Presbyterian Herald May 2022

MAY 2022

A TIME TO TALK… AND A TIME TO ACT PCI talks education

A CLASS ACT Church and school partnership in Ballymena

BEYOND THE STEREOTYPE Educational underachievement in controlled schools

CONTENTS | MAY 2022

FEATURES 11 Beyond the stereotype

Educational underachievement in the Controlled sector

12 All change for General Assembly 2022 Preview of new Assembly format

14 A class act

A story of church and school partnership in Ballymena

18 What now for young adults?

Encouraging young people in their faith

20 A time to talk…and a time to act PCI talks education

31 Meanwhile in the Republic Education issues in the South of Ireland

A class act p14

32 Living emergency

Ruth Sanderson contemplates the rising cost of living

36 In the balance

Rediscovering a more regular pattern to church activities

38 Renewed minds

New Horizon is back for 2022

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REGULARS 4 6 8 9 13 17 23 35 40 42 45 46 47

Living emergency p32

Letters News In this month My story Life lessons As I see it Mission Connect Norman Hamilton Reviews Life in PCI David Clarke Crossword Ruth Sanderson

In the balance p36

CONTRIBUTORS Ruth Sanderson lives in Scotland with her husband Harry and daughter Tessa.

She is a freelance radio/ television presenter and producer.

Dr Andy Brown is a principal lecturer in Education and convener of PCI’s State Education committee.

Ruth Garvey-Williams is a journalist, author and researcher who has served in Christian ministry for over 30 years. She is the VOX magazine editor.

Rev David Thompson is Secretary of the Council of Congregational Life and Witness.

Cover illustration: Lauren Martin May 2022 No. 838 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

Editor: Sarah Harding

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

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

Herald May 2022

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EDITORIAL

Education needs our support

Back in the Herald in 1980 (featured in ‘In this month’) Rev Tom Reid wrote, “Spending on education is the nation’s investment for the future.” PCI has long recognised that investing in education, in a holistic way, is hugely important. This month we dedicate much of this edition to the theme of education – including articles that reflect a variety of voices on the current challenges, concerns and opportunities within the sector.

Ahead of the Independent Review of Education in Northern Ireland, PCI recently held a conference to gauge thoughts and opinions from many Presbyterians who are key stakeholders in the sector. Dr Andy Brown outlines the main findings, including a recognition that the current model in NI is “an under-funded, under-resourced, resultsdriven system beset by duplication and competition.”

There is also a challenge to our whole denomination that “what schools need is tangible and unconditional support from churches.”

One church that is already modelling this is Ballykeel Presbyterian. The church is a stone’s throw from Ballykeel Primary and minister Dr Martin McNeely serves on the board of governors and has a good working relationship with the principal. Martin highlights that the successful partnership has come through “long-term commitment”.

Also on the topic of education, we feature an ‘As I see it’ from Graham Hawthorne on special schools; a ‘Life lessons’ from Ruth Dalzell on the work of Scripture Union; a report from Peter Hamill about a workshop on educational underachievement in the Controlled sector; and a piece from William Hayes on education issues in the South.

One article that particularly struck a chord with me is Suzanne Harrison’s ‘My story’. For those who feel invested in education, whether through their own work, or that of a loved one, or whether through having their children or grandchildren in the system; Suzanne articulates well the emotional pressure that many are feeling.

She describes how school staff were already feeling overstretched and overwhelmed before the pandemic and in current times they are “running on less than reserves”. Yet, despite this, she expresses a greater perspective and offers a challenge that applies to all of us: “The staff in education right now are hanging in there and doing their very best; many…are Christ’s hands and feet for many families and children. What better example of the gospel and what an opportunity for us as churches to link in with schools to provide some extra support in meeting basic needs.”

As Andy Brown echoes: “…there are huge practical needs in schools which can only be dealt with by rolling up our sleeves.”

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Herald May 2022

LETTERS Thanks from Tearfund Dear Editor The faithfulness of Presbyterian congregations in their support of the World Development Appeal is a testament to your deep-rooted love for our global neighbours.

And, in Haiti, deep roots are exactly what your support is establishing.

Thanks to your generosity, Tearfund’s partner, Christian Community Foundation in Action, is teaching church communities and schoolchildren how to create flourishing market gardens filled with cabbage, tomatoes, spinach, peppers, rice and yam. Through training in harvesting, marketing and selling the produce grown, these gardens will provide communities with a sustainable source of income and a secure food supply.

Church leaders are also being supported as they speak about environmental preservation in their services, Sunday schools and school groups. Raising knowledge

in communities about the biblical mandate to care for creation is vital in a country which has no waste collection or safe ways of disposing of waste. Cultivating a deeply rooted understanding of a whole-life response to the gospel will bring transformation to the physical, social and spiritual lives of entire communities through and by the power of Jesus.

We believe the church is God’s chosen vessel of transformation in the world.

By supporting the World Development Appeal, you have helped Tearfund’s partners to plant seeds of transformation within church and community leaders to create lasting change and kingdom flourishing in Haiti.

Glen Mitchell Director of Tearfund NI

Let the little children come to me Dear Editor After reading Ruth Bromley’s article in February, I wanted to

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

share a parent’s point of view about children in worship.

If someone had asked me two years ago about the subject of children in church, hands down I would have said every church should provide a children’s programme during the service. Fast forward to today and my view is a polar opposite!

After the initial spell of ‘sofa church’ as we called it at the start of the pandemic, we were thankful to return to gathered worship in summer 2020. With social distancing, reduced helpers and more regulations than one could ever have imagined, our kirk session decided to pause children’s church and creche even after PCI permitted it with mitigations. To my surprise and joy, our three children have never asked for or looked to go out half-way through the service. This has truly forced me to question if it is the right thing to send our children out during worship. I truly believe I will always see this as a blessing from Covid, and there aren’t many!

As Christian parents it is our job to train up our children in the way they should go, so they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). Jesus himself corrected the rebuke of the disciples to those bringing children to him (Matthew 19:13–14).

Let our children stay in worship, to show them what worship is. To teach them how to worship, to open the Scriptures with them in the pew, to talk to them on the way home about what has been taught from the pulpit, to affirm to them just how much they are part of the church family and ultimately to turn to the Scriptures and to model everything we do on what God’s Word teaches us.

Elizabeth McCorriston Crossgar

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.

Topical Tweets @News_Letter Rev Daniel Kane: “There must be space within society to express views with which others may disagree, recognising at the same time, that this works both ways and allows people to express views about religious belief with which we may disagree.” @tidesdaily “Transition can cause us to fear and cower. How might we remember that God is with us, so that we might once again ‘be strong and courageous’ knowing that as God has been faithful, he will continue to be faithful.” @alanmarshNI #tidesdaily @rickhillni We can’t be incensed when others mock our views if we insist on disparaging those who disagree with us. Also, don’t complain that you don’t have a seat at the cultural table if you aren’t inviting others around your kitchen table. @peterlynas We will look back in time and recognise how significant this recent period has been. The gender ideologues are the ones causing harm and a growing number have decided enough is enough. @CAPuk Sadly, debt has a national impact. That’s why we’re doing our best to ensure there are CAP centres run through local churches, offering free debt help and community groups across Scotland, Northern Ireland, England & Wales.

Everyone should be able to receive support they need. @TrussellTrust We’re all feeling the impact of the increase in the cost of living, whether at the petrol station, the supermarket or our energy bills. We’re so grateful to everyone who’s supporting the #Foodbanks in our network during these difficult times. You’re making a huge difference. @1stRathfrilandP Great welcome @pciassembly Rural Chaplain, Rev Kenny Hanna, to our church this morning. What a challenging and compassionate message. Every blessing to Kenny as he reaches out through the rural communities of #CountyDown & #CountyArmagh @SAT7UK Give thanks for the 2-month truce between warring sides in #Yemen that began on 2 April. #Pray that a political process to end the 6-year conflict will begin. The UN estimates that nearly 400,000 have died since 2016. #Pray4Yemen @christian_aid This #WorldHealthDay, we are calling on the UK Government to waive vaccine patents and prioritise healthcare funding through a debt cancellation package, so low-income countries can vaccinate their people.

Herald May 2022

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NEWS | IN THE ROUND Concern at undermining of devolution PCI has expressed its ‘deep regret’ and ‘grave concern’ at the continued and unhelpful undermining of devolution by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, as he signalled his intention to give himself further powers to direct abortion services – powers which could now also impact education.

In a joint statement, Rev Trevor Gribben (Clerk of the General Assembly and General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland) and Rev Daniel Kane (convener of PCI’s Council for Public Affairs) said, “As a Church with a strong pro-life position, over the last number of years we have consistently put on record our total opposition to the imposition by Westminster of the most destructive liberal abortion legislation in these islands. These imposed laws have taken away the legal protection of future generations of unborn children.”

They noted that following May’s Assembly election, the Secretary of State, Brandon Lewis, intends to ask parliament for a “blank cheque which would confer ‘the power to do anything that a Northern Ireland Minister or department could do for the purpose of ensuring that the recommendations in paragraphs 85 and 86 of the CEDAW report are implemented.’ This relates not only to direct abortion services, but to other significant areas of life in Northern Ireland, including the education of our children…

“For example, the Secretary of State’s intervention could take away the right of schools to embrace a particular ethos with regard to the teaching of relationships and sexuality education, and do so over the heads of school governors, teachers, parents and their locally elected representatives.”

In conclusion, Mr Gribben and Mr Kane said, “It is our hope and prayer that Northern Ireland’s political parties will commit to working together proactively after the election to find a way forward for the common good.”

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Herald May 2022

Praise for chaplains on hospital visit Presbyterian Moderator, Dr David Bruce, saluted the work of hospital chaplains when visiting the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine.

During the visit, which was part of his week-long tour of Coleraine and Limavady Presbytery, Dr Bruce spent time with the hospital’s new six-strong team of chaplains and chaplaincy volunteers. He also met medical staff, and senior Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) personnel.

“Hospital chaplains not only provide care and pastoral support to patients and their families at difficult times in their lives, but also offer a listening ear to staff working in challenging circumstances as a result of the wider pressures facing the health service. On behalf of PCI, I very much welcomed the opportunity to be able to thank the chaplaincy team at Causeway Hospital for what they have done and continue to do, in the name of Jesus. I also wanted to acknowledge the critical role they play in the life of the hospital, its patients and staff,” said Dr Bruce.

The visit was one of 30 separate engagements in the Moderator’s week-long tour of the presbytery,

Back row (left to right) in the hospital chapel: Father Damian McCaughan (Roman Catholic chaplain), Presbyterian Moderator, Dr David Bruce, and Rev Andrew Sweeney (Church of Ireland and Methodist chaplain). Front row: PCI’s Rev Norman Harrison (lead chaplain), Sister Rosemary Gallagher (Roman Catholic chaplaincy volunteer), deaconess Hazel Reid (Presbyterian and other denominations and religions chaplain) and Wendy Morton (Presbyterian and other denominations and religions chaplaincy volunteer).

which also saw him preach in Derramore and Drumachose congregations in Limavady, and in Ballysally, Coleraine, as well as lead worship for the whole presbytery via livestream and hold an in-person rally in Aghadowey Presbyterian Church.

Dr Bruce also paid a courtesy call on the mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, visited community projects, the Royal National

Milestone for debt charity The Belfast North & Newtownabbey Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre, based at Carnmoney Presbyterian Church and supported by many other local churches, has reached a remarkable milestone in its work delivering free debt advice – it has just seen its 700th client book in for debt help.

Daniel Black (Belfast North & Newtownabbey CAP Debt Centre manager) said, “This is why we do it – to help people get out of debt.

There’s no better job than to see people feel like they can breathe again after going through so much stress and worry, often built up over years.

“There are still many more to help though, so while we’re thrilled to be able to support so many people so far, we want everyone else who may still be struggling to know that we are here to help them completely free of charge.”

Lifeboat Institution in Portrush, the Irish Society Primary School and PCI care home, Trinity House in Garvagh. He met farmers, street pastors, police, members of Limavady Chamber of Commerce and the presbytery’s active ministers in four ‘Refresh’ groups, part of the Moderator’s Refresh initiative, which aims to encourage, equip and inspire those on the frontline of PCI’s ministry.

Restore grant scheme The Presbyterian Children’s Society is making available grants of up to £300 (Euro 350) to congregations of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland to financially assist in providing activities, events and resources to enhance the educational, social, emotional and spiritual development of children and young people as we re-emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The scope of the scheme gives great opportunity to be imaginative in applying for funding for relevant specialist support, activities aimed at reconnecting, purchasing resources or reenvisioning for the next season of ministry among children, young people and their families.

For more information and for an application form go to: www. presbyterianchildrenssociety.org/ restore-grant-scheme

IN THE ROUND | NEWS Review on abortion law The Pro Life Campaign has said the three-year review of the Republic’s abortion law will be a waste of time if it doesn’t take a detailed look at Ireland’s spiralling abortion rate. The group was commenting at the launch of their submission to the review process.

Eilís Mulroy of the Pro Life Campaign said, “It’s a devastating fact that 13,243 abortions took place in the first two years of the new law coming into force. It represents a 70+% increase in abortions in that short space of time.

Sadly, as things stand, the three-year review is shaping up to becoming a charade as the Minister for Health very pointedly only met with proabortion groups when deciding the framework for the review.

To date, the government has bowed to every demand of the pro-abortion lobby and ignored all other viewpoints and perspectives. That’s not how democracy is meant to operate.”

Homes sought for young refugees HSC NI Foster Care is appealing for more foster carers and supported lodgings hosts who can provide homes to young refugees who arrive in Northern Ireland without a parent or carer.

In the past year, more than 60 young refugees were received into care, the highest number on record, and it is anticipated that this will rise further.

The majority of young refugees arriving without family are teenagers aged 14–17 and many would like to be cared for in a family setting.

Young refugees come from a range of countries such as Eritrea, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Sudan. In many cases, these young people are fleeing danger and war, they may have been victims of trafficking or exploitation, or their parent or carer has disappeared.

Foster carers look after children of all ages, whereas supported lodgings is a type of semi-independent accommodation where a young person, aged 16 or over, lives in the home of a host family or individual.

For more information on becoming a foster carer or supported lodgings host, contact HSC NI Foster Care on 0800 0720 137 or visit adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net/young-refugees/

Pictured launching the campaign with Health Minster Robin Swann are Najibullah, now 18 who arrived in Northern Ireland in September 2019, and foster carer Lynsay Lynch.

PCI publishes Hate Christian Aid Week appeal Crime submission Christian Aid Week runs from 15 to 21 The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has welcomed the opportunity to take part in the Department of Justice’s (DoJ) public consultation on proposals for updating hate crime legislation in Northern Ireland.

Publishing its response, the Church has re-emphasised the need for any future legislation to be “handled with wisdom and sensitivity”, recognising the truthclaims of an individual’s faith, and an ability to express these publicly are “a vital part of what it means for a society to genuinely value religious freedom.”

In its 2,000 word submission, the all-Ireland denomination reiterates the point that “freedom to only express ideas that are popular is no freedom at all”.

The submission continues, “It is paramount therefore that efforts in finding a way forward on hate crime do not become a precursor to curtailing legitimate debate or the exploration of differences of opinion in a constructive and positive way.”

May this year, with those facing hardship in Zimbabwe among those to benefit from the annual appeal.

Climate change has brought drought, hunger and hardship to Zimbabwe, something married mother-of-six Jessica Mwedzi knows all too well. “We have gone to bed on an empty stomach many times. My children crave a good meal, but I can’t provide.

It is so painful to see your children in that situation,” she said.

Her family is heavily dependent on growing crops to eat, as well as to sell to earn a living, but drought has meant there has not been a good harvest in recent years. “One year, we had no rain. The scorching sun burnt my crops just as they were about to bloom. It was so painful and disheartening,” said Jessica.

Money raised could help people like Jessica grow drought-resistant crops, set up water taps on their farm, and learn about how to grow food in a harsh climate.

Visit www.caweek.ie or www.caweek.org.uk for further information.

Jessica Mwedzi (36) with her husband Phanuel Rutsito (47) and four of their children.

Jessica’s husband is unwell and she is the sole breadwinner for the family. Photo: David Brazier/Christian Aid

IN BRIEF New principal for Belfast Bible College Rev James Burnett has been appointed principal of Belfast Bible College.

Having read Theology at Oxford University, and Politics, Economics and Philosophy at Queen’s University, Belfast and Cambridge University, Mr Burnett is currently the minister of Lowe Memorial Presbyterian Church, Belfast and comes with considerable experience of Christian service – in leadership, teaching, pastoral ministry and mission activity.

Mr Burnett, who anticipates taking up his new role at the end of May, said, “I am absolutely thrilled and extremely excited to become the new principal.

Belfast Bible College has an excellent track record in theological education and missional impact, typified by an illustrious list of graduates, and I look forward to playing my part in leading an incredibly talented staff and Christian education hub.”

Presbyterian Historical Society Professor Peter Gray, from Queen’s University Belfast, will deliver the Robert Allen Lecture at the next meeting of the Presbyterian Historical Society, on Thursday 5 May. Union Theological College is the venue for the lecture, which will be on ‘William Sharman Crawford and his interaction with Irish Presbyterians’.

First Presbyterian Church, Belfast (Rosemary Street) will host a second event for the Society in May – a talk on ‘Preaching to the poor in Belfast – the diary of Rev A. McIntyre, 1853–56’ given by Dr John Nelson, on Thursday 19.

Both events begin at 8pm.

Herald May 2022

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IN THIS MONTH...

May/August 1980

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

The General Assembly report Concern expressed over cutbacks in spending

Rev Tom Reid, Education Board convener, said cuts in state spending on education have been severe, most recently affecting the provision of free milk in primary schools and the cost of school meals.

“We appreciate that the State purse is not bottomless, but spending on education is the nation’s investment for the future. A business which does not invest is destined for bankruptcy. We urge the government to reexamine its strategy in this matter and also to exercise supervision over the way these cuts are implemented. Money appears to be available for fringe matters while essential building already overdue to replace antiquated schools is further delayed. The consequence is that dedicated teachers are compelled to teach and children to be taught in sub-standard accommodation.”

Turning to the 11+ selection procedure, Mr Reid said, “A defence may be made and has been made of the need for selection. There can be no defence of what has happened this year. Children in adjoining semi-detached houses received the same grade, one was given a grammar school place, the other was not. A large part of the fault must lie with the failure to take account of the increase in population in certain areas of the Province. This is most unfair to the children concerned.

Whatever system is to be used let it be fair and seen to be fair. We have had enough of muddle, error and confusion in this matter.”

Protection for Protestant teachers

Rev T.J. Simpson, Deputy Clerk of the General Assembly, held that the Church was justified in seeking to protect the interests of Protestant teachers. Due to reduced public spending on education, there was a threat of redundancy among teachers and their employment opportunities were contracting.

Speaking on a report from the Church’s Education Board, he said that the Presbyterian Church was…concerned that Presbyterian teachers got a ‘fair crack of the whip’.

He pointed out that a Roman Catholic teacher could apply for a vacancy in both a maintained Roman Catholic school, one receiving a subsidy, and also in a controlled or state school, but that a Protestant teacher could be legally barred from consideration by the management of a maintained school on the basis of religious qualification.

Woodlands Presbyterian Church, Carrickfergus

A large congregation stood to welcome the Moderator, Dr W.M. Craig…when he attended the Easter Sunday evening service… Rev Norman A. Brown, Mrs Craig, Mrs Brown and Dr Craig at Woodlands Presbyterian Church.

Also from May ’80 8

Herald May 2022

Siege at Iranian Embassy in London ends as SAS and police storm the building

World Health Organisation announces smallpox has been eradicated

The Olympics Robert Cobain

We are all being drawn into the current debate on whether we should or should not participate in the forthcoming Olympics in Moscow. …it certainly seems that sportsmen and women are being coerced to boycott the games... I hear no mention of a trade boycott or of a movement of military forces to Afghanistan.

Are spoilsport tactics the strongest weapons we, in the West, can use to stop aggression? President Kennedy sent ships to Cuba when there was a major crisis between Russia and the USA. ‘Popcorn’ tactics won’t persuade Russia to pull out of Afghanistan.

All-Ireland champions

Iveagh Presbytery quiz team were first in the finals held in High Street, Antrim, towards the end of April. Donegal, last year’s winners, were second and Carrickfergus came third.

Back row: John Blakely (Castlewellan Presbyterian) and Roberta Hannah (Newcastle Presbyterian). Front row: Jill Brown (Newmills Presbyterian) and Sandra McDowell (First Rathfriland Presbyterian).

Star Wars Episode V – Empire Strikes Back opens in cinemas

MY STORY...

Suzanne Harrison, from Waringstown Presbyterian, shares her story of working in the area of behaviour support for the Primary School sector.

Support for primary schools

M

y name is Suzanne Harrison and I am married to left none of us, I believe, emotionally unscathed; has left those Neil, mum to Henry (9), Maisie (8) and our new in education running on less than reserves.

15-week-old puppy Edie. I also work full-time as The capacity therefore to provide the nurture and love that is an assistant advisory officer for Primary Behaviour required to support those within school who present in more Support within the Education Authority (all views and challenging ways because of their life experiences, is limited. opinions expressed here are my own and not those of the EA).

This is no one’s fault, but it presents a very challenging situation Up until four years ago when I took on this role, I was a for schools and pupils. Everyone is ready for a break, but it teacher within EOTAS settings across primary and postis hard to get a proper restorative period in a world so full of primary. Both roles focus on children uncertainty and where the ability to ‘switch with social, behavioural and emotional off ’ has become much more difficult. For My heart for nurturing wellbeing challenges, an area which has me this is a massive challenge. I spend those who have had a taken on even more significance with the time encouraging staff to take care of pandemic. In my role, I not only support more challenging start to themselves in order to be able to take children within schools but also the staff care of the children in their care, but they their lives is…central to feel unable to take that time due to the supporting them, this has also changed significantly since Covid-19. overwhelming sense of responsibility to my Christian faith…

My decision to enter education followed nurture their schoolchildren, get them up a year that I spent volunteering as part of to speed academically and then go home at a PCI programme that found me in an adult male offenders’ night to care for their own loved ones. hostel. I realised that one of the things that had broken down Despite this seemingly bleak description, it brings me such for most of the men, that if maintained could have had a encouragement also. How you may ask? Well, what is more significant role in changing their life path, was education.

Christ-like than the desire, when even on your knees, to keep Something had to change within the mainstream to make turning up for those who are in need, who rely upon you and it more flexible to allow those who do not fit the academic look up to you? Wow! The staff in education right now are stereotype to achieve their full potential within a broader hanging in there and doing their very best; many without picture of what is considered academic. It was then when I even realising it, are Christ’s hands and feet for many families actually understood the expression: ‘there but for the grace of and children. What better example of the gospel and what an God go I’ and the Bible verse Matthew 19:14 became really opportunity for us as churches to link in with schools to provide prominent for me: “Suffer little children to come onto me, for some extra support in meeting basic needs: breakfast clubs, theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” after-school homework clubs, resources, reading support… the My heart for nurturing those who have had a more list goes on. Think creatively what you can offer. challenging start to their lives and doing what I can to help I would really encourage you to pray for those working in them achieve their full potential is, I feel, central to my education right now, not just those in schools but also those in Christian faith and a simple basic expression of Christ’s love. I services who are supporting school staff and children. We are also want to do whatever I can to support those around those all doing the very best we can, and we need God’s strength and children and young people, to equip them to be as effective as his passion for our children to keep burning in our hearts. Pray possible within their roles. All of this has become much more with purpose also about how your congregation can support challenging throughout Covid-19. School staff were already your local school practically as well as prayerfully. Finally, thank feeling over-stretched and overwhelmed before the pandemic you for your prayers and I thank God for the privilege it is to be and that, coupled with the effects of a period of history that has able to work with his children, big and small.

Herald May 2022

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NEWS | PCI

Find out more on www.presbyterianireland.org

News Moderator visiting Portugal

Personnel

The Moderator, Dr David Bruce, and his wife Zoë are visiting Portugal from 29 April to 2 May. They will visit Comunidade Pedras Vivas (Community of Living Stones) church plant in Senhora da Hora in Porto, where PCI global mission workers James and Heather Cochrane, and Chris and Rachel Humphries serve.

They will also visit Lisbon to meet with Rev Paulo Jorge, President of the Christian Presbyterian Church of Portugal, PCI’s partner in Portugal.

Peter and Valerie Lockwood completed their service as PCI global mission workers at the end of April, having served with the United Mission to Nepal (UMN) since 2012. Peter worked as programme adviser, was a valued member of the UMN leadership team and played a significant role in UMN’s engineering reconstruction projects in Dhading District following the devastation caused by the 2015 earthquake in Ghorka.

Valerie assisted in UMN’s human resources department and was also involved in a variety of ministries outside UMN. Diane Cusick is due to return to Ireland in early May on home assignment and will be available for deputation from mid-May to the end of June.

Diane plans to return to her work in Early Childhood Development with the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Synod of Zambia in the summer.

Zambian ministers’ spiritual retreat The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Synod of Zambia held a spiritual retreat for all its ministers at the end of April.

Rev Stephen McCracken, minister of First Ballymoney, was the main speaker at the retreat and PCI global mission worker Diane Cusick shared in the organisation of this special event.

Resources PCI’s new global disciple – ‘Blaze’ ‘Blaze’ the bee – the new PCI global disciple – has hopefully now landed with you in your congregation, ready for use in your children’s ministry.

This is a new way of helping children and families in congregations right across PCI explore how God is at work in the world and what it means for them to be a global disciple, doing what they can to play their part in God’s global mission.

Blaze is an important part of how PCI wants to encourage a lively and growing interest in being involved in global mission from the youngest to the oldest member. We would love you to help us capture the breadth of that emphasis visually. We encourage you, when Blaze lands with you, to take a photograph of Blaze with children or families in your congregation and send these Blaze photos to: clw@presbyterianireland.org For ideas on how to introduce Blaze in your children’s ministry and to find out more go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/blaze

New video resource available to order ‘Living Stones – building God’s church back up again’ is a pre-recorded video resource that will give you the opportunity to host a gathering for children and families without the stress of having to plan all the content.

The resource will be based on the story of Nehemiah and will help the children to see how they can play a part in God’s plan of building his church.

This free video resource will include singalong songs, spoken content and ideas for activities that can be done together. It will also include a leader’s pack which will highlight how the programme works.

All you need to do is invite your children and families, provide space in the church, gather the resources you need for the numbers attending and press play. Then you can sit back and enjoy with those who attend.

To request your free copy, go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/livingstones

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Herald May 2022

Book a global mission worker to speak Several global mission workers are due to be in Ireland on deputation this autumn. Whilst Sunday mornings are almost fully booked, why not invite a global mission worker along to a midweek/prayer meeting, or arrange a Saturday breakfast gathering to hear about the work they are involved in?

Contact Beverley in the Mission Department on mission@presbyterianireland.org to enquire about availability.

Award success for Michelle Michelle Murray, home manager in Harold McCauley House in Omagh, is a recipient of the RCN NI Canavan Award.

Sponsored by Pat Canavan, the award is in memory of his brother Noel and sister Bridget, both of whom died with coronavirus within weeks of each other in February 2021.

Michelle intends to use the bursary of £1,000 to undertake a Best Practice in Dementia Care Learning Programme at the University of Stirling.

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

DIARY DATES May A time to plant

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk – Saturday 7

Presbyterian Women’s annual conference Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Saturday 7

June General Assembly

Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25

August Impact

Belfast – Thursday 18 to Sunday 21

Beyond the stereotype Dr Peter Hamill reports on a new research report on educational underachievement in the Controlled sector in Northern Ireland.

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round 50 representatives from churches, schools and a abilities, and pupils’ mental and physical health, self-confidence, range of other key organisations involved in education happiness and willingness to learn. recently gathered at Seagoe Parish Centre, Portadown, Responding on behalf of the Department of Education, Linsey for a lively discussion about how to help children and Farrell, its Deputy Secretary for Education Policy and Children’s young people to reach their full potential.

Services, praised the passion, dedication and commitment to The workshop was hosted by the Transferor Representatives’ children shown by school leaders, which she had seen first-hand Council – representing the Church of Ireland, Presbyterian in visits to schools in recent months: “That’s what all of this Church and Methodist Church in their role in education is about and for us in the wider education family and across in Northern Ireland – and focused on a new research report the system, it’s our job to support that in whatever way we can from Stranmillis University College, ‘Beyond the Stereotype: and to understand the nuances that sit beneath the issues that Approaches to educational under present themselves to us.” …the role of churches in Following discussions in groups, a (achievement) in the Controlled sector in Northern Ireland’. education is to work with panel chaired by Rosemary Rainey OBE Dr Noel Purdy gave an overview of (chair of TRC) including Dr Purdy, Mark others to meet shared the research, which was commissioned Baker, chief executive of the Controlled and funded by the TRC and carried out Schools’ Support Council, Cindy Poots, needs. by the College’s Centre for Research in principal of Seagoe Primary School, and Educational Underachievement. Key findings included: Robin McLaughlin OBE, principal of Banbridge Academy, • educational underachievement is, unlike the stereotype answered questions and shared their perspectives on the issues which has often been presented, not restricted to Protestant raised by the research. The audience included delegates from the working-class boys from disadvantaged inner-city Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, the Catholic Trustees’ communities; Support Service and the Governing Bodies Association, and • a disparity between the objectives of the Northern Ireland the workshop was closed with a reflection by the Archbishop of curriculum and the narrow test-focused experiences of Armagh, the Most Rev John McDowell. children and young people; Dr Purdy said: “We’ve certainly identified lots of challenges • recognising the limits to sharing between schools who, – there are big challenges facing controlled schools and indeed within and beyond the Controlled sector, are effectively in every school in Northern Ireland – but what we did see was a competition with each other for pupil places; diverse, committed, community-orientated and innovative sector • an urgent need for reform within the education system which is committed to maximising achievement for all children. in relation to leadership training and providing funded, In other words, allowing all the children in schools to stand tall standardised tests; and and achieve to their full potential.”

• a challenge to church leaders to engage with their local Miss Rainey referred to previous home school liaison schemes, schools in a meaningful, tangible and unconditional way. different curriculum models, and skills-based experiences which The study aims to go ‘beyond the stereotype’ of the wellnurtured pupils’ holistic development, noting that “we can learn documented challenge of underachievement described from the past, we can reinvent the wheel.” above, and to ‘cast the net wider’ to provide a broader and Archbishop McDowell, who also chairs the Church of more representative picture. Particular challenges in rural Ireland’s Board of Education (Northern Ireland), noted that in communities, which have not been reported extensively to date a pluralist society the role of churches in education is to work in previous studies, are identified with some with others to meet shared needs. “That’s one school leaders speaking of the difficulty in of the things we have learned over Covid,” he motivating boys to work hard towards GCSEs. commented. “Where we go into a situation Significantly, the report also finds that while to meet the shared needs of the community pupils view educational achievement as largely then we are looked upon as people who have a related to success in external exams (such contribution to make.” as GCSEs and A-levels), many school and community leaders (including employers) place Dr Peter Hamill is the secretary of the Transferor greater value on a wider range of skills and Representatives’ Council

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IN FOCUS | General Assembly 2022

All change for General Assembly 2022

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n last month’s Herald, Rev Trevor Gribben, Clerk of the General Assembly, reflected, “As a more familiar rhythm to our church life returns, I give thanks that our Presbyterian family can come together again in full General Assembly this June, to worship, pray, and take decisions, just as we have done for generations.”

As you read this at the start of May, the ‘i’s and the ‘t’s are being dotted and crossed in the famous Blue Book, which will contain the reports and resolutions that members of Assembly will debate and discuss. Invites to our civic guests are going out and flights are being booked for our overseas delegates, to bring them to Belfast safely.

While there is a familiar rhythm returning to church life, and life in general, there will be some significant changes to this year’s General Assembly.

The 2021 Assembly agreed that the Assembly would move to a slightly later start in June, having the Opening Night on a Wednesday, with business conducted on two evenings, and running into the Saturday afternoon. This means that in 2022, General Assembly will therefore take place from Wednesday 22 June and close on the afternoon of Saturday 25 June.

Opening Night Opening at 7pm that Wednesday, Presbyterians from across Ireland, visiting delegates from home and overseas, invited civic guests, and members of the public, will have an opportunity to hear the Moderator, Dr David Bruce, reflect on the second half of his historic two-year term and give his address. Then, having been formally elected by the General Assembly, the new Moderator for 2022/2023, Rev John Kirkpatrick of Portrush Presbyterian Church, will take

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the chair and give his opening address.

Those who are not members of the Assembly are welcome to attend in the public gallery for the main business sessions, which start at 10am on Thursday and Friday, and 11am on Saturday.

Apart from business, the 2022 Assembly will also have two more informal presentations, the now regular ‘Listening to the Global Church’, as well as a special presentation led by the Council for Congregational Life and Witness. Full details of business coming before this year’s Assembly can be found at www.presbyterianireland.org later this month. Details will also be included in next month’s edition of the Herald.

…there will be some significant changes to this year’s General Assembly.

Worship is central Worship is also a key part of all General Assemblies, indeed the key part. This will include the Opening Night, a worship session on Thursday at 12.15pm and the Assembly Communion service at 11.45am on Friday.

The Assembly’s traditional Evening Celebration (which used to take place on a Wednesday night) will take place this year on Thursday at 7.45pm. Led

by PCI’s new Moderator, Rev John Kirkpatrick, the speaker will be the Evangelical Alliance’s UK director, Peter Lynas. A former barrister and Northern Ireland director for the Evangelical Alliance, Peter is no stranger to our airwaves, as he is frequently asked to comment on religious and social issues of our time. Your attendance is greatly encouraged for these special times of praise, worship and teaching.

Proceedings of the Assembly will be livestreamed via PCI’s website www.presbyterianireland.org and also can be followed on Twitter @pciassembly using the hashtag #pciga22.

#pciga22 Summary Opening Meeting Wednesday 22 June at 7pm Outgoing remarks – Dr David Bruce Installation of Moderator – Rev John Kirkpatrick All are welcome – no tickets required

Worship THURSDAY 12.15pm – in the Assembly Hall FRIDAY 11.45am – Communion service

Thursday Evening Celebration 7.45pm – Assembly Hall Speaker: Peter Lynas All welcome – no tickets required

Assembly details Wed 22 – Sat 25 June Assembly Buildings, Belfast No tickets required Further information: www.presbyterianireland.org/ generalassembly2022 Email: info@presbyterianireland.org Call: +44 (0)28 9032 2284

PERSONAL VIEW

Life lessons Ruth Dalzell

E3 schools worker for north Belfast and Newtownabbey My dad is a Presbyterian minister and until I was four, we were in Drumgooland Presbyterian and Kilkinamurray Presbyterian. We then moved to Bangor where dad was the associate minister in Hamilton Road and then First Bangor. I am married to Robert and we have a daughter Jemimah who is two. We belong to Second Presbyterian Church, Comber where Robert is the youth and family worker.

Before I worked for Scripture Union, I was a post-primary Biology teacher for nearly 10 years. Scripture Union was a big part of my faith journey – I went to SU groups in primary and post-primary school, I was on SU committee in Regent House and I was invited as a sixth former to be a junior leader at a SU residential week in the Lake District.

As a teacher, I was involved in SU groups where I taught and became involved in SUNI schools events. While on maternity leave, I applied for my current role because my husband, Robert, grew up in north Belfast and his family still live there.

My role involves three Es: engaging (presenting God’s good news through assemblies, RE lessons and SU groups), equipping (supporting Christian pupils and teachers to be salt and light in their schools) and empowering (encouraging churches to get involved in schools’ ministry). There are 10 E3 workers across NI – for more information, visit www.suni.co.uk Within schools, principals and senior leaders have the authority to decide which outside agencies can interact with their pupils. We are blessed in Northern Ireland that there are many Christian staff within schools which helps us as we approach schools. However, not all senior staff are willing to have Christian organisations come into their schools. Also, school staff can move to different schools and so a ‘warm’ contact can be lost. But in many schools SUNI is trusted to deliver assemblies and RE lessons and to help with SU groups.

We are very humbled to know that schools have appreciated the resources we have produced, especially online assemblies and RE lessons during the pandemic.

I present The Journey on Sunshine 1049 each weekday from 4–7pm. Sunshine is a Christian community radio station which plays a mixture of Christian music and mainstream songs with a positive message.

You can listen to Sunshine via FM in Belfast and online across NI (and beyond!). I got involved right at the beginning, over three years ago. I love being able to share my faith with those listening and have some fun at the same time.

One of my greatest achievements is my Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. I am not the outdoors type and have never been very sporty or athletic, so the thought of walking for 50 miles over four days and camping for three nights was not very appealing. However, I was so proud of myself that I was able to complete the Gold expedition and the other parts of the award. The trip to London definitely made up for the blisters and sore legs!

As we were growing up, people were constantly in and out of our home. Both my mum and dad have the gift of hospitality and I have such fond memories of our home being filled with conversations, laughter, music and plenty of yummy suppers for visitors. My husband and I have tried our best to be as welcoming and hospitable to those around us, but it was difficult during Covid restrictions. It’s something we are still working on.

One of the songs that I love singing and playing at the moment is Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me by CityAlight. The words are full of truth and therefore are so powerful to sing. My favourite lines are: “The night is dark but I am not forsaken/ For by my side, the Saviour he will stay/ I labour on in weakness and rejoicing/ For in my need, his power is displayed.” The last two years have been tough and exhausting. However, the Bible assures us that we have not been forgotten and it is in our weakest moments, that God gives us his strength.

A saying that has stuck with me is: “The days are long but the years are short”. This advice was given to me when Jemimah was born and it is so true! As I get older, time seems to be flying by. This saying has helped me try to make the most of each day.

The hardest lesson that I have had to learn (and I’m still learning) is that God is in control and his timing is perfect.

Sometimes, I like to think that I know better, yet there are so many times in my life when I look back and realise that God has been putting his plan in motion and setting everything in place long before I had even thought about it.

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CONGREGATIONAL STORY

Photography by David Cavan

A class act

Suzanne Hamilton looks at how partnership between church and school is reaping benefits in Ballykeel.

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Presbyterian church and primary school in a housing estate in the County Antrim town of Ballymena are teaching how strong connections can benefit the community.

Ballykeel Primary School and Ballykeel Presbyterian Church, with its manse onsite, are closely situated, with only a road dividing them. This physical proximity is matched by the close working relationship between both leadership teams.

Dr Martin McNeely’s official title may be vice chairman of the school’s board of governors, but his role extends much further than that, with the Ballykeel minister providing support and a sounding board for principal Sandra Sheeran, as well as pastoral care for staff, children and their families.

He attributes the success of the partnership to the many years of dedicated service given by himself, the church and Sandra to the school, and says, “Working class communities thrive when people make long-term commitments.”

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The Presbyterian church’s commitment is certainly for the long haul. Martin’s predecessor, Rev Brian Savage, played a pivotal and significant role in the life of the school for three decades. Testament to his contribution is the modern school building he lobbied so hard for.

“When he left in 2006, I was close to being devastated because he was just such a mentor,” says Sandra, explaining that he guided her when she took on the role of vice principal in 1998, then acting principal and finally as principal in 2001.

The connection between the two Ballykeels continued though. There have successively been two members of the church on the board of governors, and when Martin arrived in 2007, he was appointed as vice chairman and member

Working class communities thrive when people make long-term commitments.

of the Curriculum and Standards subcommittee. Through this, Martin has a good knowledge of how the school is led and managed, as well as being familiar with the action plans, school development plan and initiatives within the school to raise standards.

He has also observed lessons, and has a clear understanding of the scrutiny teachers are under as they produce statistics to measure their performance. Again, Martin says longterm commitment is key to developing such understanding. “To be a really good school governor you need to be serving for more than one term. One term is three years, but it doesn’t give you enough time to get into the cycle of how a school functions. Schools function for generations rather than just a three-year cycle,” he explains.

This knowledge over such a long period of time is invaluable, with Sandra saying she has learnt a lot from both Brian and Martin over the years. “They’re a fantastic support and great mentors,” says Sandra,

Dr Martin McNeely chats to a pupil

adding, “They’re out there in the heart of the community, and they know the families as well. It’s always good to have an insight into what the issues are out there in the depth of the community.”

Education has faced disruption over recent years due to the Covid pandemic, leading to additional stresses on school leaders as they have had to adapt to changing circumstances and restrictions.

Ballykeel Primary teaches pupils to be resilient, to deal with whatever life throws at them. Sandra adopted the same approach to these additional pressures.

“That’s the skill I’ve had to learn – don’t show your stress or panic at any time, just keep a level head and go home and tell your husband, or Martin,” she jokes.

Martin has obviously been a great source of support, and he is keen to stress that Sandra knows she can trust him and that she has the backing of the governors.

“Discretion and confidentiality are really important. There’s many a conversation we’ve had for an hour and a half after the school assembly where she’s really had to work through and process challenging circumstances and career-defining decisions in many ways,” he says.

At times of tragedy and hardship, the school and church have worked together to support staff, pupils and the wider community. When one P5 child sadly lost his battle with heart disease, Martin prayed with the staff. “It was such a privilege for me, as a minister, to be in the school under those circumstances,” he says. Sandra remembers the support Martin gave her in navigating such a difficult time.

The funeral was held in Ballykeel Presbyterian, with the school playing

Molly McVicar

To be a really good school governor you need to be serving for more than one term. a role in the service, and also in the provision of catering afterwards. “It was a really great example of partnership,” he says.

Martin and Sandra also liaise closely in distributing additional support to struggling families, as Sandra explains: “There’s a local business that is very generous and will give Martin vouchers to distribute within the community to needy families, particularly at Christmas time. And Martin will sometimes have the conversation with myself of ‘Is there anybody struggling?’”

Martin adds, “So, between my awareness of families in the estate, the good working relationship with the school and also my involvement in other charitable trusts in the town and the Presbyterian Children’s Society, we have given away, in support, tens of thousands of pounds over the years.”

For one family, this meant the children had presents at Christmas, and it was also the difference between having Christmas dinner or not.

This partnership extends to other forms of practical support as well. Martin is a keyholder, often being called on if the alarm goes off after hours. He has also helped develop links with St Brigid’s Primary – the Ballymena school Ballykeel is twinned with as part of a shared education scheme.

“Our board of governors have met their

board of governors, and Martin was key in that. Also, as part of a primary five theme they were doing, Martin welcomed the children into the church to show them what a Presbyterian church is like and equally our children went to see what the chapel was like. Martin facilitated that, which was really terrific,” says Sandra.

The relationship between the school and church is not just at a policy and leadership level, though. Connections permeate throughout. Martin’s two children attended the school when they were younger. “Also, my wife works here, and we’ve had quite a number of members of our congregation over the years working here too,” he explains.

Members of Ballykeel congregation, the church youth worker and Martin have previously led school assemblies – something which they hope to resume again in September.

The school choir sings at church events, and fairs being hosted by Ballykeel Primary are advertised in the church.

Members of the church also attend the school’s generation celebration for elderly people in the community every year.

The school uses Ballykeel Presbyterian’s facilities when they need more space, such as at Christmas. This sees the church packed out as parents – many of whom have never been in a church before – attend to see their children. Many of the children attending Ballykeel Presbyterian’s youth ministries such as Good News club, holiday Bible club and Sunday school are from the primary school too.

In a new development, a paired reading scheme is about to start, where members

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Callum Morrow

of the church will go into the school on Mondays, to help children needing a little extra support, particularly in the aftermath of lost schooling due to Covid restrictions.

“The children that we would choose for withdrawal for this type of paired reading would be those children who we feel maybe go home and don’t get their reading heard, so we’re doing it for that hour before they go home. It’s somebody to hear their reading and ask questions,” Sandra explains.

“It’s not about ever making the parents feel that they didn’t do their best over lockdown. We are very conscious of that, it’s just about realising the difficulties that parents are under and were under for that period,” she adds.

Sandra says the school works hard to build the children’s self-esteem and worth. Those who want to go to grammar school are supported, but there is also the message that those who go down the high school route can do equally as well.

“I love the fact that this primary school caters for that broad scope of children and their different gifts and abilities,” says Martin.

Sandra adds, “Because you’re not academic that doesn’t mean to say you can’t have a role in society. It’s trying to break that cycle for the number of families who feel the benefits system works for them, not realising the impact on their mental health when you choose that path… It’s giving aspirations that you don’t have to be the smartest in the class to go on to have a career or contribute to society.”

Martin says Ballykeel is not any different from any other housing estate in

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Principal, Sandra Sheeran

…church is a really positive influence. the challenges faced by the community, but the school has gone above and beyond in terms of providing after-hours activities to support the children and build self-esteem.

Sandra says the children need different influences, and that the “church is a really positive influence”.

Martin is saddened by any attempts to decouple the historic link between church and school in society as there are so many benefits to such relationships.

“No parents would ever say we’re indoctrinating. We’re simply living out the values of the gospel in how we treat boys and girls in this school, and in the community. Certainly, I preach clear

gospel on Sunday morning, but Monday to Saturday, or Monday to Friday here, it’s about living out that example of faith and treating people with respect and love.

People thrive on it.”

He recognises that many other churches are in close proximity to schools, and undertake similar outreach initiatives, but what makes Ballykeel so successful is the long-term commitment made. “If the partnership we enjoy is replicated in communities across Northern Ireland, then it’s going to be a very rich experience,” he adds.

AS I SEE IT...

More focus needed on special schools Graham Hawthorne

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he Special School sector in Northern Ireland has our special schools. This poses a question to the wider Church experienced notable change over recent years. In family – what are we as a denomination doing to support and Northern Ireland there are 40 special schools serving enrich our special schools in Northern Ireland? We cannot more than 6,400 pupils – a rise of 26% over the fully support this sector without participating in consultations, previous five years. These schools are under huge pressure having input into wider educational discussions, or having given this increase, with accommodation issues and staffing representation on boards of governors. challenges. However, these schools continue to provide a vital We can each ask the following questions of ourselves, service to the most vulnerable members of our community. our congregations, and indeed the wider PCI family: Are The recent ‘PCI Talks Education’ event highlighted the lack we satisfied that we support our special schools in the way of representation of special schools in the wider discussion we do our mainstream schools? Do we, as a wider Church on education within our denomination. There are Christian family, provide our congregations with the training required teachers serving in many of these schools, indeed many of to work with people with additional needs, both in our own them will be from our own denomination. However, there congregations and in the communities surrounding us? Do is no formal link between Presbyterian we have a genuine interest in supporting …what are we as a congregations and the Special School people within our congregations and the sector. Moreover, very often the nearest including our special schools? denomination doing to community, special school will be situated in a nearby In Matthew 25:40 we read: “Truly I tell town as they have a wide catchment area. support and enrich our you, whatever you did for one of the least For these reasons, yet unintentionally, the of these brothers and sisters of mine, you special schools… special school can remain forgotten by our did for me.” This brings the thought – if congregations. we heard that royalty was coming to visit Working with children and young people with special our congregation, we would put our best people into action and educational needs in our special schools is one of the most ready ourselves for the visit. Similarly, if Jesus came to visit, we challenging yet rewarding sectors within our education system. would give our absolute best in our service in preparation for The pupils served by these schools have a vast range of needs, him. Therefore, our response as individuals, congregations and including learning difficulties, physical, medical, emotional, and as a denomination should include an attitude of doing whatever behavioural needs. Our special schools provide a safe and secure it takes to reach and have appropriate input into, as well as a environment wherein pupils can fully meet their individual heart of service for our Special School sector and the pupils potential, whilst also receiving the skills for life now and in within it. the future. The skills set of staff in a special school have many Many of our congregations have begun a journey towards similarities to those in our mainstream schools. However, staff welcoming people with additional needs and their families. receive an additional level of specialist training, throughout However, this is only the beginning of the conversation. We, their career, which allows them to tailor an individual approach as a denomination need to move this beyond the confines of to education that will meet the individual needs of each pupil. our buildings and use the talents and abilities of our people The way in which our special schools work with pupils has to provide support to those in our society who often remain continually evolved as a greater understanding of conditions voiceless. The response of the body of Christ to the Word in has come through research and study. This has shown in many Matthew 25:40 should be “Lord, give us your heart”. new initiatives and approaches in recent years. Consequently, the sector has radically changed from what it was in previous Graham Hawthorne is an elder in Woodlands Presbyterian decades.

Church, Carrickfergus. He has been a permanent member of staff at The Presbyterian Church has maintained a voice into the Roddensvale School, a special school in Larne, since 2006. He is also governance of our Controlled Schools sector through the a dad to three beautiful girls and foster dad to a child with complex Transferor Representative Council. This has provided the learning, medical and emotional needs. opportunity to support and shape this sector through many years of change in our education system. However, the same cannot be said about representation on boards of governors in

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What now

for young adults?

Rick Hill reflects on a recent PCI conference for young people.

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t a stage of life where world views are shaped, career paths are started and foundational decisions are made, there is a huge opportunity to influence and disciple those emerging into adulthood.

Young adults have so much to offer the church in terms of energy, life, gifting, perspective and leadership. They may well be the leaders of tomorrow, but they are also the church of today.

Yet, this is a challenging age and stage of life. The first decade of adulthood contains some of life’s most significant transitions. Leaving the bubble of teenage years behind means young adults are confronted with making real decisions, each packed with moments that have the potential to cause faith to fly or falter. In these transitions, it is easy for many to lose confidence in their faith, making them the most likely to leave church and not return.

This was already true before the Covid-19 pandemic, but the disconnect between generations has been felt even more deeply in many congregations in recent months. The impact of isolation from friends, the loss of core activities in both life and faith, as well as a disorientation with their church community have all been keenly felt by many. It is right to acknowledge a missing generation.

Key themes are emerging for this generation. The question of identity. The need for discipleship. The importance of church engagement. The quest for real friendship and deep connection.

Beyond the stereotype or big picture of Generation Z are many 18 to twentysomethings who are searching to find their identity and yearning for a greater sense of belonging. How are we to walk

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Young adults have so much to offer the church in terms of energy, life, gifting, perspective and leadership. alongside these young adults, to draw in and disciple, as well as empower and equip them for whole-life Christian living?

All of these issues were explored and unpacked in a room filled with young adults from across the PCI at an event called ‘Now?’ on Friday 4 March. This evening event had a mix of worship, Bible teaching and discussion groups, with around 50 young adults from a wide variety of congregations coming together.

There was a tangible sense of engagement with both the content from the front and one another around the tables. It felt like many were just thankful to have an event like this again, as well as the opportunity to eat pizza!

But rather than hear about it from me, we asked two young adults who were there on the night to tell us more about their experience of the event and particularly some of their takeaways from the teaching.

Ellen Hall, Kilbride A few of us from my congregation attended the PCI young adult event, which included three talks on discovering more about God’s purposes in this stage of our lives. It was great to be back at an event – it’s been so long!

There were snacks on arrival, followed by pizza afterwards, both of which were great opportunities to chat to other people from different churches. It was so refreshing to catch up with others who I’d not seen in a while and chat to a few new people. For me, one specific highlight was the worship – you just can’t beat a room full of people singing to God and it felt wonderful to be able to do that alongside others with live music again.

Zara Miskimmin, from Made for More, spoke on ‘Me Now’, and touched on how we have replaced physically reading the Bible for ourselves, whether through listening to podcasts, only hearing the Word of God through our minister or reading a brief verse of the day and counting that as enough time with God. This push in society for being as quick as possible and wanting results fast is replacing our intimacy with God with quick fixes, just enough to tide us over until the next brief encounter we have with him. We need to be countercultural when it comes to the fast-paced life and instead personally take our quiet time as something to be done slowly and intentionally. Getting back to diving into the actual Bible is a good place to start!

Jonny Campbell focused on ‘Church Now’ and shared a story of an elderly man from his church who selflessly

Photos: Chris Pollock

How are we to walk alongside these young adults…as well as empower and equip them for whole-life Christian living? helped him with his house renovations simply out of the kindness of his heart.

This man was in his 80s, yet he went out of his way to help someone else.

There was no glory in helping his fellow church member, no photos, tweets or posts about it; he simply did it for the glory of God and to honour someone else. My main takeaway from this talk was that a self-absorbed life makes you miserable and that actually serving people brings a surprising level of joy.

Do things for the glory of God, not for the glory of you!

Chris McBurney led the final talk, ‘Others Now’, and looked at how we are too busy for others, and that we don’t make enough time for friendships. He looked at how digital communication is sought over deep connection and how we have more shallow relationships in person due to being disengaged by the digital platforms we use too often to communicate through. However, Jesus managed to make time for others. He is our perfect model for how we should view relationships and how we should make time for everyone.

Overall, it was a great evening with great discussions after each talk and I know we all found it very beneficial in helping us navigate life now as young adults.

Owen Webb, Orangefield After everything Covid-related in the past couple of years, the ‘Now?’ event provided a great experience to be able to properly meet with other young adults to catch up and get to know some new people.

We had some beezer teaching with Zara Miskimmin, as we looked at ‘Me Now’ – focusing on Elijah and reflecting on how we need to learn to trust in God in our current situations. We also looked at how we need to focus on trying to seek a true and intimate relationship with God, and not settling for easiness in our relationship with him.

Then, Jonny Campbell led us in some reflections on the ‘Church Now’, looking at examples from our church, Orangefield Presbyterian, of people who have been led by God into serving the church in areas that they have a real passion for. The challenge for us was to see the beauty in the church and think of areas that we could enhance, fuel and pray for, as well as things that we could start or plant.

Finally, Chris McBurney looked at ‘Others Now’, how we can serve and bless others in a culture that has become so lonely despite being so digitally connected. He also challenged us to do life alongside people, building true and deep friendships with people and then bringing the gospel to them.

Overall, I had a great experience at the event – it was a really enjoyable evening, and I would encourage any young adult in PCI to get plugged into future young adult and youth events!

Rick Hill is PCI’s Discipleship and Leadership Development Officer.

PCI young adult resources Podcast 055 A recent podcast entitled ‘Let’s talk about young adults’ is available to listen to, under the resources section of the PCI website (www.presbyterianireland.org). This conversation flowed out of the ‘Now?’ event. Two of the speakers, Zara Miskimmin (Made for More) and Chris McBurney (Christian Unions Ireland) shared with Rick Hill some of what they spoke about. This would be a great episode to share with young adults who weren’t able to attend the event.

Passing the Baton ‘Passing the Baton’ is a resource aimed at helping kirk sessions/young adults’ ministry leaders within congregations evaluate their current practices of young adults’ ministry.

With many young adults likely to leave church and not return, this is a useful resource to help churches assess their vision and provision.

For more information or to download the resource, go to: wwww.presbyterianireland.org/ youngadults Impact Impact is a four-day mix of worship, learning and serving God in Belfast.

It is for young people aged 16+ and takes place in Belfast from 18–21 August. Please contact clw@presbyterianireland.org for further information.

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A time to talk… & a time to act Andy Brown reports on the ‘PCI Talks Education’ conference.

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n a windswept Saturday morning at the end of January, 120 delegates and guests braved the weather and the opening up of Covid restrictions to attend ‘PCI Talks Education: A vision for the future in Northern Ireland’. The conference was attended by Presbyterians with an interest and experience in education, ranging from those beginning their teaching career to those who have retired; from teachers to principals to governors to those working in strategic, administrative and policy shaping roles within education. Also present were PCI ministers, along with partners and stakeholders from the teaching colleges, unions, sectoral support bodies and the world of politics.

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It is right for Presbyterians to consider our role in education, thinking about what we do, why we do it and how we do it – and perhaps how we do it better. This desire to constantly re-evaluate, along with the current Independent Review of Education, makes now a perfect time to do this. We as a Church need to reaffirm our place within the educational system – supporting and participating in education has been part of the DNA of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

…what schools need is tangible and unconditional support from churches.

for over a century. Our Church’s history in education is undeniable and enviable, having formed schools in our quest for social justice and a desire to make education accessible. Then as now, it is also our desire for children and young people to flourish, reaching their full potential in a nurturing and holistic way.

The conference was opened by the Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen MLA. Commending the role of PCI and the impact our work has on the world of education, she reminded attendees that, “The education of our children and young people goes far beyond the Department of Education, or even schools and colleges. It requires the dedication of teachers, governors, parents and many more. The support of local churches, such

as yours, is also key in placing schools at the heart of their communities.”

The keynote address was delivered via a pre-recorded video by Dr Irvin Scott, director of the Leadership Institute for Faith in Education at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. Dr Scott spoke of how, in a context very different from ours, the potential for tapping into the skills, resources and willingness of faith communities was having a tremendous effect on the lives of schools and communities in the United States.

Reminding delegates that, in every community, there are the two constants of the local school and the local church, he cited how real partnership makes a real difference. Outlining his research, those attending were very much taken by his three-tiered model of engagement, in which churches target the specific and immediate needs of individual schools; form lasting, practical and supportive partnerships with schools; and work at the macro level to reduce systemic inequities. He told delegates that the key to success in reducing inequity, supporting need and raising standards is the formation of partnerships and the idea of giving freely, expecting nothing in return.

This theme became an important focus and outcome of the day, and in a panel discussion with Dr Barbara McDade (Stranmillis University College), Rev Robert Herron (Education

…it is an under-funded, under-resourced, resultsdriven system beset by duplication and competition.

Authority board member), Mark Beattie (primary school principal) and Leanne Dunlop (Scripture Union Northern Ireland) there was a clear consensus that what schools need is tangible and unconditional support from churches, beginning with real relationships through which specific needs are ascertained and responded to in appropriate ways.

Reflections and responses In group discussion with the delegates, responses were wide-ranging, yet affirmed the importance of our work and the investment made over generations to individual schools and the system as a whole. The pursuit of social justice was paramount in what we do, as was the desire for children and young people to achieve their full potential. Delegates believed that our system has many positives in that it is open to all; facilitates parental choice; is closely linked to the local community; and supported by skilled, committed and dedicated educationalists, voluntary governors, parents and local churches. There was a clear acknowledgement, however, that it is an under-funded, underresourced, results-driven system

beset by duplication and competition, in which a disproportionate focus on academic achievement has led to continued educational underachievement in areas of socio-economic disadvantage.

There was a sense that our work could benefit from more time and training given to ministers and governors, with education having a higher profile at presbytery and congregational levels.

The relentless pressure on school leaders was a recurring theme, with clear calls for local churches to be a support in this area, through sustained partnership and the building of tangible relationships.

Whilst schools greatly appreciate our work at the strategic level, whether at the top of the system or on an individual board of governors, and our input with assemblies and RE, there are huge practical needs in schools which can only be dealt with by rolling up our sleeves.

Delegates agreed that our values are intrinsic to a wholesome education system, but that these same values can be claimed by others. Where we differ is in the consistency and nonconfrontational way in which we live these out, but there was a need to ensure that we articulate these clearly to a secular society in a language that it understands. Acknowledging the changing face and attitudes of that society, along with its increasing diversity, there was an understanding that how we deliver our messages has to be done in a contemporary, relevant manner which is cognisant, respectful and reflective of the different life experiences of children and young people.

There was much debate over the purpose of education in Northern Ireland and what is valued within our system.

Real concerns were expressed over the pathways that children have to take and how this affects their sense of worth and esteem along with the future direction of their lives. There was a clear call for flexible assessment, which recognises the range of abilities and skills, and which celebrates these. The current, high-stakes

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system appears blunt and flawed and, whilst it suits some, it certainly does not suit all, leading to inequities and disparities which are hard to justify.

Delegates concluded their discussions with a clarion call for a system which is more equal, meeting the needs of all abilities, aptitudes, social classes and backgrounds, and more equitable, recognising, funding and resourcing fitfor-purpose schools on a par with each other.

Independent Review of Education Our deliberations at the end of January have informed an initial response to the Independent Review of Education, which is currently considering every aspect of the school system in Northern Ireland, including governance arrangements and sectoral organisation. Specifically, it has been asked to consider what a ‘single education system’ might look like in this jurisdiction.

A key part of PCI’s response focuses on the importance of ethos. Drawing on an article from Dr Olywn Mark, lecturer of Practical Theology at Union Theological College, we have reminded the review panel that there is no such thing as ‘morally neutral’ education. Nondenominational Christian values and principles continue to have a significant role in shaping and grounding the education system here. Just as there is an increasing focus within our schools on mental and physical health, so too it is important that the spiritual wellbeing of children and young people is not neglected within the school environment.

There should be room for each of these within the parameters of a holistic education system.

As for a ‘single education system’, PCI has reminded the panel that across these islands, from Ireland to England, from Scotland to Wales, there is no single education delivery mechanism but rather a multiplicity of arrangements.

One of the benefits of our current ‘dispersed’ system is that it provides for many different people from a variety of walks of life, engaging with them and supporting them in school communities.

Significantly the current arrangements in Northern Ireland facilitate and provide for parental choice. Should the opportunity for parents to choose

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…there are huge practical needs in schools which can only be dealt with by rolling up our sleeves. the ethos within which they wish their children to be educated be removed, there is a risk that new, informal sectors might be formed in response.

PCI’s submission to the panel concludes like this: “There is a wellknown saying, often associated with African cultures, that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. Never is this more true than in the context of educating our children and young people, enabling them to reach their full potential, and preparing them to be responsible and conscientious citizens. PCI remains ready to play its part in supporting schools, educators and pupils for years to come, just as it has until now.”

What happens next?

In case there is any doubt, please do not assume that PCI is happy to only ‘talk’ about education and leave it there.

The work of PCI at a denominational, presbytery and congregational level continues to be extremely important.

We believe that the values and Christian ethos that PCI, and the other Churches, cherish and promote in education are healthy and positive for children and young people. At the same time, our partnerships with local schools in our communities are an act of service for the common good. The conference was an important opportunity to reflect on how, in a changing world, we can continue to be effective in our mission to serve our society, our communities, our families,

our children and young people, through constructive leadership and partnership in education. In the context of this changing educational landscape, it was a vital moment for us to pause and consider what that involvement might look like for the next 100 years.

In the weeks following the event there have already been examples of partnerships being formed or galvanised, conversations taking place and needs being addressed. And it is our hope and prayer that God will continue to bless the work being done across this island within the field of education, that he will encourage and strengthen us as we continue to give in this sphere, and that society will see anew the importance of our unconditional service.

In Northern Ireland, as we move forward into the second century of our involvement, we pray that it will be one in which we continue to freely and positively impact the lives of pupils, school staff, parents, communities and society, and that they will see in us partners in the vital work of nurturing and realising the full potential of every child and young person.

Dr Andy Brown is a principal lecturer in Education and convener of PCI’s State Education committee.

MAY 2022

Mission Connect

Mission to Ukraine

Mission news from workers around Ireland and the world.

Nothing is outside God’s control Paula Burrows Equipped for every good work Dr Zoltán Kustár Mission to Ukraine James Cochrane Caring through cleaning Grace Harding

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.

Investing in students Rev Dave Gray

Including May prayer diary

Nothing is outside God’s control

Paula Burrows

Deaconess in Ballygrainey

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year and a half has passed since I was commissioned as grown-ups all enjoy the chat, as well as the freshly made scones! deaconess in Ballygrainey. It has been an eventful start It has been great to get our Lighthouse club back during the to the work, but nothing in this time has been outside of Sunday service. We had tried various ways to keep connected with God’s control. Whether we are in the midst of a global pandemic the children throughout the lockdowns, from Zoom parties to or nation is fighting against nation, God tells us what we need to YouTube videos, but nothing is as good as being able to see the do: “Be still and know that I children face to face. am God.” September past we started These past few years have been extremely difficult, a Inyouth It was great to be in midweek called Ballygrainey as a trainee but surely, they have made us more aware of the Konnect, as we aim to connect deaconess before Covid hit. with one another and with things that really matter, like our walk with God God. It has been encouraging I was able to get to know some of the congregation to see children inviting their and our relationships with others. face to face, and then phone friends along. It has been hard conversations, Zoom and to keep the teens involved, but WhatsApp calls during lockdown helped in building relationships. we are blessed to have Young Life discipleship groups available As restrictions have been lifting it has been super to get back to for our teenagers, and continue to pray that God will guide us in pastoral visitation and a more ‘normal’ church family life. encouraging our teenagers to grow in their faith.

Our women’s Bible study has been studying the book of Esther.

Another new venture we are looking forward to, as the summer Each week we are in awe of our great God, and how, even though approaches, is a Fit for Life course. We are hoping that as we enjoy he isn’t mentioned, we can see him in every detail of the story. some physical exercise, hear how God has been working in our Isn’t it amazing as followers of God that we can be assured that he lives and relax over a healthy supper together, new friendships will has placed us in this world “for such a time as this”. These past few be formed, old relationships will be renewed, and our walk with years have been extremely difficult, but surely, they have made us God will be encouraged. more aware of the things that really matter, like our walk with God and our relationships with others.

Please pray: Hearing the chatter as we gather for worship and other church • Give thanks to God for the church family in Ballygrainey. activities is a noise I appreciate so much more now. It has been • Pray that we will continue to grow in our love of God and our great to see the babies and children back at our mother and love of one another. toddlers’ group, the Tweenies. These little ones have really missed • Pray for the elders as they discern God’s will in these days of out on social interaction, so it is so good to see many of them now vacancy in the congregation. getting used to coming in and playing with others. Of course, the

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Equipped for every good work

Dr Zoltán Kustár

Head of Old Testament, Debrecen Reformed Theological University, Hungary

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he Apostle Paul reminds Timothy that even in difficult times, to the College for its hospitality. UTC has good relations with the he has to remain in what he has learned from the “sacred Hungarian Reformed Church, as it regularly admits Hungarian writings”, for these are useful for teaching and training, “so students for a year (including eight students from Debrecen since that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, thoroughly 2002), supported generously by PCI. As a university lecturer, I equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:14–16). am the first in Belfast. From March to July, I am processing the When the Risen joined the English language literature disciples of Emmaus who my book. Access to the For the church, therefore, education has always for did not understand why he best professional works and had had to suffer and to die, the undisturbed atmosphere been vital: that the wonderful richness “beginning with Moses and all are all gifts without which my of the Scripture, through the Holy Spirit, the prophets, he interpreted book would be far from the to them the things about standard I intend. And when may awaken faith and preserve us in it. himself in all the Scriptures” I am not preoccupied with (Luke 24:27). For the church, research? I am amazed at the therefore, education has always been vital: that the wonderful beauty of Northern Ireland, the kindness of the people here, and richness of the Scripture, through the Holy Spirit, may awaken I am learning a lot about church and faith through local church faith and preserve us in it. And so, the training of ministers and communities. missionaries, and the support of partner Churches in this, is an The relationship between the Presbyterian Church in Ireland essential task today. and the Hungarian Reformed Church is traditionally good, as I am grateful to God that I can serve my Church in pastoral evidenced by the joint assistance for Ukrainian refugees in recent training. In Debrecen, my city in eastern Hungary, a theological weeks. I hope that through my stay here in Northern Ireland, I can college was established in 1538, where today we train pastors, contribute to these good relationships, in my humble way. teachers and religion-teachers for the Hungarian Reformed Church. As a professor there, I teach the Old Testament, trying to Please pray: do it not only as part of a curriculum, but also to show my students • Give thanks for the ongoing partnership between the as much as possible about its beauty and richness. This academic Hungarian Reformed Church and the Presbyterian Church in year, I am on sabbatical and working on an introduction to the Ireland. world of the Old Testament; since 1991, such a book has not been • Pray for Zoltán over the coming months as he undertakes written in Hungarian by a Protestant author. research for his book on the Old Testament, and pray that the I am spending the second half of this sabbatical in Belfast, at book will be an excellent resource for the education of future Union Theological College (UTC). I am grateful to the Presbyterian ministers and missionaries.

Church in Ireland for the financial support allowing my stay and

Mission Connect | Herald May 2022

Mission to Ukraine

James Cochrane

PCI global mission worker, Portugal

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n 17 March, I set off as one of six drivers taking three from these primary processing points to a larger processing nine-seater vans full of relief goods to the Ukrainian location in Warsaw. border. On the return journey we brought 23 refugees On Monday morning we returned to this centre in Warsaw who have family and friends in Portugal. This effort was to pick up our ‘list’ of those travelling to Portugal. This was by organised by a missionary colleague who had completed far the hardest hours of the trip. As we checked in to explain the same journey the who we were, there was a previous week with one van. constant wave of people At each overnight stop in Germany and France, arriving – mothers, children, Overwhelmed by the need and suffering he encountered, carrying all they had our group was welcomed with warmth and love teens he reached out to some with them. Those on our list colleagues with the hope of by churches and individuals. This expression of began to gather. Among them sending three vans. We were the wife and children of a united Christian love spoke volumes to those amazed by the way people Ukrainian pastor. He explained got behind this small effort. he needed to return to help travelling with us.

Donations came in from his church. We chatted with around the world, goods were him and prayed with him. We gathered, and churches pulled together, enabling us to fund watched the family say goodbye, not knowing if they would see these three vans and plan for future directed help. their husband and father again.

We covered 3,500km in three days, stopping off at church There was silence in the vans as we headed out. At each and mission locations in France and Germany. On the Sunday overnight stop in Germany and France, our group was welcomed morning we travelled towards the border beyond the town of with warmth and love by churches and individuals. This expression Chelm, Poland and spent the day delivering the relief goods to of united Christian love spoke volumes to those travelling with us. processing centres on the border, and to a large warehouse set The pastor’s wife chatted with the young mother travelling in our up to transport crucial supplies into Ukraine. That evening, we van. As we pulled into a petrol station on the Spanish border, she were able to assist the Polish military by transporting refugees typed a message on Google translate, asking for us to pray with

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her for this young mother who now wanted to follow Jesus.

Back in Portugal, the refugees were placed in the care of their family connections. A few days later I received a message from the Ukrainian pastor thanking us for looking after his family and expressing how he had been strengthened to know that he and his church were not alone.

As I reflected on all that I had seen and heard, the words of Jesus’ priestly prayer came to mind. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:20–21).

Jesus prayed for unity among the body of Christ so that the world might believe that he was sent. This trip was an expression of this prayer. Different churches, nationalities and people all coming together in a united effort to bring Christian love and compassion to those who were suffering.

I was thankful that this united voice had made the Christian faith real to those who travelled back with us. But I also remembered the words of the Ukrainian pastor as we chatted that Monday morning. He too was experiencing an unprecedented unity among the churches in his city in Ukraine. He was thankful for this, but he was also saddened that it had taken the evil atrocity of war to bring about this unity. A challenging thought for us all.

Jesus prayed for unity among the body of Christ so that the world might believe that he was sent. This trip was an expression of this prayer.

Please pray: • Pray for peace in Ukraine.

• Pray for protection for people living in Ukraine and for sufficient humanitarian aid to reach all who need it.

• Pray for this group of 23 people and for all fleeing Ukraine as they adjust to living in another country.

• Pray for the woman who came to faith on the journey, that she may grow in her knowledge and love of Christ.

• Pray for unity among the body of Christ so that the world might believe.

Mission Connect | Herald May 2022

Caring through cleaning Grace Harding

Relief domestic assistant, Sunnyside House

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’m currently studying for my A-levels, but am also working partcare they receive. The pay is good and I get a uniform provided, time as a relief domestic assistant in Sunnyside House in Bangor. and even my lunch!

Working in Sunnyside has been my first experience of I feel very fortunate that working in Sunnyside is giving me employment. I started last summer, just after finishing my GCSEs, great experience for my future career and providing me with and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I found the lockdowns difficult transferable skills. I’m still undecided about what path I will take – being separated from my after school, but working in the friends and not getting out care sector has definitely I like feeling part of the wider witness of PCI social of the house much made me opened my eyes to careers even more daunted at the through working in one of its homes. There is a that I hadn’t thought of before. thought of going into a work I am currently considering lovely Christian atmosphere in the building... applying for speech therapy or environment.

Everyone in Sunnyside was occupational therapy. I’d like to so friendly and welcoming though, which made it much easier. keep working at Sunnyside when I go off to university, and I’d be The training was excellent and I was able to shadow people for interested to apply for a care assistant role to increase my skills. several weeks, so I was confident of what I had to do before taking I just pray that God will guide me in my next steps and lead me on the tasks on my own. Other staff members were very patient to be where he wants me to be. I’m glad that he brought me to with me as I learned what to do.

Sunnyside to work and I would definitely recommend it to others.

My main tasks involve cleaning the rooms of the residents, including vacuuming, changing beds, cleaning en-suites and Please pray: tidying. I sometimes do laundry too.

• Pray that vacant positions in all PCI homes will be filled – staff I really enjoy meeting the residents – they are so kind and shortages, coupled with sick leave has put extra pressure on encouraging of me. They always thank me and are very current staff. appreciative of the work I do. I go to Bangor West Presbyterian, • Pray for the witness that PCI provides through its homes – that so it’s nice to make connections with residents who are members through the care provided, residents, staff and family members there, or who have family members who go. will see the love of Jesus in action.

I like feeling part of the wider witness of PCI through working • Pray for all home managers as they juggle responsibilities – that in one of its homes. There is a lovely Christian atmosphere in the they would have wisdom for all the decisions they have to take, building, which I know residents and staff appreciate. It is a very so they can support residents and staff alike. comfortable home and residents always seem very happy with the

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Investing in students

Rev Dave Gray

Chaplain at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and Derryvolgie Halls, Belfast

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f it’s true that ‘how you live your days, is how you’ll live your interns to assist in chaplaincy work, however, over the year life’, then it is imperative to invest in how students live their of lockdowns, the Lord gave us a young woman, Esther from days. This is the rationale of university chaplaincy; to walk Sri Lanka, who provided hospitality and care to international alongside and encourage the students. This built on our development of a full Christian ongoing partnership with …chaplaincy life at Derryvolgie provided life in young adults.

Friends International. We PCI has risen to this challenge restarted our weekly ‘i-meal’ an incredibly significant level of assistance in the development of using our student volunteers in the social, physical, academic and Derryvolgie Halls, where 88 to prepare food, host, befriend, students find a home and have fun and share life with spiritual aspects of life. develop Christian community. international students (5,000 It has been my privilege to estimated across Belfast). serve here as chaplain in residence alongside a fantastic team Partnership has been the joy of chaplaincy over the past five years.

(Lynn Guiney, Vicky Purse and Lyndsey Watterson) over the past Working alongside colleagues in the Anglican/Methodist and five years.

Catholic chaplaincies, with local PCI churches and others, with The legacy of my predecessors, Steve Stockman and Karen QUB staff, and most recently in the old Berry Street church (now Mbayo, has been to construct a community with a discipling ‘Hope on Chapel Lane’) with Crown Jesus Ministries and my Ulster structure where mentoring, leadership training, pastoral care, University colleague Cheryl Meban, hosting student lunches. service opportunity, biblical teaching, worship and mission are I have counted it a privilege to work alongside Christian young offered to chaplaincy students in a unique way. people in their university years; mission trips to India and Cork, In a season where high levels of psychological distress have cooking gallons of soup and thousands of hotdogs along with been identified as a significant issue for many young adults, the theology in the garden have been particular highlights. As I move continuity of chaplaincy life at Derryvolgie provided an incredibly into parish ministry at Cooke church, I will be supporting and significant level of assistance in the social, physical, academic and praying into this incredibly important mission of our Church, I spiritual aspects of life. We were able to put protocols in place invite you to join in this kingdom endeavour also. that permitted the Hall to reopen for 74 students. It was such a Please pray: consolation for them and amazingly we were able to innovate with a live Sunday night worship event at Fisherwick that we • Give thanks for Dave’s work over the past five years. called Vital. This proved to be vital, providing a safe gathering • Pray for the continuing work at Derryvolgie and for the opportunity for isolated and scattered students across the campus. appointment of a new chaplain and interns.

Over my years as chaplain it has been challenging to recruit

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Please pray for...

MAY 2022

n CHURCH PLANTING – PCI’s church planting conference ‘A time to plant’ takes place on 7 May in Dundalk. Pray that all who attend will be challenged and inspired as they seek ways to advance Christ’s kingdom.

n HOME MISSION – Pray for the members of Inch congregation (Co Donegal) as they seek to bear witness to the gospel. Pray too for the leaders and members of the congregation as they seek God’s guidance regarding the future.

n UKRAINE – Pray for protection for people in Ukraine and an immediate end to the war.

Pray for the millions displaced, that they will be given emergency assistance and sufficient ongoing support over the coming weeks and months. Pray for the ongoing work of Christian Aid, Tearfund and Hungarian Reformed Church Aid, supported by the Moderator’s Appeal.

n CHAPLAINS – For guidance for PCI’s chaplains serving with the armed forces, as they provide pastoral care, and seek opportunities to share the gospel. n VOLUNTEERS – Give thanks for the many volunteers involved in the work of the Council for Social Witness. Pray for Kenneth Downes, our volunteer intern. Give thanks for Kenneth and the joy he brings to Assembly Buildings as he returns to his role after a period of furlough.

n DEACONESSES – For Roberta Irvine in her role in Greystone Road, Antrim. Pray for the Holy Spirit to give Roberta the words to point people to Jesus.

n MALAWI – Pray for Student Christian Organisation of Malawi and Scripture Union Malawi as they share the Word of God with children and young people across the country. Give thanks for the staff and volunteers who run the meetings locally, praying that children will grow in their knowledge of and love for the Lord.

n HOME MISSION – Pray for Rev Helen Roberta Irvine Freeburn and Galway United congregation, for a deepening commitment to Christ, to his church and its mission. n CHAPLAINS – For Rev Graham Stockdale, serving as coordinating chaplain with the Northern Ireland Prison Service based at Maghaberry prison. Remember Graham and his colleagues dealing with the continuing challenges that come from working in the custodial setting.

n HOME MISSION – Give thanks that the members of Irvinestown, Pettigo and Tempo (Co Fermanagh) are living in harmony with one another (Romans 12).

n PAKISTAN – Pray for staff and students at Gujranwala Theological Seminary and United Bible Training Centre. Pray especially for the resourcing and development of these institutions.

n CHAPLAINS – For Rev Ivan Neish as he provides pastoral care and prays with patients, relatives and staff at Antrim Area Hospital.

n DISABILITY SERVICES – Pray for families who provide love and care for children and/or adults with disabilities. Pray for an increased awareness and understanding of the needs of people living with disability that sees them more fully involved and integrated into all areas of society.

n SPAIN – Pray for Derek and Jane French and for their work in Bilbao International Church (BIC) with Grupos Biblicos Unídos in ministering to students and the publishing of Christian books in Spanish.

n URBAN MISSION – Great Victoria Street (Belfast) has entered into a licence agreement with Windsor congregation to share their building. Pray as they establish a journey into team ministry and look for ways to work together for God’s kingdom. n KENYA – Pray for Gary and Mary Reid and their ongoing mission within Maasailand.

Give thanks for the many practical ways through which they show God’s love to others. n DEACONESSES – For 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 DEACONESSES – Pray for Tracey Nicholl as she continues to serve in St James’ in Ballymoney. Pray for the ‘Living Hope Community’ as members of the congregation reach out to their local community. n CHAPLAINS – For Rev Graeme Orr as he provides pastoral support to students at the Magee campus of Ulster University and seeks opportunities to share the gospel. n HOME MISSION – Give thanks to God for his faithfulness and patience and the work of his Spirit in the congregations of Lisbellaw, Lisnaskea, Maguiresbridge and Newtownbutler (Co Fermanagh). n NEPAL – Pray for United Mission to Nepal (UMN); seeking to serve the people of Nepal, particularly those living in poverty. Pray for UMN’s work in the areas of education, healthcare, livelihoods, disaster response, integral development and peacebuilding. n INTERNATIONAL MEETING POINT – For Keith Preston as he leads the International Meeting Points (north and south Belfast). Pray that many of the refugees, asylum seekers and other local people who seek support will come to faith in Christ. n SUNNYSIDE HOUSE – Dementia touches people in all walks of life. Pray for the staff and families who provide support, so that our residents with a diagnosis can lead a fulfilling life. Give thanks for the sensory garden which provides much enjoyment for our residents. n HOME MISSION – Give thanks for good attendances at worship in Kilkenny congregation and a hunger among believers to learn from God’s Word and pray together.

Pray for plans for the summer outreach in Kilkenny and that the activities planned will produce fruit that will last for God’s glory.

n WILLOW BROOK – Pray for staff and tenants at Willow Brook, our supported housing project in Coleraine. We are Derek and Jane French thankful for 20 years n HOME MISSION of Willow Brook.

– For the work and witness of Kells (Co Pray also for project manager, Liz Wilson.

Meath) congregation. Pray for wisdom and Give thanks for the ‘Friends of Willow Brook’, guidance for Rev Alan McQuade (vacancy volunteers who play an important part convener), the kirk session and leaders within in supporting the life and witness of the the congregation. project, and help the staff to meet the needs of the service users by assisting in outings n ADDICTION – Gray’s Court in north Belfast and activities. provides longer-term supported housing for those in the early stages of recovery. Pray n HOME MISSION – For the members of for those in the early stages of their recovery the congregation of Maynooth (Co Kildare) from addiction. Pray that they will use their as they meet together to worship. Pray for time in Gray’s Court well. Pray that the continued progress on the congregation’s Holy Spirit will sustain them in a life free of new building project. substance misuse.

www.presbyterianireland.org/prayer

Meanwhile in the Republic...

William Hayes reflects on the education system in the South of Ireland.

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t the last meeting of Dublin and Munster Presbytery presence of minorities in the class. Handled well, these can be a fellow minister was being a justifiably proud dad a time when the wider school can be introduced in a positive and telling us about how his son came top of his year way to the beliefs and practices of families that are not Roman in Irish at their local, Roman Catholic, secondary Catholic. Handled badly they can be a time of exclusion. school. What might be most surprising for Northern Ireland Protestant ethos schools fall mostly under the patronage of readers is not that a ‘son of the manse’ would prove so able in the Church of Ireland. Presbyterian families, along with other Irish in a Catholic school but that, in our presbytery at least, members of the Protestant minority, have preferential access this arrangement is a normal part of the patchwork of education to these schools. There are also secular schools such as Educate for Presbyterian families.

Together (largely national schools – run by a non-profit In Ireland children attend national school for eight years company) and the Education and Training Board (largely post from ages four or five. They then go on to primary but with some national schools). secondary school for either five or six years. School options for Access to these schools is based on living Academic selection for entry to secondary within the school’s catchment area or Presbyterian families school is rare and access is based on the family/staff connection to the school. area the pupil lives and the religion of their vary widely across the These schools are open to Presbyterian family. At secondary school, pupils study families on the same basis as anyone else in Republic of Ireland. for the Junior Certificate in year three the community. and then go on to study for the Leaving One other contrast with Northern Certificate in years five and six. In year four, between these Ireland’s schools is that here the Irish language is a universal exam years, many pupils do ‘Transition Year’ which is focused and uncontroversial part of the curriculum. It is taught in all upon work placements, projects, running a small business, etc. schools regardless of patronage and is not seen as the preserve School options for Presbyterian families vary widely across of one religion. We might disagree over how well it is taught the Republic of Ireland. Schools are funded by the state but in comparison to other modern languages such as French or owned by ‘Patrons’ such as the local bishop or a charitable body. German, but it is proudly regarded as part of the heritage of all Almost 90% of primary schools and 50% of secondary schools Irish people. come under the patronage of the Roman Catholic Church.

We have chosen to send our own children to an Educate Protestant Churches are patrons of 5% of primary schools and Together primary school and the Education and Training 3% of secondary schools, mostly the Church of Ireland, with Board secondary. Within our congregation, families send their some Presbyterian and other denominational schools around children to the Church of Ireland primary and the various the border counties and in Greater Dublin. These schools come Roman Catholic primary and secondary schools in town. Some under the patronage of either a local congregation or presbytery. also send their secondary school children to the state-funded Where you live determines what kind of school your children Church of Ireland boarding schools in nearby towns where they can go to as much as the church that they attend. As would stay during the week and return with bags full of washing at the be expected, there are more options in Dublin than in the weekends. smaller cities or rural areas and county towns. In these areas the As the results of the recent Republic of Ireland Panel survey overwhelming majority of schools come under the patronage are starting to show, this variety of educational choices within of the Roman Catholic Church. Despite the changes in Irish congregations is repeated throughout the Republic. Presbyterian culture over the last few decades which have resulted in the families are represented in all varieties of schools – Catholic, rejection of Roman Catholic values by a large section of the Protestant and secular. The Republic of Ireland is undergoing population, there has been very little movement away from the massive social change and secularisation seems to be on its way Catholic Church’s control over education. to our schooling system. No doubt Presbyterian families will Catholic schools are open to Presbyterian families when fit in, witness and thrive in any new model of education just as spaces are available and, particularly in rural areas, they are much as they do within our current patchwork of choices. often the only option available. Access issues arise from time to time when school places become scarce. During the two years Rev William Hayes is minister of Tullamore Presbyterian Church when pupils prepare for First Communion and Confirmation, and convener of PCI’s Republic of Ireland Panel. issues can arise depending on how the schools cater for the

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Living emergency

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Ruth Sanderson considers the rising cost of living and how we should respond.

s temperatures rise and the first heat of spring starts to warm us, a wave of relief passes over.

Not only has the winter passed, but we can turn the radiators off without having to put a coat on in the house. My family and I moved to the north east of Scotland a couple of years ago, so turning off the heat before its time feels pretty drastic! However, we recently received the same letter as other households in Scotland, England and Wales saying that our heating and electricity bills were set to rise by 54%.

The start of April saw a rise in the energy price cap allowed to suppliers – i.e. the maximum companies can charge for gas and electricty. However, the cap does not feature in Northern Ireland – it has a separate energy market with its own system of price regulation. Likewise the government in the Republic of Ireland has said it is not in a position to place a cap on rising energy prices as it imports so much of it from other countries.

Those of us living in Great Britain get rising wholesale costs passed on to us in two huge lumps (April and October) whereas in Ireland and Northern Ireland, fluctuating costs can be passed on bit by bit throughout the year, making things even more unpredictable.

Regardless of where you live, it means everyone gets the pain of rising prices,

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albeit at slightly staggered times. It’s estimated that the average home will face paying an extra £700 per year, with that set to rise as we come into the winter.

The reason for this stratospheric rise has been driven largely by a surge in natural gas prices due to increased demand for gas from China and Asia, and a cold winter in Europe in 2020/21.

This meant that stored gas supplies were used, pushing prices up. Ironically, it became a perfect storm when a lack of wind over the summer then hit renewable sources of energy, increasing demand for gas.

However, if this wasn’t enough, prices have risen even higher following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with oil prices climbing to record highs. It’s feared that the energy price cap could soar again in October as a result of the war, as natural resources climb in value.

It isn’t just heat. With the rising cost of oil comes the pain of filling up a tank of petrol for much more than we are accustomed to. A cut in VAT during the pandemic has been readjusted to its 20%

We are victims of a global economy and events which happen thousands of miles away.

pre-pandemic level, which means almost everything will cost a little bit more (or a lot more, depending on what you’re buying). Brexit has caused import and export costs to rise, meaning food prices have gone up. The supply chain costs more to run – don’t forget that most of what we consume has to be driven in lorries to us, which incur raised petrol charges, which in turn we pay for in the price of our food and goods.

We are victims of a global economy and events which happen thousands of miles away. We are basically sitting ducks, paying for cold winters and poor harvests, wars and expansionism. These factors end up in our colder homes and smaller shopping baskets.

Has anyone else been having the ‘where can we cut back?’ conversation at home recently? We have. It’s my least favourite topic of discussion, albeit a necessary one. These conversations change with the stage of life you are at, the job you have, the house you live in, the amount of children who live with you. Yet I can’t help but feel that everyone has been talking about the same thing lately.

These discussions have morphed from “Do we need to go on holiday this year?” to “How often do we really need to drive the car?” This time last year, even with lockdown, the measures we were considering (Could we put the heating

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on less often? Can we wear extra layers?

Could we cut back on more expensive food?) seemed far less punitive, yet extreme measures have become the norm.

I am acutely aware that we, up to this point, have been comfortable as a family; if not comfortable, then managing. We are both in work, we have a home, we run a car. We can – up to this point – afford to pay the bills. However, for the first time, the future looks uncertain. Yet if we are now talking about whether or not we can make ends meet each month, then I can’t imagine the desperation which millions of households now face.

I listen religiously to Radio 4, and each day I’ve been making a special point of paying particular attention to the programme You and Yours. Recently it has become a real barometer of the reality of life in this current cost of living crisis.

Each day, voice after voice talks about ‘tips’ for survival… Wearing a sleeping bag if you’re working from home. Sitting in a shopping centre to warm up during the day. Sharing a bed with the kids so everyone can be warm enough at night.

Skipping meals so that your children can eat. Selling the car and only going where you can walk to. These voices have become so normalised, so mundane, that all these suggestions are seen as reasonable steps to being able to continue with life.

When debt increases and hardship hits, so does anxiety and despair. It is a mental crisis as well as an economic one.

I have also heard stories of schools not being able to continue to run extra activities for children so they can heat classrooms, as many of these children come from freezing homes. Or stories of foodbanks saying that people don’t want to take potatoes because the cost of energy to cook them costs too much. (As an aside, in last week’s Financial Times I read an article with a sanctioned oligarch living in London who was complaining that he might have to give up his personal chauffeur… what an unbalanced society we live in!).

What’s happening now is described as ‘eating or heating’, but in reality it’s ‘freezing or starving’. However, the impact of this crisis is not just about what we put on the table or in our oil tanks.

When debt increases and hardship hits, so does anxiety and despair. It is a mental crisis as well as an economic one. Many feel as though they are failing themselves and their family. Deprivation is dreadful and goes hand in hand with a sense of personal failure.

It erodes dignity and crushes the spirit.

As Christians we should care deeply about this crisis. But how do we apply the principles of our faith to tackling these issues? We can’t just sit back and pray for the second coming to hurry up in order to sort this mess out. God does not withdraw from our chaotic, messy, painful world. He breaks into it and uses us as his instruments of change. Jesus didn’t just save the lost, he fed the hungry.

The Presbyterian Church already does fantastic work in trying to help those who are really struggling. Churches, aid agencies and Christian organisations dealing with poverty and debt do unspeakably valuable work in times like this, offering practical help and support.

The organisation Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has advocated for tens of thousands of people struggling with debt and the cost of living, and they are only seeing the number of people contacting them increase. CAP says, “We are already seeing a significant increase in demand for our free debt help in many parts of the UK and we are concerned many more people will need support as the cost of energy spirals out of control. CAP has seen requests for emergency fuel vouchers double in the first two months of this year compared to the first two months of 2021 – highlighting the impact that the energy crisis is already having. CAP

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has also delivered over £23,000 worth of crisis support in the first two months of 2022 which includes emergency fuel vouchers, food shops and essential items.”

Meanwhile, the Trussell Trust that runs over 1,200 foodbanks throughout the UK has seen its usage dramatically increase during the pandemic and further still as the cost of living crisis begins to bite. The Trust says there has not been enough government help for those living on benefits and those with severely limited income, as benefits have not risen with the cost of inflation. In fact, there have been seven benefit freezes in the past decade. “People are already making impossible decisions between heating and eating, and we know people are skipping meals, unable to afford to run cookers and fridges and taking on debt to buy the essentials. This is not right. By failing to make benefits payments realistic for the times we face, the government is risking turning the cost of living crisis into an emergency.”

However, organisations like CAP, the Trussell Trust and others like them can’t always plug the gap. Surely it shouldn’t always be left to be those with a convicted spirit to be the ones holding the can or fighting for change?

Don’t structural issues about the fairness of domestic and global politics come into it too? Otherwise, we will only

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We need to be engaged, not just in how our Church can help…but in the bigger political landscapes which allow people to fall into poverty…in the first place. be firefighting a larger, uncontrollable inferno.

We need to be engaged, not just in how our Church can help those who are really struggling, but in the bigger political landscapes which allow people to fall into poverty and despair in the first place. We can lobby our MPs, pray for international situations, think about who to vote for, not just along party lines, but about their policies on taxation, aid, charity. God asks us to be involved in all aspects of humankind.

The one thing we mustn’t do is shrug our shoulders and think the issues are too ‘big’ for us to impact upon. Plenty of people in the world already do that, yet it’s exactly what we as Christians must never do.

Signposts to help If you are affected by any of the issues mentioned in this article, you can seek help through contacting the following organisations: Christians Against Poverty (CAP) 0800 328 0006 www.capuk.org Advice NI 0800 915 4604 www.adviceni.net Presbyterian Children’s Society +44 (0)28 9032 3737 www.presbyterianchildrenssociety.org

Money Advice and Budgeting Service (RoI) 0818 07 2000 www.mabs.ie

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TALKING POINTS

Words matter Norman Hamilton discusses the proposed new legislation on hate speech.

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cripture is very clear on many things – and the Prosecution Service would also have to make such assessments importance of the words we use is one of them. Just – even though, like police officers, they are not qualified either read Proverbs 16 and 18. Then read the book of James, as clinical psychologists or behavioural scientists. and follow this up with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew To be absolutely clear, I am most certainly not suggesting 5. Our language, and the tone of it, reveals much about our that victims of despicable hatred should have to accept that the character and our relationship with Christ, for after all “the perpetrators of their distress go unpunished. As a Christian mouth speaks what the heart is full of ” (Luke 6:45). pastor, I am deeply disturbed that such hatred grossly demeans Yet ‘hate speech’ is all too common, and arguably becoming the value of human beings created in the image of God, and for an ever greater problem. This seems almost self-evident when whom Christ died. we read so much invective on Twitter, alongside the trolling What I do find very troubling is that police officers will of anyone who dares to question or disagree with what is be required to make judgments on motivation, bias, bigotry, politically correct, or the cancelling of invitations to speakers in prejudice or contempt – with there being no suggestion order to ensure ‘safe spaces’ where contrary views are banned. at present of any objective or transparent criteria for such To say nothing of the sometimes appalling views expressed assessment. Bias, for example, may simply be preferences or a on radio phone-in shows. Opportunities for bitter words strongly held beliefs – and is there anyone on this planet who abound, and many people seem only too willing to take those does not have these? opportunities.

Prejudice is certainly an unfair or …the new proposals are unreasonable opinion – but against what The situation is now so bad, that in Northern Ireland, new laws are being criteria will the PSNI decide that what deeply troubling... proposed to both limit what is called ‘hate I say is unfair or unreasonable? Indeed, speech’ and prosecute those who allegedly indulge in it. This is a it may well be that some biblical teaching would fall into this very complex and contentious issue, not least since it also affects category. ‘free speech’, and may well bring significant restrictions on what As for bigotry, it certainly exists. Bitterness and intolerance can be said in public, including gospel proclamation on our are all too common. Listen to some of our politicians or simply streets and in our neighbourhoods. ask J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books, about Whilst there is at present no crime of hate speech as such in the abuse she has received for some of her views…

Northern Ireland, hate speech ‘incidents’ can be recorded and As currently presented, the new proposals are deeply prosecution follows. troubling, for they take us into the territory of holding and Currently the PSNI officers on the ground are tasked with communicating apparently unacceptable opinions. Free speech following through on incidents of such alleged speech as is under very serious threat. The desire to have police officers reported by victims. The guidelines which they follow, as set out make complex and far-reaching judgments, perhaps even on the by the College of Policing, are: spot, is simply too much to ask, against the wider background • For allegations of hate incidents, police need to apply their of serious drug dealing, organised crime, sexual violence, and judgment in establishing whether there is hostility towards a online crime. protected characteristic group.

It is therefore very important that those of us in the Churches • If, having applied their judgment and taking account of the as well as wider society actually address a key question: What full context, no hostility is found, the incident should not be are our police actually for? Part of the answer is that the PSNI recorded as a hate incident. needs to be allowed to put first things first. The policing of • Additionally, policing will need to consider whether the Covid-19 became a reputational quagmire for them. Policing incident in question might be dealt with in a way that is less such new proposed laws could well land intrusive and that does not infringe freedom of expression, them in another one, and surely no for example, signposting to alternative areas of support or Christian would want to see that happen. ways of raising concern.

A further guideline states that “particular care is needed when Rev Dr Norman Hamilton the incident complained of takes place as part of debate…”

The proposed new legislation expands the policing of Very Rev Dr Norman Hamilton is a former ‘thought’ by adding attitudes of ‘bias, prejudice, bigotry and Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in contempt’ to their assessment process. The staff in the Public Ireland.

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In the

balance

David Thompson reflects on some of the felt tensions and fine balances facing congregations as they seek to rediscover a more regular pattern to church activities as the disruption caused by the pandemic begins to draw to a close.

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ometimes when life is complicated or there seems to be so many things to be thinking about or doing at once, we aren’t sure whether we are coming or going. It feels a little bit like that as congregations gradually edge out of two years of an interruption to regular patterns of church activity caused by the pandemic.

We have been through periods of almost complete inactivity as we felt the impact of the lockdown on everyday life bite. We have found ourselves in periods where it was possible to do more, but in which everything we tried to organise was so much more complicated, and even basic things hard to arrange, because of the need to mitigate against spread of infection. We have been through so many ups and downs, twists and turns in which we anticipated things were definitely looking brighter, only to see restrictions having to be reimposed. The uncertainty of all of that only fuelled both weariness and caution about what might or might not be possible. The last two years have been tough and taken their toll.

Both coming and going As we edge towards summer and take a peek over the horizon to what seems to lie beyond, maybe we are emerging into a new season and a fresh place of possibility. The signs are that we are learning to come to terms with living with the virus. Life is opening up. It does feel increasingly possible to be both wise in taking basic measures to avoid spreading or contracting the virus and to resume something that feels a lot more like life as it should be. That includes the kind of church activities around which the regular rhythms of congregational life and witness operate.

Nevertheless, there is a tension in this season. On the one hand we feel ourselves very much in a moment shaped by the need to be building momentum in coming back. Coming back as members to a fuller, more committed church life together – worship, fellowship and community. Coming back as organisations, trying to reconnect with and regather those who were previously part of things, but from whom, in many cases, we have been separated by the pandemic for two years. Coming back to a greater depth of interaction and relationship once again, which often

…we can find a fine balance as we seek to rediscover a more regular pattern to church activities. exposes a range of pastoral issues that we have been unable to adequately attend to due to a long period of ministry that has had to be exercised at arm’s length.

A lot of short-term focus and energy is demanded for the ministry of coming back and the acceleration of momentum it requires.

Equally, there is a need to think about how our own congregation and its particular activities will go forward in the medium to long term. The world has changed because of the pandemic.

It is foolish to claim that it has changed everything and forever. The power of habit, the lure of the familiar and the limitations of our ability to either imagine or do things differently will ensure that many things return pretty much as they were before. But some won’t. There will be some things which, because of a two-year hiatus, we will not be able to summon up the momentum to restart. There will be groups of people of all ages lost to us because of a prolonged period of disconnection. We may have leadership gaps to fill, or find that recruiting new leaders will require us to organise ourselves differently to do some of the things we know are still important priorities. More positively, we will see possibilities that we hadn’t seen before the pandemic, gained confidence in doing different things and doing things differently, have some sense of God’s leading to a refresh of our church life, and a refashioning of our witness to others.

Getting to grips with both the challenges and opportunities of going forward is also demanding. It requires an ability to slow down, consider carefully, listen widely, both learn to live with what has been lost and anticipate new things done in new ways.

Back and forwards at the same time?

So, finding ourselves needing to come back and go forward at the same time, how can we approach both challenges?

Perhaps it’s not as impossible as it

sounds. Maybe there are ways of doing, achieving both the necessary momentum for this moment and thoughtful reasoning for the season ahead. For example, might we set up a small group of kirk session or organisational leaders to do some groundwork about the key questions facing the congregation as it goes forward, freeing up others to get on with more immediate things needed to achieve a resumption of core activities?

Alternatively, might we resume our activities more simply, one month at a time, bit by bit, not at full throttle, allowing a better blend of coming back again while also creating space for observing what seems to be happening that might call for a reshaping in the future? Our big lesson just now might be that setting a sensible pace to both coming back and going forward will be most profitable in the long run. It might be a bit like tactical driving in which we know when to go up the gears, but also when to drop down. When to press on the accelerator, but also when to use the brake. When to be careful to look for immediate obstacles, but also to be able to notice changes in the road that lie further ahead.

Coming Back: Going Forward In the period after Easter to early June, the Council for Congregational Life and Witness will be running a series of regional in-person gatherings bringing congregations in neighbouring presbyteries together around this theme of ‘Coming Back: Going Forward’. Each congregation will be invited to register three key leaders to come and be part of an evening programme that will offer a mix of reflection, discussion and congregational stories of the challenges of coming back and the opportunities of going forward in church life.

We don’t need to feel ourselves completely disorientated by this moment, as if we don’t know whether we are coming or going. Amid the felt tensions, we can find a fine balance as we seek to rediscover a more regular pattern to church activities as the disruption caused by the pandemic begins to draw to a close.

Rev David Thompson is Secretary of the Council for Congregational Life and Witness.

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Renewed

minds

Ruth Garvey-Williams reports on New Horizon 2022 which is back this summer from 6–12 August.

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fter two years as an online conference, hundreds of Christians from across Northern Ireland and beyond will unite together again in Coleraine to worship God and experience a feast of powerful Bible teaching and fellowship.

For more than 30 years, New Horizon has been a summer highlight for all ages with many people planning their summer holidays to attend the week on the north coast. After the disruption of the pandemic, this year’s theme ‘Renewed Minds’ will explore the challenges we all experience in the light of the transforming truth of God’s Word and the renewing work of the Holy Spirit within us.

“We are delighted to be planning to be back in the big tent in Coleraine this summer,” said New Horizon chairperson Paul Coulter. “It has been a challenging two years for all of us in various ways and we are praying that this year’s New Horizon will bring great encouragement and blessing to many as we explore the important theme of transformed minds.

“We are very aware of the significant mental and emotional health challenges many people are facing and we want to bring biblically-informed perspectives into these needs. But our vision is not only to seek to support amidst difficulties,

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but to ask what the Lord wants to do in us. How does he want us to think? What would it mean to understand every aspect of our lives in the light of the gospel with the Lord Jesus at the centre?

“I cannot think of a better place to explore these questions than at New Horizon, where Jesus is the centre as we come from our varied churches and tribes to unite under God’s Word and in his praise,” Paul added.

This year, the New Horizon evening celebrations run from Saturday 6 August to Friday 12 August (7.30pm–9.15pm) featuring worship and teaching with Ben Stuart, Will van der Hart and Ali Calvin.

Ben Stuart is the pastor of Passion City Church, Washington DC. Previously he served for 11 years with Breakaway Ministries, a weekly Bible study attended by thousands of college students in Texas.

Will van der Hart is an Anglican minister, experienced coach and emotional health expert who suffered from complex PTSD and anxiety after exposure to the London bombings in 2005. He is passionate about equipping leaders to look after their own emotional

New Horizon is a place of rest and a place to equip and envision us…

health as well as empowering them to manage the wellbeing of those in their care.

Ali Calvin is rector of Christ Church, Kilkeel and serves on the leadership team of New Wine Ireland. Before training for ordained ministry, she worked with Youth For Christ in France and Kingdom Faith Ministries in England as a Bible teacher and pastor.

From Monday to Friday Bible teaching is from 10am until 11am. This year’s speaker, John Risbridger, serves as minister and team leader at Above Bar Church in Southampton city centre.

Bible teaching and whole life mission lie at the heart of John’s work, and he is author of The Message of Worship with the IVP Bible Speaks Today series.

New Horizon is held in a 3,000 seat pavilion erected on the B Road Entrance to the Ulster University Coleraine Campus, Cromore Road, Coleraine, BT52 1SA. There is no registration for adults – people can attend as many sessions as they want, whenever they want during the week, providing flexibility for those on holiday or who have to work.

New Horizon does not charge people to attend to ensure it remains accessible to as many people as possible. It depends largely on volunteers to run the event and

the bulk of our income is from donations through the year from regular supporters and gifts collected in offerings during the event.

There is online registration for the youth and children’s event with a charge to cover costs. Children with additional needs are welcome at the SU SEN programme (P1–P7) – online registration is essential. One particular highlight of the week is the Special Celebration for people with intellectual disabilities.

A place of rest Rev Dave Gray is the Presbyterian chaplain at Queen’s, Union College and Stranmillis College. Grateful for the impact New Horizon has had on his whole family, Dave described New Horizon as an ‘oasis’.

“We have a family caravan and normally for our summer holidays we go on a camping adventure in France and then we have always loved coming back to Northern Ireland to attend New Horizon. Our children adore the Scripture Union children’s programme and have testified to experiencing God’s presence in the worship.

“New Horizon is a place of rest and a place to equip and envision us. It enables people to carry their faith with confidence into their spheres of influence whether at home, at work, at school or in university. Whole families come away [from home] and experience a taste of God’s goodness. It is great to hear good news stories of God at work around Ireland and Northern Ireland.”

United in Christ Board member Ali Knight is particularly struck by the unity she sees at New Horizon. “I have a passion to see the

This unique event has given our nation the opportunity to see… what it can look like to be the body of Christ. body of Christ in Ireland coming together to be encouraged, equipped and released into all God has called us to be, so that many more can come to know Jesus. It thrills me that NH makes a space for this to happen. This unique event has given our nation the opportunity to see many denominations coming together, expressing what it can look like to be the body of Christ.

“It has always been so much more than an event,” Ali shared. “It has Christ at the centre. New Horizon has encouraged, equipped and released so many to bring his light, love and transforming power way beyond the walls of the tent. It is just thrilling over the last 30 years to hear story after story of people being the beautiful feet of Jesus in their spheres of influence because of seeds sown through NH... to the praise of his glory.”

Life-changing One participant said, “I came to faith at New Horizon in 2006 and since then my life has changed dramatically. I was at a point where I saw no hope and I did not know where to turn. Since coming to Christ… He has blessed me beyond measure and been by my side through the inevitable ups and downs of life.”

Another wrote, “I attended in 2013 with my husband and four young daughters. One evening my mother-inlaw minded the kids. The first speaker asked all parents to stand for everyone to

pray for them. I stood with tears running down my face – the strength and support I had knowing that as a family of Christ people were there for me was immense.”

Chairperson Paul Coulter added, “Every year we pray that individuals will be transformed by God’s truth in a context of love and joyful celebration at New Horizon.

“We pray that families will be strengthened, marriages rescued and relationships between parents and children deepened. And we pray that through this, churches will be enriched as people bring back what they have learnt with a new vigour to serve, and that communities will be transformed as people respond to God’s call into mission at home and beyond.”

He concluded, “New Horizon exists to serve God and his people and it is made possible by a multitude of servants who volunteer in a wide range of ways.

We would love to serve you if you can come to the event and we would love you to serve with us if you have capacity to volunteer.”

More information about New Horizon and the opportunities to volunteer is available at: www.newhorizon.org.uk

Ruth Garvey-Williams is the editor of VOX magazine and New Horizon’s media and communications coordinator.

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REVIEWS

What Are We Waiting For? For King and Country WORD ENTERTAINMENT

£10.99

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While you may be unfamiliar with the duo For King and Country, you are sure to recognise their sister, Rebecca St James, who is a widely known Christian musician.

Australian-born brothers, Luke and Joel Smallbone, write creative and relevant intergenerational songs which recharge and energise any audience. Their vibey style of music poignantly points us to the heart, and humility, of our Saviour.

This, their fifth studio album, speaks into individually oriented desires that many tend to cling to with questions like ‘what is the purpose of my life?’, ‘what do I want in my life?’, ‘what next for me?’. Addressing these and other similar concerns, this compilation of songs encapsulates the need for us to embrace the moment when we are not waiting for something – in the realisation of God, our all sufficiency, being our everything. For God Is With Us encompasses this principle by highlighting how God relates to us, how we can better relate to him and in turn to each other.

I love the message and spirit of unity that infuses this album by reflecting their commitment to community and family – songs like Together and Unity. It pulsates with a clear purpose of coming alongside each other and mercifully sharing together our burdens. Barrierbreaking lyrics from Relate challenge the listener to search beyond what differentiates us and to connect with our commonality of being made in the image of God. RF

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Raising Emotionally Healthy Kids Eliza Huie 10OFTHOSE.COM £2.99

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There aren’t many parents who don’t feel overwhelmed by the pressures of raising children in our modern age – bullying, social media, excessive exposure to traumatising news and images, not to mention the uncertainty and threat of living through a global pandemic has left many of our children struggling with their mental health.

While this book does not provide us with a definitive one-size-fits-all formula for fixing the problems faced by our children, it does offer practical advice, backed up with Scripture, about how we can love them through physical and emotional struggles.

Eliza Huie, herself an experienced parent and Christian counsellor, offers six helpful tips for supporting children as they wade through the deep emotional waters of childhood and adolescence.

She emphasises the importance of being present when it’s hard and loving through correction, all the while reminding us of the gracious, compassionate, patient and faithful nature of our own Father God. Indeed, Huie continually points us to God as the example of parenthood that we should seek to emulate.

In addition, Huie helpfully highlights the science behind the neurological development of an adolescent’s mind and the culture that they inhabit to help us appreciate what our children are going through and the actions that they take.

While this is a short read, it is nonetheless an invaluable one for any Christian parent.

LS

Finding the Peacemakers Dan Morrice HODDER & STOUGHTON

£9.53

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This is a wonderfully uplifting book. It brightened the dark days of February 2022, when I read it and lifted my sagging spirit as the news headlines and geopolitical picture became gloomy. Dan Morris is a geography teacher who says he has a few questions that the headlines don’t cover.

At the heart of the book is a journey he undertakes tracing the refugee route of Jesus and his parents from exile in Egypt to Nazareth. This journey, however, is part of a much bigger one which takes him around the world meeting Chilean miners who spent 69 days trapped 700 metres underground, Syrian refugees and a football gang leader (now minister) in England.

In each place he meets people who have discovered the peace which Jesus refers to in John 14 and Paul in Philippians 4, that is unique and beyond understanding.

This peace with God radiates out of them and touches the lives of others around, bringing an experience of that peace to them.

Whether it is in the style of travel writing, retelling stories or reflecting on his faith and stories from the Bible, Morrice writes in an engaging manner that draws you in to the places he visits, the people he meets, the experiences he has and the thoughts they inspire. It is unsurprising therefore, that when you put the book down at its conclusion, you feel you have been touched by the very same peace of which the author writes.

PL

REVIEWERS

DH – Dorothy Hamilton is a member of Ballygrainey Presbyterian RF – Renée Finnegan is a member of Sloan Street Presbyterian

Miles to Go Before I Sleep Claire Gilbert HODDER & STOUGHTON

£10.99

«««««

This is a very sad, but inspiring book – the personal story of the author, her journey from diagnosis of cancer and the long and harsh treatment she faces.

The book is a series of letters written by Claire Gilbert to her family and friends, sharing her daily journey through the treatment. Gilbert finds writing a soothing effect in facing her emotional trials and tribulations.

Her faith has its highs and lows, but spiritual struggles rise to new heights as she experiences the beauty of nature and God’s wonderful handiwork. She also finds spiritual nourishment in the writings of the 14th-century anchoress Julian of Norwich, who, like Gilbert, suffered a dreadful illness, recovered and, in thanks and praise to God, wrote many profound words of comfort and powerful prayers, of which there are quotes in the book, but written in Olde English. These manuscripts uplift Gilbert and she thanks God for the blessings. She is also indebted to family and friends for their many prayers for recovery.

As readers, we are not spared the details of the nasty treatment and side effects – she tells it ‘warts and all’. This book is not an easy read, however, those who have family or friends going through similar circumstances may find it helpful, especially when it comes to what not to say, even when trying to be comforting.

Gilbert feels very strongly about this.

This book is very open and raw, and not for the faint-hearted, but a very true journey of suffering that many individuals face daily in their fight against cancer.

DH

LS – Lisa Skinner is an elder in Kirkpatrick Memorial PL – Rev Peter Lyle is minister of Ballyholme Presbyterian DP – Dr Donald Patton is a former Moderator SH – Suzanne Hamilton is an administrative officer for the Herald

Honor & Glory Honor & Glory BEC RECORDINGS

£19.17

«««««

Honor & Glory is a new worship venture by Kevin Young, Josiah Prince and Joey West – three members of hard rock band Disciple.

They decided to join forces to create worship music after a conversation led to a realisation that they were each leading praise in local churches when not performing with the band.

“Where the mission of Disciple is to reach the unreachable, the vision of

Twenty Biblical Characters Various writers DAYONE

£6

«««««

This is a collection of short reflections on biblical characters by 19 Irish Presbyterian ministers and a minister’s wife. The contributors were asked to write about a character who ‘challenged and encouraged them’.

Each piece is two to four pages long and the whole book is just over 90 pages. The selection ranges from the familiar to the less well-known.

Honor & Glory is to create a musical atmosphere where hearts, minds, souls and voices centres on the greatness and wonders of our amazing God through worship,” lead singer Kevin Young explains.

This self-titled debut album features 10 tracks, all with a guitar-led, rockdriven sound. Victory, written by Prince and Dane Allen, is a great album opener, with its toe-tapping rock vibe.

FOMO – the anxiety that an interesting event may be happening elsewhere – may be a recent edition to dictionaries. Honor & Glory take it and apply it to not missing out on God’s goodness and mercy with the aptly named Fear of Missing Out. “I don’t want to miss out on you…your goodness, kindness, your mercy covering me.”

As well as Honor & Glory originals, the album features the band’s take on Phil Wickham’s Battle Belongs and Jesus We Love You by Jesus Culture.

This is not an album to listen to when looking for quiet moments of reflection, but one where you want to sing out loud about God and his goodness.

SH

Adam shows us how we mess up, but how the second Adam (Jesus) “to the fight and to the rescue came”. We read of Moses who left an enduring legacy and of Barnabas ‘the encourager’. Elihu, for all his ramblings to Job, spoke an important message. Obadiah teaches us to have courage.

There is gospel, inspiration and assurance. The authors share their faith, their learning and their experience.

The readings are suitable as devotional material, for group discussion, and for giving to folk interested in knowing more about the Christian faith. The book would make a nice gift.

It is modestly priced and all royalties go to the Robert Morrison Project to support Christian literature work in China.

It is not available in bookshops, but can be ordered from Stanley Millen by telephoning +44 (0)28 7082 1427 or by emailing Frank Sellar at f.sellar@btinternet.com DP

Herald May 2022

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LIFE IN PCI

New elders in Upper Clonaneese Ahoghill retirement After 21 years of faithful service Margaret Wright has retired from her role as musical director in Trinity, Ahoghill. After a recent morning service, a presentation was made in recognition of all her work within the congregation. Pictured are: Rev Brian Smyth (minister of the County Antrim church), Pauline Fleck (member of the choir), Mrs Wright and Samuel Black (elder and member of the choir).

Michael Jones and Nigel Condy have been ordained and installed as new elders in Upper Clonaneese. They are pictured with members of the Tyrone Presbytery commission. Back row: Rev Michael Currie, Samuel Gilkinson, Leonard McIvor, Miller Glendinning, Rev Mark Dodds and Rev Jackie Spence. Front row: Rev Mervyn Lindsay, Mr Jones, Mr Condy and Rev Alan Dickey.

Platinum jubilee service in First Larne A socially-distanced congregation gathered in First Larne Presbyterian Meeting House recently for a service of thanksgiving to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the accession to the throne of HM Queen Elizabeth II, and her life of faithful service.

In the call to worship at the civic service, minister of First Larne, Dr Colin McClure, said, “Whatever our feelings toward the monarchy and nobility, we can all look to Queen Elizabeth with respect and gratitude for her life of faithful service.”

The Queen sent her “warm good wishes” for the service and was represented by David McCorkell, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim.

Organised by the Larne Clergy Group, the service included contributions from various Church representatives. The guest preacher was the Most Rev John McDowell, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland.

Scripture lessons were read by the Salvation Army’s most senior officer in these islands, Commissioner Anthony Cotterill, as well as Councillor William McCaughey (mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council) and Mr McCorkell.

Hymns were chosen to recall significant royal services associated with Her Majesty.

It was also an honour to have special music provided by The Priests, who in 2020 had travelled to Buckingham Palace to be presented with their MBEs by Prince Charles.

Top right: First Larne Presbyterian Meeting House hosted the civic reception. Minister Dr Colin McClure (right) is pictured with Commissioner Anthony Cotterill (Territorial Commander, Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland), the Most Rev John McDowell (Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland), Councillor William McCaughey (mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council) and David McCorkell (Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim).

Right: Special music was provided by The Priests. Pictured are: Rev Martin O’Hagan, Dr Colin McClure, David McCorkell (HM Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim), the Very Rev David Delargy and Rev Eugene O’Hagan.

Below: Special guests, participating clergy and local councillors.

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Herald May 2022

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

Installation in Tyrone Presbytery Rev Stewart Glendinning has been installed as minister of Ballygoney, Coagh and Saltersland Presbyterian churches. He is pictured with elders.

Front row: Florence Cousley, Amy Allingham, Mr Glendinning and Andrew Johnston. Back row: Alex Adair, Will McKinley, Uel Glendinning, Bill Hutchinson, Johno Johnston and Eileen Gilmour.

Presentation in Bessbrook Sam Paul has served as a ruling elder in Bessbrook Presbyterian Church for 40 years. The occasion was marked with Rev Keith McIntyre presenting Mr Paul with a specially inscribed Bible. Mr Paul’s wife, Barbara, received flowers from Annette McIntyre. Also pictured are: Danny Kennedy (clerk of session in the County Armagh church) and Jim Strain (elder emeritus).

New minister in Comber Rev Andrew Conway has been installed as minister of Second Presbyterian Church, Comber. He is pictured with clerk of session Gary Dalzell and a commission from Down Presbytery. Photograph courtesy of the Newtownards Chronicle.

Retirement in Carnone Alex Buchanan, who served as clerk of session in Carnone Presbyterian Church, was presented with a token of appreciation by the County Donegal congregation for his remarkable 40 years of service, following his retirement. Mr Buchanan is pictured with Rev Colin McKibbin and Jean Buchanan.

Ryans honours organist Rev Brian Colvin recently made a presentation, on behalf of Ryans congregation, to mark the retirement of Hilary Hamilton, who has completed over 50 years as organist and choirmaster in the County Down church. Mrs Hamilton is pictured with husband Sammy, daughter Wendy and son Keith (extreme right) and members of her immediate family.

Herald May 2022

43

LIFE IN PCI

Moderator visits Katesbridge The County Down congregation of Katesbridge was honoured to have PCI Moderator, Dr David Bruce, leading Sunday worship services as part of his tour of the Iveagh Presbytery. Dr Bruce and his wife Zoë are pictured with the kirk session.

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

New minister in Clough and Seaforde David S. Bingham has been ordained and installed as minister of Clough and Seaforde Presbyterian churches. He is pictured in the front row with Rev Mark Spratt (clerk of presbytery) and Rev Richard Patton (moderator of presbytery). Back row: William McCall (clerk of session, Clough), Rev Owen Patterson (convener of vacancy), Rev John Torrens (minister of Second Saintfield), Robert Shields (representative elder, Downpatrick Presbyterian Church), George Hanna (representative elder, Trinity Presbyterian, Boardmills) and David Croskery (clerk of session, Seaforde).

Installation in Kilfennan Rev Russell Edgar has been installed as minister of Kilfennan Presbyterian Church in Londonderry. The service was attended by friends and family of Mr Edgar and many members of the congregation. Mr Edgar was formerly the minister of Ballyroney and Drumlee in the Presbytery of Iveagh. He is pictured in the front row with Will Doran (clerk of session), Rev Stephen Hibbert (minister of Glendermott) and Rev Graeme Orr (vacancy convener and minister of Magheramason). Back row: Colin Kennedy (clerk of session, Magheramason), Mrs Oliver Witherow (representative elder) and William Watson (representative elder).

Treasurer retires in Dervock Major Ivan Patrick (retired) has stepped down after serving as church treasurer in Dervock Presbyterian Church for close to three decades.

Rev Campbell Mulvenny is pictured presenting him with a Bible. Rachel Mulvenny gave Major Patrick’s wife, Mary, a bouquet of flowers. The County Antrim congregation is thankful for the couple’s faithful service.

New elders in Glennan Glennan Presbyterian Church installed and ordained three new elders at a special service conducted by a commission of Monaghan Presbytery, after a prolonged delay due to Covid restrictions. The new elders – Ian White, Michael Wallace and Alexander Waddell – are pictured in the front row. Back row: David Russell (clerk of session), Rev Stephen McNie (minister), Dr Ian McNie (former PCI Moderator and guest preacher), Rev Alan McQuade (moderator of presbytery), Alan McAdoo, Albert Higgins, Rev David Clarke and Rev Daryl Edwards (clerk of presbytery).

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REFLECTIONS

The preacher... on wealth David Clarke Themes in Ecclesiastes

“Whoever loves money, never has money enough.”

Ecclesiastes 5:10

And aren’t the wealthy the targets of begging letters and of all who seek sponsorship for one thing or another? Rev Fred Milvey in Dickens’ novel, Our Mutual Friend, was far he Greek philosopher Aristotle defined wealth as from wealthy, teaching to eke out his scanty means, but was “whatever money can buy”. However, he failed to note “generally expected to have more time to spare than the idlest that there are many kinds of wealth money cannot buy. person and more money than the richest.” If people think One can buy education, but not intelligence; cosmetics you are rich, there will be demands. It is not uncommon for but not beauty; sex but not love. Besides, many are consumed prominent showbusiness figures to find that the agent or by a passion, not for what money can buy, but by money itself, manager to whom they had entrusted their wealth had helped in terms of a huge bank balance and wide-ranging portfolio. S.J. themselves to large portions of it.

Perelman, the scriptwriter responsible for some of the wittiest Great wealth does not protect one from the varied incidents lines in Marx Brothers’ films was in the of life. The Preacher mentions three latter category. He said, “I loathe writing, When death comes, we factors: first, while the labourer, exhausted but on the other hand, I’m a great believer from his work, enjoys sleep, “sore labour’s carry nothing with us in bath”, the wealthy man, dining on rich in money.”

The Preacher, the author of Ecclesiastes, food, and worried about his investments, our hand, but we do warns about “the narrowing lust for finds that sleep eludes him (v12). carry our character and gold”. He was a great observer of human Secondly, “wealth hoarded to the harm behaviour, and he had seen it all. If indeed, of its owner” (v13), may suggest the our conscience. as some believe, he was the great King acquisitive spirit, which shuts out all other Solomon himself, he also had it all. The things, and prevents him developing a Queen of Sheba travelled over a thousand miles on difficult more rounded and likeable personality. terrain to meet a king noted for his wisdom and his wealth. As Third, “wealth lost through some misfortune” (v14) reminds 2 Chronicles 9:20 tells us, “All Solomon’s goblets were gold, and us that commercial success is temporary, and that values can go all the household articles in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon down as well as up. The words of the preacher J.H. Jowett are were of pure gold. Nothing was made of silver, because silver relevant: “The real measure of our wealth is how much we’d be was considered of little value in Solomon’s day.” worth if we lost all our money.”

Money as the all-consuming goal of life is the author’s target, And the Preacher does not ignore the inevitable hour when and he mentions the insatiable appetite of those who seek it: we must leave all possessions behind: “Naked a man comes from “Whoever loves money, never has money enough; whoever his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes loves wealth is never satisfied with his income” (v10). John nothing from his labour that he can carry in his hand” (v15).

Steinbeck’s novel, The Winter of our Discontent, which won him When death comes, we carry nothing with us in our hand, but the Nobel Prize for literature, is all about money; the getting we do carry our character and our conscience. Nothing else. of it and the use of it. Ethan Hawley cheats to win a school How important, then, to heed the Master’s words: “Store essay prize, for which there is a sizeable cash prize. His father up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust discovers his dishonesty and rebukes him, warning in Pauline do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” fashion of the evils that arise from the love of money: “The (Matthew 6:20). The old Salvation Army song, “I’m the child of more you have the less enough it is…squirrels bank twice as a kingdom above, I’m the child of a kingdom above; I’m richer many hickory nuts as they will ever use.” by far than the King or the Czar, I’m the child of a kingdom The Preacher also warns of the increasing burdens which above,” identified the only lasting wealth. accompany great wealth. The message of v11, “As goods increase so do those who consume them” suggests that as wealth grows so do the number of hangers-on. Around every successful figure Very Rev Dr David Clarke is a former PCI Moderator and minister there forms a retinue of secretaries, advisers and bodyguards, all emeritus of Terrace Row Presbyterian Church, Coleraine. needing to be sustained from his income.

T

Herald May 2022

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CROSSWORD Puzzle no 268 1

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Herald May 2022

ACROSS 1 A title of Jesus (6,2,5) 7 Capital city (6) 9 She helped Joshua (5) 11 Female sheep (3) 12 Lazy (4) 13 Very charming (12) 16 Titus is one (6) 17 Ten plus one (6) 20 Roman marketplace (5) 23 Tiny cut (8) 27 Type of decree (4) 28 Essential in golf (3) 29 Mixed school (4) 30 Sister for short (3) 31 To go wrong (3) 32 Top drawer (3) 33 Kelly the dancer (4) 34 Greek goddess (4) 35 Intense desires (8)

DOWN 1 Canadian state? (8) 2 Prisoner of sorts (8) 3 Yacht week (5) 4 Prophesy (8) 5 Display (10) 6 Wire or lead (5) 8 Wonder (3) 10 This boy is mixed up (3) 14 Similar (9) 15 God keeps these (8) 18 Hang about (6) 19 Snakes (6) 21 Jesus is this (5) 22 Operating (5) 24 Rome’s worst ruler? (4) 25 Sweet smelling clown (4) 26 Eager (4) 33 American soldier of WW2 (2)

REFLECTIONS

The guilt cupboard Ruth Sanderson

W

e have all had the experience of walking into a “Where’s the garlic press?” we might say. Or, “I think spare room, garage or space under the stairs and someone’s pinched our pastry forks.” The truth is, they’re realising it’s been taken over by ‘stuff ’. This ‘stuff ’ probably in a sealed up guilt box in the windowless guilt is predominantly redundant. I understand that I cupboard. need to be more ruthless but I keep thinking: “I might still use As I write this, I understand how completely absurd this that occasional pouffe that I bought 10 years ago in a charity situation is. Here is this collection of generally useless stuff shop which has never seen the light of day.” Or, “Of course I’m which I can’t seem to get rid of. Part of it is laziness, but part of going to someday read the pile of subscription news magazines it is holding on to something else. I think about the old diaries from 15 years ago which are now horribly out of date.”

I’ve kept. It’s so unlikely they will ever be opened again – they I call this the ‘guilt cupboard’ – a space in our otherwise aren’t exactly a gripping memoir of my life – they chart in detail ordered and tidy homes where we keep all of our clutter in a appointments I had back in 2005, my school schedule from state of chaos (even if that chaos is organised into neat boxes the mid 90s. There are no salacious details or exciting moments and filing cabinets). which had to be immortalised. Yet somehow getting rid of them Think hard about your own space – would be saying goodbye forever to past maybe it’s in an old wardrobe, perhaps …how many of us have a moments of my life. Perhaps it’s some in the attic, or an outhouse, or just in a futile attempt to emotionally cling to my ‘guilt cupboard’ hidden younger self, but in actual fact it’s probably sprawling mass under the bed?

Our particular ‘guilt cupboard’ is a small right in the centre of our just laziness. box room in the very middle of the house It got me thinking though, how many of which has no exterior windows. It’s a really hearts? us have a ‘guilt cupboard’ hidden right in badly planned quirk of a room, so there is the centre of our hearts? A secret place full literally no use for it apart from ‘storage’. of the detritus we have gathered over the years – things which I should, at this juncture, point out that we are not hoarders we cling to, not willing to get rid of them. Maybe they are now – we don’t sit watching our telly whilst sitting on piles and piles pointless moments from our past which we keep the door firmly of old newspapers, surrounded by mounds of takeaway tubs or closed on? anything like that. I promise you, the rest of our house is clean There are parts of us which we would never want anyone else and tidy and ordered. to see, and just as I pretend most days that the windowless guilt It’s just this one problematic room which contains old cupboard doesn’t exist, so we do the same with that place in our academic papers and periodicals of my husband’s, boxes of heart. Instead of broken printers and old clothes’ catalogues, letters and tax receipts, wrapping paper and old toys which will we hold on to old grudges, misremembered words and fruitless very likely never come into use again… To my shame there is a ambitions. sewing machine in there that I have used once (although I still What would happen then if we had a clear out? What would harbour great ambitions). There is a set of weights (unopened come out if we opened the door on our own guilt cupboards since Christmas). Old diaries, old books, old pictures, old and started to unpack what had been amassed there over years phones and laptops. Things which once made up the fabric of and years? What would we discover? What would we finally let our lives but are now squirrelled away in the room of no return. go of and what might we find value in? What would we give Objects which aren’t rubbish, but aren’t exactly necessary either, over to God, because surely all our ‘stuff ’ – whether material or which now exist in a domestic limbo. emotional – is meant to be his, isn’t it?

In fact, I’ve just had a peek in there and came across an ancient, defunct mobile phone from the job I was doing 12 years ago, the office number taped onto the back of it. Oops.

Perhaps I should return it?

Even worse, we have moved several times in only a few years and have taped up boxes which travel with us from house to house and have still never been opened! I have no idea what’s in them at this point.

Herald May 2022

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CHURCH RECORD VACANT CONGREGATIONS, MODERATORS AND CLERKS OF KIRK SESSIONS (Information supplied by Clerks of Presbyteries, Conveners of Assembly Commissions and Councils).

1 LEAVE TO CALL GRANTED

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

BANGOR, HAMILTON ROAD (ASSOCIATE): REV CHRISTOPH EBBINGHAUS: Mr Alan McDowell, 11 Braemar Park, Bangor, BT20 5HZ. BROUGHSHANE, SECOND: REV P.D. THOMPSON: Mr Ivor Hutchinson, 73 Tullymore Road, Broughshane, BT43 7HW. CARNMONEY: REV P.G. McCREA: Mr Paul Elliott, 52b Connor Road, Parkgate, BT39 OEA. CASTLEBLAYNEY FIRST, CORVALLY (Home Mission) & FRANKFORD: (Parttime (60%); Reviewable Tenure – 7 Years) REV DR G.W. CLINTON: (Castleblayney, First) Mrs Daphne Holmes-Greer, Tighnabruaich, Killygola, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan. (Frankford) Mr Thomas McBirney, Mulladuff, Newtownhamilton, Newry, BT35 0LG. (Corvally) Mr Fred Eakin, Sreenty, Corduff, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan.

COOKE CENTENARY: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV IVAN STEEN: Mrs Elaine MacNeill, 55 Kirkliston Park, Belfast, BT5 6ED. DUNFANAGHY and CARRIGART: (Home Mission 50% Congregational Ministry, 50% CMI Mission Project) REV DR BRIAN BROWN: (Dunfanaghy) Mrs Ethel Montgomery, ‘Millrace’, Marble Hill Road, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal, F92 N2WO. (Carrigart) Mrs Joy Buchanan, Figart, Carrigart, Co Donegal, F92 N2WO. GARVAGH, MAIN ST and KILLAIG: REV DREWE McCONNELL: (Garvagh, Main St) Mr Alan Farlow, 39 Ballynameen Road, Garvagh, BT51 5PN. (Killaig) Mr Ivan McKane, 27 Cashel Road, Macosquin, Coleraine, BT51 4PW. GLENWHERRY: REV S.D. KENNEDY: Mr Andrew Hoey, 49 Ballynulto Road, Ballymena, BT42 4RJ. GREYSTONE ROAD, ANTRIM: REV STEPHEN SIMPSON: Mr James Warwick, 3 Dunsilly Road, Antrim, BT41 2JH. KILLEAD and LOANENDS: REV D.J. STEELE: (Killead) Mr Tom Lewis, 65 Ballyrobin Road, Antrim, BT41 4TF. (Loanends) Mr Peter Leitch, 212 Belfast Road, Antrim, BT41 2EY. KNOCK (ASSOCIATE): (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV D.T. MOORE: Mr Hugo Wilson, 5 Finchley Gardens, Belfast, BT4 2JB. LECKPATRICK and DONAGHEADY: REV S.J. RICHMOND: (Leckpatrick) Mr Sam Clyde, 36 Woodend Road, Strabane, BT82 8LF. (Donagheady) Mr Ernie Colhoun, 44 Lowertown Road, Ballymagorry, Strabane, BT82 OLF. LECUMPHER AND MAGHERAFELT, UNION ROAD: REV J.A. MARTIN: (Lecumpher) Mr Sammy Thompson, 10 Ballynagowan Road, Desertmartin, BT45 5LH. (Magherafelt, Union Road) Mr Ian Francis, 32 Caraloan Road, Magherafelt, BT45 6NW. MONEYMORE, FIRST and SECOND: REV DR G.W.D. STEWART: Mr Jim Davison, 20 Drumrot Road, Moneymore, BT45 7QH.

SETTLED STATED SUPPLY APPOINTED BALLINDERRY: VERY REV DR W.J. HENRY, Minister of Maze.

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

CAHIR: (Home Mission) REV WILLIAM MONTGOMERY, Minister of Fermoy.

KATESBRIDGE: REV N.J. KANE, Minister of Magherally.

TYRONE’S DITCHES: REV J.K.A. McINTYRE, Minister of Bessbrook.

3 DECLARED VACANT BALLEE: REV. D.A. McMILLAN: Mr John Quigley, 81 Queen’s Avenue, Magherafelt, BT45 6DB. BALLINA, KILLALA & BALLYMOTE: (Home Mission) REV D.J. CLARKE: Mr Geoffrey Shannon, Robin Hill, Carraun, Corballa, Ballina, Co Mayo, F26 A070.

BALLYGRAINEY: REV R.S. HAMILTON: Mr Brian McDowell, 263 Killaughey Road, Ballyhay, Donaghadee, BT21 0ND. BALLYRONEY and DRUMLEE: REV A.M. BORELAND: (Ballyroney) Mr David Peters, 30 Seafin Road, Ballyroney, Banbridge, BT32 5ER. (Drumlee) Mr Graham Truesdale, 128 Lackan Road, Ballyward, Castlewellan, BT31 9RX. BELLAGHY and KNOCKLOUGHRIM: REV J.B. MULLAN: (Bellaghy) Mr Harry Ferson, 12 Railway Terrace, Castledawson, Magherafelt, BT45 8AY. (Knockloughrim) Mr Wilbur Bownes, 10 Meadowell Fold, Westland Gardens, Magherafelt, BT45 5DP. BELMONT: REV. T.J. STOTHERS: Mr Christopher Steele, 1 Hawthornden Drive, Belfast, BT4 2HG. BELVOIR: REV B.J. WALKER: Mr Brian Dunwoody, 19 Drumart Drive, Belfast, BT8 7ET. BURT: REV JAMES LAMONT: Mr James Buchanan, Heathfield, Speenoge, Burt, Co Donegal, F93 W3K6.

CARRICKFERGUS, JOYMOUNT: REV G.A.J. FARQUHAR: Mr Stephen Drake, 8 Bluefield Way, Carrickfergus, BT38 7UB. CASTLEROCK: REV D.H. BROWN: Miss Heather McSparran, 26 Freehall Road, Castlerock, BT51 4TR.

MOUNTPOTTINGER: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV J.W. FRAZER: Mr Gordon McConnell, 247 Orby Drive, Belfast, BT5 6BE.

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

MUCKAMORE: REV S.J. LOCKINGTON: Dr Brian Hill, 1 Lylehill Green, Templepatrick, BT39 0BF.

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

2 LEAVE TO CALL DEFERRED

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

CLADYMORE and TASSAGH: REV R.I. ABRAHAM: (Cladymore) Mr David Wilson, 73 Kilmachugh Road, Mowhan, Armagh, BT60 2EN. (Tassagh) Mr Philip Crozier, 68 Bachelors Walk, Keady, Armagh, BT60 2NA. GORTNESSY: REV A.J.A. ROSBOROUGH: Mr Ross Hyndman, 32 Temple Road, Strathfoyle, Londonderry, BT47 6UB.

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

Herald May 2022

DUN LAOGHAIRE: REV A.J. DUNLOP: Mrs Dorothy Shanahan, 1 Holmwood, Brennanstown, Cabinteely, D18 T2T5.

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

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 FAHAN (Home Mission) and WATERSIDE: REV G.A. McCRACKEN: (Fahan) Mr James Lamberton, 1 Deanfield, Limavady Road, Londonderry, BT47 6HY. (Waterside) Mr William McIlwaine, 19 Glenaden Hill, Altnagelvin Park, Londonderry, BT47 2LJ. GLASTRY and KIRKCUBBIN: REV N.W. McAULEY: (Glastry): Mr Will Taylor, 43 Manse Road, Kircubbin, Newtownards BT22 1DR. (Kirkcubbin) HILLTOWN and CLONDUFF: REV KENNETH NELSON: (Hilltown) Mr John Ervine, 51 Rostrevor Road, Hilltown, Newry, BT34 5TZ. (Clonduff ) Mr Cecil Brown, 39 Bannfield Road, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5HG. INCH: (Home Mission) REV JAMES LAMONT: Mr James Buchanan, Heathfield, Speenoge, Burt, Co Donegal, F93 W3K6.

KELLS: (Home Mission) REV ALAN McQUADE: Ms Ruth McCartney, Shancarnan, Moynalty, Kells, Co Meath, A82 PF60.

KILMAKEE: REV ROBERT LOVE: Miss Aileen Irvine, 5 Aberdelghy Park, Lambeg, Lisburn, BT27 4QF. KILRAUGHTS, FIRST: REV R.M. MURRAY: Mr Maurice Christie, 10 Kilmandil Road, Dunloy, Ballymena, BT44 9BH. KILREA, SECOND: REV DR CLIVE GLASS: Mr John McIlrath, 9 Moyagoney Road, Kilrea, Coleraine, BT51 5SX. MONEYDIG: REV DR S.D.H. WILLIAMSON: Mr Steven Torrens, 115a Agivey Road, Kilrea, Coleraine, BT51 5UZ. NEWINGTON: REV DR I.D. NEISH: Mr John Lynass, 8 Bushfoot Park, Portballintrae, BT57 8YX.

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

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

TEMPORARY STATED SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT ARMOY and RAMOAN: REV DR MARK JONES: (Armoy) Mrs Heather Morrison, 82 Carrowreagh Road, Armoy, Ballymoney, BT53 8RS. (Ramoan) Mr Robert Getty, 23 Carrowcroey Road, Armoy, Ballymoney, BT53 8UH. BALLYCAIRN: REV WILLIAM HARKNESS: Mr Brian Milligan, 19 Glenariff Drive, Dunmurry, BT17 9AZ. BELLVILLE: REV D.S. HENRY: Mr Mervyn King, 29 Ardmore Road, Derryadd, Lurgan, BT66 6QP. CARNLOUGH-CUSHENDALL and NEWTOWNCROMMELIN: REV J.A. BEATTIE: (Carnlough-Cushendall) Mr Norman McMullan, 91 Ballymena Road, Carnlough, BT44 0LA. (Newtowncrommelin) Mr James Gillan, 67 Gracefield, Ballymena, BT42 2RP. GRANGE with CRAIGMORE: REV R.S. AGNEW: Mr Jamie Harris, 32 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3BE. NEWTOWNSTEWART and GORTIN (Home Mission): REV R.N. ORR: (Newtownstewart) Mr James Baxter, 22 Strabane Road, Newtownstewart, Omagh, BT78 4BD. (Gortin) Mr Adrian Adams, 32 Lisnaharney Road, Lislap, Omagh, BT79 7UE. RALOO and MAGHERAMORNE: REV D.R. CROMIE: (Raloo) Mr Geoff McBride, 72 Raloo Road, Larne, BT40 3DU. (Magheramorne) Mr Morris Gardner, 89 Ballypollard Road, Magheramorne, Larne, BT40 3JG. WARRENPOINT and ROSTREVOR: REV S.S. JOHNSTON: (Warrenpoint) Mr Denis Brady, 28 Seaview, Warrenpoint, Newry, BT34 3NJ. (Rostrevor) Mr Terry O’Flynn, 15 Aurora Na Mara, Shore Road, Rostrevor, BT34 3UP.

NEWMILLS and CARLAND: REV. A.S. THOMPSON: (Newmills) Mr Roy Wilkins, 38 Dungannon Road, Coalisland, Dungannon, BT71 4HP. (Carland) Mr Howard McLean, 16 Ballynorthland Demesne, Dungannon Park, Dungannon, BT71 6BT. NEWTOWNARDS, SECOND: REV DR W.J.P. BAILIE: Mr Ivan Patterson, 11 Heron Crescent, Newtownards, BT23 2WH. NEWTOWNARDS, REGENT STREET: REV P.T. DALZELL: Mr Ian MacDonald, 11 Stanvilla Road, Newtownards, BT23 8HE. PORTAVOGIE: REV G.J. SIMPSON: Mr Trevor Kennedy, 1 Cairndore Road, Newtownards, BT23 8RD. RATHCOOLE: REV A.K. DUDDY: Mr Ken Neill, 307 Merville Garden Village, Newtownabbey, BT37 9TY. RATHFRILAND, FIRST: REV C.G. HARRIS: Mr David Scott, 13 Sleepy Valley, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5HL. SAINTFIELD, FIRST: REV B.A. SMALL: Mr Paul Jackson, 20 The Grange, Saintfield, BT24 7NF. SPA and MAGHERAHAMLET: REV D.F. LEAL: (Spa) Acting Clerk – Mr Stephen McBride, 28 Ballynahinch Road, Castlewellan, BT31 9PA. (Magherahamlet) Mr David Whan, 74 Castlewellan Road, Dromara, BT25 2JN. STRABANE and SION MILLS: REV COLIN McKIBBIN: (Strabane) Mr William Watson, 44 Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9QS. (Sion Mills) Mr Colin Campbell, 26 Albert Place, Sion Mills, Strabane, BT82 9HN. TOBERKEIGH: REV JOHN STANBRIDGE: Mr Jim Kane, 67A Ballinlea Road, Ballinlea Upper, Ballycastle, BT54 6NN. VINECASH: REV P.W.A. McCLELLAND: Mr Thomas Graham, 38 Richmount, Portadown, BT62 4JQ.

THE ELDERSHIP Ordained and Installed: ANNALONG: Jason Hill, Charles Martin CALEDON: Joy Hadden DRUMHILLERY: Caroline Hopps, Alastair Mitchell, Ivan Orr MAZE: Annette Harte, Giles Page Installed: ANNALONG: Samuel McConnell MAZE: David Morrow, Stuart Thompson Died: MOUNTJOY: Robert McAskie

THE MINISTRY Ordained and Inducted: Peter Burke, as Associate Minister of West Kirk, on 23 January 2022 Installed: Graeme Fowles, as Minister of Shore Street, Donaghadee, on 18 March 2022 Colin William Anthony Jones, as Minister of First Derry (inc. Claremont) & Monreagh, on 25 March 2022 Resigned: Graeme Fowles, as Minister of Kilmakee, on 17 March 2022 Colin William Anthony Jones, as Army Chaplain, on 24 March 2022 Reviewable Tenure Concluded: William George Hamilton, as Minister of Tullycarnet, on 31 March 2022 Died: Rev Robert Dickson Larmour, Minister Emeritus of Magheragall, on 10 March 2022

Herald May 2022

49

CLASSIFIEDS

CROSSWORD Solution to No 268

ACROSS 1 Prince of Peace 7 Ottawa 9 Rahab 11 Ewe 12 Idle 13 Irresistible 16 Letter 17 Eleven 20 Forum 23 Pinprick 27 Nisi 28 Tee 29 Coed 30 Sis 31 Err 32 Ace 33 Gene 34 Eros 35 Longings

DOWN 1 Province 2 Internee 3 Cowes 4 Foretell 5 Exhibition 6 Cable 8 Awe 10 Adl 14 Identical 15 Promises 18 Loiter 19 Vipers 21 Risen 22 Using 24 Nero 25 Coco 26 Keen 33 GI

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.

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Herald May 2022

Closing Date: 28 May 2022

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caweek.ie/worship Christian Aid Week 15-21 May Christian Aid is a key member of ACT Alliance. Christian Aid Ireland: NI charity no. NIC101631 Company no. NI059154 and ROI charity no. 20014162 Company no. 426928. The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid. © Christian Aid December 2021 Photo: Christian Aid/David Brazier J262799