdom”.

In a joint statement, PCI’s Moderator, Dr Richard Murray, and Rev Daniel Kane (convener of the Council for Public Affairs) said, “This is not the best way to help those who are suffering and at the close of their lives. The hallmark of a mature, caring and compassionate society is how we care and support those with a terminal diagnosis to live and die well. As ministers, having sat at countless bedsides, we continue to count it a real privilege to be able to work alongside our Church’s pastoral care teams, and with chaplains in hospitals and hospices, to support and journey with families who are caring for a loved one. This is compassionate end-of-life care.”

They also called for “the mainstreaming, investing in, and strengthening of well-resourced palliative care services”.

Four Corners Festival ‘Home’ is the theme of this year’s 4 Corners Festival, which runs at various venues across Belfast until Sunday 9 February.

Now in its 13th 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.

Festival co-founder Rev Steve Stockman (minister of Fitzroy Presbyterian) said, “From the beginning of the 4 Corners Festival, we have aimed at encouraging people to get out of the physical corners of this city we call home, and to feel more at home in different parts of their own city; to realise that their home is bigger than they thought.”

Highlights of this year’s festival include Iain Archer’s anniversary homecoming concert and Nuala McKeever’s one-woman play, Truth, Love or Promise. There will also be community clean-up events, discussions and a literary evening.

Professor John McCullough dies Dr John ‘Cecil’ McCullough, who was Professor of New Testament and principal of Union Theological College until his retirement in 2007, has died.

He is remembered fondly by his many students, for whom he provided, not only a depth of scholarship, but considerate pastoral care and support.

During his tenure at Union College, beginning in 1988, Cecil edited an academic journal, Irish Biblical Studies and was a founder member of the British New Testament Society. He also served the wider Church through his role as chair of the Doctrine committee; his active involvement in the Leuenberg Fellowship; and by serving on a World Council of Churches committee for the Middle East.

The latter role was enabled by his experience previous to Union College working for many years in Lebanon (a short account of which is featured in ‘In this month’). After his ordination in 1966 and serving in Muckamore Presbyterian Church, Cecil and his wife Dorothy moved to Beirut where Cecil took up a teaching post at the Near East School of Theology in 1975, where he was eventually appointed Academic Dean.

Both Cecil and Dorothy taught in Beirut during the Lebanese civil war, which was a dangerous time for them to be there. They and their children were regularly awakened in their coastal apartment by the sound of gunboats cruising just off shore and firing shells and rockets. Eventually Dorothy and the children were evacuated but Dr McCullough stayed on to support his students until the military allowed his remaining students to leave. He then escaped on a tramp steamer transporting coal.

There followed a spell teaching in a theological college and university in Dunedin in New Zealand before a return to Northern Ireland to take up the post in Union College. He is remembered for his considerable achievements, his careful scholarship, his gracious teaching manner and his open-hearted Christian love.

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IN THE ROUND | NEWS Historical Society talk ‘Andrew Melville and his contribution to Presbyterianism in Scotland and ultimately throughout the world’ is the subject of the next talk in the Presbyterian Historical Society’s calendar.

Taking place at Newtownards Reformed Presbyterian Church on Thursday 20 February, the talk will be delivered by Dr Donald Sutherland, Professor of Pastoral Theology, Covenantor History and Homiletics at Knockbracken Reformed Presbyterian College.

Moderator visits Poland Moderator, Dr Richard Murray, undertook a four-day visit to Kraków in December to give encouragement and support to a fledgling Presbyterian denomination with just four (L–R): Rev Saško Nezamutdinov, Dr Richard congregations – the Evangelical Murray and Rev Uel Marrs (Secretary of PCI’s Council for Global Mission).

Presbyterian Church in Poland (EPCP).

During his time there, Dr Murray also made a poignant journey to Auschwitz, which commemorated the 80th anniversary of its liberation in January.

During his visit, Dr Murray was hosted by Rev Saško Nezamutdinov, the lead pastor of Christ the Saviour in Kraków. Ordained in 2023, Mr Nezamutdinov is a Ukrainian-born minister and was a delegate at last year’s General Assembly in June. Dr Murray said the primary focus of the visit was “to build and deepen our relationship with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Poland, which is very much a new partnership.”

See the March Herald for a full account of the Moderator’s trip.

Christian persecution reaches record high A record number of Christians are facing persecution, according to the latest World Watch List by Open Doors UK and Ireland.

The report says that more than 380 million Christians around the world now face high levels of persecution and discrimination, representing one in seven Christians. It’s an increase of 15 million from last year’s figures and a rise of a staggering 140 million since 2018.

North Korea is still number one on the list, with Christians facing possible summary public execution if they are discovered. Somalia is number two followed by Yemen, Libya, Sudan and Eritrea. Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan make up the top 10.

The sharpest rises have been in Central Asia, with Kyrgyzstan rising 14 places to 47. Kazakhstan and Tajikistan also rose in the ranking.

“The threat from authoritarian regimes in Central Asia has intensified to the point where many Christians in the region are in a state of fear,” says Frans Veerman, managing director of Open Doors World Watch Research.

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is the most violent place in the world for Christians. Chronic government instability and civil conflict have created a vacuum in several SSA nations, which is being filled by opportunistic Islamic militants.

In some countries the church is being driven out or underground. In the Middle East especially, several Christian communities are dwindling, and in some cases on the verge of extinction. Syria has seen a continuing exodus of its Christian communities, with only a tiny fraction remaining following the civil war, the rise of ISIS and the quakes of 2023. The fall of former President Bashar al-Assad is not accounted for in the statistics, but creates further uncertainty.

Others are being driven deeper underground.

Algeria’s persecution score has fallen, but only because there are no more Protestant churches to close. The church in Afghanistan is all but

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Herald February 2025

invisible to outsiders now, as those Christians that remain, hide from view to avoid violent punishment at the hands of the Taliban.

Persecuted house church, Kyrgyzstan

IN BRIEF MBE honour The Presbyterian Historical Society’s librarian and archivist, Valerie Adams, has received her MBE. Honoured ‘for services to archives in Northern Ireland’, she began her career in 1972 at the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland, before coming to the Society 14 years ago.

An authority on church records, Valerie said that she was both “surprised and quietly thrilled” by her award.

New resource One People Commission and South Asian Forum has launched a new resource which explores what it means to be human and a person of colour.

Called ‘Visions of Justice and Hope’, it is inspired by the Evangelical Alliance’s report on race and offers a manageable, guided exploration of some of the key topics, including understanding racial justice, experiences of racism within the church and how churches can address racism and repair relationships.

Rev Israel Olofinjana, director of One People Commission, said, “This resource will help our churches to have meaningful and relevant conversations that can lead to positive action in addressing racial injustice in the church and society.”

Religious belief appointment Syrian refugee girls, living in informal tent settlement in Lebanon

Nigerian widow forgiving her persecutors at a women’s retreat

The UK government has appointed David Smith MP as Envoy for Freedom of Religious Belief (FORB).

Welcoming the news, Henrietta Blyth, CEO of Open Doors UK and Ireland, said, “The FORB Envoy is such an important role. Since it was introduced in 2018, it has made a significant difference in ensuring that the plight of persecuted Christians, and other faiths, has been kept on the agenda of the UK government.”

Colin Neill reflects on what’s been in the news recently….

A

t the beginning of November 2024, I decided to step away from a popular cultural platform that – on the whole – I’ve enjoyed enormously in the last 12 years. I removed X (formerly Twitter) from my home screen, and a few days later, feeling an itch in my brain that I no longer wanted to scratch, I deleted the app entirely.

I signed up to Twitter in September 2012. I tweeted little and had very few followers, but was never bothered by that.

I was content to be a follower and watcher on the platform, which at its best was great for breaking news, with instant analysis that perfectly blended insight and concision. I came across any number of great quotes, beautiful photographs, links to informative blogs, and ideas for books to read.

There was always the issue, in the background, of trolling and abuse on the platform, but I rarely clicked into responses to tweets, so that didn’t impact me, albeit when I did look – from time-to-time – at replies that politicians and journalists received, I was shocked at the level of personal vitriol from faceless, nameless individuals.

But I could avoid that if I wanted to: as with most folks, I’d curated X as an ‘echo chamber’, which is often cited as a pitfall of social media, but – in truth – we probably all do that with the entirety of our media choices.

While my walking away from X was partly influenced by its current ownership, alongside the part that many commentators argue that it played in shaping the outcome of the recent US election, I shouldn’t portray myself as more virtuous than I really am. The truth, more than anything, is that I simply grew bored.

I started to use X less, and the less I used it, the less I was interested, until the last embers of the fire went out and I wanted to stop altogether. For the purposes of full disclosure, I have signed up to Bluesky – a softer, friendlier, more centrist me-too X – and dipped my feet in its pool, but its tile sits largely untapped on my home screen. There’s simply no sense of draw or pull. I feel like my mind has unwound from something semi-addictive, and don’t want to get sucked in again.

While I can’t be scientific about this, I genuinely believe that since I deleted X, there has been a positive upward

tick in my capacity to concentrate. I’ve moved away from scrolling the shortest bites of news and content, and focused more on longer form reading, including more fact checked and highquality journalism. And I’m definitely getting through books at a quicker rate.

The first three verses of the Psalms, Scripture’s prayer book, say: “Blessed is the one, who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.”

Now, I’m not for one minute arguing that X is the domain of the wicked, but in its mix of cleverness and toxicity, it can all too often be the company of mockers. And the opposite of mind-numbing scrolling is, as the psalmist knows, to meditate. To take the time to sit quietly and slowly contemplate and reflect, rooting that above all in God’s Word. There are no short cuts to spiritual maturity, and if X had become – for me, personally – a kind of chewing gum for the soul, Scripture is the bread I most want to feed on.

In making my choice, I don’t in any way judge those who enjoy X. I realise it can be a crucial tool for ministry and understanding culture. I’m mindful that Jesus said we’re to be in the world, not of it, and part of me worries that there’s a type of retreat in the decision that I’ve made. As in so much of life, there are no perfect options.

But it may be – for some reading this – that as has been my experience, God may want to say to you that in order to let more of him into your life, there may be things in your life that he calls you to set aside.

Colin Neill is a member of Waringstown Presbyterian Church and a PCI accredited preacher.

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IN THIS MONTH...

February 1976

Dipping into the archives to take a look back at what was making Presbyterian headlines and news in history.

Battle for Beirut Dr J.C. McCullough

We stood on our balcony at the sunset, and watched them leave.

Hundreds of them – all packed into taxis, clinging to bulging cases and overpacked trunks, streaming to the airport. Foreigners they were…and they were leaving in a hurry and in a dreadful panic…

For a while we almost joined them… “We’ll go tomorrow. We must go tomorrow,” we said, but tomorrow never came and we sat and watched and waited with the citizens of Beirut, waiting for the death of the city…

But the city didn’t die. She came very close to it and she suffered a lot, but she didn’t die…and those of us who stayed have rejoined with her in the past week as she has begun to smile again…

We came to Beirut from Muckamore just four weeks ago. We arrived in the middle of a truce and had a good night’s sleep before the real battle began.

At one o’clock on a Sunday morning we were awakened to the deafening explosions of rockets and mortars…It wasn’t until the morning that we realised we’d lived through ‘the worst night of fighting in Lebanese history’.

The next week was tense and nervous…The second weekend was a nightmare. The main prestige hotel area was attacked and for a week the two sides fought it out night and day in a ferocious battle…These terrible events sparked off the evacuation of foreigners…

The most difficult aspect of the siege was the waiting… But we and thousands of others survived and though the present ceasefire is shaky, Beirut is fighting hard to get back to normal again…

If the ceasefire doesn’t hold, then people here predict that the ‘next round’ will be much worse…and in such a situation we will have to come home. We pray that this is not the case.

The Moderator opening the extensions to Magheramason Presbyterian Church which include the new Minor Hall and committee room.

With the Moderator (left to right): Dr F.W.C. Wallace, Rev P.J.C. Breakey (minister of the congregation) with Robert McNeely J.P. (clerk of session) and Robert Noble, representing the contractors.

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Skater John Curry wins Olympic gold for Britain

Herald February 2025

Dr A.E. Russell

What is the ‘church’? Is it a ‘building’ – like one woman who loved every brick of her own church and was not even a communicant!

Is it a ‘congregation’ which we are determined to keep alive, however tiny…Is it again the ‘denomination’ which takes prior place even at the cost of the description ‘Christian’?

What did the early community think of the church? How did it view its own nature and origin?

There can be little doubt about the central emphasis – on the divine action in calling it into being through Jesus Christ…

Motor car

New hall for Magheramason

Also from February ’76

The church

December 63 (Oh What a Night) by the Four Seasons tops UK charts

If there’s one area where most families really feel the impact of inflation, including ministers, it’s with their car. According to the magazine of the Trustee Savings Bank, petrol, road fund tax, repairs – they’ve all soared over the last few years. So much so that the Automobile Association now reckons that a typical family car costs a staggering £1,200 a year to run. This is based on mileage of 10,000.

The Return of the Pink Panther is released

Presbyteries to choose new Moderator There are two nominees for Moderator this year. PCI’s press officer, Mark Smith explains who they are and the election process.

O

n the evening of Tuesday 4 February the Presbyterian Church in Ireland will know who will follow Dr Richard Murray as Moderator of the General Assembly. That person will either be the Clerk of the General Assembly and General Secretary of PCI, Rev Trevor Gribben, or the minister of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church, Rev Richard Kerr.

These are the two names that will come before PCI’s 19 regional presbyteries when they gather separately across Ireland to select the ModeratorDesignate, who will then be formally elected and installed during this year’s General Assembly in June. Dr Murray will continue as Moderator until then.

While there was a large field of ministers to consider last year (five in total), the average over the last decade has been four per election. During that time, however, only once (2023) have presbyteries considered just two names.

The responsibility for administering the process usually falls to the Clerk of the General Assembly. As Mr Gribben, like Mr Kerr, is a nominee again this year, this important duty will be undertaken by PCI’s Deputy Clerk, Rev Dr David Allen.

Explaining the process, Dr Allen said, “Choosing a new Moderator is not overly complicated. It is, however, an important part of the life of our Church and is an open, democratic, and prayerful process that starts in late autumn.

“This is the time when members of presbytery begin to suggest names of ministers who they would like to see considered for the office. After the December meetings, in the run up to Christmas, I asked those on this ‘long list’ if they would be willing to have their names go forward, and two agreed.”

Presbyteries are made up of ministers

and elders from each congregation within its bounds, and others who the presbytery has care of. The presbytery’s single vote is given to the person who receives the majority of votes cast at the meeting.

Choosing a new Moderator...is an important part of the life of our Church.

“It is a simple process. Each presbytery vote is then communicated by phone to the General Secretary’s Department in Assembly Buildings, and when the voting is completed, the nominees and presbyteries are informed of the result,” Dr Allen explained.

“As many former Moderators will testify, it is a demanding role, as they will be our denomination’s senior office bearer and chief public representative.

As such, they will represent PCI on state and other occasions across these islands. They will attend and chair the Church’s central Councils and other meetings, while moderating part of this year’s, and next year’s, General Assembly.

“Most importantly, they will also seek to encourage and listen to the Church at home and overseas, as they preach in congregations most Sundays, make an overseas visit, and undertake four week-long presbytery tours,” the Deputy Clerk said.

“Please pray for Richard and Trevor as they prepare themselves for what the Lord intends, and for the members of presbyteries as they seek his will, and consider their vote.”

The name of the ModeratorDesignate should be known by 9pm on 4 February and will be posted on PCI’s website www.presbyterianireland.org and communicated across the denomination’s social media platforms.

Rev Trevor Gribben Trevor was appointed Clerk of the General Assembly and General Secretary of PCI in 2014, having been appointed ClerkDesignate the previous year. Born in 1961, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree and Diploma in Theology from Queen’s University, Belfast.

Ordained in 1988 as assistant minister of Duncairn and St Enoch’s Presbyterian Church in Belfast, Trevor was called to Leckpatrick Presbyterian in County Tyrone as their minister in 1990. In 1996 he was called to Whiteabbey Presbyterian Church in County Antrim, where he remained for 12 years, prior to being appointed PCI’s Deputy Clerk in 2008. Trevor was convener of the Youth International and Inter-Church Committee 1989–94, Assembly Conference Committee 2001–03, Ad Hoc Committee on Priorities 2001–04, United Appeal Board 2006–08, and various others from 2008 onwards.

Rev Richard Kerr Richard was ordained minister of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church in County Antrim in 2005, where he continues to serve his congregation.

Born in 1965, he was awarded a Master of Science degree from the University of London and a Master of Divinity from Queen’s University, Belfast. Richard was convener of the General Assembly’s Global Concerns Committee 2015–20, and has been convener of the Global Development Committee since 2021.

Herald February 2025

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NEWS | PCI

Events Tackling sensitive issues

Children’s event

PCI is partnering with Love For Life to present ‘Hashtags and Hormones’ – an initiative to equip parents, grandparents and youth leaders to help young people navigate relationships.

The same programme will be presented in two locations: Waringstown Presbyterian on Thursday 6 February, and Wellington Presbyterian in Ballymena on Tuesday 4 March. Both will run from 7.30pm to 9.15pm.

The events cost £5 and further information is available at www.presbyterianireland.org/hashtags

‘God is everywhere’ is the theme of this year’s ‘Kids’ Big Day Out’.

Taking place at West Presbyterian Church, Bangor on Saturday 8 March between 2pm and 4pm, the event for primary school-aged children will feature worship, a Bible talk, games and activities.

To find out more and to book go to www.presbyterianireland.org/ kidsbigdayout

Emerging leaders – save the date ‘Emerge’ returns in 2025 with an all-day conference for emerging leaders aged 21–30 across PCI, on Saturday 14 June, from 10.30am–7pm, in Lowe Memorial, Belfast.

Booking for Emerge 2025 will open in late February, with an early-bird rate of £17.50 offered on all bookings until 30 April.

More details coming soon.

Family festival The PCI Family Festival is an occasion for families to come to together for a fun outdoor event.

Many congregations have a connection with families who love their children being part of activities like toddler groups, uniformed organisations and kids’ clubs, but aren’t involved in the rest of the life of the church. The PCI Family Festival can help you to take the next step in building relationships with those families by providing an opportunity to invite families of all shapes and sizes, with children aged 0–11, to enjoy a fun afternoon of outdoor activities, crafts and games.

The event takes place on Saturday 17 May at Spruce Meadows in Lisburn, between 2pm and 5pm. Come along and enjoy crafts, fairground games, bouncy castles, an ice-cream van and coffee cart, barrel rides and more.

The cost is £7.50 for adult/child (under 2s free). Please go to www.presbyterianireland/ familyfestival for further information.

To view all upcoming PCI events just scan the QR code

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Herald February 2025

Exploring identity ‘Who am I? – Living in our true identity’ will be considered at two ‘Explore’ events.

Taking place at Clogherney Presbyterian Church on Friday 28 February and at New Row Presbyterian Church, Coleraine on Sunday 23 March, the events will feature workshops, food and worship as speaker Mark Hawthorne helps young people, aged 11–16, understand, from God’s Word, how to live in their true identity in Jesus.

The same programme will run in both venues – go to www.presbyterianireland.org/ explore for further information.

PW spring event Assembly Buildings, Belfast is the venue of this month’s Presbyterian Women spring event.

With the theme of ‘A Servant Heart, Leading Like Jesus’, the event on Saturday 8 February is for women of all ages who are seeking to serve Jesus in their congregations.

Taking place between 10am and 1pm, the event costs £10, which includes tea/coffee and scones.

To book, go to www.presbyterianireland.org/events

Find out more on www.presbyterianireland.org

News

Appointments The Council for Mission in Ireland has recently issued calls to three individuals to serve as mission pioneers in various contexts.

Gary O’Rourke (right) will oversee the ‘Village Project’, a new project seeking to establish a fresh worshipping community in the Village area of south Belfast. David Gamble (centre) and Lewis McKelvey (left) will serve as mission pioneers in the congregations of Rathcoole and Ballycastle respectively. All will commence these roles in February.

DIARY DATES Deaconess commissioning services

February

Heather Healy and Cathy Smith were recently commissioned as deaconesses and inducted into roles in Fisherwick and First Holywood congregations respectively.

Both services had involvement from representatives of the Council for Training in Ministry, the Council for Mission in Ireland and Presbyterian Women.

Hashtags and Hormones

Blaze prayer calendar The Blaze prayer calendar aims to encourage children and families to pray for global mission.

In 2025, the focus will be on countries where PCI has friends or partners. In February, this is Syria and Lebanon.

For more information on Blaze, visit www.presbyterianireland.org/ blaze

Presbyterian Women spring event

Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Saturday 8

Explore

Clogherney Presbyterian – Friday 28

March Mission in Ireland Evenings

Ellen Hillen (PW president), Pauline Kennedy (Women’s Ministry & PW Development Officer), Cathy Smith (deaconess), Libby Russell (PW home vice president) and Linda Beattie (PW overseas vice president).

Travel fund The Concorde Travel Fund helps young Presbyterians, aged between 18 and 25 years, finance their travel overseas for short-term service.

This year, the deadline for applications is 31 March, and further information is available at www.presbyterianireland.org/ concorde

Waringstown Presbyterian – Thursday 6

East Belfast Presbytery in St Andrew’s Presbyterian – Sunday 2 Iveagh Presbytery in Ballydown – Sunday 2 Tyrone Presbytery in First Cookstown – Sunday 2 Omagh Presbytery in Ballygawley – Sunday 9 Route Presbytery in Trinity Ballymoney – Sunday 16 Templepatrick Presbytery in Muckamore – Sunday 16 Armagh Presbytery in Richhill – Wednesday 19 Ards Presbytery in Millisle and Ballycopeland – Sunday 23 Carrickfergus Presbytery – Sunday 30

Hashtags and Hormones Wellington Presbyterian – Tuesday 4

Kids’ Big Day Out

Bangor West – Saturday 8

Explore Rick Hill (Secretary of the Council for Mission in Ireland), Pauline Kennedy (Women’s Ministry and PW Development Officer) and new deaconesses Heather Healy and Cathy Smith.

New Row Presbyterian – Sunday 23

April Discipleship Today Forum for young adults Fisherwick Presbyterian – Tuesday 1

Discipleship Today Forum (PCI children, youth and family workers) Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Thursday 3

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PERSONAL VIEW

Life lessons Jonny McClune

PCI’s Congregational Witness Development Officer I’m married to Bethany and we’ve just celebrated our son Jack’s second birthday.

We’re also expecting another baby, due at the end of May. We live just outside south east Belfast and we’re part of Saintfield Road Presbyterian Church.

This month, I will be marking both another birthday in my 30s, as well as a year working for PCI as the Congregational Witness Development Officer. Life has been flying in quickly.

It doesn’t feel that long ago that I traded a degree in Architecture for a career as a teacher in Dundonald High School. Teaching gave me a new perspective on the world around me and I left almost 10 years ago with the desire to serve in Christian ministry. What followed was a number of years in parachurch ministries, first with Christian Unions Ireland, working with students in CUs and then another few years with Youth For Christ, supporting youth workers, before joining PCI. As the Congregational Witness Development Officer, my role is largely a supportive one. I get the privilege to help churches who are thinking about and engaged in outreach, witness and evangelism to consider their next step in sharpening their evangelistic edge. Sometimes that is as a sounding board or facilitating a particular conversation, but every week can look different, whether I’m meeting church staff members, working with kirk sessions or simply gathering stories of how ordinary people are sharing Jesus in ordinary ways. There is a bit of influencing, some agitating, but primarily it’s about encouraging, which suits me as Barnabas is one of my favourite people in the Bible.

I love the local church. I have really enjoyed working in parachurch roles, as well as my current role, because I have had the opportunity to serve and help the local church. Our churches aren’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but at its best, the local church is a family like no other. Jack likes to watch the film Paddington and there’s a quote in it that says: “In London, everyone is different. That’s why 12

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anyone can fit in.” I think, when we are doing it right, that is true of the church too. We are the family who God has brought together.

We might not naturally have found each other, but we are united in Jesus. That’s the best family to be part of.

Increasingly, I am seeing and hearing the pressure on churches to behave in a certain way, which can be a real challenge to the life of our churches. Sometimes external pressure makes us dilute our message in the attempt to remain culturally relevant or acceptable and sometimes internal pressure makes us focus resources and effort on keeping ourselves comfortable, bowing to individualistic and materialistic ideals. While we must steward resources well and keep an eye on culture, we need to remember who God calls us to be – a city on a hill, a light to the nations.

One of my favourite songs at the moment is a newer worship song called Make Room. Sometimes I find songs that I will listen to for weeks on end as they have the ability to centre me with Jesus and push the affirmations deeper down into my mind and heart. This has become one of those songs at the moment. The words are simple yet profound and the repetition lets the words linger on. I encourage you to give it a listen: “Here is where I lay it down Every burden, every crown…

Every lie and every doubt This is my surrender And I will make room for you To do whatever you want to…

Shake up the ground of all my tradition Break down the walls of all my religion Your way is better Your way is better…”

Relaxation, for me, is all about slowing down. It can take many forms, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Sometimes, it’s making coffee the slow way, lighting the fire and watching a movie with Bethany, getting your head blown off on a north coast walk, or simply sitting on the beach building sandcastles with Jack.

MY STORY...

Sarah Bleakley, a member of Cavanaleck Presbyterian, shares about her work in Christian outreach for Child Evangelism Fellowship in Lapland.

Bringing light to the Arctic

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t a grand height of 5 feet and 1 inch, I have of the waters, I have had to brave through. Lapp culture has often thought that a calling to the mission field been another education entirely. If you were to understand in Lapland might have been better suited to a just one thing about Scandinavian culture, let it be this: much bigger person than me. For the past four there is no such thing as complaining of the cold! Give them years while serving as a missionary with Child Evangelism gale force winds, blizzarding snowstorms, not to mention Fellowship (CEF) in the north of Norway (where Lapland is extreme temperatures of minus 20 or lower, but let it never located), I have been proven wrong on this idea more times even be hinted at that a Sami or Norwegian is ever cold. As than I care to count.

I mentioned before, Lapland is located For several years, the congregations inside the north of Norway. It is also I felt a nudge from the of Cavanaleck and Aughentaine home to a group of indigenous people Presbyterian have been praying for and Holy Spirit to be the next called the Sami. These people once supporting Ida Johnston – the very lady in line to serve in the lived a traditionally nomadic lifestyle, first CEF missionary to step foot into following their herds of reindeer from Lapland with the gospel for children. On Arctic Circle! lofty mountain peaks to coastal pastures a damp February evening, in the warmth throughout the year. Nowadays, many and fellowship of Aughentaine Church, I felt a nudge from of them have settled and use modern amenities like snow the Holy Spirit to be the next lady in line to serve in the scooters to track their reindeer. However, you can easily see Arctic Circle! If Ida had been at the forefront of the mission why these people are not in the least bit bothered by the field there for 40 years, then my pitiful excuses that God cold. would need someone bigger, were never going to suffice.

As if the language and culture were not enough to contend Could God really be calling me to share the gospel in a land with, I have also had some spiritual waters to tread through of avalanches, blizzards and subzero temperatures? God’s here. I praise God for the many opportunities I have to answer was simple: “When you pass through the waters, share the gospel on a weekly basis through good news clubs, I will be with you” (Isaiah 43:2). These are the very words teen clubs and Sunday school, but my heart aches for those that echoed through my soul and changed my life forever. parts of Lapland that are still unreached. Karasjok is a Sami Crossing the Arctic Ocean was only the beginning – on my town deep in the heart of the Arctic valleys where I have arrival in Lapland, I soon discovered there were many other encountered some dark spiritual waters. Just a few weeks challenging waters I would have to wade through, not least ago, when handing out invitations for a good news club acquainting myself with the language and culture. God’s there, one lady told me she was involved in occultic practices. promise to be with me would ring true on many occasions.

Other places have simply refused to give us entry when it After one full year of butchering the Norwegian language, comes to sharing the gospel. God has promised to be with I was finally ready to take Bible lessons for children without me no matter what challenges I face, but I never do it alone. the help of an interpreter. I now run a total of six good news Please pray for unreached areas of Lapland like Karasjok. clubs and teen clubs which run from Monday to Friday. My Pray that God will mobilise the local church here to support week is finished off with an early morning drive over the the work of CEF. Indeed, pray for all missionaries in God’s mountains to Hammerfest where I take Sunday school in a global church, that all of us might recognise that size is no local congregation. matter in whatever mission we are called to – even if that If only my several blunders with the language were the last happens to be Lapland.

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CONGREGATIONAL STORY

Being present

in congregational life

As PCI continues to focus on what it truly means to be present to God, present to one another and present where God has placed us, the Herald hears how three congregations are being present to one another in God’s family of the church.

Downshire, Carrickfergus Being present in the all-age family of the church

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n Downshire, our church vision is ‘See God’s Love, Know God’s Love, Show God’s Love’. This vision applies to all generations and ministries within our church family.

Over the last few years, our children’s ministry has really grown, and we are very blessed to have so many children attending our Sunday morning programme. One of the ways that we incorporate the vision of seeing God’s love into our children’s ministry, is by once a month bringing out members of our church family to share their stories with the kids. This includes two of our groups: ‘King’s Kids’ which is P2 to P5 and ‘Team 3:16’ which is P6 and P7.

This can involve people sharing, not only how they have come to faith, but also how God is currently working in their lives, whether it be in work, retirement, family life or even hobbies.

We ask those sharing to tell us about a Bible verse or passage that has helped or meant something to them and also for any tips that have aided how they read the Bible and pray. The children are given time at the end of the session to ask any questions they would like to know, and the kids particularly enjoy this part. We have had questions ranging from: “What is your favourite

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vegetable?” to “What do you think heaven will look like?” We have found this a valuable way to build relationships between the generations.

As our children move on from kids’ church to the youth programme (Year 8+) they are given the opportunity to serve in all aspects of church life. This includes, but is not limited to, our audio-visual team, as helpers in crèche or in kids’ church, in our welcoming team or in our praise band. They can serve alongside members of our church family, learning new skills and continuing to build intergenerational relationships. In Downshire, we feel that the kids seeing, knowing and showing God’s love is not just the responsibility of the kids’ ministry team and their parents, but it is the role of all of our church family.

We can all play a part in bringing our children to faith and walk alongside them in their discipleship journey.

Hannah Crockard Kids’ coordinator

…our children…are given the opportunity to serve in all aspects of church life.

Our aim through this is…that through retreat we would come to relish connecting with God in a real way…

Trinity, Bangor Being present to God in discipleship with others

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he late Dallas Willard liked to compare discipleship to apprenticeship – spending time with another person “in order to become more like that person”.

The connection involved in ‘spending time with another’ allows for something dynamic to occur. It speaks of an ongoing relationship that has an impact on life in the here and now. To ‘become more like’ speaks of growth, transformation and purpose.

So the term discipleship fights against the idea that Christian conversion is a static, one-time event that confirms our place in heaven but seems to offer little to our life and our world in the here and now.

As disciples of Jesus, this means that in the here and now, we are people who are looking to spend time with him, learn from him, become more like him and become more able to do what he does.

At Trinity, one way that we have tried to engage with this is through retreat.

To retreat means to come away from our normal routines, for a time, in order to open ourselves to God. Then, as a result of having spent time with him, to then be able to return to life in a way that is somehow different. Tony Horsfall would suggest that this is “strategic withdrawal”.

In the course of each year, we aim to facilitate two one-day retreats, time where we can come away together to be alone with God. In the last two years, we have explored Jesus’ rhythm of retreat, the practice of lectio divina and, most recently, patterns in our life that may be holding us back in our relationship with God. Our aim through this is not to cause people to see retreating as a couple of yearly events, but rather that through retreat we would come to relish connecting with God in a real way – and that this would spill out into having an appetite for intentionally opening ourselves to God, amid all of life’s other demands and distractions.

This was something that was caught by a church member, as they reflected on their experience in our church magazine, stating that a lesson we can all learn from retreat is that while life may contain many difficulties, “our ability to personally engage with God will never fail, and regardless of what the coming weeks and months may bring, we should all endeavour to take time out in study, prayer and fellowship”.

Rob Gamble Coordinator of discipleship

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Whiteabbey Being present for one another pastorally

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Courtesy of The Northern Irish Explorer

Although…pastoral care is difficult…it is also such a blessing and privilege to be welcomed into people’s homes and lives…

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astoral care is such an important aspect of congregational life because it is actively reflecting Jesus’ care for us as our Good Shepherd – to help both Christians and non-Christians know that we are not alone, that we are loved by him and that we need to receive the peace, strength and transforming power of the Holy Spirit in all the different circumstances of our lives, especially in our suffering.

I always come back to 2 Corinthians 1 to remind me how the Trinity, our ‘three in one’ God who is himself perfectly relational, gives us his compassion for others and enables us to connect with and support them. He “comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (v4).

In Whiteabbey, we seek to provide pastoral care to every age group in the congregation. Our staff team meets weekly and we share who we have been in contact with or visited during the week, so we are aware of any pastoral issues and are then able to pray specifically for them.

In the pastoral aspect of my role (alongside our minister Angus and our assistant minister Matthew), my main responsibility is to visit specific members of the congregation on our pastoral lists: those who cannot attend church services regularly due to ill health, others who are in hospital or nursing homes, and those who are experiencing suffering such as bereavement.

In our kirk session, our elders are divided into groups which focus on different areas of ministry in church life. The group focusing on pastoral ministry is convened by Tim, one of our elders, and in January 2024, Tim and I set up a team of voluntary pastoral visitors who have a heart for this particular ministry.

Each visitor regularly visits one or two members of the congregation who

are on the pastoral lists mentioned above. I sought to pair up visitors with those I thought they would get on well with, and it has been lovely to see these relationships develop throughout the year.

At Christmas time, I coordinate a list of those we visit throughout the year and those who have been bereaved in the year that has passed, and organise our staff team, elders and pastoral visitors to visit these church members, bringing them a Christmas present and card from Whiteabbey to let them know we are thinking of them.

Although there are many times that pastoral care is difficult due to the sadness of seeing people suffer, it is also such a blessing and privilege to be welcomed into people’s homes and lives, and see trust built through listening and journeying with them in what they are going through. There have been times when I’ve come to visit someone and they will say, “God brought you at exactly the right time” or “I was just thinking of you”, which shows how it is the Holy Spirit who is at work guiding me to where I need to be and when I need to be there – how he is sovereign over it all.

We often talk about the importance of ‘one anothering’ in Whiteabbey – how pastoral care really applies to everyone in the congregation who cares for others, and how it is so encouraging to see this happening; whether through people praying for each other in the pew after the service, delivering a home-made meal to someone grieving or just home from hospital, or a text or a phone call to see how someone is doing. May we continue to be a church family that continues to depend on God, and to know his great care and compassion for us, so we can keep on sharing it with each other, journeying through life together towards our eternal heavenly home.

Rachel Cubitt Deaconess

REFLECTIONS

Preparation and commissioning Tommy Bruce Studies in Mark 1: 1–14

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hen do you start preparing for Christmas? A but to Jesus who was coming to save and to transform lives, strange question you may think at the start of not merely by external rituals, but by the Holy Spirit. Yes a new year. Yet as the Christmas decorations John’s work was important – its impact recognised across are being removed and boxed up for another the region – yet it was merely a flickering candle, set in the year, there are some people out in the shops, snapping up the window of human history, as the Light of the World begins first presents for next Christmas. The discounted personal to shine.

Christmas cards, or the novelty Christmas decorations John’s baptism symbolised the need for a person to be that were just too expensive are now half price on the shop changed, to be cleansed, yet the true work of change only shelves. But it’s not merely the thrifty shopper who begins came about with the coming of the Saviour. As Jesus is to prepare at this time of year – many of the buyers for toy baptised, the heavens open and the voice of God is heard. shops begin their search for the must-have toy for next We would expect the blessing to flow and the opportunities Christmas. There is planning and preparation required to to open up, after all is that not the normal human logic that ensure that much of what we have come we have come to expect – good things …the Lord chose to to expect, is there ready for us to enjoy. happen to good people? Yet here we find As we come to look at the gospel of speak in the wilderness, the Holy Spirit sending Jesus out into Mark, we are reminded that God’s plan the wilderness to be tested. and draw people out to of salvation was already formulated.

In a previous career, I worked as an Mark may be declaring that this was engineer.

When making a modification himself. the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, but or installing a new machine onto the God’s plan of salvation stretched back production line, it was required to be many centuries, through times of obedience and those of commissioned, which involved running a series of tests to disobedience. The Lord was preparing his way, even through ensure the machine could fulfil the task required. As the times of frustrating apathy to periods of open rebellion. His Lord begins his earthly ministry, the words of the Father: promises remained certain; his purpose was not subject to “This is my Son in whom I am well pleased”, is proven the whims and schemes of his people. Rather, the Lord’s to be true. The first Adam may have failed in the tests set plan was declared to Isaiah: “I will send my messenger ahead out by the devil, but Jesus, the second Adam, is victorious, of you who will prepare your way, a voice calling in the overcoming each temptation. wilderness. Prepare the way of the Lord.”

You may feel that your life is neither significant nor The Lord was carefully preparing his plan, his Word would important, only a brief flickering candle. Yet there is still be fulfilled. Yet instead of that call being heard in the temple, an opportunity for each of us to point towards the Saviour. or among the cities and towns, the voice was calling in the Even if we think our lives are ordinary, mundane, quiet wilderness. Strategically, in our way of thinking, this wasn’t and insignificant, remember that they are the perfect a great policy. Surely the Lord’s voice would be heard in the masterpieces that God has called us to do, in the place that places where those who heard it would be the most likely he has put us. It may not be easy – we may face opposition – to respond – like in the synagogues or in the schools of the but if we walk in obedience to his way and in his will, then Pharisees? Yet the Lord chose to speak in the wilderness, we will be the good and faithful servants that God has called and draw people out to himself. The Lord’s strategy may us to be. appear to be illogical, even foolish, yet it is always perfect.

John the Baptist wasn’t presenting an appealing message, Rev Tommy Bruce is minister of Trinity, Letterkenny and nor was his style and appearance particularly attractive.

Trenta Presbyterian Churches in Donegal.

His message was brash and direct, his appearance wild and dishevelled, yet the Lord spoke through him, drawing people to himself, preparing those who would listen for the coming Saviour. John pointed not to his own success and popularity, Herald February 2025

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Charles McMullen offers a reflection for the new year that invites us all to expect God to move in our lives and churches in a fresh way in 2025.

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ow to him who is able….

It was around my 17th birthday and one of my first experiences of being behind the wheel. My father was in the passenger seat beside me as I negotiated the winding lane of my grandparents’ farm. I had a mounting fear that I would not be able to negotiate a 90-degree left-hand bend and, sure enough, as I plunged the car into the ditch I had my first experience of a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Realistically, as we look at the trajectory of our denomination in terms of declining congregations, closures and amalgamations, we can easily become despondent as we anticipate some of the sharp turnings ahead.

However, none of these prophecies of doom should ever have the last word. On the contrary, I have been encouraged by many of the stories I have been reading in the Herald about exciting innovation and creative outreach, as well as underlining the faithfulness and devotion of so many of our people.

This is in keeping with a word that has been gripping me over these past few months: ‘expectancy’. As Paul writes to the Ephesians, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (3:20). These words speak reassuringly of a God of endless possibilities. In his letter to the Romans, Paul describes creation waiting “with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God” (8:19), a statement that should have us standing on tip toes or leaning forward, arms open, eyes wide, ears cocked, face attentive and hearts burning. God is going to move.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we can surely point to many times in our lives when prayer has been answered. I can certainly look back over my own life as the Lord has proved himself again and again to be faithful in the big picture and the tiny detail. But what about those other times when things have not gone according to plan and the car has careered off the road?

A lady recently shared in our morning services how she had been diagnosed with a debilitating condition that required invasive treatment which

Expectancy is about leaving ourselves in God’s hands for him to move and work, even in the deepest, darkest places of our lives. was not altogether successful. She prayed for healing but the answers did not come in the way she expected.

Instead she found herself clinging to Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” She learned to be patient, to persevere, to lean on God and found the experience altogether humbling.

She also sensed God’s presence in a fresh and deeper way.

As someone who has a deep love for God’s people, I have been confused, perplexed and even deadened inside when it comes to this area of what appears to be unanswered prayer. In those painful places it is good to be reminded that God is in control. As Charles Spurgeon wrote, “There is no attribute of God more comforting to his children than the doctrine of divine sovereignty. When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head.”

Expectancy is about leaving ourselves in God’s hands for him to move and work, even in the deepest, darkest places of our lives. Expectation, on the other hand, can so often be about God fitting in with our plans and purposes.

That contrast is illustrated in the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20). Those hired at the beginning of the day and have toiled hard for hours become indignant that they receive the same wage as those who are employed late in the afternoon.

The Greek word here is the giveaway as it means to assume or feel entitled or owed. These first workers formed in their minds a picture of what ought to be, and anything more than that, or less than that, disappointed them. It must be this. It must be now. It must be my way. If not, I’m going off in a huff !

The Canadian writer Mark Buchanan draws the contrast in this way: “Expectation almost always sets

us up to be disappointed, and once disappointment sets in, it quickly hardens into apathy, bitterness, and suspicion. Expectancy, on the other hand, sets us up to be thrilled. When we live in an attitude of expectancy, we’re rarely disappointed. Expectation says, ‘This specific thing must happen for me to welcome it.’ But when we live in the house of Expectancy, we say, ‘Something good is going to happen – I’m not sure what – and I’m here to welcome it.’”

Jesus could do no miracles wherever there was no expectancy, no faith and no sense that good could break forth amidst the tragic and mundane. So many of his hearers had the expectation of a Messiah who would come as a liberator and set them free from Roman occupation. They had made Jesus in their own image and were disappointed when he did not meet their expectations.

A Sunday school teacher told her seven-year-olds how to become Christians. Then she handed out pencils and slips of paper and invited the children, if they were ready to trust Jesus, to write, “I accept Jesus.”

Many children did so, but one little boy got the wording muddled. Instead of writing “I accept Jesus,” he wrote “I expect Jesus.” It was actually a wonderful mistake to make. How about simply expecting Jesus? How about being more open to his plans and purposes?

All those years ago when I took the car off the lane, I would never have anticipated the reaction of my father who would have had every reason to have lost his temper. He may have been beyond himself, but he was the model of patience, kindness and understanding.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we do not have all the answers, but we have somewhere to go with our questions – a loving, heavenly Father whom we can trust when life does not make sense. A pillow on which we can rest a weary head. A Father who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.

Very Rev Dr Charles McMullen is minister of West Presbyterian Church, Bangor and a former PCI Moderator.

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How will PCI’s ministry be reconfigured?

Following his previous article in the Herald on why PCI is reconfiguring its ministry, David Allen now outlines how this process will happen.

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ver heard of the ‘Knowsley Park Centre for Learning – Serving Prescot, Whiston and the Wider Community’?

I suspect not. It was formed during a reconfiguration of schools in the Liverpool area about 15 years ago, when a number of schools were merged, and its catchy and memorable name was given to it by the local council, after a fairly heated debate.

Some local people thought it was hilarious, some were cross, others were embarrassed. One wit remarked, “At least pupils will be able to practise their spelling and grammar every time they refer to their school.”

The name lasted seven years, until the headmistress, who felt so embarrassed about it, cut it to ‘The Prescot School’ – a shining example of a local person having a lot more sense than a bunch of people who were higher up and further removed.

So how should PCI do its reconfiguration of ministry? Should it adopt the model that produced the ‘Knowsley Park Centre for Learning – Serving Prescot, Whiston and the Wider Community’, and let the higher up and further removed people do it?

Or are there lessons to be learned from Liverpool and the local headmistress,

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who eventually got common sense to prevail?

In agreeing to move forward with reconfiguration of ministry, the General Assembly agreed one statement that’s essential in describing how reconfiguration should be done: “Reconfiguration of ministry should be primarily presbytery shaped and implemented, congregationally focused, and denominationally enabled and facilitated.”

How will it be presbytery driven?

PCI has 19 presbyteries which cover the entire island. Each congregation is in one of these, and the members of presbytery are the ministers and one elder from every congregation in the presbytery area. The presbytery is responsible for oversight of the

…plans for reconfiguration of ministry should be made, under God, by local presbyteries, not people or groups at a denominational level…

congregations and causes within its area, the ministers and elders connected with it, and the advancement of Christ’s kingdom generally within its bounds.

The presbytery elders are able to share what’s going on with the other elders in their congregation, and each kirk session has direct input into their presbytery through their representative elder and their minister, both of whom should attend presbytery each month.

The presbytery knows its local area in a way that people outside that area can’t. So, it stands to sense, that plans for reconfiguration of ministry should be made, under God, by local presbyteries, not people or groups at a denominational level, who will always be further removed.

That should reassure us all, that we’ve learnt at least one lesson from Liverpool – that a group of people from Assembly Buildings isn’t going to sit in Belfast with a map of Ireland and make decisions about congregations which are 50 or 100 miles away. But while we can be sure that won’t happen, it’s also true that a reconfiguration of ministry means, by definition, that everything can’t stay the way it has always been, and everyone can’t keep everything they have always had.

That means that some challenging conversations may be needed, and some hard decisions may be unavoidable. In PCI, first and foremost, these will be in the hands of local presbyteries.

Every presbytery has begun the process of producing a plan for the configuration of ministry and mission in its area – some started months, or even years ago. These plans will seek to enhance the fruitfulness and effectiveness of ministry, grasp opportunities for mission, and also identify areas of potential new church development.

How will it be congregationally focused?

All presbyteries have now contacted kirk sessions, and asked them to share information about their congregation.

Things like: • the number and age of people in the congregation; • how involved it is in the local community; • how it seeks to reach the lost and make disciples of the saved; • what the prayer life of the congregation is like; • what opportunities there are for Bible study; • the congregation’s ability to meet its financial obligations; • its willingness to adapt what it does, so that it’s as effective as it can be in ministry and mission in today’s world.

When kirk sessions return this information, the presbytery working group will consider the returns. Then, they will meet with each Session to hear their reflections on the information that they have supplied.

Together, they will talk and listen to their hopes and aspirations, under God, and consider how God may be leading towards possible options for ministry and mission for each congregation and area throughout the presbytery.

Having done that, the presbytery working group will draft its reconfiguration plan.

What we are working towards together, is the advancement of the kingdom of God… How will the process be denominationally enabled and facilitated?

When the presbytery working group has prepared the first draft of its plan, it will meet with the Linkage Commission’s reconfiguration committee. This committee has already prepared material for presbyteries and Sessions in the process, and advises and supports them as they draw up their plans.

Once the plans are drafted, the committee will talk with and listen to each presbytery group as they discuss their plans together. Because the committee talks separately with all 19 presbyteries about their plans, it’s able to make sure that all presbyteries are treated the same, and are working in the same way. This is already the role of the Linkage Commission when congregations are vacant and seeking a minister, so it’s natural for this aspect of its work to be extended to reconfiguration of ministry.

The conversations presbytery working groups have with Sessions and the Linkage reconfiguration committee, may cause presbyteries to make some changes to their plans. They will talk again to any Sessions affected by this and then redraft the plans and bring them to the full presbytery for discussion and approval.

When that’s done, the presbytery, supported by the Linkage Commission, will seek to implement the plan.

Implementation will take some time.

Some things can be acted on quickly (in a period of months) – maybe where a congregation is vacant, or where a minister is due to retire, or where the ministry has reviewable tenure. Other things will take longer (perhaps some

years) – maybe where there are issues in neighbouring congregations that need to be addressed first, or where a conversation with a neighbouring presbytery is needed.

In all of this, there will be lots of conversations with Sessions, so that everyone knows why particular options are being preferred to others, all of it in the hope that we will be more effective in ministry and mission for the Lord Jesus.

Some of us may be tempted to think that in this reconfiguration there will be congregations that are winners and other that are losers, but that won’t be the case. What we are working towards together, is the advancement of the kingdom of God, following the will of God, rather than the retention of any congregational interest, or the preferences of particular groups of people. If we forget that, or shy away from it and whatever it means in practice for us, then we will all be the losers – as people, and as a denomination. Faithfully following God, in the power of the Holy Spirit, proclaiming Christ, and being shaped in his image, are our callings, and if we neglect those things, we have no right to expect his blessing.

So, together, can we pray that he will lead and guide us, give us grace to respond in faith and obedience, throwing off everything that hinders and so easily entangles? And let us run with perseverance the race marked out before us, with our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of the faith who, for the joy set before him, endured the cross with all its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Dr David Allen is Deputy Clerk of the General Assembly.

Herald February 2025

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TALKING POINTS

God-moments

Norman Hamilton encourages us to embrace being used by God more, and also to consider carefully how we can make the most of these opportunities.

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t was a real delight to read Deborah Sloan’s beautifully to get involved in anything close to ‘gossip’, for, as Scripture written article in the last edition of the Herald (Dec/ says: “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go Jan) on what are known as ‘third places’. These are places down to the inmost parts.” where we can interact with other people, but are entirely Secondly, I need to listen very carefully to what others are separate from our homes or places of work. saying. Proverbs 18 could not be clearer: “To answer before Like Deborah, I regularly have the opportunity to have listening – that is folly and shame.” great conversation in them. For example, two days after Thirdly, I often find myself in need of wisdom from on writing this piece I am scheduled to have a ‘business’ high, so the promise in James 1 is such an encouragement: breakfast with a few friends in a local hotel – and then go “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who to meet up with someone I haven’t seen for over 10 years gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be following his telephone call to me out of the blue. given to you”. This opens up the opportunity to bring the Quite recently, I had a ‘chance’ encounter with someone in perspective of Scripture and the light of the Holy Spirit to the grounds of Belfast’s City Hall, and the everyday life of whoever I’m chatting the subsequent conversation on a bench They need to see that I am not …these ‘God-moments’ with. there led to a happy life-changing event merely expressing an opinion, but trying for him and the family. And almost every do bring real to bring an eternal perspective to our week I am approached by total strangers That is a huge blessing all responsibility, and I have conversation. in the street or in a shop and given the round. had to think carefully opportunity to have good conversation Finally, I should always be open to with them. ‘Third places’ play a very following through on a conversation. about how to use them important part in my everyday routines.

Even the most apparently casual well…

Yet, I am acutely aware that conversations can reveal the need for these ‘God-moments’ do bring real ongoing support and prayer, or further responsibility, and I have had to think carefully about how exploration of what we were chatting about. So, it is my to use them well and ask what guidance there is in Scripture normal practice to explicitly make that offer if it would be to do that. So, at the risk of stating the obvious, may I offer helpful or necessary. I try to finish the conversation with a the biblical guidelines that I try – however imperfectly – to ‘handle’ being put in place for further chat, and the offer is bring to those conversations. usually, though not always, taken up.

I seek to make my starting point the guidance given in 1 Perhaps I can end with a quotation from Deborah’s article: Peter 3: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone “If we are always busy with home, work and the church, are who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. we recognising how God can be using us in a range of other But do this with gentleness and respect.” I need to be really third places? Do we see this as a vital part of our witnessing clear as to ‘why’ I believe, not just ‘what’ I believe. And in our and evangelism?” society where so few people have any idea what the gospel Note carefully her use of the word ‘vital’! is, or what the Bible teaches, or even who Jesus is, I have learned how to spell out the reason for my faith in simple words and in a few short sentences. No jargon!

I also try to ensure that the tone of my conversation is worthy of the Lord. This is easier said than done! From time to time, I have found myself being misunderstood, not least because I had not taken enough care over my choice of words, or the tone of what I said was rather ‘off ’. Again, Bible teaching is crystal clear. The book of Proverbs speaks Norman Hamilton of the blessing of ‘gracious words’ as opposed to being ‘reckless’ in my speech.

Very Rev Dr Norman Hamilton is a former This inevitably leads into thinking about the content of Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in conversation, and means that I do need to be very careful not Ireland.

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Herald February 2025

FEBRUARY 2025

Mission Connect

The importance of cities

Mission news from workers around Ireland and the world.

A simple invitation Gavin Doyle The importance of cities Heather Healy Love God and love the stranger Rev Dr Colin Dickson Blessings to celebrate Rev Gary McDowell

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.

Being a light in the tunnel Rev Uel Marrs

Including February prayer diary

A simple invitation

Gavin Doyle

Community outreach worker, Trinity Presbyterian Church, Cork

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s the new community outreach worker at Trinity There is another great opportunity to invite the people Presbyterian Church Cork, I’ve had the great privilege of of Cork to church. As part of my role at Trinity, I’ve had the inviting and encouraging many people to come to our exciting experience of going street preaching. With a bit of church. practise painting in the church car park, I was finally ready to This has been done through door-to-door work which has head to the streets of Cork and do a sketch-board message. sparked many interesting conversations, as well as through Although a little bit nervous, I was able to share the gospel conversations about the gospel with many of the parents at message to the people of Cork. During my message, I told the church toddler group. three love stories, one of One of my favourite ways them being the greatest love Many gospel conversations are now happening story of all. The message has been through the free English classes that we God, out of his love for simply because of a gentle invitation to church. that launched in September. us, sent his son Jesus to die Every Tuesday, I’ve been for our sins on the cross, so teaching English to many foreign nationals in the city, many that our relationship with him could be restored. Many people of whom are asylum seekers from all across the world. These stood and listened until the end and I was able to have a classes have been a great way for the church to serve the further conversation with some and invite them to church. I local community and also a wonderful opportunity to get still need lots of practise to perfect my painting skills, but I’m people involved with the church. After every class, I have the looking forward to making street preaching a regular part opportunity to invite the students to church that Sunday. of my week. I’m also very excited to learn new sketches and We have had many students come to worship and some creative ways to share the gospel with the people of Cork. have also attended our weekly prayer meeting on Wednesday nights. Some are from Christian backgrounds, while others Please pray: have never stepped foot in a church before but out of curiosity decided to accept our invitation. It has been encouraging • For the people of Cork and that their minds and hearts to have people who would never experience or hear the would be open to hearing the gospel. gospel in their home country be able to join us at the prayer • That many of the students from our English class will meeting and for worship on Sunday. Through this invitation, continue to come to church and invite friends and family too. relationships are now being built between the members of the • That more members would be willing to help and volunteer church and the students. Many gospel conversations are now with the ministries within the church. happening simply because of a gentle invitation to church.

Mission Connect | Herald February 2025

Fisherwick congregation

The Daylight team

The importance of cities Heather Healy

Deaconess, Fisherwick Presbyterian Church

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oday, more than half the world’s population live in cities community by offering complimentary tea, coffee and hot and this trend is likely to continue, according to the chocolate outside the church. Several team members have had World Bank. Having lived in a few major world capitals, opportunities to pray with those passing by and show God’s it is clear to me that because of technology and globalisation, love in practical ways. The coffee and chat group also provides what happens in big cities a warm space for senior spreads. It was the late Tim adults to enjoy friendship The previous generations clearly cared about Keller who pointed out and fellowship. that cities are increasingly I am thankful for the how human life was lived and had a significant gracious influential to how life is lived welcome I have in the world. By reading the received from members influence on that.

Bible as a single story, we see of the congregation as I that cities become more and make pastoral visits each more important in God’s redemptive purpose in the world. week. Fisherwick recently celebrated its 200th anniversary So, imagine my excitement when a city church in a strategic and in that time, church members not only contributed to location in Belfast advertised for a deaconess. On 1 December the development of Belfast and its institutions but also to 2024, after three years of training, I was commissioned and the mission of PCI throughout the island and overseas. The inducted as a deaconess in Fisherwick Presbyterian Church. previous generations clearly cared about how human life was Advent was a special time of the year to begin, with many lived and had a significant influence on that. I look forward social gatherings taking place, which were a great way to get with glad expectation to the days ahead and pray that the to know people. good news of Jesus Christ would continue to be proclaimed to I have enjoyed experiencing the rich diversity in the life and the younger generations, the marginalised, the influencers and witness of the congregation as I visit the various organisations. the unreached peoples of the world who live in south Belfast.

It is encouraging to hear about the number of young people who have come to faith over the past year through GB, BB Please pray: and youth fellowship. Helping at the lively and vibrant mums and tots group is something I have been intentional about as I • For the Lord’s leading and guiding as Heather serves in am deeply persuaded that, in many churches, this is probably Fisherwick. one of the most consistent outreach ministries into the • For the Daylight team and opportunities to share the gospel. surrounding community, yet often not recognised as such.

• For the boys’ Bible study and those who have recently come It is great to be part of the Daylight team on Wednesday to faith. mornings as we seek to make connections and bless the

Mission Connect | Herald February 2025

Love God and love the stranger

Rev Dr Colin Dickson

Mission project leader, International Meeting Point (IMP)

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am thankful to God for a passionate and capable staff but each are known to God and often begin their journey team, supported by eager and committed volunteers, who to faith in Christ through the welcome they receive in IMP. A together, seek to love God (because he first loved us, 1 John Chinese lady requested and received an English/Mandarin 4:19), and love the stranger (Deuteronomy 10:19) in the city Bible. A Sudanese mother, recently widowed, arrived with two (Jonah 4:11). We are one team across two sites in Belfast – the young children, and no recourse to public funds. IMP helped Lisburn Road and Carlisle Circus, where the Op shop is also with bedding, clothes, food and a small financial contribution. located.

She openly wept at the Every day is full and unconditional love shown Each person coming to IMP is not simply a face to her. A Kurdish guy has varied, with consistently large numbers accessing started to read an Arabic/ in a crowd, but each are known to God… the centres to engage with English New Testament he English classes, hot meals, was recently given. Several Bible studies, drop-in centre, advocacy, mums and tots, clothes, women attending English classes have spiritual questions and food, bicycles, toiletries, help with form filling, e-visas and are interested to study the Bible in more depth. much more. The Op shop also provides a warm and welcoming IMP does not have the capacity to disciple the hundreds Christian environment, selling good quality second-hand baby of people who come through the doors each week. We clothes and accessories, along with opportunities for prayer are thankful for the support and partnership of local and spiritual conversations. congregations. A significant number of the IMP users regularly While there is evidence of answered prayer and lives attend Grace and Hope Community church plant at Carlisle impacted as the team seeks to love God and love the stranger Circus and considerable numbers also attend South Kirk on in the city, there is also disappointment, frustration and trauma Great Victoria Street. It is a delight and a privilege for the IMP in the lives of IMP users. Many are fleeing political chaos and team to intentionally love God and love the stranger in the city. terror, extreme poverty and religious persecution, war and If you are interested in receiving a monthly update or would food shortages. Yet we believe God has brought them to the like a member of staff to speak to speak to your congregation city of Belfast, so IMP can welcome and ‘love the stranger’ with or organisation, email imp@presbyterianireland.org the love of Christ found in the gospel.

All visitors to IMP know ‘Everyone is welcome’! It is the sign Please pray: above the entrance to both sites and the Op shop. ‘Everyone’ includes people, over the last 10 years, from almost 50 different • Give thanks for the wonderful support received from countries! ‘Everyone’ also includes Northern Irish people from congregations and volunteers. the local communities who come for friendly conversations, • For the love of God through the Word of God to take root in a hot lunch and a warm and dry space to sit and rest. Several hearts and lives. now attend the Wednesday morning Bible study and • For continuing health, strength and stamina for staff and discussion group. volunteers.

Each person coming to IMP is not simply a face in a crowd,

Mission Connect | Herald February 2025

Blessings to celebrate

Rev Gary McDowell

Greystones Presbyterian Church, Co Wicklow

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ongregational life in Greystones is always busy, but the conversations are had. Some of our members continue to be last number of months have been particularly so, with involved with the men and women of Tiglin (drug and alcohol many encouragements as a congregation. We welcomed rehabilitation centres), and with Peacehaven (PCI-run homes three fine new elders to our leadership team to replace two for folk with intellectual disabilities). elders who had served We have so much to give faithfully for many years. We thanks for in 2024, and we It’s amazing how a collection of words can help to look to the new year with also welcomed quite a few new members to our church anticipation. Recently, with refocus us and re-energise us for the future… family. It is always a blessing some input from Rick Hill, when new people arrive, as Secretary of the Council for they bring new life and energy, and all those who have come Mission in Ireland, our elders have been considering afresh have contributed so much to the life of our church. how we can be light and salt in the community in which we are People coming to faith in Jesus is always a reason to set. We felt that a new year was a good time to give thought to celebrate, and recently we baptised two adults in the cold a new vision and the outcome was a new mission statement water of Greystones harbour. On both occasions, although for our church. It’s amazing how a collection of words can help it was an overcast and threatening sky, the sun came out as to refocus us and re-energise us for the future and we pray that we went into the water – such a blessing on these public God will use us to make the mission statement come alive. declarations of faith.

So, we look back with thankfulness, and as we look ahead, we We also ran an Alpha course which finished just before are excited to see what God will do for his glory.

Christmas. About 25 of us met for eight wonderful weeks where seeds were sown for some, and faith grew for others.

Our Christmas carol service is one of the highlights of our year, attracting many from beyond our congregation. I love putting a choir together for this special occasion – a beautiful Please pray: candlelit service of readings, carols, choral pieces and soloists and a Christmas reflection. Our building was full of people for • As we move into 2025, pray that each member of the this wonderful celebration of the incarnation. congregation will own the vision statement and look to the As well as these special events, there is lots of ongoing Lord to reveal their part in his work. life in our congregation, such as our Wednesday morning • For the new elders and committee members as they toddlers group, which is a wonderful provision for families settle into their new roles and for God’s blessing on the from Greystones and beyond. This is a welcoming place congregation through them. where friendships are made and sometimes where deep

Mission Connect | Herald February 2025

Being a light in the tunnel

Rev Uel Marrs

Secretary of the Council for Global Mission

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iving in a materialistic Western world, it is easy to get Lebanese fleeing into Syria, only to find that within a few caught up in the race ‘to have it all and have it now’! Yet, I weeks they were caught up in the fall of the Assad regime and have come to appreciate that it is often the marginalised, living under a new interim government. Christians along with minority Christian communities, as they place their ‘next to other religious and ethnic minorities are filled with anticipation nothing’ in the hands of God, who are the ones to make history and hope, yet cautious and uncertain as to what the future when it comes to God’s kingdom purposes. might bring.

Consider Lebanon, in Back in Lebanon, with recent years plunged into the roar of jets and drones Christians sought to be light, to put love into economic crisis, over 80% overhead and not knowing of the population living where the next missile action courageously and compassionately… below the poverty line would strike, the Christian and ongoing political and community held on faithfully sectarian division continuing to destabilise the country. If and resiliently to the truth that God was with them and in that was not bad enough, on 1 October 2024 a year of lowcontrol, not least PCI’s two partners in the region, the National intensity conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL) and THIMAR. Shia political party and paramilitary group, escalated into NESSL sprang into action through their relief and full-scale war. Israel invaded in the south, indeed its airstrikes development wing, the Compassion Protestant Society brought extensive destruction across the country. There (CPS), whilst THIMAR initiated a multi-track emergency were widespread casualties amongst the civilian population, relief response. Each engaged with a network of Christian thousands of families losing loved ones, homes and incomes. organisations, churches and ministries, so that plans were In South Lebanon where the airstrikes were most intense, coordinated and efforts complemented each other. The around 37 villages and 40,000 homes were totally destroyed. challenge facing Christians in such difficult times was In all, there have been more than 3,000 deaths and 14,000 articulated well by Nabil Costa, CEO of THIMAR, when at injured. People sought shelter in schools, the homes of an event just prior to the escalation in conflict he said, “In relatives and friends, or tents mainly around the city of Beirut the absence of light at the end of the tunnel, we strive – by and its suburbs. Amongst other things, the education system the grace of God – to be a light in the tunnel”. So it was was put under immense strain with nearly 400 schools that Christians sought to be light, to put love into action damaged and another 575 turned into temporary shelters for courageously and compassionately by addressing people’s some of the 1.5 million displaced. basic needs without conditionality or discrimination in what is This has been one of the deadliest periods in Lebanon’s a majority Muslim community. recent history, leading to 360,000 Syrians and 178,000 Thousands of hot meals and food boxes were prepared and

Mission Connect | Herald February 2025

distributed daily at the displacement centres set up, along to step up with timely help. Yet when it comes to making with medicine, mattresses, blankets, pillows and hygiene kits. history, what perhaps stands out all the more is the way that For displaced families who had hurriedly left their homes in a minority communities of local Christians have stepped into panic, warm clothing was provided to see them through the the mainstream of what God is doing by crossing divides and fast-approaching winter months. courageously and lovingly serving their neighbours.

This witness of PCI’s partners was holistic, embracing both material and spiritual needs.

Many were traumatised and …the current adversity has brought together those there was particular concern for the mental health of of different cultural and religious backgrounds. children. THIMAR, through its publishing wing, distributed a book they had recently translated into Arabic called, Count Yourself Calm: Taking big feelings to a big God by Eliza Huie. For children living with fear, uncertainty, and the stress of trauma, it has proved to be an effective psycho-spiritual resource Please pray: helping them to find calm amidst the storm.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was finally declared • For Lebanon. Pray for the ceasefire between Israel and on 27 November, and although it did not wipe away all the Hezbollah to hold and peace to be established; for all who pain, death and destruction, it was an answer to the prayers have lost loved ones, homes and sources of income; and for of many, not least PCI’s partners. NESSL and THIMAR have those struggling with the trauma of war. continued to serve with courage and showing compassion • For Syria. Pray for all those weary of war and wounded by to all. Rev Joseph Kassab, NESSL General Secretary, reflected the past; for the interim government seeking to shape a new that despite Lebanon’s complexity and division, the current Syria, that they would govern by the rule of law, facilitate adversity has brought together those of different cultural and peace-making, and guarantee freedom, dignity and religious backgrounds. People not only found relief, hospitality equality, not least for minority communities. was encountered and new friendships forged across divides.

• For PCI’s partners. Pray for NESSL and THIMAR, that they NESSL and THIMAR have very much appreciated the support would be agents of light, hope, practical and spiritual of their partners all around the world who have sought to support through courageous, compassionate service in the stand with them, not least in prayer. Indeed, it has been good region, such that many would encounter Jesus. that international partners, including PCI, have been able

Mission Connect | Herald February 2025

FEBRUARY 2025

Please pray... n URBAN MISSION – Give thanks for the congregation of Strand and pray for them in their ongoing vacancy. As positive steps forward have been taken recently, please pray for the elders as they work with the Council for Mission in Ireland in seeking to identify a new minister in the future. n GLOBAL MISSION WORKER – Pray for Naomi Keefe to be blessed with good health and for her safety in the year ahead. Give thanks for all those who were reached in Brazil through evangelistic outreach and by the good news club activities throughout 2024. Pray that gospel seeds planted would mature and that many will come to know Jesus as Saviour. n COMMUNITY OUTREACH – For Tori McClelland in her ongoing work in Movilla and that Christ’s name is glorified through the children’s and youth work.

Tori McClelland n HEALTHCARE CHAPLAINS – For healthcare chaplains and staff at all levels within hospitals as they navigate the new digital patient care recording system.

n SOUTH BELFAST FRIENDSHIP HOUSE – Give thanks for a good uptake in programmes, and for the relationships built.

Give thanks for the lady from the Friendship Group who recently gave her life to the Lord, and pray for the adult Bible study that has started. n POLAND – Give thanks for the Moderator’s visit to PCI’s newest partner, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Poland.

Pray especially for the Christ the Saviour congregation in Kraków and its pastor, Rev Saško Nezamutdinov. Pray that this partnership will continue to deepen. n DEACONESSES – Give thanks for Cathy Smith and Heather Healy, who were recently commissioned and inducted for deaconess service in First Holywood and Fisherwick Presbyterian Churches respectively. Pray that God would pour out his blessing on each of them. n GLOBAL MISSION WORKERS – Give thanks for Stephen and Angelina Cowan, and PCEA Samburu Awareness and Action’s committed team based in Tuum, Kenya. Pray especially for safety when travelling as the roads have become rough and there has been more insecurity in recent months. n FORCES CHAPLAINCY – For all our forces chaplains, particularly those who are serving away from home. Give thanks for their continued, faithful and sometimes hidden service.

n INTERNATIONAL MEETING POINT – Give thanks for the daily opportunity to ‘love God and love the stranger in the city’ through mercy ministries and gospel witness to International Meeting Point users. Pray for Rev Colin Dickson as he leads this project, and for health, strength and grace for all volunteers and staff. Pray also that the message of Christ, presented through Bible study, personal witness and special events in IMP, will transform lives. n HOME MISSION – Give thanks for the increasing numbers of students attending Sligo Presbyterian, and pray for discernment as the congregation seeks to support them and provide discipleship opportunities.

Give thanks for the Haven International Friendship Group and pray that those attending may experience the love of Christ. n GLOBAL MISSION WORKERS – Give thanks for the church planting work in which Csaba and Ilona Veres are engaged in, especially for the contacts they have been making with families in their local community in Bodaszölö, Hungary. Pray for wisdom as they seek not only to reach out in practical ways but also as they share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray also for a suitable venue to be identified and secured for use as a church building. n MISSION PIONEERS – Give thanks for the commencement of a new mission project in the Village area of south Belfast, as it seeks to develop a fresh witness and establish a new worshipping community in Pembroke Street in the years ahead.

Pray particularly for Gary O’Rourke as he begins work as a mission pioneer and gives leadership to this new work. n PRISON CHAPLAINS – For prison chaplains as Diane Cusick they provide pastoral care and seek to share the gospel. Pray also for those in prison, their families and prison staff, that all may come to know and love the Lord. n EASTERN EUROPE – For Rt Rev Dr Vilmos József Kolumbán, who was installed as the 47th Bishop of the Transylvanian Reformed Church District on 1 February at a service in the Central Reformed Church in Kolozsvár/ Cluj-Napoca. Pray he will know God’s sustaining grace, wisdom and guidance.

n SPECIAL MINISTRY IN WEST BELFAST – Give thanks for God’s blessing on the work so far. Pray for the weekly Bible studies and for community contacts to be made through planned events. n INDONESIA – The Evangelical Christian Church in Timor (GMIT) is the second largest Protestant denomination in Indonesia with over 1.5 million members. Pray for Moderator, Rev Samuel Pandie, and Secretary, Rev Lay Wenyi, who together with their Synod board carry responsibilities for the development of GMIT’s ministry and mission during the period 2024–2027. n DEACONESS – For Heidi England, that she will grow in wisdom and grace, so that those whose lives she touches in the course of her work in Railway Street, Lisburn will be drawn to the Lord Jesus. n IRISH MISSION – For Tom Dowling in Kilkenny. Give thanks for 12 new members, who come from countries such as Ukraine, Romania, Brazil and Ireland. Pray these believers will become fruit-bearing disciples of Jesus. n FRANCE – For Faculté Jean Calvin’s leadership as they look to the future, reviewing fundraising support structures for the college’s ministry centre and as they seek effective ways to renew their base of supporters and other volunteers. Pray also for Prof Gordon Campbell as he develops and convenes a revised gospels module due for delivery in the 2025–26 academic year. n UNIVERSITY CHAPLAINCY – Give thanks for the ongoing work in Derryvolgie Hall.

Pray for the staff, for energy and strength as they commence a new term, particularly in planning and organising the 30th year celebrations. n GLOBAL MISSION WORKER – For Diane Cusick in her role as Early Childhood Development coordinator for CCAP Zambia Synod and as she works with Synod office bearers to develop the vision and strategy for this important work amongst children and their teachers. n CHURCH PLANTING – Give thanks to God for his faithfulness in Balbriggan, which celebrated five years meeting as a church plant in January, and also issued a call to Josh McCance as an associate minister of Donabate. Pray for newer families who have recently started coming to church, that they would be willing to invest in the life of the church family.

www.presbyterianireland.org/prayer

Looking afresh at

ordinary opportunities

Suzanne Hamilton reports on an event aimed at inspiring elders in their important role in the life and witness of the Church.

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rasp the opportunities in the ordinary. That was the message given those who engaged in an event looking at the role of eldership afresh.

Aptly named ‘Afresh’, the online and in-person event for elders was a followon to last year’s successful ‘Refresh’ evening, and aimed to encourage and inspire elders in their calling.

“Most of the Christian life is lived in the ordinary mode of regular, everyday rhythms and routines,” said Rev David Thompson, Secretary of the Council for Congregational Life and Witness, explaining that even in the lives of the big names in the Bible, we only get to

eavesdrop on the big moments in their walk of faith.

“For every mountaintop experience, there’s a fair bit of wandering around in the wildernesses. For every address to the crowd, there’s a lot more that happens in conversations one-to-one or around a table at a mealtime. For every major ‘what will I do?’ crisis moment, there’s a lot more step-after-step, long obedience in the same direction.

“And leadership is often exercised through steady, ongoing influence rather than big impact events. So, we maybe shouldn’t be surprised that exercising the ministry of eldership effectively is meant to look and feel a

…leadership is often exercised through steady, ongoing influence rather than big impact events. lot like that too…The crucial ministry of eldership can take place in the ordinary,” he added.

While visiting homes with Communion tokens, serving the Lord’s Supper or deciding the direction of the congregation at the Session meetings are important, and are the “formal, most visible and authority-bearing

Comments at the event There was very practical advice on the role of being an elder…challenges to us all on pushing out of our reserved nature…

It gives me added emphasis to get to know my district folk more personally and intimately.

Encouraged to try the opportunities in the ordinary… Challenged by how, as elders, we can pray both in groups and alone.

It affirmed to me that I can make a difference in the ‘ordinary’ rhythms and duties.

Herald February 2025

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Prayer at its best isn’t something that we schedule…It’s something that pervades, that spills over. expressions of being an elder”, David said they are only part of it.

He referred to 1 Thessalonians 2:7– 12, where Paul writes using language of love: “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting, urging you to live lives worthy of God who called you into his kingdom and glory” and pointed out that it worked, with verse 13 thanking God for those who received the Word of God. “It’s not so much something extra we need to do, as something that can happen in the existing there and then of the places and spaces of church life that we’re already in. It’s eldership exercised in and among people, rather than eldership exercised from over and above them. It’s eldership that is natural rather than forced, rhythm rather than routine, that can give us a sense of joy rather than leave us feeling jaded,” said David.

This could be arriving at church 15 minutes early – or staying later – to welcome a new person or to initiate a conversation that goes beyond the weather, grandchildren or football score. It could be giving a card, sending a text or giving a little gift – one simple thing to show you care.

David added, “Could you ask one good question? Could you share one encouraging word?... Could you offer to pray for someone?...

Suggestions on how to adopt a posture of prayerfulness, were given

by Rev Christophe Ebbinghaus, who shared his experiences from his present charge – Hamilton Road Presbyterian in Bangor – and previous ministry in Belfast’s Kirkpatrick Memorial.

As an encouragement, he said that many people don’t regard themselves as a person of prayer because they don’t go to many prayer meetings, or aren’t blocking off hours in their diary to

Brian Hill

Audrey Hodge

As an encouragement to his fellow elders, Brian Hill admits that maintaining daily rhythms of praying and Bible reading is challenging.

An elder for almost 30 years and clerk of session of First Audrey Hodge and Brian Hill on stage with Andrew Dickson Omagh for 15 years, Audrey Hodge finds that all aspects of worship keep her fresh in her calling.

He has been an elder in Muckamore Presbyterian for 42 years, 34 of which he has been clerk of session. At first, raising a young family and working full-time meant finding the time was difficult. Now retired and with the family grown up, he finds he can give more time to the eldership, but still has to make a conscious effort to make time to pray and read every day.

That’s why he likes Tides and the weekly Let’s Pray resource, which he uses, along with prayer points provided by his minister, Rev Stephen McNie. He also makes a point of being present at the corporate midweek prayer gathering.

“I’ve also learned to listen…James, in his book, in chapter one, reminds us that we have two ears to listen, and one mouth to speak.”

A practical person, he always likes to be doing something, so conversation is something he has also had to work at.

“Jesus…knew how to meet people, and how to bring spirituality into his conversation…How did Jesus do it?

How do I do it? And, I’m answering my question with difficulty, but I just try to use simple conversations,” he said.

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be in their prayer room, yet they are praying without realising it. In his own life, Christophe uses his early morning run as an opportunity to ask for God’s help in particular situations, or to thank him for answered prayers.

“Charles Spurgeon, the famous Baptist preacher in London, said, ‘I don’t often spend more than half an hour in prayer. But I never go more than half an hour without praying’…

Herald February 2025

She loves singing and praise, and prayer, but finds she gets a “real buzz” from Bible study. As well as engaging with PCI’s devotional, Tides, every morning, she takes part in First Omagh’s Bible reading challenge.

“We’re going through the New Testament this year, and that’s fine, but it needs to be more than just reading…there is so much to learn by reading the Scriptures.”

An accredited preacher, Audrey leads a Bible study every Thursday morning, and hopes she passes on her enthusiasm to others.

If the elder is a shepherd, Audrey says it is important for the shepherd to know their flock.

“If you don’t know the people, then you don’t know what their needs are. But also, if you’re going to find that out, people have to trust you, and they have to understand that you’re interested…not because you’re nosy,” she told those gathered at the Afresh event.

It’s eldership that is natural rather than forced…that can give us a sense of joy…

So prayer at its best isn’t something that we schedule at the start of the day and at the end of the day and on a Wednesday night. It’s something that pervades, that spills over,” he said.

Christophe suggested a ‘pyramid of prayer’, explaining that he thinks of his kirk session in Hamilton Road as his ‘district’. He has a printout of elders’ names, which he keeps in his Bible.

On finishing his devotions each day, he prays for the next person on the list.

“Sometimes I’ll send them a WhatsApp straight away, so they know that I’ve been praying for them…I’ll thank them for their partnership with me in the work of the church, and I’ll pray God’s blessing on them.”

If each of these 28 elders prayed for the 20 people in their district, he said, “All of a sudden we have a church – a relatively large church like ours – where every household is being held before God.” Praying during the kirk session meeting was another suggestion. As well as interrupting the agenda to pray for guidance over difficult issues or giving thanks for things that went well,

Hamilton Road interrupts each Session meeting halfway through, for the elders to divide into four clusters to pray, often personal prayers, for 20 minutes.

This means that as well as having fellowship with the 27 other elders, there is an opportunity to have a closer relationship with some. He believes any Session with more than a dozen people may benefit from such an approach.

“It makes our kirk session meetings longer than they would otherwise be, of course, but it changes them very much.”

A similar small-group approach was adopted in his previous church, Kirkpatrick Memorial. When it stopped having an evening service every week, one of the initiatives introduced instead was ‘Learning to lead’. One Sunday evening every month, the elders met in each other’s homes and considered things to help in leading before spending time praying together.

“We learned and we prayed, and we were like a fellowship to each other…

And that was a very powerful thing for us to do,” he said.

Another way elders can pray is in the church’s prayer gatherings. At Protect

Protect

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them.

1 PETER 5:2

Hamilton Road, the elders have a rota for leading the prayer meeting. With each person having a slightly different way of leading, it brings a richness to it.

“Also I think it says something to the congregation. We can do this thing where we say that in Presbyterianism, all elders are equal, the teaching elder just has a unique role. We can say all that, but then act as though it’s not true. That when it comes to giving any visible spiritual leadership, it’s always the minister…

“We can demonstrate to our congregations that all elders are gifted; they’re called and ready to offer spiritual leadership,” said Christophe.

Feed Feed Feed

Lead

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them.

Know

Feed my my lambs.

Feed my Feed lambs. lambs. care of sheep. my sheep.

TakeTake care Take ofcare my of my sheep.

Feed my my sheep.

Feed my Feed sheep. sheep.

He leads me beside quiet waters, he guides me along the right paths.

PSALM 23:2-3

I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.

21:15-17 JOHNJOHN 21:15-17 JOHN 21:15-17

1 PETER 5:2

JOHN 10:14

Elders’ cards PCI has published a set of four postcard-sized prompts for prayer on themes relating to the crucial ministry of eldership: know, lead, feed and protect the flock.

Each card has a verse of Scripture, a prompt on which to reflect, suggestions for prayer and a practical application to carry into the work of eldership.

The cards can be used by elders in their personal devotional life or by kirk sessions in devotional or prayer times. Each pack contains all four cards and costs £1.

Contact +44 (0)28 9041 7246 or email clw@presbyterianireland.org for further information or to order.

EldersCards4up.indd 2

EldersCards_Feed_C.indd 1 02/10/2024 11:33

02/10/2024 11:31 EldersCards4up.indd 4

02/10/2024 11:37

Website The PCI website has a section for elders, where further information about the prayer cards and video recordings from the Afresh event can be found.

Visit: www.presbyterianireland.org/afresh

EldersCards_Protect_A.indd 1

02/10/2024 11:32

Herald February 2025

33

Going the distance

in marriage

In a month where many couples will celebrate their love on Valentine’s Day, Philip Jinadu discusses the reality of marriage. He reflects on the importance of being honest about struggles, as well as the need to prioritise time to strengthen the relationship.

I

t was a major milestone and it deserved to be celebrated – we’d been married 10 years!

So we pulled out all the stops.

We arranged a week’s holiday together, just us – our daughters stayed with Grandma and Grandad. I sat across from my wife in our fancy hotel room and beamed at her: “Isn’t it great? 10 wonderful years of marriage!” She paused, then looked up and said, “They haven’t all been that wonderful for me.”

I’ll never forget that moment, or the conversation that followed as we talked into the night. In that moment, I couldn’t imagine how our relationship could survive what was being said. I don’t think either of us could. What was supposed to be a celebration of our marriage had turned into a moment of crisis and deep conflict.

Conflict is never easy or pleasant – it’s nearly always painful. And yet, over my years as a church minister, speaking to couples and counselling them, I’ve come to discover that conflict is not only natural in marriage, it’s often necessary.

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Herald February 2025

The world-renowned psychologist, John Gottman, spent over 40 years researching marriages and marriage breakdown. With his team of counsellors and therapists, he created a model that could predict whether a couple would stay together with over 90% accuracy. It was Gottman who first popularised the concept of the ‘negativity threshold’. In blunt terms, the negativity threshold is the amount of bad behaviour we will tolerate from a spouse before we react.

If you have a high negativity threshold, you can absorb a lot of pain, disappointment and frustration.

It takes a lot to get a rise out of you.

If, on the other hand, you have a low negativity threshold, then you respond at the slightest provocation. You’re on a hair trigger; you let nothing go.

…we sometimes forget the Bible’s instruction to not let conflict go unresolved.

Generally speaking, high negativity threshold couples tend to keep the peace, while low negativity threshold couples fight like cats and dogs.

So here’s the question: which couples are more likely to have long and successful marriages?

It seems counterintuitive, but the answer is actually low negativity threshold couples. Those relationships might not always look very harmonious, with all the petty bickering and squabbling, but issues are dealt with as they arise – no matter how small. In high negativity threshold relationships, however, unaired grievances can pile up, like ticking time bombs, and when the threshold is finally breached it’s often catastrophic.

That’s what we experienced in our hotel room that night. Our threshold was fairly high, but we’d eventually breached it, and the fallout was almost more than we could handle.

Christian marriages are particularly prone to this issue. We know we’re called to be long-suffering and gracious, to keep the peace. We seek

to “submit to one another in love” (Ephesians 5:21–33), to prefer each other’s needs, to die to ourselves.

But we sometimes forget the Bible’s instruction to not let conflict go unresolved.

“Do not let the sun go down on your anger,” Paul says to the Ephesian Christians (Ephesians 4:26). Or as someone once cheekily put it, “Don’t go to bed angry – stay up and fight!”

My wife and I thought we were being godly and Christlike when we let things go. We would swallow our hurts, forgive in our hearts and move on. And, if we’re truly honest, we avoided the awkwardness and pain of confrontation and conflict. We worried that it was a sign our marriage wasn’t working. We didn’t know if we could survive being truly honest with one another. We had let the sun go down on our anger.

But anger unexpressed doesn’t magically go away. It just turns toxic.

“Shouldn’t we strive to not get angry in the first place?” someone might say. Actually, anger, like frustration, disappointment or hurt, is a normal human emotion. The issue is how we deal with it.

The apostle Paul says, “In your anger, do not sin” (also Ephesians 4:26). Reacting with anger when we feel let down or badly treated is not sin. Leaving it to fester unresolved is.

Instead, we deal with it honestly and use it to help us address the root of the problem. This is what it means to walk in the light with each other, to speak the truth in love, to strive to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

The negativity threshold doesn’t mean that if we are naturally inclined to be long-suffering, patient and forgiving then we’re going to have awful marriages. But it does mean that we do well to address areas of conflict when they arise – before the sun goes down.

So, how do we resolve conflict in a marriage? Let me offer three keys.

First of all, commit to keeping short accounts with one another. It takes courage to engage in conflict. It’s easier to take

the path of least resistance, to not rock the boat, to let sleeping dogs lie. But a commitment to not letting the sun go down on our anger means that we will be faithful to one another, not letting resentments pile up. It isn’t always advisable to literally stay up arguing into the night.

Some things are better dealt with in the morning, when we’re less tired. But don’t let things go unresolved.

Secondly, commit to rules of engagement. There are ways to engage in conflict that are positive and healthy and ways that are not. For example, we never get physical. We avoid shouting matches. We may judge each other’s actions, but not each other’s character or motivations. We avoid saying things that we’ll regret later on. Case in point: it’s okay to say, “The way you treated me in front of our friends left me feeling disrespected.” It’s not okay to say, “I should have married your sister when I had the chance!”

Finally, commit to forgiveness. We’re broken and fallen human beings in need of a Saviour. We’re going to get it wrong and behave badly. Unless we seek and offer forgiveness, we’ll never make it. And if you encounter a situation where forgiveness seems almost impossible, seek help.

Back to that hotel room. Without a doubt, it was one of the most difficult nights of our marriage. But, in many ways, it was one of the best. We started something with that honest and painful encounter that fundamentally changed our relationship for the better.

The conversation stretched out over the next few days and, by the time we returned home, our marriage reached a level of intimacy, joy and trust that neither of us had thought possible.

Next month we celebrate 30 years of marriage. A major milestone.

And I can’t wait to celebrate it.

Philip Jinadu is director of Care for the Family.

Going the Distance Care for the Family is hosting three regional events to help couples prioritise their marriages.

Drifting apart is one of the biggest reasons why many couples decide to call it quits.

At Going the Distance, the team will share practical ideas of how to communicate well, deepen connection and intentionally set the course for marriage relationships.

Speakers, Katharine Hill and Philip Jinadu will share from their own lives without sugar-coating the challenging moments. Bringing genuine honesty and plenty of humour, they will explore the essential areas that will help couples spot warning signs, avoid roadblocks and continue their journey together.

Event details: Tuesday 25 March 7.30pm–10pm Emmanuel Church, Lurgan Wednesday 26 March 7.30pm–10pm Wellington Presbyterian Church, Ballymena Thursday 27 March 7.30pm–10pm Christian Fellowship Church, Belfast Tickets available at: www.cff.org.uk/goingthedistance

Herald February 2025

35

Dealing with

end of life well

Max Watson gives his thoughts on the Assisted Dying Bill, which has passed its second reading in the House of Commons.

T

he Assisted Dying Bill, with the support of Dame Esther Rantzen among others, passed the second reading in the House of Commons in November.

The Bill has raised many issues and concerns for members of our Church and across our society. The third reading of the Bill is due on 25 April, after which, if passed, it is unlikely to be substantially altered.

Prior to the debate, the chief medical officers of the four nations of the United Kingdom wrote to doctors asking that when speaking on this topic that they would not claim to be speaking for all doctors or all viewpoints. I thus need to make it clear that the thoughts in this article are my own and have been arrived at through my years of working in general practice, with our Church overseas in a mission hospital in Nepal, and for the last 25 years in palliative medicine. I claim no authority to speak for anyone but

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myself, but have real concerns about the matters surrounding this debate.

The issues are more nuanced than the headlines or the political sound bites might encourage us to believe.

The passing of such a Bill has the real potential to initiate a paradigm shift in how we as a society understand, value and protect the sacredness of every human life.

Those proposing a change in the Suicide Law of 1961 (which declares assisting anyone to kill themselves a crime) say that change is needed in order to reduce suffering at the end of life by providing a legal option for

The issues are more nuanced than the headlines or the political sound bites might encourage us to believe.

medical assistance to those with a terminal condition to end their own life.

The debate around the issues has been heated and emotive and the language used often more focused on winning arguments rather than addressing the need to ensure that people get the right care in the last phase of life.

Advocates resent the process being called ‘assisted suicide’ and claim the term ‘assisted dying’ is more appropriate, though the Bill before parliament specifically aims to change the Suicide Act. To be clear, the Assisted Dying Bill isn’t about giving people access to palliative assistance to relieve their suffering, and it isn’t about a patient having the right to decide to stop life-prolonging treatment; people in this country already have these rights. This Bill is to allow a doctor to assist a patient to take their own life, without criminal consequences.

Proponents share stories of awful human suffering at the end of life with utter conviction, but debated evidence, arguing that law change will fix the suffering without side effects. In a world where death and dying is seldom talked about, such accounts resonate with many in our Church who fear that such suffering is the norm. It is not.

During the debate in Westminster, MPs shared 50 accounts of patients – the majority of which were stories of distress and suffering. While such stories are disturbing, introducing a Bill when access to services which can help deal with such suffering is so piecemeal, is deemed premature by the majority of the population according to a UK survey in November (www.carenotkilling.org.uk).

Reading through the debate transcript, I was struck by four things.

1. How such emotive accounts were at odds with the 10,000 deaths that I have been involved with as a palliative medicine doctor, which are usually a sleeping away process.

2. Several MPs seem to think that palliative medicine is only about hand-holding and morphine. Many of the patients from the stories shared could have been helped if they had had access to specialist palliative medicine and the expertise to manage distressing symptoms.

(The irony is that if the Bill is passed, we could end up with a fully-funded death service and a Palliative Care service dependent for 70% of its funding on charitable donations.)

3. Few of the patients about whom the MPs spoke would have been able to access the provisions proposed in the current Bill which requires a sixmonth prognosis and a medico-legal process that could be anticipated to take at least two weeks. It is thus

Living & dying well

worryingly inevitable that the scope and the provision of this Bill, if it is passed, will be extended.

4. While MPs cited many stories of suffering, the impression is given that the real issue may not actually be about reducing physical suffering, but reducing the fear that many people have of loss of control and

…the real issue may…be about…reducing the fear that many people have of loss of control and personal autonomy. personal autonomy.

The poet John Donne wrote: “No man is an island, entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” But in a world where personal autonomy has become predominant for many, the fear of mortality, dependency and ‘becoming a burden’ may be the fundamental issue behind the Bill’s promoters.

More cynically, at a time when governments are struggling to provide for the health and care needs of our rapidly ageing population, the passage of such a law could easily be interpreted as a cost-saving strategy in a country which is failing to adequately care for our most vulnerable.

Those wanting such change claim that their right to be able to choose such assistance should not be impaired by the rights and choices and religious beliefs of others living in society.

However, the unintended consequences of such law change can be expected to have widespread impact for us all – in healthcare, the doctor–patient relationship, on the value that society places on every life (particularly on the elderly and those vulnerable through

physical or mental disabilities), and even on our anti-suicide programmes.

With such a law in place, how will it be possible to safeguard people who choose the option primarily out of a sense of being a burden on others?

The legislation requires two doctors and a judge to manage the process, but coercion is not easy to identify. One of the most liberal countries in Europe – Denmark – has chosen not to approve such legislation on the grounds that safeguarding of the most vulnerable is just not possible. Ultimately, “Thou shalt not kill” is the fundamental and clear safeguard to protect us all.

In October, the Dail approved a report which calls on the government to legalise assisted dying in Ireland in certain restricted circumstances. The process lapsed with the election. The proposed law was open to anyone living on the island of Ireland for the previous year, which would have created a minefield of political and healthcare issues on both sides of the border.

In Scotland and other parts of the UK, legislation is in differing stages of development, but the impact of the Westminster decision for England and Wales in April is holding the most attention.

What can we do?

We can: • Pray for the Bill’s third reading in April.

• Meet with or write to political representatives.

• Encourage and affirm all those who work in palliative care services.

• Consider practical ways to support hospice services across Ireland.

Professor Max Watson is a Consultant in Palliative Medicine for the Western Trust and Adjunct Professor in Palliative Medicine at St John’s Bangalore. He is also a member of Dungannon Presbyterian.

A new hub of resources to help PCI members be better informed and equipped to engage with the subject of assisted suicide and euthanasia is now available on the PCI website. To access the hub, go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/livinganddyingwell

Herald February 2025

37

New things

Rick Hill shares some exciting examples of how God is doing new things in Presbyterian congregations throughout Ireland. He also highlights the upcoming Mission in Ireland Evenings, which are regional events that will celebrate and encourage PCI’s missional opportunities.

New church building at Maynooth

W

ireless charging, Chat GPT and driverless vehicles. These are just some of the new technological innovations that have entered our world in recent times.

As new things, they are symbols of advancement and signs that we live in an ever-changing world.

Within this changing world, there are some things that are constant, particularly when it comes to the key tenets of our faith. An unchanging God and the ever-relevant truth of his Word. The unstoppable work of the Holy Spirit and the impact the gospel has on people’s lives. The redemptive power of Jesus Christ and the eternal nature of his church.

Yet upon such fixed foundations and consistent cornerstones, stands a dynamic church; a people called to share a timeless message in fresh ways that connect with the culture around them. Of course, it would be wrong to presume that all the onus is on us to be innovative and miss how God himself is constantly doing new things among us, around us and even in spite of us.

The unchanging God who regularly

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redeems, renews and revitalises. The God who declared that he is making all things new.

We serve a God of ‘new things’, captured poignantly by these words written by the prophet Isaiah: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

God is a God of new things. Do we see it? Do we perceive it? Perhaps society caricatures the church as an old thing. Due to his timeless nature, maybe many people consider God as old, even irrelevant, rather than “ever old and ever new” as the famous song sung in many school assemblies declared. But could God be doing a new thing among us, in our time and in this land?

There is much commentary both

…by God’s grace, there are…signs of growth and many ‘green shoots’ or ‘new things’ in various parts of our island.

New elders in Galway

Church planting conference at Maynooth

within the church and beyond it that highlights the decline of Christianity or predicts the death of the church.

While statistics offer a broad summary, they rarely reveal the whole story. So, even though the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has seen an overall reduction of church members, it has become clear that, by God’s grace, there are also signs of growth and many ‘green shoots’ or ‘new things’ in various parts of our island. Often it is happening in the most surprising of places. I wonder are we seeing and perceiving it?

Interestingly, statistics show that of our 19 presbyteries, there is only one where the total number of families in existing congregations has grown numerically in the last decade. That is the Presbytery of Dublin and Munster.

Congregations such as Mullingar, Drogheda and Kilkenny have had to build new church buildings in recent times as the old ones had become too small.

It is also in the Republic of Ireland where the dynamism for church planting has been most evident in our Church. It has been a privilege to support the development of our

Church in Maynooth, including the opening of their first purpose-built building. In places like Donabate, which is PCI’s youngest congregation, a church is growing and thriving and has more recently resulted in their prayerful decision to begin another community of worshippers in Balbriggan. While not yet formally a constituted congregation, it too is growing.

It is also fair to say that it is in the Republic of Ireland where our Church displays the most ethnic diversity.

Alongside the growth of a multicultural Ireland, many people of faith from overseas have found a home in a number of our Presbyterian families.

Our congregations in Galway and Drogheda for example, are now largely multi-cultural congregations with their witness enhanced as a result. While we can’t ignore that some people have left, others have come who may not necessarily be from Presbyterian backgrounds, but have found a home among us.

God is doing a new thing. Do we see it? Do we perceive it?

A great adage of mission is that we don’t ask God to bless our efforts, but we look to find where God is at work and join him there. I want to humbly suggest that I believe that God is doing a new thing in our time and in this land, and we would do well to observe it, reflect on it, learn from it and get on board with it.

This March, a series of special events are taking place to highlight the new things that are happening in and through our Church across Ireland. Hosted by presbyteries, these ‘Mission in Ireland Evenings’ will shine a spotlight on how the Church is

active in mission on the home front. Supported by the Council for Mission in Ireland, these evening events will share stories of fresh growth, new church Worship at Kilkenny planting and recent missional development across Ireland to offer hope, encouragement and example that help us in our future.

…neither wilderness nor wastelands prevent the growth of Christ’s kingdom.

The theme of these gatherings is ‘New Things’, drawing on the words of Isaiah 43:19. This theme aims to highlight some of the new things that God is doing throughout Ireland today, with the hope that it encourages the Church to know that neither wilderness nor wastelands prevent the growth of Christ’s kingdom. Each Mission in Ireland Evening will seek to underline this by sharing some of the story of God’s mission across Ireland today through various speakers and videos highlighting new church planting, Home Mission congregations and mission projects. It is our hope that these events will not just tell the story well, but also spark a faith-filled and forward-looking response throughout our Church.

So, take a look at the list of events, find your nearest one, put the date in your diary and plan to attend. As you come along, bring with you a mindset not simply to support what is happening elsewhere, but to also learn from it and apply to your own situation.

New things. Seeing and perceiving.

Making a way in wilderness and wastelands.

Event diary A list of the presbyteries hosting Mission in Ireland Evenings: East Belfast Presbytery Sunday 2 March, St Andrew’s Iveagh Presbytery Sunday 2 March, 7pm, Ballydown Tyrone Presbytery Sunday 2 March, 6.30pm, First Cookstown Omagh Presbytery Sunday 9 March, Ballygawley Templepatrick Presbytery Sunday 16 March, 7pm, Muckamore Route Presbytery Sunday 16 March, 7pm, Trinity Ballymoney Armagh Presbytery Wednesday 19 March, 8pm, Richhill Ards Presbytery Sunday 23 March, 7pm, Millisle and Ballycopeland Carrickfergus Presbytery Sunday 30 March, TBC Derry and Donegal Presbytery TBC in May 2025

Mission in Ireland

Rick Hill is PCI’s Secretary of the Council for Mission in Ireland.

Herald February 2025

39

REVIEWS

Unless otherwise stated all resources are available from your local Faith Mission Bookshop or online www.fmbookshops.com

The Corncrake’s Welcome William D. Hanna

Spark App

TROUBADOR PUBLISHING

£12.99

UCB

Free to download at ucbspark.co.uk

««««« «««« « Spark is a new devotional app for kids aged from 10 into their early teens. I found it very colourful and vibrant to use and so that made it interesting to engage with.

The presenters who explain the app say it is designed to help kids spark a love for the Bible. Every day there is a new topic to look at. There is a short video to watch first, then a Bible passage to read, something to think about or do, and a prayer at the end. You can also choose an emoji at the end to say whether you liked it or not. The Bible passage is interactive because words are missing and you have to drag the correct ones into place, so it helped me to think about it more and remember it. I liked the videos – the presenters were funny and animation was also used to make it less formal and more like a skit.

You can choose to watch the video and reading for that day, but you can also search up topics that are relevant to you – like anxiety or bullying. Or you can even hit the ‘surprise me’ button and it’ll give you a random devotional for that day. It only takes a few minutes to watch the video and complete each section, so it’s very easy to use. Each day I looked forward to seeing what the next topic would be.

I think Spark is a great way to get into reading the Bible and to get closer to God. SH

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Herald February 2025

«««««

William Hanna was a son of Windsor Presbyterian Church manse, becoming, in a diplomatic career, an EU ambassador. The Corncrake’s Welcome is his engaging memoir of his family’s life and times.

He marries well elements of his family history. He was able to persuade his father, Rev William Hanna, to write reminiscences of his childhood in Loughgiel. His father records a deep love for the County Antrim countryside, evoking the call of the corncrakes, then common enough.

The community there was ‘mixed’ and William Hanna (senior) developed a lasting friendship with a fellow cleric who became Cardinal Cathal Daly.

The author records how both his father and Cardinal Daly were true men of peace in the long weary decades of sectarian violence. But there is much else of interest in his father’s reminiscences, including his origins in the covenanting tradition of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.

The author also includes interesting extracts of 1942 from his mother’s World War 2 diary, when as Honor Boyd, she was a nurse in Belfast. The second half of the book is the author’s personal story, both growing up in Belfast and at the start of his career in the Irish Diplomatic Service in Dublin.

There is so much in the book that captures the best of Irish Presbyterianism that it should be appreciated by all those who are Presbyterian adherents and also by those who value the contribution that Presbyterianism has made and can make on the island of Ireland and wider afield.

Editor’s note This review was written by Neil Faris, who died in October 2024. A well-respected solicitor, he was nurtured in Windsor Presbyterian Church under the ministry of the author’s father.

The Narrow Path Carolyn Dawson INSTANT APOSTLE

£12.99

««««« «««« «

The Christian life is a journey, as we wrestle with our sinful natures while trying to implement Jesus’ teachings in our everyday. It is not always easy, but in The Narrow Path, Carolyn Dawson helpfully goes back to basics, looking at the lessons contained in Scripture.

“Faith is a personal choice to believe the words and the works of Jesus; to respond to his call and commit to following his path. It is not an easy path, for it is narrow and it can be difficult,” acknowledges Dawson.

She starts by looking at why it was necessary for Jesus to come, who he is and what it means to put our faith in him. She then turns to the cost and commitment of faith, teachings on the kingdom and the right attitude.

The chapter ‘Understanding our purpose’ was helpful, especially the section on being salt and light, where Dawson says, “We are walking, talking influencers”. I particularly liked the description of salt: “Salt has an effect on everything it touches. It holds back decay, it stings an open wound but can help it heal quicker, it creates thirst and it can add flavour. Through this verse, Jesus is telling us of our purpose and value in this world.”

This is a useful book for Christians, no matter where they are on their journey of faith. With reflections at the end of each chapter as well as ideas for practical application and prayer, it could be used either for personal devotion time, or in a small-group setting.

SEH

REVIEWERS

SEH – Suzanne Hamilton is administrative assistant for the Herald RB – Ruth Bromley is PCI’s children’s development officer

The Adventure-Driven Life Richard Porter AUTHENTIC MEDIA

£11.85

««««« «««« «

This was the challenge I needed. This is the author’s second book and in the introduction he states, “Life is Short.

I pray we never have to look back in remorse, wishing we had taken more faith risks for God and his kingdom”.

The easy-to-read book is a call to reconsider how we live our lives with Jesus, not as an academic relationship but as an adventure-driven life, because of his Holy Spirit in us.

The short, engaging chapters contain numerous, supportive Scripture references and examples of God’s provision from the author’s own life as he explains what we have through Jesus, who we really are as followers of him and how to look and listen for God in everything to enable us to live as his ambassadors.

The author helpfully illustrates what our lives with Jesus can be like through many practical chapters which cover worship, obedience, giving and serving. The chapter on prayer was particularly helpful in outlining the difference between prayer and intercession and this has certainly helped to deepen my prayer life. The background and overview of Ecclesiastes was enlightening, showing how this Old Testament book perfectly sums up life today and our need for a deeper faith.

The book concludes with a decree which contains the vital truths we should remember about who we are, but which can so easily be forgotten amongst the routine of everyday life. The decree summarises what the whole book did for me, which was to make me reconsider my daily life and how I live as a follower of Jesus. I am thankful for this challenge.

LMcC

SH – Seth Harding is 13 and a member of West Church, Bangor LMcC – Lois McCrea belongs to Howth and Malahide Presbyterian Church RD – Ruth Dalzell is coordinator of youth ministry and congregational discipleship in Second Comber

We Crown You Eleni Baker

AVAILABLE VIA STREAMING SERVICES

««««« An album that I have been listening to recently is from Eleni Baker and Anthem Church called We Crown You. Baker is originally from Albania but moved to America when she was 12.

She now leads worship in Omaha, Nebraska where she writes her own songs. She has joined forces with Anthem Church, formed when two

God’s Promises for Everyone Shell Perris SPCK PUBLISHING

£6.85

««««« «««« «

Suitable for children aged six and above, this book is made up of 50 promises of God which we find in the Bible. Each page takes a promise and then brings it to life with a short devotional thought that captures the spirit of the promise.

For example, Truth: God is always with you. Thought: Wherever you go, God is with you. He won’t leave you all on

churches in Oklahoma joined together, whose aim is to encourage people to follow Jesus and share his story.

We Crown You is a mix of original songs and some more popular Christian songs with versions of Champion, Jireh, Be Thou My Vision and No Longer Slaves.

One of my favourite songs on the album is Trust in God which weaves aspects of the old hymn Blessed Assurance throughout. A refrain which is repeated is: “I sought the Lord and he heard, and he answered”, which helps to remind us of the assurance we have.

This acoustic album is very easy to listen to and is one that can be listened to on repeat. I can also testify that it helps to get a one-year-old to sleep in the car – it’s that relaxing!

RD

your own. Have courage – God is always enough. Bible reference: Joshua 1:9.

These promises can help us to understand and be encouraged by the promises that God makes to us throughout the whole Bible, right from the promise that God made the world and everything in it to the promise that one day Jesus will return.

This is a beautiful book for children to read by themselves, but better still would be for a parent or other adult to look at the promises with them. This would help them think about how that promise could help both the child and adult live their lives in the light of it.

This would make a lovely simple devotional book, rather than a read cover-to-cover in-one-go book, for any family to have, to remind themselves of the incredible promises that God gives us.

It is simple but thought provoking and a good tool to use as a reminder that God’s promises are for everyone.

RB

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LIFE IN PCI Three birthday milestones in Ballymena Three members of Wellington Presbyterian Church in Ballymena celebrated special birthdays recently.

Rachel (Ray) Ballentine was 101, while Elizabeth (Lily) McAleese and Jean Doole both celebrated their 100th birthdays.

For Mrs Ballentine, the birthday celebrations took place at her home in Cullybackey, where she was joined by her son Stewart, daughter Jayne, daughter-in-law Barbara and her two grandsons Andrew and Peter.

She has been a member of Wellington Street Presbyterian Church (now known as Wellington) since 1963, having previously been a member of Middletown Presbyterian Church, Co Armagh and Carnlough Presbyterian Church, Co Antrim.

Mrs McAleese has lived in the same area all her life. Her late son George ran the corner shop next door to her current home.

A widow for around 30 years, Mrs McAleese has four other children – John, Cecil, Vera and Irene – nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Her 100th birthday was cause for a double celebration as her granddaughter, Laura, gave birth to a baby boy called Oliver on the same day.

The third milestone birthday belonged to Mrs Doole. Like Mrs Ballentine and Mrs McAleese, her special day was marked by a visit from family and PCI Moderator Dr Richard Murray.

Above: Dr Richard Murray with Rachel (Ray) Ballentine. Also included are Rev Alistair Bates, minister of Wellington Presbyterian Church, and members of her family.

Below left: Jean Doole is pictured with Dr Richard Murray and Robin Keys, elder from Wellington Presbyterian Church.

Below right: Elizabeth (Lily) McAleese with PCI Moderator Dr Richard Murray, Rev Alistair Bates and members of Mrs McAleese’s family.

Trinity and Gillygooley churches bring festive joy to needy children Members of Trinity, Omagh, and Gillygooley Presbyterian Churches did their bit to bring a smile to the faces of needy children overseas at Christmas.

Spearheaded by the Sunday schools, the churches decided to support the ‘Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child’ shoebox appeal.

At services in the County Tyrone churches, the Sunday school and Bible class children brought the filled shoeboxes from the congregations to the front following the children’s address. Everyone was delighted that some 100 shoeboxes were donated. The boxes were packed with lovely gifts, including toys, personal care items and school supplies.

The children and members of the congregations were thanked for the wonderful support of the initiative.

“The mission of Samaritan’s Purse, which for many years has coordinated the shoebox appeal, is to provide for those in need and share the hope of the gospel,” said a spokesperson for the congregations.

“The shoebox appeal is a very worthy cause and what we have done is show God’s love in a practical way,” concluded the spokesperson.

Above left: Young people from Trinity Presbyterian Church, Omagh with the filled shoeboxes.

Below left: Young people from Gillygooley Presbyterian Church, Omagh with the filled shoeboxes.

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

Milestone birthday in Bangor Lily Tucker, a member of St Andrew’s Presbyterian in Bangor, celebrated her 100th birthday recently. The occasion was marked with special gatherings in the County Down church, one of which included a visit from former PCI Moderator Dr Charles McMullen. Penelope Owens is pictured presenting Mrs Tucker with artwork made by young people in St Andrew’s children’s ministry, ‘Kids4Jesus’.

100th birthday in First Coleraine Sally McClenahan celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends recently. She is pictured with former PCI Moderator Dr Rob Craig and Rev James Hyndman (minister of the County Londonderry church).

Milestone in First Rathfriland

100th birthday in Second Comber

The congregation of First Rathfriland was pleased to extend warmest birthday wishes to member, Mary Ross, who celebrated her 100th birthday recently. Mrs Ross was visited by the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Dr Richard Murray. Also pictured is Rev Rodney Moody (minister of the County Down church).

Olive Jellie, a member of Second Presbyterian Church, Comber, celebrated her 100th birthday recently. Moderator Dr Richard Murray brought greetings from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland to Mrs Jellie.

They are pictured with Mrs Jellie’s son Tom and Rev Andrew Conway (minister of the County Down church).

Nativity Sunday in Kilmakee Thirty-two young people, ranging in ages and from crèche, Sunday school and Bible class, took part in Nativity Sunday at Kilmakee Presbyterian Church in County Antrim.

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LIFE IN PCI

New elders installed in Hazelbank At a recent service in Hazelbank Presbyterian Church, Norman Black, Alan Marshall and Jeff Haslett were ordained and installed into the eldership by a commission of the Presbytery of Coleraine and Limavady. The new elders are pictured seated. Standing are members of the presbytery commission, including presbytery moderator Rev Gary Aitcheson (centre), and minister of the congregation Rev David Brown (first left).

Retirement in Bloomfield Bloomfield Presbyterian Church in Belfast recently marked the retirement of minister Dr Frank Sellar. Pictured are Dr Sellar and his wife Claire.

Elders ordained in Moy A commission of Armagh Presbytery recently ordained three new elders in Moy (County Tyrone), who are pictured with Session members.

Back row: David Riddell, Stephen Abraham, Kate Courtenay, Kenneth Blackstock, Jeffrey Finlay and James Wylie. Front row: Adrian McMullan, Ivan Thompson (new elder), Rev Graham Mullan (minister of the congregation), Rhonda Tedford and Colin Burns (new elders).

Bannside member celebrates 100 years Violet Kerr, from Banbridge, celebrated her 100th birthday recently.

The County Down woman is pictured with Dr David Bruce (former Moderator), Dereck McMaster (elder) and Dr Mark Gray (minister of Bannside Presbyterian Church).

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New elder in Tandragee Neale Ingram has been ordained and installed as a ruling elder in Tandragee Presbyterian Church. He is pictured (centre) with the minister and elders of the County Armagh church: Brian Johnston, Walter Black, Richard Shanks, Rev Mark McMaw, Keith Johnston (clerk of session), David Knight, Mervyn Black and Albert Johnston.

Tag good news stories from your congregation on Twitter with #lifeinpci and @pciassembly

Sixty years of service marked in Orritor Double celebration in McCracken Memorial Samuel A. Glasgow MBE is currently serving in his 60th year as a member of the congregational committee in Orritor Presbyterian Church, County Tyrone. To mark this milestone, he was presented with an inscribed Bible and gift voucher for the Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown. Mr Glasgow (centre) is pictured with Rev James Porter and Stewart Black (clerk of session).

Recently husband and wife, George and Ruby Moore, members of McCracken Memorial Presbyterian Church, celebrated their 100th birthdays within the space of a few months of one another. They are pictured with their son Brian and daughter Susan along with Rev Barry McCroskery (minister of the Belfast church) and the Moderator, Dr Richard Murray.

Lissara PW celebrates 70 years Lissara Presbyterian Women members were joined by family and friends recently to celebrate 70 years since the formation in 1954 of what was then known as WMA, then PWA and now PW (Presbyterian Women).

As well as reminiscing over the past 70 years, there was an opportunity to thank Eileen Robinson for her years of service. Rosemary Cuffey is pictured presenting a gift to Madge Andrews, a senior member who agreed to cut the anniversary cake, and Eileen Robinson receives a gift from Alison Burke.

Retirement in Moira Rev D. Howard Gilpin, who has been the minister of Moira Presbyterian Church for 23 years, preached his final service recently. The County Down congregation thanked Mr Gilpin and his wife Anne for their many years of dedicated and faithful service. The couple are pictured with Richard Brown (clerk of session) who made presentations from the congregation.

Presentation in Bessbrook Following a recent morning service at Bessbrook Presbyterian, a special presentation was made to Rev Keith McIntyre and his wife Annette, to mark their 25 years of faithful and dedicated service to the County Armagh congregation, by clerk of session Danny Kennedy. Pictured are members of the kirk session and congregational committee along with Mr and Mrs McIntyre. Following the evening service, light refreshments were served and enjoyed by all present.

Herald February 2025

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LIFE IN PCI

New communicants in Ballygilbert Rev Craig Jackson (minister of Ballygilbert Presbyterian Church in County Down) is pictured with two new communicant members: Phoebe Jackson and Joanna Loane.

CROSSWORD Puzzle no 295 1

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ACROSS 1 She visited Solomon (5,2,5) 8 Eastern school of thought (3) 9 Fanatical supporters (6) 10 May be cooked in many ways (3) 11 Scottish attire (4) 12 British naval hero (6) 13 Salt water (5) 16 Birth country of 12 across (7) 18 Past (of age) (6) 20 Skewered meat (5) 22 Boxing greatest (3) 23 Hard to shift mark (5) 24 More clamouress (7) 26 Slithery fish (3) 27 Deliver from sin (6) 28 Drink container (5)

DOWN 1 Endearingly sentimental (6) 2 Treating the same way (8) 3 Idea (6) 4 A brawl (4) 5 OT prophet (7) 6 Start (5) 7 Fish with hook & line (5) 14 Looking for (7) 15 Newspaper bosses (7) 17 Angel (7) 18 Ringo for example (6) 19 Citrus fruit (6) 21 Two often fall off in cricket (5) 25 Body of 13 across (3)

REFLECTIONS

Homesick

Ruth Sanderson

T

here is a place which connects the townlands of Recently, I was standing in my particular townland on a Lisnaree and Ballydown; it’s a quiet spot along quiet bridge, not too high above the river, and realised every a country road hidden by tall trees and thick inch of this vista is imprinted into my heart. hedgerows. Through it cuts the River Bann, smelling Each time I stand there, no matter how long I’ve been of earth and rock. Its brown water gargles over a low ford, away, who I’m with or what I’m doing in my life, this is the once a mapped place of ancient crossing, and along its path spot where I always feel homesick. onwards, it glints and winks in the occasional sunshine.

The homesickness has gotten worse of late – almost acute In all directions – fields. The outline of a school, a church, a in fact. I returned to our life in Scotland after a break at graveyard. Houses are nestled into the surrounding drumlins home last week carrying a deep ache. It took me a few days like hat pins. Old raths pockmark the landscape. to realise what was wrong. It’s not just missing friends and Sometimes, after a downpour, when the sky is still family; it’s missing the essence of the place – its air, its being. charcoal, the sun appears and the hills, trees and fields are It’s feeling uprooted and out of place. luminous green – a colour which is so intense it seems I’ve lived away, on and off, since I was 18, and I didn’t unreal. The air smells of blackthorn expect this severe case of homesick and fertiliser. The wind carries the malady in my early 40s. I know it will We should be homesick dissipate as time moves, as routines start sound of the flowing river and is punctuated by sparrows and thrushes and work begins again and the smell of for heaven, for the and the occasional rumble of a racing car the river, the sound of its clatter, moves eternal life we have… somewhere in the distance. further and further into memory again.

Two familiar farms are perched high in It did make me think though about the distance, denoted by well-recognised formations of trees homesickness and the nature of home. and barns. In the summer, the whole scene will be lit up As Christians, we believe that our home isn’t the brightly with yellow gorse. townlands, villages, farms or cities of our birth, but a home Townlands are unique to Ireland. We plot our identity with Christ. We should be homesick for heaven, for the through them, give directions in relation to them. They are eternal life we have, after the fields, houses and hills of this homes to generations of families, familiar names who have one have turned to dust. Most of all, we should be homesick toiled the soil, beaten the flax, worshipped, prayed, loved, to be with and worship God forever. lived and died. Townlands speak to our shared heritage like I am homesick for my townland because that’s where I few other things. grew up, but we are made in the image of God and have There are roughly 60,000 of them on the island of Ireland. been created to return to him – that’s ultimately where we I tried to explain this to an English person recently. “Oh, you are from. The beauty of this world won’t compare to what mean a village,” they said… not quite. A townland doesn’t awaits us; the relationships we have here, even the best ones, necessarily need to have buildings in it. Its boundaries are won’t compare to being with God. rivers and hedges and hills.

So, while I might be a little homesick for Ireland, I find joy They were places of safety in the past, where those who in the longing for everything that comes next. lived within the natural limits of them were protected and known. They root a person to a place. Even now, if someone asks me where I’m from, I’ll mention the nearest town, but then tell them the name of the townland. They’re a unique quirk and perhaps that’s what makes us all feel somehow part of the landscape in a very literal way. It’s one of the reasons I love the poems of Seamus Heaney and the prose of John McGahern. Both understood the importance and power contained in a townland.

Herald February 2025

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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.

ARMAGH, FIRST & TASSAGH: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV JOANNE SMITH: (Armagh First) Mr Ian Kyle, 8 Drummanmore Road, Armagh, BT61 8RN. (Tassagh) Mr Philip Crozier, 68 Bachelors Walk, Keady, Armagh, BT60 2NA. BALLYWILLAN: REV STUART MORROW: Mr Robert Wilson, 13 Millbrook Avenue, Portstewart, BT55 7DZ. BUSHMILLS: (Reviewable Tenure – 5 years) 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 Robert Rutledge, 36 Ednagee Road, Castlederg, BT81 7RD. (Killeter) Mr Robert McKelvey, 17 Carrickadartans Road, Castlederg, BT81 7NQ. DONABATE: ASSOCIATE (Reviewable Tenure – 3 years) REV ANDY CARROLL: DONEGAL TOWN and STRANORLAR: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV ROBERT ORR: (Donegal Town) Mr Oswald Perry, Drumenagh, Donegal Town, F94 N7P8. (Stranorlar) Mrs Audrey Chambers, Magheracorran, Convoy, Co Donegal.

DUNFANAGHY and CARRIGART: (Home Mission) 50% Congregational Ministry, 50% CMI Mission Project REV T.J. BRUCE: (Dunfanaghy) Mr John Sterritt, Moss Road, Cashelshanaghan, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, F92 TV21. (Carrigart) Mrs Joy Buchanan, Figart, Carrigart, Co Donegal, F92 N2WO. GLASTRY: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV J. ROGERS: Mr James McClements, 21 New Harbour Road, Portavogie, BT22 1EE. LISBURN, FIRST: (Reviewable Tenure – 5 years) VERY REV DR D. BRUCE: Miss Margaret Thompson, 2 Springhill Mews, Lisburn, BT28 3QG. LUCAN: REV A. CARROLL: Mr Ian Scott, 22 Willsbrook Avenue, Lucan, Co Dublin, K78 AP57.

NEWTOWNARDS, GREENWELL STREET: REV S.W. ORR: Mr David Francis, 29 Beverley Walk, Newtownards, BT23 7UQ. OMAGH, TRINITY and GILLYGOOLEY: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV JANE NELSON: (Trinity) Mrs Claire McElhinney, 112 Clanabogan Road, Omagh, BT78 1SN. (Gillygooley) Mr Raymond Smyth, 82 Gillygooley Road, Omagh, BT78 5PX. PORTRUSH: REV DR JOHN COULTER: Prof John Gillespie, 12 Randal Park, Portrush, BT56 8JJ. RATHGAR – CHRIST CHURCH: REV LORRAINE KENNEDY-RITCHIE: Mr Paul Fry, 44 Monolea Wood, Firhouse, Dublin 24, D24 A2V3.

RALOO and MAGHERAMORNE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV ANDREW WATSON: (Raloo) Mr Geoff McBride, 72 Raloo Road, Larne, BT40 3DU. (Magheramorne) Mr Morris Gardner, 89 Ballypollard Road, Magheramorne, Larne, BT40 3JG. STRABANE and SION MILLS: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV P.B. HOUSTON: (Strabane) Mr William Watson, 44 Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9QS. (Sion Mills) Mr Colin Campbell, 26 Albert Place, Sion Mills, Strabane, BT82 9HN. WOODLANDS: REV J. MOXEN: Dr Ian Drysdale, 27 Windslow Heights, Carrickfergus, BT38 9AT.

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2. LEAVE TO CALL DEFERRED BALLYRONEY and DRUMLEE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV GEORGE McCLELLAND: (Ballyroney) Mr David Peters, 30 Seafin Road, Ballyroney, Banbridge, BT32 5ER. (Drumlee) Mr Graham Truesdale, 128 Lackan Road, Ballyward, Castlewellan, BT31 9RX. DROMORE and DRUMQUIN: REV E.T. FRAZER: (Dromore) Mr Lynden Keys, 25 New Park Road, Dromore, Omagh, BT78 3JU. (Drumquin) Dr Paul Booth, 54 Bradan Road, Drumquin, Omagh, BT78 4QQ. GORTNESSY: REV DR SETH WRIGHT: Mr Ross Hyndman, 32 Temple Road, Strathfoyle, Londonderry, BT47 6UB. HILLTOWN and CLONDUFF: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) 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. 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 ANAGHLONE and GARVAGHY: REV D. CONKEY: (Anaghlone) Mr John Logan, 4 Bluehill Road, Katesbridge, Banbridge, BT32 5LU. (Garvaghy) Mr James Smyth, 35 Tullyglush Road, Banbridge, BT32 3TN. ARMAGH ROAD, PORTADOWN: REV N. McCULLOUGH: Dr David Lowry, 5 Ridgeway Park South, Portadown, BT62 3DG. BALLEE: REV T.P. McCULLOUGH: Mr John Quigley, 81 Queen’s Avenue, Magherafelt, BT45 6DB. BALLINA and KILLALA: (Home Mission) REV D.J. CLARKE: Mr Geoffrey Shannon, Robin Hill, Carraun, Corballa, Ballina, Co Mayo, F26 A070.

BALLYCASTLE: REV G.W.M. GLASGOW: Pat Shirley, 22 Dunamallaght Rd, Ballycastle, BT54 6PB. BALLYKEEL: REV R.A. MORRISON: Mr T. Simpson, 163 Crebilly Road, Ballymena, BT42 4DP. BALLYNAHATTY, CREEVAN and FINTONA: REV JONATHAN COWAN: (Ballynahatty & Creevan) Mr John Nevin, 116A Clanabogan Road, Omagh, BT78 1SN. (Fintona) Mr Keith Boland, 119 Blackhill Road, Fintona, Omagh, BT78 2LN. BANAGHER: REV DAVID BROWNLOW: Mr Ivan J. Montgomery, 66 Teenaght Road, Claudy, BT47 4DD.

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 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. BLOOMFIELD: REV GRAEME KENNEDY: Mr Andrew Shott, 7 The Walled Garden, Belfast, BT4 2WG. BOARDMILLS, TRINITY: REV JOHN TORRENS: Mr Adrian Patterson, 41 Cabra Road, Legacurry, BT26 6NB. CASTLEDERG, SECOND AND URNEY: REV ROBERT McFAUL: (Second Castlederg) Mr Bert Huey, Tossa, 8 Listymore Road, Castlederg, BT81 7JG. (Urney) Mr Norman McMullan, 80 Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9QT. CAVANALECK & AUGHENTAINE: REV RODNEY BEACOM: (Cavanaleck) Dr Charles McKibbin, 9 Tattenabuddagh Lane, Fivemiletown, BT75 0NW. (Aughentaine) Mr John McCrory, Screeby Road, Fivemiletown, BT75 0TP. CROAGHMORE: REV DAVID IRVINE: Mr Andy McGugan, 158 Whitepark Road, Bushmills, BT57 8SS. CRUMLIN: REV STEPHEN McNIE: Mr James Livingstone, “Edin”, 56 Largy Road, Crumlin, BT29 4RW. CUMBER and UPPER CUMBER: REV J.R. KERNOHAN: (Cumber) Mr Cecil Pollock, 248 Tamnaherin Road, Londonderry, BT47 3LY. (Upper Cumber) Mr Jack McFarland, 12 Cregg Road, Claudy, Londonderry, BT47 4HX.

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

KELLS & ESKYLANE: REV M.J.R. NEILLY: (Kells) Mr B. Turtle, 6 Appletree Lane, Kellswater, Ballymena, BT42 2LS. (Eskylane) Mr S. McKee, 14 Eskylane Road, Antrim, BT41 2LL. KILREA, SECOND: REV KEITH HIBBERT: Mr John McIlrath, 9 Moyagoney Road, Kilrea, BT51 5SX. LOUGHBRICKLAND and SCARVA: REV DR MARK GRAY: (Loughbrickland) Mr Fred Cairns, 20 Scarva Street, Loughbrickland, Co Down. (Scarva) Mr Robert Jordan, 3 Station Rd, Scarva, Co Armagh, BT63 6JY. LURGAN, FIRST: REV L.W. WEBSTER: Mr Norman McCleery, 12 McCormack Gardens, Lurgan, BT66 8LE. MOIRA: REV DR M. COWAN: Mr Richard Brown, c/o Moira Presbyterian Church, 14–18 Meeting Street, Moira, BT67 0NR. MONEYDIG: REV R.S. McMULLAN: 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: RANDALSTOWN, O.C.: REV CHRIS WILSON: Mr Alun Coulter, 48 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3DB.

DONEGORE, SECOND: REV E. McDOWELL: Mr Samuel Gawn, 120 Parkgate Road, Kells.

RAPHOE and BALLINDRAIT: REV R. EDGAR: Mrs Sylvia Cole, The Common, Raphoe, Donegal.

DROMARA, FIRST: REV M. DAVIDSON: Mr I. McCullagh, 10 Mullaghdrin Road, Dromara, BT25 2AF.

RATHCOOLE: REV A. CARSON: Mr Norman Creaney, 7 Coolshannagh Park, Newtownabbey, BT37 9LA.

DROMARA, SECOND: REV DR A. SLEITH: Mr Herbert Chambers, 29 Stewarts Road, Dromara, BT25 2AN. DRUMGOOLAND and KILKINAMURRY: REV ANDY DOWNEY: (Drumgooland) Dr Alastair Chestnutt, 22 Fruitvalley Road, Ballyward, Castlewellan, Co Down, BT31 9RE. (Kilkinamurry) Mr Mervyn Copes, 43 Carnpark Road, Dromara, Dromore, Co Down, BT25 2HD. DUNDROD: REV R.C. KERR: Mr William McClure, 20 Thorndale Road, Dundrod, BT29 4UD. DUNMURRY & KILMAKEE: REV S. STOCKMAN: (Dunmurry) Rev Gilbert Young, 39 Saintfield Road, Lisburn, BT27 5BH. (Kilmakee) Mr Alastair White, 94 Greenburn Way, Lambeg, Lisburn, BT27 4LU.

STRAND: REV M. BURNSIDE: Mr John Johnston, 7 Helgor Park, Belfast, BT4 2GG. TAUGHMONAGH (Church Extension) REV K.H. VINER: TOWNHILL: REV J.D. McGAUGHEY: Mr R. Dickey, 23 Grange Cottages, Toomebridge, BT41 3GR. TRINITY, AHOGHILL: REV N.G. MULHOLLAND: Mr G. Knowles, 67 Tuppenny Road, Gracehill, Ballymena, BT42 2NW. TULLYCARNET: REV R.S.J. McILHATTON:

FAUGHANVALE: REV P. LINKENS: Mr Donald Montgomery, 25 Carnmoney Road, Eglinton, BT47 3JJ.

VINECASH: REV PRINCIPAL MICHAEL McCLENAHAN: Mr Thomas Graham, 38 Richmount, Portadown, BT62 4JQ.

GARRYDUFF and DUNLOY: REV C.B. MULVENNY: (Garryduff ) Mr Stanley Lee, 12 Cambourne Park, Ballymoney, BT53 7PG. (Dunloy) Mr Jonathan Gault, c/o 26–28 Church Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6DL.

WARRENPOINT and ROSTREVOR: REV J.S. MAGUIRE: (Warrenpoint) Mrs Heather Gray, 25 Donaghaguy Road, Warrenpoint, BT34 3RZ. (Rostrevor) Mrs Doreen Henderson, 14 Greenpark Road, Rostrevor, BT34 3EY.

GLASCAR and DONAGHMORE: REV M. McMAW: (Glascar) Mr Alan Little, 38 Loughbrickland Road, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5HF. (Donaghmore) Mr David Shilliday, 21 Cargabane Road, Donaghmore, Newry, BT34 1SB.

WATERSIDE: REV COLIN JONES: Mr William McIlwaine, 19 Glenaden Hill, Altnagelvin Park, Londonderry, BT47 2LJ.

HYDEPARK and LYLEHILL: REV ALAN MOORE: (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.

continued on page 50

Herald February 2025

49

CHURCH RECORD continued from page 49

TEMPORARY STATED SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT

THE ELDERSHIP

BALLYCAIRN: REV MORRIS GAULT: Mrs Lucy Mulholland, 32 Blenheim Park, Carryduff, BT8 8NN.

Ordained and Installed: BALLYDOWN: Andrew Adams, Alistair Copeland, Conrad Ferris, Dermot McElderry, Sam Mills, Mark Moorhead CLAGGAN: Trevor Martin, Clive Mitchell FIRST NEWRY: Andrew Dalzell GILNAHIRK: Barbara Anderson, Carol Chambers, Stephen Chambers, Laura Hutcheson-Magee, Alan Magee, Carol Noble GRANGE WITH CRAIGMORE: Winston Copeland, Robert McNeilly ORRITOR: Andrew Baird, Colin Glasgow SECOND SAINTFIELD: Ian Shanks

BELLVILLE: REV D.S. HENRY: Mr Mervyn King, 29 Ardmore Road, Derryadd, Lurgan, BT66 6QP. GRANGE with CRAIGMORE: REV R.S. AGNEW: Mr Jamie Harris, 32 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3BE. NEWTOWNSTEWART and GORTIN: REV JONATHAN BOYD: (Newtownstewart) Mr David Dunbar, 32 Main Street, Newtownstewart, BT78 4AA. (Gortin) Mr Adrian Adams, 32 Lisnaharney Road, Lislap, Omagh, BT79 7UE. RASHARKIN: REV R.J. WATT: Mr Samuel Kirkpatrick, 71 Mullan Road, Ballymoney, BT53 7ED. SPA and MAGHERAHAMLET: REV DAVID BINGHAM: (Spa) Mr Stephen McBride, 28 Ballynahinch Road, Castlewellan, BT31 9PA. (Magherahamlet) Mr David Whan, 74 Castlewellan Road, Dromara, BT25 2JN. WHITEHEAD: REV P. BOVILL: Mr Warren Heggan, 44 Middle Road, Islandmagee, Larne, BT40 3SL.

THE MINISTRY Ordained and Installed: Rev Andrew Martin, as Minister of Loughgall & Tartaraghan, on 29 November 2024 Rev Mark Rodgers, as Minister of Clough, on 29 November 2024 Rev Mark Hawthorne, as Minister of Legacurry, on 6 December 2024 Rev Jeff Gawn, as Minister of Ballyalbany & Glennan, on 13 December 2024 Installed: Rev Dr Andrew Mullan, as Minister of Ballylinney, on 8 November 2024 Retired: Rev Linda Keys, as Associate Minister of West Church Ballymena, on 1 January 2025 Licensed: Mr Lucas Da Costa, by the Down Presbytery, on 6 October 2024

Installed: GILNAHIRK: Rosemary Gregg Retired: NEWTOWNBREDA: Donald Milliken, Ross Irvine SAINTFIELD ROAD: Malcolm Buchanan, John Francey, Iris Francey, Harold Hamilton, Irene Hamilton, Kevin Maguire Died: ARMAGHBREAGUE: William-John Kennedy BELMONT: Martin Coburn CLOGHERNEY: David Adams CROAGHMORE: James McConaghy CRUMLIN: William (Billy) Addis CUNINGHAM MEMORIAL: John Calderwood EBRINGTON: William Manning EDENGROVE: Robert (Roy) Peake ELMWOOD: Nelson Gray FIRST AHOGHILL: James Erwin FIRST DROMORE: Rowland Patterson HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD: John Cochrane KILMOUNT: Wilbert Ferris KIRKPATRICK MEMORIAL: Desmond McKibbin, Stanley Mills McQUISTON MEMORIAL: Adeline (Lina) Graham MOURNE: Martin McKee ROSEYARDS: Tommy Henry SALTERSLAND: Florence Cousley STORMONT: Sam McGibney WEST CHURCH, BALLYMENA: Raymond Millar

CLASSIFIEDS Please note: Adverts must be received in writing (email or post) by the first of the month preceding publication to guarantee inclusion. Adverts received after that date will be published if space permits. Advertising rates can be found on the website – www.presbyterianireland.org/herald – or telephone the Herald office on +44 (0)28 9032 2284 for more information.

Accommodation Free Church Furniture Woodvale congregation in Belfast has various pieces of church furniture – the organ, chairs, music and hymn books etc. – which it is keen to offer free of charge to any congregation / Christian group which could benefit from them.

To find out more contact Mrs Carol Dalzell on cdalzell@hotmail.co.uk

COSY 3-BEDROOM HOLIDAY HOUSE in Portrush, short walking distance from town centre, beaches and golf course.

Can accommodate 4 adults and 2 children. Ofch, wifi and downstairs toilet.

Min 2 night stay. Reasonable rates. Tel 07735 928901.

ACCOMMODATION: FLORIDA – Disney 20 mins.; SPAIN – East coast. Beach views. Bus and tram from airport; NORTHERN IRELAND – Portstewart. Sea views. Contact: +44(0)7971 194211; geraldsmyth@hotmail.com

Church AV Specialists

PA systems • Loop systems Projectors & screens • Installation & repairs alan@audiopromotions.co.uk www.audiopromotions.co.uk

07855 450887 50

Herald February 2025

Ross Morrow A.L.C.M., L.T.C.L.

Piano Tuning Services available throughout Ireland

Tel: +44 (0)28 9268 9468 Mobile: 07788 746992

CROSSWORD Solution to No 295

ACROSS 1 Queen of Sheba 8 Zen 9 Ultras 10 Egg 11 Kilt 12 Nelson 13 Brine 16 England 18 Bygone 20 Kebab 22 Ali 23 Stain 24 Noisier 26 Eel 27 Redeem 28 Glass

DOWN 1 Quaint 2 Equality 3 Notion 4 Fray 5 Ezekiel 6 Begin 7 Angle 14 Seeking 15 Editors 17 Gabriel 18 Beatle 19 Orange 21 Bails 25 Sea

FINAGHY LOWE MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BELFAST

Community Outreach Associate Applications are invited for this part-time post, based on a twoyear fixed term contract to join an established Ministry Team at Lowe Memorial Presbyterian Church.

The post holder will be responsible for the strategic development of community outreach ministry within Lowe and will manage the CAP Debt Centre for South and West Belfast.

The post holder will explore opportunities for evangelism and involvement in other potential ministries in the wider community.

A date for your diary

Banagher Presbyterian Church

Ballyhanedin Road, Claudy, Co Londonderry, BT47 4TQ

Flower Festival

Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Church building Friday 30, Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June 2025 Artistic Directors: Mr Alan Beatty and Mr James Burnside

Contact: Miss Ruth Connell 07775 596085

Salary scale (depending on experience): £17,865–19,512 per annum Hours of work: 25 per week including irregular hours, regular attendance at Sunday services and some other weekend working Closing Date: Friday 14 February 2025 at 1pm Application Form and Job Description and Specification from: Rev Dr J. McCracken, Finaghy Lowe Memorial Presbyterian Church, 191–193 Upper Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT10 0LL Tel: (028) 9062 6561 or 07511 157793 Email: admin.lowe@btinternet.com

BALLYHENRY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

MUSIC DIRECTOR

We are seeking a passionate and talented Music Director to lead our church’s music ministry. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of contemporary and traditional Christian music, a heart

for worship, and the ability to inspire, lead and accompany (piano / keyboard), our church family in meaningful corporate worship. This role presents a genuine opportunity to serve and to take responsibility for the development of music and praise within Ballyhenry.

To view a full Job Description visit: www.ballyhenry.org/jobs or email: serve@ballyhenry.org Closing date for applications: Friday 28th February, 2025.

Address Ballyhenry Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 5LU Registered Charity in NI (NIC104315)

Email Address serve@ballyhenry.org

Website: www.ballyhenry.org