WIDER WORLD Summer: June - August 2022
Journeying Mercies
Supporting Ukrainians in Romania
PW Special Home Project IMP North Belfast
Inspirations Deeper Together
Safeguarding children
in a digital world
Mission in Ireland 2022 Deaconesses
Sonya Anderson
Paula Burrows
Rachel Cubitt
Louise Davidson
Eleanor Drysdale
Joanne Dunlop
Deaconess
Deaconess
Deaconess
Deaconess
Deaconess
Deaconess
Shore Street, Donagahadee
Ballygrainey
Whiteabbey
West Church, Bangor
Wellington, Ballymena
Craigavon Area Hospital and Antrim Area Hospital
Heidi England
Sharon Heron
Roberta Irvine
Heather McCracken
Tracey Nicholl
Michelle Purdy
Deaconess
Deaconess
Deaconess
Deaconess
Deaconess
Deaconess
Railway Street, Lisburn
International Meeting Point, Belfast
Greystone Road, Antrim
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
St James’s, Ballymoney
Ballyclare
Hazel Reid
Sylvia Santos Bryce
Rosemary Spiers
Heather Healy
Cathy Smith
Deaconess
Deaconess
Deaconess
Student deaconess
Student deaconess
First Broughshane
West Church, Ballymena
Greenwell Street, Newtownards
Rebecca McConnell Editor
WELCOME TO OUR SUMMER EDITION For many of us, summer is a time to travel, to explore new areas and spend quality time with our families, making new memories. It’s a well known saying that travelling broadens the mind. Of course, for generations now, Wider World and its predecessor Women’s Work has been bringing stories around the world to the attention of their readers in PCI. In this edition, we continue this rich heritage, leading with two stories on Ukraine which was callously invaded by Russia in the early hours of 24th February. We hear from one refugee, Victoria, who, along with her husband Vasile, was forced to leave Ukraine to seek safety from the war. This was their first time outside of their country and it was far from being a holiday. We really appreciate Victoria, through an interpreter, tracing the mercies of God on their journey, which is even more remarkable given Vasile’s health issues. When we watch atrocities reported on the news we can seem far away and pretty helpless but we should be inspired by the story of Robin and Andrea Harper who led a campaign of aid to Ukrainian families via contacts they had in Poland. We have a photo spread from the first in-person Presbyterian Women’s conference held since the pandemic began - wasn’t it a joy to be together? The new home and overseas projects were announced and, in this edition, we find out more about the home project helping the International Meeting Point in North Belfast. This is one way Wider World readers can engage with helping refugees and those in need and we look forward to watching the project unfold. Of course, the world wide web opens opportunities for our world to be smaller - but it also comes with challenges for those accessing a plethora of information. Dr Deborah Webster writes to help us navigate this area in relation to keeping young people safe online. If you have young people in your care, either as children, grandchildren or in church organisations in which you serve, then you will want to be aware of the dangers and, more importantly, try and help our young people navigate the online world. We hope you find the advice helpful and please do share this with others that might benefit from the top tips. We also travel south of the border to catch up with Rev Richie Cronin of Cork and Aghada congregations and hear from some women who attend the new PCI church plant in Balbriggan. This contrast of churches, Cork being established in 1675, Aghada in 1863 and Balbriggan in the Covid-19 challenged year of 2021, is a reminder that God is doing new things in our fallen world, making a way in the wilderness, providing streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19). Wherever you travel this summer, may you be refreshed in body and mind and know the presence of God’s peace in your spirit.
CONTENTS 04 08 10 13 16 17 18 20 22 24 26 28 32 34
Journeying mercies An outpour of compassion for Ukraine PW Special Projects - Home Navigating change - PW Group Focus Annual Conference Gallery Faith Journeys with Zoe Bruce Inspirations - Deeper Together A summer reflection Devotional - The woman at the well Deeper Together in prayer On the verge of blossoming Safeguarding children in a digital world Grateful Heart Overseas prayer and news
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.
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Journeyin Mercies
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nitiated within days after the arrival of the first Ukrainians to Cluj, a network of volunteers meet daily in the Tóköz Reformed church in Cluj-Napoca. Home church to the Veres and Kennedy families, the Tóköz church wants to show God’s care and compassion to Ukrainian refugees, offering food, accommodation, organising transport, a daily afterschool programme for children, a toddlers group, and distributing necessary items and offering many, many other support services. PCI global mission workers Ilona Veres and Rosie Kennedy have been teaching English to women, some of whom are travelling on to English speaking countries, while others need to improve their English which will help to open up opportunities for work. It is an opportunity to befriend women, to listen, to care, to share hope in Christ. One such lady is Victoria, who needs to improve her English because she has the opportunity to teach maths to English speaking children in Cluj. Victoria is just one of over 700,000 Ukrainian refugees who have come to Romania since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Victoria, like countless others, has been forced to leave family, friends and church behind and flee her home and is now settling into life in Cluj, until such times as she and her husband Vasile can return back home to Dnipro. Vasile suffered a stroke which limits his mobility and ability to speak. Their journey to Cluj is striking and Victoria displays a heightened awareness of the mercies of God in the midst of danger and distress. As she recounts the journey to Cluj, she does so resting in the assurance of Psalm 23, that ‘Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life’…
Victoria and Vasile
Remember to count the mercies of God. Repeat all of them one by one until they remain in your heart. These song lyrics echoed in my mind and heart throughout the whole journey. We are in Cluj, Romania. We didn’t imagine that it would be possible, but after the second bombing of Dnipro, my husband Vasile agreed to leave and flee the country. He had been reluctant, but when the sirens went off each evening, he saw that, with his limited mobility, it was impossible for him to get to the bomb shelter quickly enough. Our church rented a minibus and on 11th March we left the smoke-filled air of Dnipro and set out, squeezed into the small minibus with 16 others and a dog heading for Chernivtsi near the Romanian border. The journey was difficult for Vasile: the high step into the minibus was a challenge, but everyone waited patiently until we boarded. During the 13-hour journey we stopped many times for a bathroom break, but everything was closed, so at this stage Vasile refused to drink anything at all. It was really cold in the minibus. It was –13oC outside, all the windows were closed and the oxygen in the minibus was poor, so Vasile was gasping for air every two minutes. It is only by the grace and mercy of God he survived. On 12th March, we stood in line at the Ukrainian-Romanian border, in the cold, barely moving, three backpacks on our backs. Vasile complained about back pain, and then came the rejection. We were turned back because we didn’t have an exemption certificate from the military. The others continued across the border on foot, but not us. I prayed, God, what are you doing here, why don’t you let us
go through, what is your plan? I didn’t understand the will of God but decided to obey and leave it in God’s hands for his mercy is sure. Vasile immediately mentioned the word: “Home! Let’s go home!” I forcibly held back the tears, but then the Lord carried us on his wings. We found Facebook pages and Messenger groups dedicated to offering people accommodation in the city. We phoned many places, but there were thousands taking up the offer. Many only had room left sleeping on the floor and this was not suitable for Vasile. Then a girl from a local church came to help and found us a place with a family of believers and we experienced the mercy of God again, following us. May God bless Sergius and his entire family for a delicious meal, a warm room, a shower, and time of prayer together. Deep down, I wanted to stay in that house, it was so good there, we felt safe there and were scared to go anywhere else.
I didn’t understand the will of God but decided to obey and leave it in God’s hands for his mercy is sure. Continues... 05
How could we stay when the Lord wanted Sergius and his family to help many, many people, and serve as a transit point for people fleeing the country? We decided to go onward. The next day, on 13th March, we arrived at the military station 20 minutes before the office opened. The queue was already long, many people were waiting in line. A kind man in front of us in the queue saw that Vasile had trouble standing and went to get a chair. He came back with a military man who walked us to the front of the queue saying, “Why are you silent, why didn’t you speak up? Are we not human beings?” So, from being the last
As soon as we stood in line, a volunteer approached us and asked if we would like a wheelchair. Kindly, the volunteer pushed Vasile down the long line, carrying two of our backpacks, and I ran after them with a huge backpack on my back. We soon found ourselves at the Ukrainian border control, standing in front of the guards, waiting for their answer. I asked our kind volunteer to pray for us. I don’t remember his name, but may the Lord reward this brother in Christ for his kindness and mercy to us. When we finally received the permission to cross, he took us to the very border
about it continuously. Please continue to pray for us, so that the Lord restores Vasile, that we continue to know his mercy and can show mercy to others. During our escape the mercy of God has followed us. It has been poured out upon us, and even though our Dnipro church is scattered right across Europe, we meet on Zoom each night at 8pm to pray together. For the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23.
Tóköz church
at the back of the queue, we became the first, and in two and a half hours we came out of the office with the paperwork we needed. We had lunch back at Sergei’s house where I was given the name of a Romanian who would meet us in Cluj, and we were taken to the border for our second attempt to cross into Romania to safety. All the way to the border, I thought about how we would communicate with our Romanian host, for he didn’t speak Russian and my English is terrible! But seeing how the Lord arranged everything in such a miraculous (you can’t say otherwise) way, I began to calm down.
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crossing where there was another wheelchair waiting on the Romanian side. Vasile got into his wheelchair, and we went further on our own. As soon as we passed the Romanian control, a Russian-speaking volunteer approached us, who called our host in Cluj for us and put us on the bus. On the way, a kind person put local money into my hands. I am writing this so that you know how much mercy the Lord has shown us so that nothing is forgotten. When the bus started moving, Vasile began to cry. Both of us were abroad for the first time in our lives, but unfortunately, in the role of refugees. We are very much looking forward to returning to peaceful Ukraine, we pray
I am writing this so that you know how much mercy the Lord has shown us so that nothing is forgotten.
G L OBA L M I S SION
As Victoria and others like her, now settled into life in Cluj, continue to meet at the Tóköz church, receiving help and support, it is a privilege to listen to their personal stories, weep with those who weep and wonder at God’s marvellous never-ending mercies. May his daily-renewing mercies fuel our love, our joy, our worship and our service of the King of Kings.
Prayer Points
PCI Ukraine Crisis Appeal
- Pray for the Tóköz congregation in Cluj, as they continue to serve Ukrainians.
In response to the devastating war in Ukraine and exodus of people from the country, the Moderator, Rt Rev Dr David Bruce launched an Appeal at the beginning of March towards the emergency relief effort to help people in Ukraine and those fleeing the conflict.
- Pray for Ilona Veres and Rosie Kennedy, their friendships with Ukrainian women and children and for opportunities to share the hope of the gospel. - Pray for opportunities for pastoral care. - Pray for the Ukrainian refugees who have made heart-breaking decisions in order to keep their families safe. For those who are far from their homes and for those who have left behind fathers, husbands, brothers and sons. Pray that they would know that the Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). - Pray for Victoria and Vasile as they continue to settle into life in Cluj, for Vasile’s continued stroke recovery, and for Victoria’s opportunities for work. Pray they would stay strong in the Lord.
To date, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland immediately distributed £634,000 (€743,069). Give thanks for all who have contributed to the Appeal. Pray for our partners Hungarian Reformed Church Aid, Christian Aid and Tearfund who will use these funds for both those fleeing the country and to get aid into Ukraine. They are all experienced in supplying and distributing humanitarian aid and assistance, not least to refugees and displaced people fleeing regions of conflict, and, whenever possible, extend their reach into Ukraine itself. Donations can still be made via congregations and also online via the PCI website - www.presbyterianireland.org
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An outpour of COMPASSION FOR UKRAINE Many of us woke up on Thursday 24th February to the devastating news that Russia had invaded Ukraine. As we watched the horror of Russian tanks descending and Ukrainian civilians fleeing, we felt compassion for those we saw in distress but we also felt pretty helpless. But for Robin Harper, from Dromara in County Down, a small voice within him wondered what he could do to help.
It was amazing the way the people of Northern Ireland came together to show God’s grace and Christ’s compassion to the people of Ukraine. 08 | Wider World Summer 22
“It was hard to watch the news. I saw a mother and child gripping onto a suitcase and it really moved me. Having taken aid to Romania before and the fact that Colin Tinsley of Hope for Youth Ministries does great work among the children in Poland, I wondered if we could send a van out with supplies. That Sunday morning, I phoned Colin, who was still in Poland after completing three weeks of children’s camps and said, Could we fill my van with aid and get it out to Poland? That day, we launched an appeal on social media. I had offered my yard as a collection point and Colin set up a Go Fund Me page looking for £1,000.” That small seed of an idea rapidly grew as schools, churches, local businesses and community groups all across Northern Ireland fuelled the campaign. All of a sudden, there were 50 collection points established. Robin’s wife, Andrea, a teacher in Wallace High School in Lisburn spoke of the scale of the response. “Schools, like my own, were very generous. For three weeks, the yard didn’t stop, people and lorries were coming and going. We had every type of vehicle leaving donations off - cars, vans, an ambulance and even a Translink bus filled with items - you name it!” In addition to the physical requests for warm clothes for adults and children, tinned food, toiletries, blankets and warm shoes, the online appeal reached and exceeded its simple financial target. The campaign is still open and the Go Fund me page along with other gifts exceeds £300,000. With contacts in the haulage industry, Robin was able to secure European spec lorries to transport the goods out as well as drivers giving freely of their time. Non-runner lorries were also secured to help store what had been donated such was the scale of the items received.
He has contacts across Poland and this enabled the effective distribution of aid across Poland to a range of refugee centres. In total, 32 large lorries left Harper’s yard in Dromara and a further 10 lorries from other locations in Northern Ireland where they had already been filled. When they arrived in Poland, half of the lorries emptied their items to help Ukrainian refugees there and the other half transferred items onto Ukrainian lorries that then took aid into the country to help those that hadn’t been able to leave. Robin travelled out to Poland on 14th March to see some of the churches that had acted as shelters for refugees and was moved by those he met. “There was a mix of people. I met an engineer and a bank manager who were forced to leave their homes with just a few bags of possessions. It hit home, it could be any of us. I never thought something like that would happen in this day and age. They are living in shelters with lots of others, sharing rooms and with little to no personal space. “It was a very humbling experience for me. People were glad of the churches opening their doors because they told me the alternative was the forest! They were so glad of any help and to get stocked up with food and toiletries as they journeyed on, meant a lot. The smile on the kids face when they got a new toy or teddy, was just amazing to witness. Henryk is still using the monies donated to purchase food from factories and places like Makro which is then distributed to whoever needs it whether that is to shelters in Poland or sent directly into Ukraine.”
Reflecting on the hectic but successful campaign, Robin said, “It was a very surreal time. I can’t thank everyone enough for what they gave and the spirit in which they gave it. We had a mix of people in the warehouse By Thursday, three lorries were filled helping sort out donations, Catholics and by Friday seven. The first lorry and Protestants working together left the yard in Kinallen on Saturday to help those in need. We were all 5th March and was in Poland blessed. The Lord met all of our needs. helping people a few days later on Every night going to bed we prayed Tuesday 8th March. As Captain of for the next days needs and the next Colin and Joanna Tinsley, Henryk Podsiadly of the the GB Company in First Dromara day they would be there or we would Joy Foundation, Andrea and Robin Harper. Presbyterian Church, Andrea get a phone call about them! I would comments “Just nine days to turn like to thank all of the churches and everything around and we had aid given directly to individuals who sent messages of support and who contacted those in need!” me re prayer requests for their church prayer meetings – it was all very humbling and very much appreciated. We knew Although this was the biggest scale of appeal that Hope people were praying over the appeal and for all the logistics for Youth Ministries was involved in to date, they were as well. exceptionally well prepared to serve in this crisis. Colin’s wife Joanna is Polish and was able to communicate with those “It was amazing the way the people of Northern Ireland came on the ground and organise logistics smoothly. The couple together to show God’s grace and Christ’s compassion to the make five to six trips annually to Poland where they work people of Ukraine.” closely with Henryk Podsiadly of the Joy Foundation based in Warsaw. Henryk established a food ministry supporting the poor in Warsaw and a camps ministry especially directed towards the many children who are in state orphanages. 09
PW SPECIAL PROJECTS 2022/23
Home
Introduced by Keith Preston, Irish Mission Worker. As the International Meeting Point (IMP) has grown, so has the need to respond to the changing circumstances of asylum seekers and refugees. As the numbers have increased, so has the spread around Belfast. To meet this challenge, the IMP asked the North Belfast Presbytery if it would be possible to begin a new ministry around Carlisle Circus.
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t the beginning of 2019, our initial step was to open an IMP Charity Shop selling baby and children’s clothing and equipment. Frances Jackson, who manages the shop, has made many contacts through this venture. She often prays with people who ask her to and she points people to other activities IMP are doing in the area. We are thankful for the many churches and individuals who send both volunteers and stock for the shop. The next step was to start a small group Bible study on a Thursday morning. This came about through the work in the shop after a number of people had asked to know more about the Bible. It is very encouraging to have people from Iran, China, and Iraq join with locals to look into the Word of God. Each week, around 12 of us meet to explore God’s Word. Initially we met in an apartment on the Antrim Road belonging to the Urban Mission Trust of North Belfast Presbytery. They also granted us the use of the Memorial Hall of the former St. Enoch’s congregation. The hall will
be an invaluable asset as the work has progressed. Although the hall is usable at present, the kitchen needs modernisation, and we are delighted that Presbyterian Women has agreed to make the renovation of the kitchen their Home Project for this year. The hatch in its present form is unsuitable and needs to be enlarged so conversation can be carried on without having to stoop down. Each Friday morning, the hall also has a Parent and Toddler group. This is run by Eileen Black, a retired Deaconess, and a wonderful team of volunteers. It is such an encouragement to see local and international families come in and to see relationships being established. There are also three English classes now held in the halls as we reach out to those who are making North Belfast their new home. In conjunction with the North Belfast Presbytery, a worker was sought to be the lead person to develop what had been established. Shirley McGonigle was appointed and is now in post and has
already taken over leading the English Classes and Bible Study. In her third week now as I write this article, she has already made contact with a number of people and has even begun a new outreach, but it would be easier to let Shirley tell you about herself and how she sees things progressing:
And that is our prayer; that God will draw individuals towards IMP and ultimately to him, towards life and away from emptiness.
Shirley’s Story It has been such a privilege to become part of the IMP team based in the North Belfast Presbytery and I want to thank Keith, his entire team and the committed group of volunteers for their very warm welcome. Carlisle Circus is a busy roundabout with exits towards the north, south, east and west of the city. Visually, it reminds me of a vortex, pulling people in from everywhere towards its centre. The hall and the IMP shop are strategically placed and, as I see it, filling the empty, meaningless void. And that is our prayer; that God will draw individuals towards IMP and ultimately to him, towards life and away from emptiness.
Connecting with those seeking sanctuary and finding themselves living in this part of the capital is happening naturally through the provision of free English classes each week. Being able to communicate in English is obviously a vital key to unlocking the ability to settle and integrate in this community, but it is clear that those who are coming are also hungry for friendship. As Christians, we are called to serve others not just by meeting their practical needs but also the less tangible emotional and spiritual needs. Our aim at the IMP is, with God’s help, to serve holistically. For this reason, English classes can extend well outside the times stated and topics discussed cover more than nouns, verbs and adjectives. Consequently, the ministry of IMP is undoubtedly long term. However, there are clear signs that God is already
opening doors in expanding the opportunities for connections to be made. As a result of several conversations with a few ladies after class, a ladies’ only ‘Creative Conversations’ group started after Easter. Its aim is to provide a relaxed and informal space for women of all ages to meet, chat and have a go at a range of creative activities. Two young Somalian ladies offered to start with sewing and then baking. Personally, I have many ideas bubbling around in my head as to how to connect with those who are arriving in Belfast, but I am mindful that listening and responding to the needs of those I meet is essential. Moreover, making every effort to hear the prompting of God and to respond in obedience and faith is crucial. Psalm 127 verse 1 reminds us that ‘Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted’. 11
PW SPECIAL PROJECTS 2022/23
Home
‘And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:39-40
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The International Meeting Point is developing its work in North Belfast - the electoral ward around this area has the highest suicide rate in the UK. The main work is in the Memorial Hall behind the Hopelink Centre. The Hall is in good repair and adequate for their needs but the big drawback is the old and ill-equipped kitchen. The hatch into the main hall needs to be extended and opened up, new cupboards are a must, as well as a new cooker and fridge. As the hall will be opened as a drop-in centre,
the provision of a more modern, well-equipped kitchen will enable this valuable ministry. Presbyterian Women is delighted to be partnering PCI’s International Meeting Point and hopes to raise £15,000 to help with the necessary changes. You can watch a video on this project that was shown at the Annual Conference on the PW website www.presbyterianireland.org/pw
G RO U P F O C U S
Embracing what’s important amidst the changes around us C
ovid-19 took our PW Group by surprise! There was the shock that we would have to stay at home and that our churches would not be open. Initially we thought it would all be over by Christmas and that things would go back to normal.
was by ringing round them all. It was hard to keep the committee together let alone the whole group of women who normally attended PW meetings. And then we were hit with deaths among our members, with family members not able to attend funerals.
I wasn’t a ‘tech savvy’ leader and so those first few weeks were tough. I’d never heard of Zoom let alone know how to use it! There were all sorts of problems like how to get the video going and the sound, saying something very profound only to find out that you were on mute! Sign language became a wonderful thing, pointing at the screen and talking loudly as if they could hear you. Not everyone had computers or tablets and the only way to contact some women
As we started to come out of Covid-19 we started our meetings again, the two metre distance and the masks meant that the fellowship felt very different, and no cup of tea! Our numbers are down, and now we face the problem that no one wants to serve on the committee. The picture I am painting feels very bleak, and to some extent it is, and yet looking back we realise how God has revealed the things that we value most is helping us to allow these things to shape
our group as we begin to move forward. Together, we really want to work hard on looking out for each other, not just in our own wee groups, but for every woman who belongs to us. We want to go beyond the small talk, from the, ‘hello, how are you?’, to conversations that go deeper showing that we care how each one of us really is and how we are in our walk with God. We want to enable honest prayer for each other, praying for spiritual growth and for a desire to reach others for Christ. I’ve really missed the fellowship with other women. I live alone and so their friendship and fellowship is important to me. When I first got involved with PW it was flourishing, the meetings were full, going to the annual Conference was a day out. We didn’t have to work hard at it because more often than not that was the only thing for women in the church but it’s different now, there are so many other things happening and different choices to make. Recently, I watched an eighteen-year-old woman embrace a 14-year old that she had been looking after at a recent youth event. It’s my hope that our PW Group will be intentional as they embrace each different generation of women, showing them that they are loved and needed, that they have something to pass on to the next generation that will make a difference for all eternity. So, as a leader I’m bruised but not broken and will work hard to ensure that the women in my congregation will know how much God loves them and how much we love them in and through Prebyterian Women.
Thanks to this PW Group Leader for sharing their experience honestly. If your PW Group needs some assistance, contact Pauline via the office +44 (0)28 9041 7257.
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Navigating Change
Pauline Kennedy looks at how PW Groups and women’s ministry might move forward amidst all the recent changes and uncertainties.
C
hange has been a constant factor in our lives over the last two years and as we navigate the way forward we are constantly having to work out ways to respond to it. Whether it’s changing roles and responsibilities or changing circumstances, the process of change always comes with highs and lows. This process usually presents with it the very real challenge of how we do it well, not just for ourselves, but, for the sake of the gospel and the spiritual growth of women within our congregations and communities. Over the recent months many of our women’s groups within PCI have been facing the challenges of how to move forward as they seek to come alongside women in ways that encourages them to live for Jesus. Sadly, it seems that, for some, the challenge has been too great, resulting in the closure of their women’s ministry / PW Group. News like this is always heartbreaking. What women’s ministry looks like is changing and we need to adapt if we
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want to build communities of faith within our congregations. Much of what worked really well 20 years ago doesn’t reap the same results nowadays. Like the leader who told me she had been leading her women’s group for 40 years and was now struggling to get someone to take over from her. Trying desperately to hide my shock, I asked her why she thought it was so difficult and how, in 40 years, she had never been able to identify others to come alongside her, to input their ideas and to be involved in the action. Was there really no one else gifted by God? Sadly, she replied that there wasn’t anyone who could do it the way she had done it!
We can come up with all kinds of answers to this question but really, the best guidelines are found in God’s Word. In Acts 2:42 believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship and prayer; in Matthew 28:19 we are instructed to make disciples; John 13:34 tells us to ‘love one another’. In Hebrews 3:13 we are told to encourage one another, in Galatians 5:13 Paul says we are to serve one another…and there’s so much more. But, to put it simply, Presbyterian Women aims to encourage women to live for Jesus, growing together as disciples and making disciples. It’s good to have a focus which serves as a guideline for all that you do.
Quite often, when I come alongside groups who are rethinking their women’s ministry, I pose this question, what is the aim of your women’s ministry? The answer to this is really important, otherwise we might lose our way before we’ve started. As someone once said, we can’t hit the target if we don’t know what we are aiming for!
Women’s ministry is part of the whole church and we must take time to ask our leadership how they see it as part of the life and witness of the congregation. Along with them, establish what women’s ministry aims to do and then perhaps take the following steps to help face transition and deal with it well.
1. Partner & Pray As a committee or planning team, pray specifically, asking God to guide you forward. Don’t rush this time of seeking and consider setting aside a specific time scale to seek God’s leading, perhaps over a period of four weeks. Create prayer partnerships e.g. partner older and younger women from your congregation and ask them to pray intentionally for each other and for God’s guidance for the way forward for your women’s ministry. Ask God to move in the hearts of women in your congregation and to envision fresh ways of reaching out to each other. Perhaps you could pray through these scriptures: Colossians 3:14; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Peter 3:8 and Ephesians 4:1-6.
2. Reflect Evaluate the good and the bad, the joys and the disappointments. Acknowledge the barriers and gaps in what has gone before (generational age gaps). Take time out to purposefully pause and consider what you have learned over the last year. How has it shaped you? What things should we lay aside? What should we take forward? Taking time to reflect ensures that you carry the right things forward with you into your ongoing journey.
3. Recognise In the process of transition, there will be tensions as emotions can run high. Be aware of your own emotions and those of others around you. Take the time to acknowledge any emotions that surface and respond to them prayerfully and wisely remembering this is God’s work, not ours, and it is him we seek to serve. Recognise that in order to change the outcome of women’s ministry, we might need to ask God to help us employ different tactics.
4. Gather Together The disconnection of the last two years has revealed to each of us our need for community. From the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, God placed us in community with himself and with one another (Genesis 2:18). God never intended for us to be alone, he knows we are much better together. We have lived without community for so long now that we have nearly forgotten its importance and some of us have even replaced face-to-face gathering for online church! Let’s meet again, put into practice worshipping together, learning from each other and supporting one another. Let’s create a women’s ministry where women of all ages and stages can experience community with one another and remember to keep it simple. It doesn’t have to be an all singing, all dancing thing - how about a picnic in the park, a walk in the forest with a flask of coffee or a sanctuary evening with the church worship team. Reconnect and get to know each other again, care for one another and share your stories of what God has done for you.
5. Respond What resolutions will your group make? What kind of leadership team will you be in the next season? What accountable actions and measurable goals can you put in place to make this happen? How will you determine to be supportive and faithful in being part of reaching out to women in your church family, in your community? What is God prompting you to do?
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ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022
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FA I T H J O U R N E Y
FAITH JOURNEYS WITH
Zoe Bruce Zoe Bruce explores the threads that God has woven together to create her personal tapestry of faith. Psalm 107:2: “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story…” So much of who I am today has been shaped by my parents. They were two godly people who taught me the faith and lived it out by modelling generosity and hospitality. Their hearts and their door was always open to friends and strangers alike and they loved the joy of quietly meeting needs. When tragedy struck - my oldest brother had a life changing car accident, and later when my dad died of cancer in his mid sixties - I learnt to pray by following their example. Even more, they showed me that God is still good when bad things happen and he is still to be trusted when he does not answer us the way we want. After school, I studied at Queen’s University Belfast before training as a teacher. Like many of my generation, the Christian Union opened up a whole new world of Bible teaching and opportunities to serve. My shelves filled up with IVP books, the speakers stretched my understanding of the Bible and conferences opened my eyes to the breadth of the Church worldwide. As a student, I also discovered that my life so far had been sheltered, white, protestant, middle class and revolved around church activities. For the first time, I was
confronted by difference – in politics, in lifestyle and in beliefs. God was continuing his process of moulding and shaping. A lasting legacy from student days has been a love of small group Bible study. Whether with believers or the curious, young people, children and especially women, there’s nothing better than opening the Bible together to discover what God is like and the good news that he wants us to be part of his story. I’m so grateful for all the opportunities over the years to do this. Another formative experience was to spend most of my fifties as a carer in one form or another. Of necessity this meant saying no to many activities and opportunities, with God gently reminding me that our call is to be faithful now, where we are and in the present circumstances whatever that looks like. He is less interested in what we do, than who we are. His aim is to mould and shape us to the likeness of Jesus so whatever our circumstances, he will take whatever we are and have and use it to give glory to Jesus. When I was a student, one of the CU staff was a tall red-haired lad training to
be a Presbyterian minister. Friendship led to romance and 37 years, four kids and two grandkids later we are now approaching a new season of life together. By the end of 2022, David and I will both be officially retired and ready for the next part of our story. Whatever the future holds, I want to follow where God has been leading and practice these lessons: - generosity and hospitality from an open heart, - a love for His Word and the joy of sharing it with others, - and faithfulness where he has put me.
Zoe found this a fascinating and humbling experience and recommended it to our readers. In your quiet time, why don’t you chart how God has woven your faith over the years and give thanks for his goodness.
R E S OU RC E S
INSPIRATIONS
Deeper Together 2022/23 women’s ministry resource
I
n the previous edition of Inspirations, we began a journey towards obeying the biblical instruction from 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to, “Encourage one another and build each other up.” Not even a very lengthy global pandemic could entirely restrict that journey as women determined to find ways to get “side by side”: meeting in different ways and places within the regulations, learning how to meet online, joining WhatsApp groups and using snail mail to keep in touch. In fact, the pandemic highlighted the importance of relationships and the
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need to develop them. When regulations have allowed, we have been taking opportunities to get face to face with others from our own generation and across the generations. Many cups of coffee have been drained as conversations flowed; much laughter has been heard as fun times have been shared over crafts and other activities; new friendships have been formed and old ones have been strengthened; efforts (even if tentative) have been made to bring a spiritual dimension to conversations. Now it is time to take those friendships to another level; it is time to go “Deeper Together”. Let’s take all that we have
learned about what is important, let’s assess where we have come from and where we are, and let’s decide how we can best move forward. Let’s do what we can to deepen our relationships with each other and our relationship with the Lord. Our key verse will be Romans 12:10, “Be devoted to one another…” For followers of Jesus, being devoted to one another means that we should, “Let the message of Christ dwell among [us] richly as [we] teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and
songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in [our] hearts.” This issue of Inspirations has been prayerfully and thoughtfully written to help you do just that. As always, the five programmes can be used individually and in any order. Some programmes suggest another one which would follow on well. However, the women you minister to will gain the most benefit if you work your way through them all. The programmes are deliberately ordered to take you all on a journey together, going deeper in your friendships and relationships, learning in preparation then moving on to practice.
Perhaps you have only ever used one or two programmes from an edition of Inspirations. Could now be the time for a different approach? Could you work your way through them all? There is plenty of variety suggested for presentation and there are opportunities to bring in an individual or a group of people to talk about their experiences and share what they have learned. A new section has been added – “Deeper Together in Leadership” – to help your committee or team develop as leaders, to strengthen the relationships you have with each other and to enable you to plan your ministry among women as you seek God’s direction together.
Working through this material as a leadership team will give you a good foundation for leading others on a “Deeper Together” journey. You will also find a Resource Menu with suggestions of other material you may find useful: books to read, Bible studies to use individually or in pairs or small groups, Bible passages and verses relevant to our theme, and appropriate hymns and songs. The Inspirations Subgroup trusts that you, and the women you minister to, will be built up and encouraged in using this resource and that you will make good progress on a journey that takes you “Deeper Together” and results in greater devotion to one another and to the Lord.
Ordering Inspirations Inspirations is our ‘go to’ resource book. As a committee we always enjoy our planning meeting and seeing what Inspirations has to offer. It’s a great tool for focusing thoughts and helps to get ideas flowing. We often take a programme and then build around it, to suit our needs. We have used the opening devotions and draw on the suggested Bible passages and praise items. The inclusion of online resources has been extremely helpful providing us with a range of additional materials. It’s great to have such a variety of resources at hand. Inspirations has provided us with so many amazing themes, all perfectly timed by God. Do have a look, you will certainly be inspired. Linda Beattie, Joymount PW, Carrickfergus
St Columba’s PW Group finds the Inspirations booklet a valuable resource for planning and delivering a spiritual based fellowship programme. The suggested devotionals are a great basis for planning an annual PW programme, and I know I personally found it most helpful when I first became leader of my own PW Group. The suggested devotionals, worship and activities can be adapted to suit group settings, visitor nights, annual services and other wider congregational fellowship. Inspirations is a useful tool to encourage and inspire creativity within a PW Group as you come together to plan your programme, and then you can adapt the devotionals and activities to suit your group dynamic and the immediate needs of the women within your congregation.
You can purchase our Inspirations resources from www.presbyterianireland. org/inspirations or through the Presbyterian Women office pw@presbyterianireland.org or call +44 (0)28 9041 7257
Single copy – £11 (or Euro equivalent) Bundle of 5 – £30 (or Euro equivalent) Bundle of 10 – £50 (or Euro equivalent) Digital Download PDF – £2 (or Euro equivalent)
Inspirations took away the anxieties I had when I first became a leader and I pray, for those taking up a leadership role for the first time, and for those with years of experience, that you will be richly blessed by this year’s publication. Ellen Hillen, St Columba’s PW, Lisburn 19
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A Summer Reflection Grant to us a fresh anointing Holy Spirit, be our guide Satisfy our deepest longing Jesus Christ be glorified. Every tribe and every people Hear the message that we bring Christ has triumphed over evil Bow the knee and worship him. Copyright: Dave Bilbrough © 1993 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music Photograph by Raphael-Nogueira
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READ
Deeper Together
John 4:4-45
The woman at the well
Discipleship Facilitator at Sloan Street Presbyterian Church, Lisburn, Rachael Gamble delves deep into the familiar Bible story of the woman at the well to see what it can reveal to us about being fully known and fully loved.
Recently, the Grand Opera House in Belfast hosted the musical Waitress. One of the most popular songs from the musical is called When he sees me and it contains the lyrics: ‘What scares me the most / Is what if when he sees me, he doesn’t like it / What happens then / If when he knows me, he’s only disappointed?’ Sometimes, if we’re really honest, this is how we feel about lots of our relationships, particularly within the church. We feel scared or uncomfortable about letting people into our 22 | Wider World Summer 22
lives or letting them get too close. We can be worried that if they see what we’re really like, if they scratch below the surface and see the mess and the sin, then they might not like us, or they might be disappointed, or they might even leave. Perhaps when you saw that the new theme of Presbyterian Women is Deeper Together it made you feel a bit nervous. After all, we’re very good at putting ‘our best foot forward’ on a Sunday morning or on our way out to a PW meeting. We can fix ourselves up, say all the right things, and look like we have it all together - when the reality isn’t so simple.
DE VOT IONA L Often, lurking just below the surface, is pain, or difficulties, or sin, or frustration, or stress - but we smile and say we’re ‘good thanks’. We can think that it’s safer to keep our friendships shallow and our conversations superficial. What would it take for us to really share our lives deeply with each other? What would it take to feel comfortable opening up to other women in church? At the beginning of John chapter four, we meet a woman who is isolated and distant, burdened with sin she is trying to disguise, and in desperate need of a rescuer. By the end of the chapter, we find this woman transformed, actively seeking out others to share her life with, no longer hiding her past but openly sharing with all those in her town. What changed this woman? What did it take for her to be transformed? It took an encounter with the one who knew her deeply, but who also loved her fully. And what will it take for us to be transformed into those who don’t hide our weaknesses and struggles, but share the load and carry each other’s burdens? It will take an encounter with the same Jesus. A Woman In Hiding (v6-7, 16-19) We first meet this woman at about the sixth hour (the middle of the day) when Jesus arrives in Samaria in need of a break and a drink of water. This was the hottest part of the day, long after the cooler morning when the rest of the women of the town would have gathered at the well and spent time together. But this woman is alone and surprised to be spoken to by Jesus. Later, we start to understand what’s really going on. As carefully as she tries to dodge Jesus’ awkward question about her marital status, she can’t hide the truth from the all-knowing Jesus. She has (to say the least) a complicated history involving five husbands and a currently cohabiting arrangement. She was a woman of notoriety - a woman in hiding. If we’re honest, each of us have things we’d rather keep to ourselves, aspects of our lives we try to hide from those around us. It might be a complicated family situation. It might be a struggle with our temper, or a losing fight with temptation. We might have difficulty praying or feel overwhelmed and unequipped to read our Bible. Perhaps it’s an unmet longing to be married or to have children, or a fear of the future, or money or job worries. There are so many situations we keep to ourselves, sometimes avoiding spending time with other women or evading complicated questions we don’t want to answer. Or perhaps you can get so wrapped up in the busyness of your day-to-day life that you don’t have time to stop and ask those around you how they’re doing or what’s going on in their lives.
Press Pause 1. What are the issues you are tempted to hide from those around you? What questions do you dread being asked because you don’t want to, or don’t feel able to give an answer? 2. When was the last time you reached out to someone to find out how they’re really doing? Is there someone you can think of who could use a listening ear or a friendly chat?
A Woman in Need (v10-15, 21-25) Jesus knows that this woman needs far more than a drink of water from a well. What she needs is living water that will mean she is never thirsty again. She needs the living water that brings eternal life. Water is something we all desperately need to stay alive. On a hot day, or after a long hike or a tiring run, there’s nothing better than a long drink of water. It quenches our thirst and it satisfies us. However, we have a deeper thirst, a deeper longing within us for satisfaction that can only be met by this living water. This woman had been looking to many different things to satisfy her - the five and a bit husbands were proof of that but she is still desperate to find true and lasting satisfaction. She asks Jesus to give her this water. And we too are searching for this living water that gives us true satisfaction. It can’t be found in relationships, in career success, in marriage or in a picture-perfect family. It can’t be found by appearing to be happier, more successful, more religious, more attractive, or busier than anyone else. Only Jesus can meet our deepest need.
Press Pause 1. Where are you tempted to look for satisfaction other than in Jesus? 2. Can you see how these things are cheap imitations of living water and can never truly satisfy? A Woman Set Free (v26-30, 39-42) This is a woman who has been totally exposed by Jesus, her scandalous past and her desperate need for true satisfaction laid bare for all to see. And yet how does she respond? What does it look like when we realise that Jesus sees into every corner of our lives, knows every thought, sees every act, hears every conversation? It looks like freedom. It looks like freedom because Jesus does not stand disapproving from a distance, waiting for us to clean ourselves up. He comes close to us, filled with love and compassion, as a rescuer. In verse 26, Jesus identifies himself as the Messiah - the rescuing King God had promised to send who would deal with his people’s sin and mess by dying for them. We have no need to fear exposure because Jesus has totally dealt with our sin and our failure and has brought us into his family. The woman who had been so careful to avoid everyone else now runs to find people to share the good news with. The woman who had evaded any question about her past now joyfully reports that there is a man who told her everything she ever did. Our deepest secrets and shames are safe with Jesus. And because we’re safe with Jesus, we’re safe to build deeper relationships with each other and be honest about the reality of our lives.
Further refelction 1. How has being rescued by Jesus changed how you view your sin and your difficulties and frustrations? How can you share this with those you come into contact with this week? 2. How can you intentionally cultivate deeper relationships that are honest about the difficult parts of life? Who could you share, encourage, and pray with? 23
P R AY E R
Deeper together I N P R AY E R
Rev Richie Cronin has been the minister of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Cork and Aghada Presbyterian since July 2018. Here, he reflects on the pandemic lockdown and the lasting impact the forced Zoom prayer meetings have had on their prayer time as a congregation.
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Trinity Cork church and Aghada Church are PCI’s two most southerly congregations. We are both on the small side; Aghada has about 35 people on its books with an average attendance of about 13 and Trinity has 72 on its books with an average attendance of about 35. Like most churches, Trinity Cork and Aghada congregations moved some of our life together online during the lockdown. Of all of the ways we met together, the one that has lasted the longest and is still going today and has had the most impact on our congregation’s life is our Zoom Prayer meeting. Pre-pandemic, we had a midweek prayer meeting during the day that was faithfully attended by a very small handful of exactly the same people every week. There is also a pre-service prayer meeting that is attended by a smaller subset of those same folks! The new routine is as follows: I send out a WhatsApp to the whole church every Wednesday morning with the link to the meeting. I also invite anyone to send me a text with their prayer requests. We meet every Wednesday at 8pm for about an hour and a half. We have a bit of a catch up at the start, then I usually pray to start us off. We often, but not always, watch a psalm or a hymn on video and then we take turns to answer the question, “ how are you and what do you want us to pray for”. Everyone gets asked and everyone says something. We started this in March 2020 and at the time of writing, I calculate we’ve met 87 times since.
There are a few things that stand out from our meetings. Practically speaking, it’s been much easier to get folks to come. Distance is a big issue for us in Cork. Some folks will drive up to 45 minutes just to get to Trinity on Sundays, whereas the computer/device is in the front room. The commute is much shorter! Furthermore, our two congregations are about 35 minutes from each other, so getting folks into the city during the week from Trinity and Aghada to meet each other is even rarer. It has been a delight to see not only friendships formed between two congregations, but for those who come, they simply know more about life in the other church better now. Of course, some folks will not be able to join an online meeting. Some of these are older folks who have no technological know-how or they are tech-phobic, others refuse because of a principle of resisting the creeping virtualisation of life and of course others don’t come for all the usual reasons folks don’t want to come to prayer meetings. I try to push back against all of this but not too much. There is a natural tendency to get to know someone merely by being around them more. This has happened in our experience, I don’t just believe it – I’ve seen it! The regulars are more like friends than anything else. Surely that is some of what we are aiming for with prayer meetings and something to bear in mind given Presbyterian Women’s new theme Deeper Together.
Both the inward and outward man are served by the prayer meeting! Our Confession states in Chapter 26 on the Communion of saints that Christians in regard to their behaviour to each other “are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.” People who pray for each other regularly become friends and friends in turn pray all the more for each other and then they look after each other! Both the inward and outward man are served by the prayer meeting! All that said, the thing that has brought us closer to each other and to the Lord is not the meeting but the prayers that were answered. Many ‘coming-up occasions’ have come and gone under the cover of prayer. Many family and friends who are not in the kingdom have been pleaded for. The news of the day has been wrestled with in front of the throne. But above all else, the things that will stick with me are three particular things that we prayed for and were answered in the positive by God. The cynical could rationalise all of these. I don’t, and I thank God for these precious memories. In two of these instances, the folk involved decided to share their heart only after much thinking about whether to do so and then within a week their circumstances changed! Oh me of little faith! Why did I doubt? Let me be totally honest here. At times the meeting is dry, at times I don’t understand people’s hearts, at times I wish for more vulnerability from people as they share their request, at times I’m quite tired and I’d rather go to bed. But on the whole, I now look forward to our time together. It has for me and others become a solace and a place of comfort. Furthermore, life can be very full and busy and the temptation to not pray is strong. Here at least, I and others have a space where we know we will bring our own requests and the so many that arise in the lives of the folks in our churches before the throne of God - the best place for them!
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C H U RC H F O C U S
ON THE VERGE
of blossoming
Balbriggan Presbyterian Church is a church plant of Donabate Presbyterian Church, north of Dublin. The church opened its doors in the local community centre in January 2020 just weeks before the Coronavirus restrictions came in and numbers are flourishing. Josh McCance is PCI’s Community Outreach Worker working in both Donabate and Balbriggan. We catch up with two of their members to find out what it’s like to be part of a new and growing church family.
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talk to someone in the cafe and invite them to come, it’s much easier to encourage people to try out the church and means those without cars can just walk there. It’s been amazing to be part of the instigation.
Toni Geoghegan
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’ve been a member of Balbriggan Presbyterian Church since it started - in fact it was my idea! I had been attending Donabate Presbyterian and travelling 25 minutes south there by car each Sunday. I was always trying to get people in Balbriggan to come but it was harder to convince them. I said to Josh one day, we should have a church in Balbriggan, is there any way we can find somewhere? Having the church meet in Balbriggan has made a HUGE difference. Not only are we established, we are growing. I can
Lockdown was a challenge and we wouldn’t have been able to grow without Zoom. It brought some people into church that hadn’t been before. It was tough to keep going but it kept us together. We also had a games and quiz night. Josh is amazing with young people - he can just organise a football match on the beach with whoever is there. His enthusiasm rubs off on everybody. He and his wife Kathryn are a good example of Jesus’ love. I love the fellowship, everyone is welcoming and friendly, there is a great atmosphere and of course I really enjoy the worship. Not only do you hear from God’s Word but you see what you’ve listened to, you get to put it into everyday life. We have a WhatsApp group so if someone needs a visit, or a meal or some house work done, they can get help. I set up a knitting group, not
Dublin city centre. We read about church members before visiting the church from their profile and that really helped us. We had our heart set on Balbriggan. The first time we attended, we all felt like we’d come home! Everyone was so sincere and warm and open. We have no doubt that this is our church.
Ema Pejakovic
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albriggan is the first church my family have settled in since coming to Ireland from Croatia eight years ago. My husband Branimir was offered a job in IT in Dublin so we moved just seven months after our daughter Pia was born. It was not easy for me. I found it difficult being a new mum at home and no family around to support us. Yet God used that situation to draw me and Branimir closer to him. We trusted God for our salvation but we weren’t close to him like we needed to be. We looked up different churches at the same time as finding a new home. We came across Balbriggan Presbyterian Church on Instagram and started following them before moving out of
I get involved by doing what I can, from leading services to welcoming people. I hosted a Mums in Prayer group in our home in 2021 and am getting vetted by Garda to work with the children. The diversity drew us here, we love that we can travel the world without leaving Balbriggan - we have Romanian neighbours, and Indian, and Nigerian and of course Irish. There is a real sense of community - people are open to friendship and I feel I can make a positive difference and contribute here. There are around 15 different nationalities represented in Balbriggan Presbyterian Church. We have formed an excellent relationship with our neighbours who have a daughter the same age as ours. We are already functioning as one big family! Last Sunday they came to visit the church with us, it was beautiful. We share together and through the deep conversations we have, I feel heard and seen and I know I am not alone in the
that I am a fantastic knitter, but to get to know people and interact with them, something to get the community together. We were going well for eight weeks then lockdown hit! Some ladies that attended do come to church. People saw that we had so much love to give. Five years ago, there was a Discovery youth camp set up and the leaders would come to my home for prayer time - I had 30 people in the house and I loved it! My house is always open. This is not my house, this is the Lord’s house. I’ve plans to set up a lone parent group, something that benefited me when I was a lone parent to my two sets of twins. We need to find a venue, if not I’ll have it in my house! The idea would be that some people would look after the children and let the lone parents chat and pray for each other. That support and understanding is so vital to others going through similar trials and experiences. It was a real blessing to me, we were able to share and hand over the difficult things to the Lord.
struggles that I face. I am aware that on the outside people might look at my life and think I have it all - a lovely new home, husband and daughter - but I’m not perfect. We struggle with things as a family and we fight. For the first time, we are learning how to take care of our own home and that is new to us. After being a stay at home mum for many years, I now want to set up my own business and I will need more support from my husband domestically as I do this. That will change the dynamics and stress levels. I can share this in our home group because we want people to see that life can be both beautiful and messy. It helps us to relate to one another. God has put it in my heart to help people become more healthier through their movement and lifestyle choices. So much of our focus can be on physical issues and people are in survival mode. Once you have a grip on that, there is time to think of the bigger questions, like what is my purpose in life, where is my anchor. I want people to ‘look up’ and think of Jesus. There has been a baby boom in the area - I’m excited for what the future holds in Balbriggan. We are on the verge of blossoming. I’m excited - there is still lots more to come! 27
PA R E N T I N G
Safeguarding
C H I L D R E N I N A D I G I TA L WO R L D
Dr Deborah Webster established Thrive Academy, a social enterprise set up with the aim of equipping parents, educating young people, and informing those who work with them in the area of digital resilience. Here, Deborah shares some insights and gives top tips for parents and carers to keep children safe online.
Children and young people are spending more time online and the age of which they are using devices is getting younger and younger. According to recent research by Ofcom, the majority of children under 13 years old had their own profile on at least one social media app in 2021. Staggeringly, 24% of 3-4 year olds have their own social media profile and 28% of 5-7 year olds have their own mobile phone. This is despite the fact that the minimum age requirement for using most social media is 13 years old. Of course, there are many positives of the online space for children and young people, for education, information, entertainment and communication purposes. When asking children and young people why they like spending time online, most will reply that they like to talk with their friends. If that is where their friends are, it should not surprise us that that is where they want to be too! Despite these positives, there are risks to young people in terms of both their safety and their wellbeing. The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have increased these risks as children were online more with reduced restrictions from parents and carers who were possibly key workers, trying to work from home or possibly just running out of ideas to keep children occupied. Unfortunately, those who want to harm children and exploit them online were also spending more time online, increasing the risks to children and young people during the lockdown period.
24% of 3-4 year olds have their own social media profile
The risks to young people’s safety can be thought of in four categories:- content, contact, conduct and contract:Content refers to the explicit, unsavoury and unsuitable material that is widely accessible online. For example, pornography, violence, self-harm and pro-suicide content, explicit eating disorder content, content that is linked to terrorism, drugs and weapons dealing.
Despite the positives, there are risks to young people in terms of their safety and their wellbeing. The contact risk is about the perpetrators who can potentially contact children and young people. They do this by pretending to be someone else online (commonly known as catfishing) to lure the child to them, build up a rapport with the aim of asking them for photos of themselves, sexual acts or to meet up with them in person. Conduct is about how young people conduct themselves online, the ways that they might use the technology to put themselves at risk. For example, sexting which is the name given for the act of sending naked or semi-naked photos (sometimes referred to as nudes) to friends or peers. This is illegal if the individuals in the images are under the age of 18. But of course there are other
consequences. Once an image is shared, the sender has lost control over who shares it to whom and where it is posted, often leading to embarrassment and regret. Finally, contract is about how a young person is put at risk online for commercial purposes. For example, by being scammed, blackmailed, losing money from gambling. Being scammed out of money is of course not limited to young people and sadly there are numerous examples of older people who have been conned out of large amounts of money by online scammers, but young people are also at risk. Social media influencers can earn money through ad revenue depending on the amount of subscribers or followers that they have, but they also can earn through advertising products to their audience, many of whom are young children and therefore very influential. Recent government guidelines make clear that influencers should make it clear when advertising a product although this is not always the case. Many online games played by children request in-app purchases encouraging children to pay for things like extra accessories for their online characters. Large bills can quickly amount without parents being aware that the money is seeping out of their bank accounts. As well as the four Cs which are risks to the safety of children and young people, using the online space can also be detrimental to their wellbeing.
28% of 5-7 year olds have their own mobile phone 29
The research is mixed. However, there is evidence to suggest that using social media can negatively impact a young person’s self-esteem, mood, sleep and overall wellbeing. Even Meta (the company formerly known as Facebook, who own the social media app Instagram) carried out their own research and found that, particularly for adolescent girls, using Instagram increases body image issues. It can be a bleak picture considering the present and future online risks presented to our children and young people. However, there is hope! There is a lot that can be done to make the online space a safer and more pleasant place for
everyone. In 2015, the Northern Ireland executive commissioned the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland to develop a strategy and a plan. Despite the increasing threat to children’s online safety, the strategy is yet to be implemented. Since 2015, the PSNI have recorded 1,296 child sexual abuse offences involving an online element. The UK Online Safety bill was published in March 2022 and, despite some concerns of the impact on free speech, the bill will seek to improve accountability from social media companies as they will have a duty to protect children and adults from illegal or harmful content. The bill will also
Top Tips for Parents JO
require pornography sites to have robust age verification just like gambling sites. Whatever is implemented by the government and social media companies, the risks to children and young people will never disappear. That is why parents and carers have a key role to play to help our children navigate this digital space. As Christian parents we are commanded to model and teach our children in all aspects of life, “Train up a child in the way that they should go, even when they are old they will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Technology and the internet is included in this! Sometimes parents may lack knowledge or experience in this
Talk to your children about what devices, apps, and games they are using, what they like or don’t like about them. Talk to them about who they are talking to online and if they have met these people before in real life.
Start Right – make sure all devices are set up properly. This includes age-appropriate settings and search engine content restrictions. Parent apps are also useful to limit screen time and approve apps such as Family Link (android device) and Screen Time (Apple devices).
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Anything related to the internet is really going to grow because look at the prevalence of TikTok especially the way it is designed, you are constantly viewing content from strangers. So that is automatically a bit of a threat for us (young people).
ERC
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We don’t want handouts (about internet safety) - no fliers, no leaflets, no cards for our wallets, just have a conversation with us. 00.45
I’ve not even had social media for a year but I do feel it has made me feel a wee bit more lonely.
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KB
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If you go on something with lots of people on it, they can join your chat and you don’t know who they are.
area, and often find that their childrens’ knowledge outweighs their own. However, that is not a reason to turn a blind eye, but rather get ourselves informed. Cultivating a positive and honest relationship with our children about their online activity is one of the best ways to help them navigate the online space and thrive online. Having conversations about our child’s online activity and online contacts is an absolute must and needs to be much more than a ‘one-off ’ talking to, but continual conversations throughout adolescence, reflecting the fact that a child’s interests online will change and
develop as they get older and will often be dependent on what apps and games their peers are using too. Thrive Academy Workshops are organised by churches, schools and community groups and take place throughout the UK and beyond, both in person and via videoconferencing. To find out more or to organise a workshop for your church or group, contact Deborah via deborah@thriveac.org
Get yourself informed! Parents and carers do have a responsibility to help their children in this area and ignorance is no excuse! There is plenty of help available.
Develop healthy habits in the home for all the family. For example, not using devices at the dinner table, leaving devices out of bedrooms at night-time and creating times and spaces in the family home which are screen free for everyone.
Check out these websites to get started: www.commonsensemedia.org and www.internetmatters.org. Also, consider attending a Parent Workshop to find out more.
Cultivating a positive and honest relationship with our children about their online activity is one of the best ways to help them navigate the online space and thrive online.
Reflect on your own behaviour – perhaps the most challenging part for parents! Consider how your own relationship with your devices can influence your children, no matter how young they are. There are things we can all do better, to model positive relationships with our devices.
JM NH
DC
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It is difficult when it’s something embarrassing or something that could potentially get someone in trouble.
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If you see someone and they look really pretty, you feel jealous of them and you want to be like them, and you can’t cos you’re just like yourself.
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I have to keep an eye on my wee brother and make sure he’s not talking to any randomers.
Anonymous quotes from young people mentioned at the recent Safeguarding in a digital world conference organised by SBNI 31
Grateful heart Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Anne Burrows 1937 - 2022 Anne Burrows grew up in North Belfast and was a member of St Enoch’s Presbyterian Church. Anne heard and responded to the call of God to enter training for the role of Deaconess within PCI. She entered training in St Colm’s College, Edinburgh along with Frances Wright, Mary Angus and Sarah Swindoll; all of whom remained great friends throughout life. Anne was commissioned by the Presbytery of East Belfast and appointed Deaconess of Westbourne in September 1965. She served the congregation for eight years and witnessed many social problems. East Belfast, at the time, was also undergoing major redevelopment and was known as an area of social deprivation, so Anne decided to go for further training, and completed a certificate in Social Work. The PWA recognised her passion for people and her immense organisational ability and invited her to set up what is now known as Friendship House in Sandy Row, South Belfast. Everyone who entered the doors found a place of help, safety and warm Christian compassion. Anne spent eight years there. 32 | Wider World Summer 22
She then moved to the Vine Centre on the Crumlin Road, a joint venture between Belfast City Council and PCI’s then Board of Mission in Ireland. After some years there, Anne moved again, to the role of Deaconess to the Hospital Chaplain at Belvoir Park Hospital. Rev Victor Sinclair, Chaplain to Belvoir Park Hospital writing in the Wider World in a tribute marking her retirement: “Anne brought many gifts of mind and heart and exercised a ministry of comfort and compassion, a work of faith, and a labour of love. Patients and their families, as recipients of her Christian concern and pastoral care, often expressed their gratitude and appreciation. The same could also be said for her pastoral care and respect for the hospital staff.” While serving in Westbourne, Anne was ordained as an elder. When Anne retired, she moved to Carrickfergus and joined the congregation of Joymount. She was co-opted as an elder there in 2006 and was actively involved in the life of our church. She was an outstanding elder, loved by her district and the entire church family. Her warm, friendly, compassionate manner won many hearts, and they looked to her for advice
for their own Christian journey. Anne Burrows had an extensive and active prayer life. She was diligent in her commitment to pray and was in every sense a prayer warrior. Many folks will have been blessed and grown in faith because of her diligent and compassionate ministry. Anne Burrows passed into Glory on 23 February 2022. Tribute written by Rev Richard Graham
Anne brought many gifts of mind and heart and exercised a ministry of comfort and compassion, a work of faith, and a labour of love.
T HA N K S G I V I N G
Buckna PW Buckna PW recently celebrated its 70th anniversary year. Mrs Carson McCullough started the Ladies Guild in September 1951 and her daughter Moyna was the guest speaker at the celebration evening. Photo from left, Lynn Kennedy, deputy leader, Edna McMaster who has been a member for 53 years, Moyna McCullough and Anna Fleck, leader. Laura Hamill, Group Secretary
Drumachose PW In February 2022, Lena Douglas a member of Drumachose Presbyterian Church, Limavady, celebrated her 90th birthday. Lena has been in Presbyterian Women for 64 years. We are so thankful to Lena for all her years of dedication to PW, our church and to Jesus. Lena said, “I’m not sure of what the future holds, but I am sure of who holds the future!” On behalf of our PW I was delighted to present Lena with flowers to celebrate her special birthday. Joanne Gallick
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 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
Naomi Leremore
Naomi Keefe
Location: Nairobi, Kenya Mission: Christian education
Location: Olinda, Brazil Mission: Church-based community development and evangelism
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Pray for the elections taking place in Kenya on 9th August. Ask that God’s good purposes will come from this time when aspiring politicians visit and connect with those living in neglected areas of the country.
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Pray for the training sessions using Sam Doherty´s book on Principles of Teaching. These sessions are proving to be a real encouragement to Naomi as she sees the enthusiasm from the volunteers to learn new strategies of evangelism.
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Blaze the Bee is a new PCI initiative launched in April aimed at helping children learn how God is at work in different countries and to pray for global mission workers. Pray that the new Blaze the Bee initiative will help congregations and families in Ireland to connect with global mission workers not just in Africa but also in Asia, Europe and South America.
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Pray for the organisation of the evangelistic events planned for the St John the Baptist Day on 22nd June. These will be based on the message John the Baptist gave, “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
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Pray for the mothers of the Good News Club children, that they may come to know the power that comes from having Christ in them. Many of the children know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and are witnessing and sharing Jesus with their mothers and praying for them. It is a real encouragement to hear of mothers sharing with us how their children are ´pestering´ them to go to the ‘Coffee with God’ Bible studies.
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The PCEA Woman’s Guild centenary celebrations were held in May. Mothers, daughters, aunties, nieces, grannies and cousins came together to celebrate. Pray that connections will continue to be strengthened between the older and younger generations. Pray that this special time will be marked by a renewal of their passion for living Christ-like lives of service to the glory of God.
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Overseas News Personnel News Diane Cusick, PCI global mission worker in Zambia, arrived in Ireland on home assignment in May and is involved in deputation until the end of June. Diane plans to return to her role as the Early Childhood Development Coordinator for the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Synod of Zambia later in the summer. Gary and Mary Reid, PCI global mission workers in Kenya are due on home assignment in July and will be involved in deputation in August and September. Volker and JinHyeog Glissmann, PCI global mission workers in Southern Africa, are also due on home assignment in July. Jin Hyeog and their two youngest children will be travelling back to Malawi at the end of August, whilst Volker will be staying on in Ireland for the month of September to do deputation. Rev Nigel and Mrs Antónia Craig who have been called to serve as global mission workers with the Reformed Church in Hungary, now hope to depart for Hungary in September. They are going 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.
Visit to Portugal The Moderator, Rt Rev Dr David Bruce visited Portugal from 29 April to 2 May. He visited Comunidade Pedras Vivas (Community of Living Stones) church plant in Senhora da Hora in Porto, where PCI global mission workers James and Heather Cochrane and Chris and Rachel Humphries serve. He also met with leaders of the Christian Presbyterian Church of Portugal in Lisbon, PCI’s partner in Portugal. Zambian Ministers Spiritual Retreat The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Synod of Zambia held a spiritual retreat for all its ministers at the end of April, which PCI global mission worker, Diane Cusick helped to organise. Rev Stephen McCracken, minister of First Ballymoney was the main speaker at the retreat. Looking for a speaker on global mission? A number of PCI global mission workers will be available for deputation over the coming church year. Whilst bookings for Sundays are very limited, week days and evenings are available. For up to date information on who is available and when, contact Beverley in the Mission Department, Assembly Buildings, tel +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 & Jayne Fleming c/o UMN PO Box 126 Kathmandu Nepal
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
MALAWI
NEPAL
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
Steve and Rosie Kennedy Str. Sanatoriului 29 Cluj-Napoca 400000 Jud Cluj Romania
ROMANIA
ZAMBIA
ENGLAND
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN LEADERSHIP FORUM
STRONGER TOGETHER Let’s learn to lead together SATURDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 10.30 AM - 12 MIDDAY ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS BELFAST REGISTRATION DETAILS WILL BE RELEASED AT A LATER DATE
Guest Speaker | Donna Jennings, Evangelical Alliance Leaders are not meant to be lone-rangers left to do everything by themselves. God calls us to serve together, using our different gifts to build up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:18). This event offers an opportunity for leaders to gather to learn and discuss together. It is for individual group leaders, committee members, LINK leaders or anyone who is involved in women’s ministry.
For more information go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/pw Or find us on Facebook @presbyterianwomen