Featuring scenes from across the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the calendar will be a useful addition to the home or office. With two months on view, specially selected Scripture verses are also displayed alongside. Only £5/€5 each (including postage)
To order please visit www.presbyterianireland.org/pcicalendar or call +44 (0)28 9041 7297
A gift in your Will could not only help your loved ones but can leave a legacy of hope for generations to come.
In Northern Ireland four in ten adult deaths are caused by chest, heart and stroke illnesses. We’re working hard to change this by funding life-changing research and caring for those who are affected by devastating health conditions every day.
We’ve been helping local people for almost 75 years, and with your help we can continue to be there for people who need us now, as well as those who will need us in the future.
Please visit nichs.org.uk/giftsinwills for further information on leaving a gift in your Will to NICHS or call us on 028 9032 0184. Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC 103593
legacy of hope and care - a gift in your Will.
Alf McCreary is religion correspondent for the Belfast Telegraph. An elder emeritus of Whitehouse, he was appointed MBE in 2004 for his services to journalism and charities.
Christine Craig is PA to the Secretary for the Council of Mission in Ireland and an elder at Kilbride Presbyterian Church.
Ruth Bromley is PCI’s Children’s Development Officer. She is married to Brendan, mum to Bess and is a member of First Holywood Presbyterian.
Rev David Thompson is Secretary of the Council of Congregational Life and Witness and chaplain to Glentoran Football Club.
In this month of Remembrance, we hear from two PCI forces chaplains, who, along with their families, are regularly making big sacrifices for their jobs. Brent van der Linde, a Royal Navy chaplain, and Michael McCormick, an RAF chaplain, are often away from home for long periods of time, and working alongside other forces personnel, they are exposed to the same dangers. Despite the many challenges, both are dedicated to their roles, describing their work as “journeying with others”.
Brent is often away at sea and has been in some frightening situations – on high alert and ready to go to war in an instant. In those moments, when his job is especially difficult, he says, “…humanly you couldn’t do it…God gave me the strength.” Even though he admits to feeling inadequate at times, he affirms that “God uses me more than I could ever imagine.”
Also in this edition, we address some of the difficulties associated with the current cost-of-living and energy crisis. Robin Davey, an energy management consultant, offers some practical advice for congregations to consider in regard to their church buildings. And Jonny Currie from the Trussell Trust outlines a bleak picture for those who are struggling to pay for food. Although we are not even into the worst of winter, he already reports people requesting food they don’t have to heat because they cannot afford to do so. One person shared, “I do skip meals. The kids don’t, but I do. I can go three days without eating. When I first started doing it, it was like, oh my goodness, I feel ill. Now I’m used to it.” Sadly, one recurring comment that volunteers hear is, “I never thought I would be here”. Many churches are involved in helping with the food crisis, whether through Trussell or another organisation, or individually reaching out to those in their community. As Christians we are called to act; to journey with others in their need and provide help and support where we can.
In his Mission Connect article, RAF chaplain Michael McCormick reflects on the story of the road to Emmaus, where a ‘stranger’ journeyed with the disciples. He says, “They do not recognise Jesus until much later… Then, where they had seen death, now they see hope in the risen Jesus.”
Not all those we journey with will see Jesus straight away, but this need not deter us as we trust God for his goodness and provision as we work and witness in the communities where he has placed us.
And in this month of Remembrance, we also turn our thoughts to the community of Creeslough, as we journey with them in prayer; asking God to sustain and comfort them at this tragic time.
I am writing to express my sincere thanks to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and all congregations for their prayerful and financial generosity toward the Moderator’s Appeal for Ukraine and the World Development Appeal.
Thanks to the support of Presbyterians in Ireland, Christian Aid and our partners are continuing to provide support for displaced families in Ukraine. Together we are providing safe housing for families, food, blankets, and medicines. Thank you for enabling us to respond so fully to this crisis, and for giving so incredibly generously.
There is no doubt that the impacts of this war are being felt globally, here at home, and also thousands of miles away in the Horn of Africa, where the worst drought in 40 years has left over 20 million people facing food shortages.
In June I travelled to northern Kenya and witnessed the severe impact of drought in the region. I saw dried out riverbeds and met with families who had faced months of hardship due to food shortages, and need urgent assistance.
In another part of the region, Ethiopia, your donations through the World Development Appeal are continuing to support communities. Farmers are being equipped to diversify their crops using climate resilient seeds in locations where they have been unable to grow traditional crops because of the drought. I am so thankful for this support which is helping communities to grow sweet potatoes and other nutritious crops at a critical time when food prices are rising, and many others in the region are struggling to get enough to eat.
In these times, we must stand in solidarity with all people in crisis, be it due to conflict, climate change, hunger or Covid. We must continue to pray for them, wherever they live and whoever they are. With love there is always hope.
Rosamond Bennett CEO Christian Aid Ireland
Ken Patterson’s article in the October Herald is a wake-up call.
PCI is dying a slow death. We have lost half our members since 1970. Our congregations are ageing rapidly; witness the fact that 45 congregations have no Sunday school and a further 50 are in single figures. By 2026 one in six charges will stand vacant. In the last 10 years alone we have lost 20% of our contributing families and we have planted only one church and closed eight.
We used to ask if we are in mission mode or maintenance mode, but in reality and if nothing changes, we are soon entering survival mode.
I therefore share Ken’s concern and his call for repentance and recovery of the gospel – to which I would add that we urgently need to plant churches. We need to commit ourselves to planting (in many cases replanting) 100 churches in the next 10 years. That’s not a typo. Presently we do not even have a church planting strategy.
If you wonder how we can plant churches with a shortage of ministers I refer you to Roland Allen’s classic, Missionary Methods: St Paul’s or Ours, and to the Acts of the Apostles on which he based it. As Allen pointed out, Paul planted churches with no resources. The leaders were raised up from those converted and the finances likewise. In other words, the resources are in the harvest, and that’s
Letters to the Editor
Write to: Presbyterian Herald, Assembly Buildings, Belfast BT1 6DW Email: herald@presbyterianireland.org
how it’s supposed to be in the kingdom (Amos 9:13).
My plea is that we devote serious time to this not only in prayer, but at the next Assembly. Everything else we discuss will be for nothing if PCI continues on its current trajectory.
Rev Liam Rutherford Ballydown Presbyterian Church, Banbridge
Editor’s note: The Council for Mission in Ireland is currently finalising and agreeing a church planting strategy, which will be shared more fully at the 2023 General Assembly. This thorough piece of work, carried out over the past two years, will seek to produce a clear framework for congregations seeking to plant churches, as well as the development of a pathway for individuals with a heart and giftedness in church planting.
Dear Editor
I join Alastair Rosborough (letter in September Herald) and Lachlan Webster (letter in October Herald) in expressing concern about the coffee drinking tendency
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.
in PCI. If Lachlan were to propose to the General Assembly that loose tea be used I would second that. I also learned early in pastoral visiting that tea is easier on the bladder than coffee.
Much more seriously, I was struck by the remark from Donald Watts in the October Herald: “The fundamental issue we face in our denomination is a lack of trust in one another.” Should we not all resolve to seek out those we don’t trust and have a cup of tea with them, or even coffee?
Rev John Faris Minister emeritus Aghada and Trinity, Cork
Dear Editor
Reporting on the debate about dissent and decision at the General Assembly, the September 2022 edition of the Herald stated that Cheryl Meban said, “Where decisions have caused damage and upset, it is the responsibility of leaders to use ‘every Christ-like means to change the minds of our colleagues, congregants
Unfortunately, for 2023, due to a significant rise in production costs, there will be a slight rise in the price of an annual subscription of the Herald to £18/€22.
A digital subscription is available for £15 (Euro equivalent) from Issuu (https://issuu.com/presbyterianireland).
Editor, Sarah Harding, said: “We are very aware that times are hard for all, and it is regretful that we have to take this step.
“As the life and witness of our congregations continue to move on from the experiences of the pandemic, and as we find our way with this ‘new normal’, having the continuity and sense of connectedness that the Herald brings to the denomination is a great benefit. We hope to have the continued support of all our readers, who we value greatly.”
and the wider community, and we cannot be limited to once a year’.”
I was not present for this debate, but I hope that words to the effect of ‘that go against the clear teaching of Scripture’ followed the word ‘decisions’ and the Herald just did not print them, because these are the only sort of decisions we should use Christ-like means to change people’s minds about.
We should not be surprised when people are upset by decisions which are in line with the clear teaching of Scripture because the true gospel is offensive to our fallen nature.
For example, in Mark 10, we read about a rich man who said to Jesus, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (v17). After informing us that the man told
Jesus he had kept the last six commandments since he was a youth, Mark goes on to say, “Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’ Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (v21–22).
Despite loving the man, when Jesus saw he was upset by his decision and walked away, Jesus did not run after the man, and change what he required of him.
We must not seek to undermine what God says in his Word just because people are upset by it.
Rev Nigel Kane Banbridge
PCI Moderator Dr John Kirkpatrick has offered his prayers and heartfelt sympathy to all those who have lost loved ones as a result of the recent explosion in Creeslough, County Donegal.
Dr Kirkpatrick said, “This tragedy has sent a collective wave of deep shock, not just across Donegal, but throughout all communities on our island, no matter where we are. On behalf of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland I want to send the people of Creeslough our love, prayers and support.”
He continued, “I am also very conscious of the crucial work of the first responders and emergency services who have worked tirelessly, including hospital staff, clergy and local schools. I pay tribute to them and express our deep appreciation for their work now and in the weeks and months to come.”
The Broadway Bell has been restored to its original site, 40 years after it went missing.
Broadway Presbyterian Church had been worshipping on the Falls Road in Belfast for 90 years before closing its doors in 1982. Whilst the building itself reopened as an Irish language centre, mystery surrounded the whereabouts of the bell.
Found in storage at Belvoir Presbyterian Church, the bell has now been restored and returned to the west Belfast site. At a rededication ceremony – 130 years to the day when Broadway Presbyterians first met – Helen McKelvey, daughter of the last minister of Broadway, sounded the bell.
She said, “I am honoured to be asked to ring the Broadway Bell, now restored to the building in which it tolled for many years. On behalf of my late father, the Rev Wilbur Gillespie, the last minister of Broadway, and all the Presbyterians who lived round and worshipped in the church for over 90 years, I commend the vision and work of Cultúrlann in honouring the past and building bridges in the present to secure a future for us all in peace and mutual respect and freedom.”
PCI Moderator Dr John Kirkpatrick has completed his first tour, carrying out a number of engagements in Dromore Presbytery.
There was a strong focus on education, with Dr Kirkpatrick visiting a number of schools. He also saw how local congregations and church members are supporting people through the economic crisis with visits to see the work of Christians Against Poverty, Via Wings, food banks and school clothes schemes.
There were also visits to the Boys’ Brigade headquarters, the Air Ambulance Service and Thiepval Barracks, where he met forces chaplains.
“People often forget that the church isn’t just for Sundays and what we often don’t see is the endless and tireless amount of work done out in the community to help others. In these hard-pressed times we want to be available to people, as we are a Church where the grace of God is at work in us, and through us, so that we might be a blessing to others in serving the community where we can make Jesus known,” said Dr Kirkpatrick.
A special commissioning service took place last month for a new initiative involving PCI’s Lucan Centre and 24/7 Prayer Ireland, which it is hoped will bring about a new chapter in the story of the award-winning County Dublin centre for reconciliation and retreat. Pictured at the service are (L-R): Rev Daniel Reyes Martin, moderator of the Presbytery of Dublin and Munster, Rev Michael Anderson, chair of the Lucan Centre, and Ross Hill, 24/7 Prayer.
For the past 100 years, Pringle Home in Jamaica has been providing residential care for girls in need of love and protection.
Started by Rev James McNee, minister of Carron Hall Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, and funded by Dr John Pringle, Custos of St Mary, since 1922 the home has been providing academic and vocation development; physical and psychological safety; recreation and fun; social skills training; and spiritual development.
Pringle offers a secure family-orientated environment where faith in God is developed, past hurts are healed and hope is restored. Children are encouraged to maximise their God-given potential.
Some have graduated with bachelor’s degrees, others have secured jobs with international companies and one was even head girl at her high school.
Several PCI personnel have served on the staff at Pringle over the decades, and many individuals and congregations have supported the work done there.
The Northern Ireland District of the Boys’ Brigade has decided to establish a different relationship with the organisation in the rest of the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Those at the recent annual general meeting voted 88.5% to 11.5% to enter negotiations with the stated aim of becoming a separate autonomous body by mutual agreement.
A statement released to BB leaders in Northern Ireland said, “We remain committed to engaging with members in Northern Ireland as we negotiate mutually acceptable terms and ask for your continued prayers as we enter into this period of discussion.
The Northern Ireland District seeks to retain a close affiliation with the wider organisation as both pursue their shared Christian mission.”
To mark the anniversary, a programme of events has been running throughout 2022, including a Centenary Appeal to raise funds to repair the roof and floor, now in an unsafe condition. This is to ensure that the Christian care and protection of the last century can be continued into the next 100 years undiminished – and hopefully with similar success. Further information and a video of the home are available by emailing tw-gordon@hotmail.com
Wycliffe Bible Translators has reported a record-breaking year in Bible translation activity.
The number of language programmes that Bible translation teams are working on has seen its biggest leap on record, with new programmes starting at a rate of one per day. Also, Bibles and New Testaments have been launched at a rate of almost one per week.
James Poole, executive director
of Wycliffe, says, “This year, a Bible, a New Testament or a significant portion of the Scriptures has been made available in over 100 languages, which means that the people who speak these languages now have access to the transforming Word of God in their language for the first time.”
Home-Start Omagh District is currently recruiting for volunteers in the Omagh area.
Volunteers support families in their own home for two to three hours a week, offering practical help such as looking after a child while parents attend appointments with other children, or giving emotional support.
For further information, call Allison on 07843 749852 or email info@ homestartomaghdistrict.org.uk
PCI Moderator Dr John Kirkpatrick took part in the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey. Along with other Church leaders, the Moderator took part in a pre-procession through the Abbey at the start of the service.
A mind of their own Care for the Family is holding two events this month, to explore how to help children build strong emotional resilience.
‘A mind of their own’ will look at the unique opportunities and pressures facing young people today, as well as the science of the mind, and why children act and react the way they do. You’ll come away with practical tools to see your children through the difficult times, and a re-established confidence in knowing you’re the best person to help your child.
Moderator Dr John Kirkpatrick, travelled to Hungary last month to see first-hand the ongoing work of the Reformed Church in Hungary, as it supports Ukrainian refugees in the country and internally displaced persons in Transcarpathia, western Ukraine, as a result of Russia’s invasion nearly eight months ago.
He also saw how PCI’s support has blessed the ongoing humanitarian effort in the region.
Based in the Hungarian capital, Budapest, Dr Kirkpatrick and his wife Joan also spent time just
over the border in Transcarpathia, 800 kilometres west of Kyiv.
Since the war began, Irish Presbyterians have responded to the humanitarian emergency by giving £1.3 million to the relief effort. Speaking ahead to the visit Dr Kirkpatrick said, “The generosity of congregations, and others, up and down the land, has led to one of the largest amounts raised for a PCI appeal in living memory…I am looking forward to seeing how it has blessed people both in Hungary and Transcarpathia.”
The first event will take place at Emmanuel Church, Lurgan on Tuesday 29 November, with the second being held on Wednesday 30 November in Holywood Baptist Church. Both start at 7.30pm and cost £7. Sign up at: cff.org.uk/moto
Dipping into the archives to take a look back at what was making Presbyterian headlines and news in history.
The New Testament uses a number of metaphors which help us to understand the nature and work of the church. The church is like a body, a building, a bride. But there are other pictures…
A common (unconscious?) model which controls the thinking of many people is the church as a clinic or nursing home. Everything is patient-centred. Nothing harsh or demanding is allowed, but only that which is warm, relaxing and comfortable…The result is a group of flabby, indulgent, spiritually unfit people…
An alternative picture is the church as a barracks…the Christian life is a battle… True biblical Christianity is strong, vibrant and energetic in face of opposition from the world, the flesh and the devil…
The church…is the place where the enemy’s strategies are uncovered and where training is given in anti-sin techniques. It is within the fellowship of the church that the Christian soldier is taught, rebuked, corrected and trained in righteousness so that he is thoroughly equipped for every good work…
No earthly army is effective whilst it tolerates widespread disobedience to the commands from General HQ…The Bible is clear in the commands and orders which it issues…
This military model is capable of widespread application to the life and witness of the church. The church’s ministry of comfort and encouragement must be seen in the context of a battle. The church is not so much, then, a clinic as it is a field hospital where the wounded, bruised and battle-weary are received, comforted and revitalised before being returned to active duty. It is also a recruiting office where those destined for defeat may change their allegiance and start fighting on the side which ultimately will be victorious.
Christian Aid has given $10,000 (£5,155) to help people fleeing from Iraq and Kuwait. This money will be used to buy food and to provide shelter and medical care for thousands of refugees in transit in Jordan who have fled the crisis in the Gulf…
Pictured with Sunday school superintendent Norman White and League of Church Loyalty secretary Helen Wallace are: Rodney Wallace, Sara Watt, Alan Wallace, Wendy McIlroy, Karen Wallace and Kathryn Watt, who have been presented with pens on 10 years’ full attendance.
A bold and visionary redevelopment of a thriving youth centre in west Dublin is the first step in a reconciliation project planned by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
Nexus Ireland – the name means ‘connections between groups’ – involves the expansion and refitting of the Lucan Youth Centre…
The three-phase redevelopment will involve erecting new accommodation on the site, expanding the existing building to increase capacity and allow conference facilities, and constructing a sports hall and outdoor sports facilities. A four-acre site adjoining the centre has already been purchased…
The Lucan Youth Development Committee has launched a major fundraising appeal to meet the capital cost of approximately one million Irish pounds… When built, the property will be self-financing…
Iwas fifth in a manse family of six, so I’ve always had a knowledge of God. We had a wonderful childhood, surrounded by fields with lots of trees to climb and a good balance of discipline and freedom.
As a child I was very shy and lacking in self-confidence. I think I ‘hid’ in amongst my siblings, and was sheltered by them until I left school and went to Jordanstown to study physiotherapy. We were a small year group, 24 in total, and in that close group and the Christian Union I found two more safe places to hide.
I began to doubt my faith and my relationship with God during a discussion around people’s personal conversion experiences. My lack of a ‘road to Damascus’ experience, or a ‘decision to follow Christ’ seemed to suggest to me that I was a fraud, but my lack of confidence prevented me from opening up to anyone. It wasn’t until over 20 years later that I heard someone talking about how it was much more difficult for someone from my background to make the leap from knowing about God, to actually knowing God personally, than for someone who had grown up oblivious to his existence. Their experience would be more like a chalk/cheese transformation.
My lack of self-confidence always led to my dismissing anyone’s attempt to praise or congratulate me for anything I had done. One day, a work colleague made a comment as she passed me. “You’re good, you know,” she said quietly. My instinctive response was going to be “Nah, not really,” but something made me hesitate a moment, and I heard myself saying simply “Thank you”.
That was my turning point.
It made me stop and ponder, why had I always thought so little of myself? Why was my opinion of me so different from God’s? Why did I consider my abilities inadequate in balancing a demanding full-time job with being a wife and mother of three?
Over the next few years, this colleague and one other were instrumental in introducing me to the person of God, and enabling me to look back and see how I had been shaped and guided by him throughout my life. How my shy nature was actually a gentleness that enabled empathy to develop, which became a strength. How my insecurities had nurtured an ability
to wait, to be very patient.
He had prepared me for a gradual climb through the responsibilities of managing teams, initially small ones, under a supportive line manager, and gradually enlarging my remit until, just prior to retiring, I was managing the largest team in the department. He never challenged me beyond what I could cope with and he always prepared the way.
From then I developed the courage to try new things, step out from my familiar hiding places of family and job, and to take on challenges that came my way. I was called and ordained to eldership in my church. I was entrusted with leading some significant projects at work.
Our church, partnering with another in the area, began the millennium by sending a joint team to Botswana with Habitat for Humanity, the first of many. My first adventure with Habitat was to Tanzania and a few years later I was privileged to be included in another, this time to New Delhi in India. These expeditions showed me first-hand the inequalities that exist across the globe, and how we are simply oblivious to, and take for granted, the things we have.
Volunteering was always on my post-retirement list of things to do, so when I saw the opening of Habitat’s ReStore shops, selling donated items to build houses and furnish homes, I was excited to join them. They create a circular route for usable items that are no longer required by one family, to help out another household.
Retail is very different from healthcare, with lots of new skills to learn. But I’ve been given an endless supply of empathy and patience, and a great sense of humour, all essential team skills. And as we are often part of the grieving process of families clearing ‘ancestral’ homes, I feel my gifts are ideally matched with the environment God has placed me in.
And I love it!
Habitat ReStores are based in Newtownards, Lisburn, Ballymena and Newry and stock donated is new and used building and home improvement materials, including bathrooms, kitchens and plumbing supplies. The aim is to enable local people to improve their homes at low cost, divert tons of reusable waste from landfill and support people to learn new skills.
He never challenged me beyond what I could cope with...
Willow Brook tenant William McCosh has recently started attending day services again and made these lovely pottery pieces. He is pictured with manager of the Coleraine housing scheme, Liz Wilson.
Everyone involved in working with young people these days is having to do a certain amount of re-evaluation, as we adapt to the new set of circumstances after the pandemic. A webinar being held on Thursday 10 November between 7.45pm and 9pm is a chance to come together online and ask your questions and share your challenges.
Graeme Thompson (PCI Youth Development Officer) will be joined by others with significant wisdom and experience in youth ministry. To book your online place, go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/events
‘Stepping Forward: Stepping Up’ is a programme designed to help people, aged 16+, take their first steps into Christian leadership. Made up of two in-person and two online gatherings, the programme costs £25 for all four events.
For more information and to sign up go to: www. presbyterianireland.org/ steppingforward
Taking Care adult safeguarding training
Orangefield – Wednesday 9
Terrace Row – Friday 11 Lissara and livestreamed –Monday 14 Whitehouse – Tuesday 22
Youth ministry clinic Webinar – Thursday 10
Restored Assembly Buildings, Belfast –Tuesday 15
Assembly Buildings, Belfast will host ‘Restored’ on Tuesday 15 November between 7.15pm and 9.15pm. This free in-person event will give church leaders the space to explore how to biblically and pastorally respond to the avalanche of issues arising in the wake of the pandemic.
Andrew Collins, consultant psychiatrist and biblical counsellor, will give the plenary address on ‘Tending the soul in the wake of the pandemic’.
Foundations
Ballynure – Thursday 17 First Omagh – Thursday 24
Taking Care adult safeguarding training Dublin and Munster Presbytery (online) – Thursday 1
A series of children’s and young ministry regional resource events are planned. These will be a mix of encouragement, teaching, discussion and ideas for those working with children and young people in this season.
The events will take place, between 7.45pm and 9.30pm, on Thursday 17 November at Ballynure Presbyterian Church; Thursday 24 at First Omagh; Tuesday 31 January at Dundonald; Monday 20 February at Richhill; Monday 27 February at Trinity, Ballymoney; and on Monday 20 March at Banbridge Road, Dromore. To book tickets go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/foundations
The ‘Back together again’ resource is a short, simple, stimulus to thinking and talking about how this next season in church life might take shape in your congregation.
Copies have been posted to every minister, and additional copies, priced at £1 (Euro equivalent), can be ordered from: www.presbyterianireland.org/backtogetheragain
There will be three seminars. Andrew Dickson (PCI Congregational Life Development Officer) will speak at the session on ‘Is there any room for the darkness of our lives?’; ‘Still not back yet?’ will cover adopting a pastorally sensitive approach to those who have not yet returned to church activities, led by Neil Harrison (PCI Congregational Witness Development Officer) and Rev David Thompson (Secretary, Council for Congregational Life and Witness). Chris Boucher (The Big House) will explore the impact of the pandemic on our teens in ‘From shaken to steady’.
This event is for ministers, elders, pastoral care workers/ visitors/teams, discipleship coordinators, youth workers/leaders. To book your place go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/restored
Castlewellan Castle is the venue for the next PCI Family Holiday, which is taking place between Tuesday 11 and Friday 14 April 2023.
The event is a time of fun and fellowship open to everyone. Families are accommodated, full board, in a variety of rooms suitable to all family sizes. Disabled facilities are available. To download an application form go to: www.presbyterianireland. org/familyholiday Ministers can also apply for places funded by the Presbyterian Children’s Society (PCS) for families experiencing challenging circumstances. To find out more, telephone PCS directly on +44 (0)28 9032 3737 or email jasonnicholson@ presbyterianchildrenssociety.org
Taking Care adult safeguarding training
Molesworth – Thursday 19
Iveagh Presbytery (online) –Thursday 26 Newry Presbytery (online) –Thursday 26 Maze – Tuesday 31
Stepping Forward: Stepping Up Belfast and online – Starting Saturday 28
Foundations
Dundonald – Tuesday 31
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.
I grew up in a Christian home in Londonderry where we were part of a local Pentecostal church. My father was an elder and church was a huge part of our lives. One summer, when we were sent to every local holiday Bible club on offer, I came to faith in Christ multiple times. One of these must have stuck!
I ended up studying Music Technology at Queen’s, which in part led to my first church-based role in Willowfield Church of Ireland. I rarely use the skills I gained at university now, but it was all part of a journey God was taking me on. I met my wonderful wife there and we have since been blessed with three beautiful children.
I first heard about CAP while living in east Belfast and absolutely loved how this ministry matched sharing Jesus’ love in practice and word. Something clicked with me, and I thought “this feels like the Jesus I know”. A few years later a role was advertised in Carnmoney and I jumped at the chance to apply. Growing up I had close ties to local Presbyterian churches, so it wasn’t really such a big change.
The CAP centre here has been running for over 12 years now. I was really blessed to follow on from Brian Givans who established a fantastic service with great links in the community. It’s embedded as an important part of how our church and presbytery serves the community, so the wider church family are very supportive, and many have been involved.
We offer both debt help and a job club through the CAP centre, along with sharing budgeting skills. The debt help is face-to-face and generally in people’s homes. It’s free, available to anyone and non-judgmental. Christians Against Poverty offer incredibly professional services through their head office in Bradford, allowing us to concentrate on walking with people through what can be a difficult journey. The job club is a combination of high-quality course content and coaching for those looking for work. This is done within a welcoming and supportive community, reflecting God’s ideal for the church.
Over the past year I’ve had the privilege of doing ‘The Word One-to-One’ with a friend who came to an Alpha course. It walks through the Gospel of John, helping to reveal who Jesus is and why he came to earth. Witnessing my friend come to faith in Christ and growing alongside him has brought a deep joy and strengthened my trust and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Experiencing how my parents cared and looked out for people in our church left a lasting impression. I’ve also been blessed to spend time around some incredibly generous and passionate people, and had the opportunity to learn from wise leaders about how we can best show God’s love in extremely challenging circumstances.
Come Thou Font is a hymn that I love because it grounds my faith as I worship. The lyrics remind me that despite having faith since I was young, I am still prone to wander from the fold of God and it is he who binds my heart. To me it’s the song of a man very much aware of his own weakness, yet fully confident in God’s grace. This is where I long to remain in Christ.
I’m frustrated that we accept so many injustices and write them off as ‘just the way things are’. A refugee crisis shouldn’t exist in 2022, nobody in developed nations should struggle to feed their children and the thought of young girls being sold into slavery should disgust us into action. There is an apathy to anything that we don’t experience on our doorsteps, and we often turn a blind eye when it is closer to home.
I’ve grown to love the church more as Jesus has taught me more. I’ve also been so blessed to be among so many people who love Christ and serve him selflessly. At times I think we get a bit too caught up in how the world views us, or worried about making sure we’re saying what sounds right. Whereas, when I speak to people who are new to faith, open the Bible with those who are searching or journey with people in the depths of poverty, I find that they don’t care much for any of that. Jesus’ love and grace is revealed through his Word and his people in the place of relationship, not through shouting louder.
On 11 September 2022, Townsend Street Presbyterian Church in the Lower Shankill area of Belfast closed its doors after almost 150 years on that site. However, this story has had a happier ending than that of some other churches in the city centre which have closed in recent decades. A former 19th century Victorian primary school, established at the Townsend Street Church site, is now the administrative headquarters of the Ulster Orchestra. To add to the good news, the former church building is being used by the orchestra for its concert rehearsals, recordings and community events.
There was a church on this site since 1833, but it was replaced by a larger building in 1878 due to the fundraising of a local entrepreneur called William Johnston. The Townsend Street Church always had a distinctive architectural style and was always visually impressive both inside and outside.
It had a distinguished history during
its long service to the Lower Shankill community, and its interior decorations and main musical instrument were particularly attractive. The magnificent Hunter Organ, which was installed in 1921 as a First World War memorial, remained in good condition, with proper care down the years. Another feature of the former church has been the impressive stained glass window created by Wilhelmina Geddes, who was part of the Tower of Glass studio in Dublin.
The main reason for the closure of the church is the same as that which has led to the demise of so many others in the city centre – basically the lack of worshippers because people have moved out to the suburbs over many decades.
Rev Jack Lamb, the former minister
of Townsend Street, underlines this depressing decline in numbers. “When I came to Townsend Street in September 1995, we had 201 families from the surrounding district. In the recent past the numbers declined so much that we had only about 26 people who worshipped with us regularly each Sunday.
“This is part of the decline of the population locally which someone has described as ‘the pillage of the Shankill’, and it was clear that we could not continue. It was also typical of the change in the Presbyterian Church at large which, in my view, is becoming more of a rural Church rather than an inner-city institution. However, there is an encouraging growth in some formerly traditional city centre churches in Belfast which now have a more modern form of worship.”
The Townsend Street building was in excellent physical condition due to the foresight of its minister and congregation who spent a significant six-figure sum in its refurbishment even though they knew
Buildings may experience a change of use, but the church keeps marching on.Alf McCreary reports on the closure of Townsend Street Presbyterian Church, which has sadly brought an end to the congregation, but has given a new lease of life to the building.
that it was likely to close.
Jack says, “We knew that following my retirement at 70, there would not be enough people left for the PCI to support a new minister here. We also discovered that part of the sandstone brickwork on the exterior of the church was eroding, and that this could be a danger to health and safety. So we decided to refurbish the building and also the stained glass.”
The money came from the congregations’ donations stretching back to Victorian times, as well as the charity Ulster Garden Villages, and also money from the government-backed scheme titled ‘Listed Places of Worship’. Jack says, “Some people might rightly ask why we spent so much money on refurbishment when we knew that the church would be closing, but we were determined to leave the building in a pristine condition for whoever would come in to start another project.”
This was a remarkable visionary and Christian attitude.
By coincidence – or some people would claim that it was no coincidence – the Ulster Orchestra was interested around the same time in renting the building because it was moving from its Gloucester Street base in the city centre, which was somewhat cramped compared to the
much larger facilities at Townsend Street.
Jack says, “We had no idea in advance that this might happen but we were delighted with the Ulster Orchestra with whom we have a very good relationship. This was really a godsend, and it felt so right. I heard the 80-piece orchestra rehearsing for the London Proms in my church where I had ministered and preached for 27 years, and the sound blew me away.”
Patrick McCarthy, the Ulster Orchestra’s Head of Artistic Planning and Operations, says, “We have been using the Townsend Street Church building since April this year. The pews have been removed and we are making great progress in optimising the acoustics. We have some way to go with this yet, but the potential of the church as a space for rehearsing, recordings and community projects is exciting.”
Jack has now retired, and has taken up a new career as a tour guide. He recalls the atmosphere at the final service in Townsend Street on 11 September. “That Sunday, shortly after the Queen’s death, was tough for many ministers because people throughout the community were grieving. Our congregation had swollen to 120 people, not just to mark the end of the Queen’s reign but also for the end of a church which had stood there since 1833.
“Our first praise was Psalm 122: I Joyed When to the House of God, and our final hymn was Amazing Grace In my address I acknowledged the death of the Queen, and I went on to preach about endings and new beginnings. For the former members of Townsend Street their new beginnings will be with different congregations, but for all of them there is a confidence which comes from experiencing God and his guidance. Buildings may experience a change of use, but the church keeps marching on.”
Alf McCreary is religion correspondent for the Belfast Telegraph.
Townsend Street has a “mighty history” dating back to 1833. This was how South Belfast Presbytery clerk Morris Gault described the congregation at this year’s General Assembly.
Speaking on the resolution to dissolve the congregation, Mr Gault gave a flavour of its illustrious history, saying in the early part of the 20th century they put nurses into schools, which was pioneering at the time. They also bought hospital beds for those dying of consumption and provided home nursing care for those who were terminally ill.
“They were the precursors to the Orphan Society, and ran it for many years. They had their own society to provide welfare for the orphans of Presbyterian families in Belfast,” explained Mr Gault.
The congregation also had a major interest in education throughout its existence. Remarkably, in the 19th century it established and ran 19 day schools across Belfast attended by 5,200 pupils at one time, and had a network of Sabbath schools with 115 teachers and 700 scholars.
This legacy lives on through charitable projects it established, including a thriving Social Outreach Centre providing educational opportunities for local young people and a busy Enterprise Park focused on local regeneration and peace and reconciliation work.
Additionally, the church leaves considerable endowments which will continue to provide for a variety of good causes, and its suite of buildings (which have been left in remarkably good order, having survived incendiary attacks both during the Blitz and the Troubles) now have a new purpose which will bless the local and wider community, being the new home of the Ulster Orchestra.
When Rev Dr William Johnston led the final service in the original church building before the move into the present church in 1878, he took as his text words which remain relevant to us today from Deuteronomy 1:5, “The Lord our God spake unto us in Horeb, saying, ‘Ye have dwelt long enough on this mount’.” The congregation reflected on this as they felt led to take the difficult decision to close, and are pleased to see the green shoots of other new expressions of Presbyterian ministry in the area.
…we were determined to leave the building in a pristine condition.
Ruth Bromley shares some stories of how Blaze the bee is encouraging children across PCI to become global disciples.
By now every congregation will have had the opportunity to meet Blaze the bee and share in the accompanying resources. Blaze is our new way of helping children and families in congregations across PCI explore how God is at work in the world and what it means for them to be global disciples, doing what they can to play their part in God’s global mission. This includes learning about, and praying for, global mission workers, God’s church around the world and a Christian approach to big issues like creation care.
Photos of Blaze arriving in many congregations have been shared and stories of children, families and others learning about how to be global disciples has been really exciting. Some congregations have used Blaze in other creative ways to highlight what being a global disciple involves.
Islandmagee Presbyterian Katherine Dickson, youth worker, shares about ‘Blaze Kids’ and other initiatives in the congregation.
Blaze first buzzed into Islandmagee in June, and our congregation and community have certainly embraced this vibrant, tangible (and cuddly) PCI mascot. Blaze has taught and reminded our church family about the huge value of global mission, and the most exciting part is that he joyfully invites us all to take part in this important job. Through children’s addresses, all-age prayers, crafts and games, Blaze has captured the hearts of our teeny-tinys right up to our senior members.
Blaze is an important feature of our church life, especially at our all-age monthly service. We first introduced
Blaze using the accompanying resource. We discovered that, just as bees have an important job passing pollen from flower to flower, Blaze shares the good news of Jesus from person to person and country to country. It is wonderful to witness the excitement in our youngest children praying for and wanting to take part in the sharing of the gospel.
Throughout the summer, Blaze took charge of our Sunday school and renamed it ‘Blaze Kids’. Our boys and girls heard stories about famous global disciples such as Amy Carmichael – people who loved God and loved others. Our leaders also created a ‘Blaze library’ enabling our families in church to borrow books about famous missionaries and research more about them together at home.
Blaze hasn’t just been confined to our church building. In June, he was a VIP guest at our community barbecue; having fun in the sun and making new friends with local boys and girls. Blaze also enjoys visiting our organisations throughout the week. At our tots’ group –Seedlings – Blaze helped the toddlers create some bee-autiful works of art, as well as planting seeds to remind us to take care of God’s creation. Our GB and BB regularly enjoy special visits and stories too from their favourite bee.
Blaze has demonstrated to our children that they have an important part to play in God’s global mission today – right here and right now (even in their young age). Understanding what it means to be a global disciple encourages our kids to know that they aren’t alone in their Godgiven mission, and that they have family all over the world working together to advance God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
St Andrew’s Presbyterian, Bangor
Helen Dunn and Mark Johnston share how Blaze has made an impact with families through the ‘Knit n Natter’ group.
Knit n Natter has over 30 ladies from the St Andrew’s church family and wider community who meet for two hours on the first Tuesday of every month from September to May. We enjoy a cuppa and a natter while knitting or crocheting together. It’s always a great time of fellowship. We knit a whole range of items such as blankets, cardigans, and hats for neo-natal units; and blankets,
hats, jumpers etc which are sent overseas, as well as locally for refugees and those seeking asylum in Northern Ireland. We’ve also knitted mini Christmas stockings and Santa sacks for both our children in St Andrew’s and all the children in the primary school and nursery school next door to the church building.
Our ‘Kids 4 Jesus’ ministry leader shared with us about Blaze the bee, and asked whether we could knit miniature bees for each of the children in Kids 4 Jesus (our Sunday school ministry), Praise and Play (our crèche ministry), and for every family connected with the church. Families were invited to send photographs of where Blaze had travelled to over the summer months. We loved knitting the miniature bees, and there was a fantastic response with photographs of Blaze in countries over the world, and closer to home here in Northern Ireland.
We hope that our children…will have an increasing awareness of how God is at work around the world…
We hope that as each family looks after a miniature Blaze the bee, they’ll be reminded of how God has made the world, and how his church stretches right across the globe. We hope that our children, young people and families will have an increasing awareness of how God is at work around the world, and that as
Blaze travels from country to country, we’ll be drawn to pray for those who are part of the Lord’s church in different nations.
Cumber and Upper Cumber Presbyterian, Co Londonderry
In Cumber and Upper Cumber, Blaze has had the amazing opportunity to spend time with Chloe and Judith MacCombe, including going to the Commonwealth Games!
We got into triathlon a bit by accident –we used to do rowing but when that fell through, we bumped into a coach from Triathlon Ireland and the rest is history. We’ve been training for four years, but only really started racing three years
ago. When not away racing, we volunteer at church – with Sunday school, choir, praise group, JBC and youth fellowship, as well as attending other church things like Bible study and prayer time. A lot of our time is taken up training but we’ve also recently started a part-time internship with Exodus (North West).
The Commonwealth Games was an amazing experience and it was great to have Blaze along with us. Blaze gave us something to start up conversations with others. People wanted to know who this bee was!
When we compete in races (and in our lives in general) we always focus on 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:23, “My best for his glory”. We often write it on our hands before races to remind us when things get tough that ultimately in all we do, we do it for God.
We can be global disciples when we race through the way we act. Competition can often be a volatile place and we hope our attitude shines a light for Jesus – and if we get chatting to people, we can turn the focus on him.
We always pray before we race and people often ask why. We try and remember that God has made each and every person on purpose, for a purpose. God uses each and every one of us in ways that we might not expect – we never imagined we’d be doing triathlon at the Commonwealth Games. But God has given us the opportunity to do this and we will do our best for him, focusing on him, and giving the glory to him. We hope that we can be good ambassadors for Jesus in all we do.
We’ve loved being able to bring our friend Blaze along with us in these adventures!
It has been great to hear stories of how Blaze is creating a buzz in congregations and how many are using their own creative ideas to help children and families engage with the Blaze initiative. Mostly though it has been encouraging to hear the stories of how children, families and others in PCI are engaging with the idea of being global disciples.
For more information and resources about Blaze go to www.presbyterianireland.org/blaze. There you will find the original resources on introducing the idea of what it means to be a global disciple. There are also resources released at harvest on Blaze’s first trip to visit Naomi Leremore in Kenya.
The question is: where is Blaze headed next?
Ruth Bromley is PCI’s Children’s Development Officer.
The Commonwealth Games was an amazing experience and it was great to have Blaze along with us…
The main news headline from the 2021 census figures was that for the first time there are more people from a Catholic background in Northern Ireland than Protestant (45.7%/43.5% respectively). Inevitably this generated a great deal of comment by politicians and analysts, but in my opinion, one of the most telling was by Dr Paul Nolan, a senior academic researcher based in Belfast, who wrote: “If you look at those figures along with the school enrolment figures, which for nearly 20 years now has been showing Catholic children as half of school enrolments against one third for Protestants, the direction is unmistakable. There is no going back. The Protestant decline cannot be reversed.”
But for those of us in the churches, other statistics are much more significant and some are profoundly challenging. Two seem specially important.
Firstly – the continuing trend of there being more deaths than births in the Protestant population than in the Catholic one. This means that church membership will continue to decline numerically, with fewer people coming through to lead our congregations and fewer people to contribute to our finances. It also means that our youth work will come under increasing pressure, since there will be fewer younger leaders to evangelise their peers or even to help staff youth groups and youth clubs.
Secondly – the response to the question on religion showed that in Northern Ireland there are now more people with no religious affiliation than there are Presbyterians or in any Protestant denomination.
Dr Nolan again: “This is in line with international trends. The 2021 census in Australia shows 40% with no religion. The latest British Social Attitudes Survey, conducted in April 2021, gives the share with no religion as 53% (considerably higher than the 25% in the 2011 census for England and Wales).”
It will take some time to digest the full implications of these and other more detailed figures – for example the highest numbers of those saying they had no religion were in the Belfast and North Down areas, where affluence is more apparent than elsewhere. Does this suggest that material wellbeing loosens our dependence on God or even leads us to think we can live well without him?
But it is now clear that the way we have ‘done church’ in Northern Ireland in the past simply won’t deal with the current and future trends and realities. No longer can we claim significant influence in wider society on the basis of our numerical strength, for as Presbyterians we are only 17% of the population. And if
revival were to be an answer, who would lead it and where and how might it begin?
And yet, and yet, whatever the challenges (and they are huge) I am not even remotely despondent about the power of the gospel, the truth of Scripture and the work of the Spirit to bring people to Christ and uplift to our land. I do not see secularism as a threat, though it needs to be properly and confidently challenged. Nor do I see any church structures being able to respond quickly to a rapidly changing environment where the trends against religion are accelerating.
But those trends do not dismay me either for two main reasons. Firstly, active and biblically centred faith is a far cry from religion. Speaking personally, I do not regard myself as a particularly ‘religious’ person – for religion describes very little of substance in today’s world. But I am a very committed (though deeply flawed) follower of Jesus. I know very few people who despise Jesus, even it they are very anti-church or anti-religion. And herein lies an important lesson. We all need to start talking much less about ‘the church’, or ‘mission’ or even ‘witness’ and much more about the importance of both becoming a follower of Christ and living as a follower of Christ.
Secondly, we can take huge encouragement from the great Christian vitality across all the generations seen in the big public celebrations such as Keswick, New Horizon and Summer Madness. And there is long-term God honouring ministry in many organisations such as Scripture Union, the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity and the Jubilee Centre in Cambridge – to name but a few. This alone convinces me that one way ahead is for the churches and many non-church organisations to come together quickly as willing and active partners with each other for the honour of Christ and to commend the gospel. Such unity in Christ is surely as biblical as it is necessary.
The politicians will use and manipulate the census data as part of their normal everyday powerplay. Christ’s followers should use the data to rediscover what it looks like to keep in step with the Spirit in an increasingly godless society. That prospect really energises me!
…the way we have ‘done church’ ... in the past simply won’t deal with the current and future trends and realities.
Very Rev Dr Norman Hamilton is a former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
winter.
On a lovely May morning I was chatting to the minister of a church on the slopes of Divis Mountain. The sun streamed in through the tall windows onto the people of the congregation who were preparing to leave. We walked through the vestibule, from the steps at the entrance. Looking west, the Belfast hills rose above us and turning east we could see the lower slopes of the mountain meeting the blue waters of Belfast Lough. I knew I would sound a discordant note, as I asked the minister if he was concerned about the cost of heating the church buildings in the
coming winter, due to escalating prices of natural gas and heating oil.
“We’ll wear our coats,” he said cheerily. Knowing him and his congregation I am sure they will set an excellent example. With increases in heating oil and natural gas since then, they will certainly be given the opportunity to demonstrate their resilience this winter.
This energy crisis should be encouraging our congregations to consider how they should plan to deal with heating bills this winter. To give comparison of how much this increase will be: if the price of a loaf of bread, say £1.50, was to go up by the same amount as heating oil has over the last two years, it would cost over £4 and if it increased by the price of natural gas, it would be over £5. In parallel with this, electricity costs have also risen. As we are now well into the autumn, it is timely to consider what steps we should take.
What should we do?
All boilers should be serviced once a year, ideally just as we enter the cold weather season.
Robin Davey offers some advice for congregations to conserve heating and lighting costs over the coming
All boilers should be serviced once a year, ideally just as we enter the cold weather season. The heating engineer should be asked to carry out a flue gas analysis, to assess the boiler’s efficiency.
Heating time clocks and temperature control thermostats, if properly set, can ensure that buildings are heated when occupied and the temperatures are adequate but not excessive. It is important that at least two people who are competent at adjusting these controls should be in charge.
Recording electricity usage can be considered a nuisance, but it is important. A 10-year-old schoolgirl or boy could learn to read the electricity meter and record the readings each week. A teenager could design a spreadsheet to calculate the weekly usage and cost per week. This recording is important as it not only provides an up-to-date record of usage and cost, but it also highlights if usage suddenly rises. If the readings are taken weekly or monthly, it is easy to trace the cause of this rise and correct it. If we are relying on checking the bills at the end of two or three months, it can be a tortuous process and allow the excess usage to continue for weeks or even months before being identified.
If the boiler has a fuel meter (as is the case with natural gas), readings should be recorded weekly or monthly. In the case of oil-fired boilers with no fuel meter, it is more difficult; it may be necessary to rely on the speed at which refills are needed.
Lighting has improved enormously in efficiency in the last 30 years. Twenty years ago, the compact fluorescent lamp was introduced. This improved lighting efficiency three-fold and extended the life of each lamp from 2,000 hours to 10,000 hours. In the last 10 years, the light emitting diodes or LED have swept the market. These further improve energy efficiency by a multiple of four over the compact fluorescent and extend the lamp life to over 50,000 hours. They also light up instantaneously compared to the more gradual mode of the fluorescent lights. When considering lighting in large halls, churches and rooms that are lit for long periods, the replacement of non-LED lighting should be planned. This can be done gradually as the old lights stop working or as a complete relamping of existing lighting.
the church hall during the five months of November to March. This could be an opportunity for creative thinking, we might design tapestries (with the relevant provisos for fire safety), to decorate the walls and conserve heat. In considering such a drastic change, the savings achieved could contribute towards future investment in a more efficient condensing boiler, or upto-date LED lighting and lighting controls.
This article is not a list of rules set in stone. It is intended to encourage churches individually and as an Assembly to think ahead, share ideas and prepare creatively for difficult times. If we can reduce our energy usage, it will help to reduce our energy costs and indirectly give small support to the people in the world who face devasting poverty due to this catastrophe.
The recommendations listed above are useful low-cost suggestions – they will be effective in saving energy and reducing the church’s carbon footprint. When facing the unprecedented financial and geopolitical threats brought on by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we should consider more sweeping decisions. In many churches, the church hall is a younger and more energy efficient building than the church. In cases where we have serious concerns about the cost of heating, it may be advisable to consider moving Sunday worship to
Energy advice from nidirect www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/nienergy-advice
Advice from Commission for Regulation of Utilities www.cru.ie/home/energy-saving-advice
of Armagh Road Presbyterian Church, Portadown. A past chairman of the Northern Ireland branch of the Energy Institute, he is an energy management consultant with over 30 years of experience.
Davey is
…the replacement of non-LED lighting should be planned.
The Trussell Trust supports 22 Northern Irish food banks, which make up about 5% of the total number of food banks in the network across the UK – all providing practical support for people facing hardship.
We believe that emergency food isn’t a long-term solution to hunger. People need food banks when they don’t have enough money for essentials. That’s why we also work with communities and churches across Northern Ireland to change the things that push people to need a food bank.
Northern Irish food banks provided over 62,000 parcels to people facing financial hardship from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022. This represents a 36% increase compared to the same period
in 2019/20 – before the height of the pandemic – as more and more people are unable to afford the absolute essentials. This represents the largest increase in support provided when compared to England, Scotland and Wales.
In April to June this year, usually a quieter period, food bank use in Northern Ireland increased by 30% compared to the same period last year. Our food banks are very concerned about increasing need going into the winter.
The cost of living crisis is having an impact on us all, but especially those forced to survive on the lowest incomes. Food banks in our network are telling us about accelerating need in recent months, including from people who are working, as more and more households are pushed deeper into poverty. Something our food banks often hear from people is “I never expected to be here”.
In addition, people who cannot work or work long hours, for example due to disability or unpaid work, have long been particularly at risk of needing a food bank’s support. We also know people are being forced to take cold showers and turn off their fridges and washing machines because they can’t meet rising
Many people are asking for cold food, as they can’t afford to heat their meals.Jonny Currie outlines the work of the Trussell Trust in Northern Ireland and describes a darkening picture that is being seen across all of Ireland.
“I never thought I would be here” The rising tide of food bank use
costs. Many people are asking for cold food, as they can’t afford to heat their meals. We also know that parents are skipping meals in order to feed their children. As one person put it who had no option but to use a food bank, “I do skip meals. The kids don’t, but I do. I can go three days without eating. When I first started doing it, it was like, oh my goodness, I feel ill. Now I’m used to it.”
Hunger in Northern Ireland isn’t about food – it’s about a lack of income. We know that the majority (95%) of people that need support from food banks in the Trussell Trust network are destitute – meaning they are unable to afford the absolute essentials to eat, stay warm, dry and clean. This particularly reflects a growing crisis in social security.
Independent research shows that the most immediate driver of food bank need is problems with our social security system – more often than not by design, such as record low benefit rates and debt caused by features like the five-week wait for a first Universal Credit payment. Nearly half of people referred to food banks in the Trussell Trust network are in debt to the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions – the department responsible for social security). This debt can take many forms, including paying back advance payments given to people on Universal Credit to cover the fiveweek wait for their first benefit payment, repaying benefit overpayments, and more. This has become even more acute since
the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.
The available evidence indicates that the impact of the economic crisis caused by the pandemic has deepened the experience of destitution for some, but also driven new groups of people into long-term destitution. Ill health or challenging life experiences can also drive people to food banks. Mental or physical ill health, eviction, divorce, or losing a job can push many people into poverty by making it more difficult to engage with the welfare system, or increasing their expenses. Most people attending food banks either don’t have or have exhausted formal and informal support (e.g. from family and friends) and have nowhere else to turn.
Twenty out of the 22 food banks within our Northern Ireland network are run by churches or faith-based organisations. Most food banks also manage a network of distribution centres to cover a wider geographical area or to be available for more days during the week.
Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, Baptist as well as Vineyard, Elim and other non-denominational churches are active within our network either as main food bank centres or as distribution centres. Food banks are also heavily reliant on churches for the provision of essential items.
Non-perishable, in-date food is donated by the public at a range of places, such as schools, churches, and businesses, as well as supermarket collection points. It is then sorted into emergency food parcels by volunteers, to be given to people in crisis.
Care professionals such as health visitors, staff at schools and social workers identify people in crisis and issue them with a food bank voucher. This means people can receive a parcel of around three days’ worth of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food from their local food bank. Our food bank network helps people break free from poverty by providing additional practical support to help them resolve the crises they’re facing so that they don’t need to use a food bank
…the pandemic has… driven new groups of people into long-term destitution.
again in the future. This could include things like referrals for financial or debt advice, mental health support, or benefits guidance to address the underlying causes of people’s hardship. Food banks rely on the support of their local communities to support people in crisis.
The general picture of stock levels across our network is varied and depends on each food bank’s set of circumstances. However, we are aware that many food banks are seeing a decrease in donation levels and shortages of certain items and would recommend contacting your local food bank or looking at our website for the latest information about which items are needed in your area. While there are concerns about donations, the primary issue is the need for our services which has been increasing year on year – that’s why we need urgent government action. We are encouraging food banks in our network to hold additional stock where possible in preparation for any sharp increases in need as a result of the cut to Universal Credit, rising energy prices and wider cost-of-living crisis.
What can we do to help (individually and as churches)?
One NI food bank manager said, “We have to be proactive. What we don’t want to do is just hand out food packages as and when people need them. We want to be able to help them in other ways, finding out why they’re in that position and getting them back to where they need to be.”
We’re all made in the image of God. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Being trapped by poverty is at odds with God’s plan for fullness. There
is a dignity in being able to afford the essentials and provide for yourself and your family. There are three things that we can all do to help:
1. If you are struggling to afford the essentials, please call for free to talk confidentially to a trained Advice NI adviser on 0800 915 4604 (open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, closed on public holidays).
They can help address your crisis and provide support to maximise your income, help you navigate the benefits system, and identify any additional grants you could be entitled to. The advisers can also provide specialist debt and budgeting advice to people calling the line. If needed, they’ll issue you with a voucher so you can get an emergency food parcel from your local food bank.
2. If you are in a position to do so, please consider donating, either financially or through the provision of essential items, to your local food bank. All food banks within the Trussell Trust network have a website with a function for online giving. They also communicate regularly through social media the particular items they are running low on. We’re only part of the picture – there are also lots of independent food banks and other local organisations that provide food in community settings.
3. Contact your local elected representatives and encourage them to act. Food banks are an incredible community-led response to people in crisis, but they shouldn’t have to exist.
There are decisions that can be made by both the Westminster and Stormont
governments to release the pressure on people during this cost-of-living crisis. In the short-term this includes controlling and reducing energy bills, making further payments to low-income households, and uprating social security payments in line with inflation at Westminster.
A functioning Northern Ireland Executive can also use its existing powers to ease the worst aspects of this crisis and also the long-term impact of poverty through the reallocation of existing financial resources.
Jonny Currie is the Northern Ireland Lead of the Trussell Trust.
For food poverty issues in the Republic of Ireland, the following may be useful:
Crosscare
Crosscare exists to support people and families when they face difficult challenges in life and when they find it hard to get the help they need. They offer a range of services, including food poverty support. https://crosscare.ie/ FoodCloud
FoodCloud is a social enterprise with a mission to transform surplus food into opportunities to make the world a kinder place. https://food.cloud/
God opens many doors for rural chaplaincy
Mission news from workers around Ireland and the world.
Every aspect of our Church’s mission depends to some extent on United Appeal. Hundreds of projects and programmes at home and overseas are helping to advance God’s kingdom, showing God’s love in action to hundreds of thousands of people.
God opens many doors for rural chaplaincy
Rev Kenny Hanna
Presbyterian hospitality at the National Ploughing Championships
Rev William Hayes
Giving gratitude Sylvia Santos Bryce Many reasons to give thanks Derek and Jane French Gone fishing!
Naomi Keefe
Journeying alongside Rev Michael McCormick
Including November prayer diary
On 7 November 2021, I was inducted as PCI’s first rural chaplain. I began with a blank sheet of paper: excited and daunted in equal measure. But God has been opening doors everywhere, including providing expert help to formulate a three-year strategic plan for this pilot scheme amongst farmers, farming families and the rural community.
Farm Families Health Checks, Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers’ Association, Rural Health Partnership, Rural Support, Ulster Farmers’ Union and Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster.
Jesus
Jesus is at the centre of rural chaplaincy. Partnership is also key, between PCI’s Council for Mission in Ireland, the four pilot presbyteries (Armagh, Down, Iveagh and Newry) and their congregations, livestock markets (Downpatrick, Hilltown, Markethill and Rathfriland), farm support organisations, farmers, farming families and rural dwellers. I’m so grateful to all, and to Jim and Tyrrell who multiply the ministry in livestock markets.
Imagine swapping places with me for a week, working as a pastoral evangelist. Wearing the rural chaplaincy logo on your fleece or coat, you will visit livestock markets and agri-businesses; engage in farming conversations; do pastoral visits; perhaps speak in a school or call with a Young Farmers’ Club; prepare Bible talks and social media posts; refer folk to other organisations when appropriate – in all you do seeking to point people to Jesus. We receive referrals from family members, ministers, livestock markets and agri-business on behalf of those needing help. Sundays mean speaking engagements across the four presbyteries. We also speak at senior citizens’, women’s, men’s, youth and other groups. Did you enjoy your week?
We receive a warm welcome wherever we go, from people of all backgrounds. Farm support organisations have been particularly helpful, including Air Ambulance, Health and Safety Executive,
Milestones over the past year include being asked to run the monthly evangelistic Hilltown Hotel Bible study, a growing group from all backgrounds. The Health and Safety Executive requested we visit farming families devastated by a fatal or serious farm accident, who don’t have pastoral care. Farm Families Health Checks invited me to speak at the launch of their new mobile unit at Balmoral Show. And we initiated PCI stands at two local agricultural shows.
Agri-businesses have also opened their doors to us. Fane Valley has distributed 2,500 of our rural chaplain information cards to their customers in our area, plus electronic copies via email. Finally, we instigated two ‘Looking After Yourself’ breakfasts (at livestock markets) in conjunction with local churches and eight farm support organisations – almost 100 farmers and farm family members registered.
Thank you everyone for your support, especially your prayers. As you can see, in response God has been opening many doors. Please contact the Mission Department in Assembly Buildings to sign up to receive monthly prayer updates, telephone +44 (0)28 9032 2284 or email: misson@presbyterianireland.org
• Give God all the glory for anything that is being accomplished.
• Pray that God will work through rural chaplaincy, bringing people of all backgrounds to follow Jesus.
is at the centre of rural chaplaincy. Partnership is also key…I’m so grateful to all…
There are no two ways about it, the National Ploughing Championships are huge! It is one of the largest outdoor events in Europe and one of the largest agricultural fairs in the world. On day two of the three-day event 115,000 people came to browse the stalls, meet old acquaintances and possibly even see some ploughing take place. Overall, close to a third of a million people attended between 20 and 22 September.
This year the event took place in Ratheniska in County Laois. Even with easy access to the M7 motorway, the morning traffic was queued back beyond the county bounds. In the midst of the 25 miles of walkways on the 900-acre site, one of the 1,700 trade stalls was run by the Presbyterian Church.
The thinking behind the Presbyterian stall is very simple. We offer a place to rest weary legs on a chair or sofa, a free cup of tea or coffee, a biscuit or two and a listening ear. The formula certainly seems to work if the hundreds of tea bags that we get through each year is anything to go by. Conversations this year have ranged from the friendly and superficial, “How far have you come today?” through to the inquiring, “What type of church is a Presbyterian Church?” and on into the profound, “What do I need to do to be right with God?”
The people who come to the Ploughing are largely from sections of Irish society that the Presbyterian Church in Ireland does not reach. Many come from the rural South, West and the Midlands. The vast majority of those attending are from at least a nominally Roman Catholic background and for many there is a deep spiritual
thirst. Conversations, especially among young people, move naturally to talk of spiritual matters. Ireland might be post-Catholic and increasingly secular but there is still a strong yearning for the significance and true hope in life that can only be found in Jesus.
The running and construction of the stall is an all-Ireland project and, despite smaller team numbers this year, we had helpers from counties as far afield as Wicklow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Carlow and Donegal. It is a very intense and exhausting time of evangelism and outreach, but we hope and pray that every conversation, every act of hospitality and every New Testament or piece of gospel literature taken away would, through God’s Sovereign grace, “fall on good soil and produce a crop a 100, 60 or 30 times what was sown.”
• Give thanks for the many hundreds of people who came into the Presbyterian stand and that of other churches and mission organisations.
• Give thanks for those who gave of their time organising the stand, building the marquee, buying and bringing supplies and running the stall.
• Pray for all those who had significant conversations, who heard the gospel and who asked for prayer over the course of the three days.
• Pray for those who took away tracts and gospel literature, that God would work through those words to bring them to Christ.
...there is still a strong yearning for the significance and true hope in life that can only be found in Jesus.
It’s my privilege to share this update in the Herald, which I begin by thanking God for his faithfulness. I have been listening to two famous hymns, Great is thy Faithfulness and Here I Am, Lord, and as I reflect on their words, I am reminded of God’s calling upon my life to serve him on this island. It takes me back on my journey in the past 15 years, and I am encouraged by the fact that God has called me and planted me in situations I had never dreamt of before, yet showing me that he is the one who is in control. Looking back, I have a great sense of security in God, for I know that he will continue to guide me in every season of life, even when I cannot see the way forward.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
I am very grateful for this new season in my ministry and it is a joy to serve as deaconess in West Presbyterian Church in Ballymena, alongside Rev Daniel Kane. I was inducted as a deaconess in West Church on 1 April 2022 to fulfil a part-time position.
My role is mainly pastoral care, which gives me the benefit of spending quality time with members of the congregation weekly. I find this role very rewarding and I am privileged to spend time with people on a one-to-one basis. I am also involved in the craft group and, since September, have been responsible for leading our friendship club.
I have been enjoying strolling around at Buddies & Bundle toddlers’ group on Wednesdays, which gives me great satisfaction as I have the advantage of playing with the children and engaging in conversations with parents, grandparents, and childminders.
I enjoy sharing God’s Word with the children and their parents at the end of each session and singing songs. I have also been leading the first part of the worship service and delivering children’s addresses, which I enjoy. Recently, I have had the privilege to spend a bit of time with the Men United group in West and they have received me very well. It will take me a little while to get to know the congregation, but I look forward to getting to know everyone and building relationships.
I am passionate about seeing people growing and flourishing in the kingdom work, and my vision for the coming years is to make disciples of Jesus. Our PW theme for this year, ‘Deeper together’, has inspired me to find creative ways to deepen and strengthen connections within our church family.
I am very grateful for all the support I have received from my family and for the continued support from churches whom I have served in the past. I am most thankful to God for his care which has taught me to trust him in all seasons of life, knowing that he is always faithful, even with small things.
• Please pray for me as I continue to serve God in West Church, Ballymena.
• For my husband John and daughter Chloe as they support my ministry.
• Pray for people in West Church, Ballymena to experience the hand of God upon their lives in a refreshing way.
I am most thankful to God for his care which has taught me to trust him in all seasons of life, knowing that he is always faithful, even with small things.
Joaquín Hernández is the General Secretary of Grupos Biblicos Unidos (GBU – student, graduate ministry). After assuming the role, he was faced with the challenge of a fire breaking out in the GBU headquarters and then the pandemic. Due to the fire, GBU now needs to find a new building for its headquarters. Joaquín is leading GBU through this time with faithfulness. Pray for wisdom as he continues to lead and for clarity for the vision of GBU. There is a huge need for more workers and also, for funds for the new building and GBU workers.
A full-time GBU staff worker is greatly needed for the north of Spain for work in the universities and with high school students; for several years this position has been vacant. Derek and Jane would also love to have a larger team ministry for their area, with people that can be involved in various ministry needs within the local church and with GBU.
The joint church weekend away will take place for the Spanishspeaking church and the international church later this month. The theme of the weekend is ‘Whom do you serve?’ Pray for the speakers, Sergio Martín and Yolanda Torres from Zaragoza, that God would help them in their preparation and use them to challenge and encourage those who attend.
The annual thanksgiving outreach meal will take place in November. This event has been a huge opportunity for evangelism in the past and is always very well attended. This will be the first time since the pandemic that the church has been able to hold the event. Pray for wisdom in the preparation and for enthusiasm from the congregation as they invite friends and family to come along.
A new evangelism course is underway. Give thanks to God for the fruit of previous courses and pray that once again many nonChristians would come along and be compelled by the gospel message.
As a new term has begun there are specific roles (e.g. Sunday school teachers, hospitality team) that need to be filled in the church, pray that many will offer up their talents to serve God in the church community and as a result would grow in their faith and fellowship with others.
Give thanks to God for new families and students who have joined Bilbao International Church (BIC) in recent months.
• Pray for Joaquín as he leads GBU and that God would provide more workers.
• Pray for the thanksgiving event and give thanks for this evangelistic opportunity.
• Pray for the church weekend away, that it would be a time of growth and fellowship.
• Pray for the evangelism course, that it would impact those who attend.
• Pray for more workers in northern Spain, both in the local church and GBU.
A new evangelism course is underway. Give thanks…for the fruit of previous courses…pray that once again many non-Christians would come along and be compelled by the gospel message.
When was the last time you went fishing?
Which method of fishing did you follow? Fly fishing, a large net, hook with bait? What was the bait that you used on your hook?
These are some of the questions that I had the privilege of asking many of you during my time in Ireland on deputation, as together we considered how to be ‘fishers of men’ in the surrounding communities, whether that be in Brazil or Ireland.
As we meditated on the verse, “Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men”, some thoughts and ideas came to mind: fishing with a rod is very different to fishing with a net; fishing on your own is very different to fishing with others collectively using a net; fishing on the shore is very different to fishing in a boat out on a lake or out in the sea; and fishing with a rod that is missing the line and hook never mind the bait is difficult, as is fishing with nets that are ripped or have large holes in them and haven´t been mended for a while.
I had the privilege of sharing some of these ideas with many of you on my deputation meetings around Ireland as we discussed strategies and methods of fishing/evangelism, whether that be in Ireland or Brazil.
If we are following Jesus, he has said that he will make us ‘fishers of men’, not he ‘might’ but rather he ‘will’. If you are following Jesus no matter what age you are, you are a ‘fisher of men’. But are we mending our nets? Are we preparing our rods and bait? Are we together casting out our nets? Have we put out our boats off shore?
In the Bible we are told the story of Simon Peter going fishing and how even though he was an expert fisherman he didn’t catch
any fish all night, but when he obeyed Jesus and lowered his nets out where and when Jesus said to, he caught so much fish his nets couldn´t cope!
Sometimes we can get caught up in the fact that we don’t know where the fish are (spiritually speaking), but Jesus (God) knows exactly where and when we are to cast out our nets and rods, both individually and collectively. Each one of us therefore needs to ask God to guide us to opportunities where we can use the gifts and talents that he has given us with the purpose of fishing – ‘sharing the good news of Jesus with others’ –whether that be in Ireland or in Brazil.
As I head back out to Brazil it is very encouraging to know that many of you here in Ireland will be praying for all the volunteers in Brazil as we ‘go fishing’. But also encouraging is the fact that you will also be ‘fishing’ here in Ireland. May God guide and direct us all to put out our nets and use our rods wherever he has placed us.
• Give thanks for the opportunities Naomi had to share about her work in Brazil while at home on deputation, and that this was such an encouragement to her.
• Pray for safety for Naomi as she returns to Brazil.
• Pray for the Brazilian elections.
• Pray for the preparation of material for evangelistic events and outreach activities with families, the football group and ‘Coffee with God’ studies amongst the poor communities.
Each one of us…needs to ask God to guide us to opportunities where we can use the gifts and talents that he has given us with the purpose of fishing – ‘sharing the good news of Jesus with others’…
have been drawn back time and time again to that wonderful passage of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35). How they were broken, despondent and could not see the wood for the trees, because they were so focused on the death of Jesus. A ‘stranger’ joins them and walks alongside, listening to their pain and loss. They do not recognise Jesus until much later and specifically when Jesus breaks bread with them. Then, where they had seen death, now they see hope in the risen Jesus.
Where at first, they have seen no hope and are broken, over time as we have journeyed, there has been an opportunity to point to the hope of the risen Jesus.
Much of chaplaincy ministry is about journeying alongside people and being with people where they are. It is why we train, live, eat and wear the same uniform as everyone else in the military. As an RAF chaplain I am based at one of the RAF’s busiest stations and we have a unique opportunity as a chaplain, or padre as we are often known, to just be there. The RAF station where I am based has a significant pastoral workload and for many of the people I get to journey with, faith is often not on their radar. However, my experience is that as we have journeyed together, there have been many opportunities, usually as we get to know each other, and they reach a place where they ask me about faith. Where at first they have seen no hope and are broken, over time as we have journeyed, there has been an opportunity to point to the hope of the risen Jesus, just like the two disciples on that Emmaus Road.
Alongside the pastoral work, we run a weekly faith group and while this group is small in number, interest is growing and the discussion is good. Even though my fellow padres here are not
Presbyterian we have been using PCI’s ‘Proximity’ resource, which has been well received. It has also been a wonderful privilege alongside all the military funerals and acts of Remembrance over this last year to have been able to conduct quite a number of baptisms and weddings, times of hope and joy in the midst of all the challenges of military life. By the time you read this, we will be preparing for Remembrance, which is always a significant time in the military calendar. Then later in November I move to a new unit, a training establishment. The challenges will be very different; a new role, new people, a new location, but once again the opportunity to journey and walk alongside as a padre, serving through prayer and presence.
• Pray that the faith group will grow and those members of it will be encouraged in their own Christian faith.
• Pray for a planned course on prayer.
• Pray for opportunities to speak of faith, especially around Remembrance.
• Pray for all military chaplains to be encouraged and to continue to be salt and light.
• Pray for chaplains and their families, as many spend significant time away from home and their family.
Please
n FORCES CHAPLAINS – Pray for those who serve as reserve chaplains as they balance their extra duties with the demands of ongoing congregational life.
n HOME MISSION – Pray for the elders and members of Fahan congregation during this time of vacancy. Give thanks for their dedication to outreach ministries and pray that more people in their locality will come to faith in Jesus Christ.
n NEPAL – Pray for Peter and Jayne Fleming who have completed their service with United Mission to Nepal and Kathmandu International Study Centre respectively, and are on final home assignment.
n SOCIAL WITNESS –Pray for the Personnel Department as they support managers in staffing each of our services. Ask that the right candidates will come forward and that the selection panels will have the wisdom and discernment to know God’s will in making their decisions.
n DEACONESS – Joanne Dunlop is serving as part of the chaplaincy team at Craigavon and Antrim Area hospitals. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide Joanne as she provides pastoral care.
n HOME MISSION – Pray for the congregation of Galway; that they will know God’s presence as they meet together each Sunday and that God will guide them in all their efforts to share the gospel.
n CONVENERS – Pray for Rev David Brice, convener of the Council for Social Witness. Give thanks for David’s drive and faithfulness to the Council. Pray for our committee conveners and members.
n SPAIN – Give thanks for Derek and Jane French; for their work in Bilbao International Church (BIC) and with Grupos Biblicos Unídos (GBU) in ministering to students and in the publishing of Christian literature in Spanish.
n CHAPLAINS – Pray for Rev Lesley-Ann Wilson, chaplain serving at Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre, as she continues to settle into her new part-time role. Pray for opportunities to share the gospel with the young people and that they might find new life and hope in Christ.
n URBAN MISSION – Great Victoria Street congregation is now sharing its building with Windsor congregation. Pray for the members as they excitedly see change in a big way. Pray for the church leaders exploring the new way ahead and finding God’s vision for this strategically placed church in Belfast.
n AFGHANISTAN – Pray for the people of Afghanistan, especially those struggling to afford enough food and other basic necessities. Pray too for our partners, Christian Aid Ireland and Tearfund, helping those in need.
n OLDER PEOPLE SERVICES – Pray for our older people and for those who feel isolated and lonely, that church family may provide friendship and solace to those who need it most.
n COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Give thanks for the growing Christian community in Balbriggan and pray for wisdom and guidance for Josh McCance as he continues to serve there.
n COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Jason Sime works in youth and children’s ministry in Alexandra congregation in north Belfast. Pray that the Lord will guide and encourage him and that many more children and young people in the local community will come to faith in Jesus.
n CHAPLAINS – Rev John Gilkinson serves as chaplain in Belfast City Hospital, ministering to patients, their families and staff. Pray that God’s presence would be felt amidst challenging circumstances.
n ROMANIA – Pray for Csaba and Ilona Veres and their work with the Diakonia Mission.
n
MISSION – Pray for the congregation of Greystones as they meet in Temple Carrig School whilst they undergo their building project.
n FRANCE – Pray for wisdom and guidance for the staff of Faculté Jean Calvin in France in their various roles. Pray that students will be envisioned by God as they prepare for ministry.
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 DEACONESS – Pray for Heidi England as she continues to serve in the congregation of Railway Street, Lisburn, providing pastoral care and promoting discipleship, especially among the women of the congregation.
n HOME MISSION – Pray for the congregation of Howth and Malahide, that they will be a community of believers in Jesus Christ, shaped by his grace.
n ZAMBIA – Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance for the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian Synod of Zambia, that it may be strong in its faith and witness.
n ILLNESS AND BEREAVEMENT – Pray for those in our families and friendship circles who have suffered sudden illness recently. Give thanks for the NHS and healthcare professionals. Pray for those known to us who are bereaved and coping with grief, that God will hold them close to him.
pray for... www.presbyterianireland.org/prayer
n WILLOW BROOK – Willow Brook provides supported housing for nine tenants with a learning disability. Pray for Liz Wilson, the manager, and newly appointed clerical officer Karen McKay. Give thanks for the staff team and the work they do with the tenants. Pray that tenants will feel encouraged to live as independently as possible with the help and care of staff and will enjoy living in a Christian environment.
n HOME MISSION – Pray for the congregations of Irvinestown, Pettigo and Tempo, that they will know God’s love and presence as they meet together.
n INDONESIA – Pray for the life and witness of the Evangelical Christian Church in Halmahera; for its leaders as they work for the unity of the church, the training of new ministers, and for Christians to be able to build good relations with their Muslim neighbours.
n SOUTH BELFAST FRIENDSHIP HOUSE –Pray for the children who attend the weekly homework clubs and afterschool clubs, that they listen to the Bible teaching and come to a real and personal faith in Jesus.
n DEACONESS – Pray for Sharon Heron in her work in the International Meeting Point with refugees and migrants in the south Belfast area.
Brent van der Linde is one of 13 forces chaplains supported by PCI. After working in the area of peace and reconciliation, Brent’s journey took him to Union College to study for the ministry. It was then while he was an assistant minister in Stormont Presbyterian that the opportunity to explore naval chaplaincy came up. He says, “The moment I stepped on that ship, I realised this is what I wanted to do because it was about spending time with people in very challenging and difficult circumstances. It wasn’t going to be easy, but it was going to be an adventure. So when I became ordained, I went straight into military chaplaincy and I went straight to sea.”
What is it like being a Royal Navy chaplain?
As a navy chaplain, I go to sea and go through the same training as the sailors do. It’s about spending time with people who are in the military and experiencing exactly what they experience. My job is to walk with people through life’s journey;
some of which is great – having children, getting married – but other journeys are tougher. In the last six months, I’ve buried two babies and that’s been really hard walking with personnel through that.
I have a wife and three lovely children, who live in Belfast. At the moment I work in England so I travel back and forth. My first two years in the navy, I spent mostly at sea so I was away a lot. The way the navy works is that your next job after being at sea is usually a shore-based one and I’m lucky with my
current shore-based job, in that I’m able to get home three weekends out of four. It’s easy enough for my family to come over to England too so that’s very useful.
How do your family cope with you being away so much?
The thing about being away from home is that you’ve got to be intentional about how you spend time with your family and the way you do that. I try to figure out what the girls are doing and I put it in my diary and phone them and ask them how it was. And technology makes that really easy.
My job is to walk with people through life’s journey…Christine Craig chats to Brent van der Linde, a PCI Royal Navy chaplain.
But you can’t parent the way you’d like to: I can’t be there for every sports day; I can’t be there for every drama that’s going to take place, so I’ve got to find another way to find out what’s been going on. For me that’s about asking really good questions – not just asking, “How was it?” but asking questions that really elicit conversation about it and that actually build the relationship between us. The girls also experience a bit of loss because their dad is not around so they have caught on to the fact, even by osmosis, that we have to make this intentional.
Your own separation from your family must help you empathise with others?
One of the things I did recently as a chaplain – we’d been at sea for nine months and we then got extended for another six or so weeks. Families were sad and disappointed because they weren’t going to see their loved ones. As a chaplain, I had to think about, how could I be connected in supporting these people doing their job. So I wrote to all the kids whose fathers and mothers were on the ship, by hand. My arm was very sore afterwards! I wrote to them and said, “Your mum/dad is doing a very important thing, they’re keeping you safe, and they’re keeping us safe. We really need them and I’m really sorry that they’re not there.” It was a very small thing, took me about two or three days to do, but it helped families realise that their
…we were in the highest
state of readiness so we were ready to go to war if needed. It was a scary moment.
loved ones were doing an important job and we should feel proud of them. I’m pleased I got to do that as their chaplain.
We belong to a lovely church family, Fitzroy Presbyterian – great people who’ve supported us all along the way. When I’m not around, when there’s something needs done, the church family really just digs in and helps out: fetches things, fetches the girls. They’ve been absolutely amazing. When I’ve needed prayer, when I’ve needed help, the church family have been there. I’ve been there most Sundays recently and it’s lovely to feel part of that, for now anyway, because my next job could be away.
Do you have support amongst work colleagues?
I’m lucky enough to work with four other chaplains who are great. It’s a very unique role and we all deal with challenging issues and so we’ve formed a kind of family. A ship is like a very big tin can, where you’re squashed in and conditions are tiny. You’re sharing bathrooms and you’re sharing showers and so you get
to know people really well because you could be at sea for six or seven weeks at a time. They see you grumpy and tired, and so even as a chaplain if they see me worried about something they’ll pick up on it very quickly. You make relationships that you probably wouldn’t anywhere else.
it like at sea?
When you’re in the middle of a storm you see how destructive nature can be. Then reflecting on that story of Jesus calming the storm, I think about how amazing that is and just how beautiful a calm day at sea is.
Two years ago, we were in big tensions in the Middle East and the ship we were on was on high alert. When I say high alert, what I’m trying to say is we were in the highest state of readiness, so we were ready to go to war if needed. It was a scary moment. As a chaplain you are there for the people on that ship and you can’t think too much about how you feel about it. That time was probably the time when I felt God with me the most because it’s one of those things where humanly you couldn’t do it, but God gave me the strength to be able to support the personnel and give them comfort.
What kind of responses do you get from personnel?
I’ve seen loads of scenarios where folk who have no faith, who have no idea about the Bible have allowed me to say a prayer for them because they’re going
through a tough time. I just find that a real privilege because that prayer never ends, God’s always going to bless them.
I’ve spent time with admirals and I’ve spent time with captains of ships. Just recently I was on the Prince of Wales having a conversation with a member of personnel and it was lovely to be able to pray with him and tell him, “You’re doing a good job, keep on going.” And for me that’s bringing the holy into situations and places you wouldn’t have done before.
I get to mentor young men particularly who maybe haven’t come from a great background, who are using the navy to try and get their life back on track. I get to sit with them most days and ask them questions like: What are you doing? Where do you want to go? What do you want to become? Why are you doing this?
Don’t get me wrong, it is hard to be a chaplain, especially in a place where probably 93% of people don’t go to church. But God works in so many ways and I often say, I feel inept about what I do but I’m just grateful that God uses me more than I could ever imagine and it has absolutely nothing to do with me but more with God’s grace.
Video from Brent van der Linde
…I feel inept about what I do but I’m just grateful that God uses me more than I could ever imagine…
What can we as a wider Church family do for you?
We often say it, but we mustn’t underestimate the value of prayer; praying for those chaplains by name wherever they are, because it is a lonely job, so that prayer really helps. Especially prayers around making sure we are looking after our own faith and that God is speaking to us and that we will be building that relationship. That’s really important.
A very practical thing you could do, if you have the time, is what families in my church have done. They’ve got little shoe boxes together and dumped loads of UK sweets and chocolates in there (and maybe some deodorant!) and they post that to the chaplains on deployment. That’s a very practical way of saying ‘we’re thinking about you’. Everybody loves
getting post. One of the best things about being away in the middle of nowhere is that a helicopter lands on the deck and it brings you post from your family, which is great. Those practical things are very useful for chaplains away or in the UK.
Christine Craig is PA to the Secretary for Council for Mission in Ireland.
Please pray for all our PCI chaplains serving with the armed forces
James Burnett
Mark Donald
Simon Hamilton
Mark Henderson
Ivan Linton
Graeme McConville
Michael McCormick
Edward McKenzie
Jonathan Newell
Heather Rendell
Paul Swinn
Brent van der Linde
Philip Wilson and their families
PCI has recently produced a video of Brent van der Linde, as he outlines the challenges and opportunities of his role as a chaplain. To view the video go to: https://vimeo.com/presbyterianireland/pcinavychaplainlong
To support PCI’s chaplains in a practical way, parcels can be sent (free of charge) from congregations or individuals. To find out more, please contact the Mission Department at: mission@presbyterianireland.org Tel: +44 (0)28 9032 2284.
Welcoming new people into the full membership of the church is an important moment, both for them and in the life of any congregation. Rev David Thompson introduces PCI’s new ‘Into full church membership’ resource.
Iwonder can you remember when, where and how you were received into full church membership?
Can you remember a series of meetings with the minister leading to being introduced to the elders? Then being at the front at a service of worship to answer some questions, then being received into membership with a handshake and prayer, before sharing with others around the Lord’s Table, receiving Communion for the first time?
This is how it was for many of us. However, as you reflect back on whatever was your experience, what impact does that memory have on you now? What has been the lasting influence of becoming a member of the church on your Christian walk?
A moment of witness and welcome
People come to faith in God and to be followers of Jesus through a wide variety of personal journeys that unfold through the work of the Holy Spirit in their life story. Whatever the backstory however, following Jesus is never a solo activity and can only be sustained and developed in the wider community of his church –historically, globally and locally. That is why becoming a full church member is so important.
It is an amazing privilege to be welcomed into God’s family of believers, but it is also a public witness to our
desire to know Jesus as Lord of our lives and a lifelong commitment to a number of ongoing responsibilities. So as we approach church membership, it is something we need to consider carefully and be helped to fully understand.
PCI’s new ‘Into full church membership’ resource aims to provide a contemporary framework to open up a series of conversations about what it means to be a church member. It builds on and brings together previous denominational material that explored what a church member is and what it means to participate in the Lord’s Supper.
Presented in the form of a booklet with eight accompanying video clips, four key themes are explored through a mix of teaching and personal story:
• Believing – going public in confirming our faith in Jesus and desire to live his way;
• Living – making some particular, ongoing commitments;
• Belonging – becoming part of the community of God’s people;
• Sharing – participating in the Lord’s Supper as a communicant. The material can be worked through as part of a group considering communicant membership, or one-to-one with an individual. Accompanying cards that can be given to new communicant members at the service in which they are received into membership are also available.
Membership matters more than ever
In our contemporary church scene, providing a clear and accessible journey into church membership maybe matters more than ever before for a number of reasons.
It can no longer be assumed as a rite of passage undertaken at a particular age, because the beliefs, values and commitment of what used to be a church-going generation in wider society are now increasingly at odds with popular opinion and everyday living. So, those coming forward as members of the
…providing a clear and accessible journey into church membership maybe matters more than ever before…
church need to understand that they are taking a significant step against the flow in what they believe and how that will shape how they behave.
In a world where commitment means less and less and is often held very lightly, being a Christian still involves submitting to Jesus as Lord in every area of life. It is a signing up to some significant lifelong promises. This needs to be properly grasped if promises made are not to be empty or prove fleeting because they are entered into naively.
While many coming into membership will continue to do so having grown up in church and having had faith patiently nurtured by Christian parents, in an increasingly secular world others coming to faith will have little previous experience and understanding of Christian basics to draw upon. So, simple explanation in contemporary language of what it means to follow Jesus, be part of the family of the church and participate
in the Lord’s Supper will be key.
The content of ‘Into full church membership’ helps concisely clarify what previous exposure to Christian teaching should already have built towards and subsequent teaching can build upon.
While the resource is primarily designed to facilitate those journeying towards becoming new members of the church, its video material could be used to supplement a series of sermons, or other teaching opportunities, designed to help those who have been members for a long time to renew their understanding and
commitment to membership. Similarly, the section explaining the Lord’s Supper might be a way of refreshing our approach to and participation in this important sacrament so central to our worship.
Let’s pray that this new material will be used by God to restore, renew and refresh our appreciation and application of what it means to be a member of the greatest body to which any of us will ever belong, God’s church.
Rev David Thompson is Secretary of the Council for Congregational Life and Witness.
Find out more about the ‘Into full church membership’ resource from www.presbyterianireland.org/ fullchurchmembership
As we realise the need to have our sin forgiven, own the good news that Jesus came, died on the cross, rose again, returned to heaven to reign and will return again as judge, we are personally trusting in all that he has done to make us right with God. We depend on him, rather than anything that we have done, or will do. This helps us to live thankfully.
“I realised that this believing was more than just knowing Jesus in my head. It was actually believing with my whole life and I realised at that point that I was not the centre of things, this was God’s story and I was a part of it.”
Kathy’s story, session 1
Anyone who believes in God and has committed to following Jesus should expect that their life will change to become more like him. There are things to stop doing, others to start doing; ways of life to set aside and others to take on board. Becoming a full church member is committing to an ongoing journey of learning to live God’s way. We do this depending on God. Other believers also help us move towards where we need to go.
“My faith in God is a living thing and that faith colours, influences and impacts every aspect of my life, whether as a lawyer, a mother, a wife, a friend, someone who makes the tea at the church. I like to hope and pray that I am living out my faith in a way that others don’t see me at all, but they see Jesus through me.”
Avril’s story, session 2
To become a full member of the church is to belong to the community of God’s people. Doing so asks a lot of us, but also offers so much to us in helping us live for Jesus. We give ourselves to the regular rhythms of worshipping, learning, praying and witnessing together. In doing so we are enabled to grow and go to others with the message of Jesus in ways we never could on our own.
“Belonging to the church, I find somewhere that I can go and be a part of celebrating the things of God with other people, glorifying him with other people, worshipping him with other people and find joy in him with others.”
Peter’s story, session 3
As we take the Lord’s Supper, Jesus promises to be spiritually present to feed our faith in him and nourish us with the strength we need to walk in his ways. There is an element of a mystery here – something we can’t fully explain, but which we can know and be encouraged by each time we thoughtfully and prayerfully take part in this special meal.
“I love words and we use them quite a lot in our worship. We hear them and we say them… but there’s something when it comes to the Lord’s Supper in the bread and the wine that you eat and you drink that are like visible signs… edible words… you are actually eating and drinking the promises of God. And I love that.”
Ben’s story, session 4
It can no longer be assumed as a rite of passage undertaken at a particular age…
In the summer of 2020, I was invited to take part in a trip for Christian solidarity to Israel, and in February of 2022 I finally got to go. It was a trip that will not be forgotten soon and has had a long-lasting impact on me.
When I first started Union Theological College, I received a book as a present entitled, In the Footsteps of Jesus. It was a great resource, full of images and explanations of the areas in which Jesus’ ministry had occurred. It was a great help in learning and for preaching but didn’t ever stir a desire to go. The book itself was good enough to fill me with the knowledge I needed; or so I thought. Little did I know those years ago that I would be reading it while sitting in the very places it was talking about.
With an invite accepted, I was unsure
what to expect and I certainly didn’t think it would create the desire to return again. Part of this newfound desire comes from the realisation that no book will fill me with the knowledge that I can gain from being in the very places that Jesus was. Another aspect comes from the desire to support and encourage the small number of Christians living in Israel.
As this was a trip to promote Christian solidarity, and our guide was from Bethlehem, he was very keen for us
to encourage the Christians there, in conversation and also by our monetary gifts. He told us that of the population of Israel, only 2% was Christian, and so those sites that we were going to, the places that we were enjoying, were maintained and cared for by a very small percentage of the population.
I had heard these sites were tacky, grotesque, touristy; and so really had no interest in visiting them. This was partially true. They are pretty tacky by our standards; they can be rather grotesque for our eyes, and are extremely touristy (normally!). As we were one of the first tourist groups to be there after Covid-19, we were extremely fortunate to have very few queues and rare space and time which was a surprise to our guides. There is no denying the reality of how
…no book will fill me with the knowledge that I can gain from being in the very places that Jesus was.Jonny Frazer describes the impact that a Holy Land trip earlier this year had on him.
touristy the sites are, but they are kept by a small percentage of Christians who often withstand severe persecution and judgment for maintaining these spaces and their appearances and difference to us reflected the different forms of Christian worship that happen there.
The places where this was most obvious was in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
As an aside, I have joyfully spent so much time and energy studying the Bible and the context of Jesus’ earthly ministry, that I realised I was expecting Jerusalem and Bethlehem to be like the first century villages I have studied. Very quickly I realised that is not the case. Both are bustling cities, bursting with people, colour and diversity, with the population of Jerusalem currently being just below one million people.
As much as they are similar in that way, they are also very different.
As we drove up from the Jordan Valley, we approached and saw the splendour of the city on the hill; and as we entered, we saw from far away the Dome of the Rock with its gold roof, sitting on the Temple Mount. As we spent time in the old city, we saw many magnificent archaeological sites, places where Jesus set his feet, places where he healed, where he walked, the place where he wept tears over the city, and the place where he was betrayed by Peter.
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of this major modern and historical city, the most impactful moment for me was as we stood on the Mount of Olives. Suddenly the passages in the gospels came to life as we looked over the Kidron Valley and walked down the hill, having the Temple Mount in our line of sight the whole
time. You can’t help but feel the weight of Jesus’ words, ending up in the Garden of Gethsemane at the valley floor.
Jerusalem was full of these moments.
As a city which dates back to the time of King David, its presence has not moved much, and so you can be assured that, although it may have been razed on a number of occasions, much of it remains, and is still being explored, including the sites where you can walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
In contrast, Bethlehem is a very different experience.
Once you have entered through the segregation wall, it is a city where Palestinian, Christian or otherwise, feel a great oppression. It has been quoted by the graffiti artist Banksy as an open prison, and you cannot but feel the weight of that very different history as you walk around it. As the hymn says however, “Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light, the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight”. As you enter the Church of the Nativity, you again encounter a tacky, touristy place full of Christmas decorations, however once more, you can sense the hope that Jesus’ birth brought and can bring to even the darkest and most oppressive of places.
Away from these two cities, I was able to go back in time, stripping away the modern buildings and trappings, and
selfishly finding myself in the world of the first century where I felt most at peace while on the trip. The group spent four days based in Nazareth, and during this time we got to visit many of the sites where Jesus began his ministry and where he would have plied his trade. It was here that I found a love for Israel, on the water of the Sea of Galilee. The day started out warm but misty, and the mist only disappeared to an extent, but its presence covered the shores of the sea, and as the engines were turned off and we floated quietly on the water, you couldn’t help but feel God’s presence. What a joy it must be for those Christians living in the Holy Land to experience this closeness often.
At the General Assembly this year, our denomination has been encouraged to explore and provide recommendations on how PCI can best show solidarity with, provide support for, and learn from Christian communities in the Middle East. I was able to do this, not only by visiting, but by placing myself in their shoes as they walk around the most holy of lands where Jesus chose to be born, to live, to suffer, die and rise from the dead. One of the ways I would suggest for you to support these communities, is that you go and see them. If you can’t go to the place where they are, please pray for them, that they might know the continued presence of Jesus as they walk in the dust of the persecuted Rabbi, experiencing him in new and profound ways.
Jonny Frazer is minister of Garnerville Presbyterian Church.
Rev
…as…we floated quietly on the water, you couldn’t help but feel God’s presence.
Thompson House was opened in 1984 and works in partnership with the Probation Board for Northern Ireland. The hostel accommodates men within the criminal justice system as they resettle and transition safely back into the community. It aims to do this in a dignified and respectful manner, working professionally within an often informal residential setting.
The hostel was recently audited by the Criminal Justice Inspectorate (CJI) and the residents who engaged in feedback remarked at how they felt they were treated with dignity and respect. We believe each resident to be Divine
image bearers, so it is a privilege to show the love of Christ to those who often feel rejected.
Inevitably in this line of work there are ups and downs; it can be emotionally draining at times. However, I am glad
to say we are currently going through an incredibly positive season. The staff team are a skilled group of social workers and support workers, with a new emphasis on trauma informed practice. We recognise that many of the men have experienced significant life events which have negatively impacted their thinking and behaviour.
Research proves that a person who has suffered four adverse childhood experiences is highly likely to suffer the effects of trauma in their lives. Research has also shown that a person suffering the effects of trauma is 20 times more likely to be imprisoned during their life and 16 times more likely to use heroin or cocaine as
Tim Higgins outlines the work of PCI’s Thompson House and highlights a new comic that has helped residents with their rehabilitation.a coping mechanism. A quick browse through our residents’ files indicates that the majority have suffered trauma throughout their childhoods. Much of the good work within the hostel goes unseen and unnoticed.
There are three new chapters in the work of the hostel, which are highlighted below:
In early 2020 Neil Gillespie joined the staff team. Neil has experience working with the homeless community in north London. Specifically, Neil had worked within Pentonville Prison chaplaincy team. Through this he participated in facilitating a five-week reconciliation
course called ‘The Difference’. The Difference is a course that explores following Jesus in a complex and divided world and seeing transformation through everyday encounters. The course has been a success within the hostel as it allows the men to engage with spiritual issues within an informal environment. The majority of residents in Thompson House wouldn’t attend a traditional church setting as many feel on the margins of society. The course feels like a new chapter in the work at Thompson House.
probation and prison staff in their work with individuals. It has given a real lift to the staff team and the hope is for another issue to be produced in the near future.
Art therapy is a wellrecognised way to improve mental health and wellbeing. We have been blessed to offer voluntary art sessions regularly over the past year.
Bobby Mathieson has been offering his time and talent weekly to any resident who wishes to give artwork a go. Residents have engaged at different levels
humorous way in the comic book story. Please play that this positive season for Thompson House continues, that the
…it is a privilege to show the love of Christ to those who often feel rejected.
LAKEWOOD RECORDS
£10.29 MP3 album «««««
Joyous and uplifting are just two words to describe Shout! by Lakewood Music. This live album of 14 tracks speaks of the power and grace of God.
This is the Day is an apt start to this upbeat album, as it refers to the “joy that overwhelms our souls ‘cause we know our God is in control”. The chorus is comfortingly familiar, being taken from Psalm 118:24 and also used in the popular children’s hymn of the same name. Other catchy songs include Can I Get an Amen? and Impossible Possible
There is a rockier vibe to Shout!, which is deservedly the title track. Referring to Jericho and Goliath, the battle cry of the song is: “There’s a greater one that fights for me. Gonna march right up to the enemy. Oh and I won’t leave. Until we have the victory.”
While the majority of the songs are of the same vein, there are a few that are slower and more soulful. Do What Only You Can Do speaks of how powerful God is: “You breathe life into dry bones. Even death is not final. Lord, you make a fool of the impossible.”
Come to Me, featuring Patrick Mayberry, tells us to trust in the Lord during the bad times: “Does it feel like the valley is the place that you call home? And the story you’re believing is you’re stuck there all alone. There’s a voice that calls out in the darkest night, ‘I will be your rescue, I’ve already won that fight.’ Come to me.”
This album is 72 minutes of worship, and worth a listen.
Unless otherwise stated all resources are available from your local Faith Mission Bookshop or online www.fmbookshops.com
HODDER
& STOUGHTONHow does God speak to you? This is the question Pete Greig challenges us to explore in this his eighth book. Greig takes the reader on a journey to discover how to discern not only God’s Word in the Scriptures, prophecy and Christ, but also how to discern his whisper in dreams, conscience, friendships and culture.
This is an enlightening read for those who may have had a narrow understanding and therefore a limited experience of how God can speak. In each chapter Greig causes us to think about the different ways by which God communicates with us, each poignantly illustrated by lived experiences. Helpfully, he includes listening exercises at the end of every chapter to encourage us to have ears to hear God for ourselves.
The book is littered with Scripture and draws on the writings of other theologians as further evidence of the diverse ways in which God chooses to speak to his followers. He reminds us that hearing the voice of God is not a miraculous occasion reserved for the holiest of people but rather a daily event available to those who would seek it.
This book is incredibly insightful and would benefit any Christian. Discerning God’s voice in our lives is crucial but it requires that we listen. This book challenges us to do just that. Some chapters cover practices/traditions that may be unfamiliar and maybe even uncomfortable for certain readers, but Greig reminds us that the voice of God isn’t limited to religious contexts, we can hear God in the whole of life.
Matt Smethurst 10PUBLISHING £2.99 «««««
Before You Share Your Faith is a short, five-chapter novel aimed at quelling human nature’s opposition to or fear of opening up about an unconditionally available love that anyone, anywhere has access to.
Smethhurst opens with a reminder of the necessity for the evangelist to engage with reflection on and grasping of key elements contained in the gospel truth for themselves on a regular basis. The elements referred to being its universal nature and the price paid by Jesus in place of man’s rebellion.
An important element of sharing the gospel which is covered under the heading ‘Love the lost’ is the importance of not just sharing your faith, but listening to the curiosity and questions of your audience. Smethhurst poses it in a thoughtfully framed rhetorical question, “How often do we risk turning people off to the voice of God because we’re too in love with our own?”
The author rounds off the work with the counsel that although it is biblical to make action and good works towards others a focus of the everyday Christian lifestyle, these evangelistic methods are only effective if words accompany them. Verbal communication must be viewed as central to sharing the gospel message.
In conclusion, Smethhurst’s five chapters act as an invaluable tool for the Christian at any stage of the walk, whether they have come under conviction to begin sharing their faith with others or are simply in need of a gentle reminder as to the hope and courage they can have in doing so.
SEHCD – Claire Dickson is a politics student at Queen’s and comes from Banbridge
SEH – Suzanne Hamilton is an administrative officer for the Herald
LS – Lisa Skinner is an elder in Kirkpatrick Memorial
DH – Dorothy Hamilton is a member of Ballygrainey Presbyterian Church
CS – Clare Smith is a psychotherapist and member of West Church, Bangor
SH – Sarah Harding is editor of the Herald
is an eclectic mix of styles, but generally there is a rock undertone throughout, as well as some retro nods to the likes of The Who or The Rolling Stones, giving it a 70s flavour at times.
Brennan Manning and Greg Garrett
This is Brennan Manning’s last work before he passed away and although he didn’t live to see the publication, he did work with Greg Garrett to create it. It is based on the well-known Bible story of the prodigal son found in Luke 15. The power of Manning and Garrett’s fictional work is that when we read it, we become ever more consumed with the relevance of Jesus’ parable, for our lives today. We do not often remain faithful, yet God remains faithful to us. Unconditional love!
The main characters are Jack, a senior pastor of a mega church, and his estranged father. Jack is known for all the right things, helping the homeless, feeding the hungry... however, he quickly becomes even more visible for all his wrongdoings. He is swamped by negative media attention, alienated from his wife and child... ultimately reaching an all-time low.
I am a huge fan of Manning’s works and this book did not disappoint. It was thought-provoking, full of larger-than-life characters and successfully integrated the power of reconciling relationships and redemption. I was yet again reminded that grace means our Saviour did not die for those that have it all together but rather for the broken, like me.
Manning ably communicates the love of God for those of us who are completely undeserving and struggle daily to trust in his love for us.
CS
CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP £10.99 «««««
This self-titled album is by a band that is relatively new on the Christian scene, having released their debut single in 2019. Hailing from Nashville they are a bit of a family affair, comprising of a father, daughter, son, uncle and long-time family friend. The name comes from the idea that ‘the kingdom of God is here among us’. The band’s sound feels refreshingly different to other Christian artists. There
Left it in the Water is a stomping opening number with a great drums and guitar intro. Musically it is very catchy and lyrically it powerfully describes the saving grace and forgiveness of God.
If I Gave You My Heart sounds like it could be a Coldplay track, with some lovely piano moments. It is the one I found myself humming afterwards and has an encouraging message of trusting our whole lives to God.
Jesus Does has more of a country vibe and slower tempo, and is a wonderfully uplifting song of praise and adoration to Jesus.
We the Kingdom are definitely a band to watch – oozing coolness they have the potential to cross over into the secular charts, expanding the reach of their message of Jesus and his Lordship. I’m definitely a fan!
times God can feel a little distant. This book shows that right through the Bible, God is self-revealing himself and helping and directing us to find a deep and loving friendship with him. If we walk through life with Jesus as our friend, then as Father and Son are one, so God must be our friend as well. Sometimes perhaps we don’t take that to heart.
HODDER & STOUGHTON £12.59 «««««
This is a journey of discovery through the gospel of St John and various books of the Old Testament, so you will need your Bible open beside you.
The author is showing us that God and Jesus are present right through the Old Testament as well as the New Testament, and that the Father and Son are a unity and not a duality. We can know Jesus is our friend and saviour, but somehow at
We all know the stories in the gospel of John, but Galloway helps us discover new depths. He also opens up books of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah and Ezekiel, which has encouraged me to read both books again. Did you know that the place John the Baptist baptised Jesus is the same place the children of Israel left the desert and entered the Promised Land? I didn’t, and there are many more little nuggets for us to find with Galloway’s help.
This was an interesting read and made me aware each time we read God’s Word we are certain to always find something new.
Spending time together after worship is extremely important to the congregation of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Cork.
Like many PCI congregations, Trinity has tea and coffee time after the Sunday service. In Trinity’s case it is at the back of the building where some years ago a number of pews were removed.
Rev Richie Cronin says such time is necessary as Trinity is based in an urban area, where most people will not see each other during the week.
“Increasingly too, given the dynamics of work and work contracts, we have a lot of people who come for a period and are gone after a while and likewise our youth will often move away for work; while anyone renting will generally move a few times in their life. This all adds up to a fluid congregation who can’t depend on organic community to meet each other,” he adds.
Once a month the congregation also has a light lunch in the halls, while good weather is an opportunity to go outside. Occasionally there is a bring-your-ownfood picnic after the service.
“A few years ago, we had a couple of weekends of hard work, helped by a team of folk from Kirkpatrick Memorial, where we dug out some waste ground at the front of the meeting house to give us a flat area to sit on and chat,” explains Mr Cronin.
“On the whole the after-worship time is a great time to catch up with busy members and chat to visitors about the Lord Jesus and life. If you are ever in Cork, you’d be very welcome,” he adds.
Joe Cassells, clerk of session in First Coleraine, has launched a book, telling the story of the NIR spoil trains which operated between 1966 and 1970 and transported four million tonnes of rubble from Magheramorne to Belfast, where the material was used for the foundations for the M2 motorway. Mr Cassells (third from left) launches his new book in the company of Canon John McKegney (chairman of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland), Alderman Noel Williams (mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council), Charles Friel (RPSI curatorial committee) and Mark Kennedy (curator of Whitehead Railway Museum, where the launch took place).
a
treasurer and clerk of session, received a presentation recently from the kirk session and committee of Frankford in County Monaghan to mark his 50 years of faithful service as a ruling elder. His wife, Mary, was presented with a bouquet of flowers. Pictured are: Dr Gerry Clinton (vacancy convener, First Castleblayney, Frankford and Corvally), Mrs Hill, Mr Hill and Thomas McBirney, Frankford clerk of session.
Rev Jeffrey Blue has been installed as minister of Second Broughshane Presbyterian Church. Pictured in the front row are Rev Philip Thompson (convener of the vacancy), Rev Joseph Andrews (acting moderator of Ballymena Presbytery), Mr Blue, David Preston (acting clerk of presbytery) and Ivor Hutchinson (clerk of session, Second Broughshane).
To share good news stories from your congregation please send your photographs and details to herald@presbyterianireland.org
The congregation of Muckamore welcomed Rev Stephen McNie as their new minister recently, when a service of installation was held by the Presbytery of Templepatrick. Pictured are: Dr Brian Hill (clerk of session), Mr McNie, Rev Stephen Lockington (vacancy convener), and Rev Trevor McNeill (acting moderator of presbytery).
It is 20 years since Rev Peter Lyle preached his first service in Ballyholme Presbyterian Church. The occasion was marked with a presentation of a gift and flowers in the County Down church. He is pictured with wife Heather and daughters, Kim and Zoë. Photograph by Ross Hamilton.
Lorna Robinson (treasurer) and Ronald Little (freewill treasurer) were recently presented with gifts in recognition of their many years of service in Ballymagrane Presbyterian Church. The gifts were presented by Rev Roger McElnea (minister of the County Tyrone church) and Ruth Robinson.
Ballynure Presbyterian Church in County Antrim has given thanks for the long and faithful service of three elders who have retired. Bibles were presented to the new elders emeritii and gifts to their wives.
Tommy Wharry and Sam Campbell have both served for 24 years and Gordon Mackey for 19 years. The Bibles and gifts were presented by Rev James Rogers.
Rev Jim Lamont has stood down after serving as vacancy convener in the County Donegal churches of Burt and Inch for the past 11 years. A special service took place in Burt at which presentations were made to Mr Lamont on behalf of both congregations. Tributes were led by James Buchanan (clerk of session at Burt), who said Mr Lamont had formed a special bond with the members of both congregations during his time with them. Although Mr Lamont is retiring as convener in Inch and Burt, he will continue to serve as Presbyterian chaplain at Letterkenny Hospital and Donegal Hospice, and will continue his fortnightly broadcasts on Highland Radio. He is pictured (third from left) with the soloists who took part in his retirement service: Dianne Lecky, Stewart Buchanan and Andrea Long.
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Grange PW recently held an afternoon tea to mark its 65th anniversary. Pictured are top table guests at the event which was held in the hall of the County Antrim church.
Joymount, Carrickfergus marked the 400th anniversary of the founding of First Carrickfergus with the gift of a new baptismal bowl. The gift, delayed by Covid, was presented at morning worship in Joymount to Dr Cecil Grant (minister of First Carrickfergus) by Stephen Drake (Session clerk of Joymount).
Six new elders were recently ordained and installed in Millisle and Ballycopeland Presbyterian Church. Michelle Anderson, Elsie Crawford, Deborah Harding, Patricia Lightbody, Joy McQuade and Jacqueline Wallace are pictured with members of Ards Presbytery.
Rev Roy Neill (minister emeritus of First Castlederg and Killeter) recently celebrated his 90th birthday. He is pictured with members of both kirk sessions. Back row: L. Nelson, R. McKelvey, B. Rutledge, D. Nelson, C. Andrews, M. Porter, W. Hunter, J. Young and Rev R. Orr. Front row: J. Young, W. Andrews, Mr Neill, G. Young and J. Emery.
Let me tell you about Jane.
Jane is one of my oldest, dearest friends. We first met aged three in nursery school. Jane is the sweetest person you could meet; thoughtful, clever and very pretty. She is also softly spoken, a little shy and has a brilliant sense of humour. If these things weren’t enough to make her special, let me tell you about an amazing superpower she has which has only become more astounding the older we get.
Jane has a mega memory.
I’m not talking about remembering names, where one has left their car keys, or memorising French vocabulary (which, to be honest, I used to copy from her in school… so I know her memory didn’t always stretch to languages). Yet Jane remembers insanely minute details of my, her and all our friends’ shared collective experiences.
I am very fortunate to have a group of wonderful women who I have known since we were children, and it is Jane who acts as curator for our lives together. This week one of these women sent a picture of an event we were all at nearly 20 years ago. I had zero recollection of it, despite being in all the snaps. Yet Jane was able to recall where we were, what we were wearing, the sequencing of events during the day, what we discussed. She can remember long forgotten stories we have told her, the names of our second cousins, people we knew, our former music tutors, the pencil case we had when we were 11. All in all, it’s a pretty incredible gift, and we often rely on her to fill in details when we draw a blank. Jane can tell me things I did and said in nursery school, aged three. As we get older, her gift gets all the more important.
forgetting, like extreme trauma or physical pain, are still writ large in the mind’s eye.
When I was young teenager, I remember listening to a talk at a youth group – we were told to imagine standing in front of God on judgment day, and all our lives being played out as though a film for all to see. Every secret act, every bad word. Would I be happy to see it? Ashamed? It used to make me shudder – of course I wouldn’t want anyone to see a film of all the things, hidden and seen, that I had done. That illustration always rankled with me, surely shame shouldn’t be a motivation for salvation? It was only later in my Christian life that I found the freedom of realising that God had been there the whole time and of course he saw everything I had ever done, and that he loved me anyway; that as humans all our lives fall short of his glory and that ultimately it didn’t matter what was in that ‘film’ because Christ had taken away guilt and shame through his death on the cross.
I wonder how often we easily forget the answered prayers.
I was thinking about that sermon illustration recently. Instead of focusing on all the bad things we have done in our lives, wouldn’t it have been more helpful to be told to focus on what God has done for us? I wonder how often we easily forget the answered prayers. How often do we look back and think glibly ‘well that panned out well’ or ‘things worked out okay in the end’...? Do we need to have our own spiritual ‘Jane’ who can help us remember what God does in our lives on a day-to-day basis? Not just the huge asks, but the little tiny things we might not even give a second thought to.
I thought of Jane recently when I heard a programme on Radio 4 which was talking about a condition called hyperthymesia. Or ‘Higher Superior Autobiographical Memory’. It allows people to be able to remember an abnormally large amount of their lived experiences in vivid detail. It was likened to one’s whole life being on film, and being able to rewind, pause and examine in detail any point. Jane would dispute that her level of mega recall was quite that strong – and only 62 people in the world have been diagnosed with it. However, with the condition comes a downside – it means that painful, sad, hurtful memories are as vivid as they were when they occurred. Emotion tied up with events is just as strong and very often things the mind protects itself by
So, what can we do to help our spiritual recall? I know a Christian couple who keep notepads of prayer lists stretching back over 50 years. They pray together every day and these books are filled with lists of names and situations they have offered up to God over the years – these lists are then ticked off, the outcomes jotted beside them. A meticulous record of each answered prayer. A lifetime of asking and answering. Perhaps we all need a spiritual equivalent of ‘Jane’... because if we know how God has worked in our lives in the past, then how can we do anything but trust him for our future?
We are looking for an enthusiastic person who is passionate about serving God and developing music ministry within the life and witness of a local congregation.
This position is part-time (4 to 6 hrs per week, variable).
Salary negotiable dependent on experience.
For further details, job description and application pack, please contact: Rev Colin McDowell, cmcdowell@presbyterianireland.org www.highstchurch.org
Closing date for applications is 31 December 2022
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Studies in 1 Peter (1:3–12)
Lewis Carroll, creator of Alice in Wonderland, is also credited with inventing the puzzle known as ‘word ladder’ or ‘word chain’. The challenge is to transform one word into another of the same length, simply by changing one letter at a time. For instance, how can ‘head’ become ‘tail’? The answer: head becomes heal, heal becomes teal, teal becomes tell, tell becomes tall, and tall becomes tail. And how does dust become gold? Dust becomes gust, gust becomes gist, gist becomes gilt, gilt becomes gild and gild becomes gold.
This section of Peter’s first letter, from verses 3 to 12 is like a word chain. It forms one single sentence in the original, and moves from one key phrase to another; from new birth, to salvation, to Jesus Christ. In between, there are digressions about the purpose of testing, the love of the Christian for his Saviour, and the search of the prophets for knowledge of salvation. Through it all run four key lessons about the salvation which his readers have embraced, and in which they ought to rejoice. These are invigorating truths for people subject to pressure because they had become identified with what contemporaries regarded as a ‘mischievous superstition’.
life,” said Jesus “and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).
It was a salvation foretold by the prophets. The faith Peter’s readers shared was no new-fangled notion, but the culmination of centuries of Divine preparation. While prophets denounced the sins and follies of their own generation, they also looked to a future day of God’s deliverance. While doing so they were serving generations yet unborn for “they were not serving themselves but you” (v12). The believer who purports to see a dichotomy between the Old and New Testaments is falling for an ancient heresy. An old adage is worth remembering: “The New is in the Old contained, the Old is by the New explained”. Angels as well as prophets have a stake in God’s drama of salvation. Angels who “long to look into these things” (v12), rejoiced when Peter’s readers believed (Luke 15:10 and Revelation 5:11).
Earthly treasures are insecure, but the inheritance Christ promises is beyond the reach of marauding armies or opportunist burglars.
The salvation they had entered into had been planned by the Father. The changed lifestyle which Peter’s readers had experienced was so radical that it could only be described as ‘new birth’ (v3). In a world of so many dead hopes, these readers had a “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (v3), and they could look forward to “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade” (v4).
These blessings all spring from God’s “great mercy” (v3). No wonder then that the paragraph begins with an ascription of praise: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”. Authentic Christian experience is not, as John noted in the great prologue to his gospel, the result of “natural descent or human decision”, but of God’s work of “effectual calling” through the Holy Spirit.
We are not engaged in any purblind undertaking, but rather responding to the work of God in our lives. As Paul reminded the Philippians, “It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13). And because it is God’s work, it cannot be defeated. Believers are “shielded by God’s power” (v5). We are eternally secure. “I give them eternal
The faith of Peter’s readers was refined by suffering. Though they had experienced “all kinds of trials” (v6), Peter saw that such experiences would prove their faith genuine. As the Scottish preacher Alistair MacLean wrote: “You may have to walk in the comradeship of pain…yet out of that companionship an inner strength is born within the Spirit, and the dross of little things is burned out of you.”
Their salvation will ultimately be crowned with glory. Verse 4 speaks of “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade –kept in heaven for you”. Earthly treasures are insecure, but the inheritance Christ promises is beyond the reach of marauding armies or opportunist burglars. As Richard Baxter declared at the time of the 1662 ‘Great Ejection’: “Tyrants and persecutors may take away our goods, but not our chief good; our liberties but not our freedom; our heads but not our crowns.”
Alexander Whyte, who reigned from the pulpit of Free St George’s, Edinburgh had among his hearers Sir Thomas Clark, founder of the great academic publishing house of T&T Clark. Sir Thomas died one Christmas Eve, and Whyte sent Clark’s widow one of his celebrated postcards. His single sentence put her grief in context: “Dear Lady Clark, What a glorious Christmas morning this is for Sir Thomas”.
That glorious future was assured for Peter’s readers, and for all who believe.
(Information supplied by Clerks of Presbyteries, Conveners of Assembly Commissions and Councils).
Application forms are available on request from the Clerk’s Office or may be downloaded from the PCI website.
BALLYGRAINEY:
REV R.S. HAMILTON: Mr Brian McDowell, 263 Killaughey Road, Ballyhay, Donaghadee, BT21 0ND.
BALLYMENA, FIRST:
REV N.A.L. CAMERON: Mr Tom Heaney, 109 Loughmagarry Road, Ballymena, BT43 6ST.
BALLYRONEY and DRUMLEE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years)
REV A.M. BORELAND: (Ballyroney) Mr David Peters, 30 Seafin Road, Ballyroney, Banbridge, BT32 5ER. (Drumlee) Mr Graham Truesdale, 128 Lackan Road, Ballyward, Castlewellan, BT31 9RX.
BELMONT:
REV T.J. STOTHERS: Mr Christopher Steele, 1 Hawthornden Drive, Belfast, BT4 2HG.
CARRICKFERGUS, JOYMOUNT:
REV G.A.J. FARQUHAR: Mr Stephen Drake, 8 Bluefield Way, Carrickfergus, BT38 7UB.
COLERAINE, NEW ROW:
REV R.D. GREGG: Mr Adrian Cochrane, 12 Cambridge Park, Coleraine, BT52 2QT. DUNFANAGHY and CARRIGART: (Home Mission) 50% Congregational Ministry, 50% CMI Mission Project
REV DR BRIAN BROWN: (Dunfanaghy) Mrs Ethel Montgomery, ‘Millrace’, Marble Hill Road, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal, F92 N2WO. (Carrigart) Mrs Joy Buchanan, Figart, Carrigart, Co Donegal, F92 N2WO.
DUN LAOGHAIRE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years)
REV A.J. BOAL: Mrs Dorothy Shanahan, 1 Holmwood, Brennanstown, Cabinteely, D18 T2T5.
GARVAGH, MAIN ST and KILLAIG:
REV DREWE McCONNELL: (Garvagh, Main St) Mr Alan Farlow, 39 Ballynameen Road, Garvagh, BT51 5PN. (Killaig) Mr Ivan McKane, 27 Cashel Road, Macosquin, Coleraine, BT51 4PW.
GLENWHERRY:
REV S.D. KENNEDY: Mr Andrew Hoey, 49 Ballynulto Road, Ballymena, BT42 4RJ.
KNOCK:
REV G.J. MACLEAN: Mr Hugo Wilson, 5 Finchley Gardens, Belfast, BT4 2JB.
LECUMPHER and MAGHERAFELT, UNION ROAD:
REV J.A. MARTIN: (Lecumpher) Mr Sammy Thompson, 10 Ballynagowan Road, Desertmartin, BT45 5LH. (Magherafelt, Union Road) Mr Ian Francis, 32 Caraloan Road, Magherafelt, BT45 6NW.
NEWMILLS and CARLAND:
REV W.A. DICKEY: (Newmills) Mr Roy Wilkins, 38 Dungannon Road, Coalisland, Dungannon, BT71 4HP. (Carland) Mr Howard McLean, 16 Ballynorthland Demesne, Dungannon Park, Dungannon, BT71 6BT.
NEWTOWNARDS, REGENT STREET:
REV P.T. DALZELL: Mr Ian MacDonald, 11 Stanvilla Road, Newtownards, BT23 8HE.
RATHFRILAND, FIRST:
REV C.G. HARRIS: Mr David Scott, 13 Sleepy Valley, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5HL.
TOBERKEIGH and RAMOAN:
REV JOHN STANBRIDGE: (Toberkeigh) Mr Jim Kane, 67A Ballinlea Road, Ballinlea Upper, Ballycastle, BT54 6NN. (Ramoan) Mr Robert Getty, 23 Carrowcroey Road, Armoy, Ballymoney, BT53 8UH.
CLADYMORE and TASSAGH:
REV R.I. ABRAHAM: (Cladymore) Mr David Wilson, 73 Kilmachugh Road, Mowhan, Armagh, BT60 2EN. (Tassagh) Mr Philip Crozier, 68 Bachelors Walk, Keady, Armagh, BT60 2NA.
DROMORE and DRUMQUIN:
REV E.T. FRAZER: (Dromore) Mr Lynden Keys, 25 New Park Road, Dromore, Omagh, BT78 3JU. (Drumquin) Dr Paul Booth, 231 Tummery Road, Irvinestown, BT78 3UF.
RICHVIEW:
REV N.S. HARRISON: Mr Victor Garland, 25 Abingdon Drive, Belfast, BT12 5PX.
SETTLED STATED SUPPLY APPOINTED BALLINDERRY:
VERY REV DR W.J. HENRY, Minister of Maze.
BOVEEDY: REV DR T.J. McCORMICK, Minister of 1st Kilrea.
CAHIR: (Home Mission)
REV WILLIAM MONTGOMERY, Minister of Fermoy.
KATESBRIDGE:
REV N.J. KANE, Minister of Magherally.
TYRONE’S DITCHES: REV J.K.A. McINTYRE, Minister of Bessbrook.
ARMAGH, FIRST:
REV G.R. MULLAN: Mr Ian Kyle, 8 Drummanmore Road, Armagh, BT61 8RN.
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.
BALLYALBANY and GLENNAN:
REV D.T.R. EDWARDS: (Ballyalbany) Mr Sam Condell, Billary, Smithborough, Co Monaghan. (Glennan) Mr David Russell, Knockafubble, Emyvale, Co Monaghan.
BELLAGHY and KNOCKLOUGHRIM: REV J.B. MULLAN: (Bellaghy) Mr Harry Ferson, 12 Railway Terrace, Castledawson, Magherafelt, BT45 8AY. (Knockloughrim) Mr Wilbur Bownes, 10 Meadowell Fold, Westland Gardens, Magherafelt, BT45 5DP.
BELVOIR: REV B.J. WALKER: Mr Brian Dunwoody, 19 Drumart Drive, Belfast, BT8 7ET.
CASTLEROCK: REV D.H. BROWN: Miss Heather McSparran, 26 Freehall Road, Castlerock, BT51 4TR. CLONTIBRET and MIDDLETOWN: REV J.H. HANSON: (Clontibret) Mr S.R. Gray, Legnacieve, Castleshane, Co Monaghan, H18 DN20.
CRUMLIN:
REV BEN JOHNSTON: Mr James Livingstone, “Edin”, 56 Largy Road, Crumlin, BT29 4RW.
CUMBER and UPPER CUMBER:
REV S.W. HIBBERT: (Cumber) Mr Eric Christie, 43 Gorse Road, Killaloo, Londonderry, BT47 3SS. (Upper Cumber) Mr Jack McFarland, 12 Cregg Road, Claudy, Londonderry, BT47 4HX.
DROMARA, SECOND: REV D.H. GILPIN: Mr Herbert Chambers, 29 Stewarts Road, Dromara, BT25 2AN.
DUNDROD:
REV R.C. KERR: Mr William McClure, 20 Thorndale Road, Dundrod, BT29 4UD.
ENNISCORTHY and WEXFORD: (Home Mission)
REV M.R.J. ANDERSON: (Enniscorthy) Mr Ian Gibson “Tanglewood”, Monart, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. (Wexford) c/o Mr Ian Gibson.
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 A. GILICZE: (Glastry): Mr James McClements.
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
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.
HYDEPARK & LYLEHILL:
REV C.K. McDOWELL: (Hydepark) Mrs Lynas Alexander, 22 Broadacres, Templepatrick, BT39 0AY.
KELLS: (Home Mission)
REV ALAN McQUADE: Miss Ruth McCartney, Shancarnan, Moynalty, Kells, Co Meath, A82 PF60.
KILMAKEE:
REV ROBERT LOVE: Miss Aileen Irvine, 5 Aberdelghy Park, Lambeg, Lisburn, BT27 4QF.
KILREA, SECOND:
REV DR CLIVE GLASS: Mr John McIlrath, 9 Moyagoney Road, Kilrea, Coleraine, BT51 5SX.
LOWE MEMORIAL:
REV DR D.J. McKELVEY: Dr Moyna Bill, 6 Old Coach Avenue, Belfast, BT9 5PY.
McQUISTON MEMORIAL:
REV R.S.J. McILHATTON: Mr Ken Galbraith, 14 Millars Forge, Dundonald, Belfast, BT16 1UT.
MONEYDIG:
REV DR S.D.H. WILLIAMSON: Mr Steven Torrens, 115a Agivey Road, Kilrea, Coleraine, BT51 5UZ.
NEWINGTON:
REV DR I.D. NEISH: Mr John Lynass, 8 Bushfoot Park, Portballintrae, BT57 8YX.
NEWTOWNARDS, SECOND:
REV DR W.J.P. BAILIE: Mr Ivan Patterson, 11 Heron Crescent, Newtownards, BT23 8WH.
PORTAVOGIE:
REV G.J. SIMPSON: Mr Trevor Kennedy, 1 Cairndore Road, Newtownards, BT23 8RD.
RANDALSTOWN, O.C.
REV A.W. MOORE: Mr Alun Coulter, 48 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3DB.
RASHARKIN:
REV A.J. McCRACKEN: Mr Norbury Royle, 96 Drumsaragh Road, Kilrea, BT51 5XR.
RATHCOOLE:
REV A.K. DUDDY: Mr Ken Neill, 307 Merville Garden Village, Newtownabbey, BT37 9TY.
SAINTFIELD, FIRST:
REV B.A. SMALL: Mr Paul Jackson, 20 The Grange, Saintfield, BT24 7NF.
SPA and MAGHERAHAMLET:
REV D.F. LEAL: (Spa) Acting Clerk – Mr Stephen McBride, 28 Ballynahinch Road, Castlewellan, BT31 9PA. (Magherahamlet) Mr David Whan, 74 Castlewellan Road, Dromara, BT25 2JN.
STRABANE and SION MILLS:
REV COLIN McKIBBIN: (Strabane) Mr William Watson, 44 Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9QS. (Sion Mills) Mr Colin Campbell, 26 Albert Place, Sion Mills, Strabane, BT82 9HN.
TULLYCARNET:
REV DR COLIN BURCOMBE
VINECASH:
REV P.W.A. McCLELLAND: Mr Thomas Graham, 38 Richmount, Portadown, BT62 4JQ.
WARINGSTOWN:
REV R.L. BROWN: Mr David Crawford, 148 Avenue Road, Lurgan, BT66 7BJ.
WHITEHEAD:
REV N.W. DUDDY: Ms Helen Graham, 4 Kilcarn, Islandmagee, BT40 3PJ.
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.
TEMPORARY STATED SUPPLY
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.
Ordained & Installed: DRUMINNIS: William Dunne, Sam Bingham GARRYDUFF: Robert Hugh Cunningham MARKETHILL, FIRST & SECOND: Ronnie Totten MOSSIDE: Ian Black, Kathryn Jayne Stewart, David Rowe TOBERDONEY: Gordon Edward Veener Died: AHOGHILL, BROOKSIDE: William Laverty, John Montgomery BALLYKEEL: Desi Montgomery BALLYMENA, WELLINGTON: Andrew Caves, James McKeown BANBRIDGE, SCARVA STREET: Robert (Bertie) Livingstone CARRICKFERGUS, FIRST: Andrew Woodside CASTLEREAGH: Wilson Moore CASTLEWELLAN: Desmond Wilson CONNOR: Fred Strain DERRY, FIRST: Robert (Bobbie) George Little DUNDONALD, CHRIST CHURCH: Jack Cooper EDENGROVE: William Henry (Harry) Pickering, William James (Billy) Smith KELLS (Co Antrim): James McCord Wylie LISSARA: Thora Kennedy LISBURN, FIRST: Ian Rutledge MAGHERALLY: William Montgomery MONREAGH: Helen Martha Roulston RASHARKIN: John Finlay STRABANE: Malcolm Mutch WHITEHEAD: Lyn MacDonald
Licensed: Paul Bradley, by the Presbytery of Ards, on 18 September 2022 Thomas Andrew Robin Moore, by the Presbytery of Down, on 25 September 2022 Mark Robert Thomas Rodgers, by the Presbytery of Ballymena, on 25 September 2022
James Neil Stewart, by the Presbytery of East Belfast, on 2 October 2022 Ordained & Installed: David Morrison, as Minister of Killead and Loanends, on 9 September 2022
Installed:
Thomas David Hagan, as Minister of First Castleblayney, Frankford & Corvally, on 30 September 2022
Resigned: Thomas David Hagan, as Minister of Clontibret & Middletown, on 29 September 2022
Retired: Jack Lamb, as Minister of Townsend Street, on 16 September 2022
Died:
Rev Dr James Frazer, Minister Emeritus of Ballywillan, on 1 October 2022
Please note: Adverts must be received in writing (email or post) by the first of the month preceding publication to guarantee inclusion. Adverts received after that date will be published if space permits. Advertising rates can be found on the website –www.presbyterianireland.org/herald – or telephone the Herald office on +44 (0)28 9032 2284 for more information.
Accommodation
Northern Ireland
PORTSTEWART : 4* Tourist Board
Approved 3-bedroom terrace house, Enfield Street, Portstewart. Ideally located, 2-minute walking distance to Promenade. Available for short Autumn and Winter breaks of 3 nights minimum stay. Tel: 07840 097157.
MODERN BUNGALOW IN PORTRUSH
FOR HOLIDAY LETTING: 3 Bedrooms. Enclosed back garden. WiFi. Located off the Coleraine Road. Walking distance to beach. Contact Joy +353 (0)862164169.
Applications are invited for the convenerships of the following General Assembly Councils within the structures of the General Assembly, to take up post immediately following the June 2023 General Assembly: Council for Congregational Life and Witness Council for Training in Ministry These positions are open to ministers, elders and communicant members of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
Applications are invited for the convenerships of the following General Assembly Committees: The State Education Committee under the Council for Public Affairs
The Ministerial Studies and Development Committee under the Council for Training in Ministry
The Reception of Ministers and Licentiates Committee under the Council for Training in Ministry
These positions are open to ministers, elders and communicant members of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
Further information for these posts can be obtained from the Deputy Clerk, David Allen, at the email address below or telephone +44 (0)28 9041 7204.
Application forms may be downloaded from the PCI website at www.presbyterianireland.org/convenerships
Applications, using the pro-forma, should be forwarded no later than 5pm on Friday 25 November 2022 to: deputyclerk@presbyterianireland.org
or by post to The Deputy Clerk, Assembly Buildings, 2–10 Fisherwick Place, Belfast BT1 6DW.
+44 (0)28 9032 2284 herald@presbyterianireland.org www.presbyterianireland.org/herald
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Minister. They must have a deep love for God, a passion for prayer, excellent communication skills and a servant heart to lead creative, Christ-centred, contemporary, intergenerational worship.
We are looking for someone who is gifted in teaching and applying the Word, in equipping, empowering, and encouraging the congregation for mission, and is skilled in pastoral care.
They will work alongside the staff, volunteers, and the Elders as partners in team ministry, delivering the congregation’s mission of ‘Making Mature Disciples’.
For more information, please contact: Rev Gareth MacLean, Vacancy Commission Convener c/o Church Office
Knock Presbyterian Church 53 King’s Road Belfast BT5 6JH Email: gareth@orangefield.org.uk
Closing date is 2 December 2022
www.knockpresbyterian.church NIC104502
is seeking to appoint an accomplished musician as our Coordinator of Music (part-time, 8 hours per week) to lead and develop the music ministry within our church across all ages, blending both modern and traditional music.
Applicants should be competent in piano and/or organ.
For further details, job description, and application pack please contact: Rev Andrew Conway Tel: 07752 434730 Email: andrewconway1984@hotmail.co.uk
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Saturday 31 December 2022
We seek to appoint a new member of staff to help us to pursue our purpose which is 'To See Unbelieving People Become Faithful Followers of Jesus Christ' This exciting role will focus on the development and support of discipling ministries throughout the congregation with a particular emphasis on ministry to young people.
The salary will be in the range PCI Scale B3 B5 (£26,548 28,527) based on qualifications and experience.
Closing date for applications is 30 November
For an information and application pack please contact office@hrpc.org.uk
We are currently seeking enthusiastic candidates for a number of different roles within our nursery.
Available positions: Full Time Nursery Assistant Cook/Housekeeper Part Time Nursery Assistant Relief Nursery Assistant
For more information on the positions available please go to nijobfinderco uk / jobapplyni.com or sen d your CV to info@peartreebarnursery.com
Now that church life is coming back together again across PCI, step back and take time to consider what your congregation might learn from the experience of the interruption of the pandemic. How might we reshape our future life together as a community of God’s people?
Back together again booklets are available for £1 from www.presbyterianireland.org/backtogetheragain
