Inspire Summer 2025

Summer 2025

GOD...

EVER PRESENT Stephanie & Lucy's story

SUPPORTING SLIGO'S HAVEN

MISSION POSSIBLE Bible Study

INSPIRATIONS

OUR NEW 2025/26 RESOURCE

PLUS QUICK QUESTIONS GROUP FOCUS GRATEFUL HEART GLOBAL MISSION

Mission in Ireland 2025 Deaconesses

Sonya Anderson

Paula Burrows

Rachel Cubitt

Louise Davidson

Deaconess

Deaconess

Deaconess

Deaconess

Eleanor Drysdale Deaconess

Shore Street, Donagahadee

Ballygrainey

Whiteabbey

South Belfast Friendship House

Wellington, Ballymena

Heather McCracken

Joanne Dunlop

Heidi England

Sharon Heron

Roberta Irvine

Deaconess

Deaconess

Deaconess

Deaconess

Deaconess

Craigavon Area Hospital and Antrim Area Hospital

Railway Street, Lisburn

International Meeting Point, Belfast

Elmwood, Lisburn

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and additional duties in chaplaincy in Musgrave Park Hospital

Tracey Nicholl

Hazel Reid

Sylvia Santos Bryce

Rosemary Spiers

Heather Healy

Cathy Smith

Deaconess

Deaconess

Deaconess

Deaconess

Deaconess

Deaconess

St James’s, Ballymoney

First Broughshane with additional duties in chaplaincy in the Causeway Hospital

West Church, Ballymena

Greenwell Street, Newtownards

Fisherwick Presbyterian

First Holywood Presbyterian

WELCOME

SUMMER 2025

FROM THE EDITOR Rebecca McConnell

We are blessed in the island of Ireland to have great road trips to explore our beautiful landscape. From the Inishowen 100 to the Antrim Coast Road and, of course, the Wild Atlantic Way. One thing necessary on a long road trip is good music to drive along to.

Perhaps you have a variety of playlists with some of your favourite artists compiled to make the journey feel a little shorter. Maybe you sing along in your best (or worst) voice, maybe kids and grandkids join in and it is a family affair.

Music should, and does, play a big part in our worship to God. The book of Psalms in the Bible is unique – they are the hymnbook of the people of God, designed to be sung. Psalms 120-134, known as songs of ascent, were traditionally sung by Jewish pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for the annual festivals.

Any time I sing one of the hymns chosen for my dad's funeral, it can be a very emotive experience and bring me back to that day, place and service of thanksgiving we held for his life. I remember us picking the hymns as a family. It wasn't something dad had left instructions for as not everyone is able to make such decisions when they are ill. I had wanted something upbeat, yes - for a funeral service - as that is how my dad operated mainly - looking at the positive side of life and having a spirit of gratefulness.

In Quick Questions, we speak with two musicians who have faithfully led the worship sessions at the Annual Conference. We are grateful to Erin and Emma - and indeed all those who lead our weekly times of worship in our churches - for their gifts and talents that they use for God’s glory.

As Presbyterian Women launched the new theme for 2025-26 last month of God ... ever present, we are reminded of this in many passages of Scripture and, helpfully, in many songs that we sing as pilgrims along the way.

In our special feature coinciding with the new theme, we say a special thank you to Stephanie Parke for sharing her story and that of her daughter Lucy’s, of how God has been with them as a family sustaining them in their time of need.

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 7248 Like us on Facebook: Presbyterian Women Digital download: issuu.com/presbyterianireland Designed by: Break - madebybreak.com INSPIRE is the magazine of PW. Published quarterly: March, June, September and December. Annual subscription: £10/€12 or £2.50/€3 per issue. Each year, an order form will be sent to INSPIRE 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 INSPIRE on the reverse.

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

In the meantime, we pray you know the sweet presence of Jesus with you this summer, whether you travel in silence, sing along to the radio or appreciate the sounds of nature as you traverse.

When we walk with the Lord, in the light of his love, what a glory he sheds on our way.

While he do his good will, he abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.

CONTENTS 04 09 10 12 14 16 18 20 23 24 28 30 34

God...ever present PW Conference Gallery Supporting Sligo's Haven Inspirations: God... ever present Group Focus - Woven as one, Muckamore PW Bible Study - Mission Possible Reflections - Shepherd Quick Questions with Erin McBride & Emma Smyth Book Review Inspire Careers - Finding your creative niche Celebrating 50 years of the Women's Study Fellowship Grateful Heart Overseas prayer and news – 03

FEATURE

GOD...

EVER PRESENT Primary School teacher Stephanie Parke, a member of Drumlee Presbyterian Church in County Down, shares her story and that of her daughter Lucy in a testimony to the ever present God who has been by her side at all times.

M

y childhood sweetheart David, a dairy farmer, and I married in 2006 after dating for six years.

In November, 2009, our first child Lucy was born naturally at full term with no complications, a healthy 7lb 3 and a half ounce baby. However, within a few days there were some issues with feeding, contractions of her fingers, and Lucy was not putting on weight, but each doctor we saw had a solution to help manage her problems.

When Lucy was just nine months old, David and I sat in a consulting room in Belfast City Hospital with the head of genetics and a registrar in what was deemed another ‘urgent’ appointment. As it was scheduled six weeks after the last phone call, I didn’t think it was that urgent!

That day, the medics confirmed the devastating news that, after a genetic test, Lucy had a very rare life-limiting genetic condition called Progeria. Basically, she was aging way faster than any of us. I asked what the average life expectancy was - they said 13.

I was 10 weeks pregnant at the time of this meeting but the medics reassured us that neither of us were carriers of this mutated gene to cause Progeria. It was random! But was it? I believe it was in God's plan. The next week, we had an early scan to confirm dates in Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry. The scanner was placed on my tummy and when David and I looked at the screen, it was plain to see there were two babies! Twins!! What was God doing?

– 04 | INSPIRE Summer 2025

“I feel privileged that God entrusted me with Lucy and humbled that I can share about her life and give him the glory for it all.”

Continues...

– 05

FEATURE Within the space of two weeks, we’d been told our beautiful baby girl had a life-limiting condition and now we were expecting twins!

We questioned God and yet deep down I knew he knew what he was doing, he had bigger plans for our wee family from Drumlee than I would have chosen or imagined. He was going to show us how to appreciate each and every day with those we love even when our circumstances fill us with fear.

David and I have put our hope and faith in the risen Lord Jesus and believe that he has plans for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose. Trusting God doesn’t mean it’s an easy life but it means you have the Saviour of the world carrying you along.

I would say that Lucy experienced life to the full and on 20th November 2016 when Lucy was 7 years old she put her faith in Jesus and asked him to forgive her sins. That night I went to bed with my heart rejoicing as I knew then that whenever the Lord took her, she would be in glory!

Lucy took a stroke and a chest infection in March 2017 and we brought her home with palliative care. We thought it would be for a couple of days and yet it turned out God had other plans and we had nurses, healthcare workers, doctors at our house most days and nights for nine months. In October, she had a seizure.

I can imagine that each person reading this magazine has their own difficulties, money worries, family problems, illnesses, anxiety, depression, fear, addiction, job problems, loneliness, health problems and grief.

Knowing and loving Jesus doesn’t mean they go away but he is there to give you life. You just have to trust that he knows what he’s doing and that one day it will all make sense in glory.

“We questioned God and yet deep down I knew he knew what he was doing, he had bigger plans for our wee family from Drumlee than I would have chosen or imagined. He was going to show us how to appreciate each and every day with those we love even when our circumstances fill us with fear.”

Lucy was 16 months old when our twins Jake and Jenny were born and she was 5 when our youngest Ben was born. She had so many issues throughout her life. She was on medication, she had strokes and heart problems, dislocated hips, mobility issues and just three teeth. When she was 8 years old, she was only wearing 9-12 month clothes. She had a lot of pain with circulation issues and woke most nights and was sick. We had endless hospital appointments and yet it was a learning curve for medics too as her condition was so rare - 1 in 8 million and Lucy was the only one in Ireland. When Lucy was going to the theatre to get a hip operation, David and I both received a text from two different people reminding us of Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” God was with us through it all.

Despite her medical issues, Lucy lived her life to the full. Her body was ageing rapidly but her mind was so alert. She was so full of craic and fun, the boss of the house, and she loved being a big sister. She went to a mainstream school, Drumadonnell Primary, with a classroom assistant who carried her about. She loved her friends, teachers and large family circle (there are 36 cousins).

She had a Make-a-Wish party in the Burrendale Hotel where she arrived in a limo and made sure all the 200 guests were there before her. She had a ball! She loved the farm and insisted Daddy had too many cows!

– 06 | INSPIRE Summer 2025

The Lord took Lucy home to glory after her New Year's Eve party on 1st January 2018, aged 8. We were broken and yet we had watched her earthly body deteriorate so much we knew it wasn’t sustainable.

Before Lucy died, I wondered how other families would cope after they lost a child and now this was what I was faced with. How would I cope without my little princess? That’s when I needed and relied on my God, my faith, my reassurance of salvation and my hope of heaven.

Heaven is a place I wouldn’t want Lucy to come back from. I believe heaven is such an amazing place and I love Lucy so much that I wouldn't want her to return to this world. I will meet her again with my Saviour Jesus as I trust in him and strive to live for him each and every day.

I’m not saying it's not hard. We have difficult days, teary days, sad days, but also normal days, days where we share about Lucy and laugh at her humour. We have to keep going for our other three kids, to be strong for them and yet, especially in the early days, to show them that it's ok to be sad as they need to experience and process that emotion and cry about it. They have lost their big sister.

For David and I, God definitely knew what he was doing when he put us together. We support each other and he keeps me strong despite the many trials which we face.

I don’t believe those people would think their lives are perfect – people on social media have a habit of only showing the good days.

You know things happen in your life that can realign your thinking, make you appreciate what you have and seek the Lord more and more each and every day. I have a friend who I can talk to in prayer every day, a friend who loves me even when I make mistakes, sin daily, or neglect him. None of us are perfect, including me.

Life for me now is very different. As our children grow up, things change, challenges are different, and how you are needed by your children changes.

I eventually got my permanent job in Kilkeel Primary School teaching the learning support class. God opened every door for me.

Things don’t happen by mistake when you are following God. Even in the most awful circumstance you might find yourself, there God will be also.

Lucy brought everyone who knew her so much joy! Yes, she suffered pain and it was those closest to her that watched that, but we were the ones who got to love her and be loved by her. We wouldn’t change that or her. I feel privileged that God entrusted me with Lucy and humbled that I can share about her life and give him the glory for it all.

I always thought, and probably hoped, that I'd have all the stuff that would make me happy - a husband, kids, nice home, job, enough money. God showed me that what I needed was to rely on him.

You may look at other people and think, what do they have to worry about? Don’t they just have it all? Why can things not work for me?

I don’t know the answer and God hasn’t revealed to us why certain things are in his plan for our lives.

A few months ago, while driving to work to Kilkeel through the mountains from Fofanny up over Spelga on what was a very foggy and slippery morning, I was crawling in the car and keeping my focus well and truly on the road. Yet at one point, although I drive that road five days a week, I couldn’t work out where I was.

“God opened every door for me. Things don’t happen by mistake when you are following God. Even in the most awful circumstance you might find yourself, there God will be also.”

Continues...

– 07

FEATURE

Then suddenly the fog lifted and there was such a beautiful golden orange sky with the sun rising to awaken the start of a new day.

That morning, I was reminded that so many times in our lives we are lost, confused, trundling along not knowing what’s ahead, disheartened, wondering how long until this fog is lifted and that life can get better, the problem will be fixed, the illness cured, the stress eased and anxiety disappears.

We need to say fixed, focused on the one who know the future, the one who can help us, the one who carries us through, the one who knows our hearts and the one who is our comfort and guide, because one day the fog will lift from whatever you are going through and, one day in glory, it will become clear.

He’s a friend that forgives when I ask for forgiveness and he’s not just my friend, he can be your friend too. As I've got older, I've realised that if we put our hope in the things of this world, hope in people, even family, friends, a job, a home, they can all quickly let us down. Jesus is always there, he will never leave you and he loves you more than anyone else can.

If you already walk with the Lord, be reassured that if you are going through a challenging time he is always there. If trials come in the near future, or you are going through one now, God is truly ever present.

– 08 | INSPIRE Summer 2025

“Jesus is always there, he will never leave you and he loves you more than anyone else can.”

2025 Annual Conference

– 09

PW SPECIAL HOME PROJECT

“Pray that people coming through Haven’s door will get to know Jesus as their Saviour.

That they would start a spiritual journey of their own. ”

Fiona Simpson Theodora Osho

SUPPORTING

SLIGO'S HAVEN – 10 | INSPIRE Summer 2025

The Presbyterian Women’s Special Home Project for 2025/26 will come alongside the amazing work that is being done in Sligo Presbyterian Church through their Haven multi-cultural outreach ministry. This valuable ministry seeks to respond to the practical, emotional and spiritual needs of this multi-cultural setting.

S

ligo Haven Outreach is a developing ministry which is welcoming people from all backgrounds into the life of this congregation. Mainly through the creation of a Café space with tea, coffee, social activity and English classes, many people are engaging weekly with Haven and being drawn into other aspects of church life.

As Presbyterian Women’s special home project it is hoped that we will raise £15,000 which will be used to help support the outreach ministry at the Haven as well as fund the purchase of digital translation equipment to help further the work of reaching out to others with the good news of the gospel.

Haven founder, Fiona Simpson, an elder at the church and also a member of PW Panel, tells us more: The idea of Haven first came to me when I was a newcomer. I found coming from the north a very different cultural experience.

I realised then that a lot of other women coming from different countries were feeling the same way. After a lot of prayer, I felt the Lord was calling me to start something.

Haven is very multi-cultural with people from over 47 nationalities from all over the world coming through the doors. We often find people don’t have access to kitchen facilities where they are staying, so we let them use our church kitchen and they are there as a group. We encourage them to do all the normal things - set the table, do the dishes, make meals - until their confidence is built up.

Haven helps them integrate into the community. It is vital that we are there as part of the church community to show that we love them and care for them.

Sometimes it's the really simple things that remind you that God is in it. One of the men coming to Haven said he really needed a winter coat. When I went home to my mum in Castlederg, someone from her church came to the door with a coat, asking me if it would be of any use to someone at Haven.

We brought it back and the coat fitted him perfectly. That to me is Jehovah Jireh - the Lord will provide. We have seen his hand in everything at Haven.

Of course there are language barriers and a lot of the terminology we use is unfamiliar.

The PW project is really going to enhance what we can offer - it will mean we can offer a more accurate translation of official letters, and people coming to church will understand the whole service in their mother tongue.

We are so grateful to Presbyterian Women that we have been chosen to be the Home Project. We are the only Presbyterian church in the county of Sligo. Sometimes it can be isolating so we would love you to be praying for this project. Pray that people coming through Haven’s door will get to know Jesus as their Saviour. That they would start a spiritual journey of their own.

Pray that more people will come forward to ask for a Bible.

Theodora Osho who is from South Africa, has lived in Ireland for three years: Haven is a second home for me. The people have been so friendly and they have been there for me and my family. Haven has taken us on trips and they have been good to us, given us school uniforms for the kids to wear. They accommodate everybody.

We come to prayers on Wednesday and the service on Sunday and it is almost similar to back home and my faith has grown.

Please do remember to pray for Sligo Presbyterian Church and their Haven outreach. Follow the Presbyterian Women’s Facebook page for further updates during the year on the Home and Overseas Project.

Scan the QR code to watch the project video

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RESOURCES

INSPI R AT I ONS

2025/26 WOMEN’S MINISTRY RESOURCE

“Taking refuge can sound vulnerable and weak and yet, in the same sentence, strength is mentioned.

We are not to forget how powerful our God is and that he will strengthen us."

– 12 | INSPIRE Summer 2025

O

ver the past few years, we have seen God shaping and moulding us. He desires to see us drawing alongside and encouraging one another, and deepening our friendships, not only with each other but ultimately with him.

In Romans 12:10 the Lord instructs us to, “Be devoted to one another...,” while in Romans 12:2 we are reminded, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

We have also been reminded of our responsibility to share that which God has entrusted to us. “... from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48)

NEW THEMED MUGSGOD... EVER PRESENT

The theme in this issue of Inspirations is God... ever present, taken from Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

This is one of the best-known and most comforting verses in the Bible.

Taking refuge can sound vulnerable and weak and yet, in the same sentence, strength is mentioned. We are not to forget how powerful our God is and that he will strengthen us. “An ever-present help in trouble” leaves us in no doubt that God is there for us.

Some things you will find in this issue are devotions, suggested programmes, and a selection of related Bible verses and worship songs. The devotions look at our need to reflect, meditate, contemplate and have time for stillness and silence. Our programmes offer reflection on some of the main characters in the Bible and their encounters with our God who is ever-present. There are also plenty of additional ideas and activities from which you can choose.

The Inspirations Subgroup prays that you will be encouraged in using this resource. We pray that you and the women you serve will be strengthened and grow together in love and service to one another, your congregation and your community.

Ordering Inspirations God… ever present You can purchase the Inspirations resource online www.presbyterianireland.org/inspirations or through the Presbyterian Women office – pw@presbyterianireland.org or +44 (0)28 9041 7248.

Single copy – £11/ €13 (P&P included) Digital Download PDF – £2 / €2.50

Scan the QR code to visit our resources page

Euro t / 0 1 n £ ivale u q e Grab the perfect accompaniment to reading your copy of Inspire with a branded God … ever present mug in which to enjoy your tea or coffee. The mugs would also make a lovely gift and each comes in its own box - making them super easy to wrap.

Order from the PW office for £10 each plus postage and packaging costs - email pw@presbyterianireland.org or call +44 (0)28 9041 7248.

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GROUP FOCUS In this edition, we travel to Co Antrim to hear about the PW Group in Muckamore Presbyterian Church. Their Leader, Sarah McNie, tells us more.

I

was born and brought up in Monaghan. I am married to Stephen and we have a daughter, Beth. In June 2022, we moved to Muckamore Presbyterian Church, when Stephen was called as the new minister. I was elected as Leader of our PW Group in April 2024 and I also help lead the Muckamore Tots group.

In September 2024, Muckamore PW became known locally as WOVEN. We decided on a name change for our Group and the inspiration for the new name came from Colossians 2:2, “… that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ.” The metaphor of sewing or knitting hearts together in love implies unity among believers. Our goal in this unity is mutual knowledge, wisdom and confidence in our Christian walk.

We meet once a month, bringing along 50-70 women to our enjoyable programme.

IN MUCKAMORE

– 14 | INSPIRE Summer 2025

As part of our planning, we follow Presbyterian Women themes and support the PW Mission Fund, Home and Overseas projects, deaconesses and Global Mission workers.

A highlight of this term has been our 75th Anniversary and Christmas celebration held in The Carrie Restaurant in Kells. We had a beautiful meal and some games. All the ladies received a gift to remember the anniversary.

A member of our committee made a fabulous cake including the current logo of the PW theme, Entrusted, with a circle of entwined flowers. This was then cut by past and present leaders of Muckamore PW, Margaret Dean, Jennifer Marks and myself.

At our annual PW service in 2023 we had a visit from Keith Preston from The International Meeting Point in Belfast.

Following the service, we were given the opportunity to serve by visiting the meeting point and providing a hot meal for 130 people, and also bringing some tasty traybakes for tea and coffee afterwards.

We met some of the staff and volunteers at the centre and they explained some of the other ways they help those in need.

This was a great way for our women to practically serve. The International Meeting Point is open to offers of groups to cook or provide food.

In December 2023, our church held a Christmas Tree festival in aid of various local and overseas missions and charities. Each organisation was given the task to create a Christmas tree that reflected the aims of their organisation. After much deliberation, we decided to assemble a tree full of knitted hats. Our idea stemmed from an evening service taken by Jaeguen Bae, the Dublin Port Mission Chaplain from Seamen’s Christian Friends Society (SCFS).

"Many friendships have been woven across generations throughout the years, as we have shared with each other in our faith and walk with God." the services the Prison Fellowship NI provide for prisoners, their families and also the aftercare services available from their volunteers and staff.

The PW has always been well supported in Muckamore, with women of all ages coming together. Many friendships have been woven across generations throughout the years, as we have shared with each other in our faith and walk with God. Andrea and Rachel Fothergill are a mother and daughter who regularly attend Woven together. I asked them how they felt about attending as two generations of the one family.

Andrea expressed, “it’s vitally important to show (Rachel) the working out of our faith and the bigger family she’s part of.” When asked, Rachel said, “Be the change you want to see. Woven is a place for women of all ages and I choose to stand with my sisters in Christ, showing that every woman, no matter her age, is welcome at the heart of God. I love going with Mum because we get to share our faith together in love, woman to woman, not just mum and daughter.” As a committee we are thankful women have a space to come to, to share their faith and strengthen our relationships.

Back in the summer of 2024, while planning for this year at Woven, as a committee our aim was to incorporate every age and stage.

We carefully chose our speakers and those we would invite so that everyone would gain something from our nights together.

In September 2024, we started our term off with a visit from Roberta Campbell, a ceramic artist and owner of The Clay House in Rathfriland. Everyone made two Christmas decorations, these were fired and glazed and back with us in time for Christmas. We have had speakers from various walks of life and with various backgrounds. We have covered topics like mental health, fitness and health, and local Christian entrepreneurs, who all share from God’s Word. We have found the Inspirations resource book very helpful in planning our meetings and we regularly used the devotional material to focus on the theme of Entrusted.

I would encourage anyone considering going to their PW Group to take the step and go. I have made some strong and fruitful relationships in our group that I may not have if I hadn’t gone.

We are encouraged by what has already happened in our fellowship but also look ahead to new things that the Lord is going to do. We are trusting in God’s guidance as we plan for the next term, considering welcoming and innovative ways to challenge and encourage our women in Muckamore.

Jaeguen takes many donations of knitted hats each year to the workers on ships that dock in Dublin port. By choosing this design idea, it encouraged our women who have a talent for knitting and it was a learning experience for others in taking up a new hobby. We met one Saturday morning to start our knitting, and we called upon one of our experienced Woven members to give us some lessons. The task was then given to the committee to assemble the tree.

Following the Christmas tree festival, 149 knitted hats were given to Jaeguen for his Christmas visits to the seafarers.

At our annual PW service this year, we welcomed Dean Moore from Prison Fellowship Northern Ireland, who is based in Maghaberry Prison, as our guest speaker. During the service, Dean spoke to the children on the story of Zacchaeus, shared his insights into his daily routine in Maghaberry Prison and helpfully explained

– 15

BIBLE STUDY

READ

w Matthe 0 2 6 28:1

MISSION POSSIBLE "I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS TO THE END OF THE AGE"

– 16 | INSPIRE Summer 2025

As we start our new Presbyterian Women theme of God… ever present, Heather Cochrane takes us through the last verses of Matthew 28 often referred to as The Great Commission. Heather was a global mission worker with PCI for over 20 years. She served for 7 years in Brazil and 15 years in Portugal in a church planting ministry. She is married to James, now the minister of Ravenhill Presbyterian Church, and they have two adult daughters. Heather is currently serving as the Ireland Coordinator for Latin Link.

I

think we have all felt lonely at one time or another. A busy work schedule can isolate us from those around, or ill health can confine us to the home. Or what about moving to a new town or to a new job? Surrounded by people yet feeling alone. We may face loneliness from time to time but, as believers, we can rejoice in the fact that we are never truly alone. God accompanies us during periods of illness, difficulty, change, and uncertainty. He is present with us wherever we are called to live out our faith and serve him.

I wonder how the disciples felt as Jesus gathered them at that significant moment, after his resurrection and just before his ascension, to give them instructions on how to carry on the mission he had begun (Matthew 28:16-20). Did they feel alone as they contemplated going into the world without the physical presence of Jesus? Or overwhelmed as they thought about the enormity of the task that lay before them? Or afraid of the opposition, rejection or persecution they would inevitably face? There was perhaps a sense of hesitancy and uncertainty as Jesus gathered them on the mountain in Galilee that day.

Jesus called his small band of followers to continue his mission in the world: the mission of making disciples, by going to all nations, preaching and baptising. What a huge undertaking! How could they even consider making disciples of all nations, taking the gospel into the world, preaching and teaching, without their Lord at their side?

But do you notice how the instructions of the Great Commission are nestled between two amazing assurances?

Firstly, in Matthew 28:18 “all authority in heaven and earth has been given to me”. There is nothing in heaven or on earth that does not fall under Jesus’ authority. Everyone in every place is accountable to him. Jesus was not sending out the disciples in their own strength but in his power. And the second assurance, “And behold I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20), must have spurred them on and given them great courage. They could be confident that they would not be alone because Jesus, the great Immanuel (which means “God with us”), had promised to be with them. They were being sent out in the power and the presence of the risen Lord!

The promise to be with them echoes God’s promises throughout the Bible. Just as God promised Moses “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12) when he called him to lead Israel out of Egypt, he would also be with the disciples as they were sent out to fulfil his mission among the nations. As God promised Joshua that he would never leave him or forsake him (Deuteronomy 31:6), the disciples could be confident that they would not be alone as they continued the mission Jesus began. There are many examples of God calling and promising to be with his people as they were sent out in mission (e.g. Judges 6:16 and Jeremiah 1:8).

As we continue to fulfil God’s mission in the world today, we can be confident that Jesus will be with his church, mobilising it for mission. As we seek to make disciples and live as God’s ambassadors on earth, we should be encouraged to know that his presence will sustain us no matter what reaction we face or what difficulties come our way.

Pause for thought: How do you feel as you consider the enormity of the Great Commission?

What does fulfilling the Great Commission mean in your context?

As we recall God’s presence with his servants in the past, in what ways does this encourage us as we serve him today?

We are all called to share the good news of Jesus with our friends, daily contacts, work colleagues, neighbours and family wherever we are.

It is not always an easy task, but we should not forget that the power and presence of the risen Lord will be with us. For over 20 years, an overseas context was where the Lord called me to make disciples. So many times, I felt inadequate, fearful and lacking in courage.

Whether it was trying to strike up gospel conversations with parents at the school gate; or feeling overwhelmed with the task of planting a church in a city where I knew no one; or approaching passersby on the street to ask them to participate in a survey about the Christian faith; or waiting anxiously to see if that person we invited to come and explore faith actually turned up; or sharing an evangelistic message with a group of unchurched women. In all these moments, it was the assurance of God’s power and presence that sustained me.

The promise Jesus gave the disciples is complete. He said, “I am with you always”. In every situation and no matter where God has placed us - in the workplace or school room, in Ireland or Portugal or Brazil, in the home or the coffee shop, the Good Shepherd is with us, leading, strengthening and enabling. As we make disciples, we can be sure that Jesus walks alongside us until the end of the age, until the end of history itself, until he returns! This promise is eternal. His presence is ongoing. What a privilege to participate with God in his mission, a mission that will not fail, because Jesus has won the victory and triumphed over death. It’s a mission that is not impossible because we go in his power and with his presence in obedience to his Word.

Pause for thought: In what situations have you felt fearful about sharing the good news of Jesus? How can you overcome this fear?

Knowing that we go in his power and with his presence, what will we do this week in obedience to the Great Commission in our context?

The Great Commission and its accompanying assurances of Jesus’ power and presence are for the church in every age.

– 17

A REFLECTION

SHEPH Lyrics by Amanda Cook In the process, in the waiting You're making melodies over me And Your presence is a promise For I am a pilgrim on a journey.

And You will lift my head above the mighty waves You are able to keep me from stumbling And in my weakness You are the strength that comes from within Good Shepherd of my soul Take my hand and lead me on.

You make my footsteps and my path secure So walking on water is just the beginning Cause my faith to arise, stand at attention For You are calling me to the greater things.

Oh, how I love You, how I love You You have not forsaken me Oh, how I love You, how I love You With You is where I want to be.

You never leave me, no In every season of the soul You never leave me, no.

SCAN QR CODE TO LISTEN

– 18 | INSPIRE Summer 2025

HERD

– 19

QUICK QUESTIONS

MINISTRY THROUGH MUSIC & SONG

– 20 | INSPIRE Summer 2024

QUICK QUESTIONS WITH –

ERIN MCBRIDE & EMMA SMYTH Erin McBride and Emma Smyth are familiar faces for many readers as they have led worship at the Presbyterian Women’s Annual Conference now for many years. We find out a little more about them in our Quick Questions feature.

Erin and Emma, it is always a joy to have you lead the conference in worship. We thought it would be a good opportunity to hear from you both and thank you for the time taken to answer our Quick Questions.

Have you always been interested in music?

At what age did you start learning to play instruments?

Emma I’ve always loved music, especially singing.

We have lots of embarrassing childhood videos full of singing performances! I did learn piano for one year when I was about 9, but didn’t enjoy practising. Just before I had my kids I went to a friend for about a year to learn again, and I play a bit in church with our women’s ministry, but mostly I leave it to the more accomplished players!

Erin I have grown up around music. Mum sang and dad played the drums in a showband so I started learning piano and French Horn from the age of 7.

Tell us a bit about where you lead worship?

Emma I’ve been part of leading worship in Ballyloughan Presbyterian in Ballymena for about 9 years, usually singing but occasionally playing piano. I work alongside our worship coordinator, planning and leading worship in our Sunday services, special events, women’s ministry, and kid’s services. Before this I belonged to Wellington Presbyterian and enjoyed being part of the worship team there.

Erin That leads nicely to me! That’s how we know each other - I coordinate the worship and music in Welllington in Ballymena and have been worshipping there my whole life.

Continues...

– 21

QUICK QUESTIONS

How do you choose songs to sing at the PW Annual Conference - how do you try to incorporate the theme? Has there been times when that has been a difficult task?

Emma Usually we get the theme through from Pauline (Kennedy, PCI Women’s Ministry and PW Development Officer) and spend a bit of time thinking it over and praying over the theme before Erin and I meet together to discuss songs. As we know that there are women coming from a wide range of churches, each with their own range of worship songs, we try to pick a mix of songs.

We incorporate well known hymns and songs that prepare us to come into God’s presence, to worship our Father and King, and we try to include a few newer pieces that we hope everyone will find uplifting and can hopefully take home with them.

We choose our ministry pieces based on the theme and (hopefully!) on what the guest speaker will be touching on, with a view to give us time to reflect on what we’ve heard and respond to God. Erin Yes, Emma and I usually think the theme through separately and then meet up to finalise the choices and what songs we feel fit best with the theme. At the time it might not be so clear to us why we choose certain songs until the actual event when everything ties together and we see God’s hand having guided the choices.

What has been your biggest encouragement to date in leading worship? Are there any standout, goosebump moments?

Emma Looking back, I can see how God has been working in me, preparing me and guiding me closer to him through worship and bringing others into that worship space.

It’s so lovely to be asked to lead worship with the Presbyterian Women’s conference, and I always find it so encouraging and uplifting – to be together with so many women worshipping God together is a very special experience.

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Our minister took us through a series on worship last year and it totally changed my outlook and love for worship. Worship isn’t just singing - when we engage in true and genuine worship we are coming before the throne of God, surrendering ourselves to him, and it creates an opening for the Holy Spirit to move mightily in and through us.

Whether we feel like worshipping or not, when we engage in it God blesses us richly.

Erin It’s so hard to choose a stand out moment when leading worship. Any moment where you feel the church is responding in worship to God as one body and one mind is a moving moment.

Have there been times when you have a set plan for songs and then something happens and you decide to change songs based on what a speaker has shared?

Emma I’ve had a few moments in our worship and prayer evenings when we’ve started playing

God was away ahead of me and the songs that we had in place were even more suited to this message. The worship in singing that day was brilliant as the congregation really responded to God’s Word.

How can we pray for you both in your roles that you have leading worship?

Emma Please pray that God would give us wisdom to lead in worship and discern his will so that we can lead our congregations into a deeper connection with him. Pray for unity in our teams, that we would set differences aside and be of one heart and mind for God. Pray also for spiritual growth, strength and endurance to continue serving with passion and authenticity.

I am encouraged by the words in 1 Peter 4:11: “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

“We incorporate well known hymns and songs that prepare us to come into God’s presence, to worship our Father and King...” and singing through a random song during our rehearsal time and then it actually worked in really well with what we were praying about and we’ve used our ‘random’ song instead of what we had planned. There have been other times we’ve planned a few songs and at the start of the service we’ve felt we need to sing something totally different to what we had planned, or finishing up on something we hadn’t planned to and after we knew it had been the Spirit leading us.

Erin It’s so hard to choose a stand out moment when leading worship but there was a time recently when our minister felt before the service that God wanted him to preach a different message. There was no time to change any songs but I was preparing myself through the sermon to make some changes.

The more he spoke, the more I realised that

Erin Please pray that we continue to be open to God’s voice and leading. The area of worship can be one which causes division due to preference and expectation and what we try to do is to bring people together in the worship of a God who is so kind and patient with us. To take the focus off us and our desires and on to the One who created us and knows our every thought... so that our thoughts as we sing are more of him, and what a privilege it is to approach him with our worship. Pray that we continue to lead that sensitively, whilst always open to the Spirit’s leading.

Thank you Erin and Emma for sharing your thoughts with Inspire readers. We are so grateful that you are willing to share the talent that God has given you both to lead worship and we wish you every blessing in your church families.

BOOK REVIEW

PUBLISHED BY

The Language of Rivers and Stars

By Seth Lewis Edited by J.A. Medders Have you ever considered that the reason why we feel so connected in nature is because that’s what nature is specifically designed to do?

It is made to connect us to our Maker. It doesn’t use words, but it still communicates. Powerfully. It declares, proclaims, reveals and speaks to the ends of the earth - because there isn’t one tiny corner of this planet that isn’t filled up and overflowing with God’s creative wonders.

This is an extract from the newly published book by Pastor and author Seth Lewis. The book helps us to experience God and the beauty of creation in an even deeper way by giving us a biblical understanding of what God is saying to us through the world he has created for us.

As we view the plants, the animals, the skies, the earth, the seas and everything else God has created through the lens of His Word, we will experience heartfelt joy as we worship him for who he is and what he has made.

So take the time to slow down and enjoy the gift of God’s world as you interpret it through the gift of God’s Word. These reflections can be used devotionally.

“This beautiful book takes us on a journey of discovering, interpreting and ultimately responding to God’s marvellous communication in the natural world. Seth Lewis’s language is often enchanting, but his main goal is to invite each of us into relationship with the greatest wonder of all: creation’s author. This is winsome work - evocative, personal, well informed and compelling. Writing at its best.”

Sharon Jones, Lecturer, Stranmillis University College, and Belfast School of Theology

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INSPIRE CAREERS

FINDING YOUR

CREATIVE NICHE Tracey Johnston is a ceramic landscape artist based in County Down and is currently the artist in residence at Castle Espie. Here she tells her inspiring account of going to university at a later stage in life and how she has developed a love for ceramic, discovering her special gift from God in the process.

M

y husband Alan and I served in Italy for four years with PCI. We went at a time when the evangelical churches in the North of Italy were becoming established.

Alan was the associate pastor with Andrea Artioli who had planted the church and I was going out to help with bookkeeping and the literature aspect of Coram Deo, PCI’s partner organisation in Italy.

My experience working in Faith Mission bookshops proved to be a real blessing!

Presbyterian Women were outstanding when we were in Italy.

Our church was a PW special overseas project and the money from that project bought a new kitchen that is still being used and enjoyed today. The Members of the PW Strategy and Coordination Committee came out before the project began to see what it was like for the Italian women in our church. On one particular occasion a number of them came out of one of our Bible studies in tears - they saw the hunger of women, some of whom travel from Milan to Mantova (two hours) to hear the Word of God. The church service could last over two hours on a Sunday, yet everyone enjoyed spending time together, eating together and studying God’s Word long after the end of the service. Italy really taught me that our primary focus as Christians should be worship on Sundays and attending the Bible study - anything else we do is a bonus - these are the fundamentals.

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I felt so supported because of the United Appeal. Mission is one of PCI’s strongest elements. The congregation in Railway Street in Lisburn did a lot of work too and even came out to visit us. Their team arrived the day I had come back to Italy just after my dad had died. It was wonderful to have them around me, especially that week.

I had zero Italian before I went out. Alan was better with languages as he had studied Greek and Hebrew at Union, and had a French A level. However, I was able to help the Simeon Trust translate their publications. Once it was transcribed into English, they could send it to other countries in different languages. I also worked on translating the Jesus Storybook Bible. It has a running theme so I worked with two translators to retain the poetic nature of the book.

Someone once said to me, “Tracey, you do lots of things well but you don’t master anything.” That was an important thing for me to hear. I had always enjoyed arts and crafts and decided to look at clay. I signed up for a night class and as soon as I touched the clay I knew! That was it - I had found my subject to try and master!

Continues...

– 25

CAREERS

It wasn’t easy adjusting when we came home from Italy - I decided to apply for university for the first time! I was accepted and went to University of Ulster, York Street as a mature student studying Arts. After attaining my degree, I was offered the position of graduate in residence for a year and at the same time I also trained for the Associate Fellowship in Higher Education education for adults, so that I would be qualified to teach. I now take the Tuesday evening class at Ulster University and also teach a class in Newtownards.

One of thirteen projects that I completed during my degree was based on Nendrum. It is a monastic site on Mahee Island on Strangford Lough. The ruins of the old monastery once had a bell tower whose bell rang out to mark the time of day but also to warn of approaching danger. The monastery was attacked by the Vikings when they arrived in Ireland but the beautiful hand-built walls are still partially standing. Nature has grown a layer of lichen over the stone, almost purifying it with white and preserving its history. The pot which I created based on this site reflects the black stone and the white lichen.

I enjoy studying Anthropology in art – the many ways in which people interact with the landscape and nature. There is an explanation for the beauty that we see. There is a reason why we swim in the waters, why we walk for our mental health etc Castle Espie has a history of pottery and brick works. A woman in one of my classes who worked in Castle Espie asked me to come and do a clay based project. While I was there, I mentioned to the centre manager, if they had ever considered having an Artist in residence in Castle Espie? For the next year or so we talked about the potential of this happening. They had a bothy in the courtyard with a grass roof that wasn’t being used at that time so they installed electricity and heating, and I moved in on 1st May 2024 as the artist in residence. The partnership is working well, and I am currently based there three days a week. The public are welcome to come in and see me working on the wheel, chat and ask questions. It is good to have this level of public exposure as an artist and I am surrounded by the incredible wetlands and wildlife in this stunning part of County Down.

"God’s hands are always on us. God made the clay, so he is the only one that can work the clay as he desires."

It’s never too late. It is such a privilege to get a higher-level education.

I really wanted to learn and I was fully invested in my degree course.

Back when I was younger growing up during the troubles, university sadly wasn't an option for me. Ironically, I probably would have studied Business Studies!

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It was lovely having the support of my grown-up kids who had all been to university before me! Over the past four years I’ve created the Ulster Tatler Awards designing and making a different piece for the winners each year. It can be stressful finishing some commissions that come my way. I offer pottery throwing sessions for Christian couples who are getting married - they each make their bowls and then the two halves are put together and glazed to make a complete jar and decorated with things which are personal to them.

When you put clay on the wheel, it needs to be brought to the centre. Lumps in clay can mark the vessel you are making. If the clay is too hard, it becomes difficult to centre. In many ways, as the book of Jeremiah reminds us, we are the clay, God is the potter. If we are too hard spiritually, God will find it hard to use us. If we are too soft and lukewarm spiritually, then equally, how can God use you? The centre is the gospel truth and that is where we need to be. We need to live our lives that way.

There is a beautiful harmony with the clay when it is centred, and I can make it into a vessel. That’s how we need to be with God - he can form his vessel when we are in tandem with him, and remain in the centre. God’s hands are always on us. God made the clay, so he is the only one that can work the clay as he desires. We will have wobbles in our lives but God will always make the beautiful vessel he intended to make.

'The Scripture reference and inspiration for these floating jars is from Deuteronomy 33:27, "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”

I also make floating jars and these go in the water with me for a swim in Strangford Lough before they are sold! Each floating jar contains unique markings – in just the same way that we are all marked by life. Whatever happens to us, we still float with God’s protection and hand upon us. The Scripture reference and inspiration for these floating jars is from Deuteronomy 33:27, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."

I grew up in Dungannon and didn’t come from a church background.

As a teenager, I found myself going to a holiday Bible club and God spoke to me and I knew I needed to give my life to him. I met Alan through the CE in Dungannon Presbyterian Church. It’s amazing how God works. Our three kids are serving Jesus in their own way - we have so much to be thankful for.

I would love to have an exhibition that travels around the country.

It would be great to form a collective of Christians who can exhibit their work together. It isn’t always easy being an artist in Northern Ireland. You have to diversify all the time in order to make a living from art. I will need to invest in a new kiln at some point and that is a massive outlay. I am blessed to have the Castle Espie gift shop where I am able sell my products as well as on my own website and in Craft Gallery NI.

Tracey Johnston Ceramics Follow on Social Media @Ceramicstracey www.traceyjohnstonceramics.com

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ANNIVERSARY Sandra

Wilma

CELEBRATING

50 YEARS OF THE WOMEN’S STUDY FELLOWSHIP AT THE BELFAST SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY Debbie Colvin, Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator of the Women’s Study Fellowship (WSF) at the Belfast School of Theology, formerly Belfast Bible College, tells us about their Monday morning course and interviews some current students.

PAST It is with joy that we reflect on the great things the Lord has done through WSF in the last 50 years. Psalm 126:3, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy”.

Join us in thanking the Lord for all the women who have been part of the story of Women’s Study Fellowship (WSF) since 1975.

It started with four women and was originally designed to enable the wives of full-time students to study. Over time, the Monday morning studies grew to become a formal course, attracting women from outside the student body who had a desire to know God better by studying his Word with other women.

Katie, from Bloomfield Presbyterian, is the Assistant Coordinator and a former student of WSF. Her life has become enriched as she studied and journeyed alongside other women and grew in faith, knowledge and love of the Lord Jesus. We believe many other former WSF students would agree!

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Victoria

PR E SE N T We also rejoice in what the Lord is doing in the lives of the current students. Every Monday, from 9:40am to 1.00pm, 36 women from a variety of denominations, ages and stages of life, meet to devote a morning to worship, study and fellowship.

Let’s hear how WSF is making an impact on the lives of three students: Sandra, from Annalong Presbyterian, Wilma, from Templepatrick Presbyterian and Victoria from Drumreagh Presbyterian.

How has WSF contributed to your understanding of God’s Word?

Wilma: WSF has opened up God’s Word to me in ways that I would not have thought possible, not only directly through the teaching of the tutors on a Monday morning, but it also has given me the tools and skills to enable me to go deeper in his Word as I study on my own.

Sandra: The teaching has enriched my life by going deeper to study the Bible in ways that connects God’s Word regardless of what stage we may be at in our walk with God. Victoria: We have studied books in the OT and NT each term and I am amazed how each book, chapter and verse are linked together. We are challenged to read the Bible as though we are hearing it with the people for the first time, how they would have linked the OT to the parables and letters.

How has it helped you personally and in your service in your local church?

Sandra: These months at WSF have encouraged me to apply and share these gospel truths with others in church and within my community.

Victoria: During the first year we had to complete 8-10 hours field term service within our church family. We are blessed at Drumreagh as there are many people who are keen to help out. I have links to social services, so I founded a WhatsApp group of 35 people within the church who wanted to support families, carers and children in care.

Wilma: Since joining WSF I have grown deeper in my faith and feel much more confident about studying God’s Word on my own and sharing what I have learned with others. I feel this has helped me in leading a small group. Field work, serving in my local church, helped me to see there were other ways I could serve in addition to what I had already been doing.

What do you struggle with?

Sandra: Being totally honest I’m not always excited about reading and studying certain parts of the Bible but the WSF tutors have helped us in our studies to see the joy that can be found when we read those parts as a visual picture of what God’s Word can do in us and through us.

Victoria: Fitting in essays with a full-time job and home commitments can be a struggle but you do enjoy the essays and the learning you receive from them just adds to the course.

Wilma: Before I started WSF, I was concerned about the assignments, not having written an essay for many years.

However, I have really enjoyed reading around the topics and found it helps to reinforce what we have been learning, as well as increasing my knowledge.

What have been your highlights?

Sandra: Meeting with the other women from different churches to study and have fellowship together has been lovely but also being able to share our joys, our trials and struggles over a coffee and then praying for one another - that has been a privilege.

The tutor’s passion for teaching God’s Word has been so inspiring and encouraging as we apply this learning to serve in this contemporary world.

Victoria: You can sit in church or be at a conference and you start connecting parts of the Bible together that you learned at WSF. Wilma: In addition to the fantastic teaching we get from tutors who so obviously love the Lord, the fellowship with the other women is amazing. It is great to spend time together; getting to know one another, learning from one another, praying together, encouraging each other, sharing life’s ups and downs. Each of us comes from different backgrounds and is at a different stage in our walk with God but it is wonderful to see how he is at work in all our lives.

Each of these ladies experience the benefits of giving up their time to study God’s Word every Monday. The Apostle Peter urges his readers to “grow in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ” 2 Peter 3:18.

WSF provides a community which nurtures spiritual growth through hearing from his Word in such a way that we will not only hear but are transformed to be more like Jesus and equipped to live for and serve him wholeheartedly.

FUTURE Praise the Lord that we can look ahead with hope in the expectation that God will do even more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21). We would love you to come and join us at WSF. To apply, please go onto the Belfast School of Theology webpage www.bst.ac.uk/wsf/ to get more information and the application form.

If you have questions about the course, please contact us by email at wsf@bst.ac.uk and we will gladly answer any query. Thank you!

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THANKSGIVING

GRATEFUL HEART Summer 25

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise, give thanks to him and praise his name. – Psalm 100:4 (NIV)

DOWN LINK Over 100 women attended Down LINK Women’s Breakfast held in March at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Boardmills. Roberta Irvine, Deaconess from Elmwood in Lisburn shared her story of ‘Fear, Faith and a House’.

Shirley Lennon, Downpatrick PW spoke about their PW's Holocaust Memorial project, and Ellen Hillen, PW President, shared about her recent mission visit to Hungary and Ukraine.

– 30 | INSPIRE Summer 2025

TELL YOUR STORIES

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

TYRONE LINK Tyrone LINK held their annual breakfast in the Royal Hotel in Cookstown. Over 145 women from all over the presbytery attended. The speaker for the morning was Rebecca Parnell from The Leprosy Mission. Rebecca was an inspiring and informative speaker. It was great to hear about the work of The Leprosy Mission in their 150th anniversary year.

Everyone enjoyed a morning of food, fellowship and meeting old and new friends.

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THANKSGIVING

FIRST RATHFRILAND First Rathfriland Presbyterian Women celebrated their 75th anniversary with a special service in February which was followed by an afternoon tea for the whole congregation to enjoy. The guest speaker was Lindsay Gibson.

MONAGHAN LINK The Monaghan Presbytery PW LINK held a ‘Praise & Pudding Night’ in Newbliss Presbyterian Church in April. The guest speaker was Margaret Meekin from the Postal Bible School.

ORRITOR Orritor PW had the pleasure to present Beverley Black with a gift for 40 years of faithful service as treasurer of the PW Group and to mark her dedication to serving on committee for this length of time.

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IVEAGH LINK

Almost 100 ladies from Iveagh Presbytery attended a coffee morning in Castlewellan Presbyterian Church held in March. This was hosted by the ladies of Castlewellan PW and the speaker was PW President Ellen Hillen. The donations collected were for the support of Paul and Rebia Stevens who work for Crossroads Foundation in Hong Kong.

The LINK also held their Annual Rally in Third Presbyterian Church, Rathfriland in April and Pauline Kennedy, PCI Women’s Ministry and PW Development Officer, was the guest speaker.

Photographed above with Pauline are Sheila Malcomson, LINK Leader and Jeannie Bell, LINK Secretary.

FIRST KILRAUGHTS

First Kilraughts Presbyterian Women Group recently celebrated their 90th anniversary with a meal in the Brown Trout, Coleraine. We had a lovely time of fellowship together, giving thanks for God’s faithfulness to us all as a Group.

In October 1934, Rev FA Robinson’s wife Ruth formalised women’s ministry in First Kilraughts by starting a monthly meeting of the WMA [Women’s Missionary Association]. Prior to that, (1890’s on), Kilraughts was the first Church in the Presbytery to support Foreign Missions through Mission Boxes with an ‘Annual Box Opening’ night.

We were delighted to welcome Pauline Kennedy, PCI Women’s Ministry and PW Development Officer, to speak at our recent PW Service and we continue to give thanks and pray for all those on PW Panel as they lead and direct the work.

We give thanks and praise to God for his blessing on women’s ministry in Kilraughts over the past 90 years and as we celebrate, we pray that we will faithfully carry on this good work.

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GLOBAL MISSION OVERSEAS NEWS Personnel News Volker Glissmann undertook deputation in Ireland during March and has returned to Blantyre, Malawi. Pray for stability in Malawi in the run up to September’s General Election and wisdom for its leaders.

Naomi Leremore undertook a period of deputation from 6 – 27 March and has returned to Nairobi, Kenya. Pray for Naomi’s work in Theological Education by Extension in the Presbyterian Church of East Africa.

Neil and Jenny Stewart were commissioned for service in Bilbao, Spain in Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church in Bangor on 13 April and were due to travel to Spain at the end of April. Pray for Neil and Jenny and their three children as they adjust to life in Bilbao and begin their service with the Basque Country Project Team in teaching, discipleship and church planting.

Diane Cusick is due to be on deputation in Ireland in September and October. Pray for her work, for both teachers who are trained and the children who benefit from their new knowledge. Pray also for Diane’s health and energy levels.

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.

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Overseas Visits Rev Dr Liz Hughes, former Global Mission Council Convener and Heather Clements, Global Mission Committee Convener visited Lebanon from 1 – 7 April to attend a WCRC Europe Women’s Conference, hosted by the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, entitled, “The Unheard Voice: women’s persevering witness in war”. The conference included participants from Ukraine, Lebanon, Syria, Hungary and Ireland.

Helen Johnston, PCI’s Mission Support Officer (Member Care) visited Hungary from 28 – 31 March. She spent time with Csaba and Ilona Veres, seeing their work in church planting in Bodaszőlő, as well as meeting with the leadership of the Reformed Church in Hungary, Transtibiscan District.

Helen Johnston and Rev Stephen McCracken, Global Mission Council Convener travelled to Nepal from 4 – 19 May to attend the General Assembly of the United Mission to Nepal. They also visited UMN projects in the Rukum East cluster.

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

GLOBAL PRAYER DIARY NAOMI KEEFE

DIANE CUSICK

Olinda, Brazil Mission: Church based community development and evangelism

Lusaka, Zambia Mission: Early childhood education

• Pray for the June festivities of St John the Baptist and St Peter. These are an opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus using the message of both John and Peter of Repentance and Faith in Jesus.

• Continue to pray for all the evangelistic activities in the communities of Peixinhos and Beberibe and for energy for all the volunteers. Pray too for some more volunteers to help.

• Pray for the ongoing training sessions using Sam Dohertý's book on The Principles of Teaching as a starting point for the sessions.

• Diane has a fractured vertebrae near the base of her spine and she has had to wear a back brace. Please pray for Diane’s back to heal completely and that she would have more appetite and energy to go about her daily work.

• Pray for the teachers that they understand the new syllabus and will be able to roll it out to the children effectively.

• Pray for the work at Muchini toilet project and Kabushi school building, that it will be done to a high standard.

GLOBAL MISSION WORKERS Naomi Keefe Brazil Da Caixa Postal 73 Codigo da agencia 32300018 AC Central Recife Avenida Guararapes 250 CEP 50010970 Brazil

Csaba & Ilona Veres Hungary Vörösmárty Mihály u. 18 Hajdúböszörmény 4220 Hungary

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

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

Gary & Mary Reid c/o Mission Department

Neil & Jenny Stewart Spain Calle Estartetxe 8, 4D 48940 Leioa Spain

Diane Cusick Zambia

Stephen & Angelina Cowan Kenya

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

Volker & JinHyeog Glissmann Malawi PO Box 30048 Chichiri Blantyre 3 Malawi

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

PCEA Tuum PO Box 13 Baragoi via Maralal 20601 Kenya

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Present... in prayer Saturday 13 September 2025 From 10am – 1pm Clogherney Presbyterian Church, Omagh Guest Speaker: Rev Mariann Gilicze Being present in prayer with God is the essence of our lives. It’s what gives us strength in troubles, hope in loss, and power to live each day. Being present in prayer with the One who knows us completely gives us joy.

And yet, for many of us, prayer feels hard and we often struggle to be still, to be present.

How can we grow in prayer individually and together with others, in our groups, in our church and in our community?

At this event we will think biblically as we seek to address key areas such as when to pray, what to pray and how we can pray more effectively. We will look at creative ways to overcome our fears and insecurities as we grow a deeper desire to fuel everything we do by being present in prayer.

Register today - scan the QR code Come and join with us as we explore and encounter being present in prayer together.

To find out more, visit: www.presbyterianireland.org/pw