Wider World Spring 2022

WIDER WORLD Spring: March - May 22

Intentional Leadership The PW Forum

Considering Grace

Seasoned with Hope St. James’ PW, Ballymoney

Working Side by Side Devotional by Dr Karen Fulton

INSPIRATION S 2022/23 Women’s Ministry Resource

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.”

Romans 12:10

This edition of Inspirations is full of ideas to help you plan for your women’s ministry group within your congregation.

Copies of Inspirations cost £8/€9 each.

For more information, email pw@presbyterianireland.org or call +44 (0)28 9041 7257

Rebecca McConnell Editor

WELCOME TO OUR SPRING EDITION Dear Reader, We are delighted to be back to our full magazine and as you hold this in your hand you will have already noticed the difference in its thickness. As we have sought to bring the Wider World magazine to you over the last two years, there have been many challenges and changes, but, we are grateful to the Lord for standing with us through them all.

We also want to thank you for persevering with us, and we pray that you will be blessed as you read the articles throughout the 36 pages of this Spring edition.

As you can imagine none of this can happen without the hard work of all those behind the scenes, and we are delighted to have Rebecca McConnell join us as the freelance Editor for Wider World. Rebecca, a member of First Rathfriland Presbyterian Church, has edited issues of the magazine before.

For over 15 years she has been working in communications, and for the last 11 years running her consultancy, Purple Rain PR. Enjoy reading this edition!

Pauline Kennedy, PCI Women’s Ministry & PW Development Officer One morning after Sunday School, I watched as girls, without being asked, put away chairs and tables, as the boys ran havoc around the hall. I was touched by their desire to help and lead in that moment, without realising it, and without using words.

To honour our first full edition, we have a special focus on leadership from a range of perspectives because leadership is many things. The articles aren’t just for Group leaders - but rather we want all our readers to understand the simple call in their lives to be part of God’s big plan. Like the young girls who had it in their hearts to do something kind not knowing the influence it left on those around them, we can all lead whether we have a position or not.

We also take a deeper look at the PCI book, Considering Grace and hear Helen’s story, one of 120 told in the book reflecting back on the Troubles. This book is part of a long-term approach to facilitate healing and understanding in a sensitive area that we recognise is not easy to address.

We have some new features such as our Grateful Heart page and a page of reflection - this will be a Bible passage or a prayer, somewhere you can leave the magazine open at, to remind you to ‘look up’.

The words of Psalm 42 remind us that, no matter how complicated and messy we think our situations are, God knows them and he is able to draw alongside us through them.

CONTENTS 04 06 07 09 10 12 14 16 18 20 25 26 28 31 32 34

Relying on God PW Special Home Project 2022 PW Special Overseas Project 2022 Moving with God Intentional Leadership Bringing others alongside us Deeper Together - Meet Amy Devotional - Working Side by Side Building Special Relationships Considering Grace Reflection page - Psalm 42 Granshaw Women Together Seasoned with Hope Grateful Heart Betsie ten Boom Global Mission

Freelance Editor: Rebecca McConnell Contact: Presbyterian Women, Congregational Life & Witness Department, Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, 2-10 Fisherwick Place, Belfast, BT1 6DW. Email: pw@presbyterianireland.org Web: www.presbyterianireland.org/pw Tel: +44 (0)28 9041 7257 Like us on Facebook: Presbyterian Women Digital download: issuu.com/presbyterianireland Designed by: Break - madebybreak.com Wider World is the magazine of PW. Published quarterly: March, June, September and December. Annual subscription: £6/€7 or £1.50/€1.75 per issue. Each year, an order form will be sent to Wider World agents. This should be returned, together with payment, to the above address. If required, invoices will be issued upon receipt of the order form. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The Presbyterian Church in Ireland’ marked Wider World on the reverse.

The Editor reserves the right to accept, reject or edit contributions. Opinions expressed in Wider World are not necessarily those of PCI, Presbyterian Women or the Editor.

03

DE AC ON E S S

Relying on God By the time you read this magazine, Margaret Robertson will have retired from her role as Deaconess serving in Elmwood Presbyterian Church in Lisburn. Here, she reflects on her calling into ministry and what God has taught her along the way.

I

t is not hard to remember the dread I felt when applying to be a Deaconess so long ago. Working in a church did not appeal to me, but I knew God was guiding me into service for him in the church, so I obediently applied.

On reflection, I now know how right God was and what a blessing and privilege it has been for me to serve God in Gardenmore and Elmwood Presbyterian churches over these past 16 years. As I look back, I rejoice in the many ways God has faithfully provided for me, not least in the people who have helped and encouraged me over the years.

From the very beginning of Scripture, right through to the end, God has never desired us to be on our own, but to be in families and communities to help and encourage each other.

I have certainly found this to be true. I have also discovered the amazing truth that God provides the right people with the right talents at the right time to do his work. Teamwork is often the key to fulfilling God’s work.

In Gardenmore, I was blessed with a wonderful group of ladies who started Friends Together, a place for the elderly to come and enjoy time together. I also had the joy of being a part of the team that ran a very successful coffee morning. As I look back to the very talented people in Gardenmore who went all out with their creative flair, especially transforming the halls for the holiday Bible club, I am still amazed. Nor will I forget the sheer delight I had in finding the right person to start a walking group and having the opportunities to explore the wonders of the Glens of Antrim and the North Coast.

On joining Elmwood in November 2014, it was lovely to discover a lot of the work was well established and I was able to continue working alongside those who were already using their gifts and talents to serve God. As in Gardenmore, the right people were there to make things happen, from catering, to administration, to creative arts, and this has made my time at Elmwood very enjoyable and blessed.

04 | Wider World Spring 22

In both churches, I have had the privilege of sharing with the minister the work of pastoral care within the congregations.

From the onset, I have really appreciated the little things that make such a difference, such as the smile when you turn up at the door, the difference a listening ear makes, the phone call or visit just when they needed someone to come alongside to help and support them through whatever difficulty they faced.

Being there for someone in need is such a privilege and I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had to help and encourage others. However, the lovely thing about pastoral care is that I have been blessed and encouraged so many times from those I have been visiting.

“As I reflect on my years of service, the reality is that you never serve God on your own, he is always faithfully there for you.”

As I reflect on my years of service, the reality is that you never serve God on your own, he is always faithfully there for you. The importance of relying on God and putting him first is so important because, as I have found, you can so easily rely on yourself rather than keeping in step with his Spirit. Therefore, the importance of helping to establish retreat days in both churches has been so encouraging. For me, to have that time and space to quietly sit and listen to God has been so valuable in helping me to follow God rather than running ahead and doing my own thing.

Jesus, when he was on earth, encouraged us in his teaching and actions to go out from our church communities and get involved with those outside the church. I am very thankful that, in Elmwood, part of my work involved being a part of the Ballymacash Regeneration Network and serving on its committee. Over the years I have made some really good friends and have been challenged time and time again as I have seen how hard this team of people work making such a difference to their community.

I will also miss the opportunities I had to visit and take part in the PW programmes and services. I have always enjoyed the opportunity of going to different PW Groups, and to have the opportunity of meeting and thanking those who, from the onset of my training, have helped and encouraged me both in their prayers and giving.

As I look ahead to my semi-retirement, as I will hopefully be working part-time somewhere, it will be the many people who have made such a difference to my life that will stay with me in my thoughts and prayers. I am also looking forward to having more time for my garden, which is very unkempt at the moment, and I am excited to see what plans God has for the next phase of my life.

I thank him and the many, many people who have made such a difference to my time as a serving Deaconess.

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SP E C IA L HOM E P ROJ E C T 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 2

Holding Hope CARE NI’s Hannah Arnold writes a last report on the PW Special Home Project 2020-2022.

O

pen NI, a ministry of CARE, provides healing retreats for those who have experienced pregnancy loss. As Presbyterian Women’s Special Home Project of 2020 – 2022, we have been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of PW Groups. Despite restrictions which have stopped many from meeting in person, we have had the privilege of being asked to share about the ministry at over 25 PW Groups, whether this was via an online medium, pre-recorded messages or more recently, face to face. And the good news is there is more booked in the diary for 2022.

We want to thank all of those groups for inviting us to be a part of their gathering for those evenings – you have been so welcoming, and your love for one another and those who are hurting has been so evident. Thank you for showing the love of Christ to us at CARE NI and most importantly for not shying away from talking about and providing for the needs of those among us who find themselves in the harsh place of experiencing baby loss and grief.

Most importantly, the funding and support we have received from PW’s has enabled us to run retreats at no cost to those attending and helped us spread the word; reaching many through online events, word of mouth and social media.

We have been amazed as this has enabled many who have experienced baby loss, from various geographical locations across Northern Ireland, to reach out to us for support and attend one of the retreats. Having the opportunity to attend a retreat can make such a difference in someone’s story and journey of loss and grief.

“Thank you for showing the love of Christ to us at CARE NI...”

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Here is one woman’s account of her experience at the retreat…

“I was so nervous heading to the retreat on Saturday however Karen (the facilitator) was so friendly and welcoming – she opened the door of her home to us without reservation and with a happy, friendly personality. The setting was fabulous.

Then there were all the goodies – oh my I ate too much that day – but it was just so lovely.

“The small group size was perfect, it was intimate and that was wonderful. It felt like I was sitting chatting to friends, friends who understood exactly how I felt. I said things out loud that I’ve never said before, I explained how things made me feel and I cried a lot while I talked.

“The only reason I could do that was because I felt safe. Safe from judgement or misunderstanding. Safe from people who think you’re overreacting, or you just need to ‘get over it’. It was just so lovely and felt like a step towards closure. I’m a believer so I took that time to speak to the Lord.

“I left with a lighter heart than before I went in. With more of a peace and a calmness about me. I’d prayed that morning, and on the drive down, that the day would help me and be worthwhile. It really was.”

If you would like to find out more about Open NI’s healing retreats, please reach out to Hannah Arnold via email hannah.arnold@care.org.uk. Alternatively, please text or phone 07724 697 800 for more information or to book a speaker.

SP E C IA L OV E R SE A S P ROJ E C T 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 2

IMPROVING THE LIVES OF

women in Nepal Former PW President Karen Craig gives a final update on the PW Special Overseas Project for 2020-2022.

O

khaldhunga? How do you pronounce that? Where is it? These were the questions that came to me when in 2019 it was suggested that the PW overseas project would be the Maternal Waiting Home in Nepal. Okhaldhunga Community Hospital, a hospital run by UMN (United Mission to Nepal), is nestled in a valley of the Himalayan foothills. It was to become the focus of our 2020-22 project and the Maternal Waiting Home in particular.

As then PW President, it was a privilege to visit the Home and see the amazing work done by the staff. The sense of family and support which the ladies receive as they await the birth of their baby was so evident. They are encouraged to share and help one another, they are given advice on childcare, nutrition, family planning and so on.

For us to be able to partner with the Home through the project has been of great benefit to all. Thanks to the generosity of many PW Groups the Home itself has been improved with the renovations being completed in April 2021.

For much of 2020, the MWH was closed due to Covid-19, however, the opportunity was taken to do the renovations. At the time of completion Yub Raj Acharya, the Director of the hospital, expressed his thanks for the grant given by Presbyterian Women to enable these renovations. In a recent email, John Padgett, the Medical Director, reported the happiness of the ladies who are benefitting from these improvements.

Continues...

07

However, their joy was to be short-lived because of the second wave of Covid-19 that hit Nepal in May 2021. This meant that the Home had to be closed again as the Outpatients Department was moved back. The second wave proved to be more disruptive than the first, but thankfully the Home was re-opened in November 2021 and welcomed the latest intake of mothers-to-be.

The renovations that were completed last year meant that the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom facilities are much cheerier and more practical than they were before. It has also been good that the expectant mothers are able to share in the social aspects of the MWH.

“Thanks to all the Presbyterian women who have taken this project to their hearts and have supported it both prayerfully and financially.”

Thanks to all the Presbyterian women who have taken this project to their hearts and have supported it both prayerfully and financially. For almost twenty years since its formation, this Home has significantly improved the lives of so many women and their children. With these further enhancements, we have every confidence that it will continue to make a difference in the lives of many more mothers-to-be in Nepal.

It has been a joy for us to partner with the MWH and share in the work of Christ’s Kingdom.

Visit the Presbyterian Women Special Projects webpage to access videos about this project: www.presbyterianireland.org/pw/specialprojects

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L E A DE R SH I P

Moving with God A

s life begins to get moving again we need to be looking for God and following his lead as he unfolds his patterns and purposes for his people in a future post-pandemic world. Rachael Gamble, Discipleship Facilitator at Sloan Street Presbyterian Church in Lisburn, shares with us a reflection from Acts, where we see God raising a church in the slipstream of the resurrection of Jesus to bring his life to the world.

But this is not the kind of attitude Paul demonstrates in Acts 16. Paul recognises the gifts and experiences of Timothy and brings him in to be part of the work. Paul doesn’t run a one-man, DIY-mission. He doesn’t hog the limelight or feel threatened by involving others in the work. Paul sought out Timothy and invested in him. In the letters of 1 and 2 Timothy we can read the kind of care Paul showed for Timothy and the advice about ministry and life he shared.

Read Acts 16:1-5 Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they travelled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

The result of Paul widening his team and taking Timothy in was numerical and spiritual growth in the church. By working together, Paul and Timothy were used powerfully

by God to make and grow disciples of Jesus. We aren’t called to run one-man, DIY-missions. God has given us each other and filled our churches with all kinds of people with all kinds of gifts and called us to work together to make and grow disciples of Jesus.

Reflect “I’ll do it myself.” I wonder how many times you’ve said those words to yourself? Maybe just a few weeks ago you were chasing everyone else out of the kitchen because cooking Christmas dinner is just easier if you’re in charge and everyone else stays out of the way. It can be easy to fall into that way of thinking about life in church too – assuming you know what you’re doing and someone else would slow you down. It can be tempting to want to protect our own little kingdom, saying “this has always been my job” or “we’ve always done it this way.”

Respond Paul went looking for Timothy and encouraged and involved him in the work of mission. Is there someone in your church you could look out for this week to encourage and involve?

Maybe there’s someone who hasn’t been a Christian very long or is new around your church who you could get a coffee with and get to know. If you have an area of responsibility in church life, are you looking around for people to involve and train up in that role?

This reflection first appeared as a Tides devotion on 10 January 2022. You can sign up to receive weekday Bible reflections to your inbox by visiting www.presbyterianireland.org/tides

09

L E A DE R SH I P

INTENTIONAL

Leadership At the PW February Forum, leaders of various types of ministry among women were reminded that Christians should look characteristically like Jesus even when, perhaps especially when, they lead. Rev Dr Bill Parker set out to show how this can become a reality when leaders are intentional in five key areas which we will look at here in more detail.

T

he first key area was to Be Intentional about Being a Spiritual Leader.

A Christian leader was defined as a person with God-given capacity and God-given responsibility who is influencing a specific group of God’s people towards God’s purposes.

Natural leaders (led by human nature) and spiritual leaders (led by the Holy Spirit) were contrasted.

A natural leader is self-confident, makes her own decisions, is ambitious, enjoys being in control, and is independent. It was noted that these qualities are not necessarily bad, but that the sinful nature can corrupt good, natural abilities and produce bad leadership.

By contrast, a spiritual leader is God-confident, seeks God’s will, is reluctant, enjoys obeying God, and is God-dependent.

These spiritual qualities enhance natural characteristics, keep the sinful nature in check, and produce good leadership.

It was explained that leadership is influence, not position.

To have godly influence, it was pointed out that, secondly, leaders must Be Intentional about Being Holy.

This involves getting on the cycle – the ‘spiritual combustion cycle’ – of repentance, faith and obedience.

The leaders were encouraged to turn to God’s Word with a view to obeying it and then, as the Spirit exposes sin, heart idols would be identified, leading to repentance. This would take affections off the heart idols and place them on Christ which would lead to a desire to obey His Word, and so the cycle would begin again.

Obey (Law)

Repent (Idols)

Christ

All were encouraged to begin by fully understanding the gospel. It is not just the gateway into the Christian life but also the pathway of the Christian life.

Faith (Gospel)

10 | Wider World Spring 22

“All were encouraged to begin by fully understanding the gospel.

It is not just the gateway into the Christian life but also the pathway of the Christian life.”

Participants were given practical suggestions for staying on the spiritual combustion cycle for life.

Pauline Kennedy, PCI’s Women’s Ministry & PW Development Officer, writes:

• read the Bible

We want to thank Bill for being part of our webinar and for how he challenged us afresh to remember God’s perspective on our leadership roles and how we need to be intentional about becoming redundant. Surely by doing this we can begin to close the gap between our generations of older and younger women.

• study the Bible • memorise and meditate on Bible passages about holiness • live sovereignly, not situationally (focus on and trust in the Lord even in trying circumstances).

This section was concluded by the reminder that, “Effective intentional leadership will flow out of who you are, so you must be Christlike.”

The third key area was to Be Intentional about Being Resilient.

It was acknowledged that leadership is not easy, and that resolve is needed to be faithful and steady. Leaders were encouraged to keep their eyes on Jesus and to struggle well as they combat tiredness, apathy, lack of confidence, and opposition.

Fourthly, leaders were challenged to Be Intentional about Being a Good Pastor.

Pastoral care was defined as the outworking of the church’s concern for the everyday (material) and ultimate (spiritual) needs of its members.

Leaders were advised to pastorally care for those they lead by • being an example of Christ to them • praying for them by name • being firm (if necessary); not being hard on others, but working from where people are, to help them grow.

The fifth key area was acknowledged to be difficult for many: Be Intentional about Becoming Redundant.

Traffic in Kathmandu

With different lifestyle patterns and approaches to learning, younger women are not always looking for someone just to hand them a “folder”, but instead, they are longing that someone who has walked the path of leadership would come alongside them as they begin to walk theirs. The opportunity to share our lives and our leadership experience is valued and it’s good to recognise the need to pass the baton on to an increasingly scarce next generation. Intentionally investing in relationships, sharing the wisdom of the years, and encouraging fresh ways of doing things, are key to the future.

Dr Parker’s concluding challenge was, “How do you want to be remembered as a leader?” Good leadership brings glory to Christ and helps others. Bad leadership dishonours Christ and may damage, hurt, or even destroy others. The people listed in Romans 16 left a good legacy in Paul’s life. Leaders were challenged to consider if the legacy they leave will be positive, God-honouring and Christ-glorifying.

Thanks to everyone who took part; Heather Clements (PW President), Esther Parker (PW Home Vice President), Rev Dr Bill Parker, Fiona Simpson from Sligo PW Group and Suzy Kirk from Granshaw PW Group for sharing with us. We pray that God will use all that was shared to encourage and equip women to be intentional, godly leaders seeking to inspire the next generation in building God’s Kingdom.

If you were unable to attend the Forum live, you can go back and watch it here www.presbyterianireland.org/pw

It was stressed that leaders must look to the next generation.

They should be a mentor (putting advice, counsel and teaching in) and a coach (pulling leadership ability out) to future leaders.

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BRINGING OTHERS

alongside us 12 | Wider World Spring 22

09

L E A DE R SH I P

Continuing this edition’s special theme on leadership, Rick Hill, PCI’s Discipleship and Leadership Development Officer helps us to explore how to do leadership well, reflecting on some Olympic events that might motivate us to bring on the next Maternal waiting home generation of leaders in our churches.

T

o mark the start of the new year, I bought a 52-week devotions book for our eldest son. As we were leafing through it, I explained how I read my Bible every day and books like these helped me understand it. He then looked up at me and said, “but I don’t see you reading your Bible very often.”

My default reaction was to defend my Bible-reading habits.

However, I reflected later and realised he was right. It’s not that I don’t read my Bible regularly, but that I rarely read it at a time or place visible and obvious to him. I resolved to change that, not because I desire to impress others with my devotional discipline, but in order for habits to be passed on to others, they need to be clearly visible.

Now, this isn’t an article about regular Bible reading - it’s one about passing on the baton of leadership to others, but I wonder if similar principles apply.

Instead, a better comparison might be the Madison event in track cycling. If you caught sight of this crazy event in the Velodrome at last year’s Olympics, you’ll know that cyclists compete in pairs, one rider going at full speed on the inside of the track while their teammate circles the outside of the track, waiting to be tagged for their turn. What is brilliant about this handover however is that, rather than simply tapping their teammate on the shoulder, the riders link hands for several seconds enabling the incoming rider to gain extra speed and energy from the outgoing one. Holding the hand of their faster teammate generates a catapult effect as the new cyclist is literally flung into the action.

I like this image for passing on leadership. Bringing others alongside us into the thick of the action. Involving them as we lead. Letting them learn from what we do and how we do it. Gaining momentum from our movement to help them get going, rather than being abandoned to start alone.

There are countless capable, gifted and godly leaders in There is an old proverb that says “Tell me and I forget, teach Presbyterian congregations the length me and I remember, involve me and and breadth of Ireland. Many people I learn.” The call of leadership isn’t wholeheartedly serve and skilfully simply firefighting urgent problems “The church today is in organise various programmes, in front of us, while missing the desperate need for those organisations or teams across our opportunity to bring others beside us church. But there is a danger that all along the way. Someone once told me with father and mother our accumulated knowledge, skill and that you should never do a leadership hearts who don’t just see wisdom will be lost if we fail to pass it task alone, and while that stretches on to those coming after us. No matter things slightly, it’s worth considering the functional tasks of how good ministry is in the moment, how we can involve others along the leadership but grasp the failure to raise up or train up new way. If you’re a leader, I encourage you family nature of church.” leaders to come next, damages the to reflect on how you could be more longer-term picture. intentional about involving others and identifying future leaders, ultimately The model of leadership used to be one hero with many for the benefit and extension of God’s Kingdom. followers but leadership in God’s Kingdom is less about being a hero and more about being a mentor. Naomi commissioned The final verse of the Old Testament declares that God will Ruth. Mordecai advised Esther. Jethro cautioned Moses. Paul “turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the nurtured Timothy. We aren’t called to be a hero with many hearts of the children to their parents.” The prophet Malachi followers, but rather a mentor to many heroes. was calling for a day when the posture of an older generation would be towards a younger generation. The church today I once met someone who had just become Sunday School is in desperate need for those with father and mother hearts Coordinator in her congregation. “It’s no big deal”, her who don’t just see the functional tasks of leadership but predecessor told her, “just organise the rota and sharpen grasp the family nature of church. A generation of spiritual the pencils.” I know of others who have been handed the mothers and fathers to mentor, trust, invest in and call a responsibility to lead an organisation by Kirk Session future generation of leaders to more. In my experience, older with little more than a folder of paperwork. No handover leaders need to be less controlling, while younger leaders period to learn the ropes. No space to ask questions. No need to be less arrogant. We need each other. conversation offering guidance. We can do so much better.

So, whether you involve others in your leadership, prepare Perhaps the image of passing a baton like an Olympic relay those stepping into new responsibilities or step aside to race isn’t actually the best metaphor. At times the incoming let others have a go, let’s seek to be the inter-generational, runner is just delighted to get their hands off the baton so faith-passing, future-focused missional community of God in Nirmala, nursing they canmanager stop running. of the home all we do.

13

Deeper Together MEET AMY

Ahead of Presbyterian Women’s Conference on 7th May 2022, keynote speaker Amy Summerfield tells us a little about herself and how she came to set up the Kyria Network.

Amy, we are looking forward to you sharing with us in May. Can you outline a little, your journey of faith?

I was brought up in a Christian home with my family attending a local Anglican Church. But my journey to faith wasn’t without its difficulties. I struggled all the way through school as a result of bullying and dyslexia, which wasn’t picked up until my early adulthood. Being a young carer to my disabled mum and supporting my dad through a serious mental health breakdown, I questioned God in all of these matters and more. My teenage years were therefore disillusioned with faith and the understanding of relationship with God. This led to many wrong choices until a powerful encounter with Jesus changed everything.

After begrudgingly being encouraged to go to a Christian festival, I acted up and refused to go to any sessions until I was challenged to go to at least one meeting out of respect.

“We were never meant to journey alone, and our need for God and each other is key to our discipleship and faith.”

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A N N UA L C ON F E R E N C E

It was on that night that the gospel was shared and the story of Jesus so impacted my heart that I closed my eyes and said out loud “if this is real Jesus show yourself to me?” It was there and then that I felt the pressure of someone holding my hand and I started to cry. When I eventually composed myself, I opened my eyes to thank the person for holding my hand. To my surprise, there was no one near me, but I still felt the touch of someone holding my hand. As I looked down to my hand, I saw it was locked in the shape of a handhold. I knew there and then that Jesus made Himself real to me and that the beautiful offer of relationship and life with him was accepted.

After that special moment at the age of 18, God then accelerated me into ministry, working as a full-time youth worker for various churches. I then went on to co-found Pulse Childrens and Youth Ministries which toured the UK evangelising to children and young people, training leaders and supporting churches.

After nearly ten years, I felt God nudge me that that season was coming to an end. His biggest leadership stretch yet came about when he called me to move to Scotland on my own and lead a church in Paisley, which was part of a network of churches and charities called Skylark International.

Around the same time, the Kyria Network was birthed with a passion to champion, empower and release women into spheres of influence.

Kyria Network are believing for better, advocating for equality, and celebrating the call and giftedness of women to lead in whatever sphere God directs.

Why do you think it is important to encourage women in their spheres of influence?

Every area of influence blossoms, grows and becomes even more fruitful when women are encouraged to take the lead just as much as their male counterparts.

Kyria Network believes that God continues to release female leaders to make a difference in every sphere of society. Kyria exists ‘for such a time as this’ to join God in this important work. We continue to build relationships and to educate and resource the church and beyond, in order that restrictions and limitations placed over women might be removed in order for women to be released to serve fully alongside their male counterparts.

What are your hopes for Presbyterian Women’s Conference in May? As we travel Deeper Together my hope and prayer is that we will all draw closer to Jesus and each other, and that by doing so we will receive his good news to us, so that he can be good news through us.

We were never meant to journey alone, and our need for God and each other is key to our discipleship and faith.

I led Connect Church Paisley for six years and towards the end of my season I became the Head of Development for Skylark International. My role is helping to oversee churches, charities and kingdom initiatives across the UK and beyond.

God also started to increase opportunities to speak across other churches and platforms.

Imagine, if we could grasp the gift of each other, so that ‘as we are going’ we take courage that, side by side and step by step, we grow in our faith and effectively reach others for Christ. We are stronger together.

After many years of navigating singleness, early 2020 saw me hand over Connect Church in Scotland and move back down to the South of England to get married. It’s here I support and lead alongside my husband Matt in Zeo Church.

My journey of faith like us all has had its ups and downs but the faithfulness and provision of God in every season has always been my experience and testimony.

Thank you in advance for your prayers which are much appreciated.

I’m thankful for God’s grace to me and that as I travel through life and leadership I see his hand and help, he is Emmanuel – God with us.

What led you to set up the Kyria Network?

Kyria Network came about as a result of a roundtable conversation with several other female leaders which included myself and our Founder, Bev Murrill.

We related, reflected and recognised where our own leadership journeys had been hard going and faced difficulties and challenges as a result of being women.

This sparked a desire to respond to the ongoing gap when it came to supporting each other as female leaders and helping to raise up others, both in the Church and beyond.

How can we pray for you in the lead up to the conference?

Why not join me by praying these verses over me and also yourself in the lead up to the conference?

Psalm 119:33-40 Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.

Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.

Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.

Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.

Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your Word.

Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.

Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts!

In your righteousness preserve my life.

15

DE VOT IONA L

Working Side by Side

READ

Philippians 2:1-11, Philippians 4:1-3

Euodia and Syntyche Dr Karen Fulton lectures in New Testament Studies at Belfast Bible College.

Prior to joining the College in 2000, Karen taught Biblical Studies at Berea Theological College in Kenya and served there as Academic Dean and Vice-Principal. Karen completed a PhD on aspects of the Pauline Letters through Aberdeen University and we are delighted that she is sharing some of her thoughts with us from his letter to the Philippians.

I

n Philippians 4:2-3, Paul mentions by name two women, Euodia and Syntyche, from the church in Philippi who have worked side by side with him in the gospel. The word used for ‘working side by side’ comes from athletics and has the idea of entering an athletic contest along with others. The image is that of a team event. Euodia and Syntyche have been part of a team along with Paul, Clement and others.

Teams take time to train and practise. This is particularly true in athletics and sports. They commit both to a personal level of fitness so they can contribute to the team, and to training together so they know how to work effectively as a team.

Time and thought goes into thinking through the best way to succeed in their goals. In team sports, the key to success is working together, using each other’s strengths and abilities to achieve what would not be possible as individuals.

Working in this way also involves recognising that individuals in the team have different strengths and abilities, and indeed weaknesses, and then operating in a way that allows each team member to make their unique best contribution. All in all, being in a team takes time and energy. Euodia and Syntyche’s involvement in the work of the gospel had been costly in terms of energy and probably time too.

This is precisely why they are commended. They had a track record of working with others for the sake of the gospel and of being committed to that despite the cost.

There seems, however, to be a problem. Euodia and Syntyche are no longer working side by side with Paul and the others. Some disagreement has occurred.

We do not have the details of the disagreement but its mention in this letter to the whole church suggests that it is having a significant impact. This may be due to the nature of the disagreement, or to the high regard in which the two women were held within the church given their previous track record, or some combination of the two.

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1. Think about teams in which you are involved. Do you think the team works well? Could it be improved? Is there anything you could do to improve how the team works?

2. Have you experience of how a disagreement between two people has impacted a wider group, or maybe had a disagreement yourself with someone else? How was such a situation handled? In retrospect, what can you learn? How might you do things differently?

Paul addresses the tension between Euodia and Syntyche rather than ignoring it. As well as asking another individual in the church at Philippi to help them, he also appeals to them to be of the same mind or to think in the same way.

The appeal to be of the same mind also occurs earlier in the letter (2:1-4), then directed at the whole church. Indeed, throughout the letter Paul emphasises the need for shared values, thinking and actions. Values, thinking and actions that are shared by the community because they are modelled on the example of Jesus, the one they follow.

Paul spells out how Jesus thought and acted in Philippians 2:6-11. In his reflection on Jesus’ lifestyle, Paul emphasises that Jesus was willing to give up his rights, accept a significant reduction in status (from God to human [and a slave]) and a shameful death (a slave’s death). In the world the Philippians lived in, status really mattered. People were continually trying to better themselves by climbing up the status ladder. Jesus did exactly the opposite.

He chose to move from the top of the ladder (God) to the bottom (slave). Choosing to lose status was unheard of in that culture. Losing status happened when people faced situations they could not control. Financial disaster, famine or defeat in war forced them down the status ladder.

It was not a choice. In choosing a loss of status Jesus acted counter-culturally. The Philippians are to act in the same way.

As Paul appeals to the believers in Philippi to model their behaviour on Jesus, he highlights Jesus’ choice to put others before himself. Jesus considered the needs of others (humanity) and chose to give up his own status, rights, privileges and personal comfort to benefit us. Considering others before yourself and acting in their interests rather than promoting your own, is the attitude Paul is highlighting as a Christ-like lifestyle.

1. How hard is it to put others’ interests before your own?

Be realistic. Do you think there are limits to this, so for example, you might put family before yourself but not people you know only a little? What do you think following Jesus means in terms of considering others?

2. What impact might putting each other’s interests before their own have for Euodia and Syntyche?

Such a lifestyle is not easy. It requires effort, commitment, energy and time. It needs to be reinforced by constant practise and training, even more than a sports team! It is a demanding lifestyle choice, so it is fair to ask, why bother?

The answer to that is rooted in the example of Jesus and the benefits that following him can bring. Experiencing in our lives the comfort, compassion, encouragement and sympathy that come from being in relationship with Jesus is a powerful motivation (2:1-2), let alone the view that following the person who will one day rule the universe (2:9-11) is a good long-term strategy.

Further Reflection

1. Reflect on your life and your relationship with Jesus. Can you see changes in your life because you know him? What are your thoughts as you read Philippians 2:5-11 and reflect on how Jesus acted?

2. Paul refers to Euodia and Syntyche working as part of his team in ministry. Does this fit with what you think about Paul’s attitude towards women?

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17

We catch up with Michelle Murray, manager of PCI’s Harold McCauley nursing home in Omagh to find out how and why she chose, and recommends, a career working with the elderly.

I

t was an 8-week student nurse placement in Harold McCauley House, Omagh, in the summer of 2013 that left a lasting impression on Michelle Murray, now the home’s manager.

When she finished her placement, she told the then manager that she would be back!

Despite always wanting to be a nurse, it never occurred to Michelle that she would practise in a care home for the elderly. But after spending time there and then experiencing other nursing types in different hospitals, she knew it was this demographic of patients she wanted to work with.

BUILDING SPECIAL

relationships

Michelle admits she was scared when she first started the placement - as a mum to four young children, she didn’t know how to care for older people. “Everyone made me feel at ease, and took me under their wings. I never forgot the experience at Harold McCauley house. I kept comparing my placements on surgical and medical wards with it, and they didn’t come close at all!

“With hospitals and patients coming and going, you don’t get the same chance to have that special relationship. The home is the last place that person will live in and so we try our best to make it comfortable and pleasant, and so it is a very rewarding profession.”

When she qualified from Magee College in Londonderry, there were no vacancies in Harold McCauley house so she worked in a care home in Londonderry but watched out for job notices. When a position came up in Omagh, she jumped at the chance to apply.

“I was so nervous for the interview because I really wanted the job there! I put myself under a lot of pressure. PCI is an amazing organisation to work for. Compared to other places I worked in, they have good supplies of everything and residents’ needs were the forefront for everything.

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S O C IA L W I T N E S S

“The support has been incredible and every training opportunity, including dementia care and mentoring, has been available for me to partake in. The team is so supportive - you never feel like you’re on your own.”

Michelle now leads that team of 55 staff members, working her way up from those days as a student nurse, then becoming a staff nurse, then a senior nurse, acting home manager and now care home manager.

“Denise Keegan (PCI Head of Older People’s Services) is so inspiring, she is an amazing line manager to me, always believing in me.”

As challenges go, they don’t get much higher than looking after a care home in a pandemic - and Michelle was the acting manager in 2020 when the lockdowns came. “We all had to adapt - the hustle and bustle of the home stopped but I have to say every staff member helped out and helped each other. One night, I would go home and read a ream of guidelines and the next day, there would be different ones and I had to get my head around them again.

“Ultimately it was about keeping our residents safe. We were all scared as staff and, as acting manager, I had to hide my fear. Often I would go home crying in the car but I had to be strong.

“It was so difficult for our residents - we tried to do meaningful activities as well as arrange virtual visits as best we could. When visits were eventually allowed inside again behind screens, it was heartbreaking to see families not able to hug or touch their loved ones. Working with elderly people is such an interesting aspect to caring. You find out about their life history, who they were, what they worked at, you create bonds with them and it is such a privilege to care for them.

“The families trust us with their loved ones, that makes it very humbling. It has been hard for new residents coming in as we haven’t had the same induction for their families - normally it would be tea and buns and a tour and we get to know them. Yet they still trust us.

“The craic is amazing - there is one gentleman in particular and his smile lights up the world - it really cheers me up to see him.”

The emphasis on spiritual needs is also important to the residents with daily devotions and special services.

“Having such a strong team was critical for us, everyone played their part - all departments within Harold McCauley house. As a nursing home we are quite different within PCI - we could administer oxygen and tablets ourselves, and do our own Covid-19 testing. It was an advantage for us.

“Each month, the home managers get on Microsoft Teams to have a chat and this is a good time to share ideas and to ask questions it’s assuring that we are not on our own.

“Finally I just want to say that the Personnel department of PCI also needs to be praised as they do so much behind the scenes that often goes unnoticed to keep us functioning as best we can.”

Harold McCauley House is one of 482 registered care homes in Northern Ireland (*as of 13 October 2020, via NI Assembly Report) and one of 11 PCI residential homes that are managed through the Council for Social Witness.

You can check current vacancies by visiting www.presbyterianireland.org/jobs

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C ON SI DE R I N G G R AC E

The power of stories In 2019, PCI published its own book of stories, Considering Grace: Presbyterians and the Troubles, recording 120 ordinary people’s experiences of the Troubles, and exploring how faith shaped their responses to violence and its aftermath. PCI’s Public Affairs Officer Karen Jardine tells us more about how the book came about and what it hopes to accomplish.

W

e all love a good story! Some of us like nothing better than taking time with a cuppa and delving into a novel and I’m sure you look forward to reading your new copy of Wider World. We share stories with each other in our family circles, and with our friends. Some are funny, others are tragic and still others fall somewhere in between.

Stories shape and mould us, help us understand ourselves and other people. Nowhere is this more clearly seen than in Scripture. At various stages God encourages his people, the Israelites, to set up memorial stones as a prompt to remember all that he had done for them.

Throughout 2021, the centenary of the partition of the island of Ireland, and the creation of Northern Ireland, many stories have been told about what took place at that time, and how that has influenced where we find ourselves 100 years later.

Alongside this, conversations continue about how to deal with our more recent past and the legacy of the conflict that remains unresolved for so many.

Considering Grace, the result of a research project commissioned by PCI, the book, co-authored by Dr Gladys Ganiel and Dr Jamie Yohanis, is the first to capture such a full range of experiences of the Troubles of people from a Protestant background. Presbyterian ministers, victims, members of the security forces, emergency responders, healthcare workers and ‘critical friends’ of the Presbyterian tradition are among those to provide insights on wider human experiences of anger, pain, healing, and forgiveness.

Uniquely, it includes a number of perspectives from women and people from border counties. Many of these stories had never been told before, but together they contribute to the contested process of ‘dealing with the past’ by pointing towards the need for a ‘gracious remembering’ that acknowledges suffering, is self-critical about the past, creates space for lament, but also looks to the future.

“I want to encourage anybody who is struggling as a result of violence and trauma to consider grace; to consider the hope that Jesus offers, to consider that there is a possibility of living without bitterness and walking on as somebody who is amazingly and wonderfully free.”

The book’s title and front cover are inspired by one of the stories told inside. Having experienced the murder of his brother, a recent recruit to the RUC, Rev Terry Laverty, still only a teenager himself, recalls an encounter with God on the beach at Ballycastle. He goes on to write: “I want to encourage anybody who is struggling as a result of violence and trauma to consider grace; to consider the hope that Jesus offers, to consider that there is a possibility of living without bitterness and walking on as somebody who is amazingly and wonderfully free.”

Reflecting on Considering Grace, Rev Dr Tony Davidson, minister of First Armagh Presbyterian Church, and convener of the task group within PCI that led to its publication, said: “Our aim was to tell a wider story than has been available to date, to acknowledge both what is good, but also to reflect upon the times when Presbyterians failed to be faithful peacemakers.

“This collection of personal accounts can assist PCI to consider the effect of the conflict, its role in it, and the call

by Jesus to be peacemakers. Considering Grace provides an opportunity for the church to reflect on it’s pastoral response to its members and we hope it will encourage other people to tell their stories in a safe and supportive environment.”

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It was in this spirit that Considering Grace was launched in November 2019, first in Assembly Buildings, and then through a number of smaller regional events across Northern Ireland. Each one included the story of how the book came about, carefully selected readings, and a response from someone outside of the denomination. In Belfast, this was Dr Nicola Brady, former General Secretary of the Irish Council of Churches; in the North West, Bishop Donal McKeown; in Ballymena, newspaper editor Dessie Blackadder; in Enniskillen, David Bolton, founding Director of the NI Centre for Trauma and Transformation; and in Armagh, Oxford Historian, Professor Ian McBride.

For Tony, and the others involved in the project, the book itself was only ever the start of a conversation and process of engaging with the important wider discussion of dealing with the past, reconciliation and forgiveness. An online conference Considering Grace: Unpacking the Impact took place in December 2020. Keynote speaker Canon David Porter, Belfast-born Chief of Staff to the Archbishop of Canterbury, made the following comment: “Nowhere is our citizenship in the Kingdom of God put to the test more than in how Jesus calls us to respond to those who do us harm… In a world where a culture of death and vengeance fuels conflict and suffering… We are to be those who choose life. Whose impossible burden is to love, forgive and let mercy triumph over judgement. How can this be?

Only by considering grace.”

Former Principal of Union Theological College, the Very Rev Dr Stafford Carson, also spoke at the online conference reflecting on the challenges that Considering Grace presents for ministry and witness in PCI itself, including the importance of continued pastoral care for those who still suffer as a result of the conflict.

The Very Rev Dr William Henry with authors Dr Jamie Yohanis and Dr Gladys Ganiel at the official launch in November 2019.

Dr Carson and Canon Porter took part in a Q & A discussion with the book’s authors, Drs Ganiel and Yohanis, and Dr Nicola Brady.

Considering Grace: Unpacking the Impact was merely another point in the conversation, not the final word. A small-group study resource was also launched at the online conference and is available to support and encourage discussion and dialogue around the book. It is designed to help local churches think through how they care for their own members, and also how they might make a contribution to wider discussion about the past in order to shape a better future. Themes explored in the resource include lament, remembering, prayer, forgiveness and seeking a more reconciled community. It can be used as part of a small group Bible study, or to aid discussion in a book group.

Considering Grace is a collection of our stories, helping us to understand ourselves a little better and offering an opportunity for others to see and hear us a little more clearly too. Let’s keep these stories alive and the conversations coming.

You can order copies of Considering Grace: Presbyterians and the Troubles and the study resource online via www.presbyterianireland.org/consideringgrace Through that link, you can also access video material to accompany the book and the online conference.

Given the incoming PW theme, perhaps your PW Group could study Considering Grace as a way of going deeper together in fellowship.

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C ON SI DE R I N G G R AC E

Helen s Story This is just one of 120 stories included in Considering Grace: Presbyterians and the Troubles, reprinted with kind permission from the book’s authors and tells Helen’s story.

‘I hope by our actions we did as much as we could to help people in dark times.’

Helen worked for many years as a GP in a border area, serving rural towns and villages.

We were seeing a lot of the effects of the Troubles: injuries, long-term illnesses. I can think of one elderly farmer whose only son had been shot in front of him, the son who was going to take over the farm. That father never really recovered. Then we were getting people who belonged to the UDR [Ulster Defence Regiment] who were living in very difficult circumstances, always watchful of who was about, what was under their car. Some of them came to breaking point and that was when we were called. One man who belonged to the security forces was stationed in a town where their premises were constantly besieged, but they were required to do regular patrols in vehicles. One afternoon he came to me visibly shaking; shortly before his vehicle had been blown up. He said, ‘I have to go back in the morning and do the same thing all over again.’ He stuck that for decades.

Understanding of and access to mental health care was ‘very poor’ at that time.

If you mentioned psychiatric help, some people had misconceptions about what could be provided and the stigma it would have for them within their workplace or family circle. There were no community mental health teams in the way there are nowadays. Unfortunately, to try and see someone over the most critical and difficult crisis you often had to use medication. But you knew you hadn’t the back-up in the health service and in the forces to cope with the tremendous workload.

Helen’s hometown was bombed many times. Her mother’s house sustained significant damage on several occasions. One explosion happened while Helen was at work. When she heard about it, she rushed home.

I found a policeman and said, ‘Is it possible I could go and see if my folks were still alive?’ After a while he came back, and he took me up. I saw the devastation of our house. Then down the back garden I found my mother and sister-in-law and the baby. The baby wasn’t expecting the bang, naturally, and it stopped breathing. Her mother had the presence of mind to turn the child upside down and give it a bang on the back and it started breathing again.

The attacks did not make her angry, but sad – and grateful that in her case, the damage was limited to bricks and mortar rather than flesh and blood.

She was reminded of the danger every time she came home from work in the evenings. To curtail car bombings, police erected barriers on the road. This meant she couldn’t get her car home. ‘I used to park my car in a friend’s house [beyond the barriers] and walk half a mile with my doctor’s bag at midnight or one o’clock in the morning.’ Later, the barriers could be opened at night, but Helen had to stop at a regional police station to tell them when she would be arriving at a barrier, so they could let her through.

Continues...

23

Helen recalled that one Presbyterian minister in her area ‘was very much tuned in with what was going on and was one of those people who was alongside his flock’. He contacted her practice when he thought people needed professional help coping with what had happened to them and asked for a doctor to visit them. Helen said it was difficult for PCI to do much publicly, especially with Rev Ian Paisley criticising its every move.

It’s very hard to see how the Presbyterian Church could have done much more apart from saying, ‘We’re with you, we’re thinking of you, and we’re praying for you.’ Those who did try, in the background, to meet with IRA [Irish Republican Army] people were vilified. They were trying to be peacemakers, but at that time the anger in people’s hearts was such that those people were not given support. There were people [inside and outside PCI] who supported Paisley and they felt there was to be no compromise.

Some members of Helen’s congregation led the Ulster Worker’s Council strike (1974) in her area, a protest against the Sunningdale Agreement and a perceived sell-out to Irish nationalism.

We had one or two rather militant people in our congregation who set themselves up as the people to lead the action. I was working [in another town], and I was approached. Petrol was rationed by them, and we were being told the government didn’t matter, they were taking over. We were coming out of church. They said, ‘Doctor, do you need any petrol?’ I said, ‘No, thank you. If I run out of petrol, I will cycle to work rather than have you dictate to me what I’m to do.’

This act of defiance reflected the life Helen lived, day-by-day. ‘We were obliged to minister to everybody: our Catholic patients as well as our Protestant patients. I hope by our actions we did as much as we could to help people in dark times.’

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Psalm 42 Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and waves have rolled over me.

The LORD decrees his loving devotion by day, and at night his song is with me as a prayer to the God of my life.

Why are you downcast, O my soul?

Why the unease within me?

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.

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G RO U P F O C U S

G R A N S H AW

Women together Suzy Kirk from Granshaw Presbyterian Church shares with Wider World how their Group adapted during the pandemic and their coming together Side by Side to help when their Girls’ Brigade Company restarted last autumn.

T

he main aim of Granshaw Women Together (GWT) is to assist women within our congregation to grow in their Christian faith and to advance women’s ministry in our church. We also continue to support Deaconesses, Global Mission Workers, and the PW Home and Overseas Projects.

With the ongoing pandemic, it was with heavy hearts that we decided not to hold any meetings between October 2020 and April 2021.

Despite not meeting, we were determined to draw Side by Side with our women during these difficult times to reassure them that they were in our thoughts and prayers.

We set up a WhatsApp group so that we could keep in contact with our members. One of the first initiatives we began was Christmas packs which were delivered to homes in December 2020.

The following Easter, we organised more packs – we were fast becoming the equivalent of a courier delivery service. Once the restrictions were partially lifted over the summer, we decided to launch our Friendship Walks by forming a ladies walking club. From July to September 2021, we met on a Tuesday evening at Billy Neill Playing Fields. Our group also included some four-legged friends – Chubbs, Marley and Oreo!

A committee decision was taken during the summer to change the name of our group to Granshaw Women Together, whilst still operating under PW/PCI rules and procedures. We presented pens to all members which were engraved with our new name.

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Members of GWT committee, Margaret Cromie, Suzy Kirk, Rosie Beggs, Nancy Bleakney, Irene Ringland and Doreen Trimble. Missing are, Jane Flannigan, Gillian Majury and Ruth Simpson.

“Fellowship is a gift from Christ which we should not ignore and, if genuine, fosters the love of our Saviour.”

We also distributed New Testament Bibles to the ladies from the walking group. The aim of our Friendship Walks is to get to know each other better, make new friends and rekindle old friendships whilst enjoying an evening of fellowship.

We also came along Side by Side with our GB organisation on a Monday evening to assist the leaders helping where we are needed. Some of the GB leaders felt they could not commit to coming back to GB with the difficulties Covid-19 brought – the GB captain was delighted that we were willing to help.

We assist in many ways such as registration and directing the girls and their parents given the new room formats required for social distancing. We prepare and provide the girls with refreshments through their activities and set out craft materials.

Just sitting chatting with and helping the girls as they are colour in or doing their crafts is such a joy – often it is the younger children that need an extra bit of attention.

If the Captain or leaders require us to do anything else we are only too willing to help and it is a pleasure to join in partnership with them.

It has been a blessing that we have been able to resume our monthly meetings from Autumn 2021, which, due to social distancing, had to be held in our church and also relayed to the church hall.

We record each meeting on DVD and deliver a copy to anyone who is unable to join us in person.

In October, our guest speaker was Maud Kells who was accompanied by Jean Gibson, who led our PW Service in 2019.

It was such a joy and humbling experience to meet Maud, and if there ever was an epitome of a disciple of Christ, then Maud Kells is it!

In November, we experienced another powerful and poignant evening with our guest speaker Andrew Cardy who shared about his daughter Jennifer’s abduction and murder.

With very little time to spare, our ladies excelled themselves by very quickly responding to the Samaritan’s Purse shoebox appeal and these were delivered to the collection point in November.

We organised a night out for the group at the Stormont Hotel which included a 3-course meal and a show by the Belfast Community Gospel Choir.

An initiative we took on board just shortly before Covid struck was Bible twinning through Bible Society NI. This has been on hold but we look forward to connecting again on this worthwhile project, helping to bring God’s Word to those in need.

Our programme has been organised through to April 2022 and as women “Living for Jesus”, we pray, as we read in Psalm 46:1, we will be able to see it through with his love and protection. Our intention is for our walking group to meet up again in the springtime and to continue what we had built last summer.

Why is fellowship important? The simple answer is that God desires to have fellowship with us and with each other.

Fellowship is a gift from Christ which we should not ignore and, if genuine, fosters the love of our Saviour.

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Seasoned with Hope For some, lockdown gave rise to new and imaginative ideas to encourage one another as Joan Cubitt, leader of St James’s PW Group in Ballymoney, explains.

E

ncourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Bringing hope to people, in whatever form, can go a long way. From giving words of encouragement, to extending a helping hand or showing kindness in any way – these are examples of how we can help lift people’s spirits.

Encouragement gives hope. It is important to encourage each other because, as we read in John 16:33, “in this world you will have trouble”, but thankfully Jesus assures us in the same verse that he has overcome the world.

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During the past two years, anxiety, fear, loneliness, despair and uncertainty have taken a grip, and encouragement has been needed more than ever. Our PW theme Side by side has certainly been very relevant as we’ve tried to find new ways that ensure we are ‘being church’ to the women in our congregation and community.

Despite the challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought to church life, St James’s PW Group in Ballymoney actively sought positivity during the challenges of lockdown, using the past 18 months to compile and publish a cookbook with a difference.

RECIPES

The idea for this book originated shortly after two national addresses had been delivered to our nation: the first from our Prime Minister, Boris Johnston on 23 March 2020, and the second from Her Majesty, The Queen, on 5 April 2020.

It was following these addresses we realised that creativity, wisdom, and imagination, along with a step of faith, was going to be needed to try and stay connected with our PW women, especially during long periods of isolation. That challenge, based on our key verse, “encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing,” planted the seed for compiling this unique book.

The book is unique in many ways but, most importantly, it is threaded throughout with reminders and Bible verses for us to hold onto and experience the true source of hope found in Christ alone, not only as we journey through days of pandemic, but for every day of life. The world lacks hope and people need to know that Jesus came to bring hope, that he is our hope, and that our hope is alive in him.

Supporting others has been key for all of us when navigating through this time of uncertainty. We decided that proceeds from the sale of the book would be used to support the work of Air Ambulance NI, who rely fully on donations to sustain the charity and the crucial service it provides. We launched the book officially during a socially-distanced afternoon tea in December, which was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

Being confined to our homes meant a huge surge in the number of women baking, cooking, and learning new culinary skills. Many of our women did not have access to the internet, and therefore they were all contacted individually by letter asking We want to thank all our sponsors “When God plants the seed, them to contribute to our who have helped us greatly with the book by forwarding their favourite he will gently guide us, asking production of this book, as well as recipes (many miles were covered members from our congregation, local that we will be faithful to the on foot as we made the most of the community and further afield, for opportunity to exercise and get plenty supporting our efforts by purchasing vision he has given.” of fresh air!). Initially this was this book. intended to be a ‘home spun’ project, but, as lockdown continued, so did inspiration and ideas!

It is true to say that when God leads us in a certain direction, we can become hesitant and doubts can set in, but it’s at As we eventually all came out of lockdown, a season of hope times like this we need to remind ourselves that when God’s and relief emerged, and so the title for our book was aptly will is done in God’s way, it will never lack his supply. He entitled, Seasoned with Hope. God doesn’t place a desire in requires faith, even if it’s the size of a mustard seed: if it is our hearts for no reason. The desire was such that this book placed in the all-powerful God, great things can happen. As could be much more than favourite lockdown recipes: it a PW Group, we have proven this to be the case: in just over was hoped it could be used to challenge, provide comfort, two weeks after publication, our expectations were exceeded encouragement, and reassurance during anxious and difficult beyond belief when the stocks of our book were almost seasons of our lives. When God plants the seed, he will gently depleted, resulting in us having to get more printed. guide us, asking that we will be faithful to the vision he has given.

We have a God whose provision and protection will always be with us, in whatever wilderness we find ourselves. May So, stepping out in faith with this strong vision, ideas were God’s grace be sufficient for you today and always, to enable implemented, along with a culmination of many hours of you to stand firm and put your hope in him. compiling, typing, formatting and proofreading, resulting in the publication just a few weeks before Christmas. This book We give all the glory to our Sovereign God who has blessed is much more than a collection of sumptuous and varied our efforts of outreach, during a season where we were recipes contributed by many of the PW women. It also reminded that hope always prevails. contains favourite recipes from NHS staff who are members of St James’s congregation, and well-loved tested and tried Copies can be purchased by contacting Joan on recipes from businesses and individuals, including many +44 (0)28 276 63217 or via email ajcubitt@gmail.com from the wider Presbyterian Church in Ireland family. or Noleen via email noleenmcm@aol.com 29

RECIPES

ore Find m oned in Seas recipes Hope With t £10 for jus

RECIPES FROM S E AS ONED W ITH HOPE

Ingredients 1 tub, 125g of yoghurt, any flavour 3 tubs of self-raising flour 1.5 tubs caster sugar 1 tub cooking oil 3 eggs

Lockdown Yoghurt Cake Recipe created by Joan Cubitt, PW Group leader

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 160oC. 2. Empty yoghurt into a large mixing bowl.

3. Wash and dry yoghurt tub and measure the rest of the ingredients using it.

4. Sieve flour and add other ingredients.

5. Mix well with a wooden spoon and pour into a lined 2lb loaf tin (paper liners are very handy).

6. Bake for 45 minutes - don’t be tempted to open the oven, just leave it alone until the time is up.

7. Test with a skewer. If cooked, it will come out clean. Leave to cool.

8. After the cake has cooled for a bit, lift out of the tin, otherwise it will sweat.

9. This mixture can also be used to make buns.

Ingredients 50g margarine 100g caster sugar 2 eggs, separated 1 large lemon 75g self raising flour 300ml milk

Surprise Lemon Pudding Recipe created by Pauline Kennedy, PCI’s Women’s Ministry & PW Development Officer

30 | Wider World Spring 22

Method 1. Cream margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Beat in egg yolks and add juice and the rind of the lemon.

3. Gradually add the flour and then the milk.

4. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into the cream.

5. Stand the bowl in a roasting tin and add hot water half way up the side of the tin.

6. Bake in a preheated oven at 190oC/170cC fan/gas mark 5 for 40-45 minutes.

7. Dust with icing sugar. Can be served hot or cold.

T HA N K S G I V I N G

Grateful heart

It wasn’t all work and no play. I worked alongside Betty as PWA Overseas Secretary for seven years and remember with fondness the times of fun and laughter, even to the point of hysterics!

Betty had a life outside of her work. Those who knew her well saw that she was a born homemaker who enjoyed entertaining her family and friends. She loved her garden; she sewed and painted.

Although she was single, the children in her Sunday School classes in High Street Presbyterian Church, Holywood, became her family. She cared for them and prayed for them as if they were her own.

Betty Morrow 1936 - 2021 Betty Morrow, who passed away in July 2021, served her church in many capacities – as an Elder, Sunday School teacher, Children’s Church and youth club leader, member of church choir and praise group, Girls’ Auxiliary and PWA. In a tribute to Betty read out at her funeral service, the Moderator Dr David Bruce commented on her commitment to the work of Christ and his church and in particular of her period of service as PWA Home Secretary from 1982 to 1993.

Her responsibilities included the training, deployment and support of the Deaconesses and Women’s Workers. These women were well served by Betty who saw the meeting of their needs as her personal ministry.

She also had enormous respect for the countless PWA members throughout Ireland who served willingly and faithfully as Executive Committee members.

From an early age, she was continuously asking questions about life. Over time, God became a reality through an encounter with Jesus Christ and the blessing of the Holy Spirit. But, even after that, she often questioned the role and the direction the church was taking.

According to Betty herself, the years working for PWA were among the most fulfilling – years of privilege and service but not without its struggles. It was with huge regret that she had to retire early on health grounds.

In 2007, Betty was nominated by PCI to attend a special ceremony in Armagh Cathedral to be presented with Maundy Money by HM the Queen. It remained one of the highlights of her life.

Betty’s death leaves a huge void in the lives of all those who knew and loved her.

Tribute written by Dibbie McCaughan

Lissara Presbyterian Church The PW Group in Lissara Presbyterian Church, through our knitting group, created many hats, cardigans, toys and blankets in lockdown. We continued to create many items which were accumulating in our homes so we arranged a sale of these items with all proceeds going to the PW Mission Fund. Items not sold would then be forwarded to meet the appropriate need at home or abroad. The sale took place on 20 November 2021 and we raised the sum of £1,113.

I would like to express my thanks to all the ladies who produced items for sale, who helped with the preparations and during the sale, and to the many others who also attended and made purchases, or just came to view and chat.

We all had a lovely day and felt blessed to be able to meet again. God is good.

Elizabeth Patterson, PW Group Leader

Have you a good-news story to tell us about your PW Group or women’s ministry project? Is there something you are grateful for that you would like to express to our readers? Please email up to 150 words and attach to the email any relevant photographs to pw@presbyterianireland.org

31

Betsie ten Boom In the Coronavirus lockdowns, Rebecca McConnell read Corrie ten Boom’s book, The Hiding Place and was inspired by what she read about Corrie’s sister, Betsie and her steely determination and steadfast faith through horrific circumstances.

32 | Wider World Spring 22

E N C OU R AG E M E N T “You must tell people what we have learned here. We must tell them that there is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still.”

B

etsie ten Boom was born in Haarlem, a city near Amsterdam, on 19th August 1885 with pernicious anemia and her sister Corrie was born seven years later. After her education, and because of her weakened immune system, Betsie stayed at home and ran the busy household at the Barteljorisstraat, or Beje as it was fondly known as, after their mum Cornelia died.

In The Hiding Place, Corrie paints a beautiful picture of a large, loving home, where hospitality and grace ruled. They often had foster children stay with them and people came to their side door at lunch to avail of hot soup made by Betsie.

Corrie also shared how they reacted to the German invasion as World War II broke out.

We talked often, Father, Betsie and I, about what we could do if a chance should come to help some of our Jewish friends. Each month the occupation seemed to grow harsher, restrictions more numerous.

It was in all of their hearts to reach out and help Jewish people who were being singled out and targeted because of their religion. Soon, they were hiding Jews in their home and a special secret room was created in Corrie’s bedroom that would be able to hide up to eight people if the house was raided.

Whilst she wasn’t active outside of the home during the Nazi invasion of Holland, Betsie did keep everyone who passed through the home fed and watered and was a welcoming host.

what’s more, she was the encourager for Corrie, who didn’t always see things the way her sister did. This is reflected in her statement to Corrie after they were inducted and given a torrent of rules by the guards in the camp: “Corrie, if people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love! We must find the way, you and I, no matter how long it takes.” I saw a grey uniform and a visored hat; Betsie saw a wounded human being. And I wondered, not for the first time, what sort of a person she was, this sister of mine, what kind of road she followed while I trudged beside her.

A few months later, they were taken to Ravensbrück concentration camp 56 miles north of Berlin. Despite the dread of what awaited them, it was Betsie who thanked God for them being together, for the Bible they managed to smuggle in and even for the fleas they found on their shared bunk beds. The infestation meant that the guards weren’t so keen on checking their barracks and so Bible studies were able to be conducted by the ten Booms with no interference from the guards.

One day, Betsie and Corrie were out levelling some rough ground inside the camp wall.

With Betsie not being as strong as the other prisoners, she couldn’t put much on her shovel and when the guards saw her efforts, they made fun of her and beat her with a whip.

Naturally, this enraged Corrie who rushed at the guard before Betsie stopped her, pleading for her to keep calm and keep working. When looking at the mark the whip left, Betsie said, “Don’t look at it, Corrie. Look at Jesus only.”

Betsie, Corrie and Nollie ten Boom On 28th February 1944, a Dutch informant betrayed the ten Booms and told the Nazis about their work. That afternoon, the Nazis raided the home and arrested the entire ten Boom family. Nine days later, their The harsh treatment, working long 11-hour days outdoors, father Casper died in Scheveningen Prison where they were 4am starts and lack of nutritious food led to Betsie becoming all held, separately. weaker as the winter of 1944 began. No longer able to do any duties, Betsie was taken to the camp hospital. One morning, The sisters were only brought together again briefly for the Corrie had sneaked around to the hospital window after roll reading of their father’s will along with siblings Nollie and call to see her, only to find she had passed away.

Willem. This was a precious time for the ten Booms to have together after their ordeals and separation. A while after that There lay Betsie, her eyes closed as if in sleep, her face full and meeting, the sisters reunited as they were moved to Vught, young. The care lines, the grief lines, the deep hallows of hunger near ‘s-Hertogenbosch, a concentration camp for political and disease were simply gone. In front of me was Betsie of prisoners.

Haarlem, happy and at peace.

Together we climbed onto the train, together found seats in a crowded compartment, together wept tears of gratitude. The four months in Scheveningen had been our first separation in 53 years; it seemed to me that I could bear whatever happened with Betsie beside me.

What is remarkable about Betsie is her positivity and determination that even in such a horrible, hate filled place, she could see potential, she accepted the challenge and

Betsie died on 16th December 1944, aged 59. The last words she had spoken to Corrie before she died were, “You must tell people what we have learned here. We must tell them that there is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still. They will listen to us Corrie, because we have been here.” This indeed was the motivation Corrie needed, as she travelled to over 60 countries and wrote her books, doing just what Betsie had encouraged her to do.

This article first appeared on the website, talesofcourage.com 33

G L OBA L

Global Mission Mission Department, Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, 2-10 Fisherwick Place, Belfast, BT1 6DW Tel: +44 (0)28 9041 7263 Email: global@presbyterianireland.org Website: www.presbyterianireland.org/mission

Information included in Global Mission News is supplied by the PCI Mission Department. While it is correct at the time of writing, which is normally some weeks before publication, readers should be aware that some details may subsequently change.

Up-to-date news and information are available online at: www.presbyterianireland.org/mission.

Prayer Diary

Peter and Jayne Fleming

James and Heather Cochrane

Location: Kathmandu, Nepal Mission: Integral development and teaching

Location: Porto, Portugal Mission: Church planting

•

Peter and Jayne arrived back in Nepal on 30 December 2021.

Praise God for the warm welcome on return, and the sense of being in the right place for now.

•

Pray that 2022 will be a year in which many Portuguese will hear and receive the gospel message of Jesus.

•

Give thanks that regardless of testing positive for Covid-19 at the end of January, they are aware of God’s protection and provision. Government restrictions currently prohibit any gathering of more than 25, so churches for example, are unable to meet.

•

Pray that James and Heather would make the most of every opportunity that God gives them in their daily lives to show and speak the gospel.

•

Give thanks for the four small groups and their leaders, which began in February and will run twice per month studying the book of Galatians. Pray that the small group ministry would be an opportunity for growth and fellowship.

•

Pray for the situation with Covid-19 that, as a church, they would be able to move forward with ministries and outreach. At the beginning of the year, they introduced the New City Catechism into the Sunday worship service, and it is exciting to see how some of the members are using this at home and memorising it.

•

An area the Cochranes want to focus on going forward is the young people although they have very few teenagers in Comunidade Pedras Vivas (CPV) and yet it is important to gather them to not only study God’s Word, but also to have fun together. At Christmas they were able to meet for a party, which was very enjoyable. Pray for this ministry and for the 4-5 young people of CPV who fall into this age bracket.

•

Pray that there will be no drawn-out after effects of Covid-19 and that their general health will be protected.

•

Pray that the work of Kathmandu Study Centre (KISC) and United Mission to Nepal (UMN) will be enlarged. Colleagues Peter and Jayne had worked with are no longer there and there are new people in both KISC and UMN.

•

Dhana Lama, UMN’s new Executive Director, is wrestling with huge strategic decisions. Pray that Dhana and her leadership team will be guided wisely.

•

Pray that guidance will come clearly about future opportunities and work. The wheels of government bureaucracy continue to move slowly and project agreements with UMN remain unsigned.

34 | Wider World Spring 22

Overseas News Rev Nigel and Mrs Antónia Craig have been called to serve as global mission workers in Hungary. They have been invited by the Bishop of the Transtibiscan Church District of the Reformed Church in Hungary to serve in a church planting and pastoring role amongst the 7,000 or so international students in the University of Debrecen, some of whom come from countries not easily reached with the gospel. Antónia will encourage and support the church plant through translation and hospitality. Nigel and Antonia hope to depart for Hungary in May of this year.

Peter and Valerie Lockwood, who have been serving as PCI global mission workers with United Mission to Nepal (UMN) since 2012, concluded their work in Nepal in December 2021. During that time Peter served on UMN’s leadership team and as UMN’s programme adviser assisting in the design, implementation and completion of UMN’s community focus programmes that cover education, health, livelihoods and peacebuilding. He also assisted with engineering reconstruction in Dhading following the 2015 earthquake and technical matters for UMN’s two mission hospitals in Tansen and Okhaldhunga. Valerie assisted in UMN’s human resources department and was involved in a variety of ministries outside UMN. Peter and Valerie are currently on final home assignment and are involved in deputation.

Diane Cusick, PCI global mission worker in Zambia, is due to return to Ireland on home assignment in May and will be involved in deputation in May and June. Diane will be returning to her role as the Early Childhood Development Coordinator for the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Synod of Zambia later in the summer.

Doing a Mission Spot in your PW? PCI’s global mission workers are continuing to produce ‘Digital Dispatches’ every few months that can be used at PW meetings, services and other meetings to raise awareness and prayer for what God is doing across the world. These video clips are around three minutes long and one would fit very nicely into each of your PW meetings.

Download Digital Dispatches from www.presbyterianireland.org/mission Monthly Bulletins Why not sign up to receive one or more of the monthly bulletins issued by PCI Global Mission Workers? These are written by each of our global mission workers and are sent out at the beginning of each month, providing up to date news on their ongoing work and prayer requests.

Email mission@presbyterianaireland.org to register your email address with the Mission Department stating which bulletin(s) you would like to receive, or download from www.presbyterianireland.org/gmwbulletins Looking for a Speaker on Global Mission?

A number of PCI global mission workers will be available for deputation in 2022/23. For up-to-date information on who is available, contact Beverley in the Mission Department, Assembly Buildings, telephone +44 (0)28 9032 2284 or email mission@presbyterianireland.org.

Global Mission Workers Naomi Keefe Da Caixa Postal 73 Codigo da agencia 32300018 AC Central Recife Avenida Guararapes 250 CEP 50010970 Brazil

Volker & JinHyeog Glissmann PO Box 30048 Chichiri Blantyre 3 Malawi

*Rev Nigel & Mrs Antónia Craig c/o Assembly Buildings

Peter & Valerie Lockwood c/o Assembly Buildings

BRAZIL

HUNGARY Stephen & Angelina Cowan PCEA Tuum PO Box 13 Baragoi via Maralal 20601 Kenya

KENYA Naomi & Thomas Leremore PO Box 23450-00100 Nairobi (GPO) Kenya

KENYA Gary & Mary Reid PO Box 846-20500 Narok Kenya

KENYA *Candidates

MALAWI

NEPAL Peter & Jayne Fleming c/o UMN PO Box 126 Kathmandu Nepal

NEPAL

Steve and Rosie Kennedy Str. Sanatoriului 29 Cluj-Napoca 400000 Jud Cluj Romania

ROMANIA Csaba & Ilona Veres Str Intre Lacuri 43 Cluj Napoca Jud Cluj Romania

ROMANIA Derek & Jane French Calle Lekueder 9, 4A 48940 Leioa Spain

SPAIN

James & Heather Cochrane Rua Monte da Mina, 4466 3 Dto. Leça do Balio 4465-693 Matosinhos Portugal

Diane Cusick The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) PO Box 320261 Woodlands Lusaka 10101 Zambia

Chris & Rachel Humphries Rua da Mainça, 85, 2 Esq. São Mamede Infesta Matosinhos Porto 4465-207 Portugal

Edwin & Anne Kibathi Partner Church Mission Workers 167 Wickhay Basildon Essex SS15 5AQ

PORTUGAL

PORTUGAL

ZAMBIA

ENGLAND

’Be devoted to one another in love.

Honour one another above yourselves.’

Romans 12:10

Presbyterian Women’s Annual Conference Saturday 7th May 2022 in Assembly Buildings, Belfast Guest Speaker | Amy Summerfield Morning Session | 10.30am – 12.15pm Afternoon Celebration | 2.00pm – 3.30pm Praise led by Erin McBride and Emma Smyth Amy Summerfield is CEO of Kyria, a leadership network to champion, empower and release women into their spheres of influence (kyrianetwork.com), and Head of Development at Skylark International, a network of churches, charities and organisations. Amy is a regular Guest Speaker Amy Summerfield

conference speaker for women’s and leadership conferences. Recently married, Amy moved to live in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, with her husband Matt who leads Zeo Church. She enjoys cooking, baking, dog walking and drinking tea! When not travelling for ministry, she loves spending time in Derbyshire where she grew up.

Join with women from across Ireland as we come together to worship and celebrate all that God is doing in our lives and through his church. We come expectant to encounter him afresh and take his blessing and hope back to our local churches and communities.

For more information go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/pw or find us on presbyterianwomen