Presbyterian Herald June 2019

JUNE 2019

...to the family

A REAL GONE KID Interview with Moderatordesignate, William Henry

UNMASKING CHRIST’S LOVE Reaching out in east Belfast

EXHIBITING A RICH HISTORY New PCI exhibition

CONTENTS | JUNE 2019

FEATURES 16 Unmasking Christ’s love to a hurting community Reaching out in east Belfast

18 A real gone kid

Interview with Moderator-designate, William Henry

32 Snapshots of Union A look at college life

34 Exhibiting a rich history New PCI exhibition

36 Lord of the imagination

How J.R.R. Tolkien’s writing was influenced by his faith

REGULARS 4 6 8 9 13 14 15 22 23 31 38 40 44

Unmasking Christ’s love to a hurting community p16

Letters News In this month My story Life lessons As I see it Arthur Clarke Talking points Mission Connect Betsy Cameron Reviews Life in PCI Crossword

Exhibiting a rich history p34

CONTRIBUTORS

Cover photo: Jamie Trimble June 2019 No 821 £1.50 (€1.80) 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

Lord of the imagination p36

Editor: Sarah Harding Subscriptions and Advertising: Elaine Huddleston; Phil Alcorn; Suzanne Hamilton Design and Layout: Edward Connolly Printing: Nicholson and Bass Ltd.

William Scholes is religious affairs correspondent of the Irish News. He is a member of the Church of Ireland and worships at All Saints’ in Belfast. Some of his best friends are Presbyterians.

Edward McKenzie is the minister of Cregagh Presbyterian Church. He is married to Lesley and dad to Alfie, Esmé and Jack. His master’s dissertation was titled ‘The Christ symbols of Middle Earth’.

Rev Bert Tosh is a retired senior producer of religion and ethics at BBC Northern Ireland.

Suzanne Hamilton is Senior Communications Assistant for the Herald.

She attends Ballyholme Presbyterian in Bangor, is married to Steven and mum to twin boys.

The views expressed in the features, news reports, letters and book reviews of this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor.

Editorial comment and signed articles do not necessarily contain the official views of the Church, which can be laid down only by the General Assembly. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply endorsement of the goods or services. The Editor reserves the right to decline any advertisement or letter without assigning any reason. Letters may be edited for publication. No correspondence can be entered into regarding non-publication of advertisements or letters.

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

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EDITORIAL

LETTERS Sowing the seeds of faith

Extraordinary love

Last month, Jean Vanier, the founder of the L’Arche organisation, sadly passed away at the age of 90. Vanier left a remarkable legacy in L’Arche – its mission is to support people with learning disabilities and today it has 150 communities, in 38 countries, supporting 3,500 people with day services and residential homes. It all began in Paris in 1964, when Vanier welcomed two men with learning disabilities to live in his home – they had been in an asylum and had no family. He had no grand vision then for what this act of kindness would become, just a simple faith in Jesus’ command to love one another, saying, “It’s a question of loving people as they are.”

This month we feature one congregation that has been loving those in its surrounding community through its after-schools’ club. Suzanne Hamilton tells the inspiring story of Mountpottinger Presbyterian in east Belfast, where, for the last 14 years, volunteers have been helping local children with their homework and providing a safe place for them to play, as well as supporting their parents in a variety of practical ways.

Volunteer Karis Baker explains how important it has been for the church to show unconditional love to families: “We have no right as Christians to come in and dabble in their lives. We either need to be there for the long haul, or not get involved at all. If we dabble and walk away, we end up being just another in a long line of people who have let them down.”

To be people who are committed to loving others takes integrity. Norman Hamilton discusses this virtue at length in his column. He has observed that integrity is valued less and less in our society these days: “Where the means justifies the end; where truth is reduced to what anybody says it is…and where discernment and wisdom are much less important than getting your own way.” For us to model integrity against this backdrop is certainly challenging.

Our new Moderator, Dr William Henry echoes these thoughts as he chats with William Scholes. His theme for the coming year is ‘Enjoying God’ with the idea that encountering God is a transformational process for how we live and connect with others: “The thing that is really going to reach into people’s lives is Christians living authentically and passionately believing in Jesus. When people see that, they recognise it.”

Living lives full of integrity, authenticity and love seems overwhelmingly difficult, but as Jean Vanier once said, “We are not called by God to do extraordinary things, but to do ordinary things with extraordinary love.”

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Dear Editor I refer to the article ‘Sowing the seeds of faith’ by Molly Deatherage in April’s Herald.

This article demonstrates that the National Ploughing Championships is a vehicle which can be used for evangelising and where people can be approached and talk about their faith, or lack of faith, in convivial surroundings.

The second element is the response of people. There was an offer of free tea/coffee and when their offer was accepted, the views of all who came through the tent doors were also accepted. Indeed, when hospitality ministry offers openness and a platform for a meaningful exchange of views then this will open doors and people will find an opportunity to discuss what God is doing in their lives.

Evangelism sometimes, if not most times, makes us feel that we are all hammering away at the coalface and getting little in return! However, being open with ordinary people and holding ordinary conversations gives us an inroad with people who will open up and talk about events in their lives which are buried deep within them – they maybe never had the chance to talk openly about their issues. Here is the benefit of ‘easy evangelism’, allowing people to relax

and choose the subjects that they want to explore. This easy evangelism goes hand in hand with a safe environment where people can talk without being challenged or criticised and are able to receive empathy from people they are speaking with.

There are many ways we can sow seeds of faith – let us do so in the soil of our community where we can grow. As the Apostle Paul says, “Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness” (2 Corinthians 9:10).

Hugh K. Henderson Carrickfergus

Trading punches Dear Editor Your article entitled ‘Trading punches’ in the May 2019 edition of the Herald moved me to tears upon reading it. I am still mulling over how God has worked in Rev Bates’ life.

I have since bought and read Alistair’s book Trading Punches (read in one sitting). So many lessons to learn from Rev Bates’ life and how God was working out his plan for him. Thank you for publishing this article.

Catherine Mullan Enniskillen

Climate change

Dear Editor Rev Allen Sleith covered creation care extremely well

Letters to the Editor Write to: Presbyterian Herald, Assembly Buildings, Belfast BT1 6DW Email: herald@presbyterianireland.org

in the March edition. The first half of the article especially dealt with the ethical tragedy of climate change as a perfect moral storm, which overlaps with another existential threat to humanity, namely global inequality. However, ‘Turning over a new leaf’ while strongly emphasising the biblical stewardship aspect of our Christian response to creation care challenges, perhaps lacked detailed recommendations to guide individuals, the Commons, nations and the international community. Here are four areas which need attention: 1. Full commitment to renewable energies – breaking free of fossil fuels.

2. Speaking out prophetically to educate about the externalisation of costs.

3. Living within our fair share of the world’s resources – diet, travel, and small environmental footprints.

4. Prioritise relationships with fellow human beings and with nature.

There is much to unpack here in the realms of economics, agriculture and politics (or decision making). The worship of Gross Domestic Product needs to be urgently challenged. GDP is a busted, outdated metric.

Local and global economies need to be transformed to make them distributive and regenerative by design.

Humanity needs to rediscover the concept of limits. God can do limitlessness, humans cannot. At one end of the scale, some inclusive localism projects in terms of agriculture as advocated by the Jubilee Cooperative Farm project (highlighted in previous issues of the Herald) have a role to play. At the other end of the scale, how decisions are made at a restructured, directlyelected United Nations (with all having an equal say) will

Please note: Letters are limited to 300 words and may be edited for clarity and length. They will only be published in the Herald if the author’s name and address have been supplied to the editor. On request these will be withheld from print. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. The views expressed in the letters are not necessarily those of the Editor or PCI.

be vitally important for our future. How much difference would a globally distributed (UN administered) Universal Basic Income make in terms of positive creation care in the global south amongst the ‘Have-nots’? Everyone needs to move towards a revalued standard of living.

Mark Dick Ballymena Dear Editor I feel compelled to respond to Rev Wilson’s letter on climate change. His letter suggests that Rev Dr Sleith has quoted ‘half-truths’ in his article. I would suggest that, if these are half-truths, we are better served by acting on these than sitting on our hands as those who disagree would have us do. To act can only bring positive effects whereas to neglect to act will only have negative effects.

Rev Wilson seems to suggest some political agenda is being served by the promotion of climate change. Surely the opposite is true. It is the interests of global capitalism that benefit from the denial lobby and if there is a political agenda it is their agenda.

To suggest that Greenpeace was founded by Patrick Moore and later disowned by him because it had become an instrument of a certain political ideology could be construed as an excellent example of a ‘half-truth’ or perhaps even ‘fake news’.

Dr Patrick Moore, not to be confused with the well-known British amateur astronomer, was not the founder of Greenpeace, but rather an early activist with the founders Phil Cote, Irving Stowe and Jim Bohlen (ref Greenpeace website). The climate change arguments have moved on somewhat since then and the evidence has become even more ‘incontrovertible’ but

the discussion, far from being ‘not allowed’, has continued unabated.

It is disappointing that Rev Wilson should use pejorative terms such as ‘half-truth’ and ‘fake news’ when the information provided by Rev Dr Sleith is a presentation of a perfectly legitimate and scientifically reasoned argument, even if it does not concur with the Rev Wilson’s

‘scientific evidence’.

It is disappointing too to have a fellow believer take a stance against supporting a movement which can only contribute positively to our stewardship of God’s creation.

William Hosford Portaferry

Topical Tweets @PCIModerator Beyond the cut and thrust of seats won, there is a very human side to politics. I pray for those who have been elected and those who have missed out. They have all put themselves forward to serve the common good. May we encourage our politicians to build relationships. @ChristianAidIrl Thanks to Ballyholme Presbyterian Church for having Dave Thomas to speak at their evening cafe church service on Sunday. They are supporting us to #standupformums in Sierra Leone this #caweek. Thank you for the warm welcome Dave received and for all you do. @WeAreTearfund “Before you finish eating breakfast in the morning, you’ve depended on more than half the world.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. We are all connected. How we live matters. @tidesdaily “From beginning to end, the God of the Bible reveals himself as a God of love, of righteousness and compassion. He is a God who desires to forgive and save, to redeem and restore.” #tidesdaily @pciassembly New #pcinews: The leaders of #Ireland’s main churches, including @PCIModerator met NI’s political leaders today at the inter-party talks to encourage those taking part. In a joint statement they said it was ‘a time for courageous leadership’.

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NEWS | IN THE ROUND Presbyterian with a Heart for Habitat The efforts of a member of Saintfield Presbyterian Church have been recognised by Habitat – a Christian housing organisation with a vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Robert Clarke, from the Co Down church, was presented with the charity’s Heart for Habitat award, along with Peter Baxter, at Habitat’s annual celebration and commissioning service.

Paying tribute to the men, Habitat NI chief executive Jenny Williams said, “We are so thankful for all the hands that serve Habitat’s mission faithfully, and for the hearts that motivate them. Robert and Peter have volunteered in ReStore Lisburn since before it opened in 2012. Their faithful service has a huge impact on the lives of other volunteers, including many young people and those who need extra support. It is a great pleasure to acknowledge their commitment by presenting them with our Heart for Habitat award.”

Seamus McKeague (chairman of Habitat board), Peter Baxter, Hilary Morrow (Habitat board member) and Saintfield Presbyterian Church member Robert Clarke.

Concern at Bombardier sale East Belfast Presbytery has expressed its deep concern at the news that Bombardier is to sell its aerostructures business, and says it will pray that the right outcome is secured.

Presbytery clerk Rev Albin Rankin (minister of Stormont Presbyterian Church) said, “The proposed sale of the aerostructures business of Bombardier in Northern Ireland has created much uncertainty among the 3,600 workforce and could have a huge impact on and generate massive economic difficulties for the community and the economy of the city, Rev Albin Rankin especially the immediate area of east Belfast.

“The Presbytery of East Belfast, through its 23 local congregations, will continue to offer prayerful and pastoral support to families and individuals who are impacted by this announcement, many of whom are members of our congregations. Everyone affected by this announcement will be facing considerable anxiety, which will also cause uncertainty for businesses and retailers in the area.

“While we welcome Bombardier’s stated commitment to finding the right buyer and the government’s response that it will work with potential buyers to take the business forward, this is still a deeply unsettling and worrying time for those most affected. We will of course be praying that the right outcome is secured.”

PCI presence at Balmoral For the fifth year running, PCI’s Dromore Presbytery had a presence at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society’s Balmoral Show.

The presbytery’s stand provided light refreshments, face painting and a space to rest weary legs and chat. Literature to signpost farming families and the wider rural community to help was also distributed.

Rev Kenny Hanna, of Second Dromara Presbyterian Church, who helped to organise the stand, said, “As a rural presbytery we want to continue to show our support for farming communities and bring an opportunity to show God’s love, through Jesus who died for us, to those who work on the land and in the rural economy.”

Churches call for courageous leadership The leaders of Ireland’s main Churches have said talks between Northern Ireland’s political parties to restore the devolved institutions were “a fresh window of opportunity, born of tragedy, but nestling in hope for the future that now requires courageous and compassionate leadership.”

The leaders of the Church of Ireland, Methodist Church in Ireland, Roman Catholic Church, Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the Irish Council of Churches were speaking at Stormont House in Belfast, as they met to encourage those taking part in the inter-party talks.

A joint statement said, “As leaders of Ireland’s main churches, we want to add our collective voice to support and encourage everyone taking part in this new round of political talks to seize the opportunity for a new beginning that lies before them.

“In welcoming this fresh initiative, together, we hope and pray that there will be substantive progress over the next number of weeks that builds relationships, bridges the gaps that remain and leads to the establishment of a sustainable power-sharing executive – one that is built on accommodation and trust, has reconciliation at its heart and is focused on the common good and welfare of all.

“Having met with the five main party leaders last autumn, and since then having organised a series of meetings on the ground with elected representatives and many in civil society, we have been impressed by the genuine willingness of those involved to engage. At the same time, we all need to be realistic about the significant challenges that lie ahead in finding the necessary agreement.

“In our churches and faith-based charities, as in other areas of society, we are witnessing daily the damaging and continuing impact of not having a functioning devolved government. Across our community, there

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is also a growing sense of hopelessness and even despair at the lack of progress. For the sake of the most vulnerable in our society, for the sake of the victims of our past, for the sake of children in our schools and for the sake of people who need improved health and social care services, now is the time to find a resolution to the political impasse.”

Pictured at Stormont House in Belfast with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Karen Bradley MP, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney TD and the leaders of Northern Ireland’s political parties are: (left to right) Rev William Davison (President of the Methodist Church in Ireland), Most Rev Eamon Martin (Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland), Rev Trevor Gribben (Clerk of the General Assembly and Joint Secretary of the Church Leaders’ Group, Ireland), PCI Moderator Dr Charles McMullen, Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke (Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland) and Rev Brian Anderson (President of the Irish Council of Churches).

IN THE ROUND | NEWS Charity sees a chance to end persecution in Sudan Release International says political turmoil in Sudan, which recently saw the ousting of Omar al Bashir after almost 30 years in power, could end the persecution of Christians in that country.

“The next step must be to allow full religious freedom in the country. Without true freedom of belief and association, Sudan will continue to be one of the most repressive states in the world today,” says Release CEO Paul Robinson.

“Handled well, this could be a window of opportunity for Christians in Sudan, who have suffered immensely for many years.”

Christians have faced the heaviest oppression in the Nuba Mountains, where the government has been driving out minority groups in a programme of ethnic cleansing.

Elsewhere in Sudan, President General Bashir demolished churches and arrested and removed church leaders.

Deputy Lieutenant appointed Maureen Stratton has recently been appointed as one of Her Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenants (DL) for County Tyrone.

She is a member of First Presbyterian Church Cookstown, and from that same congregation, joins Meta Bell and Rev Dr Isaac Thompson in the lieutenancy.

Former vice principal and head of modern languages at Cookstown High School, Mrs Stratton is a founder member of Cookstown’s town twinning scheme. Along with her husband Nigel, she established and volunteered with Cookstown Gateway Club for those with learning difficulties. The couple are both members of the church choir.

Abortion report undermines devolution, says CARE The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) report on abortion law in Northern Ireland makes recommendations that will undermine devolution, public policy charity Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) has warned.

The report recommends that devolution be bypassed, and abortion legalised in Northern Ireland in cases of so-called ‘fatal foetal abnormality’.

CARE points out that abortion is a devolved matter and none of the MPs on the committee represent Northern Ireland constituencies. The committee was not even unanimous in recommending the final report, with two members backing an alternative report by Eddie Hughes MP. In contrast to the committee report, CARE says the alternative report makes some helpful proposals which would respect the devolution settlement while engaging with some of the wider concerns about abortion provision in Northern Ireland.

CARE’s chief executive Nola Leach said, “There’s no doubt that the issue of access to abortion where an unborn child has been diagnosed with a life-limiting condition deemed fatal before, during or shortly after birth is hugely sensitive. But the proper place for a discussion about this is at the Assembly in Northern Ireland.”

Moderator praises police On a recent visit to Strand Road police station in Derry, PCI Moderator Dr Charles McMullen spoke of “society’s debt to police officers” while praising their selflessness and the “vital role they play in keeping us all safe”.

He was joined by Dr Rob Craig, former Presbyterian Moderator and minister of Kilfennan Presbyterian Church, and during the visit the senior churchmen met the area commander for PSNI’s Derry City and Strabane District, T/Superintendent Alan Hutton, who briefed them on policing in the district. They also met with police officers who were on duty at the time.

“Meeting members of the policing team here has been a special opportunity to listen and to discuss many things, including some that are particularly challenging. I was also very thankful for being able to pray God’s blessing and protection upon all who serve,” Dr McMullen said.

The Moderator, who also visited Ardmore PSNI station in Newry, added, “These visits are primarily ‘pastoral’ and have grown out of a genuine desire of our Church to thank police officers for their selflessness and the vital role that they play in keeping us all safe. I wanted to convey to them, and their senior commanders, that along with the technical and support staff, they are valued.”

In January, Dr McMullen led a church delegation to the Policing Board for Northern Ireland. He has also met police officers in various locations in Northern Ireland during his year in office.

PSNI’s Derry City and Strabane District area commander T/Superintendent Alan Hutton, T/Chief Inspector Jonny Hunter, Dr Rob Craig and PCI Moderator Dr Charles McMullen.

IN BRIEF Moderator condemns violent acts Presbyterian Moderator, Dr Charles McMullen, has issued statements condemning the murder of journalist Lyra McKee in Derry, and the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka.

He described Ms McKee’s murder as “appalling, outrageous and unjustifiable”, and the Sri Lankan events as “shocking and despicable”.

Easter Means Everything PCI’s recent social media campaign ‘Easter Means Everything’ proved popular with almost 35,000 views in April.

Nine videos, filmed at Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor, featured different Bible passages relating to the Easter story followed by a short reflection by Rev Gareth McFadden, Rev Martin McNeely, Lorna Moore and Rev Kathryn Viner.

The videos were posted each day from Palm Sunday to Easter Monday. Thanks to all the congregations and individuals who shared the videos, helping to spread the good news online.

EA general director to step down The Evangelical Alliance has announced that Steve Clifford, its general director, will step down from his role at the end of 2019. He has held the role for the past 10 years. Over the decade that he has been general director, the organisation has seen significant changes in its structure, moved its headquarters, and increased its impact and influence.

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IN THIS MONTH...

June 1972

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

Speaking to a sceptical world Alf McCreary

In the Presbyterian Herald published after last year’s Assembly two Ballymena men criticised the press coverage of the debates…

The complaints from the Ballymena men about the allegedly fragmentary and misleading reporting on the Assembly underline a serious problem which many Presbyterians – and other church attenders – do not yet understand. They are competing for attention in a world which does not automatically listen just because churchmen and women are speaking.

There was a time when the Assembly was given massive coverage. A few sharp words between ministers or a thoughtful contribution to a debate made a story.

But news values have changed. Northern Ireland is a world news centre where people are killed or injured almost every day. The events of the Assembly are judged against the news of the day…

The central point which worries me is whether the Presbyterian Church in its General Assembly has something to say to the world or whether Presbyterians are talking to one another and some are complaining because no one else is listening.

For example, the debate on the World Council of Churches has dragged on and on…It is important. But is it more important than the divisions which plague this country where men and women carry the scars of such divisions on their bodies, where the divisions are so often displayed in the death notices of local newspapers? Did anything emerge from last year’s Assembly to make the man in the street stop and say ‘They have a point. There is the voice of concern and charity which has something to say to me and to my neighbour?’…

The Church has to learn to speak a new language. But this is not possible if its voice is choked by elaborate procedure and cloying traditionalism. There is a need for simplification, for directness, for an outward vision and for a contribution that is significant to the lifestyle of people living in the hard and sceptical world of 1972…

Viewpoint from the South

The Synod of Dublin covers almost the whole of the Republic of Ireland.

The Spring Meeting this year was held in Dublin…

Rev W.G. MacDermott reported that on the question of the ministry of reconciliation many Sessions were preoccupied with reconciliation between Protestant and Roman Catholic, others saw the divisions created by wide differences of wealth in our society as an area where reconciliation was needed. A general deterioration in moral standards was reported with delinquencies specified as vandalism, pilfering, housebreaking and drunkenness.

Some Sessions mentioned sexual immorality, drug-taking and pornographic literature. A number of returns referred to bad housing and unemployment as causative factors in this situation…

Day to remember

Looking at a model of the new Guysmere – the Moderator and Mrs Haire, Rev W.S.K. Crossley and other friends of the project.

Also from June ’72 8

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Pablo Picasso completes selfportrait Facing Death, his last well-known drawing

Airline pilots launched a worldwide 24-hour strike to protest against hijacking

The Watergate scandal in America begins with a break-in at the DNC HQ

MY STORY...

Rose Gray, from Bannside Presbyterian Church in Banbridge, tells the story of her recent school trip, which proved to be extremely thought-provoking and moving.

Lesson from Auschwitz

I

n March of this year I was offered the amazing opportunity other hapless human beings. It was hard to understand that these to take part in the Lessons from Auschwitz project, which is two very different worlds could exist in such close proximity to run by the Holocaust Educational Trust. The project operates each other. across the United Kingdom, and 100 secondary students from Personally, during the visit to Auschwitz Birkenau, I was most across Northern Ireland took part. The project consisted of three struck by a speech we heard from Rabbi Garson. He spoke about stages: an introductory seminar to explore what life was like for how we have been to Auschwitz, but we will never truly be able Jews before Hitler’s rise to power; a day visit to Auschwitz in to grasp the amount of pain and anguish which took place there.

Poland; and a concluding seminar after we returned to reflect on We may say that we’re cold, hungry and tired, but in Auschwitz what we saw and learned. A key aspect of the project is ensuring these terms we use so flippantly take on a whole other meaning; that participants pass on the lessons they learn to others, so that they are the difference between life and death. I cannot begin to the past is never forgotten. the terror these poor people We as young people have comprehend From the moment I heard about the faced on a daily basis. project, I knew it was something I wanted the power to stand up to Furthermore, Rabbi Garson said to do, despite having trepidation about something that really resonated with me: discrimination and not seeing first-hand the place where so much how we as young people have the power suffering took place. I not only wanted to to stand up to discrimination and not allow ourselves to increase my understanding of the horrific allow ourselves to become bystanders. become bystanders. events of the Holocaust, but also see the Even recently, it is clear just how prevalent reality of what so many people had to live through, rather than racial intolerance and hatred is in our world as 50 Muslims just reading about it in a book during history. were brutally murdered during the attack on a mosque in At our introductory seminar in Belfast, I was deeply moved by Christchurch, New Zealand and hundreds of Christians were the testimony of Janine Webber, a Holocaust survivor, who is now murdered in Sri Lanka at Easter. an 86-year-old grandmother living in London. As she recounted On returning home to Banbridge, my group and I decided we her harrowing story of surviving the atrocities of the ghetto, and would take main assemblies to explain what we learnt from the ultimately disguising herself as a Catholic to escape persecution, project to our school community. We especially wanted to convey I reflected on just how much resilience and courage she displayed the point that the Holocaust is not just impersonal statistics on at such a young age. Janine also emphasised how, behind the a page, but rather human beings who lived and breathed, each horrendous figure of six million Jews who perished, there were with hopes and dreams, just like us. I hope that by giving our individual human beings, each with a unique story to tell. presentation, we were able to draw attention to individuals, and When we got to Auschwitz, we saw numerous displays of their role as bystanders, perpetrators or victims. everyday objects such as glasses, shoes and suitcases – all collected The project most certainly has opened my eyes not only to from terrified people as they arrived, not for resettlement, but the events of the past, but also to how the lessons we learnt are for death. Each of these items is a sobering reminder that each still applicable today. I feel privileged to have been given such a victim was a person trying to survive in the most brutal of thorough and detailed education of the Holocaust, and as George circumstances.

Santayana said, “Those who do not remember the past are I found it both fascinating and horrifying how Rudolf Höss, condemned to repeat,” so we must reflect, look to the future and the commandant at Auschwitz, raised a family on the grounds of use our voices to guarantee that such a catastrophic event never Auschwitz, surrounded by the death and torture he inflicted on occurs again.

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NEWS | PCI Presbyterian Women raise £500,000 for mission PW groups across Ireland raised over £500,000 (€582,000) for mission at home and overseas over the past year.

The figure was reported at Presbyterian Women’s annual conference last month, when around 1,600 women from 465 PW groups, and their guests, gathered together to worship and to find out how Presbyterian Women has made a difference at home and overseas.

Last year’s Overseas Special Project supported the work of the International Justice Ministry (IJM) and helped child victims of cybersex trafficking. The Home Mission Special Project supported Trinity House, PCI’s residential care home in Garvagh with a specific focus on dementia care.

News Visit of Kilronan school PCI had the privilege of welcoming eight 16-19-year-old students from Kilronan School for those with severe learning difficulties.

The visit was promoted by Harold Duncan of First Magherafelt Presbyterian Church, following the Council for Social Witness Recognition Awards last December when the church’s Café Revive – a project between the church and the school – won an award.

After refreshments the children were hosted by Lindsay Conway (CSW Secretary), and Kenneth Downes (CSW’s Learning Disability Office Intern), who toured Assembly Buildings, giving the children a snapshot of the history and tradition of PCI. Their exciting day ended with a trip to a local restaurant for lunch.

Many thanks to Harold for arranging the trip and for Catherine Johnston (lead teacher) for bringing the young people to Belfast.

PCI Moderator Dr Charles McMullen, with (left) the incoming PW president Karen Craig and the outgoing president (right) Lynda Stothers.

Outgoing PW president Lynda Stothers saw first-hand IJM’s work in Cambodia. Talking about her visit she said, “I experienced God at work through men and women who bathe all they do in prayer, making many personal sacrifices. They are used mightily by God in amazing rescues and restorations of individuals and families who are used, abused and devalued by others.”

PW’s two special projects for 2019/20 were also unveiled at the annual conference. Through the PW’s Mission Fund, the Special Home Project will support the work of Thompson House, which provides supported housing for male ex-offenders; Carlisle House, a residential substance misuse treatment centre; and Gray’s Court, which is a move-on supported living project. Carlisle House, for example, hopes to purchase exercise equipment to aid residents’ rehabilitation.

The Special Overseas Project will support the publication in Arabic of a devotional book to help young Christian girls grow daily in their relationship with God. Incoming president Karen Craig said that she was excited by the year’s theme, Restore, and is looking forward to the next 12 months.

“Our theme for this year reminds us that our God is in the business of restoration. He will and does restore our souls. Throughout the year ahead I am look forward to seeing God at work in each of our lives.”

Karen Craig, who is a member of Kilfennan Presbyterian Church, Derry, became the new president of Presbyterian Women, a part of women’s ministry within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland at the organisation’s annual conference. She is pictured with her minister – who is also her husband – the former Presbyterian Moderator Dr Rob Craig.

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Mad crew To run the Mad Weekend, 25-27 October, we need a large number of volunteers who love Jesus and want to help see young people meet with him at the event.

So, if you are 18 or over and available during that weekend, why not consider joining the crew? Please see the PCI website for more information.

Resources Passing the Baton Passing the Baton is a new resource designed to help congregations evaluate their ministry to young adults.

This resource explores models of young adults’ ministry and shares examples of good practice from across PCI. Also included are conversation starters for leadership teams and top tips on how to develop ministry in this area.

All the resources, including videos and discussion materials, are now available at www.presbyterianireland.org/passingthebaton or via the CCLW office. Please pass on to anyone engaged in young adults’ ministry or consider how you could develop this conversation in your congregation.

Tides Tides is a simple yet powerful resource to help develop regular rhythms of Bible reading. Each weekday morning, Tides provides you with a section of God’s Word to read, a short reflection sharing what this could mean for your life, and a simple way for you to respond.

This is a homegrown resource, created and written by contributors from right across the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. For further details see the PCI website.

Find out more on www.presbyterianireland.org

Events

DIARY DATES

Children’s Ministry course PCI’s Children’s Ministry course starts again in September, running on Monday nights from 16 September to 25 November at Union Theological College, Belfast.

This carefully designed course will enhance the gifts of anyone involved in children’s ministry, whether they work in the church full-time, are a Sunday school coordinator, children’s ministry leader or helper, or an elder with responsibility for children’s ministry in the congregation.

It will help participants see children’s ministry differently and equip them with skills and techniques to make their ministry even more effective. It runs from 7.30-9.30pm each evening.

Youth Ministry course Union Theological College, Belfast will host a Youth Ministry course on Monday nights from 23 September to 9 December. There will also be a residential on 8-9 November.

This redesigned course is for anyone over 18 working actively with young people in their local church. It unpacks the why, what, who and how of engaging teenagers for the gospel.

The course will cover some big picture thinking to help clarify where youth work fits in the overall life of the church and focus on some of the key skills of reaching, embracing and equipping young people to live out faith in Jesus Christ in an increasingly challenging culture.

It will help participants reflect on their own practice as they apply the material to what they do, and equip them to be a more focused and effective youth leader.

June Taking Care foundation training

Youth Assembly fringe event The Youth Assembly will host a fringe event at this year’s General Assembly. This will be on Wednesday 5 June from 6.15–7.15pm in the ground floor Conference Room.

The theme will be ‘Developing and building unity, within congregations and beyond’. A light tea will be served at the event.

Booking is essential. This can be done online at the PCI website or by emailing clw@presbyterianireland.org

Youth Night and Youth Night Unplugged Phil Houston is the speaker at this year’s Youth Night and Unplugged event, which takes place on Saturday 8 June at Assembly Buildings, Belfast. With ‘Called’ as its theme, Youth Night starts at 7.30pm, with the doors opening at 7pm.

Tickets cost £5 (euro equivalent) for Youth Night only, or £7 (euro equivalent) which includes Youth Night Unplugged. For more information visit www.presbyterianireland.org

Disciple Makers Network PCI is planning to run the Disciple Makers Network training for a new intake, beginning in September in the greater Belfast area. This will involve four evening gatherings run over the course of a six-month period and will be ideal for ministers, elders and organisational leaders to consider how to create a culture of disciple-making in their congregation.

The format of Disciple Makers Network involves upfront teaching, practical training and reflective discussion with those attending from your congregation. Keep an eye online for dates and booking information or contact the CCLW office for more information.

Disciple-Making Leadership The Disciple-Making Leadership event is a morning event ideal for any minister, elder or leader in a congregation. The event will run on Friday 21 June 2019 from 10.30am-1pm in Assembly Buildings and will unpack how our disciple-making should be shaped by a biblical understanding of what the church is, what it’s for, and the God-given purpose of its leaders.

The guest speaker is Mark Stirling from St Andrews in Scotland. Mark is the director of the Chalmers Institute and the leader of the European DiscipleMaking Leaders Network. He will explore where discipleship fits into the overall context of the body of Christ, helping to position discipleship as patterns rather than programmes.

This is a free event but places are limited so booking is essential via the CCLW office or the events page of the PCI website.

Whiteabbey Presbyterian – Saturday 1 Mullingar Presbyterian – Tuesday 18

General Assembly

Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Monday 3 to Friday 7

Taking Care refresher training Kirkpatrick Memorial – Thursday 6

Youth Night and Unplugged

Assembly Buildings – Saturday 8

Taking Care designated persons training Cootehill Presbyterian, Co Cavan – Tuesday 18

Disciple-Making Leadership

Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Friday 21

July Summer teams Mullingar – Friday 5 to Saturday 13 St Andrew’s Bangor – Saturday 13 to Saturday 20 Dungannon – Saturday 20 to Saturday 27 Abbey, Monkstown – Saturday 20 to Sunday 28 Seaview – Saturday 27 to Sunday 4 August Sion Mills – Sunday 28 to Sunday 4 August

August Summer teams

Whitehouse – Saturday 3 to Sunday 11 Co Cavan – Saturday 10 to Saturday 17 Friendship House – Saturday 10 to Saturday 17 Grange, Ballymena – Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 Castleblayney – Sunday 18 to Sunday 25

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NEWS | PCI IN FOCUS | Women’s ministry

Growing together

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e need each other. Along the way we may have had someone in our lives who has had significant influence on our walk with God. Perhaps they have helped us come to Christ and grow in faith, or maybe they have helped us when life was hard and we needed godly wisdom and guidance.

We need each other – it’s the way God has made us. We need to be able to connect with each other honestly and help each other to look to God.

Rather than overprogramme, we need to find ways to move towards others in order to encourage and build each other up.

In the life of our congregations, women’s ministry is one area where we can come alongside one another so that we can grow together as followers of Jesus. As we live out our faith, side by side, we find support, challenge and encouragement through relationships that go deeper than small talk. In a meeting of hearts and minds, we share life together and find ourselves better able to know life in Christ.

Sometimes, one barrier to the growth of women’s ministry is generational separation. Where age divides and older and younger women struggle to find time to be together and learn from each other in a way that is reflective of what God intended. Perhaps it’s time to be intentional about creating more opportunities within our women’s ministry where older and younger

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women can share together, and do life alongside those with different life experiences. It’s good to stop and think about how to create environments in which these relationships will thrive when we are planning for the women in our congregations. Rather than over-programme, we need to find ways to move towards others in order to encourage and build each other up.

When God blesses us through the influence of others, it is so that we, in turn, can draw alongside others to pass that blessing on.

Let’s ask God to help us be intentional about drawing alongside each other so that we can encourage one another to live out our faith in ordinary everyday lives.

This autumn, the ‘Side by Side’ events offer an opportunity to emphasise, explore and express this aspect of what it means to be women together for Christ and his church. Together we will begin to explore a variety of expressions of what this can look like in your church for women of all ages and stages of life.

Pauline Kennedy, PCI’s Women’s Ministry and PW Development Officer

Event details Side by Side Women’s ministry events exploring a variety of expressions of what it means to be women together for Christ and his church.

Assembly Buildings, Belfast Saturday 7 September 10.30am-1pm Richhill Presbyterian Church, Co Armagh Saturday 21 September 10.30am-1pm Wellington Presbyterian Church, Co Antrim Saturday 5 October 10.30am-1pm Kilfennan Presbyterian Church, Co Londonderry Saturday 19 October 10.30am-1pm Cost: £5 per person To book: Go to www.presbyterianireland.org/ sidebyside or call the CLW office on +44 (0)28 9041 7247.

Book early to avoid disappointment.

Places are limited at each venue and will be allocated on a first come, first served, basis.

PERSONAL VIEW

Life lessons Jose Cummings UK and Ireland Director of Exodus

Exodus is a Christian youth organisation which began with a local centre in Portstewart in 1997. Our goal is to see young people following Jesus and becoming disciple makers by serving churches, communities and individuals. We offer teams, mentoring, training, events and residentials and now have centres in Coleraine, Lisburn and Derry and local workers serving many more towns in Ireland, as well as bases in Budapest, Hungary and near Cluj in Romania.

My connection with Exodus began as a teenager when I attended the opening night in Portstewart. We had been hearing for months about the new Christian night base that was to open in our hometown and when it arrived packed with music and energy and hundreds of young people, it didn’t disappoint! I joined the staff team in 2005 and am now the UK and Ireland Director.

‘Walk with me’ is an Exodus initiative which was developed by nine Irish denominations and youth organisations. It will help young people step closer to Jesus by encouraging deep, intergenerational relationships anchored in Scripture, prayer and growth. It will provide everything a church or youth group needs to support deep intergenerational relationships, including an app to help everyday Christians journey with one or two young people. The full resource will be available from September 2019 but anyone interested should visit www.walkwithmejourneys.org and register their interest.

Intergenerational mentoring is so important – at a time of unlimited choice and instant access we are finding young people who are increasingly confused, anxious, lonely and lost. Both Christian teenagers and those not yet following Jesus are crying out for the hope and fulfilment that is only found in Christ.

At Exodus, we believe that it is time for us in the church to step closer to young people; to listen to them, open the Bible with them, pray with them and journey the Christian life with them. No other programme, opportunity or event we might offer will come close to the significance of seeing God in action in the life of someone who is choosing to invest in them.

The world is bombarding young Christians with the message that they are weird, foolish, extreme and missing out on life. We need to help them develop the confidence and understanding that ‘life to the full’ is within their

grasp and help them cultivate practices that help them pursue Christ.

The most difficult thing about being a Christian is consistently embracing the attitude of John the Baptist: “He must become greater; I must become less” ( John 3:30).

I never felt pressure from my parents to earn their approval or take a path to keep them happy. This sense of freedom is the greatest gift I could have received and has released me to find and pursue my own passions and to listen to and honour the experiences of others.

I love biographies – there is something fascinating and inspiring about how different individuals face adversity, seize opportunity and see the world in different ways. Two of my favourites have been A Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela and Team of Rivals: The political genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Becoming a parent has touched every second of every day since my son Harris and then daughter Beth were born. It has taken on my selfish heart, deepened my capacity for love, softened my cynicism and held a mirror to the best and worst of my character. Thank you Lord.

Two years into university I was unsettled in my course and desperate to do something that felt more suited to me. I investigated a wide range of gap year opportunities with the full intention of returning to my studies after 12 months. I narrowed down the options, I was seeking some wisdom and one wiser man said, “Finish your degree first – if you head away now you might never come back to it.” I ignored him at first, but in the end, I took his advice and completed final year. I haven’t had a biochemistry related thought in the last 17 years but it was the right advice and I was better for persevering.

Negativity drives me crazy. Negativity should have no place in the church. It sucks life out of people, it reduces their potential rather than bringing the best out of them; it kills enjoyment, kills creativity and kills compassion. It’s easy to spot problems, but to lead is to find solutions; it is to be courageous enough to risk something not working, to have humility enough to honour what’s been while striving for what could be and to have the wisdom to see your own weaknesses before the shortcomings of others.

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AS I SEE IT...

Getting in the right mood Stephen Lynas

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applauded Fr Martin Magill when he told the politicians riots and local politicians making local decisions. It was over and to get on with it. I stood shoulder to shoulder with the we could get on with our own lives, looking after number one, congregation in St Anne’s supporting him. Okay, I was at demanding our rights and refusing others theirs and getting our home and saw it on TV but I’m backing him 100%. What’s way, which was the only way. Fewer and fewer Martin Magills taken so long? Just get on with it. Well said Martin. were left to care for what was once described as the tender plant Of course, our politicians have to take the blame for no of peace. Right now it’s drying up and wilting. progress at Stormont. They are the ones that have to do the deal I need, we all need, to play a part in revitalising its green shoots and get things going again. But. I’m always very uncomfortable and vibrant flowers. In Larne where I live, there was a very dishing out the blame without a bit of self-examination. More active peace building group. I didn’t go, I didn’t see the need to than politicians make up our society. So, what have I done to help support it, but I do now. After 25 years, it has folded because the create a post conflict community? founding members were still its only members. That’s knocked I voted for people I hoped could do the job and I’ll probably back cross community activity in the town and this year there vote for them again. If I’m speaking to an was nothing marking the Week of Prayer MLA I always try to give encouragement. All…vowed to keep for Christian Unity and, from my church I pray for them; I pray for peace. I go to my anyway, there is little encouragement to church and from time to time I’ll attend an working at building support the monthly inter-church group inter-church event. I sent my children to an better communities. As praying for our town. integrated school. I’m friendly with most The Presbyterian peace vocation was time went on we grew people and a good neighbour; I think. rewritten in 2016 into the ‘Vision for Mmmm… not very much, is it? An Society’ and reaffirmed by the General blasé… armchair enthusiast at best, just like my Assembly. I am sure its endorsement of support for Fr Magill; a spectator watching on from the comfort “Christian peace building to be part of Christian discipleship” of my own home. has been embraced by some congregations and individuals but Unlike me, Martin Magill can say what he did with integrity. to me it’s far from prominent in current Presbyterian practice.

Despite the fallout from his comments, he is not a highSomehow, we have lost the encouraging voice of our former profile person but quietly gets on with the task of peace and Peace and Peacemaking Committee with its representative reconciliation. If he’s not conducting worship in his own church in every congregation and its annual conference which gave he regularly attends the services of other denominations in his focus to the vital importance of building bridges between our parish. He goes to worship God, to meet and chat with people communities. of different views, create friendships and build community.

When commenting on the peace process of the 1990s, David Together with Rev Steve Stockman he established and leads the McKitterick, the highly-respected Ireland correspondent of the Four Corners Festival, an annual series of events that bring art, Independent, observed that the role of churches was to provide culture and faith from across Belfast to share the same space. the mood music to allow politicians and others to make progress.

Meet Martin anywhere and he’s interested in you, has something So what music is the Presbyterian Church playing today at this encouraging to say and is a beacon for what our society should be; critical time? an understated activist for all that’s good, yet, as we’ve seen, not Martin Magill was absolutely right. Our politicians need to get scared to take a stand and show some leadership when required. around the table, get talking and agree a deal. But his life example On the day the Good Friday Agreement was signed then gives him the integrity to do that. Before the rest of us join with Presbyterian Moderator Dr Sam Hutchinson pointed out that him in berating the people we elected I believe there is much while we had a political agreement, the whole of society needed more we should be doing as Christians and Presbyterians if our to work even harder to bring about a lasting peace. voice is to have credibility; once again we need to prioritise peace At the time, as individuals, myself included, and communities, building, gracefully relating to those with whom we disagree and churches, peace groups, even politicians, all agreed with what encouraging others to do the same. That would put everyone in Hutchinson said and vowed to keep working at building the right mood. better communities. As time went on we grew blasé, living in a comfortable world of no killings, no bombs, no shooting, no Stephen Lynas is former editor of the Presbyterian Herald.

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REFLECTIONS

Challenged believers Arthur Clarke Study on Luke 8:7

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ometime ago, at an antiques auction in London, a Ming can enrich the kingdom of God. So many philanthropic causes, vase was sold for £500,000, but would have fetched four vital ministries and Christian outreaches can be supported. But times that amount if its owner had not drilled a hole the love of money can bring the money grabber serious trouble; in it to make a table lamp. On the Antiques Roadshow sharp practice in business, niggardly support for Christian recently, a Japanese porcelain vase was valued at £2,000 but was causes and manipulating of those indebted to us. A maxim I actually worth £14,000 if its owner, having packed it to bring read recently on some world mission literature is perceptive: it to the antiques programme, had not damaged it in transit.

“Where will your money spend eternity.” The advice attributed A Stradivarius cello, kept in the Royal Palace in Madrid, was to John Wesley is sound: “Earn all you can; save all you can and priced at $20,000,000 before it fell off a table during a photo give all you can.” shoot.

The pleasures which harm spiritual life are easily recognised.

The true potential of these treasures A casual glance at the tabloids and we have in monetary terms were never realised our illustration of that statement, today With so many because of insensitive handling and a the glossy magazines, next day in the possibilities for good and in failure to care cautiously with fragile divorce courts or worse still, the intensive possessions. Vases and violins can be then nothing achieved or care unit. Ian Fleming, who gave us James repaired and restored, but living things Bond, indulged in all the things he and his developed, the once damaged or starved seldom recover. clique deemed enjoyable but debauchery And so it was with this section of our comes with a high price attached and at surrendered seed and Lord’s parable. the age of 56, before he died he confessed: the farmer’s toil were all “I am ashes, just ashes, that’s all I have to The agricultural wording runs: “Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up show as a result of my lifestyle.” There are in vain. with it and choked the plants.” Our Lord, many wholesome activities which enrich in interpreting this section, makes it all our lives and life affirming interests and personal and the record runs: “The seed that fell among thorns exercises contribute to our physical and spiritual good. The wise stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they archer loosened the bow string in preparation for an efficient are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures and they do contribution. not mature.” Here are listed the enemies of the vital seed. The “They do not mature.” These words from our Lord (Luke enemies of the precious seed soon got to work and the seed 8:14) evoke in any sensitive heart, a sigh. With so many perished. possibilities for good and then nothing achieved or developed, The worries of life are inescapable. As individuals, workers, the surrendered seed and the farmer’s toil were all in vain. A employers, husbands, fathers, wives and friends, all these contemporary theologian asserted: “The mark of the immature relationships bring with them compensations but also person is that they want to die nobly for a cause, while the mark responsibilities. “He who has wife and child has given hostages of the mature person, especially a believer, is that they want to fortune,” wrote Francis Bacon in a sardonic moment. While to live nobly for a cause.” And can there be a finer cause than it may be trite to quote the Serenity Prayer, its message is wise seeking ‘to grow a soul’ in harmony with God and one’s fellows! and if practiced, it comes near to the teaching of Jesus. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.” The words of Jesus about the care of our heavenly Father are best of all. Here is a question for all worriers: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:25-27) Handling money is a challenge we all face. P.T. Barnum contended: “Money in some aspects is akin to fire; it is an excellent servant but a destructive master.” Certainly money Herald June 2019

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Unmasking Christ’s love

to a hurting community Suzanne Hamilton visits Mountpottinger Presbyterian, where a homework club is providing opportunities to connect to the local community.

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ne of the many definitions of ‘mask’ in the dictionary is ‘A likeness of a person’s face’. It is apt then that Mountpottinger Presbyterian’s homework club is called MASK (Mountpottinger After School Kids), as through it the congregation have been able to show Christ-like love for their community.

Mountpottinger is situated in a socially deprived area of east Belfast, close to the Short Strand/Albertbridge Road interface. Drug abuse, neglect, anti-social behaviour, paramilitary threats of violence and suicide are also part of everyday life for many in the area.

Citing research by the Ulster University, Rev Johnston Lambe puts it into context by saying, “This is the worst ward in the whole of the north of Ireland for hunger…Health expectancy for men in this area is 51 and the health expectancy for women is 53. So, it’s one of largest areas for PIPs (disability payments).”

Not content to sit back while those in the locality suffer, Mountpottinger

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Presbyterian has taken Jesus’ exhortation to be ‘salt and light’ to heart, offering a practical help where it is needed.

Whilst knowing that God is the only one who can change such painful lives, there is a recognition that you cannot preach about God’s love when cupboards are bare.

“Unless we reach out to offer practical support and help, people who are hurting and dealing every day with issues – that are alien to many of us inside our churches – are never going to listen to our Christian message,” explains Karis Baker, from the church.

“We firmly believe we often need to earn the right to speak of our Saviour,” she adds.

Karis was among the team who first came up with the idea of MASK 16 years ago, as a way of providing practical support to local families. Since then

This is the worst ward in the whole of the north of Ireland for hunger…

dedicated volunteers from the church have been providing two afternoon sessions twice a week for primary school pupils and an evening session for post primary students.

A typical session sees the children completing their homework, aided by volunteers, before taking part in a range of activities, including building with LEGO, completing jigsaws, enjoying craft, participating in a quiz after their Bible story DVD, and playing football.

Each session ends with snack time, which has been provided by the same volunteer for the past 14 years.

The parents value the experience their children are getting, with many speaking warmly of the welcome they are given and the support both they and their children receive.

Evelyn, who is originally from Nigeria, has two children attending the homework club – Daniella in P2 and Isaiah in P4. Describing the team as lovely and helpful, she says her children love MASK. “Even when they don’t have homework they still want to come.”

Photography: Jamie Trimble

CONGREGATIONAL STORY

Frances’ son Lee previously attended a different homework club, but left because they couldn’t control him. When he first came to MASK, Frances found it hard that someone else would be firm with him, but she now appreciates all the volunteers do, saying her son has calmed down and is now doing his homework.

Sandra also enthuses about how the club has helped her son Jackson and says, “He won’t do his homework unless he’s at homework club with Karis. He knows where he stands with her.” In fact, Jackson wants to go into the church hall any time he sees it open, thinking it must be open for MASK. Jackson has autism and cutbacks mean Sandra hasn’t been able to access the support she needs from a local charity.

The team, however, have been able to step in and help. Sandra’s case is not unique.

Since its inception, MASK has been able to help numerous families deal with problems they face, occasionally stepping in to help those being ignored by the “powers that be”, as Karis calls them.

While some of these will be education based, the team have also helped families deal with problems which unfortunately are prevalent in the area, such as family breakdowns, sexual abuse and paramilitary threats of violence.

Karis tells of a nine-year-old girl who, in the middle of doing her spellings, suddenly wrote on her drywipe board, ‘I wish I was dead’. “When we talked to her, there was a whole flood of stuff about being caught in the middle of mum and dad and social workers. To cut a very long story short, she’d had enough and wanted to end her life – at the age of nine.”

Hatred and anger are rampant in the area and many teenagers, and children, have criminal records from an early age.

Some years ago, the team reached out to local teenagers, starting up an ‘Off the Street’ youth group for young people who had been hanging round the church causing trouble.

This then led onto work with the Youth Justice Agency, with young people able to complete community service placements by helping clear up after homework clubs; helping with Mountpottinger’s men’s lunch club or through a woodwork workshop set up by the church.

Whether it is visiting someone in prison or going to riots in an attempt to stop young people getting involved, the team ensure they are present during the tough times. “Young men and women, and parents still come back to us when their lives are difficult,” says Karis.

Unless we reach out to offer practical support and help, people…are never going to listen to our Christian message.

While many aspects of the work are tough to witness, Karis and the team are heartened by the “mini-miracles” taking place in Mountpottinger. They have been able to witness one local alcoholic mum turn her life around. Suffering several forms of abuse from the very people who should have loved her the most, she developed major alcohol and anger issues.

Neighbours would sometimes lock her in her house when she got drunk and then text her Mountpottinger friends to come and help.

“That same girl cried her heart out when I first told her that God loved

her just as much as he loved me, and he had sent his Son to die for her. At first, she could not get her head round that, because she insisted she was just a piece of dirt,” explains Karis.

The help offered by the team has let her see that God is real and does care. She once told Karis that sometimes when she thought of reaching for a beer in the fridge, her phone would go – it was Karis texting her to see if she wanted to go for coffee. Then, in the week that Karis read John 3:16 to her there were three incidents when she either was told about the same passage by a complete stranger or saw it painted on the side of a barn on the main Bangor to Belfast road.

While she does not yet have a personal relationship with Jesus, she does now believe in God and regularly helps out at the church. The Mountpottinger team recognise that this is a rare case of seeing the seeds of faith they have planted take hold – the sowers are rarely the reapers – but they feel it shows the importance of being with people in their trials and pain before you can talk to them about God’s love.

Speaking on behalf of her fellow team members, Karis says work such as theirs may be tough, but it is work for the long term. “We have no right as Christians to come in and dabble in their lives. We either need to be there for the long haul, or not get involved at all. If we dabble and walk away, we end up being just another in a long line of people who have let them down.”

The Mountpottinger team are standing firm in their commitment to their local community. A Friday morning ‘meet up’ for mums will be starting soon and the team ask for your prayers that God will open hearts to accept his message of lifechanging, unconditional, never-ending love.

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Photography: Jamie Trimble

MODERATOR

A real gone kid

William Scholes talks to Moderator-designate, Dr William Henry, about vision, the need for change, and how a Deacon Blue concert convinced him to let his name go forward for the job.

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hen you notice that policemen seem younger, you know you are also starting to get old, or at least that’s how the saying roughly goes.

You might say the same about your children’s school teachers, your doctor or even politicians. But – and with all due deference and respect to previous officeholders – youth is not something that has been synonymous with Presbyterian Moderators.

Until now, that is, though the incoming Moderator, Dr William Henry, is quick

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to emphasise that at a mere 50 years of age it is, in his case, “relative youth”.

Still, when he takes over the mantle from Rt Rev Dr Charles McMullen at

That experience of encountering God is transformational for all of us… It’s a message for the Church. Our Church needs it…

the General Assembly, Dr Henry will become the youngest Moderator in living memory.

We meet in the welcome area at Maze Presbyterian Church, where he has served since 1997. Anyone who uses the M1 regularly will be familiar with the church, which is something of a landmark on the stretch of motorway between Moira and Sprucefield.

Drivers speeding past have been able to see the church buildings alter and grow over the years.

Churches, as believers know, are

more than bricks and mortar; the external changes in Maze, then, are evidence of not only a burgeoning congregation – it has doubled in 20 years – but also changed hearts. It is arguably a manifestation of the theme ‘Enjoying God’ that Dr Henry is bringing into his year as Moderator.

Talking with Dr Henry, it is obvious that clear Bible teaching and a mission focus have been at the heart of his ministry in Maze as well as Ballinderry, where he has been stated supply minister since 2001.

That isn’t unusual in Presbyterian circles, of course. Rarer, perhaps, is the way he talks about the need for congregations to capture a “vision mindset” and embrace change – churches typically don’t do change well...

A thread that ties all of this together is a conviction of God’s calling and leading in his life – a sense so strong that it allows him to overcome his natural reluctance to be a “front person”.

It’s a surprising admission for a minister and a soon-to-be-Moderator.

“At school, if the teacher asked me a question I’d be the one with a red face,” he explains.

“I really do not like being at the front, and I’m only there because I believe God has called me there.”

Moderator is the most ‘at the front’ role in the denomination, and Dr Henry talks compellingly of how he knew it was right to allow his name to go forward for selection – with a little help from Scottish band Deacon Blue...

“I have always felt that if God has put something in front of me, then I’m going to go with that,” he says. “With the Moderator role, it became clear in my own head around Christmas time when I was at a Deacon Blue concert in the Ulster Hall.

“I realised I was sitting in almost exactly the same seat in the gallery that I had been in 30 years earlier at a youth event. At that event they spoke about

Because the Church can feel at times battered, bruised, that everything’s against us, we need to remind ourselves of what is most significant: it is enjoying God… people fully committing themselves to God in the future, wherever that takes you. Being reminded of that was reaffirming to me that sense of call.”

When interviewing candidates for the ministry, “I always wanted to hear that sense of call,” he says. “I can see it throughout my own life – for example, looking back at when I wanted to be a minister, because it wasn’t a natural thing for me to want to be at the front.”

That call emerged while weighing up what he might do following his chemistry degree at Queen’s.

“Going into that field would have been natural, and I was offered a PhD sponsored by German tape manufacturer BASF,” he recalls. “And yet at this time there was an event at our own church, and Derek Poots, then the Deputy Clerk of the Assembly, was preaching.

“He asked, ‘What is man’s chief end? Is it to have a big BMW or is it to do God’s will, glorify him and enjoy him for ever?’

That was very apposite for me. Every day going to Queen’s I walked past the BMW garage on the Dublin Road, and always thought to myself if I’m going to

work in Germany I’ll have a BMW because everyone in Germany drives a BMW… That was critical in that sense of when God has left something in front of you, to do it.”

Having been led into the role of Moderator, Dr Henry admits to having “no idea” what the year will hold and to “feeling inadequate because it’s completely new”.

If we believe in a God who calls and leads, I ask if we should also have confidence that he is with us along life’s journey.

“That is the key to moving forward and doing anything,” says Dr Henry. “In our church here, we’ve always had the sense of God being with us. You can’t be involved in pastoral ministry without an understanding and seeing the needs that people have – struggles that people go through, whether mental health issues, or whether it’s crisis or illness – and we have to be able to tell people that God is with them.”

Dr Henry talks with passion about his theme of ‘Enjoying God’ and the idea of “encountering God as a real individual”.

“That experience of encountering God is transformational for all of us,” he says.

“There are two aspects to it. It’s a message for the Church. Our Church needs it.

Our Church is going through a bit of a hard time,” he says, a reference to, among other things, last year’s General Assembly decision on the Church of Scotland and developments around Union College and Queen’s University.

“Because the Church can feel at times battered, bruised, that everything’s against us, we need to remind ourselves of what is most significant: it is enjoying God, his presence; he is with us, he hasn’t given up on us, he is encouraging us. It is God who makes the difference.”

The second aspect of enjoying God relates to society and culture.

“We constantly hear the idea that people don’t want God. Why is that?” he says. “The Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor talks about people being Herald June 2019

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distracted. Taylor talks about people being a ‘buffered self ’, which describes how we’re self-contained and we think we’re complete; we’ve got our beliefs and we’re satisfied with those beliefs.

“He calls them ‘thin beliefs’ because you can hold all these things together and you think you’re complete. For us, as Christians, we need to reach over that buffer and reach into people’s lives.”

Dr Henry says that “the thing that is really going to reach into people’s lives is Christians living authentically and passionately believing in Jesus. When people see that they recognise it,” he says.

“That’s the sort of message that I want to try and remind people about – that God is real and that we have something positive to say, even though people might feel that the Bible is restrictive and that Jesus is restrictive.”

This isn’t just the fault of ‘the world’, of course: “For too long we’ve assumed that people will always come to church and be at church, and we’ve not really been trying to show what is authentic about faith.”

We talk about what authentic faith looks like. Dr Henry points to examples in his own congregation, for example prison ministry, youth work and a focus on families, how the church has grown and the range of activities that people are involved in.

“We need to have a vision mindset,” he explains. It’s something he hopes to help share during his time as Moderator.

“You need to try and imagine what you want church to look like. So you change everything now, because unless you begin to change and adapt you’re not going to be able to get to that point...”

Churches struggle with change,

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Herald June 2019

I am not going to shy away from the issue that the next 10 years will be critical for the future of the denomination…we do need to embrace change. and persuading congregations to back new patterns of ministry or lift their ambitions for the sake of the gospel can be a “matter of building trust”.

“My wider church experience has fed into this approach,” he explains, referring to spells as convener for the Strategy for Mission Committee and the Linkage Commission.

“I’m constantly coming back to our people here in Maze and saying, I’ve seen this, this is what is going to happen, we need to do something...”

And ‘we’ – as in the Presbyterian Church – do indeed need to do something: “I am not going to shy away from the issue that the next 10 years will be critical for the future of the denomination. There are many, many congregations that are ageing and we do need to embrace change.

“I’ve also seen so many examples that are positive and good – churches being

revived and others being planted, and the likes of Carnmoney Central, in the middle of Belfast in the old May Street building. That’s what we need to be doing if we are to have a voice into the future.”

If that voice is to be heard, church families should “impact the lives of the people around about us”.

“It’s not rocket science, it’s not difficult – it’s about just sharing Jesus, speaking about Jesus, showing Jesus, being involved in our neighbours’ lives, caring and showing compassion,” he explains.

Dr Henry met his wife Nora, a chemistry teacher, in a laboratory when they were studying at Queen’s – “she opened her door and all her apparatus spilled on to the floor…” – and the couple have three children.

That, plus the vibrant youth ministry and Sunday school at Maze, has given him an insight and heart for young people.

“Anyone who is a parent will know the pressures and the strains, not just social media but also exams, mental health issues, anxieties, the pressure to succeed, self-harm, suicide rates; it is all very real, and there are also changing thoughts in society about what’s ‘normal’ – with transgender and same-sex marriage issues, for example – so we do need to be very intentional about passing on the faith,” says Dr Henry.

“We do that in the home. That’s a big emphasis for me. If we’re not equipping our own people, we’re doing something wrong.

“We want to give our kids a robust biblical understanding that will equip them to deal rationally and realistically with what they are hearing.”

During his time at Antrim Grammar

School, the Scripture Union was “hugely significant for me in developing my early Christian understanding”, he explains, adding that the Christian Union at Queen’s – where he was president 30 years ago – was also extremely formative.

This leads us to talk about discipling young people and nurturing leaders. “We are going to need good, well educated, well thought through, theological leaders for the Church. That’s why CUs are critical for the future of the Church,” says Dr Henry.

“Summer mission teams, CSSM, SU camps and so on are both training ground and evangelism – they are a winwin for the Church.”

We talk about some of the other issues facing the Church at present – the continued fallout from the Church of Scotland decision among them – and how they can distract from what is most important – “sharing the message of Jesus”.

Explaining Christian viewpoints to those outside the Church can be a challenge, particularly in the context of the push in Northern Ireland towards the legalisation of same-sex marriage.

“Society may well change its view on what constitutes marriage and we can accept that, albeit with a degree of sadness, should that come,” says Dr Henry.

“But we will still have our view of what marriage is... We would see all sexual relationships outside marriage as being wrong and sinful, whether that’s adultery or sex before marriage.

“We’re not saying one is worse than another, but that we do have an ethic that is determined by the gospel and by our relationship with Jesus. We want to

I want to make the year count… I am going to grasp the opportunity with both hands. I don’t want to be a caretaker. honour that.”

He doesn’t agree that the split between Queen’s and Union College was inevitable, though he says it is regrettable.

“I’m a graduate from Queen’s and Union and I’ve enjoyed the best of both.

People who wanted to study theology at Queen’s now won’t be able to follow their passion. Union will be resourcing

With then clerk of session, Brian Adams, inside the old Maze building

and educating our ministers, and still wants to be involved in academic research in theology and how that relates to the public square and life in the 21st century.

“They will always have a role in equipping the local church and there may be courses that they are able to run and get people to think theologically – that’s important, the more secular our world gets.

“We want to pray for Union and the staff in the college. It’s been a difficult time for them and we want to support them.”

Politicians also need our prayer, says Dr Henry. Recent events, including around Lyra McKee’s murder and funeral, the council election results and political talks at Stormont, reflect “huge dissatisfaction and frustration that we haven’t seen progress and that we are without government”.

He voted Remain in the Brexit referendum; the decision to leave the EU is “huge and we’re going to be living with it for years to come”.

Whether substantial political progress or the return of Stormont happens during his 12 months in office does, of course, remain to be seen. What is more certain is Dr Henry’s aims for his spell as Moderator.

“Recognising that I’m a little bit younger, and that I have a family, I would really love to make the best of what I have to offer,” he says.

“I am hopeful that I will be able to involve some members of my family, and that we will be able to model mission in a holistic sense, and model something that other people can do. I want to make the year count, and to highlight the issues I think that our Church needs highlighted, which may be in terms of change and transition, and adapting to the cultural changes that are around us.

“I am going to grasp the opportunity with both hands. I don’t want to be a caretaker. We are to enjoy and encounter God – and that means doing something.”

Herald June 2019

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TALKING POINTS

Integrity

Norman Hamilton discusses the importance of striving for true integrity.

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ntegrity. One of those profound Christian and biblical mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou those, O God, virtues that we rarely talk about, except when we see who confess their faults. Restore thou those who are penitent; it lacking in others. Yet the Bible is in no doubt about According to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ its importance, and especially for those who have Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake; responsibilities in the church of Jesus Christ. Paul puts it like That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to this: “Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.”

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In It is not an overstatement to say that integrity seems to be your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of valued less and less. We live in a society where big business speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose works hard at manipulating our thinking and our attitudes you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say – even the way we vote. Where the means justifies the ends; about us” (Titus 2:7-8). where truth is reduced to what anybody says it is; where In a fallen world, none of us is perfect. Yet people of integrity trustworthiness can no longer be taken for granted; where show the quality of their lives by an ever-smaller gap between relationships count for little; and where discernment and what they say they believe (their ethics) wisdom are much less important than and what they actually do (their morality). None of us should ever getting your own way. Our daily diet Their aim is to have nothing bad said of news is too often full of reports of be content with a gap about them – not because they manage hypocrisy, slippery language and even their image well, or are smooth talkers, or between what we say deceit. Sadly, this is also to be found in the are good at covering their tracks, or hide of Jesus Christ. The parable of the and profess, and what we church behind anonymity, or are so private that wheat and the weeds in Matthew 13 is still are in public and in nobody knows them well. Rather, their very sobering, and still alarmingly relevant. lives are open books that people can – and Since every action and every word of private. do – read without there being much of both the Christian church and Christian a gap between the lines. The American people is open to intense scrutiny, Paul’s Christian writer John Ortberg captures the essence of integrity guidance to Titus is as important now as when he wrote it. To so well when he speaks about doing “the right thing at the right be in a place where a wider and often sceptical world can have time in the right way for the right reason.” Just like God. nothing bad to say about us as followers of Jesus Christ is not I am finding this a difficult article to write – not least because just a vague hope, but by his Spirit can, and ought to be an everI am aware of at least some of the gaps in my own life. Yet I am visible reality. None of us should ever be content with a gap profoundly grateful to the people who have challenged me in between what we say and profess, and what we are in public and the past about my attitudes, words and behaviour – and those in private. Few would deny that there is still much work to be who still do. I am also deeply grateful to the many people who done in us – but as Christ himself said: “Nothing is impossible have guided and supported me in the making of some very with God”. Thanks be! difficult decisions, and in some very demanding situations. They have put real substance into what it means to be in fellowship with other believers.

I have learned (the hard way) the blessing that comes from being challenged, and of the Spirit of God giving me the courage to do what was right when to do so seemed to be something of a disaster in the making. Yet I recognise only too well the truth and the significance of these words from the 1928 Anglican Book of Common Prayer: “Almighty and most merciful Father; We have erred, and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires Rev Dr Norman Hamilton of our own hearts. We have offended against thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; Norman Hamilton is the convener of the And we have done those things which we ought not to have Council for Public Affairs and minister done; And there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have emeritus of Ballysillan Presbyterian Church.

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Herald June 2019

JUNE 2019

Mission Connect

Discipling and equipping in Craigavon

Thanksgiving to our God Evelyn Whyte

Mission news from workers around Ireland and the world.

Discipling and equipping Rev Lachlan Webster Developing a missional vision James and Heather Cochrane Serving the community in Sydenham Elaine Getty A listening ear and a warm cup of tea Linzie Cobain

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.

Drought and rain Stephen and Angelina Cowan

Including June prayer diary

Thanksgiving to our God

Evelyn Whyte

Deaconess in First Lisburn Presbyterian Church

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t is with deep gratitude and thanksgiving to our God that I always encouraged me to see the deep interest the group takes, come to the end of over 40 years as a deaconess in our Church, whether it is human trafficking or a talk on mission outreach. The the last 21 and a half years of which have been here in First opening devotions are a very important part of the afternoon, and Lisburn Presbyterian Church. I have very much enjoyed serving of course there’s the welcome cup of tea. and working with various teams of people in the congregation in It is so good to share with a small team in leading nursing different areas of ministry. home services in three different homes. It is a joy to see people The prayer healing ministry is made up of a team of people who entering into worship. At Christmas, Easter and harvest, Rev Gareth have been totally dedicated McFadden joins us for the and committed to praying service.

Pastoral care has always been an important with and for others. The Pastoral care has always been monthly healing service is a an important aspect of my aspect of my ministry ... It is such a privilege time to come alongside and ministry as a deaconess. It is spend a short while in worship such a privilege to sit alongside to sit alongside to listen and to pray... and then prayer ministry, to listen and to pray about and of course sharing lunch what has been shared. together. Often, we will cover in prayer people going through As I move towards retirement at the end of June, I am very surgery or any major event in their lives. Lots more people are grateful to God for the privilege of serving as a deaconess in involved in this and as well as the person being encouraged, it Shankill Road Mission, Abbey Monkstown, Donegal Presbytery blesses all involved. and First Lisburn.

In First Lisburn we have become very committed Max Lucado fans, we find his teaching to be challenging, practical and down Please pray: to earth. At the moment we are coming to the end of Unshakable • Praise God for his faithfulness, love, care and guidance over the Hope, which is very affirming, especially in the world we live in. years.

The Bible study groups provide a space where people can share • Give thanks for all the support and prayers of Presbyterian and know that they are supported and prayed for, especially in the Women and the Council for Mission in Ireland. middle of difficulties.

• Pray for God’s blessing on the life and witness of the minister, Our senior citizens group is a place where there is warmth of staff and members of the First Lisburn congregation in all the welcome and an opportunity to share in a variety of activities, as different areas of ministry. well as hear about different ministries throughout the world. It has Mission Connect | Herald June 2019

Discipling and equipping Rev Lachlan Webster

Craigavon Presbyterian Church

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t’s hard to believe that we have now been in Craigavon for focuses for prayer, often involving members of our church family five years. The time has passed so quickly and we as a family sharing their testimony and then their own personal prayer thank God every day for the privilege of serving him in such a requests before we pray for them in small groups. This has helped wonderful community. us grow deeper in our relationships as brothers and sisters in Since my last update it is Christ. Another highlight fair to say things have been was the prayer treasure hunt Over the past year we have been exploring hectic. We have continued around Craigavon lakes which to see steady growth with organised as part of the why we come to church and how we as a church we several people coming to faith Moderator’s week of prayer. in Jesus, as well as a number One of the biggest can reach out into our community. re-engaging after drifting away challenges we face at present from church. At present we are is space. This is a good enjoying discipling these people to help them grow in their faith problem to have but it has led to some growing pains. We have and to equip them to serve in our church family and beyond. an immediate issue accommodating our children’s ministries and Over the past year we have been exploring why we come to we are exploring ways of reorganising some rooms to try to ease church and how we as a church family can reach out into our this issue in the short term. We are also conscious that there is still community. Two courses have helped us greatly with this. ‘Six huge potential for significant missional growth from within the Steps to Loving Your Church’ has helped us to approach church central Craigavon community and we are burdened for how we with servant mindsets rather than as consumers, moving away will best accommodate this growth over the next few years. from coming along each Sunday thinking ‘What can I get from As an urban mission congregation, we are greatly indebted to church today?’ to ‘How can I serve God and others as we gather the support of the wider Church. today?’

‘Six Steps to Talking About Jesus’ has helped equip us both to share our faith with non-Christians who we have connections Please pray: with as well as motivating us to invite them along to church. Both • Praise God for the steady trickle of new people who are joining courses have been inspiring and have helped us to be more fruitful our church family. as a congregation.

• Pray for those currently being discipled, that they will continue Another focus we have had during this past year has been prayer. to grow in their faith and find opportunities to serve God. One of the biggest encouragements has been the increasing • Pray for wisdom and unity as we seek God’s will for the future in attendances at our monthly all-age Sunday night praise and relation to our buildings. prayer gatherings. As well as a time of praise we have different Mission Connect | Herald June 2019

Developing a missional vision James and Heather Cochrane Global mission workers, Portugal

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ince the beginning, Comunidade Pedras Vivas (CPV) has following up February’s ‘Making Disciples in the European Context’ been blessed to have couples as part of the church family. classes with a short series of apologetic classes during May and Over the past six months, with the arrival of many Brazilian June. This will help equip those in CPV to be able to respond to Christians, the number of couples has greatly increased. The common objections to the Christian faith. majority of these are young recently married couples, however, During May and early June, we are also running ‘Cinco Noites’, a there are a few couples with conversational and relational more experience of married approach to evangelism, on We are thankful for this opportunity to and family life. five Friday evenings with the We have recently started a final session to be held on the support one another in this way. specific meeting for couples, first Friday in June. Members an informal time together of CPV are encouraged to to explore how being a disciple of Jesus is worked out within invite and accompany a non-Christian friend to this informal time married and family life. The focus is on the application of Christian of conversation about the basics of the Christian faith. Those who principles to specific areas of married life. At the first meeting in are invited were assured that there will be time for discussion, and February we considered the impact of technology on the marriage that we are happy to answer their questions and doubts. relationship. We did this by a directed conversation encouraging the questions and participation of everyone. This format was new for many as they are more used to coming, sitting and listening to someone speak or preach for 30 minutes. At the second meeting Please pray: of the group in April we were very encouraged to have 13 couples • Give thanks for the couples’ ministry, which we pray will become present. The interaction was much better than at the first meeting a source of outreach to the wider community. and we are thankful for this opportunity to begin to support one • Pray that the members of CPV would understand and embrace a another in this way. missional vision and see the importance of their role in reaching The initial focus is on those who are Christians but, as we become out to those around them. more comfortable together as a group, we hope to encourage the • Pray for all attending the ‘Cinco Noites’ course, asking that God involvement of non-Christian couples. Given that Portugal has would open up opportunities to share the gospel. one of the highest divorce rates in Europe (in recent years, 7 out of • Pray for the increasing demands on James’ time due to every 10 marriages ended in divorce), there are many couples who administrative responsibilities within the Portuguese could benefit from specific help, support and encouragement. denomination (ICPP).

As we continue to develop a missional vision in CPV we are Mission Connect | Herald June 2019

Serving the community in Sydenham

Elaine Getty

Community outreach worker, Strand Presbyterian Church, east Belfast

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hen I came to Strand last May, I was joining a delighted to host several community groups offering a variety community work already very much in motion. Six years of daytime workshops for people living with dementia and their before, the congregation had taken the plunge and carers. demolished their traditional building, replacing it with a spacious, As in every congregation, most of these activities are run by an modern complex, purposearmy of faithful volunteers, built to welcome and serve the who pray, practise and One person at a time, one encounter at a time, prepare, wash dishes, play community in Sydenham.

Our café area is open games, listen to stories, stack meaningful relationships are built.

10am-12noon on Mondays, chairs, balance books, give Wednesdays and Fridays (just lifts, and so much more, for the Wednesday in July/August), for anyone who wants to drop in for sake of Jesus. tea, coffee, goodies and a bit of craic. Our volunteer team faithfully More than just fun, the activities provide times for us to connect model generous hospitality, authentic care and good humour, and with each other, places to invite friends and neighbours, and ways are a blessing to regulars and visitors alike. to meet others from the community. One person at a time, one Meanwhile in the sports hall, the Treehouse playgroup meets encounter at a time, meaningful relationships are built, and as we four mornings a week, leaving Thursdays free for a busy and share our interests and lives, we also pray for opportunities along friendly mums and tots. Since they are neatly sandwiched the way to share “the reason for the hope we have”, to lead nonbetween the breakfast club and after-school club, this only works believers to faith, and to mentor believers as disciples and disciple smoothly because each group is so considerate of the others! makers of Christ.

In the last few months we’ve held pilot courses of Alpha and the Care for the Family ‘Marriage Sessions’, started monthly lunches for seniors, and run a ‘Story Bags’ course with mums of young Please pray: children.

• Pray for spiritual awakening in Sydenham.

Other regular weekday activities include indoor bowls, a dance • Pray for Spirit-led conversations that draw non-believers to God. class, Hope Club for seniors, GriefShare, sewing and knitting • Pray our new and more mature Christians will grow in faith and groups, badminton, Bible study groups and the prayer meeting. commitment to Christ.

And on Monday, Thursday and Friday evenings, primary-aged kids • Pray our links with local schools and community groups will be arrive bursting with excitement for GB, BB, and Syd Kyds. fruitful.

Slimming World, EliteFit, and Little Paws puppy training club • Pray for families facing ‘holiday hunger’ without school meals. for children also meet weekly at Strand, and recently we’ve been Mission Connect | Herald June 2019

A listening ear and a warm cup of tea

Linzie Cobain

Development Officer, Nightlight

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have been involved in PCI Nightlight ministry for 20 years, first distressed and just wants to go home, and she’s grateful that you as a volunteer starting in 1999 and then as a full-time staff have taken the time to make sure she is safe, that’s God at work. worker since 2003.

When you see a grown man cry when he’s not allowed to see his Nightlight seeks to reach out to people around the children, and he releases all that is in his mind to your ears because entertainment areas of Belfast on Friday and Saturday nights. I lead he knows that you are not going to judge him, again that’s God at a team of volunteers based in the Golden Mile/Shaftsbury Square work. area of the city. My role Prayer is what drives the is to help and encourage Nightlight ministry and we When you see someone in the street who’s going appreciate all who pray for the team members as they speak to those who pass by. through great difficulties and their face lights up this work. We are also very A typical night can include appreciative of our dedicated conversations with homeless volunteers, without whom the because they see you, that’s God at work. people and people addicted work would not be possible. to drugs or alcohol, security We are always keen for new and door staff, as well as people passing by who are out at volunteers to join us, so if you think God might be calling you to restaurants, pubs, and clubs. We attempt to befriend and engage this ministry, please contact the Nightlight team on +44 (0)28 9033 people in conversation, to offer practical help and advice, a 2777 or info@pcinightlight.org listening ear and a warm cup of tea, as well as talking to people about the gospel, giving out tracts, New Testaments, etc.

We are a vital link in the chain that brings people to the cross; whether it’s a two-minute conversation, or through years of Please pray: building up relationships so that people see evidence of God • Praise God that he is at work in the city and that we are his in the lives of the team. We meet so many people in all sorts of ambassadors. situations, from all sorts of backgrounds.

• Pray that God will prepare the hearts and minds of the people When you see someone in the street who’s going through great the team will come into contact with. difficulties and their face lights up because they see you, that’s • Pray for wisdom for the team, that they will have the right words God at work. When you sit on the ground with those considered and actions. unacceptable in society and spend time listening to them, and • Pray too for safety for the staff and volunteers and all who are in tell them that they are loved unconditionally by God, that’s God the area on Friday and Saturday nights. at work right there. When you see a stranded young girl who is Mission Connect | Herald June 2019

Drought and rain

Stephen and Angelina Cowan Global mission workers, Kenya

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he contrast between drought and rain is stark. Joseph’s songs to the god of the bamboo were being sung as I returned dream of the lean cows and the fat cows is very vivid. Lack of some junior youth to Seren. This morning the song in Tuum planning plays out before our eyes. reiterates another bull has been killed as a blood covenant is built How we relate the gospel in such a situation is the challenge between two families in marriage. As the young people meet for amongst a nomadic people, who burn the mountains and wait for morning devotion and the Living Word is shared from Isaiah 45:23, the smoke to rise from an ignited forest fire, and the gods to send “before me every knee will bow…”, the Holy Spirit will be at work rain. The rain that follows, although often too late, does damage, preparing the participants for the unchanging truth that shaped and the potential effect of your world some centuries the fertiliser is blown away by ago.

It is into this contrasting lifestyle that we seek wind.

The impact of teaching God’s While they wait patiently for Word in this environment is to bring the gospel of grace. rain, they sometimes hear of long term, and interaction areas which still have grass with other Kenyan believers is reserves. These areas of green are actually the result of insecurity, essential to help them see that the gospel has brought change to and the threat of raiding is too much for most. Elsewhere the vast Kenya in the past 120 years, as it was visible in the lives of followers lands of northern Kenya are overgrazed and not somewhere to go of Jesus who came to share it. to – unless a shortage of water makes it necessary.

Grass and animals go together. Christian compassion would lead us to think a few more boreholes would solve the problem.

More water and access to it would be a progressive step towards millennium development goals. Unfortunately, the mind of a Please pray: nomad thinks differently than a farmer. There is no thought of • Pray that those who teach would be aware that they are stocking rate, food reserves for the dry reason, perhaps no thought building different foundations in young lives. of eternity. The land is all theirs, the cattle given by their gods. The • Pray for the ‘mobile churches’ that some men are holding as Bible tells us: “The cattle on a thousand hills are his” (Psalm 50:10). they listen to God’s Word in their manyattas in the evenings.

Farmers are simply stewards of what God has given them.

• Pray for patient love to be the driving force of ministry, so all will It is into this contrasting lifestyle that we seek to bring the know to which God we bow the knee. gospel of grace as youth camps go on in Tuum. The traditional Mission Connect | Herald June 2019

Please pray for...

JUNE 2019

n HOME MISSION – The congregation of Sandymount and the minister Rev Katherine Meyer. Give thanks for the older children, who are now, as they grow, beginning to take on greater roles in the leadership of worship on a regular basis.

n PORTUGAL – Chris and Rachel Humphries who began serving with the church planting team in Senhora da Hora, Porto in March.

Pray for them as they learn Portuguese and become more involved in the church and outreach.

n INTERNATIONAL MEETING POINT – Henry Coulter, assistant project leader at the Meeting Point in south Belfast, which reaches out to the immigrant community. Pray too for the establishing of a new Meeting Point in north Belfast.

n DISABILITY SERVICES – Willow Brook sheltered housing, Aaron House residential care home and Lawnfield House residential home provide a range of care and accommodation for people requiring additional needs and special care arrangements. Pray for every resident and tenant, that they may experience God’s love through the skill, experience and professionalism of staff teams.

Henry Coulter

n NEPAL – Peter Fleming in his work in integral development with the United Mission to Nepal and Jayne Fleming as she teaches at Kathmandu International Study Centre. n DEACONESS – Heather McCracken, serving at the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital as the assistant to the chaplain. Pray that many will benefit from her visits and pastoral support.

n ROMANIA – Give thanks for the ongoing work of the Diakonia mission supporting needy children and their families in Cluj and Salaj counties, and for Csaba and Ilona Veres, global mission workers, as they continue to serve there.

n GLOBAL MISSION – Give thanks for all the overseas mission work PCI has been involved in throughout the past year. Give thanks too for the overseas delegates from partner Churches who are attending our General Assembly this year.

n HOME MISSION – Rev David Clarke and Sligo congregation. Pray for many children to come along to their holiday Bible club this year, and that many will put their trust in Jesus.

n MISSION IN IRELAND – Give thanks for all the work and witness of PCI’s deaconesses, Irish mission workers, chaplains, community outreach workers along with the staff and volunteers at Nightlight and the International Meeting Point. n HOMELESSNESS – Pray that God will watch over those who tonight will sleep in the open. Pray for those who work among homeless people, giving them food and shelter and assisting with health problems. n HOME MISSION – The work and witness of Cahir and Fermoy congregations and for the minister, Rev William Montgomery.

n BRAZIL – The Presbyterian Church of Brazil which has over a million members and over 5,000 congregations. Pray for the leadership team, including Rev Roberto Brasileiro Silva, president of the Supreme Council. n KENYA – Gary and Mary Reid and their ongoing mission within Maasailand, that many more people will come to know the Lord and desire to grow in their knowledge and love of him.

Gary and Mary Reid

n COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Christine Wilson serving in Lisnabreen, Bangor and for open hearts and minds as she speaks and lives out her faith among local families.

n CHAPLAINS – Pray for PCI’s chaplains serving with the armed forces, and especially for Rev Mark Donald (Army Reserve) serving in Afghanistan with the Royal Irish for three months.

n CYCLONE IDAI – Pray for all who continue to suffer as a result of Cyclone Idai which hit Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe in March. Pray that they will be given the assistance they need to rebuild their homes and livelihoods.

n COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Elaine Getty serving in Strand congregation in east Belfast. Pray that the congregation will have faith, love and unity of purpose that are contagious and far-reaching.

n HOME MISSION – Rev Knox Jones and the elders and members of Fahan Presbyterian Church. Earlier this year, they celebrated 300 years of Christian witness.

n HOME MISSION – Rev David Conkey and the congregations of Enniscorthy and Wexford. Pray that interest in and support for prayer, Bible study and outreach will increase.

n ADDICTION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE – Pray that those dealing with these issues may be able to avoid situations where temptation to revert to past behaviours is greatest.

Give thanks for the team at Carlisle House in Belfast for all that they do in helping and supporting those suffering from addiction and substance abuse issues. n INDONESIA – The life and witness of the Evangelical Christian Church in Halmahera; for its leaders as they work for the unity of the Church, the training of new ministers, and for Christians to be able to build good relations with their Muslim neighbours. n HOME MISSION – The home mission congregation of Rathmullan (linked with Kerrykeel and Milford) and for Rev Susan Moore as they continue to reach out to their local community. n PAKISTAN – Staff and students at Gujranwala Theological Seminary and United Bible Training Centre. Pray especially for the resourcing and development of these institutions so important for the training of church leaders. n COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Eddie Spence, evangelist in Ballygomartin Presbyterian Church, Belfast, as he seeks opportunities to share the gospel and encourages people to grow spiritually. n URBAN MISSION – Rev William Harkness and the congregation of Great Victoria Street and South Belfast Friendship House.

Pray especially for the summer outreach programme at Friendship House. n CHAPLAINS – Pray for Rev Michael Anderson, part-time chaplain at Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast. Pray that Sunday services at the hospital will continue to be a great blessing to the patients who come. n HOME MISSION – Rev Jean Mackarel and the congregations of Drumkeeran, Killeshandra, Cavan and Bellasis in Monaghan Presbytery, as they continue to witness to their faith in Christ. n DEACONESS – Evelyn Whyte as she retires from deaconess service at the end of June.

Give thanks for all her work and witness in First Lisburn Presbyterian Church since 1997. n RIVER HOUSE – River House is a 29-bed residential home in Newcastle, Co Down.

Give thanks for the witness of River House in the local community and for its strong links with the local Presbyterian community.

www.presbyterianireland.org/prayer

REFLECTIONS

Solid ground Betsy Cameron

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ike the Apostle Paul attesting to the purity of his Jewish found difficult and unpalatable theologically may be the very lineage – ‘a Hebrew of Hebrews’ – I, too, can claim that things at the heart of your theology. If it is, so be it. We can my Presbyterian credentials are impeccable: born in a talk it out some day over a nice cup of coffee! Really, I am just Presbyterian hospital into a family of Scottish extraction, telling my own tale of wandering and wondering, trying to brought up in the Presbyterian Church (USA), participating in find the solid ground beneath my feet in a tangle of disparate every part of its life, commissioned by my General Assembly theological perspectives. to go overseas and married for many years to a Presbyterian So what difficulties did I encounter when I left my minister.

Presbyterian roots? First of all (yes, a list!), I kept hearing one Actually, I tell a lie – the record is not entirely blemishbig monolithic story, which sat very uneasily with me, to explain free. As a young adult, I had grown disillusioned with my what I had previously appreciated as rich and complex ideas: Presbyterian church, weary of our cerebral approach, tired of one conversion story that counts (and, obviously, I didn’t have the never-ending drone of words in sermons and liturgy. In the ‘right’ story), one crucifixion story to explain the mysteries our well-ordered worship, we sat sedately of the cross, one salvation story to explain in our pews, listening thoughtfully and relationship to God. The stories were I am just telling my own our carefully, but I eventually reached a point too one-dimensional, too suffocating, and where I wanted to worship in a more I found that there was no space for details, tale of wandering and exciting and emotional way. questions, nuances and nowhere to go. wondering, trying to find Everything was tied up – case closed.

So I wandered away and found myself attracted to non-denominational the solid ground beneath I also struggled immensely with what congregations that were very different to the Christian life was meant to be. I could my feet… what I had grown up with. People raised never understand how I was to live this life their hands in worship, swayed, wept, in this world. I was taught the world was were transported, so it seemed, to the very throne of God. At bad – and, anyhow, only temporary – and the next life was the last, a worship experience that was more than a dry intellectual only one that mattered. I was taught that I could tell who was exercise! Whenever I was back in my home church, I tried a real Christian and who wasn’t, and the burden of guilt about to convince people that they needed to loosen up, that their the state of other people’s souls prevented me from cultivating worship was dull, that they were sticks in the mud. They listened meaningful relationships with them. The concept of ‘being thoughtfully and carefully to my rants – and then continued on saved’ perplexed me; I could only hear what we were being as they had always been. So Presbyterian! saved from, not what we were being saved for. In short, I learnt But over time I became disillusioned again. The leadership to be ‘of ’ the world – judgmental, anxious, overly concerned structure of my hip, happenin’ church seemed shaky; I could see about the opinion of others, desperate to outdo others in piety. the potential for the abuse of power when leaders are elevated But I did not learn to be in the world – the world that God so with little accountability. Dull and plodding though it might loves – and I could not reconcile that dichotomy between my appear, the structure of the Presbyterian Church came to make Christian life and my life. more sense to me. Theological issues troubled me, too, and it But at the end of the day, I came to realise that I can only be seemed, ironically, the longer I stayed in this attractive, vibrant who I am. It helps me to think of the solid ground we are all congregation, the more insecure I felt. I wasn’t sure who I could looking for, not as one monolithic rock-like thing, but as soil trust. I questioned what I believed. I wondered if I might even (I hope I am not over-stretching the metaphor), suitable for be losing my faith. different climates, appropriate for different types of plant life.

Turns out, emotional and exciting are overrated, at least for Maybe it’s just that I’m a prickly cactus at home in a semi-arid me, so the subtitle of this piece could be ‘Why I came home’. climate. Maybe you’re an exotic plant in a tropical rainforest.

Though the worship I found elsewhere was free, liberating But whatever we are, I hope and pray that we can all put down and expressive, the theology, as I came to understand it, was deep roots and flourish in congregations where we are content, anything but. And here’s the strange thing: the things that I secure and loved.

Herald June 2019

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Snapshots of Union Paul Lutton, a first-year ministry student, chats to others in Union about their experiences of college life.

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hile the historic relationship between Queen’s University and Union College has caught the public eye in recent months, faculty and students have been reflecting on a busy year of learning and growing together.

As summer approaches, lectures and seminars are at an end for the 89 men and 108 women enrolled, but work at Union College is far from finished – preparation for the all-important final assessments is underway. In the midst of exam revision, dissertation writing and essay marking, some of the students and faculty have taken a short break to answer my questions about life at Union College and their hopes for the future.

Dr T. Desmond Alexander Senior lecturer in Biblical Studies Known to the rest of the world as T. Desmond Alexander, faculty and students refer to Union’s resident expert in biblical theology simply as Desi. Dr Alexander has written and contributed to a wide variety of world-class academic and reference books on the Bible, most recently a commentary, Exodus (Apollos-IVP, 2017) and The City of God and the Goal of Creation (Crossway, 2018).

What are the challenges of teaching the Old Testament?

It’s not always easy for people today to see the relevance of material that was written thousands of years ago. The world

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of the Old Testament is very different in many ways to our modern world, and we can very easily misinterpret what we read. Reading the Old Testament is like visiting a foreign country, where the culture is unfamiliar and people appear to do strange things. There is much to learn before we can correctly understand the subtle nuances of what happens and why. Unfortunately, some people are very quick to abandon or even condemn the Old Testament because they don’t understand it correctly. Even welleducated people often caricature what the Old Testament says quite wrongly.

What motivates you in your work?

It’s a great privilege to be able to share with others, both in teaching in Union and in writing for people outside Union, something of what the Bible, as God’s inspired truth, says to us today. I’ve been fortunate in my career to have had the wonderful opportunity to study the Bible in its original languages, read commentaries and academic books, and engage with numerous scholars, who often challenge how I interpret the text. Through all of this, it has been my passion to understand better how this unique collection of writings enhances our understanding of the God who permeates its pages. I have still much to learn; I don’t understand everything. One thing remains true: as a follower of Jesus, I need to apply myself to the whole of

The college…is fully committed to enabling current students to complete their courses.

Scripture and I need to apply the whole of Scripture to myself.

What does Union College contribute to our wider society?

Helping students engage thoughtfully with the writings of academics from throughout the world is part of what we do. At the same time, it’s encouraging to know that we too contribute to this worldwide academic community. Books written and edited by staff in Union are used in courses taught elsewhere. In addition, we have a small, but growing, number of international PhD students, who have chosen to be supervised by staff at Union. As a relatively small theological college, we continue to have an influence that extends well beyond Ireland.

Caitlin Hooke First year studying theology Caitlin Hooke is nearing the end of her first year at Union.

She initially accepted an offer to study psychology, but after much soul-searching she decided that a degree in theology was what she really wanted to do.

What has been the highlight of your first year?

What I hold so dearly about Union is the incredibly warm welcome I have received despite coming from a Roman Catholic background. I have learned the extent to which we can relate to one another solely based on our common ground as human beings. I truly have a friend in everyone here.

What particular aspect of your course has been of greatest benefit to you?

I have enjoyed all of my modules thus far; however, our module concerning the Pentateuch has been my favourite.

Learning where Christianity’s roots come from at an academic level is fascinating.

What are your plans/hopes for the future?

With my degree in theology I aspire to complete a PGCE and become a teacher in a special needs school. There is also a good chance I will complete a master’s degree with Union.

Richard Hill Second-year ministry student Richard Hill previously studied at Union as an undergraduate student. From Portadown, Richard is married to Louise, a primary school teacher.

Nearing the end of your fifth year at Union, what would you say has been your highlight?

They say that ‘education is the people you go to school with’ and the Union community is one of its biggest strengths.

That’s most obvious at coffee time, when staff and students get together for a chat over a coffee. The time spent chatting to people between classes, socialising and (occasionally) talking about more serious things has been a real highlight of my time here.

What particular aspect of your course has been of greatest benefit to you?

While I was studying at Union first, regular modules – as well as the

Graduate Diploma in Youth Ministry classes – gave me lots of opportunities to be equipped and challenged. That had as much relevance to how I led my church youth group on a Sunday night as it did to assignments. I’ve also been greatly helped in my personal faith.

Since returning for ministry training, I’ve found my church courses and MTh supervision meetings really challenging and refreshing; the balance of academic study and devotional application is great.

It’s such a healthy thing to reflect deeply and with academic rigour on truths we hold dear, whilst being stretched by new ideas and the broad variety of views from fellow students, whether they have a faith perspective or not.

What are your plans/hopes for the future?

I’m starting my assistantship in Newmills (near Portadown) this summer, so I’m looking forward to balancing out study with something more practical.

Megan Collins Final-year theology student After school Megan Collins spent a year studying law at another university before she decided to change direction and study theology at Union. Now in her final year, Megan has ambitions to take theology to the next level.

What has been the highlight of the last three years?

For me the highlight of my time at Union has been the sense of community, most evident in the common room. We have a shared space where we can all chat, watch TV, play pool and just hang out in

between classes. It’s a great way of getting to know everyone better and building deeper friendships.

How has studying theology benefited you?

The most beneficial aspect of my course has probably been the breadth of modules available for me to study. While I do enjoy biblical theology, I have a particular interest in systematics. In particular, I have really enjoyed both the Philosophy of Religion and Trends in Modern Theology modules offered in third year, as they have both really encouraged me to critically engage with content that I otherwise never would have. I hope to continue in my academic development and, at some point, I would like to study for a PhD. What are your plans/hopes for the future?

My plans for the future are motivated by my passion for social justice issues, particularly those involving young people.

I work for a charity called Aspire NI. We tackle child poverty in education and we work with young people in schools to bridge the educational attainment gap. I hope to continue my work there and see the lives of young people transformed.

Additionally, I also work with young people at my church and have a particular desire to disciple and encourage young girls. In the future, I hope to be a part of seeing more women in leadership roles with the church.

Future plans for the college

These are the programmes offered from this September:

While the college will no longer be able to admit new students for Queen’s degrees, it is fully committed to enabling current students to complete their courses, including those who are part-time. It will continue to train students for the ministry in accordance with the General Assembly’s requirements, and it will offer recognised academic qualifications to them and to others. Under its 1881 Royal Charter the Presbyterian Theological Faculty, Ireland, which is made up of all the professors at the college, is able to provide graduate-entry courses and new programmes have been developed. There are 10 altogether and seven can be taken fully online. People in various parts of the world have already enrolled for some online courses.

• Graduate Certificate in Theology/Graduate Diploma in Theology (1 year full-time); • Postgraduate Certificate in Greek/ Postgraduate Diploma in Greek (2 years part-time); • MTh in Reformed Theology/Postgraduate Diploma in Reformed Theology (1 year full-time or 2 years part-time); • MTh in Theological Ethics (2 years part-time); • MA in Christian Theology (flexible length); • Master of Divinity (3 years part-time); • PhD (typically 3-4 years full-time and 6-7 years part-time).

Further information is available from admin@union.ac.uk and +44 (0)28 9020 5080.

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Photography: Press Eye

Exhibiting a rich history Bert Tosh introduces a new Presbyterian exhibition, located in the reception area of Assembly Bulidings, Belfast.

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here in the centre of Belfast can you go to see a Communion cup from County Longford that would have been used by the parents of a future Vice President of the United States; a passport in Chinese; a copy of the Metrical Psalms in the Irish language; and part of a uniform belonging to a minister accused of involvement in the 1798 Rebellion?

In the recently opened PCI visitor exhibition in Assembly Buildings – in the reception area on the left after you come in the main entrance in Fisherwick Place.

It’s not, however, just about history, for the present-day work and mission of the Presbyterian Church are also highlighted.

It looks very attractive – that is a tribute to the designers, Redhead Conference and Exhibition.

The exhibition is designed around a number of themes: the origins of Irish Presbyterianism, its organisation and beliefs, mission in Ireland and overseas, congregational life, worship and buildings, controversies, and how the Church has attempted to meet the needs of society. There are also sections about theological education in what is now

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Union Theological College and what was Magee College in Derry.

There were long discussions and many draft lists produced before these themes were chosen. Each has a superbly designed panel with commentary and illustrations. Exhibition space was obviously limited and visitors cannot be expected to read huge sections of text, so what is on offer is not detailed description but a general view with broad brushstrokes.

The origins of Presbyterianism in Ireland, for example, had to be covered in no more than 150 words; that involves a high degree of simplification. Similarly, the present work of the Council for Social Witness had to be described very briefly but successfully. So those visitors who know something about PCI may

It gives visitors the opportunity…to discover something of the rich history which has helped…to make PCI what is today.

well wonder why certain events are not mentioned; quite simply, we couldn’t get everything in! There is a chart showing the various secessions and unions among Irish Presbyterians, illustrating what has been called the fissiparous nature of Presbyterianism.

Along with words and pictures are a number of display cases containing historical artefacts, most of on loan from the Presbyterian Historical Society, whose new premises are across the corridor from the exhibition.

The Communion cup, dated 1707, belonged to the congregation of Corboy in Co Longford where Charles and Elizabeth Clinton were members. They emigrated to America in 1729 and their son, George, was United States Vice President from 1805 to his death in 1812.

The passport was issued to Rev Andrew Weir, a missionary in Manchuria from 1899 to 1933 and the father of Very Rev Dr A.J. Weir, Clerk of the General Assembly.

The Psalter in Gaelic was published in 1836 at a time when there was a revived interest among Presbyterians in using Irish for preaching and evangelism and as a medium of education. It was the work

of a Scottish minister, Rev Dr Norman McLeod, assisted by two Irish speaking scholars. McLeod, a native speaker of Scottish Gaelic, was known as the ‘Friend of the Gael’ and had preached in Gaelic in Ireland.

The piece of the Volunteer uniform is a gorget (metal throat-piece) belonging to Rev Samuel Barber, minister of Rathfriland from 1763-1811. The Volunteers were formed in 1778 to defend Ireland against possible invasion and many Presbyterians, including a number of ministers, were enthusiastic members. After the 1798 Rebellion, Barber was accused of sedition, imprisoned in Downpatrick for a time but released without being tried.

A number of significant figures in the Irish Presbyterian story are noted in a series of small panels with pictures and short biographies.

Again, it was impossible to be comprehensive in trying to include everyone. Rather it was an attempt to show the rich variety of personality and opinion that have often marked Presbyterianism.

There are ministers and church leaders like Robert Blair, the leading figure among the Scottish ministers who came to Ulster during its Plantation. Blair became minster in Bangor in 1623 and served in the parish church (Bangor Abbey) until he was deposed for nonconformity by the Bishop in 1634. He returned to Scotland, became minister of St Andrews and was Moderator of the Scottish General Assembly in 1646.

There is Francis Makemie, who left Donegal in 1683 to cross the Atlantic and become the ‘Father of American Presbyterianism’. There is William Steele Dickson, accused of being the leader of the United Irishmen in Co

…the present-day work and mission of the Presbyterian Church are also highlighted.

Down, and John Edgar, minister of Alfred Street Church in Belfast, who led the temperance movement and whose pamphlet, A Cry from Connaught, raised considerable sums for famine relief during the Great Famine.

There is the fiery evangelist W.P. Nicholson, Rev Dr W.F. Marshall, whose poems, like Me and me Da, about “livin’ in Drumlister”, were part of the staple diet of many church concerts and Helen Waddell, who came from a family of many ministers and whose 1933 novel, Peter Abelard, became a bestseller. Other women include Annie Jane Carlyle, the almost forgotten 19th century minister’s widow who helped to found the Band of Hope promoting total abstinence, and the Victorian pioneer of education for women and girls, Isabella Tod. The exhibition is not just about reading text and looking at pictures or historical artefacts. There is also an exciting opportunity for visitors to be interactive.

They can explore a 19th century Presbyterian map of Ireland or find

information on different Presbyterian congregations.

A number of extracts from the 2013 BBC series An Independent People are available for viewing. These cover a wide range of events including the 1798 Rebellion when large numbers of Presbyterians, particularly in Antrim and Down, joined the United Irishmen and many participated in the revolt, and the 1859 Ulster revival which had and still continues to have considerable influence on Irish Presbyterianism.

The Irish Presbyterian contribution to America is described as well as the part immigrants from Ireland played in the War of Independence.

The role and the tribulations of the first ministers is outlined, as is their attempt in the 1630s to seek religious freedom in America in their failed attempt to cross the Atlantic in the ship Eagle Wing.

The exhibition certainly covers a great deal of ground! It gives visitors the opportunity to discover something of the rich history which has helped, for better or worse, to make PCI what is today and it also allows them to discover what the Church is doing today in Ireland and overseas. With more and more tourists flocking into Belfast, the exhibition provides an additional attraction for them and people from a number of countries have already visited.

But it should also be of huge interest to Irish visitors – and not just Presbyterians.

Rev Bert Tosh is a former senior producer of religion and ethics at BBC Northern Ireland.

The Assembly Buildings visitor exhibition is open to the public between the hours of 9.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Herald June 2019

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Lord of the imagination

As the life of J.R.R. Tolkien has recently come to life on the silver screen, Edward McKenzie takes a look at how the author’s faith shaped his writing and, in turn, how God can inspire all of our imaginations.

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ince I read The Hobbit in primary school I have been travelling to far-off lands and fighting dragons. I believe our imaginations are a gift from God and we should use them more, as we explore our faith and follow Jesus. Imagination is a temporary escape from reality to somewhere else.

A place where we can more clearly see the themes of the real world, and our role within this place, so that we may live better in it upon our return.

We all have a story to tell, and our stories are intertwined with the story of God. Scripture often speaks in stories as God the master storyteller uses narrative to reveal his truth and inspire his people. Since God used story to reveal his truth, and all truth is his, we ought to be prompted to see that his story, deliberately or otherwise, is reflected in every other story ever told. We should therefore be driven to allowing our

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imagination to help us to see the timeless unfolding tale of God. With the release of Tolkien in cinemas, moviegoers were invited into the early life of one of the greatest story writers of all time, travelling with him through childhood, adolescence, falling in love and the horrors of the Somme. I enjoyed the film, yet was disappointed

I believe our imaginations are a gift from God and we should use them more, as we explore our faith and follow Jesus.

in its failure to display J.R.R. Tolkien as a man of deep religious conviction, which he undoubtedly was.

Tolkien’s faith defined him, it gave him a moral outlook and a worldview that is expressed vividly throughout the land of Middle Earth and in the deep mythology created around it. He, of course, was not the first nor the last to allow imagination to create a world from which a story of faith could be planted in the hearts of readers. When we trace the allegorical steps of Christian in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress or hear C.S. Lewis describe Aslan’s death upon the Stone Table, we connect the dots and see again the wonder of the cross and the expedition that is the Christian life.

Tolkien was doing more than writing a story for the sake of entertainment.

Instead, he had a grander vision, shaped and fashioned by his life and faith. His primary motivation was his love of

storytelling, yet as the work began to The character of Jesus as from the north show gentleness and develop, a deeper meaning found itself, strength in bringing healing and battling displayed in The Lord of unconsciously at first, filtering into the evil. Aragorn represents Jesus as both the text. Like a tree, this began to grow Christ who came to reveal the kingdom the Rings…is not and spread out. As he wrote, the roots of God during his earthly ministry as presented through one of the story spread branches which well as the conquering king who will presented Tolkien’s outlook. Tolkien one day return to bring completion to individual in the story was a man with sincerely held principles that kingdom. Aragorn’s Christ symbol but flows throughout the highlights the combination of the royal, which included: the importance of good literature; the protection of tradition priestly and prophetic in the mission of narrative… and culture; the fair representation of God. history; respect for the environment; The hobbit Sam is often overlooked, yet the unique role of Christ as the ultimate the foolishness of war; the importance in him is a picture of Christ the servant. prophet. of imagination and a deep-seated Sam’s role in The Lord of the Rings is often Jesus as priest can be observed in the Christology. The stories that shape unglamorous but is of central importance. character of the hobbit Frodo Baggins.

The Lord of The Rings, and the wider Sam is the unlikely hero who, with power Frodo paints an applicable picture of Legendarium are tales written by Tolkien. both the High Priests of old and of Jesus from within, overcomes and in doing so What has been put to page was shaped puts the needs of others before his own Christ the Great High Priest. Frodo, by his experiences, faith and view of the in devotional service. Sam symbolises like Christ and the ancient priesthood, world. both the servant heart of Christ and the is called to cleanse the people from sin The form taken by his writing is nature of a Christian disciple who, like through sacrifice. Frodo, as he travels one of applicability, speaking into their master, would seek to serve and not with the ring and then stands before all circumstances of his readership. be served. the fires of Mount Doom on behalf of Applicability allows for themes and ideas the people of Middle Earth, is like Jesus Tolkien’s religious beliefs inspired him to be presented in a number of different and shaped his storytelling. By seeing bringing completion to his task by being places throughout his the prophetic in Gandalf, work, dissimilar to the priestly in Frodo, “We have come from God, and inevitably the myths woven by us, allegory where a single the royal in Aragorn, the though they contain error, will also reflect a splintered fragment of the person, happening or serving in Sam those true light, the eternal truth that is with God. Indeed, only by myththeme represents or who visit Middle Earth making, only by becoming ‘sub-creator’ and inventing stories, can equals a single thing. may be inspired also – in man aspire to the state of perfection that he knew before the Fall. Our The character of Jesus as going there with open myths may be misguided, but they steer, however shakily, towards the displayed in The Lord of minds we might just see true harbour.” the Rings for example, is J.R.R. Tolkien the priestly prophet king not presented through who served this broken one individual in the world by living, dying story but flows throughout the narrative, both the priest and sacrificial animal that and rising from the dead. This Christ being apparent in numerous ways. who upon his coming again will give faces death and wrath for the sake of Tolkien displays his understanding of glorious and everlasting meaning to the others. The story of Frodo inspires others Jesus as prophet, priest, king and servant. to live in a new community, as the story words: Return of the King.

Jesus as prophet can be seen in the Not only in Middle Earth but in of the Great High Priest calls others to character of the angelic natured Gandalf.

Narnia or the pages and pictures of live and share in a new way, in a world Gandalf paints an applicable picture of some far-off land our imagination can ever changed by his priestly mission to both the biblical prophet and of Jesus be fuelled to help us appreciate our own the cross. the ultimate prophet. The wizard’s stories, our glorious storyteller God, the Jesus as king can be recognised in the death, resurrection and transfiguration beauty of Scripture and the wonder of character of Aragorn. Aragorn displays experience all point to Christ. Like Jesus, the picture of a long-awaited and Jesus who is at the centre of the gospel, Gandalf comes with a message which the greatest story ever told. prophesied king who would come to calls others to respond and repent, to live restore the monarchy, unite a fractured in hope for truth and goodness. Gandalf kingdom and lead a downtrodden people. Rev Edward McKenzie is minister of is seen as a fulfilment of a work that only Cregagh Presbyterian Church, Belfast.

Through a deep-seated knowledge of he could bring to completion, echoing who they are, both Christ and the ranger Herald June 2019

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REVIEWS

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

Worship Essentials Mike Harland

Own It Francesa Battistelli

B&H PUBLISHING GROUP

WORD MUSIC

£12.93

«««««

Francesca Battistelli is Christian pop at its best. This is her fifth album and for most of it, you could easily be listening to the secular charts – the production is top-notch and quality of music is impressive – but the major difference is the edifying and inspiring lyrics.

The first track, The Breakup Song, could be mistaken for a feisty, girl power song about ditching a boyfriend. But on closer listen, it is not a person that is being ditched, but rather a spirit of fear. “I’ve had as much of you as I can take/ I’m so done, so over being afraid…/ Fear you don’t own me.” For a society crippled by fear and anxiety, this is the perfect song of encouragement.

There is a very joyful atmosphere to this album, as well as a strong sense of empowerment. A standout track is You Belong, which is an anthemic and uplifting song about embracing the person that God has made you to be. “You belong/ the whole world is waiting, no one else can sing your song/ you belong/ the lie that’s been chasing you/ love’s gonna prove it wrong…” I can imagine this track being particularly inspiring to young people.

Own It certainly won’t appeal to everyone – those looking for theological depth will probably find it fluffy and superficial. However, for those willing to accept it for what it is – pop tunes with a positive Christian message – you will love it!

SH

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Humble Calvinism J.A. Medders

£12.99

THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY

«««««

The somewhat intriguing subtitle of this book, ‘Growing a healthy worship ministry without starting a war!’, picks up on the fact that music and praise can be a difficult area for many churches to grapple with. “Music can,” writes Harland, “wreak havoc in an otherwise healthy group of Christians.” This should not be so, but how can churches navigate such a subjective topic in a sensitive yet purposeful way?

The book takes the reader through four core values for growing a healthy worship ministry – tell the story; make disciples; engage the church; and aspire with purpose. Each principle is unpacked with examples from the author’s own experience and plenty of biblical references. Harland also takes the reader through the theology of congregational singing, helping us understand why we sing, and how we should sing. Throughout the book, he brings this teaching home in a very practical way and helps us to apply the principles to our own particular congregation.

A key theme of the book is the role that praise plays in the wider mission of the church – our discipleship, teaching and evangelism. The church is greatly blessed, and potential conflicts can perhaps be avoided, when there is an intentional synergy between praise, preaching and other ministries.

Worship Essentials would be a very worthwhile read for ministers, church leaders and musicians alike. It doesn’t give a ‘magic formula’, but applying the values presented in this book to your church’s unique context will be a blessing to your worship ministry.

RK

£7.99

«««««

This very readable and practical book has one overarching message – that those of us who embrace the views normally referred to as ‘Calvinism’ ought to be characterised by humility.

While Medders doubtless has humility towards God in mind too, he primarily focuses on how Calvinists are to be humble towards others, especially fellow believers with differing views.

Anyone with any level of interest in Calvinism (whether themselves a Calvinist or not) could find this book very helpful.

Indeed, any believer who wants to give a little more thought to how the grace of God comes to his people and how it ought to change us would find it more than worth reading. It’s non-technical, easy to follow and (most importantly) full of grace.

Some readers will probably find that they wish Medders would develop his points more fully in certain areas, or take more time to address some of the more common objections to Calvinism. It would be unfair, however, to criticise the book on this point. Medders’ objective was clearly to produce a short, readable book that would highlight how Calvinism ought to encourage humility. When enormous volumes have been written for and against Calvinism, the only possible way to achieve this end was by giving each point of Calvinism but a brief introduction.

Medders has undoubtedly achieved this end, and anyone (Calvinist or otherwise) who reads his book will find it both humble and helpful.

AC

REVIEWERS

RB – Ruth Bromley is PCI’s Children’s Development Officer AC – Andrew Conway is the minister of Clonduff and Hilltown Presbyterian churches SH – Sarah Harding is the editor of the Herald

Scattered Servants Alan Scott DAVID C. COOK

£9.99

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Some will not have lifted this book because of their perception of the author or the Vineyard church, while others will have had it on pre-order.

Even if you don’t agree with everything that is said within its pages, I am inclined to agree with Pete Grieg (24/7 Prayer) when he says, “If I had my way, every church leader in the country would be required to read this book at least twice.”

Scattered Servants is the story, theology and practice of Causeway Coast Vineyard, the church that Alan and Kathryn Scott planted in 1999, now with over 2000 members and a compassion ministry that inspires and blesses Coleraine and beyond. Taking concepts like ‘every member ministry’, Alan brings them to a radical and sometimes painful conclusion, asking questions like, “How do we get outsiders into church and insiders out of the building doing mission? How do we equip Jesus followers to recognise, partner with and release the kingdom of God in their everyday lives?”

The empowerment of members into a supernatural ministry of healing and the prophetic may take some readers beyond their current experience, bringing them back to the book of Acts, asking, “Does God still move like this today?” However, the desire to see the lost encounter Jesus and our neighbourhoods transformed by the gospel is at the heart of this book, and should be at the heart of every Jesus follower.

If you want to be challenged, inspired, shaken and blessed, I would encourage you to get a copy!

GM

RG – Rose Gray is a work experience student who worships in Bannside Presbyterian Church RK – Roger Knipe is head of the worship team at Lowe Memorial Presbyterian Church GM – Gareth MacLean is the minister of Orangefield Presbyterian Church

Stand By Me The Kingdom Choir

SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

£12.93

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The Kingdom Choir may be familiar to some of you, having risen to stardom following their performance of a moving and beautiful rendition of Ben E. King’s 1961 song Stand By Me, at the highly anticipated royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle back in May 2018.

The choir is made up of 20 singers, who have been described online as “a collective of outstanding singers drawn from various denominations… a unique

5 Things to Pray for Your Kids Melissa B. Kruger THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY

£2.99

«««««

This is the latest book in the 5 Things to Pray series from the Good Book Company, and is focused on helping parents to pray for their children.

Praying for our children is so important and yet sometimes, in the midst of the busyness of family life and routines, it can be hard to lift our heads above the craziness and pray directly and strategically for our children.

group of dedicated men and women, who blend choral discipline with the raw gospel spiritual sound drawn from an inner experience”. Their fittingly named debut album, Stand By Me, certainly lives up to this description.

The Kingdom Choir takes some of the most popular pop anthems from recent years, such as Beyoncé’s Halo, John Legend’s All of Me, and Stormzy’s Blinded By Your Grace, and stunningly reshape them into passionate, gospel melodies with gorgeous, melting harmonies. These modern hits are also wonderfully balanced by a turn to some older, more traditional church hymns – such as Amazing Grace and Hark the Herald Angels Sing – as the choir add their unique gospel flavour, giving these old tunes a contemporary twist.

Even though not every track on this album comes from within the church tradition, I believe every song can be interpreted with a spiritual slant. As a result, every listener can find a song that strikes a chord with them (pun intended!) from this amazingly talented and gifted choir’s debut album.

RG

This little book helps with that, in that it gives suggestions of how to pray beyond the ‘help Lord’ arrow prayers that are often the go-to for busy parents. This book is an easy-to-use guide – not necessarily a read cover-to-cover book – which as a parent you can dip in and out of for help and suggestions on how to pray for your children.

It starts with ideas of how to pray to help your child learn about faith in the first place, through to praying that your children live out their faith in the world – having it influence their decisions and the situations that they will face.

This book should be given to every parent in the church – and every children’s ministry leader too – so that they can pray without ceasing for the children in our congregations.

As the cover says, “When we pray in line with God’s priorities as found in his Word, our prayers are powerful – they really do change things.”

RB

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LIFE IN PCI The alternative marathon “Not the news we wanted to hear – the Belfast Marathon was being run on a Sunday,” says Rev Colin Morrison, minister of Eglinton Presbyterian Church.

For some years, the congregation had been entering relay teams, including five in 2018, who were sponsored in support of the Belfast church’s major refurbishment project. The event created a great atmosphere of people running, supporting, sponsoring and enjoying what had become an annual a big day out for the church family.

“What to do now? Well, our church building nestles in the foothills of the Cavehill in north Belfast, so someone suggested we should try to get as many people as possible on top of the hill on the May Day holiday. A kind of ‘alternative marathon’ really, where any donations to or sponsorship for the refurbishment fund would be welcome. So, we went for it.”

On the day around 60 people set off. Everyone made it to the top, from the youngest – aged nine months (admittedly with more than a little help from her dad) – to the most senior climber aged 80 plus. Both were making their first visit to Napoleon’s Nose.

“As we gazed across the city from our vantage point there was plenty to reflect on – maybe lifting our eyes to the hills and seeing our awesome creator God, or thinking of Jesus as he overlooked Jerusalem and wept,” adds Mr Morrison.

“Mission accomplished, it was down to base camp where we were joined, just as the first of the day’s showers began to fall, by even more people for a greatly enjoyed barbeque to round off a great day’s craic.

“Marathon? What marathon?”

Service marks milestone in Co Tyrone

She paid tribute to the senior members whose faithful commitment held the group together over the 60 years. Grace White was acknowledged as being the longest serving member, with over 50 years of unbroken membership.

Although numbers at Ballynahatty and Creevan have fluctuated over the years, there is always a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the meetings, which is no doubt a throwback to the early days when firstly the meetings were held in Ballynahatty manse, and then after Rev Cochrane’s retirement, in the homes of various members, before eventually taking place in the new church hall from 2007.

The 60th anniversary of Ballynahatty and Creevan PW in Co Tyrone was marked recently with service of praise and thanksgiving.

Originally called the Women’s Missionary Association, the group was inspired by Mrs Cochrane, wife of the minister of the time. She wanted to get a group of ladies together to help support and encourage Joan Elliott (now Thompson), a member of the congregation who had answered God’s call to work in India upon her completing training as a nurse/ midwife.

At the recent 60th anniversary celebration, members and former members were welcomed by leader Lynda Hamilton, who gave an overview of the ongoing ministry within the present PW group.

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

GB retirement in Cairncastle Iris Morton was presented with gifts to mark her retirement as captain of Cairncastle Presbyterian Church Girls’ Brigade. She held the post for 36 years, having been a member of the company for almost 60 years. Pictured are: Cowper Lynas (clerk of session), Ms Morton and Jenny Bindley (congregational secretary).

Thanksgiving service in Ballyblack Ballyblack Presbyterian Church in Co Down recently hosted a service of thanksgiving for the farming community. The annual Seedtime and Ploughmen’s Service was conducted by Dr Donald Watts, assisted by Rev Alvin Little (vacancy convener). PCI Moderator Dr Charles McMullen and his wife Barbara were special guests, and the praise was led by Donaghadee Male Voice Choir. A generous offering of over £1,606 was raised for Fields of Life.

Birthday celebrations in Carnmoney Margretta (Gretta) McFall celebrated her 100th birthday recently at Carnmoney Presbyterian Church. PCI Moderator Dr Charles McMullen, family and members of Carnmoney PW joined her for the celebration.

Former minister honoured at Cooke The reception area in Cooke Centenary Church has been named the ‘Campbell reception area’ after Rev Dr Jim Campbell, who was minister of the Belfast congregation when the original renovation work was completed. The theme for Dr Campbell’s address was Gratitude to God and the photograph shows Dr and Mrs Campbell with a gift of flowers from the congregation in front of the plaque.

New associate minister in First Ballymena The ordination and induction of Rev Matthew Boyd as associate minister in First Ballymena took place recently.

Mr Boyd is pictured with members of Ballymena Presbytery. Front row: Rev William Sinclair (minister), Rev Joseph Andrews (clerk of presbytery), Mr Boyd, Rev Martin McNeely (moderator of presbytery) and Tom Heaney (clerk of session in First Ballymena).

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LIFE IN PCI

Presentation in Edenderry Hamilton Gilmour was presented with gifts of appreciation for his 21 years of service as caretaker in Edenderry Presbyterian Church. He is pictured with Adrian Hamilton (joint treasurer), Rev Linda Keys and Joyce Thompson (joint treasurer).

Tyrone retirement Ray Stewart has retired after 46 years as treasurer of Tyrone Ruling Elders Fellowship. Making the presentation is Maurice McNicholl (secretary) and Ronnie McKee.

Due to the increased use of small digital and phone cameras we are having to reject some of the photos due to their quality or size. Digital images should have a minimum resolution of 2000x1500 pixels (approx 7x5 inches) at 300dpi and be the original, unedited image.

Further information can be found in our submission guidelines at www.presbyterianireland.org/herald

New elders in Strean Philip Causby, Dr Carl Harris, Janet Johnston and Samuel Young have been ordained and installed as new elders in Strean Presbyterian Church, Newtownards. Pictured in the back row are: Brian Turtle (elder, Movilla), Rev Robert Hamilton (Movilla), Dr Roy Patton (moderator of Ards Presbytery), Rev John Flaherty (clerk of Ards Presbytery), Rev Gary Aitcheson (Kilcooley) and Wallace McKee (elder, Strean). Front row: Rev Jeff McWatters (Strean), Dr Harris, Mr Young, Ms Johnston, Mr Causby and Fiona Boyle (clerk of session, Strean).

New elders in Mountjoy New minister in Waringstown Rev Stuart Hawthorne has been ordained and installed as minister of Waringstown Presbyterian Church in Co Armagh. He is pictured with his wife Caroline and their children Caleb, Joel, Eli and Mollie.

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Kenneth McFarland, Glenda Ewing and Elaine Catterson have been ordained and installed as new elders in Mountjoy Presbyterian Church.

They are pictured in the front row along with Rev Jonathan Cowan (minister of the Co Tyrone church) and session clerk John Colhoun.

Members of the presbytery commission are also pictured.

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

Clerk steps down in Downpatrick Barry Redhead was presented with a gift by Rev Owen Patterson to mark his many years of hard work and faithful service in Downpatrick Presbyterian Church. Mr Redhead has stepped down from his role as clerk of session.

Presentation at Cregagh A presentation has been made to mark the retirement of Dennison Mahood after 24 years as clerk of session in Cregagh Presbyterian Church. Pictured are Michael Graham (new clerk of session), Rev Edward McKenzie (minister of the Belfast church), Mr Mahood and John Dallas (organist).

Retirement in Newcastle Rev A. Boreland is pictured presenting Aline Hanna with a token of appreciation from the congregation of Newcastle Presbyterian Church to mark her retirement after 30 years of service as secretary. In thanking Mrs Hanna, Mr Boreland commented on her selfless service and her willingness to go beyond the call of duty on behalf of the Co Down church.

President’s badges in Granshaw C.J. Crosby, Scott White, Lee White and Aaron Matchett receive their President’s badges from their mothers at the Granshaw Boys’ Brigade display.

New elders in Raffrey The ordination and installation of four new elders – Alistair Campbell, Ian Jackson, William McClements and Eric Thompson – took place in Raffrey Presbyterian Church recently. The service was conducted by a commission of Down Presbytery. Pictured in the back row are: Rev Alistair Smyth, Rev Hiram Higgins, Rev Owen Patterson (moderator of presbytery), Gordon Murphy, Graham Furey and Rev Mark Spratt (clerk of presbytery). Front row: Rev Brian Small (minister of the Co Down church), Mr Campbell, Mr McClements, Mr Thompson, Mr Jackson and Thomas Robinson (clerk of Raffrey session).

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Ebrington Presbyterian Church The Kirk Session of Ebrington Presbyterian Church, Londonderry wish to appoint a

MUSICAL COORDINATOR

Advertising Rates 2019

to develop the music ministry within an urban congregation.

For an application form or further enquiry, please feel free to contact: Minister: Rev Paul Linkens Tel: (028) 7131 1425; Email: pe.linkens@btinternet.com or Clerk of Session: Mr Robin Young MBE Tel: 07802 577281; Email: robinyoung04@gmail.com

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Classified ads are charged at 30p per word All prices are exclusive of VAT Registered Charities and PCI Congregations will receive a 10% discount Artwork for display advertising should be supplied electronically where possible.

99-101 Monkstown Road Newtownabbey BT37 0LG

Saturday 22 June 2019 10am-4pm

Due to ongoing changes to our facilities we have surplus items available for a donation to our 2020 Vision Project, to include plastic chairs, cafe chairs, tables, used table tennis and pool table, toys etc.

Advertising needs to be booked by the first of the month preceeding publication e.g. 1 August for September edition.

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Further details Facebook or 07917 690131

CROSSWORD Puzzle no. 251 1

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compiled by Harry Douglas

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ACROSS DOWN 1 These round chocolate biscuits 1 Promoter of the rubber boot? seem to get smaller and smaller (10) (5,6) 2 Also known as (3) 10 To stretch out (3) 3 Jerusalem’s infamous garden 11 An historical period (3) (10) 12 Milky juice of the rubber plant 4 Former US President (5) (5) 5 From this time (5) 13 Popular brand of coffee (7) 6 Before (poetic) (3) 14 Hypocritical (9) 7 Springtime Christian festival (6) 16 A shortened form of Alfred (3) 8 A person from Madrid for 18 A cured or smoked ham (6) instance (8) 19 Title of a married German 9 The Lord loves this type of giver woman (4) (8) 20 Therefore (2) 15 A heavy artillery attack (9) 22 Biblical term for all-powerful 17 Californian city (initials) (2) (10) 20 River in west of England (6) 26 Romantic name for Ireland (4) 21 The number of chapters in the 27 Home of the gondola (6) book of Jude (3) 31 At a swift walk (5) 23 Angry (5) 32 Isle of Man motorbike race (2) 24 A tube of metal for example (4) 33 Term for a designated historical 25 This would go up with a bang building (6) (3) 34 A theatrical signal (3) 28 An irritating sensation (4) 36 Prophet in the reign of David 29 The place of original sin (4) (6) 30 Where we may meet the Lord

(3)

35 Initials of a famous American

Airline (2)

Rosaria Butterfield (Evening Celebration)

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(Evening Celebration)

Gilbert Lennox (Bible Teaching)

New Irish Arts with special guest Stuart Townend & Sylvia Burnside (Worship)

Rebecca Wright & Ian Vennard (Worship)

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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 AGHADOWEY & CROSSGAR: REV. DR. MARK GOUDY: (Aghadowey) Mr. William Knox, 46A Mullaghinch Road, Aghadowey, Coleraine, BT51 4AT. (Crossgar) Mr. William Reid, 87 Broomhill Park, Coleraine, BT51 3AN. BAILIEBOROUGH, FIRST; BAILIEBOROUGH, TRINITY, CORRANEARY & ERVEY: (Reviewable Tenure - 7 years) REV. D.T.R. EDWARDS: (Bailieborough, First) Mr. Fred Gilmore, Lisgar, Bailieborough.

(Bailieborough, Trinity) Mr. Bert Coote, Kells Road, Bailieborough. (Corraneary) Mr. Eddie Martin, Ardmone, Canningstown, Cootehill. (Ervey) Miss Jean Archibald, Largy, Drumcondrath, Co. Meath.

BALLYGAWLEY & BALLYREAGH: REV. D.W. REID: (Ballygawley) Mr. Paul Coote, 2 Alexander Drive, Aughnacloy, BT69 6DP. (Ballyreagh) Mr. Trevor McDaniel, 120 Mullaghmore Road, Dungannon, BT70 1RD. BALLYGILBERT: REV. J.M. BROWNE: Mr. Alastair Vance, 1a Seahill Road, Holywood, BT18 0DA. BALTEAGH & BOVEVAGH: REV. J.G. JONES: (Balteagh) Mr. William Robinson, 46 Drumaduff Road, Maine South, Limavady, BT49 OPT. (Bovevagh) Mr. Boyd Douglas, 279 Drumrane Road, Dungiven, Co Londonderry, BT47 4NL. BLACKROCK & BRAY: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV. R.H. HOUSTON: (Blackrock) Mrs. Merle White, “Carnalea”, 71 Foxrock Manor, Dublin 8, D18 H2XA. (Bray) Mr. Karsten Lux, 73 Castlegate Apt., Castle Street, Dublin 2, D02 RC83.

CAIRNALBANA & GLENARM: (Reviewable Tenure – 5 years) REV. D.A. McMILLAN: (Cairnalbana) Mr. B. Alexander, 84 Drumcrow Road, Glenarm, BT44 0DL. (Glenarm) Mr. D. Preston, 42 Rossburn Manor, Connor, BT42 3RB. CARLISLE ROAD & CROSSROADS: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV. K.H. HIBBERT: (Carlisle Road) Mr. Ivor Ferguson, 24 Riverside Park, Altnagelvin, Londonderry, BT47 3RU. (Crossroads) Mr. Richard Russell, 31 Creevagh Road, Londonderry, BT48 9XB. CARROWDORE & BALLYFRENIS AND BALLYBLACK: (Deferred Linkage) REV. S.A. LITTLE: (Carrowdore & BallyFrenis) Mr Herbert Robinson, 9 Islandhill Road, Millisle, BT22 2BS. (Ballyblack) Mr. Alex Warden, 92 Bowtown Road, Newtownards, BT23 8SL. CASTLEWELLAN & LEITRIM: (Reviewable Tenure – 5 years) REV. N.J. KANE: (Castlewellan) Mr. Desmond Wilson, 44 Ballylough Road, Castlewellan, BT31 9NN. (Leitrim) Mr. Drew Harte, 100 Carrigagh Road, Dromara, BT25 2HR. CAVANALECK & AUGHENTAINE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV. W.D. CUPPLES: (Cavanaleck) Dr. Charles McKibbin, Cooneen Old Rectory, 9 Tattenabuddagh Lane, Fivemiletown, BT75 0NW. (Aughentaine) Mr. John McCrory, Screeby Road, Fivemiletown, BT75 0TP. COOKSTOWN, FIRST: REV. D.S. BROWNLOW: Mr. Gordon Black, 21 The Dales, Cookstown, BT80 8TF. DROMORE, FIRST: REV. R.A. LIDDLE: Mr. Cecil Gamble, 12 Diamond Road, Dromore, BT25 1PQ. GLENDERMOTT: REV. K.A. JONES: Mr. George Walker, 3 Beverley Gardens, Londonderry, BT47 5PJ. KILBRIDE: REV. D.T. McNEILL: Mr. Alistair Lamont, Church Office, Kilbride Presbyterian Church, 12 Moyra Road, Doagh, Ballyclare, BT39 0SD. LISSARA: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV. W.H. HIGGINS: Mr. Matthew Cuffey, 227 Derryboy Road, Crossgar, Downpatrick BT30 9DL. MARKETHILL, FIRST & SECOND: REV. N.J.E. REID: Mr. Ken Toal, 9 Magherydogherty Road, Markethill, BT60 1TX.

MOSSIDE & TOBERDONEY: REV. A.J. BUICK: (Mosside) Mrs. Mabel Morrison, 284 Moyarget Road, Mosside, Ballymoney, BT53 8EH. (Toberdoney) Mr. Hugh Hill, 5 Castle Park, Deffrick, Ballymoney, BT53 8EW. RAMELTON & KILMACRENNAN: REV. C.M. WILSON: (Ramelton) Mr. David Armour, Loughnagin, Letterkenny, Co Donegal. (Kilmacrennan) Mr. Nathaniel Rogers, Gortnavern, Coolboy, Letterkenny, Co Donegal.

SAINTFIELD ROAD: REV. DR. IAN HART: Mr. Alistair McCracken, 19 Beaufort Crescent, Belfast, BT8 7UA. ST. ANDREW’S, BELFAST: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV. M.R. BURNSIDE: Mrs. Edith McCallum, 115 Comber Road, Dundonald, BT16 2BT.

2. LEAVE TO CALL DEFERRED GORTNESSY: REV. J.S. McCREA: Mr. Ross Hyndman, 32 Temple Road, Strathfoyle, Londonderry, BT47 6UB. RICHVIEW: (Part-Time (60%); Reviewable Tenure – 5 Years) REV. N.S. HARRISON: Mr. Victor Garland, 25 Abingdon Drive, Belfast, BT12 5PX.

SETTLED STATED SUPPLY APPOINTED BALLINDERRY: REV. W.J. HENRY, Minister of Maze BOVEEDY: REV. DR. T.J. McCORMICK, Minister of First Kilrea CAHIR: REV. WILLIAM MONTGOMERY, Minister of Fermoy KATESBRIDGE: REV. N.J. KANE, Minister of Magherally KILREA SECOND: REV. S.A. MORROW, Minister of Moneydig TYRONE’S DITCHES: REV. J.K.A. McINTYRE, Minister of Bessbrook

3. DECLARED VACANT ARKLOW: REV. GARY McDOWELL: Mrs. Emily Kearon, Malindi, Sea Road, Arklow.

ARMOY & RAMOAN: REV. NOEL McCLEAN: (Armoy) Mrs. Ann Campbell, 77B Bregagh Road, Armoy, Ballymoney, BT53 8TP. (Ramoan) Mr. Robert Getty, 23 Carrowcroey Road, Armoy, Ballymoney, BT53 8UH. BALLYCAIRN: REV. ROBERT LOVE: Mr. J.B. Milligan, 19 Glenariff Drive, Dunmurry, BT17 9AZ. BALLYCARRY: REV HEATHER RENDELL: Mrs Daphne Bashford, 36 Island Road, Ballycarry, Carrickfergus, BT38 9JE BALLYHOBRIDGE, CLONES, NEWBLISS & STONEBRIDGE: REV. C.G. ANDERSON: (Ballyhobridge) Mr. David Jordan, Drumboghamagh, Newtownbutler, BT92 8LL. (Clones) Mr. Tom Elliott, Bellmount, Newtownbutler, BT92 6LT. (Newbliss) Mr. Thomas McConkey, Killyfuddy, Newbliss, Co. Monaghan.

(Stonebridge) Mr. Gerald Mackarel, Roughfort, Clones, Co. Monaghan.

BELVOIR: REV. B.J. McCROSKERY: Mr. Brian Dunwoody, 19 Drumart Drive, Belfast, BT8 7ET. BURT: REV. JAMES LAMONT: Mr. James Buchanan, Heathfield, Burt, Lifford, Co. Donegal.

CAIRNCASTLE: REV. R.I. CARTON: Mr. Cowper Lynas, 2 Croft Heights, Ballygally, Larne, BT40 2QS.

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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 CARNDONAGH, GREENBANK, MALIN & MOVILLE: REV. DR. DAVID LATIMER: (Carndonagh) Mr. David McKeague, Claggan, Culdaff, Co. Donegal. (Greenbank) Mr. Campbell Armstrong, Whitecastle, Quigley’s Point, Co. Donegal. (Malin) Mrs. Barbara Smyth, Dunross, Culdaff, Co. Donegal. (Moville) Mr. Joseph McNeely, Rock House, Lecamey, Carndonagh, Co. Donegal.

COAGH, BALLYGONEY & SALTERSLAND: REV. T.W.A. GREER: (Coagh) Mrs. Amy Allingham, 17 Coagh Road, Cookstown, BT80 8RL. (Ballygoney) Ms. Essie Hessin, 10A Ballyloughan Road, Moneymore, Magherafelt, BT45 7YB. (Saltersland) Mr. Matt Hyndman, 4 Brennan Court, Magherafelt, BT45 6AT. CRUMLIN ROAD: VERY REV. DR. T.N. HAMILTON: Mr. James Coleman, 2 Abbeydale Parade, Belfast, BT14 7HJ. DERVOCK REV. R.M. MOODY: Mr. John Surgenor, 82 Toberdoney Road, Dervock, Ballymoney, BT53 8DH. DRUMBANAGHER, FIRST AND JERRETTSPASS & KINGSMILLS: REV. B.D. COLVIN: (Drumbanager, First and Jerrettspass) Mr. George Moffett, 16 Glen Road, Jerrettspass, Newry, BT34 1SP. (Kingsmills) Mr. Raymond McCormick, 119 Kingsmills Road, Bessbrook, Newry, BT35 7BP. INCH: REV. JAMES LAMONT: Mr. James Buchanan, Heathfield, Speenoge, Burt, Co. Donegal, F93 W3K6.

KILKENNY: REV. WILLIAM MONTGOMERY: Mr. John Ellis, Annamult, Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny.

MAY STREET: REV. GRAEME FOWLES: Mr. Arthur Acheson, 56 Quarry Road, Belfast, BT4 2NQ. NEWINGTON: REV. DR. I.D. NEISH: Mr. John Lynass, 8 Bushfoot Park, Portballintrae, BT57 8YX. NEWTOWNSTEWART & GORTIN: REV. R.B. THOMPSON: (Newtownstewart) Mr James Baxter, 22 Strabane Road, Newtownstewart, Omagh, BT78 4BD. (Gortin) Mr Adrian Adams, 32 Lisnaharney Road, Lislap, Omagh, BT79 7UE RYANS & BROOKVALE: REV. F.J. GIBSON: (Ryans) Miss Nora Hamilton, Rathfriland Manor Nursing Home, Rossconor Terrace, Rathfriland, BT34 5DJ. (Brookvale) Mr. Norman McCrum, 49 Ballynamagna Road, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5PA. SESKINORE & EDENDERRY: REV. C.F.C. CLEMENTS: (Seskinore) Mr. J.A. Patterson, 119 Letfern Road, Seskinore, BT78 2JU. (Edenderry) Mrs. Muriel Good, 14 Racolpa Road, Mountfield, Omagh, BT79 0HU.

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

THE ELDERSHIP Ordained & Installed: CLARE: John Adair, Gary Fraser MAGHERAMORNE: John Thompson ISLANDMAGEE FIRST: Hazelle Burns, Fiona Gray, Carol Magill, Roberta McMaster ISLANDMAGEE SECOND: Pauline Ford STRAND: Patricia Cooper, David Doggart, Suzanne Howe, Susan Lilley TRINITY, OMAGH: Niall Henry, Hazel McCay, Dawn McClung, John Moore, Alfred Sayers DROMORE FIRST: Albert Cochrane, John Poots Installed: ISLANDMAGEE SECOND: John Ross Died: ST ANDREWS, BELFAST: Joe Crawford LOWE: Tom Kirk MALONE: Arthur Kerr COMBER SECOND: Margaret Cooke CARRIGART: Richard Parke STRABANE: Thomas Houston CONVOY: Thomas Lockhart BALLINA: Bobby Adamson MAGHERAGALL: Annie Thompson HARMONY HILL: Elsie McElhinney RAILWAY STREET: Vivienne Weir DROMORE (Route): Jean Downs RASHARKIN: Thomas Wilson BALLYMENA FIRST: Tom McBurney

THE MINISTRY Ordained and Installed: Mr John Alexander Martin, as Minister of Culnady and Swatragh, on 3 May 2019 Installed: Rev Roger George McElnea, as Minster of Aughnacloy and Ballymagrane, on 17 April 2019 Resigned: Rev Roger George McElnea, as Minister of Gortin and Newtownstewart, on 16 April 2019 Rev Joan Scott, Minister Emerita, on 5 February 2019

VINECASH: REV. DR. MICHAEL McCLENAHAN: Mr. Thomas Graham, 38 Richmount, Portadown, BT62 4JQ. WARRENPOINT & ROSTREVOR: REV. S.A. FINLAY: (Warrenpoint) Mr. Denis Brady, 28 Seaview, Warrenpoint, Newry, BT34 3NJ. (Rostrevor) Mr. Terry O’Flynn, 15 Aurora Na Mara, Rostrevor, Newry, BT34 3UP.

TEMPORARY STATED SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT BELLVILLE: REV D.S. HENRY: Mr Mervyn King, 29 Ardmore Road, Derryadd, Lurgan, BT66 6QP. DONEGORE, SECOND: REV. JONATHAN BOYD: Mr. Samuel Gawn, 120 Parkgate Road, Kells, Ballymena, BT42 3PQ. KELLS: (Home Mission) REV. DAVID NESBITT: Ms. Ruth McCartney, Shancarnan, Moynalty, Kells, Co Meath.

A82 PF60.

TOBERMORE & DRAPERSTOWN: REV. DR. J.A. CURRY: (Draperstown) Mr. Gordon Dickson Jnr, 7 Strawmore Road, Draperstown, BT45 7JE.

Herald June 2019

49

CLASSIFIEDS

Northern Ireland

PORTSTEWART: Five-bedroom house for rental high and low season. Enclosed garden, private parking. Tel 07598 719348 after 6pm.

PORTSTEWART: Five-bedroom semidetached chalet bungalow overlooking sea coastal road. OFCH. Non smokers. WiFi available. Tel: 028 25582525.

BEAUTIFULLY FURNISHED HOLIDAY bungalow to let in Castlerock. 3 bedrooms sleeps 6. For all enquiries please phone 07968 963932.

PORTSTEWART: Luxury 4-bedroom cottage and 5-bedroom townhouse available June-Sept. Call: 07513 826551, Email: pabloguy50@gmail.com. Facebook: @campbellandcorentalproperties

PORTSTEWART HOLIDAY LET: Spacious family home on the coast road with beautiful uninterrupted sea view. Tel: 028 40630294.

Accommodation

CAUSEWAY COAST: Luxury self-catering, www.causewaycountrycottages.com PORTSTEWART: A modern 3-bedroom semi-detached house presented to a high standard, with off-street parking and a fully enclosed rear garden. Near local amenities.

Available high and low season. No smoking and no pets allowed. Contact Paula: 07840 123518 or 028 79632163.

P O R T S T E WA R T/S T R A N D R OA D : Penthouse apartment, 4 bedrooms (2 double, 1 en-suite, 2 twin) sleeps 8. Sea views to Mussenden Temple / Donegal Hills.

TV/DVD, washing machine, tumble dryer, microwave, electric showers. No smoking, no pets. Town centre 2 minutes’ walk. £395 pw. Tel: 028 90826986 (evenings).

HOUSE IN PORTSTEWART FOR RENT: Lovely 5-bedroom (one en-suite) semidetached house. Downstairs bedroom and cloakroom. Cost £400 per week. Contact Fiona 07920 016326.

CROSSWORD Solution to No 251

ACROSS 1 Wagon Wheels 10 Eke 11 Era 12 Latex 13 Nescafe 14 Insincere 16 Alf 18 Gammon 19 Frau 20 So 22 Omnipotent 26 Erin 27 Venice 31 Apace 32 TT 33 Listed 34 Cue 36 Nathan

50

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.

DOWN 1 Wellington 2 Aka 3 Gethsemane 4 Nixon 5 Hence 6 Ere 7 Easter 8 Spaniard 9 Cheerful 15 Cannonade 17 LA 20 Severn 21 One 23 Irate 24 Pipe 25 TNT 28 Itch 29 Eden 30 Air 35 UA

Herald June 2019

P O R T S T E WA R T H O L I D AY L E T : Luxur y 3-bedroom townhouse in private development, 2 minute walk to promenade, no pets / no smoking.

Telephone: 028 90401745 or 07800 802662. www.northcoastholidaylets.co.uk FIVE-BEDROOM HOUSE for rent off Lisburn Road, Belfast. Convenient to Queens, Stranmillis, City Hospital. Available beginning September. Further details 07743 960046.

HOLIDAY COT TAGE ANNALONG, beside the sea. One bedroom, sleeps five.

For details phone David: 07711 653921. £200 Saturday to Saturday.

G I A N T ’S C AU S E WAY H O L I D AY RENTAL: 3-bedroom, fully equipped cottage near the Giant’s Causeway for rent with wood burning stove, WiFi and smart TV. Views of Dunseverick Castle, situated beside coastal path walk. Sleeps 5/6 plus cot. Enclosed back garden. Well behaved dogs welcome. Contact Sandra for more details: 07901 645783.

PORTSTEWART: Modern 3-bedroom house (1 en-suite). All mod cons. Situated in quiet cul-de-sac (Lisadell Mews). Corner house, very private. Large enclosed garden to rear. Walking distance to promenade and beach. Available July/August. Tel: 07973 134576.

PORTSTEWART: Luxury 2-bedroom apartment. Excellent location overlooking the harbour. Holiday bookings throughout the year. Adults only. No pets. Tel: 07749 048378.

W I L L A N LO D G E, P O R T R U S H: Picturesque log cabin set among gardens located in quiet residential area. 3 bedrooms (one en-suite). Fully furnished and equipped. Reasonable rates. Telephone 07858 718608.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION – NORTH COAST: Semi-detached bungalow to let.

Panoramic sea view. Sleeps 5. Available June-August. Contact 028 25880510.

PORTSTEWART: 3-bedroom house, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 5. 2 private parking spaces. Enfield Street, 2 minute walk from Morelli’s. Non-smoking. Tel: 07876 356794.

PORTSTEWART: Large detached modern house to let. 5 double bedrooms with 1 downstairs and 1 en-suite. Has enclosed garden and parking for 3 cars. Available for golf week and New Horizon. Reduced rate in June. Convenient to beach and promenade. Contact for more info and photos. Mob: (0044) 7816 758453.

Republic of Ireland

Catering

D O N E G A L : R o s s n ow l a g h . N e w l y refurbished to high standard, two-storey house. Sleeps 7. Conveniently situated 5 minutes drive from Rossnowlagh beach or Murvagh beach and Donegal Golf Course.

All mod cons. Bord Failte 4 star approved.

Tel: Raymond Hammond NI – 00353 749734038 or 00353 879488074 ROI – 07 49734038 or 087 9488074.

Scotland ISLE OF LEWIS: Homely 4-bedroom house within 200yds of the Atlantic.

Off-road parking. Within easy reach of tourist attractions and several Presbyterian churches. Sorry no pets or smokers. Call or text: 07899 748005.

Self Catering SELF CATERING: FLORIDA (villa) lake view/private pool. Disney 20 mins. FLORIDA (apartment) resort – full facilities – heated pool. Disney 10 mins. SPAIN – large coastal apartments. Beach/restaurants mins. NORTHERN IRELAND – apartment – north Antrim coastal views – shops/ restaurants 5 mins. Contact 07971 194211/ geraldsmyth@hotmail.com

MALIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: From Saturday 13 July to Saturday 31 August inclusive, afternoon teas will be served in the church hall from 2.30-5pm. There will be home baking and jam for sale. Everyone very welcome.

SLIGO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH will be delighted to cater for groups coming to visit Sligo, Mullaghmore, Drumcliffe and surrounding areas of interest on the Wild Atlantic Way. Morning coffee, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, high tea provided.

Contact Fiona 00353 871014058.

Services VIDEO RECORDING: Professional service for church, corporate, charity, interviews, website videos, short stories, appeals, events and weddings. Tel Phil 07531 779502 www.reelimpressions.com

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

Church AV Specialists

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

07855 450887 offering the perfect location for visiting the stunning North Coast.

Ideal destination for walking and golfing breaks as well as family gatherings and memorable holidays.

For rates, availability and details of our eight delightful cottages visit www.giantscausewaycottages.com Or call Audrey on (028) 2073 1673

Integrators of:

Professional Audio Projection / Displays Salvation Army - Bangor

Cameras Induction Loops With nearly 50 years experience in providing Audio & Visual equipment, we work hard to enable you to get the very best solution for your needs and budget.

Every Church is unique and we provide the right solution for you.

We visit with you and discuss your exact requirements and then provide a clear and itemised solution. Please feel free to contact us for a chat.

Duneane Presbyterian Church

Salvation Army - Portadown

St Andrews Presbyterian Church

Dervock Presbyterian Church

Abbots Cross Presbyterian Church

Magherlin Parish Church

57 Drum Road Cookstown BT80 8QS Tel: 028 8676 4059 www.reasound.com Contact : Roger McMullan

High Kirk Presbyterian Church