Presbyterian Herald February 2018

FEBRUARY 2018

Amy A life &

legacy of grace

#noquestionof flimits

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WHY DOES A LOVING GOD ALLOW SUFFERING? DOESN’T EVOLUTION DISPROVE GOD? AREN’T ALL RELIGIONS BASICALLY THE SAME? WHY DOES GOD CARE HOW I LIVE?

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CONTENTS | FEBRUARY 2018

FEATURES 16 Amazing grace

The story of Whitehouse Presbyterian Church

18 Investing for the long haul Arklow’s Irish mission worker

20 A lasting legacy

The 150th anniversary of Amy Carmichael’s birth

32 ‘Happily ever after’ Affirming singleness

34 Social media ministry

Embracing modern tools for reaching out

36 Caring for creation

Interview with John Hanson Investing for the long haul p.18

REGULARS 4 6 8 9 13 14 22 23 31 38 40 45

Letters News In this month…

My story Life lessons As I see it Talking points Mission Connect Arthur Clarke Reviews Life in PCI Betsy Cameron

‘Happily ever after’ p.32

CONTRIBUTORS Alf McCreary is an award-winning journalist and author, and religion correspondent for the Belfast Telegraph. An elder emeritus of Whitehouse, he was appointed MBE in 2004 for his services to journalism and charities.

Cover photo: Amy Carmichael sculpture

by Ross Wilson. Photo by Mark A. Bell February 2018 No. 808 £1.00 (€1.20) Published by: The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, Belfast BT1 6DW. T: +44 (0)28 9032 2284 E: herald@presbyterianireland.org W: www.presbyterianireland.org

Caring for creation p.36

Olwyn Mark is Head of Research and Strategic Partnerships at Love for Life. She recently moved back to Lurgan after seven years of studying and teaching in London.

Editor: Sarah Harding Subscriptions and Advertising: Elaine Huddleston; Lisa Skinner; Suzanne Hamilton Design and Layout: Edward Connolly Printing: Nicholson and Bass Ltd.

Jonathan Clarke is the pastor of the Welcome Evangelical Church in Belfast. This is the place that Amy Carmichael started as an outreach centre to mill girls back in 1889.

Rebecca McConnell manages Purple Rain, a public relations company (www.purple-rain.co.uk). She is also a member of First Rathfriland Presbyterian Church.

The views expressed in the features, news reports, letters and book reviews of this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor.

Editorial comment and signed articles do not necessarily contain the official views of the Church, which can be laid down only by the General Assembly. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply endorsement of the goods or services. The Editor reserves the right to decline any advertisement or letter without assigning any reason. Letters may be edited for publication. No correspondence can be entered into regarding non-publication of advertisements or letters.

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

Herald February 2018

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EDITORIAL

LETTERS A vision for small and fruitful

Home

As we begin a new year, most of us will hope and pray for a year ahead where we can enjoy happiness and security for our families and friends. Unfortunately, the future can never be certain and C.S. Lewis helpfully explains why in his book, The Problem with Pain, “The settled happiness and security which we all desire, God withholds from us…

Our Father refreshes us on the journey with some pleasant inns, but will not encourage us to mistake them for home.”

In this world we are not home, but we struggle to remember this and continue to crave comfort, knowing that it can never be permanently achieved. It is our constant challenge to maintain an eternal perspective, no matter where life’s journey takes us.

Amy Carmichael was someone who seemed to grasp this better than most. Even as a young child, she committed her life fully to God and His service. Despite the comfort and security that she knew, growing up in a well-off family, she put others’ needs before her own, stepping out on a missionary journey that was remarkably courageous for a young single woman of her time.

December 2017 marked the 150th anniversary of Amy’s birth. PCI will be holding a special event in April to commemorate her life (details on p.20). In this issue, we look back on the legacy she left; artist Ross Wilson explains his inspiration for his sculpture of Amy which was recently unveiled and now stands outside Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church, Bangor.

Our desire for comfort can discourage us from thinking outside of ourselves, leading us to disregard important issues, such as our attitude to caring for our planet. PCI has a new Stewardship of Creation Panel, created to encourage churches and their members to consider creation care and Rev. John Hanson is its convener. This month Rebecca McConnell interviews John and discovers that he has made a number of lifestyle choices to ensure that he is walking the talk on this crucial topic.

Although this earth is not our final home, it surely must grieve God’s heart that we do not look after it as we ought.

It is perhaps ironic that while we cling to this world and all it offers, we do not nurture and preserve it.

Amy Carmichael lived knowing she was not home yet.

Her following words continue to challenge us of this fact.

“We profess to be strangers and pilgrims, seeking after a country of our own, yet we settle down in the most unstranger-like fashion, exactly as if we were quite at home and meant to stay as long as we could. I don’t wonder apostolic miracles have died. Apostolic living certainly has.”

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Herald February 2018

Dear Editor I refer to the article by David Thompson ‘A Vision for Small and Fruitful’ in the Dec./Jan. Herald. As a congregation, when we look around at other churches, do we need to justify our existence? Especially where there are First, Second and Third Presbyterian churches which have developed under local history and now hold a very low attendance rate with one minister to serve them all. Or in areas where there are several Presbyterian churches within close proximity of each other contesting for the same Presbyterian population.

There may be a need to establish a viability level to be implemented upon all churches in order to arrive at what is required to be an effective and efficient church. We may have churches with small congregations of 50-100 who inhabit churches built in the 19th century which can hold up to 500-1000 people. We are trying to adapt and fit into outsized churches which are simply obsolete for our modernday purposes.

The question is whether this scenario is sustainable? Can we sustain this situation because of dwindling numbers with a diminishing income, spiraling utility bills and the increasing maintenance costs of our buildings? There is one issue that concerns all churches: where, and to what, is God calling our church to go and do? What is our shape to be an effective witness in the community that we serve as Christians? The church is the people and where the people

go the church must follow and be in its proper shape, fit for all purposes in order to follow, seek and serve, bearing fruit in readiness and preparing for the day when Christ returns.

Hugh K. Henderson Carrickfergus

Rt. Rev. Dr. Howard Cromie Dear Editor As a young person growing up in Enniskillen, I was privileged to have Dr. Howard Cromie as my minister. He had a profound influence on many of us at that time.

However, it was as a newly qualified midwife I received a phone call from Dr. Cromie that was to change the course of my life.

Would I be prepared to serve as a missionary in Malawi? I assured him my real interest was India. Before the call ended I had agreed to make contact with the then WMA office in Church House. Thus, began a lifelong connection with India – serving as matron of a mission hospital, meeting and marrying my husband Ted in India, returning on several visits, praying for and supporting our friends within the Church of North India, Gujarat.

This all resulting from a phone call from a very humble servant of God – the late Very Rev. Dr. Howard Cromie.

Margaret Jackson Belfast Dear Editor I have just been reading the tribute to Howard Cromie.

I knew Howard when he ministered at Railway Street, in Lisburn. I lived there for a time. Reading his obituary

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

reminded me of Howard’s year as Moderator. I was on business in Wexford, and attended worship in the local ‘Methodist/Presbyterian’ church.

When the small congregation realised that their visitor was from Lisburn, they were keen to let me know how much the Moderator’s visit had meant to them. Happily, I was able to report this back to Howard. He was deeply touched. We are never fully aware of the seeds we scatter along life’s journey.

Howard Cromie is one of those clergymen who continued to preach, long after retirement.

Paul Clark UTV

Thanks from Christian Aid Dear Editor I am writing with huge appreciation for the support of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland toward Christian Aid’s East Africa Crisis Appeal.

We recently received an additional £61,377 toward our response work. Thank you, your commitment never falters and your kindness continues to encourage and inspire us.

In December 2017, I visited some of our projects, partners and my colleagues in South Sudan, where there has been devastating conflict and a severe food crisis. While I was there I met women and children suffering from the effects of the prolonged food crisis, and saw first-hand the life-saving impact of emergency donations given to Christian Aid. One lady called Reisa told me that she is very worried about her 18-month-old baby

Please note: Letters are limited to 300 words and may be edited for clarity and length. They will only be published in the Herald if the author’s name and address have been supplied to the editor. On request these will be withheld from print. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. The views expressed in the letters are not necessarily those of the Editor or PCI.

boy, as he is not developing and growing as he should.

She knows he is suffering from malnutrition and his growth may be stunted because they cannot access enough food.

I listened to the concerns of many mothers. Most of them had not eaten at all on the day we met. They only have enough food to eat once a day, and even then, they are only eating one ingredient such as sorghum or rice.

What amazed me though, was the wonderful graciousness of everyone I met. Their faith never waivers, despite their hardships.

I was extremely heartened to see the positive impact of the support given to Christian Aid. The donations given are providing families with much-needed cash vouchers to buy food and pay for emergency healthcare, and also seeds and tools to help them grow vegetables. One lady told me that she wouldn’t have survived without this support.

As we settle into the new year, I trust and pray that we will all renew our determination to bring about an end to poverty and continue to strive for equality and justice for all.

Rosamond Bennett CEO Christian Aid Ireland

Tribute to care at Harold McCauley House Dear Editor Our mother Maureen Watson, aged 96 years, was a resident in the Harold McCauley Presbyterian nursing home in Omagh since May 2017 until her passing on Friday, 22nd December 2017. We wish to place on record our appreciation for the high standard of care given to our mother during her time spent there. We too often hear the

negative comments about care for the elderly in our retirement facilities, but we found an exceptional level of love and attention displayed from the manager right through to all the staff. This has been a tremendous support to our family over this past eight months.

Maureen Watson’s daughters June, Heather, Hazel and Paddi Omagh

Social media update PCI has reached over 1000 likes on Facebook.

To keep in touch with all that this happening in the wider Church, search for Presbyterian Church in Ireland and hit the like button. Alternatively, you can follow us on Twitter @pciassembly or keep up to date with the Moderator @PCIModerator

Topical Tweets @4cornersbelfast We are very excited to launch the theme of 4 Corners Festival in 2018: Now. Here. This.

This year’s Festival will be from 1-11 February and will celebrate our city through music, prayer, storytelling, discussion and more. #4Corners2018 @FairtradeUK We’re busy getting everything ready #FairtradeFortnight @pciassembly New #pciblog: ‘Youth Assembly 2018: Passionate Presbyterians’ @pci_ya Helen Hooks & Niamh Rankin describe what will be explored at this year’s youth assembly & encourage other young Presbyterians to take part to make sure their voice is heard. @nickygumbel Look back and thank God. Look forward and trust God. Look around and serve God. Look up and seek God. #HappyNewYear @timkellernyc Everyone in the world is an evangelist. Even telling someone they can’t proselytise is a form of proselytising. @tidesdaily Being yoked to Jesus isn’t burdensome or restrictive, but is restful and freeing. #tidesdaily

Herald February 2018

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NEWS | IN THE ROUND Well-known missionary dies Mary Steele, who served in Ghana as a missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators for over 50 years, has sadly passed away.

Mary, who was a member of Killymurris Presbyterian Church in Ballymena Presbytery, died on 20th December and was well known throughout the Presbyterian Church in Ireland for her long-term devotion to Bible translation and literacy work.

In 2006 this work was recognised by the Queen when Mary was honoured with an MBE for services to linguistics, literacy and Bible translation in Ghana. In 2015 the President of Ghana appointed her as a Member of the Order of the Volta, a national order of merit.

Rev. Uel Marrs, Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s Council for Global Mission, said, “While saddened to learn of Mary’s passing, we do give thanks to God for her life and witness, including over 50 years of dedicated missionary service in which she contributed so much to language development and spiritual formation in Ghana. Mary was truly inspiration to so many.”

Asked in a BBC Northern Ireland interview about her work, Mary declared, “I love the work. I love the people and I love the Lord.”

Kingsmill tweet “deeply wrong” The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has welcomed the resignation of Barry McElduff as Member of Parliament for West Tyrone, following his tweet on the recent anniversary of the Kingsmill Massacre.

A PCI spokesperson said, “In resigning Barry McElduff has done the right thing and bowed to the inevitable. We welcome his resignation and hope that this deeply offensive episode, that hurt so many, will be a salient lesson for all in public leadership.”

In response to Mr. McElduff’s initial tweet, Dr. Norman Hamilton, convener of the Council for Public Affairs, called the incident “deeply wrong” and said that it clearly demonstrated “ethical poverty and a lack of awareness and understanding of the pain that many people are still living with.”

He said, “There is absolutely no doubt that what happened in Kingsmill 42 years ago was one of the darkest moments in our very troubled past. This evil, sectarian act still leaves families grieving for their loss, wanting answers and craving justice for their loved ones...

“This awful episode has been detrimental to the building of better relationships, which is so much-needed in our society at this time. It highlights again the need for all those in public leadership to act with sensitivity and respect.”

Walk to Emmaus anyone?

A three-day experience of spiritual renewal and development is on offer at Dromantine Retreat Centre over coming months.

The Walk to Emmaus includes discussion arising from 15 talks given by clergy and laity

and daily Communion. There will be singing, learning, praying, laughing and maybe even crying. God’s grace is experienced through constant prayer and acts of random kindness. Afterwards there is an opportunity to meet monthly

in an Emmaus small group.

The walking is around the beautiful grounds of Dromantine Retreat Centre. The men’s walk takes place between 15th-18th February and the

woman’s walk is planned for 8th11th March.

Contact http://emmauswalks.ie for further information.

Irish Council of Churches visit European institutions A delegation from the Irish Council of Churches (ICC) made a study visit to the EU institutions recently.

The visit included meetings with officials from the European Commission, MEPs, the Northern Ireland Executive Office, representatives of the task force on Article 50 negotiations with the UK, and the Irish Permanent Representation. It was organised and facilitated by the EU Commission office in Belfast.

ICC president Bishop John McDowell said, “Following meetings with MEPs and EU officials in both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland, the Irish Council of Churches was encouraged to make a visit to the EU institutions to explore issues that are of particular concern to our member churches in an EU context. Under Article 17 of the Lisbon Treaty, the European Union made a commitment to ‘an open, transparent and regular dialogue’ with churches and nonconfessional organisations. This provides a valuable opportunity for faith communities to share concerns with policymakers, and outline the values they believe should shape and inform policy decisions at EU level.

“Our agenda for the visit was wide-ranging, shaped by the many different forms of social outreach being undertaken by our member churches across the island of Ireland. We were keen to learn more about efforts to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society are protected through initiatives such as the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the Social Pillar and the work of the Rights of the Child Unit. In the wider global context, we discussed the efforts of the EU to promote freedom of religion and belief through its External Action Service and the responsibility of member states to ensure refugees are protected in accordance with the Geneva Convention.”

He added, “We were acutely conscious that our visit was taking place during a critical phase in the Article 50 negotiation process. We were encouraged by the level of interest in, and awareness of, the unique

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Herald February 2018

needs and circumstances of Northern Ireland. Those involved in the negotiations from the different EU institutions have clearly devoted considerable time to the study of these questions, and that concern was greatly appreciated by our delegation. What we heard underlined the considerable investment made by the EU in the peace process.

Not only has there been a significant financial investment through the creation of a unique peace-funding model for Northern Ireland, but great attention has been devoted to creating the context in which new relationships can develop, bringing communities together…

Regardless of our political allegiances and national identity, we can all acknowledge that the protection of peace and stability in Northern Ireland is in the best interests of the UK, Ireland and the rest of the European Union.”

IN THE ROUND | NEWS Opt-out system does not increase organ donors, says report Using an opt-out system of ‘presumed consent’ for organ donation will not increase the number of donors, according to a report.

The Welsh government has published its two-year evaluation of presumed consent and the report reveals that it has not had the desired outcome. Far from increasing donors by the projected 25 to 30%, the donation rate of resident Welsh donors has actually fallen.

Spain has been the world leader in organ donation for the last 25 years and does not have a system of presumed consent.

Instead it operates a system of informed consent. It invests in specialist nurses who liaise with the family of the deceased, who, in lieu of specific direction, make the decision on whether to donate the organs in question.

CARE’s Chief Executive Nola Leach said, “This decrease clearly shows that despite all the expense of introducing presumed consent, so far the only evidence that we have of any effect on resident Welsh donors is negative.

“It’s important that we take action to increase the number of organ donations across the UK, but let us put the money into something that has been proven to increase organ donations.

Let’s recruit more specialist nurses so that we can start to see the numbers of people waiting on the transplant list finally start to decrease.”

Award for Both Lives Matter Both Lives Matter (BLM), which seeks to reframe the abortion debate in Northern Ireland, has won the ‘best campaign in Northern Ireland’ category at the Public Affairs Awards for the group’s groundbreaking 100,000 campaign.

Commenting on the win and the late withdrawal of abortion provider BPAS from the awards, Dawn McAvoy, from Both Lives Matter, said, “Both Lives Matter has always been about three things: reframing the abortion debate in Northern Ireland and beyond; advocating for better care and support in pregnancy crisis; and creating a culture which values every women and unborn child.

“We were delighted to be nominated for ‘best campaign’ in our first year. We were surprised and disappointed by the reaction of BPAS and others who essentially put pressure to have BLM excluded from the awards. By withdrawing in protest, they have attempted to make the awards about them rather than a celebration of the great work by all the nominees.”

Initiative aims to help couples manage money better At a time when so many families are experiencing financial pressures, FamilyLife UK (part of Agapé) and Christians Against Poverty (CAP) have announced a new collaboration – to help couples to talk about and handle the impact of money and debt on their relationships.

A Relate survey last year found that money worries was the top (most-identified) pressure on relationships, with 26% of people responding that financial concerns caused a strain on their relationships – a pressure which increases when partners have contrasting relationships to money.

FamilyLife UK and CAP will be working closely together on material for the ‘Money’ module of the Toucan app, an app which can be used individually and together by couples to invest in and strengthen their relationship.

The module is due to be released in autumn 2018.

Dan Lane, Director of Fundraising and Marketing for Christians Against Poverty, said, “Money and finances can become a real challenge and are a leading cause of stress in relationships…

Toucan’s ‘Money’ module is an exciting opportunity for Christians Against Poverty and FamilyLife UK to work together to tackle the impact of finance on relationships.”

Beyond First Portadown First Presbyterian Church Portadown has produced a book based on its mission archives.

Called Beyond First Portadown, the book records the work of 29 members or couples. Six of them served with the Irish Presbyterian Foreign Mission – from Alexander Kerr in 1840 to Brian and Elizabeth Hughes, who returned from Jamaica in 1995. Others worked with missionary societies

in Africa, Asia and Europe and in Argentina, or were directly employed overseas.

Everybody mentioned in the book served overseas for at least two years: the longest for more than 50. The work surveyed includes agricultural development, children’s work, church planting, a variety of health care, running an orphanage and teaching.

Costing £8, the book is available from the church. Email mail@firstportadown.org for further information.

IN BRIEF Many still living in poverty More than 790,000 people are still living in poverty in Ireland, of which over 250,000 are children, according to the latest study from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Commenting, Dr. Seán Healy, director of Social Justice Ireland, said, “Despite an increase in average incomes and other signs of economic recovery, these figures show that a significant proportion of the population is still living in very difficult circumstances.”

Family ties important in wedding plans

New research reveals that almost a third of 18-34 year olds who get married in a church do so in the same one as their parents or grandparents. Almost a fifth of those in the same age group also said that they would be disappointed if they were told that they couldn’t get married in their local church.

The survey, commissioned by specialist insurer Ecclesiastical, shows that local ties run deep for those marrying young. Michael Angell from Ecclesiastical said, “Churches are places people return to again and again to celebrate and commemorate key milestones in their lives.”

CAP launches social franchise Organisations across the UK can now get tools and support to set up a ‘Local Pantry’ community food store.

Developed by Church Action on Poverty and its partners, the initiative will provide organisations with all they need to set up a pantry in their local community.

Pantries help struggling families make their money go further by reducing food shopping bills, providing advice and support and developing skills through volunteering and other opportunities.

Herald February 2018

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IN THIS MONTH...

February 1967

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

The minister – God bless him J.C. Pedlow

…The doctor, the teacher, the veterinary, the dentist, the nurse and those who follow other professions are understood and accepted for their work’s sake and the service they render. Those folks – God bless them.

Generally speaking, the minister, too, can draw upon a deep well of goodwill in the community in which he serves… The advantage in other professions lies in that the boundaries of the job and the responsibilities are clearly defined…Thus they are reasonably preserved from becoming subjects of criticism, the target of caricature… The minister’s task is complicated…

Voices and demands press upon him from so many directions… At the same time he is compelled to withstand pressures from all sorts and conditions of people who cherish their own particular theories of what a minister is and what he is expected to do.

It may be said that his sole responsibility is the preaching of the Word, the administrations of the Sacraments, the offering of prayer and attending to the needs of the congregation. If we add the duties of chairman in various capacities and varied spheres, the duties to presbytery, synod and Assembly, and an ever-growing list of commitments…then we conclude that in the minister we have indeed a rare bird who can somehow cheerfully manage to survive it all…

What is it that prevents him from exploding into disintegration? Who is this man who is caricatured adversely on stage, television and film, who is politely ignored by the sophisticated, tolerated by the intelligentsia and given a wide berth by all who do not want to hear too much about sin and Christ… It should be a salutary and beneficial exploration to take a closer look at the minister – God help him.

Rev. E. Porter, Mrs. Logan, Mrs. Porter, Andrea Nesbitt, Miss Madge McTurk and Mrs. Shannon at the First Broughshane WMA sale which raised £270.

Also from February ’67 8

Herald February 2018

The Beatles release Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields Forever

That evening service T.A. Patterson

Most people admit that we are fighting a losing battle where the Sunday evening service is concerned.

Attendances steadily decrease, and while many efforts are made to keep going by changing the time, introducing new ideas and belabouring those who do come for the absence of those who do not, the general picture is one of despondency.

The trouble, of course, lies in the changing social pattern, rather than in the failure of the church to attract. The morning service has, in most cases, increased as the evening service has decreased in numbers. …The answer does not lie in trying to inject new life into the present form, nor in the minor adjustments that we feel inclined from time to time to make. These have proved ineffectual. We must start, so to speak, from scratch. We must seek to assess the situation and the need while holding both these in the light of the glory of God and the furthering of His kingdom through the proclamation of the gospel…

The primary need, as I see it, is for adult Christian education. What better use for a Sunday evening than equipping people to be the kind of church members that are going to make a vital difference to the life of the church and the life of the community in which they live and work…

Have we enough faith to experiment with God?

Muhammad Ali TKOs Ernie Terrell for the heavyweight boxing title

Petula Clark’s This is my Song was number one

MY STORY...

Rev. Alan Wilson, minister of Ballykelly Presbyterian Church, shares his experiences of outreach in Manchester, on behalf of the organisation Jews for Jesus.

Jews for Jesus

I

n September, I set off to rainy Manchester to meet up with However, the flip side of this were the excuses we use not to tell the rest of the mission team. The team would be working people about Jesus. in the city centre of Manchester, handing out Christian We learnt may things: we were there to win souls not tracts to both Jew and Gentile, in fact, anyone who would arguments; to be ready, gentle, respectful, and yet honest. The be passing. I was also in Manchester with the faint hope that key question to ask once someone stopped to talk was this: who as an ardent City supporter I would get to see the citizens play do you think Jesus is? Once we received the answer we could Liverpool at the Etihad. build from that.

Anyway, casting worldly thoughts aside, I drove a hire car On the Monday, dressed in our high visibility jackets, we hit from the airport and met up with the rest of the team which the streets of Manchester which is a very nice city and serviced included a French girl, two Ukrainians, four English people, a exceptionally well by tram and trains. Over 30,000 tracts were Nigerian, and an American. Everyone was Jewish except myself handed out and around 100 definite contacts were made for and three English women. follow up, including some Jews. The orthodox Jew is hard to I first came into contact with Jews for Jesus ( J4J) when I reach. They keep within their own community and adhere to the asked a guy called Ziggy Rogoff to come teachings of the Torah. In many ways their and demonstrate Christ in the Passover minds are closed to the Messiah through We were there to win at a Good Friday event in Ballykelly. I teachings by the rabbis. Around 20,000 became aware of an outreach event later in souls not arguments; to Jews live in Manchester who do not know the year which I felt I would be interested be ready, gentle, Jesus as their Saviour and Lord. Many of in. Jews for Jesus is the name that lets them are descendants from the pogroms, people know who they are and what they respectful, and yet and holocaust. are about. People often ask: how long has Interestingly most of those who stopped honest.

J4J been around? Answer: since AD32 give to take a tract were young female Muslims or take a year. The joke reminds people and black people. The well-to-do whitethat a minority of Jewish people have always believed and collar workers generally walked on by. We were all well received proclaimed the gospel. They follow in the same tradition. by the Manchester public and many thanked us for a visible Before we hit the streets, we had to do a crash course on Christian witness on the streets as Jehovah’s Witnesses and one-to-one evangelism. This was quite intensive and we looked other cults are ever present. at ways to build our arguments from the book of Acts, where Jews for Jesus is not solely a work among Jews, it includes Paul speaks to various groups of people. We looked at the everyone. But the desire is to specifically reach Jews with the myth claiming that evolution is making the world better. We Good News. Anyone can help in the work. If you would like looked at how we can use parables and Bible verses. And we a representative from J4J to come and speak at your church or also streamlined our personal testimonies to just two minutes group, please go online to make a booking (www.jewsforjesus.org). without using any Christian jargon. The last one was the This was a great experience of presenting the gospel and our time hardest, mainly because we are not used to telling our story of ended very quickly, almost as quickly as Liverpool FC left the saving faith to strangers.

Etihad.

Another strand in our training was about the variety of excuses people use to sidestep Jesus and how to counter them.

Herald February 2018

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NEWS | PCI

News My Place The Council for Congregational Life and Witness (CCLW) is running a series of evenings to explore ways of including children with special additional needs in worship and children’s ministry.

This is an evening to help congregations think about how they can help families dealing with special needs to know that church is a place where they are always welcome and where they can find support. The aim is to ensure children know that they have a place in our church communities, in worship and in children’s ministry.

The evenings are a mixture of biblical teaching, insights from

parents and practical suggestions from those working in the field of special education. It is open to ministers, children’s ministry leaders and all members of congregations.

Everyone should think of church

as ‘my place’ and feel that they are necessary to the life of the congregation.

The next event is on Monday, 5th February 2018, from 7.309pm at Muckamore Presbyterian Church. The evening will be repeated on Wednesday, 2nd May 2018 at Ballygawley Presbyterian Church.

These events are free to attend but please register your interest online at www.presbyterianireland.org For further information email: clw@presbyterianireland.org or tel: +44 (0)28 9032 2284.

The Concorde Travel Fund Thinking about serving in short-term mission overseas but concerned about your travel costs?

The Concorde Travel Fund aims to help young Irish Presbyterians (18-25 year olds) finance their travel overseas for short-term service so that they might learn from and contribute to the life of the wider church.

Full details of the criteria for eligibility and a downloadable application form can be found at www.presbyterianireland.org/ concorde

New global mission workers

Visit to Lebanon

Rev. Peter Fleming and his wife Jayne were commissioned in First Coleraine Presbyterian Church on Sunday, 21st January for missionary service in Nepal. They departed for Kathmandu on 24th January, where after a period of language study and orientation, Peter will serve as Integral Development Advisor to the United Mission to Nepal (UMN), and Jayne will teach at the Kathmandu International Study Centre.

Elma Leeburn (PW president) and Pauline Kennedy (PW Development Officer) accompanied by Rev. Uel Marrs (PCI Global Mission Secretary) visited Lebanon from 12th to 20th January.

They visited the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL), and learnt more about the women’s work and the emergency relief work that NESSL has been involved in with people affected by the war in Syria. They also visited the Bible Society in Lebanon.

Moderator opens new Garvagh home Presbyterian Moderator Dr. Noble McNeely has officially opened PCI’s newest residential care home, Trinity House in Garvagh.

The official opening at the end of last year followed a £1.5 million 17-month redevelopment and refurbishment programme, which also saw 20 residents from PCI’s former care homes – Ard Cluan in Londonderry and York House in Portrush – relocate to Trinity House in October.

Dr. McNeely said, “With the founding of First Garvagh in 1658, there has been a strong Presbyterian witness in the town, and together with our congregation in Main Street, Trinity House will also bring a very special social witness to the area, which is also a demonstration of God’s love for people.

“As Christians we are called to reflect that love, and it is no coincidence that the name chosen for the new home symbolically reflects this love and the coming together of the three homes into one, while marking it with a

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distinct Christian identity. This love for others is also illuminated in the special signage in the reception area, which proclaims in large letters: ‘People Matter To God’.”

Like all PCI homes, Trinity House welcomes residents from all denominations and seeks to provide care in a specifically Christian ethos and environment.

The new home has 50 en-suite rooms on one level, which increases the Church’s overall residential care provision for older people in the north-west. It also has 16 rooms available for people living with a dementia and a dementia-friendly sensory garden, the third of PCI’s residential care homes to have one.

Minister of First Kilrea and Boveedy and convener of the Council for Social Witness, Dr. Trevor McCormick said that the opening marked a new beginning.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of so many people, from architects Knox and Markwell and contractor P.J. McKeague, to all

the dedicated PCI staff involved in getting us to this stage today.

“We have also appreciated the extensive support of local people and the many volunteers, including the local Boys’ Brigade, who helped in so many practical ways, especially in the final weeks of preparation, to welcome residents to their new home.”

Dr. McCormick also thanked the celebrated artist and sculptor Ross Wilson, who had been commissioned to create a number of features in the home.

These included specially designed window motifs in the chapel and engraved Presbyterian bushes, which appear on two windows.

Find out more on www.presbyterianireland.org

Events

DIARY DATES

Taking Care

February

There are a number of Taking Care refresher training courses taking place during the month of February. This is a follow-on from the Taking Care child protection foundation training.

Care trainers will deliver the training, and anyone working with children/young people within the church setting is required to attend.

Numbers for refresher training are limited to a maximum of 40 people.

If you wish to attend any of these sessions, please contact the church in question directly to ascertain numbers attending and ensure there is space for you to join.

As with all Taking Care training events, please ensure you arrive before the start time so that you can sign the attendance register.

A full list of dates and venues is available to view online at www.presbyterianireland.org/takingcare For more information speak to your child protection designated person, or contact the Taking Care office at takingcare@presbyterianireland.org or +44 (0)28 9041 7290.

Small and Fruitful

Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Tuesday, 20th Richhill Presbyterian – Thursday, 22nd Kilfennan Presbyterian – Friday, 23rd

Kids’ Big Day Out Kids’ Big Day Out is an event for primary school-aged children and their leaders or parents and will take place on Saturday, 21st April in Wellington Presbyterian Church from 1.45pm until 4pm.

Tickets will go on sale online and from the CLW office on 5th February and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis (both children and their leaders need to purchase a ticket). The cost is £4 each (euro equivalent).

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, in conjunction with the Presbyterian Children’s Society (PCS), has put together a package which extends the possibility of the Family Holiday, enhancing your congregation’s outreach to families who often find themselves on the margins of both church and society.

The Family Holiday takes place at Castlewellan Castle between Tuesday, 3rd and Friday, 6th April.

For further information about funding contact Paul Gray (Presbyterian Children’s Society) on +44 (0)28 9032 3737. For Family Holiday queries contact Lois or Laura in the CLW office on +44 (0)28 9041 7249.

Check out the PCI website for further details about the programme.

Muckamore Presbyterian – Monday, 5th

Taking Care refresher training

Maze Presbyterian – Thursday, 1st First and Second Markethill – Monday, 5th Belmont Presbyterian – Thursday, 8th Crumlin Presbyterian – Monday, 19th

Taking Care foundation training

Small and Fruitful Karl Vaters, who blogs at Pivot on the Christianity Today website, is the guest speaker at three ‘Small and Fruitful’ events planned for this month.

Designed for ministers, elders, leaders and members of small churches across PCI, Small and Fruitful takes place at Assembly Buildings on Tuesday, 20th February, Richhill Presbyterian in Co. Armagh on Thursday, 22nd February and Kilfennan Presbyterian on Friday, 23rd February. All take place between 10.30am-1pm.

The vast majority of PCI congregations are small churches.

Throughout the Bible we see that God loves to work small in unfolding His big vision for the world. To many leaders and members, however, the smallness

My Place

Richhill Presbyterian – Thursday, 1st

PCI Youth Assembly of their congregation has become a source of disillusionment in ministry, doubt in God’s purposes and despair about the possibility of fruitfulness. We need to recapture God’s positive vision for being small and fruitful in the life and witness of our congregations.

The events cost £5 per person (Euro equivalent) and can be booked online or by post, by sending a cheque (made payable to Presbyterian Church in Ireland) to the CLW office, Assembly Buildings, 2-10 Fisherwick Place, Belfast, BT1 6DW, indicating your venue choice. Further details at www.presbyterianireland.org

Harold McCauley cookbook The 25th anniversary of PCI’s Harold McCauley House is being marked with the launch of a cookbook.

The catering team at the Omagh home has compiled the book, which features 200 pages of recipes.

Copies are available at £10 each from the Council for Social Witness office, with proceeds going to Harold McCauley House.

Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Saturday, 10th

March Transform

Crumlin Road Gaol – Friday, 23rd

Taking Care refresher training Ballynure Presbyterian – Thursday, 8th

April Family Holiday

Castlewellan Castle – Tuesday, 3rd to Friday, 6th

Worship in the Discipleshaping Church conference

Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Wednesday, 25th

Simple Worship in the Smaller Church

Union Road Presbyterian, Magherafelt – Thursday, 26th Ballydown Presbyterian, Banbridge – Thursday, 26th

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NEWS | PCI TRANSFORM 2018 | Conference

Transform

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uch of the teaching I received as a young Christian emphasised the need to not let the culture change me. However, it took me a while to realise that I was also supposed to change the culture. I wonder if much of our discipleship of young adults has focused on making believers strong enough to survive the world around them, rather than being bold enough to transform the world they are in.

Transform is PCI’s young adult conference. Now in its third year, Transform annually gathers around 100 young adults from right across our denomination to worship, learn, grow, talk and eat together over the course of 24 hours. This year, Transform is being held from Friday, 23rd to Saturday, 24th March in the unique setting of Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast. For those travelling further, some overnight accommodation is being made available in a nearby church hall to keep the costs low.

The gathering will kick off on the Friday evening with a meal, a time of worship and Bible teaching, and also some time to connect over coffee, doughnuts and board games. The Saturday morning will be packed full of Bible teaching, trigger talks, worship and table discussions, before the Saturday afternoon moves out of the building to hear the stories of imaginative mission

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projects in the surrounding north Belfast area, as well as free time to chill out and explore. Transform then climaxes with a night of worship and teaching to send delegates back into their frontlines as His ambassadors.

Rather than having just one voice, we are welcoming a whole team of contributors to speak, lead and share throughout the gathering. The theme this year will focus on freedom; how young adults can find freedom in Christ, freedom to live and freedom for mission.

All the teaching will emphasise the need to be transformed

by Christ so we can be transformative influences in the world around us.

If you are a young adult, then let me really encourage you to sign up for Transform and come along to be inspired in your faith and equipped for your witness. Sign up yourself, bring a carload, encourage others from your congregation. If you are that little bit older, then please spread the word and put this information into the hands of others in your congregation who would benefit from this gathering.

And join us in praying for God to move in the lives of those who come to Transform 2018.

Rick Hill PCI’s Discipleship Development Officer

This is the heart of Transform.

To teach, train, inspire and equip a generation of young adults in our Church so that they can be used by God as transformative agents in their generation and among their culture.

Event details Friday, 23rd - Saturday, 24th March Crumlin Road Gaol Conference only rate: £55 (conference pass and meals) Conference and overnight rate: £65 (church hall accommodation and breakfast) Booking is now open

www.presbyterianireland.org/ transform Closing date is 2nd March 2018 For further information: Email: clw@presbyterianireland.org Tel: +44 (0)28 9032 2284 Web: www.presbyterianireland.org/ transform

PERSONAL VIEW

Life lessons Charlotte Stevenson

Recently retired Presbyterian Women (PW) Development Officer I began serving as PWA Development Officer in 2006, which involved supporting women’s ministry in congregations and the PWA General Secretary. In 2010 my duties were extended to include editing the Wider World magazine and the role became full-time.

There have been many special moments during my time serving in Assembly Buildings but probably the most memorable was launching Presbyterian Women in 2008 in a packed Assembly Hall. There we gave congregations the opportunity to re-examine their women’s ministry and promote an all-age organisation.

Women’s ministry is based on Scripture. In Titus 2:3-5 Paul encouraged women to teach, nurture and help each other become mature Christians. Women benefit so much from journeying together and supporting each other as they share each other’s ups and downs. I am passionate about developing women’s ministry through Presbyterian Women, which encourages women to become disciples of Christ. As each group serves their congregation and supports the mission of our Church, this comes together as a mighty work for God. I have found that when my need is greatest, such as times of illness or bereavement, God’s presence has become more real to me and I know He has carried me through. The night after my mother’s funeral I knelt at my bedside with a broken heart and as I prayed, I audibly heard God say, “Blessed are those who mourn.” When I opened my eyes, the Bible, which I had placed on my bed, had fallen open at Matthew chapter 5 which contains these words.

My father was a fisherman, my mother a nurse and I grew up in Annalong along with my two sisters.

I attended the local Presbyterian church and came under conviction of sin when I went to youth meetings at the age of 14. I struggled against God for about a year before one night I knelt at my bedside and asked Jesus to save me. This was the most defining event in my life and, while I have by no means always made the correct decisions, I have known God guiding me and bringing me back to

His way. Life has taken me on many different journeys as I entered a career in nursing before marrying a farmer. I have to say I never expected to work for the Presbyterian Church in Assembly Buildings!

The most difficult thing about being a Christian is accepting my own faults and failings. We will not be made perfect until we see Jesus face-to-face. Philippians 3:12 says, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”

My favourite song is How Deep The Father’s Love For Us – these words remind me of the beauty of the gospel message and how much I owe to God. My idea of relaxation is... water! I grew up jumping off Annalong pier into the sea and the desire to be in water has never left me. I usually swim for 30 minutes four or five times a week – now in a swimming pool!

No church is perfect because it is full of imperfect people.

However, we are called to worship and serve God in a church community and accept that not everything will be done in exactly the way we would like it to be. I am privileged to attend Mourne congregation where the gospel message is faithfully proclaimed.

As relatives, friends and I myself have suffered illnesses I have had to learn that I am not in control and cannot fix everything. We have to trust God who will work out His purposes. I appreciate being a member of a church family which prays for those in need. I find comfort in the promises of Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

The best holidays I’ve had were when our children were small. We went every summer for a number of years to a Christian Centre in Herne Bay, Kent, where we had fun and fellowship with Christians from all over the British Isles.

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AS I SEE IT...

Taking care of our common home Jonny Hanson

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ere are 10 reasons why looking after God’s world relationship type, the guiding values that shape it ought to be matters, regardless of what happens to it in the future. the fruit of the Spirit. So why is it that in many of our attitudes 1. Revelation. Creation speaks of the glory of to nature – and the economy too – it is the rotten fruit of the God (Romans 1:20). Yet the more it is degraded and human spirit that predominates: greed, selfishness, envy, apathy despoiled, the more it reveals only our flawed human nature, and denial? rather than the Divine. We wouldn’t consider ripping pages 7. Pressure. Despite much positive change, in some circles out of God’s book of words, so why do so with God’s book of creation care is still seen as a distraction or even a danger. Major works? barriers to speaking out on this matter within the church may 2. Relationship. We weren’t just made to have a right include being given the dreaded label ‘liberal’, or the influence relationship with ourselves, others and God, but with the rest of powerful vested interests. Theological and cultural peer of creation too. That’s why contact with animals and nature pressure like this cannot be allowed to triumph over truth. is so good for body, mind and soul. It follows then that the 8. Tradition. Similarly, much opposition to creation care opposite is bad for us relationally, whether within the church is primarily influenced due to a lack of contact or the wrong sort by truth but by tradition. In fact, We weren’t just made to not of contact. secular thinkers like Plato, Descartes and 3. Commission. God has ordained the have a right relationship Darwin have strongly shaped negative natural world to provide for many of our Western attitudes towards nature, which vital needs. Dependence on it is therefore with ourselves, others are so deeply ingrained that they are not optional but integral, and a wondrous and God, but with the presumed to be biblical. They’re not. thing at that. We need, for instance, water, 9. Grace. Every individual taught and food and air to preach, teach, and reach the rest of creation too. tended today by teachers and nurses will world: there can be no great commission one day die. But that does not detract without God’s great creation. from the magnificent value of these tasks. In the same way, the 4. Poverty. Dependence on local natural resources is possibility of future planetary degradation or apocalypse cannot especially pronounced for poor people the world over. And the be used to justify apathy or antagonism towards creation today. poor are usually the most impacted by the To do so is, quite simply, an abuse of grace. breakdown of such ecosystems, whether 10. Fatalism. Even if the world vanishes one day locally (e.g. polluted rivers) or globally (e.g. in a puff of smoke, and even if nature continues climate change). For the sake of the poor to be fatally tarnished here and now, ecoalone, looking after the environment is fatalism is no way for Christians to live out essential. our relationships with the rest of God’s 5. Consumerism. It is not poverty wonderful world. The ultimate theme that poses the greatest threat to that should define these interactions creation but wealth, principally the ought to be not how much longer it over-consumption of goods and will exist in the way we know it today, services that accompanies it. This is but how deeply God loves it, now usually achieved by driving down their and forever. In everything that we do, financial costs at the expense of their this is the reason. social and environmental ones. Such injustices, as well as the faith-, Jonny Hanson is a Christian finance- and focus-sapping effects environmentalist and entrepreneur who of consumerism make it a mortal blogs at www.peopleplanetprophet.com threat not only to creation but to the church as well.

6. Fruit. In every

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Three in the running to become Moderator Presbyteries will have three names to pick from when they meet to select the next Moderator of the Presbyterian Church this month.

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he ministers who have agreed to have their names go forward to become the denomination’s next principal public representative are Rev. Brian Boyd of Kells and Eskylane, Rev. William Henry of Maze and Rev. Charles McMullen of West Church, Bangor.

The person who will become the Moderator for 2018/19 will be announced after the Church’s 19 presbyteries meet at different locations around Ireland on Tuesday, 6th February.

Explaining the process, Rev. Trevor Gribben, Clerk of the General Assembly, said, “There is a wonderful rhythm to the life of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the first Tuesday in February is the first key event of the year for us, as ministers and elders from our 535 congregations across Ireland meet in their respective presbyteries to nominate our next Moderator.

“The vote in each presbytery is by simple majority. This means that whoever receives the most votes within a particular presbytery receives the single vote of that presbytery. The minister who receives the majority of these votes from the 19 presbyteries becomes our Moderator-Designate until their formal nomination and election as Moderator by the General Assembly in June,” Mr. Gribben added.

Rev. Brian Boyd BSc, BD Brian Boyd has been minister of Kells and Eskylane since 1992. Born in 1959, he was ordained as assistant in High Kirk Presbyterian, Ballymena in 1986 and installed two years later as minister of Culnady and Swatragh. Brian convened the Alcohol and Drug Education Committee from 1997 to 2000.

Should there be a tie in the number of presbytery votes received on the first count, which happened in 2014, presbyteries will continue to meet that night until one minister is clearly ahead.

Starting in June, having chaired or ‘moderated’ the General Assembly, the Moderator will have a busy year preaching most Sundays in congregations across Ireland, encouraging Presbyterians in their work and witness during three weeklong presbytery tours, while undertaking an overseas tour. The Moderator will also chair a number of the Church’s councils and represent the denomination at various public and state events.

But as Mr. Gribben explained, the Moderator will not be the head of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, “Our constitution clearly states that ‘The Lord Jesus Christ is the sole King and Head of the Church…’ so the Moderator, whoever he or she is, is not the ‘head of the church’, but our most senior office bearer and principal public representative.

“As such they play an important role in the life and ministry of the Church across Ireland and further afield and I look forward to working with our new Moderator in the service of the Lord Jesus Christ,” Mr. Gribben said.

Rev. William John Henry BSc, BD William Henry was ordained as assistant in Whiteabbey Presbyterian Church in 1994 and installed as the minister of Maze Presbyterian in 1997 and with Ballinderry (stated supply) in 2001. Born in 1968, William was convener of the Home and Irish Mission/Strategy for the Mission Committee 2006-2012 and Union Commission.

Rev. Charles McMullen, MA, MLitt, BD Charles McMullen was ordained as assistant minister in Harmony Hill, Lisburn, in 1988 and was installed as minister of Legacurry Presbyterian Church in 1991. Born in 1960, he has been minister of West Church, Bangor since 1999. Charles convened the Magee Fund Scheme Committee from 1993 to 2000, National and International Problems Committee from 1993 to 1997 and Global Concerns Committee from 2005 to 2010.

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CONGREGATIONAL STORY

Amazing grace: The story of Whitehouse Whitehouse Presbyterian Church recently celebrated its 150th anniversary with a special candlelit service, with the congregation dressed in Victorian-style clothes. Alf McCreary charts the fascinating story of the congregation.

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he story of Whitehouse Presbyterian Church, which celebrated its 150th history in November last, reads more like an adventure paperback than a typical church history.

It was officially opened in 1867, and its first two ministers, Rev. Hugh Smyth and Rev. John Hewitt, stayed for only a few years. However, the next two ministers, Rev. Dr. Robert Barron and Rev. James Nutt, spent almost 100 years between them at Whitehouse.

Robert Barron came to Whitehouse at the age of 22, and had a long, active ministry from 1875 to 1925.

Dr. Barron spent much of his early life as a bachelor, and his later life as a widower, and he devoted a great amount of time to writing. His autobiography, The God of My Life, was not only the story of his congregation but also a remarkable social history of the life of a parish when most parishioners worked for a pittance in the local textile mills, and where poor housing conditions, as well as typhoid, TB and other illnesses caused high mortality.

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His book is now out of print, but it was my privilege to use a great deal of it in my history of Whitehouse, which will help to preserve his observations for posterity.

As a young man, Dr. Barron was so busy running his church that there was no time for romance, but his autobiography reveals a touching love story.

As a student, he had met Mary Watts, the daughter of an Assembly professor.

She later married James Bigger, a friend of Dr. Barron’s, and they often met.

However, James Bigger died suddenly, leaving Mary a young widow.

Quite some time later Dr. Barron met Mary, and he wrote in his book, “My old attraction increased but I had a feeling that she would not care to marry again.”

Dr. Barron asked Mary’s mother her opinion, and she said, “Put the question

...during the First World War...26 members of the small congregation were killed.

to the lady herself.” He did so “and to my joy and happiness I was accepted.”

They married in 1894, and were blissfully happy for 20 years. Sadly, she died in 1914, shortly after he was awarded a DD by Assembly’s College, and Dr. Barron lived the rest of his life alone in the manse.

One of the darkest times in Dr. Barron’s ministry was during the First World War when 26 members of the small congregation were killed, and many more were injured.

Dr. Barron writes about the heroism of the people in his congregation, and having to announce each Sunday the latest deaths and injuries. The end of the calamitous First World War issued in a grim new era. He wrote prophetically in 1926, the year after his retirement, that: “The world has been changed by the war, and for the worse. The nations of Europe are building up great armies, and making preparations for another war. There seems no hope for the world, but in a revival of religion.”

His successor, Rev. James Nutt, was the minister of Whitehouse from 1925 until

1965, and he remained a bachelor Under Dr. Hughes’ inspired all his life. He too faced enormous leadership, and with the difficulties, and 35 adults in his dedication of the congregation, as congregation were killed in one well as funding from government night during the Easter Blitz of agencies and many friends, a 1941. Seven children died and beautiful modern church building their names are preserved on a was officially opened in 2005. baptismal font at the entrance hall Money for rebuilding came from of the church. In one day alone, many quarters, including a gift Mr. Nutt officiated at 13 funerals of £10,000 from local Roman of people in his congregation.

Catholic parishes.

He was a dedicated minister, and Just when Whitehouse was he retired in 1965 due to ill health, beginning to experience relative and the hard work which had calm, another calamity occurred worn him out. He was succeeded when the church was badly in good heart and appreciative of all he

by Rev. W.D.F. ‘Fergie’ Marshall damaged by a serious flood. Once had done for them. who brought the church into the modern again, Dr. Hughes and her congregation era, and instituted a splendid new suite of members literally rolled up their sleeves, A fierce fireball much-needed halls, which were opened and with much hard work and dedication officially on 6th October 1972. the church was restored to its normal consumed the church Mr. Marshall’s ministry coincided with beauty, some seven months later. and destroyed almost the outbreak of the Troubles in 1968-9, Dr. Hughes became well-known in and the church was badly damaged by the Presbyterian Church at large, and in everything… severe flooding in February 1970. Mr. 2014 she allowed her name to go forward Marshall was a gifted preacher, and a for election as Moderator. She failed by Rev. Dr. Liz Hughes, who succeeded strong leader. He was very popular at only one vote to be elected, and stood Whitehouse, and there was great surprise Dr. Sleith, was the first woman again next year, but sadly did not get the minister to be appointed as minister at and sadness when he accepted a call to necessary support. In 2016, Dr. Hughes Whitehouse, and under her dynamic Windsor Presbyterian Church, and left was awarded the honorary degree of in 1976.

Doctor of Divinity by Union College. leadership a whole new era began in the His successor, Rev. Dennis McKillen The Whitehouse 150th anniversary long history of the church. was a popular leader who was celebrations last November were particularly good with the young carried out in style, and included a and the older generation. Just like Victorian lamplight praise service his predecessor, he worked hard to of psalms, with members of the modernise and maintain numbers. congregation wearing period attire.

There was a serious arson attack Dr. Hughes, sadly for the on the church halls in 1986, partly congregation, retired on 31st because Whitehouse was situated December. Looking back on her in a flashpoint area. Mr. McKillen, 17 years in Whitehouse, she said, and his wife Myrtle, gave loyal “The life of the congregation does service throughout their time at not lie primarily with its ministers Whitehouse, and he retired in or kirk sessions. Energised by September 1991.

God’s spirit, it lies in the army of Rev. Dr. Allen Sleith, who unnamed volunteers who engage Book designer, Wendy Dundar, Alf McCreary, Dermott Dunbar and Rev. Liz Hughes was minister from 1992 until in its many ministries throughout 2000, brought a youthful dimension to the week.”

Unfortunately, she was in post for only Whitehouse, and he played a major role The remarkable story of Whitehouse, two years when the church building in promoting better cross-community and the amazing grace which has was almost totally destroyed by an relations in the area. sustained it for 150 years, will continue, arson attack on 2nd August 2002. A During his ministry, the church as another fresh chapter begins with the fierce fireball consumed the church and responded enthusiastically to the search for a new minister. destroyed almost everything except the Community Relations Initiative ‘Moving front brickwork, a silver rose bowl and a Beyond Sectarianism’ during which its Alf McCreary is the author of Amazing Girls’ Brigade insignia. Most fortunately, members met regularly with all the local Grace: The Story of Whitehouse the fire service members prevented denominations, including the Roman Presbyterian Church, published by the blaze from destroying the adjacent Catholic Church.

Whitehouse and priced in paperback at £10. church hall, which became the base for Dr. Sleith later accepted a call to Whitehouse’s worship and activities in Regent Street, Newtownards, and left Whitehouse in 2000, with the members the next few years.

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UNITED APPEAL

Investing for the long haul

Sarah Harding visits the Wednesday kids’ club at Arklow Presbyterian Church, run by Irish mission worker, Philip Whelton, who is supported by United Appeal for Mission.

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rklow is a small town on the east coast of Co. Wicklow, popular with commuters to Dublin and with a population of 14,000. Philip Whelton has been an Irish mission worker there, connected with Arklow Presbyterian Church, for 22 years. His role is supported by the United Appeal for Mission, which is vital for the continuation of the work. “We couldn’t do what we’re doing without United Appeal,” says Philip. “Like many congregations in the South of Ireland, we’re a small church – with the partnership of PCI we can do lots more for God’s kingdom.”

The kids’ club on Wednesday afternoons is a key event in Philip’s week. This popular club gathers around 40 primary school-aged children who enthusiastically come straight from school for the games, crafts, snacks, music and Bible stories.

Philip, who is originally from Cork and grew up in Avoca, started the club when he arrived 22 years ago. He credits the continuity of the leaders and volunteers

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as one of the reasons for its longevity, “We will be there whether four or 40 attend.

“We want the children to know that Jesus loves them, and that they belong – no matter what their background or circumstances may be like. It’s really about connections. We want to introduce them to Jesus and help them learn how to follow Him, through the lessons and verses taught and just by the way we treat them.”

The majority of the children are from the local community, rather than from the congregation. Gaining the trust of the community to send their children along has been a long process, but a fruitful one.

When Philip and his wife Susan first arrived in Arklow it was difficult to get to know people. “The credibility wasn’t

We couldn’t do what we’re doing without United Appeal.

there and they were very wary of us. It took about three or four years for people to realise that we were here for the long haul and that’s when they started to trust us.”

Although Philip didn’t plan to focus on youth and children’s work, this is where the greatest need proved to be, so it has formed a large part of his ministry.

As well as the Wednesday club, he runs a club for teenagers on a Friday and each summer he also leads a packedout holiday Bible club, attracting 220 children and young people. Around 80 leaders are needed to facilitate this club and they come from churches from all over Ireland, including Bangor and Ballymena. Philip says, “For a town the size of Arklow, the holiday Bible club is a major event.”

Philip’s work also includes other activities in the church, including the Coffee Dock. This was started as a parents’ and toddlers’ group, but was enjoyed so much by some parents that many continue to come along on their own when the children reach school age.

Philip describes the Coffee Dock as a “great way to build relationships and let people know that Jesus cares about them; it allows us to be the hands and feet of Jesus.”

The community Bible study, held on one night during the week, is another way for him to connect with people.

“This has proven to be very valuable for both those within and outside the congregation, as we study and pray together and build each other up.”

Minister of Arklow, Rev. Nathan Duddy is full of praise for Philip and the work he does for the congregation.

“When people talk about Arklow Presbyterian Church, Philip’s name will come up. To have that link in the community that has been built up over 20 years is fantastic for our church.

“The role he occupies has so much realised potential – we have so many people coming along to things and many stories of people who have encountered God, but the role also has so much potential for the future. In particular, the next chapter is how we bring together our work in the community and our work with the congregation on a Sunday.”

…when you’re putting in a little envelope…it has a tremendous impact on what we’re doing in this church…

Philip admits that he never imagined 22 years ago that he would still be in Arklow, but he says he has never moved on because of his love for the work he does and the people he invests in.

“I’m just as passionate about it today as when I started. Every young person is different and each one has a story. When they come along to one of the clubs they are loved and cared about. The children know that we are always there for them.

And we want them to know that Jesus loves them no matter where they come from.”

Nathan, who has been minister in Arklow for 18 months, says he is

personally very grateful to United Appeal for the work that it allows Philip to do.

“After 22 years, I am reaping the rewards of the investment that has already been made, but the work is not done yet. The support is invaluable to us in the future.

“I would like to thank those who donate money – when you’re putting in a little envelope, you’re doing something massive – it has a tremendous impact on what we’re doing in this church and also for other churches around Ireland. Let me encourage you to be really generous in that and with your prayer too, because we need wisdom and discernment. We want to see this trickle become a river flowing down here of God’s growth and God’s grace.”

To watch a short film of Philip Whelton and his work in Arklow, please visit www.presbyterianireland.org/ unitedappeal

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A lasting legacy Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Amy Carmichael, Jonathan Clarke tells the amazing story of this inspiring woman.

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ecember 2017 marked the 150th anniversary concerning the birth of a great Ulster woman and one of the world’s greatest and respected missionaries.

Amy Beatrice Carmichael was born in the village of Millisle, County Down on 16th December 1867, the eldest of David and Catherine Carmichael’s seven children. The Carmichael family were well known in that area as they owned flour mills and brought employment to the community who lived there. The family also attended Ballycopeland Presbyterian Church and were faithful members and heavily involved in the ongoing work of the church.

For business reasons, the family moved to the city of Belfast when Amy was 16 and lived at 22 College Gardens in the Queen’s University area. Change of home also meant a change in church for the Carmichaels, and the family quickly settled in Rosemary Street Presbyterian Church under the ministry of Dr. Park.

During that time Amy met Henry Montgomery, the minister of Shankill Road Mission, who introduced her to the world of the underprivileged in the slums of Belfast.

It was there that Amy met some ‘shawlies’. They were girls who worked in the Belfast mills during that period known as the industrial revolution, where Belfast and towns close by were saturated with mills that produced Irish linen and other materials. These girls and young men worked long hours, in filthy conditions for little pay. The girls were called ‘shawlies’ because they couldn’t

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Herald February 2018

afford to wear beautiful and expensive hats that ladies dressed in as part of their ‘Sunday best’ church attire during this Victorian period, so they wore shawls or scarves to cover their heads.

Amy had a real heart to win the shawlies for Christ and on 2nd January 1889 she formed an outreach centre for her work among the mill girls. It was

located in Cambrai Street, north Belfast and it was called the Welcome Hall. The work that Amy began is still there 128 years later, in the same place, now known as the Welcome Evangelical Church.

A few years later, Amy moved to England and also experienced life for the first time as a missionary for a period in Japan and Sri Lanka. It was in 1895 that

Amy left for India and never returned home again, staying there until her heavenly home call in 1951. She served the people of India for over 55 years and is best known for her work among the temple children. She accomplished a miracle ministry there that involved helping to free them from a life of sex trafficking in the name of religion, often at great risk to herself from Indian authorities. She formed an orphanage for the children called the Dohnavur Fellowship, taking them under her responsibility and care.

This is a story of God’s faithfulness through a life that was totally committed to Christian service and to God’s will, rightly renowned as one of the great heroines of faith. Amy Carmichael has also left behind a legacy that has lasted right to this very day, not only through the 37 books that she wrote during her lifetime, with many of them still in print today, but also the fact that both the Belfast and India ministries continue on and are alive and well! At this special 150th anniversary occasion, may we have a fresh appreciation for her life and ministry, praising God for the lasting legacy of Amy Carmichael. And so it goes on…

She accomplished a miracle ministry…helping to free them from a life of sex trafficking…often at great risk to herself.

Jonathan Clarke is pastor of the Welcome Evangelical Church. He has put together a PowerPoint presentation, called ‘Lasting legacy – 150 years’ which is suitable for church groups. Pastor Jonathan can be contacted for a booking at his email address reborn86@hotmail.co.uk or by mobile on 07817 543085.

This is a story of God’s faithfulness through a life that was totally committed... to God’s will, rightly renowned as one of the great heroines of faith.

The Wild-Bird Child A sculpture of Amy Carmichael as a 10-year-old child was recently unveiled at Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church in Bangor, in connection with the Worldwide Missionary Convention. The artist, Ross Wilson, explains how the sculpture was made.

The starting point for the sculpture was based around the inspiration of Amy’s life – her dedication, her mission, her whole focus on outreach and the gospel and how that can affect other people’s lives.

The idea for the project came from Derek Bingham who wrote a book called The Wild-Bird Child – A Life of Amy Carmichael. She was one of his heroes and she is one of my heroes as well. Derek is someone who had vision. He greatly admired those who took the gospel and changed people’s lives with it. Amy Carmichael was a prime example of a life dedicated to service and Derek thought that her life should be celebrated.

Amy believed that the gospel could change people’s lives.

Whether that was off the Shankill Road in Cambria Street, where she missioned for a while, or in China or in India where she ended up.

The idea of her childhood and her beginnings was very important to me for my preparation for the sculpture. I thought a lot about her as a child, being influenced by her mother and father, of her prayer life as a child, of her petition to God to change her eyes from brown to blue.

In the sculpture, Amy is holding a book. I see it as a diary – a little book of her life as yet unwritten, but her life as planned by God is in that diary of her heart, of her mind, and of the providence God has for her. It is a diary of grace that God has laid out for her life, grace that she would carry and work through until her very last day.

Later in life Amy became part of a group known as the starry cluster and on her hat is a cluster of starry flowers.

It’s almost like her mind is being shaped by the impression of grace that surrounds her. It helps create this idea of her looking out – she is not aware of how those patterns are going to play out but they are being pressed upon her from above.

The process of production starts in the foundry, making moulds of the model figure that has been made. It goes through different stages – a wax process and then a kiln process where the wax becomes lost and creates a form and space for bronze to be poured into. This process was used by the ancient Greeks; it was developed by the ancient Chinese even before then and the process hasn’t changed.

Once the figure goes into the bronze casting process it’s very difficult to change anything. So, when I was making the model of Amy, I spent three times as long looking at the figure as I did making it. I was checking every time I was in and out of the studio, asking – is that angle right? The next part of the process is the Patina process, which prevents the gold/brass colour of the bronze turning green. The final process is to layer it with wax to protect it from the weather.

The location for this sculpture is perfect. Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church is a prime site, especially with the connection to the area and the work of the Worldwide Mission Convention. It is interesting for me to watch other people’s reaction to the sculpture – to gauge how they see it; how they interact with the truth of the piece of work and how that affects them. I would love it to encourage those who pass by and see it, that they would be moved by the idea of a life that was given in sacrifice, whose determination changed and influenced countless of thousands of lives. It’s now beyond a sculpture in a sense for me – it’s the influence that it will have on other people’s hearts and minds. Not just for today but for generations to come.

A film on the making of the sculpture can be viewed at https://youtu.be/ekp30Ym6eWs

Lasting legacy

Anniversary celebration A celebration event to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of missionary Amy Carmichael will take place in Millisle Presbyterian Church (BT22 2HR) on Thursday, 19th April. The evening, which starts at 7.30pm, will include reflections on Amy’s life and devoted missionary service, as well as looking at the ongoing ministry in Dohnavur, and the present-day challenge of slavery. There will also be an exhibition, bookstall and refreshments. Everyone is welcome.

150th anniversary celebration of the birth of

Amy Carmichael

Millisle and Ballycopeland Presbyterian Church Thursday, 19 April 2018 7.30pm

Herald February 2018

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TALKING POINTS

Rights

Norman Hamilton addresses some of the complex issues involved in shaping a biblical view of rights.

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ay rights; reproductive rights; welfare rights; prisoner I agree. This means that I can, and should, support what is rights; language rights; human rights; children’s being done or needs to be done to ‘elevate others’, but do so rights; women’s rights; consumer rights; civil within clear biblical principles and guidance. This puts limits rights; animal rights. Add the right to life and the on what, as a Christian, I can regard as a ‘right’, even if that right to determine when and how I should die; the right to is already accepted within the law of the land, or may be in a worthwhile job; the right to education; the right to proper the future. The unborn child is not ‘elevated’ by a right to be health care; the right to good housing; the right to protest. aborted, nor the asylum seeker ‘elevated’ by being kept in These are but a few in a very long – and growing – list of rights terrible conditions whilst his/her claim is investigated. Both claimed or enshrined in law. And almost every one of them have a God-given right to be treated properly because they are has a strong lobby group with committed activists working to made in His ‘image’. promote and advance their cause.

On a more positive note, it is true that education elevates our I think it fair to say that Christian people and the Christian young people, but with the Education Authority in Northern churches in Ireland do not have a strong record in dealing with Ireland facing a funding gap of £350 million by 2020, the right many of these issues. We have campaigned to a good education is under serious threat. energetically (and continue to do so) on a This brings a strong moral need to take the People matter to God. few, such as education and the right to life, necessary steps to elevate the educational but broadly speaking we have opted out opportunities for all our young people That is the basis for of bringing an informed and compelling – not just some of them. And of course, spelling out a high view there is a parallel moral argument to comment from a biblical perspective on most of them. There are several reasons of rights – and doing so elevate the provision of proper health care for this, including the need not to be seen so that everyone can have it. with confidence. as partisan in the often polarised and In writing this brief article, I am acutely aggressive campaigns that these issues aware that I have not even begun to generate. Furthermore, Christian people tend to emphasise scratch the surface of the complex issues involved in shaping a the need for ministry and service to others in Christ’s name, biblical and Christian view of rights. Yet the calls for them to and rights are not central to that commitment. Philippians 2 be upheld, and demands for further legal rights, often dominate tells us clearly that Christ, “did not consider equality with God the news, the work of elected representatives and the courts. a thing to be grasped. Rather, He made Himself nothing by Some of this work is entirely consistent with a high view of taking the very nature of a servant...and…He humbled Himself what the Bible teaches; some of it is not. There is an urgent by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” No need for Christ’s church and His people to spell out what we claiming of rights here! support, what we do not support, and why – and to do so not Scriptures such as these tend to make us downplay the on the basis of opinion, prejudice or preference, but on our importance of debates about rights, and so we have rarely best understanding of where the teaching of the Bible takes us. committed ourselves to doing our homework or “searched the People matter to God. That is the basis for spelling out a high Scriptures” (to quote Acts 17) to see what they say, and the view of rights – and doing so with confidence. guidance they give. A few simple examples can make the point.

How can we apply Proverbs 20 verses 10 and 23 to consumer rights? Or the parable of the Good Samaritan to the right to proper health care? Or more controversially, what do Luke 9, Ephesians 6 and the book of Proverbs teach us about the rights and responsibilities of both parents and children?

At a deeper level, the truth in Genesis 1 that we are made “in the image of God” is central to any biblical understanding of rights. Robert Seiple – the former president of World Vision Rev. Dr. Norman Hamilton – has commented, “Christianity is more than a divine plan of Norman Hamilton is the convener of the redemption for humanity…The Christian responsibility is to Council for Public Affairs and minister elevate others to that ‘image’ no matter how difficult or extreme emeritus of Ballysillan Presbyterian Church. the environment may be.”

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FEBRUARY 2018

Mission Connect

Celebrating a decade in Maynooth

A new journey Rosemary Spiers

Mission news from workers around Ireland and the world.

Discipling refugees Colin and Marjorie Dickson Celebrating 10 years Rev. Keith McCrory Churches together in Donegal Rev. Stephen Richmond God’s faithful provision Naomi Keefe

Every aspect of our Church’s mission depends to some extent on United Appeal. Hundreds of projects and programmes at home and overseas are helping to advance God’s kingdom, showing God’s love in action to hundreds of thousands of people.

Changing times at Corkey House Rosemary Gilbey

Including February prayer diary

A new journey

Rosemary Spiers

Deaconess, Greenwell Street Presbyterian Church

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rom Lough Neagh to Strangford Lough, from Antrim to Over the past number of months, I’m thankful for the Ards – God has called me from First Antrim to serve Him opportunity to get to know all ages at the various organisations in Greenwell Street, Newtownards. Over the past number at Greenwell Street: babies and toddlers at the Wednesday club, of months I’ve been settling into a new congregation and parents at ‘the welcome area’ and women at PW and the women’s community of new faces and names. I give thanks to God for meeting. the many ministries that I’ve been involved in since my arrival in During the week as I make my journey around Newtownards Greenwell Street last August. doing visits, I see Scrabo Tower and in the distance I may even From the tower to the pulpit, from Wartburg to Wittenberg – see the Mourne Mountains. Other times I may have to journey to Martin Luther’s journey and call on his life to serve God. Over Bangor or Dundonald – with my sat nav as my guide to my new the month of October at destination! The Bible is filled Greenwell Street, Martin with journeys from Genesis to Over the past number of months I’ve been Luther’s story was told in Revelation. Scripture is full of settling into a new congregation and various ways. Some people people on the move. The first from the church used their traveller in John’s gospel is, of community of new faces and names. skills in displays and a course, Jesus Himself. John member of the congregation makes it clear that Jesus is on became our very own ‘Martin Luther’. Many heard and read what a journey that is far more than just a walking tour of Palestine.

God had done in the past and much literature was taken over the God journeyed into this world and journeyed to the cross. It is a month. It is wonderful how God’s grace continues to change lives wonderful message to share that He can be our Saviour and guide today. and that one day we can journey to a new destination, to be with From young to old, from morning to night – God has given me Him forever. opportunities to share His Word over the Christmas period. We As I pause to reflect over the past year, I give thanks to God for had a Christmas special at the Tuesday morning ‘Chat and Hobby His goodness as I have served him as a deaconess in Antrim and Huddle’ group where folks gather to play bowls, knit and crochet.

Ards. I thank Him for the blessings of people along my journey, They listened as I shared a talk on ‘The colours of Christmas’ after and what He has done in my life. I look forward to what the Lord warmed mince pies and ice cream. On the Wednesday night will do as I seek to journey along with Him in Greenwell Street and before Christmas, the Girls’ Brigade girls and leaders enjoyed a to encourage others in their journey with the Lord.

Chinese buffet and I finished the night with a quiz and Christmas cracker talk.

Mission Connect | Herald February 2018

Discipling refugees

Colin and Marjorie Dickson Global mission workers, Middle East

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ur last ‘Connect’ article focused on our service and ministry meetings, Bible studies, home groups and church services. Colin through our roles in theological education. This time we preaches and teaches in both the midweek and Sunday services. want to focus on our involvement with the local Arab Marjorie seeks to befriend the women, offering support and church that we worship with on Sunday evenings. encouragement.

It is estimated that Jordan The church also provides has a refugee population of food baskets, mattresses, Please pray for this church…as they seek to two million people, mostly blankets and pillows, kitchen from Syria or Iraq. Interestingly, utensils, gas heaters and gas coordinate the many ministries they provide the government of Jordan is bottles, clothes and financial for the refugees. now encouraging refugees to gifts. We are grateful for return to their home countries. the extra-mile giving, over Most, if not all, are unwilling, at least for the meantime. The needs and above contributions to the United Appeal made by many amongst the refugees in Jordan are immediate and great. individuals and congregations within PCI to enable not only the Many were forced to leave their country because of ISIS. Most support of students at JETS, but also the work amongst refugees. have been ‘processed’ through the refugee camps in the north The church is also involved in house painting and minor repairs of Jordan and granted permission to live on the ‘outside’. Others and relies on visiting teams to supply the workforce. It also moved to Jordan before they were forced to flee, knowing that day provides a school for primary-aged refugee children, a sports would eventually come. Syrians have permission to work (after the ministry for boys and girls, English classes for adults, medical lengthy process of filling in the necessary documents), but many clinics, dentistry clinics and a women’s ministry that teaches are unable to find work and those who do earn very small salaries, women to make a variety of crafts and items for sale. making it almost impossible to adequately provide for their It is so exciting to be part of what God is doing through this local families. Iraqi refugees are not allowed to work in Jordan. church. It is our privilege not only to contribute, but to receive There are approximately 10,000 believers scattered throughout and to learn. We have received hospitality from those who have Jordan in 70 congregations. The vision of the congregation we so little. In terms of discipleship, we have learnt so much about attend is “to establish a community that knows Jesus as Saviour ‘counting the cost’, perseverance, suffering and faithfulness. and Redeemer”. A specific focus is to “disciple the Iraqi and Syrian Please pray: for this church and its preaching, teaching and refugees and to help them serve the Lord, not only where they discipleship programmes; for the leadership as they seek to live, but also throughout Jordan.” coordinate the many ministries they provide for the refugees; and In achieving their aim, they engage in visitation, prayer for the refugees as they face and adjust to many challenges.

Mission Connect | Herald February 2018

Celebrating 10 years Rev. Keith McCrory

Maynooth Presbyterian Church

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t is just over 10 years since the constitution of our new to bear witness to the gospel and we are very excited about the congregation here in Maynooth. As we prepared for, and then possibility of having more space and more access to it, to enable enjoyed, our 10th birthday service on 25th November 2017, it us to expand our service and outreach to our wider community in was very encouraging to reflect back over this first decade and the years ahead. If our fundraising goes well, we hope to apply for realise afresh all that God has done amongst us. planning permission before the summer.

I can still remember driving west from Lucan to our very first As the year moves forward, we would love you to continue Bible study gathering in Maynooth and wondering if anyone praying for us as we seek to follow God’s leading about our would show up. To see God working amongst us since then, and building plans and also for our ongoing efforts to build a taking us from being a small group of enthusiastic, but uncertain, connection with and bring the good news of Jesus to those believers to a stable congregation in which people have come to around us here in north County Kildare. know the Lord and have grown In particular, we would in their faith, has truly been a value your prayers: for our …it was very encouraging to reflect back over privilege. Along the way, we leaders, that God would have been so blessed through this first decade and realise afresh all that God strengthen and equip them the prayers and support of our through this time of change has done amongst us. wider PCI family and we want and development; for our to say a heartfelt “thank you” to home groups; for our youth you all for your partnership with us in this journey. ministry as we love and disciple our own kids and as we seek to Our big news at the moment is that we are hoping that 2018 bring the gospel to the many others who live here; for our work will see the beginning of our new church building project. with students at Maynooth University, and especially as we try to Maynooth Community Church (MCC) has met in six different develop our role within the campus chaplaincy service; and for our locations since our beginning and currently meets in a corridor Alpha courses and those from our community who come along to over Dunnes Stores in Manor Mills Shopping Centre, Maynooth. explore the basics of Jesus’ message.

All our venues, including our current one, have been a blessing We are honoured to be a small part of our wider PCI family and but we are delighted that Kildare County Council has agreed to thank you again for all your prayers and support for our work. sell us a 3.2 acre site just off Main Street in Maynooth and that circumstances have allowed us to move towards building the first phase in our longed-for permanent home there. As part of its growing residential size, Maynooth has over 2,000 secondary school pupils and 12,000 university students who gather here.

These demographics bring with them a wonderful opportunity Mission Connect | Herald February 2018

Churches together in Donegal

Rev. Stephen Richmond

Donegal and Stranorlar Presbyterian churches

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ne of the unusual and wonderful things about working in with other local ministers and leaders from churches all around Donegal and Stranorlar is the close working relationship the area. We are good friends, lovers of Jesus and colleagues in we have with other local churches. Around Donegal town ministry and mission. We continually pray for the work of the we have the Church of Ireland group of parishes made up of four individual churches and we pray that all of the churches in our churches, the Methodists with area would flourish and grow. three churches and a Baptist It has been a delight to see It was their faith in Jesus that united them fellowship. the other churches develop In Stranorlar we have been their work and ministry together and their church denominational working closely with the over the past few years and Church of Ireland group there such an answer to prayer. So connection was secondary. with its three churches which rather than just pray for the has included joining together Presbyterians in Donegal, let for services at Christmas and Easter, running an Alpha course me encourage you to pray for all the churches working faithfully in together and having a joint midweek meeting in a local coffee this area. shop. In Donegal we also have services together, Messy Church Please pray: for the Mustard Seed drop-in centre, opened by together and our youth work has been combined. Sunday night the Church of Ireland but staffed by volunteers from different youth is led by John, the Methodist minister, who leads a team of churches; for Sandra volunteering as a community mission worker leaders from all the churches to meet in the Presbyterian hall with in the Church of Ireland; for Matt, Jules and their family (they youth people from all over the town and surrounding area. have recently moved to the area to try and plant a church in the I recently met four teenage girls for a coffee and to read the Bundoran and Ballyshannon area with the support of Baptist Bible together; one Presbyterian, one Church of Ireland, one Missions); for John as he leads the youth work and particularly as Methodist and one whose mum is Catholic but is attending the the Methodist youth team plan a week of mission for Holy Week; Methodist church. These four girls are all active followers of Jesus for Tom from the USA as he renews his visa so he can continue and what struck me during our conversation was that they found to pastor the Independent Baptist Fellowship; for Adam and the it completely normal to have fellowship with Christians from Church of Ireland parishes in Stranorlar as they plan a week of different denominations and thought this was the way it happens mission for Easter which we will join with; and for all of us as we everywhere! It was their faith in Jesus that united them together seek to plan a joint outreach event for the year ahead. and their church denominational connection was secondary.

Please pray that people come to know Jesus in south Donegal.

Every Tuesday morning I have the privilege of meeting to pray Mission Connect | Herald February 2018

God’s faithful provision Naomi Keefe

Global mission worker, Brazil

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ver the last two months many things have happened The Good News Club leader who came to help clean the house and yet it amazes me how God knows everything that is after the move, commented, “This girl really likes favelas!” because happening and continues to guard and guide His people. to get to my new home you have to walk through part of another In September and October I had two more break-ins, making a favela (slum) on the outskirts of Aguazinha. When I had my first total of four break-ins in which my teenage neighbours (who are shower I was reminded of what it was like to have, as my dad drug traffickers) and their girlfriends had entered my house and would say, a “proper shower”, as the force of the water is great and stolen money and various personal belongings, not to mention there is a constant supply due to a well – so no more need of my my frozen feijoada (beans with pork) which I had prepared for buckets! the week ahead. They entered via the roof, taking off the tiles and Please give thanks to God for my new home and that I have asbestos roofing to create an internet connection again. opening. The rest of the local Please pray for wisdom and That afternoon I viewed the apartment, community kept silent due guidance for the kirk session of to fear of the retired military Peixinhos as they have decided and the following day…I moved in. man whose nephew was to restructure the Sunday involved in the robbery and school. Eight of the teachers God’s timing was perfect. hence didn’t give any support. didn’t like the idea of being Normally the community of under the authority of the kirk Aguazinha comes down heavily on such break-ins. session and gave up their teaching roles with immediate effect.

Having spent 12 years in the community of Aguazinha, the Pray for the new mature leaders taking up the role of teaching police recommended that I move somewhere else. The police within the all-age Sunday school, and pray for me as I train them. stated that in Brazil the situation has now reached a stage where It is hoped that the series on Pilgrim’s Progress will start in the new unfortunately they can’t do anything against these drug dealers – year, so there are lots of training sessions organised before this. the majority of whom are minors.

On the day following the fourth break-in, I had to go to the local vet and whilst there she was able to point me to her Christian neighbour who had just finished building a brand new two-storey building with three apartments. That afternoon I viewed the apartment, and the following day closed the contract with the owner who hadn’t even managed to put it on the market, and the following day I moved in. God’s timing was perfect.

Mission Connect | Herald February 2018

Changing times at Corkey House

Rosemary Gilbey

Home manager, Corkey House, Belfast

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orkey House residential home, situated at Forthriver Christmas time proved to be quite a challenging and sad time Crescent, north Belfast, continues to be a very busy home. for Corkey House as we had to close the home to visitors due to a The home is registered for 35 residents and under our winter bug. However, we did not let this get us down and staff and current registration, 10 of our beds are for the care of residents residents made the most of it, singing carols, saying prayers and with early stage dementia. looking forward to the new year. A New Year’s Eve party lifted all In recent times the home has gone through a period of change our spirits – we drank Shloer, ate lots of chocolates and cakes, and with the previous manager, Ann Anderson, retiring from her reminisced about the past year. position and me being At the moment we are appointed in October 2017. I decorating the home, We continue to attend and look forward to our refurbishing the main lounge had previously worked in the home as a senior member of and dining room. Residents devotional services and prayer meetings. God the team. This is a very exciting have been involved in time for Corkey House and staff choosing colour schemes and answers so many of our prayers. are all looking forward to the suggesting ideas about what future. Recently we have had new furniture they would like. a lot of activities and social events which all the residents have We would like to take the opportunity to thank the ‘Friends of enjoyed.

Corkey’ volunteers for all their work and continued support to One resident, Marion Williamson, particularly enjoys the spiritual the home. This is a group of ladies who do much for the home, side of the care at Corkey House and said, “We continue to attend including coming every Wednesday afternoon with a small mobile and look forward to our devotional services and prayer meetings. shop which ensures residents can purchase small items on request God answers so many of our prayers.” and providing a shop service for those residents unable to get out, One particular highlight over the last few months has been or who have no family. the Elvis Presley lookalike who came to spend an afternoon We would ask you to continue to pray for Corkey House residents entertaining us all on 24th October 2017. and staff at this period of change for the home.

On 27th October the residents and staff organised a coffee morning in aid of Northern Ireland Hospice and successfully raised £442 for this worthy charity in our community.

Mission Connect | Herald February 2018

FEBRUARY 2018

Please pray for...

1 NEPAL – Peter and Jayne Fleming who travelled to Nepal in late January to begin their overseas assignment; Peter to serve as Integral Mission Advisor to the United Mission to Nepal, and Jayne teaching at the Kathmandu International Study Centre.

11 HOME MISSION – The members of Inch congregation as they seek to bear witness to the gospel in Inch Island and beyond. Pray too that the congregation will be recognised as the family of God on Inch and remember Rev. Jim Lamont (stated supply minister).

2 URBAN MISSION – Pray for the Urban Mission congregation of Westbourne in east Belfast, and for the minister, Rev. Mervyn Gibson.

12 TAKING CARE – Taking Care is the name of the child protection policy and programme of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Pray for the administrative staff in the Taking Care office – Cathy Mullin and Marjorie Coulter.

13 INDONESIA – The life and witness of the Evangelical Christian Church in Halmahera; for its leaders as they work for the unity of the church, the training of new ministers, and for Christians to be able to build good relations with their Muslim neighbours.

14 IRISH MISSION – William Workman, Irish mission worker serving in Athy and Carlow.

Tom Dowling

15 ROMANIA – Csaba Veres in his work in Servant Mission and for Ilona Veres working amongst Roma women and children in the village of Mera.

3 IRISH MISSION – Tom Dowling, Irish mission worker serving in Kilkenny Presbyterian Church. Give thanks for all who attend Ossory Park Community Centre Bible study. Pray that more people will join the Bible study and come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

16 CHAPLAINS – Rev. Graeme Orr, part-time chaplain at Ulster University’s Magee campus in Londonderry.

4 BRAZIL – The work and witness of PCI’s partner churches, the Presbyterian Church of Brazil and the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil.

18 PAKISTAN – Staff and students at Gujranwala Theological Seminary and United Bible Training Centre. Pray especially for the resourcing and development of these institutions so important for the training of church leaders.

6 DEACONESS – Rosemary Spiers, serving in Greenwell Street Presbyterian Church, Newtownards, as she seeks to witness for the Lord in all she does and says, as each day brings new opportunities to share God’s love with others.

7 CHAPLAINS – For Rev. Michael Anderson, part-time chaplain at Musgrave Park Hospital, as he visits patients at the hospital.

19 RESPITE CARE – Respite care is provided in Aaron House, Dundonald and Lawnfield House in Newcastle, Co. Down. Give thanks for the vital work being carried on in these homes which allows families a much-needed break from their caring responsibilities, knowing that their loved ones are being well looked after in a Christian environment.

9 DEACONESS – Margaret Robertson to know God’s presence daily as she serves Him in Elmwood, Lisburn and for wisdom to know how best to support and encourage the local community group in the housing estates next to the church.

10 HOME MISSION – Rev. Daryl Edwards and the congregations of Cootehill, Drum and Kilmount.

21 HOME MISSION – The life and witness of the congregation of Howth and Malahide, and for the minister, Rev. Alastair Dunlop.

22 MIDDLE EAST – Colin and Marjorie Dickson as they contribute to the development of Christ-like, servant leaders for transformational impact in the Middle East.

23 CHAPLAINS – Forces chaplains who work with new recruits, who are often young men and women with little church connection before joining the armed services.

24 URBAN MISSION – The Living Room Church meeting at the Hope Link Centre at Carlisle Circus in Belfast as it seeks to reach out into the community.

25 SPECIALIST SERVICE AGENCIES – Continued support for the work of the Bible Society in Northern Ireland, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Feba and SAT-7.

17 HOME MISSION – Rev. William Hayes and the congregations of Tullamore and Mountmellick in counties Offaly and Laois respectively. Pray especially for their ongoing work and contact with the local Muslim community and the new families attending church.

5 VOLUNTEERS – The Council for Social Witness depends on the commitment of many volunteers working within their homes and units. Give thanks for those who volunteer in whatever aspect it may be.

8 KENYA – Gary and Mary Reid as they work with the Maasai people, that God will open a door for His message. Remember too their children at college in Scotland and at boarding school in Kenya.

20 COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Timothy Vaughan, community outreach worker in Garnerville Presbyterian Church, giving thanks for the relationships Tim has made in his first few months there.

Hazel Reid

26 DEACONESS – Wisdom and guidance for Hazel Reid as she continues to serve the Lord in First Broughshane. Pray too for the congregation’s witness to the local community.

27 CHAPLAINS – Colin Megaw, chaplain serving at Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre.

Pray for opportunities to share the gospel with the young people and that they might find new life in Christ.

28 TRINITY HOUSE – Trinity House is PCI’s new residential care home at Garvagh, Co. Londonderry. Give thanks for the new residential care provision and pray especially for Jayne Bellingham, Trinity House’s new home manager.

Lawnfield House

www.presbyterianireland.org/prayer

REFLECTIONS

Morning faith confirmed at noon Arthur Clarke Study in 2 Timothy 1:3-7

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e assume that on the first missionary journey, read stories about Him and introduce Him in prayer.” The Paul preached the gospel in Lystra and youthful Archbishop also said Jesus calls each of us to take a journey.

Timothy heard and embraced the Good News Those who make this journey must look in two directions; (Acts 14:6-7). When Paul visited Lystra again they must look outward to the world and upward towards the on the second missionary journey “a disciple was there named Saviour. Long before Prince George was born, Lois and Eunice Timothy” who had already made progress in the Christian life, followed the cleric’s teaching (2 Timothy 1:5). Martin Luther so much so that “he was well spoken of by the brethren” (Acts contended: “Early nurture is almost omnipotent”. J.M. Barrie 16:2). wrote: “The God to whom a child prays has a face much like its For over 15 years, since he had been first recruited in his mother.” home town Lystra, Timothy had been Paul’s faithful missionary After our parents, it is our friends who influence us most, companion. He had been alongside the apostle to the Gentiles especially if we deem them worthy mentors. In Paul, Timothy throughout most of the second and third had an outstanding teacher and friend. As missionary journeys and had been sent as read 2 Timothy 1:4-5 we cannot fail …this intensely personal we a trusted apostolic delegate to Thessalonica to grasp the affectionate bonds binding and Corinth (1 Thessalonians 3:1 and 1 these two men together, overcoming a communication to his Corinthians 4:17). “I have no one like generational gap. Paul prayed constantly young colleague was his for Timothy and wrote him letters of him,” asserted the man from Tarsus (Philippians 2:20-22). last will and testament to teaching, challenge and encouragement.

Timothy was with Paul in Rome during Encouragement is a spiritual gift to be his first imprisonment, for Paul bracketed the church. sought and regularly employed (Romans Timothy’s name with his own when 12:8). Sir Fred Catherwood contended: writing the prison epistles. So, when Paul’s first imprisonment “The church should be a community of encouragement.” was over, he left Timothy as the accepted leader of the church Timothy, young, temperamentally shy and often overcome in Ephesus. During his further and more severe imprisonment, with ill health, possessed a teaching gift acknowledged and Paul sent this second letter to Timothy. Paul was now writing affirmed by the church. We note that this leader was not only under the shadow of martyrdom and we conclude this intensely indebted to his home and upbringing, his friends and mentors personal communication to his young colleague was his last will but to God who equipped him and guided him into a situation and testament to the church. of service suited to his talents. Paul exhorted Timothy to keep Millions Made My Story was the title a retired tabloid editor stirring up his gift for ministry and teaching. His pastoral gave to her memoirs and while the number she quoted isn’t situation may well have had its difficulties but Timothy had to true for us, she hit upon a real truth; many have contributed be strong and bold. “God did not give us a spirit of timidity but to our spiritual formation. This was true of youthful Timothy. a spirit of power and love and self-discipline.” Here are three Two generations of his family laid the foundation of his faith spiritual attributes – courage, compassion and composure – and we add to that the counsel of Saint Paul, along with the which ought to be coveted by all with teaching and leadership inspiration of fellow workers. The challenges of ministering in roles within our fellowships.

Ephesus evoked in the godly young man qualities of wisdom “Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a and faithfulness. wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way!

On 23rd October 2013, Justin Welby, the Archbishop Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not of Canterbury, baptised the firstborn son of the Duke and homelessness, not bullying threats not even the worst sins listed Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George. In his address, Justin in Scripture!” Romans 8 (MSG).

Welby outlined his estimation of the duty of the Prince’s parents. He said the Duke and Duchess have a “simple task” to “make sure he knows who this Jesus is. Speak of Him,

Herald February 2018

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Single Married ‘happily ever after’

With Valentine’s Day, February can feel like a month focused on romantic love and relationships.

Olwyn Mark addresses the subject of singleness and suggests the church should do more to affirm, encourage and support those who are single.

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arriage and the family stand at the heart of God’s relational order (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:24). We can all testify to the reality that when marriages and families flourish, the whole community benefits. This should be no surprise to us as our Creator designed it to be so. As a result, the covenant promise made between a husband and wife is to be celebrated, esteemed and nurtured. It not only reflects the covenant love of God, and is an image of the relationship between Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:31-32), but the marriage union strengthens community and provides the ideal context in which

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children are raised and faith nurtured.

At the same time, within God’s relational order, dignity, worth and esteem is given to those who are unmarried (1 Corinthians 7). This is not an add-on by the Creator, but also within

Do we give the impression that those who are married are ‘sorted’ and singles are at a loose end waiting to get caught up in their ‘happily ever after’?

His perfect will for His people. Indeed, the reality is that all of us live through different seasons of singleness – the not-yet married, the never married, the divorced, the widowed. Yet I wonder which status is nurtured and celebrated more in our church communities?

Marriage or singleness? Which do we talk about more with our children and young people?

Do we presume that all will get married – and if this is not part of their future, do we assume that their lives will somehow be deficient? Do we give the impression that those who are married are ‘sorted’ and singles are at a loose end waiting to get caught up in their ‘happily ever

after’? In a sex-saturated culture, do we assume that sexual abstinence is an unfair and an unrealistic expectation and therefore all singles must be miserable and sexually frustrated? If so, it seems we have lost sight of not only the meaning and purpose of singleness, but also the meaning and purpose of marriage, and how both are to be understood in light of the character and purposes of God. We are also in danger of being more concerned with securing personal happiness than relational holiness and wholeness.

I’m 39 and single. I recently returned to Northern Ireland after seven years of studying and teaching at a theological college in London – a full, rich and challenging season, yet one that I know has been deeply formational and productive. It has also equipped me significantly for the work that I now undertake in Love for Life. For anyone returning home after some time away, the first things that you notice within your own community and social circles are the relational changes – the loved ones departed, the recently married, the children born, and those that have grown and moved away. All part of the rich tapestry of life in community.

On returning, you also step back into the cultural expectations of how your life should be shaping up. Of course, people ask about your relational status: “Have you met Mr. Right yet?” – with genuine interest and concern for your happiness and well-being. I noticed that other significant relationships – those friendships that have nurtured, supported and encouraged me to pursue God more intentionally over the past seven years – somehow seem less significant.

Often seemingly overlooked too is an appreciation for how being unmarried in this season has enabled me to devote myself to research and writing in a way that I could not have done if married or with children. This is not to say that being single does not have its sacrifices and challenges – and these will be different for different individuals – but surely the same is true for those who are married. More openness around

We need to affirm that both marriage and singleness are good gifts of God to be used to reflect the character of God. these challenges within our Christian community would help us to more fully understand and support one another in the season that we are in.

Tim and Kathy Keller, in their book The Meaning of Marriage, explore both ‘The Goodness of Singleness’ and ‘The Goodness of Seeking Marriage’. I think they strike an important balance here. On the one hand, they note the uniqueness of the Christian faith in affirming the value of singleness; while the Christian community can provide the context for relational nurture and flourishing, ultimately only union with Christ will fulfil our deepest longings. On the other hand, within our culture of independence and selfsufficiency, we should not be averse to the commitment and sacrifice that marriage entails. It seems to me that we need to be pursuing communities in which we are all so deeply invested in each other’s lives that we are constantly helping each other – both married and unmarried – to discern God’s will for our lives and pursue righteous living.

We also need to be careful not to adopt cultural expectations when it comes to our young people, where our attention can be overly focused on helping them secure good grades, find a stable job and ‘settle down’; instead, we should be more concerned with helping them discover who they are in Christ and how their gifts – at work and nurtured in community – will help to strengthen the kingdom work amongst us.

In this regard, I do not see my singleness as a problem to be fixed or a deficiency to be addressed. Instead, I want to continue to embrace the ‘gift’ that it is to the church and celebrate what it enables me to do and give. To do that, I need people who will continue to provide the relational intimacy and

encouragement that we all need and long for. At the same time, I do not want to become so independent and seemingly self-sufficient that I am not open to the possibility of getting married at some point. It should go without saying that if any potential marriage is to be Christcentred, then uniting my life with an unbeliever is not an option. “Marry someone who loves Jesus as much as you, if not more” is a great piece of advice that I once heard and have never forgotten.

This is not about naively waiting for a perfect person, but ensuring that you will join your life with someone who is spiritually compatible and will help you to love and serve God more, not less.

So if you have a church group for couples and singles called ‘Pairs and Spares’ (they do exist!), it may be time to rethink your branding. Instead, we need to affirm that both marriage and singleness are good gifts of God to be used to reflect the character of God. Glynn Harrison, in his book A Better Story: God, Sex and Human Flourishing, points out how single people bear witness to God’s faithful and passionate love: “In their faithfulness to the sacred meaning of the marriage bond, their sexuality stands as a powerful witness to the true nature of God’s faithful love. They point to a future reality in which we shall all be single in terms of human relationships, but ‘married’ in terms of our relationship with the Divine.”

Surely this is the ‘happily ever after’ that we all need to get caught up in.

Olwyn Mark is Head of Research and Strategic Partnerships at Love for Life.

Love for Life is an independent Christian charity, working to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to make good choices when it comes to relationships and sex. It works in partnership with schools, community groups and churches across Northern Ireland, delivering programmes to young people and parents and offering training and resources to teachers and community leaders. For more information visit www.loveforlife.org.uk

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Social media ministry David Thompson introduces two ministers who have discovered a new appreciation for social media and how it can be a useful tool for ministry.

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ne of the highlights of last year’s General Assembly was the presentation by SPUD drawing the Church’s attention to the potential of developing congregational use of social media for ministry among members and for mission to the surrounding community. Following on from discussion at the Youth Assembly, this was an area in which the younger generation enthusiastically identified that they were uniquely placed to make a contribution to the Church’s life and witness.

Better than anyone else, they grasp the potential for spreading the gospel

through the technical and communication revolution of recent years which has left many older members scratching or shaking their heads, bewildered by the sheer rate of change in how society spreads and multiplies its messages. Of course, we have a message to share as well – God’s amazing good news in Jesus. If we are to be effective in doing so in this generation then we cannot afford not to be in the online world.

As a direct result of SPUD’s input, 2018 will see the release of monthly encouragements to congregations to develop their social media presence.

Watch out for these appearing across

a variety of mediums, including blogs, vlogs, Facebook, Twitter and on the PCI website. When complete, these outputs will be gathered together into a resource for congregations.

Many of us need a little persuasion to take our first tentative steps into the digital world. In the following stories two members of PCI share their conversion to the world of social media.

David Thompson is Secretary of PCI’s Council for Congregational Life and Witness.

Facebook epiphany I have been a conscientious attender at the General Assembly year after year since 1981. (So you can work out that 36 Assemblies after the first one, I now do have a bus pass!) At various times I have been angered, frustrated, bored, encouraged or occasionally even inspired by what I have heard.

But the General Assembly of 2017 was a wee bit different.

It brought about a conversion. While listening to the Spud Youth Assembly-led debate on the use of social media in general and Facebook in particular, I was at first intrigued and then gripped by the conviction with which various speakers addressed the potential benefit of social media as a useful communication tool.

Our congregation already had its own Facebook page, formally approved by our kirk session and carefully monitored by an elder. But I was convinced I needed to leap forward into the 21st century and get on Facebook myself. I left the Assembly that day knowing I needed to do something personally. And I knew if I didn’t act immediately I probably would never do anything about it.

So I returned home and invited my already Facebook savvy adult daughters to get me connected – which they did, once they got over their amazement at their oul’ fella’s late conversion to real world communication. So here I am, six months later reflecting on that conversion.

Any regrets? None. So far! My previous misgivings had largely been around what I might come across on Facebook

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– that I might discover things I neither wanted nor needed to know. But of course, ‘Facebookers’ can control to a very large extent whom we communicate with. We can choose our ‘friends’, as I have done, carefully – indeed cautiously.

They are still almost entirely people who are real friends.

I will never consider friends as an appropriate description for Facebook contacts if Facebook is our only means of communication with such people.

Sure, Facebook communication is misused. And it can do greater damage than other forms of communication because it is instant, very public and spreads rapidly. I have in my short Facebook life seen damage done and pain caused.

By the same token it can do great good because of the instant, public nature of the communication which is quickly spread. Facebook therefore does represent a real opportunity for the Church and its individual members to: advertise all that is going on in congregational life; to speak a gospel word “in season and out”; and to offer words of hope, comfort and encouragement in the name of Jesus.

Many years ago someone asked, “Why should the devil have all the good music?” Today, maybe we should ask: “Why should he have unopposed access to all the modern communication forms?”

Conquer your fears. Just go for it! You must know someone who can get you started?

Rev. Colin Morrison Minister of Eglinton Presbyterian Church

My conversion to social media My first experience of using social media was almost a decade ago.

Although Facebook only became accessible in the UK in September 2006, I think it was 2010 before I ventured onto it. I remember there was quite a hoo-ha about it, and I suppose I was curious to see what all

social networking that is of great benefit, as you read what others have to share on a multitude of different subjects or interests. You also have the opportunity to help others, as you share information or offer advice.

From a Christian point of view, social networking is a great way to connect with other believers, as well as with people in general. Through this medium we can share our joys and sorrows, offer words of encouragement, and the fuss was about. be a positive witness for God. In his letter to the believers There seemed to be so many people using it, so I decided in Galatia, the Apostle Paul says, “Every time we get the to try it for a year, as a bit of an experiment. However, chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the when the year was up, I deactivated my account, feeling people closest to us in the community of faith” (Galatians a bit disillusioned. There were several reasons for my 6:10, MSG). The proper use of social media is one way in dissatisfaction with Facebook at that which we can be a force for good, and time, and some of those issues have bring blessing into the lives of others, As Christians, we are to not gone away. including fellow believers.

I had come to the conclusion that social networking gives communicate with those usOfthecourse, people were really only using it to opportunity to engage with boast or brag about what they owned around us in a positive people of different faiths, as well as or where they had been, and the those of no faith. How we do that and affirming way, and level of negativity displayed towards should be very much in line with the other users was quite shocking and instructions the Apostle Peter gives social media platforms distasteful. As a result of this very in his first letter. There, he writes, “But negative experience, I concluded that I allow us the opportunity in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. really didn’t need it.

Always be prepared to give an answer to do that.

Initially, I didn’t miss it. After all, there to everyone who asks you to give the were plenty of other ways of keeping in reason for the hope that you have. But contact with friends and work colleagues by text, email, or do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV). phone, not forgetting good old one-to-one conversation!

Having seen the benefits that responsible social However, over the next year, there gradually came the networking offers, I encouraged both my congregations realisation that I needed to reconnect with Facebook or risk to develop an online presence. This was done initially losing touch with what was going on around me. I noticed through the creation of a website for each congregation, that family members were making more and more use of and both now have their own Facebook pages. These are social media, and they seemed much more clued in to what regularly updated with church notices, photos and news of was happening in other people’s lives, and in life in general. upcoming events.

So, on 20th June 2012, I reactivated my account, and I Regarding the use of social media, people are rightly haven’t looked back! Yes, the issues that I had during my concerned about issues such as cyberbullying, hacking, previous experience remained, but what I discovered fraud, scams, and the risk of addiction, but what I have second time round was that there are many benefits to discovered from my experience is that the positives far being part of a virtual community such as Facebook. Being outweigh the negatives. able to connect with people all over the world almost In all areas of life, as Christians, we are to communicate instantly is one the main advantages of using social media. with those around us in a positive and affirming way, and When family members or friends are living far from home, social media platforms allow us the opportunity to do that. it’s great to be able to connect with them via Facebook, Rev. David Brownlow Twitter, WhatsApp etc. There’s also an educational aspect to Minister of Newmills and Carland

Herald February 2018

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Caring for creation Rebecca McConnell interviews Rev. John Hanson, convener of PCI’s Stewardship of Creation Panel, to talk about the environment, lifestyle choices and our duty as Christians to look after God’s creation.

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ow long does a fill of oil last in your home? For Rev. John Hanson, he made a full tank last three years when he lived at the manse belonging to Second Ballybay Presbyterian Church in County Monaghan in the 1990s. “People provided us with sticks for the stove which helped and they are renewable because trees can be planted in their place. It’s important to go easy on the earth’s resources. We cannot continue using up its resources at the rate we are doing. We need to remember the next generation – we all have to tread more gently.”

Mr. Hanson grew up in a “simple, country way” and that has stayed with him. He goes on to explain: “We had one car even though both my parents worked, we lived a simple lifestyle and we grew our own organic vegetables in the garden.”

This concern for the environment has stayed with him, and he and his wife share one car, even though they both have

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jobs. In fact, the car was converted to gas power which is easier on the environment than petrol or diesel.

Where it is feasible, the minister, now in charge of Dromore and Drumquin churches in County Tyrone, cycles and takes public transport when visiting his parishioners in Londonderry and Enniskillen hospitals and when required for meetings at PCI’s Assembly Buildings in Belfast.

“The more public transport is used, the more the service will be provided. We have got into a mentality, particularly in Ireland, of using cars. If you plan in advance, you can make it work. I would encourage people to try it and discover

We’re stewards of creation and we need to love our neighbours as ourselves as God’s Word instructs us to.

it for themselves. Often I can get some work done on the bus as someone else is driving! Bicycles are great for short journeys. The benefits of cycling are much more than just the economic benefits alone – you are more active and it keeps you healthy.”

In 1981 and 1982, before he attended Union Theological College to study for the ministry, Mr. Hanson cycled around the world to draw attention to world poverty, raise money for Tearfund’s work and to encourage Christians to live in a responsible way towards their global neighbours. More recently, he and his family choose to take cycling holidays.

“I would urge the NI Assembly to create a policy where we have a shareduse path along the side of roads so that walkers and cyclists do not have to compete with motorists on the roads.

This needs to be a higher priority as it is in Holland and Germany.”

Indeed, our interview was environmentally friendly, taking place over the phone, cutting down on the 140-

John in east India on his 1981-82 cycle around the world

mile return journey that would have been needed between my County Down office and the County Tyrone manse.

Following the PCI restructuring and the change from boards into councils, the Stewardship of Creation Panel was established in 2016 and Mr. Hanson became its first convener. At the 2017 General Assembly, it reported on the ‘Biblical Basis for the Stewardship of Creation’, a report that formed part of the Global Mission Appendix. It is working on developing a fuller biblical position on the causes and effects of climate change and will make further resolutions to the 2018 Assembly when it meets later this year.

The panel has produced a two-page ‘Environmental Audit’ that congregations can use and is available to download from the PCI website (in the ‘Resources’ section, search ‘Guidelines’ then ‘Presbytery Consultation Documents’).

“We have a lot of good questions that congregations need to address.

For example, when it comes to church property, how are the meeting house, church hall/s and manse heated? Do they use low energy lights? In terms of church land, are there trees and shrubs planted where possible? On any periphery land, are wildflowers sown? Are fair trade products bought and used such as tea, coffee and sugar? How often is the stewardship of creation featured in services? Are there special speakers brought in to speak on this topic?”

PCI has been involved with the interdenominational

It’s important to go easy on the earth’s resources.

We cannot continue using up its resources at the rate we are doing. organisation Eco-Congregation Ireland and is asserting its influence in the hope that more Presbyterian congregations will become more environmentally aware and responsible.

Modern legislation is starting to support environmental policies. “The Dromore church was recently renovated with thick insulation board between the wall and the plasterboard – now it’s easier and quicker to heat the church. In fact, some people are even complaining that it is too warm!”

With many churches serving tea and coffee, I was keen to know what Mr. Hanson recommends as best for the environment. “Delph is the best but I understand that not everyone wants to stand and wash hundreds of cups, so where disposable cups are used at a church function, it’s best to use paper cups rather than polystyrene ones. Paper cups can be recycled and paper is renewable.”

One point which Mr. Hanson is keen to highlight is the theological aspect which is often overlooked. “The Bible starts with God as the creator, He made the earth and the universe and He describes it as ‘very good’ in Genesis 1:31. He put human beings in charge to

work it and take care of it. The Hebrew word for care is shamar which means to keep, tend, guard, take care of and look after. The commandment Jesus gave was to love our neighbour – by living in an extravagant way, we are contributing towards global warming which is creating droughts and storms in other areas, often poorer regions, and that is not a good way to love our global neighbours.

“This whole topic tends to be, let’s say, in the hands of the more liberal side of the church which the evangelicals, of which I am one, tend to run a mile from. I preach the gospel, I call people to repentance and to faith, I hold missions regularly – it is also good theology to look after the world. John Stott and Chris Wright have helped address this imbalance. In his last book, Radical Disciple, John Stott lists topics of Christian discipleship which are commonly neglected and which deserve to be taken seriously and one of them is creation care. He was evangelical and he articulated this point very well. We’re stewards of creation and we need to love our neighbours as ourselves as God’s Word instructs us to.”

The Stewardship of Creation Panel is keen to hear from churches. If this is an area you feel your congregation needs advice on, you can contact Rev. John Hanson at jhanson@presbyterianireland.org Herald February 2018

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REVIEWS

Unless otherwise stated all resources are available from your local Faith Mission Bookshop or online www.fmbookshops.com

Exodus T. Desmond Alexander

Do You Believe KALEIDOSCOPE HOME ENTERTAINMENT £12.93

«««««

Do You Believe? is an inspiring movie from the writers and creators of God’s Not Dead. With big name stars like Mira Sorvino, Sean Astin, Alexa Penavega, Cybill Shepherd and Lee Majors, this film is well acted and has a very powerful and gripping storyline.

It centres around the lives of 12 people who are suddenly joined by the power of Christ in one dramatic event. They learn about the Lord and come to believe and see miracles in action. Pastor Matt (played by Ted McGinley) is inspired by an old minister carrying a cross and preaching to people in the streets. He is reminded that true faith requires action and so he leads the cast in this heart-warming and memorable movie.

This film inspired me and it has really made me think about my faith and what God is calling me to do. As a young person, I sometimes find it difficult to talk to my friends about my faith, but this movie challenged me to speak up more often. It reminded me that God is real and I will never be alone.

I laughed, but mostly cried my way through it, so I would advise you to have plenty of tissues close by!

GH

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Herald February 2018

APOLLOS

£34.00

Living the Prayer – The everyday challenge of the Lord’s Prayer ««««« Trystan Owain Hughes

T. Desmond (Desi) Alexander is Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies at Union Theological College in Belfast.

He is also an internationally recognised Old Testament scholar, having written, edited, and contributed to, many books and dictionaries over the past three decades.

What Desi is in person, he is in print: gentle, gracious, and authoritative.

The commentary begins with an extensive introduction covering areas including: ‘The Literary Context of Exodus’, ‘Exodus and the New Testament’, and ‘Exodus and History’.

The text is presented in the author’s own English translation, followed by a succinct section of notes on the Hebrew text. Hebrew words are transliterated (written phonetically), which allows those without linguistic training (or with limited knowledge) to get close to the original text in a way that is invaluable to understanding what the text says and how it says it.

Many preachers may find that the subsequent section ‘Form and Structure’ explores critical issues beyond their needs but each reader can choose to what extent they wish to engage with the matters raised.

Finally, ‘Comment’ and ‘Explanation’ are offered with the ‘Comment’ opening up the text verse by verse. This prepares the ground for the ‘Explanation’, placing the text within the overall context of the Bible’s big story, a story of rescue with Jesus at the centre.

This is a substantial book and yet the amount of discussion given to each chapter and verse is restrained and in no way burdensome. I would warmly commend this as an excellent, and highly usable, commentary for anyone wanting to preach from the book of Exodus.

NL

THE BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP

£7.99

«««««

Pope Francis recently caused quite a stir by suggesting a change to one of the key phrases in the Lord’s Prayer.

Instead of the words, “And lead us not into temptation” he suggested, “Don’t let me fall into temptation”.

He pointed out that it’s Satan who leads us into temptation, not God. But what did Jesus actually say and what did he mean by these words? This is one of the issues explored by Trystan Hughes in his recently published book on the Lord’s Prayer.

The 63 words of the Lord’s Prayer have inspired thousands of books and millions of sermons through the centuries. It’s a brave person who would offer yet another book on the topic. Consequently, I was rather sceptical when I was asked to review this book.

Amazingly, Trystan Hughes, examining each of the seven phrases in the prayer in turn, manages through his deep biblical understanding and his knowledge of contemporary literature and film to produce a commentary that is well illustrated, fresh and interesting and one which engages with the main issues raised by the words of the prayer. Overall, his message is that this revolutionary prayer demands that we don’t remain on our knees, but rather that we rise “to work towards making God’s topsy-turvy, downside-up kingdom, an everyday reality.”

If you want to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Lord’s Prayer and also let it fully permeate your life this could be the book for you.

JC

REVIEWERS

JC – Rev. Dr. Jim Campbell is minister emeritus of Cooke Centenary RH – Rick Hill is the Discipleship Development Officer for PCI

Luminous Dark Alain Emerson MUDDY PEARL PRESS

£12.99

«««««

In the parable of the wise and foolish builders, we are reminded that storms come to the wise as well as the foolish, the faithful as well as the fickle.

Christians aren’t immune from storms – they aren’t possibilities but promises.

In Luminous Dark, we are drawn into the personal journey of Alain Emerson – a wise, faithful follower of Jesus – as he walked through the darkest night of his soul. The writing is a mix of refreshing honesty and painful reality. It is hard to read at times yet almost impossible to put down. As I read, I was blown away by the depth, integrity and humility I found within it. I was reminded of the need to approach my Saviour in all seasons of my life: joy and pain, light and darkness. And I was challenged by the strength of faith and the intimacy in prayer that I found.

Luminous Dark is a must-read for anyone walking through a valley or experiencing a storm. In fact, it is a must-read for all Christians who want to ensure that their foundations are built on the rock when the floods come. I highly recommend!

RH

Editor’s notes...

Alain Emerson is Irish National Director of 24-7 Prayer and a lead pastor at Emmanuel Church, Lurgan. Rev. Steve Stockman (Fitzroy Presbyterian Church) has interviewed Alain on his blog, ‘Soul Surmise’. To read the full interview go to www.stocki.typepad.com/ soulsurmise (found in the archives for 3rd November 2017).

NL – Rev. Niall Lockhart is the minister of Ballyhenry LI – Louise Irwin is part of the worship team at Kirkpatrick Memorial BC – Rev. Brian Colvin is minister of Downshire Road in Newry GH – Grace Harding is 13 years old and attends West Church, Bangor

Glory Song Matt Redmond UNIVERSAL MUSIC

£12.93

«««««

Matt Redman is probably one of the best-known modern worship songwriters. He has contributed some classics to the lexicon of church music, such as 10,000 Reasons and Blessed Be Your Name, so anything with his name on it carries an expectation of a solid and experienced approach to worship.

This most recent album, his 13th, explores more of a gospel sound and there is even a song with a rap section, which is slightly more off the Matt

Everyone a Child Should Know Clare Heath-Whyte 10PUBLISHING £9.99

«««««

Who was your hero when you were a child? A footballer, or actor, or singer?

We have all had our heroes, but what about the heroes of the faith? Who inspires us to greater service of our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ? When

Redman beaten track! However, if you’re a fan, you’ll be able to push past that and enjoy this collection of songs that inspire us in worship and ground us in Scripture. There is more of a gospel feel to a few of the tracks than the usual pop-rock, although that makes an appearance too.

The album takes us on a gospel journey, exploring thankfulness, our brokenness, God’s sacrifice in Jesus and our future in heaven. I’m not sure if the next oft-sung worship anthem is in here but there are certainly a few singable pieces for congregations.

Matt Redman’s style is recognisable throughout this album, both musically and lyrically, and yet it reflects his own maturing, 14 years since we started singing Blessed Be Your Name.

Whether you’re looking for new congregational pieces or wanting to add to your own personal collection, sticking this on in the car or while you’re making the tea will encourage worship.

It will help you to practice the presence of God and connect you to Scripture, through the melding of melody and simple, true words that make their way into the subconscious.

LI

did we first learn about the lives of those who went before us in service of the kingdom?

Everyone a Child Should Know is a book about 52 heroes of the Christian faith, from across the centuries and across cultures. It is a wonderfully designed and illustrated book, written for parents to read to younger children that they might be introduced at an early age to some heroes of the faith, friends and followers of Jesus from all walks of life, who served Him, their Saviour and Lord, in all sorts of ways.

It is written to introduce young children to Jesus that they might trust Him, love Him and serve Him in their own lives.

As one who loves to read biographies, this is a great introduction to the lives of some heroes whose lives still inspire us to love and serve Jesus Christ today.

BC

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LIFE IN PCI Organ marathon hits the right notes in Moira An organ marathon was held in Moira Presbyterian Church recently, with the event running from 9am to 9pm.

During the 12-hour marathon, the Co. Antrim church’s Three Manual Allen Organ came alive with the sound of music played by guest organists David Thompson, Vivien McCullough, George Ellis, Alma McNeill, John Garvin, Carl McCambley, Gareth Murray, Rev. Jack Richardson, Stuart Nelson, Gertie Jamison and Stephen Thompson.

During the day ladies from the church served tea and coffee with delicious freshly-made scones and tray bakes.

All donations and proceeds from the event went to church funds.

Top left: Rev. Howard Gilpin, Councillor Tim Morrow (mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council) and Alderman Jim Dillon pictured at the organ marathon in Moira Presbyterian Church.

Top right: Emma Fairley, Naomi Rice, Elizabeth Beckett, Dorothy Cantley, Elizabeth McGown and Jennifer Reid served refreshments at the organ marathon.

Bottom left: Organist John Garvin (Moira Presbyterian) plays the Three Manual Allen Organ at the organ marathon.

Bottom centre: Organists George Ellis (Ballinderry Presbyterian), Vivien McCullough (Holy Trinity, Aghalee) and Gertie Jamison (Moira Presbyterian).

Bottom right: Organist Alma McNeill (Moira Presbyterian) pictured playing the Three Manual Allen.

Ballycrochan celebrates 40 years Storytelling was a central theme of the opening weekend of Ballycrochan Presbyterian’s year-long celebration of 40 years of ministry in the Bangor area.

While the opening night was an evening of memories and reflection, the next day saw the Moderator attend worship and return again that evening for the first performance of a specially commissioned play. Ballycrochan’s anniversary, by happy coincidence, was shared with the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. To mark both events, the congregation commissioned a one-man play called Young Luther written by local playwright Philip Orr and performed by actor and congregation member Brian Payne.

An Advent celebration concert with the Bangor Ladies Choir opened the Advent season with real joy. And later in December the community was welcomed to a community carol service, complete with a mobile farmyard, including the animals.

In mid-December Ballycrochan took part in a unique international venture called Help-Portrait in which professional photographers and other volunteers give their time, tools and expertise for free to their communities. Ballycrochan’s version of the event sought to honour older people in the community.

In order to get a free, professionally taken portrait, the only rule was that each photo needed to have someone over 65 years in it.

And so grannies and granddads, families and friends came in their Christmas jumpers, with favourite toys and even a pet.

One photo featured four generations from the same family. The oldest ‘model’ on the day was 95 years and the youngest just five weeks old, but every group left with a free family portrait for Christmas. Special thanks are due to photographers David Cavan, Curtis Irvine and Stephen Greer.

There’s more to come this year as Ballycrochan continues to mark 40 years in the community and to find unique ways of connecting with its neighbours.

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Herald February 2018

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

Long service recognised in Ballyrashane Ballyrashane Presbyterian Church recently presented Irene Martin (centre) with a gift for over 60 years’ faithful service to the church choir.

She is pictured with Desi Lyons (a previous clerk of session) and Gwen Cochrane, organist in Ballyrashane.

Milestone in First Portadown Mrs. Edith Flannigan, a member of First Portadown Presbyterian, has celebrated her 100th birthday. She is congratulated by the Moderator Dr. Noble McNeely and his wife Florence.

100th birthday in Grange Toberdoney presentation Hugh Hill (clerk of session of Toberdoney Presbyterian) presents Rev. William Harkness and Wilma Harkness with gifts to mark their time at the Co. Antrim church.

A congregational lunch was held by Grange Presbyterian Church to celebrate the 100th birthday of minister emeritus Rev. Joe Mooney.

Pictured with Mr. Mooney (fourth from left) are the present minister and elders in Grange: David Montgomery, Jamie Harris, Maurice Black, Noel Stevenson, Rev. Colin Millar, Kenneth Johnston, James McNeilly and John McNeilly. Photograph courtesy of the Ballymena Guardian.

Training in Keady Members of The Temple Presbyterian Church, Keady who attended a training session facilitated by Gareth Duffy and Mark McCann, of Heartstart. This British Heart Foundation initiative aims to teach people of all ages what to do in a life-threatening situation by offering emergency life support skills. The training also included the use of a defibrillator. The Co. Armagh congregation plans to purchase one, which will be of great benefit to the local area.

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LIFE IN PCI

BEM awarded Peela Gamble, a member of Lisbellaw Presbyterian Church and former church organist, is pictured with her four sons, Desmond, Paul, David and Stuart, at the presentation of her BEM at Hillsborough Castle. The award was presented to Mrs. Gamble for her services to the local community in Fermanagh. The medal was presented by Lord Brookeborough.

Retirement in High Kirk Anne Taylor has retired after 27 years in her role as Director of Pastoral Care in High Kirk, Ballymena. She is pictured with Dr. Russell Birney (minister emeritus) and Rev. Norman Cameron.

Christmas market in Lisburn First Lisburn Company Boys’ Brigade (affiliated to Railway Street Presbyterian Church) held its annual ‘pop up’ Christmas market in the church hall. In addition to the various market stalls, there was morning tea, coffee and scones on offer and also a great selection of food available for snacks and lunch. Pictured are Santa and his helpers Steven Woods (youth worker) and David Cleland (BB captain), and David’s son Micah.

Bessbrook long service Presentations were made recently to long-serving members of Bessbrook Presbyterian Church choir. Rev. Keith McIntyre presented special treble cleft brooches to six ladies and clerk of session Danny Kennedy paid tribute to the recipients, as well as recalling the long history of the choir and the positive contribution made by its members to the congregation over many years. Pictured in the back row are: A. Neagle, R. Mulholland (on behalf of H. Chambers), K. Kennedy and O. Brown (organist and choir mistress). Front row: D. McMinn, Mr. McIntyre (minister of the Co. Armagh church), R. Moorehead and Mr. Kennedy (clerk of session).

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Stalwarts recognised in First Broughshane Three men in First Broughshane have given over 80 years of service to the congregation as elders. Pictured at a presentation to mark their retirement are: George McMullan (clerk of session), Robert Millar, Frank McFarland, John McCrory and Rev. Ronnie Agnew (minister of the Co. Antrim church).

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

Shoeboxes at Greystone Road The Christian Endeavour group at Greystone Road Presbyterian Church in Antrim spent an evening making up shoeboxes for the Christmas shoebox appeal. The boys and girls loved being able to send gifts to those who are less fortunate than themselves and were helped by generous donations from members of the church. Altogether CE made 11 shoeboxes to send to the appeal.

Presbytery presentation Dublin and Munster Presbytery recently made a special presentation to Denis and Cherry Poynton on their retirement from the committee of the Presbytery Education Fund. Together Denis and Cherry served as honorary secretary and treasurer of the fund for over 47 years, beginning in 1970. The picture shows Dr. Stephen Rea (moderator) and Stuart Ferguson (clerk) making a small presentation on behalf of the presbytery.

Anniversary in Ballygilbert Ballygilbert Presbyterian in Bangor celebrated its 175th anniversary recently, with over 80 people attending the celebratory lunch. Pictured are: Dr. Roy Patton and his wife Daphne, John Adamson (clerk of session), Moderator Dr. Noble McNeely and his wife Florence, Councillor Robert Adair (mayor of Ards and North Down) and Sylvia Hermon MP.

Nativity service in Anahilt Children of Anahilt Presbyterian Church who performed in their recent Christmas nativity service.

First Castlederg presentations Rev. Roy Neill (minister emeritus of First Castlederg) presented an oak lectern in memory of his wife June and an oak table in memory of his daughter Kathryn to the Co. Tyrone church. Pictured also are members of the Neill family and James Emery (clerk of session) and Rev. Robert Orr. The Co. Tyrone church also received information boards, which were presented by Milton Porter (a member of the kirk session) in memory of his wife Roulie.

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Council for Mission in Ireland

HOME MISSION VACANCY

Irvinestown, Pettigo and Tempo (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years)

Applications are invited for this Home Mission charge in Co. Fermanagh, from Ministers and Licentiates eligible for call within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

COORDINATOR OF YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY

As Minister of this three-point rural linkage, the successful applicant will follow God’s call to work in the smaller towns and villages of the Lakeland area of Northern Ireland. The parish extends from the border with Co. Donegal at Pettigo along the north-eastern shore of Lower Lough Erne, covering the country areas north of Enniskillen.

Salary: PCI APP Band B post, starting at £22,849 (+ pension plan)

The Minister will be able to lead the congregations in partnership with their active Kirk Sessions whose desire is see their congregations engage in mission as an integral part of their local communities.

This unique opportunity will attract a dynamic, experienced and spiritually mature person ready for a fresh, varied and challenging role as a key member of a ministry team seeking to implement an unashamedly ambitious mission plan.

Further information including Home Mission application forms are available from the vacancy convener, Rev. Rodney Beacom, The Manse, Tattygar Road, Lisbellaw, Enniskillen, BT94 5GT rbeacom@presbyterianireland.org or Rev. David Bruce, Secretary, Council for Mission in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, 2-10 Fisherwick Place, Belfast, BT1 6DW cmi@presbyterianireland.org

The nature of this post will require evening and weekend work.

Full-Time (37½ hrs/wk) 3-year contract

Obtain a full job description and application form from the congregational website or from: The Rev. Dr. Colin D. McClure The Manse, 5 Whitla’s Brae, Larne BT40 3BY Tel. 07984 030881 cmcclure@presbyterianireland.org www.firstlarne.org.uk Closing date for applications is 5pm Friday, 16th March 2018

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ACROSS 1 Marmalade loving bear (10) 8 Bad boy of US boxing (5) 9 An ice house (5) 10 Titanic had too few (9) 11 Muslim religious leaders (5) 14 Location (4) 15 A youthful missionary (7) 17 Title of a married woman (3) 19 An old car (6) 21 The Lord’s people are this to the potter (4) 22 An ancient tribe of Israel (5) 23 Insects of the military type (4) 25 A sinister warning (6) 26 The Beatles’ submarine (6) DOWN 1 He met the Ethiopian (6) 2 Spotty canine (9) 3 Don’t have any of these (5) 4 One of tennis’ greats (5) 5 Occupational Therapist (2) 6 Stockings (6) 7 Popular North Coast destination (11) 12 They say opposites do this (7) 13 A musical ensemble (8) 16 The scourge of Allied shipping (1-5) 18 Careless handwriting (6) 20 This caused Judas to betray Jesus (5) 24 A female guinea pig (3)

REFLECTIONS

Doors and fences Betsy Cameron

W

hen it comes to DIY, I am all thumbs. I can us that separation and division are part of our brokenness, and identify hammers and screwdrivers, but after that, the challenge always before us is to overcome our division just things get a bit fuzzy. This is probably because I as Paul reminds us in his letter to the Ephesians that Christ has don’t know how anything actually works. Many a broken down the dividing wall of hostility. well-intentioned plumber over the years has tried to explain the One such barrier you may have heard of or encountered is intricacies of the water cycle in radiators, for example, but all I the separation of people into degrees of ‘worthiness’ when hear is incomprehensible white noise punctuated by occasional coming to the sacrament of Communion. The phrase used here sharp intakes of breath. And even I know this means the price is ‘fencing the table’ and the imagery, for me, is difficult and has just gone up. troubling. The idea is that those who are deemed unworthy One day, years ago, when a doorknob had come away in my to come to the table are excluded from partaking. But I hand, I went to a bewilderingly large DIY shop to see what wonder, what is the point of grace if we believe ourselves to be was needed to fix it. I found a friendly, knowledgeable sales ‘unworthy’? assistant wearing a bright red bib, who listened earnestly to me I grew up in a Presbyterian congregation, and for as long as while examining the bits and pieces I had I can remember, we were all invited to brought in from the deceased doorknob. …do doors keep people come to the table. The minister, whoever it Then things got really serious. Like a happened to be, would emphasise that this in or out?...do doors keep was the Lord’s table – not the minister’s forensic scientist determined to solve the case, he fired off a series of questions: was us safe or do they table, not the congregation’s table, not the door intended to keep people in or out? even a Presbyterian table. We would exclude?

Was it for right- or left-handed people? often have been encouraged to prepare Was it usually left open or closed? How for Communion in the days before it by often was it likely to be slammed? I thought carefully about participating in acts of mercy and reflecting on our relationships each question and tried my best to give good information so with others and with God, but we were never told that some he could steer me to the right parts. Only when I was way too could come to the table while others could not. far out to backpedal, did I notice the smile he was trying to Music was always an integral part of Communion services suppress and the twinkle in his eye. Yes, I’d been had. and one hymn, in particular, stands out for me, Beneath the Cross We shared a good laugh (at my expense), after which he of Jesus. The words focused our minds and hearts on the cross shepherded me carefully to all the bolts and such that I would and all that it means. Verse three reminded us, “and from my need. All these years later, the playfulness of that encounter has broken heart, with tears, two wonders I confess: the wonders of stuck with me and so has that most interesting of questions: do His glorious love, and my unworthiness.” doors keep people in or out? Or to put it another way: do doors We are all unworthy, and so attempts to keep the table ‘pure’ keep us safe or do they exclude? It is a great question for us, as are futile. Excluding people does not keep us safe. The table Christians, to reflect on. is laid for broken people, not perfect people. I am familiar Many church buildings now have replaced their large, heavy with the idea of ‘good enough’ when it comes to parenting, for wooden doors at the entrance with lovely, light glass doors. example. It is intended to liberate us from being ground down We want to be welcoming, rather than intimidating. We want by our mistakes and to encourage us to keep going because no to be transparent, and so we want our buildings to reflect our one is perfect. For me, the theology of ‘not good enough’ for the openness to the world and our willingness to engage with table means fear wins. I resist fear and its enslaving power and everyone. turn to Jesus, who loves, welcomes and heals broken people.

But once we’re in, we can find doors of another sort, invisible barriers which divide us and diminish the joy and hope of our new life in Christ. This can take many different forms, and you can probably think of examples from your own congregational life. Doors – and walls and fences – all remind

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Fraserburgh West and Rathen West Joint Charge A coastal and country charge in the North-East of Scotland If you are a fisher of folk and wish to become the shepherd of a flock – we need you!

(Cloughmills)

is looking for an enthusiastic Christian to fulfil the role of

Organist/Musical Coordinator to lead and develop praise.

For further information please contact Rev. Kenneth Henderson Tel: (028) 2763 8252 Email: khenderson@presbyterianireland.org

We are currently seeking a minister for our Joint Charge – if you would like to have a wee look at what we are about you can access our profile at fwparishes@wordpress.com

Closing date for applications is Friday, 23rd February 2018.

If you would like a more personal chat please feel free to contact Doreen Mair, Chair of the Nomination Committee, on 01346 514096 or 07989 871134.

Ardfallen Grove Sheltered Housing

We would love to hear from you, if you would like to apply for the position please submit your application to: Sandra Gault Committee Secretary 22 Pitblae Gardens Fraserburgh Aberdeenshire Scotland AB43 7BH

Fresh Light is recruiting Volunteer Counsellor Supervisors Fresh Light is the volunteer counselling ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland seeking to bring comfort, strength, peace, hope and transformation in the difficult seasons of life.

Operating from a Christian understanding of life and the world, volunteers are committed to standards of best practice and ethics in their counselling.

More information about the service provided can be found at www.presbyterianireland.org/freshlight. Supervisors play a key role in supporting and overseeing the work of counsellors.

Applicants will be: • committed to the Fresh Light Framework of Theology, Ethics and Good Practice; • have a Diploma in Counselling and be experienced and effective counsellors; • have completed a recognised supervisor training programme; • be available to provide regular supervision.

Full details of requirements and an application can pack can be obtained from the Council for Congregational Life and Witness Office, 2-10 Fisherwick Place, Assembly Buildings, Belfast BT1 6DW Closing date for applications Friday, 9th March 2018 For further details contact the Fresh Light Coordinator Tel: +44 (0)28 9261 0586 Email: counselling@presbyterianireland.org

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Ballyweaney Presbyterian Church

Herald February 2018

Cork Methodist Church seeks to appoint a

Part-time Manager (20 hours per week) Ardfallen Grove has been providing independent living facilities for the older person for 25 years.

We aim to provide a safe and secure environment and nurture a friendly community. We wish to appoint a part-time manager. The successful applicant will have a passion for meeting the needs of the older person.

Essential requirements: • Appropriate 3rd level qualification in Social/Community Care or equivalent.

• Driving licence and use of car • Effective people management and conflict resolution skills• Good communication skills • Strong administration expertise including proficiency in IT • Knowledge of relevant regulations, policies and legislation relevant to the social housing sector • Significant expertise in caring for the older person• Satisfactory Gardai vetting clearance For a job specification, further information and an application form please email karen.spence@irishmethodist.org Closing date for applications is 5pm Monday, 12th February 2018.

Centre For Ministry studies MTh Ministry Studies The University of Aberdeen has created an exciting flexible MTh in Ministry Studies. The programme is designed to enable students to reflect deeply on the theology and practice of ministry. It runs part-time over two years and brings together a unique approach which blends theological reflection with practical action in ways designed to enhance and transform ministry in all its different forms. The programme is for anyone engaged in full-time or part-time, ordained or lay Christian ministry.

The programme is taught via a combination of one week intensive teaching modules, guided reading courses and online seminars.

It is also available at a number of levels, including MTh, Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate.

A major strength of the Divinity department at Aberdeen University is that it has a heart for the church. Many of the theologians here have been, or remain, pastors and ministers. It enjoys, therefore, the privilege of being able to offer theological education with scholars who are practicing ministers.

This makes the MTh in Ministry Studies at Aberdeen University a tremendous opportunity for people engaged in a broad range of ministries, in a variety of different contexts, to develop new understanding and revised practices which are faithful and transformative. https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/192/ministry-studies http://www.facebook.com/groups/centreministrystudies

Contact: Rev Dr Ken Jeffrey: ksjeffrey@abdn.ac.uk

‘A centre of excellence that provides world class education and training for people involved in Christian ministry at home and abroad.’ www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/centreministrystudies

Dimma from Kenya, who received support from a Christian Aid agriculture project.

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

1. LEAVE TO CALL GRANTED ANNALONG: REV. S.S. JOHNSTON: Mr. Jim Hanna, 209 Kilkeel Road, Annalong, Newry, BT34 4TW. BAILIEBOROUGH, FIRST; BAILIEBOROUGH, TRINITY, CORRANEARY & ERVEY: (Reviewable Tenure - 7 years) REV. D.T.R. EDWARDS: (Bailieborough, First) Mr. Fred Gilmore, Lisgar, Bailieborough.

(Bailieborough, Trinity) Mr. Bert Coote, Kells Road, Bailieborough. (Corraneary) Mr. Eddie Martin, Ardmone, Canningstown, Cootehill. (Ervey) Miss Jean Archibald, Largy, Drumcondrath, Co. Meath.

2. LEAVE TO CALL DEFERRED GORTNESSY: REV. P.E. LINKENS: Mr. Ross Hyndman, 32 Temple Road, Strathfoyle, Londonderry, BT47 6UB.

TEMPORARY STATED SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT

BANGOR, HAMILTON ROAD (ASSOCIATE): REV. T.W.D. JOHNSTON: Mr. Tom Clarke, 85 Churchill Park, Bangor, BT20 5RW.

BALLYBLACK: REV. R.J. STEVENSON: Mr. Alex Warden, 92 Bowtown Road, Newtownards, BT23 8SL.

BUCKNA: REV. W.E. CHESTNUTT: Mr. J. Robinson, 227 Carnlough Road, Broughshane, BT42 4LX.

BELVILLE: REV D.S. HENRY: Mr. Jack Parks, 95 Dromore Road, Hillsborough, BT26 6HU.

CARRICKFERGUS, DOWNSHIRE: REV. J.W.D. ROGERS: Mr. Graeme Ritchie, Rose Cottage, 287 Upper Road, Carrickfergus, BT38 8PW. CLOUGHWATER: REV. J.A. BEATTIE: Mr. I Davison, 19 Rockstown Road, Ballymena, BT43 6QS. COOKSTOWN, FIRST: REV. I.F. SMITH: Mr. Gordon Black, 21 The Dales, Cookstown, BT80 8TF. CORK, TRINITY & AGHADA: REV. DANIEL REYES MARTIN: (Cork, Trinity) Mr. Harry Moreland, 57 Carrigmore Road, Carrigline, Co. Cork. (Aghada) Mr. John Jeffery, Rathcursey House, East Ferry, Midleton, Co Cork.

CREGAGH: REV. S.P. MOORE: Mr. Dennison Mahood, 229 Cregagh Road, Belfast, BT6 0LD. DROMARA, FIRST: REV. K.W.J. HANNA: Mr. I. McCullagh, 10 Mullaghdrin Road, Dromara, BT25 2AF. FINTONA, BALLYNAHATTY & CREEVAN: (Reviewable Tenure - 7 years) REV. JONATHAN COWAN: (Fintona) Mr. John Sawyers, 182 Loughmuck Road, Fintona, Omagh, BT78 2NF. (Ballynahatty & Creevan) Mr. David Tait, 4 Laurelbank Road, Omagh, BT78 1TA.

SETTLED STATED SUPPLY APPOINTED BALLINDERRY: REV. W.J. HENRY, Minister of Maze BLACKROCK – ST. ANDREWS: REV. DR. K.P. MEYER, Minister of Sandymount – Christ Church BOVEEDY: REV. DR. T.J. McCORMICK, Minister of 1st Kilrea BOYLE: Minister of Sligo (when appointed) BRAY – ST. ANDREWS: REV. C.W.P. KENNEDY, Minister of Dun Laoghaire CAHIR: REV. WILLIAM MONTGOMERY, Minister of Fermoy KATESBRIDGE: REV. N.J. KANE, Minister of Magherally KILREA SECOND: REV. S.A. MORROW, Minister of Moneydig

HARMONY HILL: REV. JOHN BRACKENRIDGE: Mr. Derek Alexander, 24 Downshire Park, Hillsborough, BT26 6HB.

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

IRVINESTOWN, PETTIGO & TEMPO: (Home Mission) REV. R.S.G BEACOM: (Irvinestown) Mr. John Dickey, Ardmore House, 47 Pound Street, Irvinestown, BT94 1HF. (Pettigo) Mr. Noel Baxter, Flowerdale, 80 Sydare Road, Ballinamallard, BT94 2DU. (Tempo) Mrs. Carole Trimble, 5 Tullyreagh Road, Edenmore, Tempo, BT94 3GJ.

3. DECLARED VACANT

MONAGHAN, FIRST & SMITHBOROUGH: REV. G.A. MITCHELL: (Monaghan, First) Mr. David Hamilton, Aughnaseda, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan. (Smithborough) Mr. John Bole, Glenlough, Smithborough, Co. Monaghan.

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WOODVALE: (Reviewable Tenure – 5 Years) REV. C.J. GAMBLE: Mr. Paul Beggs, 93 Farm Lodge Drive, Greenisland, BT38 8XN.

BALLYCAIRN: REV. ROBERT LOVE: Mr. J.B. Milligan, 19 Glenarriff Drive, Dunmurry, BT17 9AZ. BALLYGOWAN: REV. DR. A.F. NEL: Dr. Roy Harper, 31A Drumreagh Road, Ballygowan, Newtownards, BT23 6LD.

NEWRY, FIRST: (Reviewable Tenure - 7 years) REV. D.J. IRVINE: Mr. Stanley Bond, 31 Drumcashel Villas, Newry, BT34 1PT.

BALTEAGH & BOVEVAGH: REV. J.G. JONES: (Balteagh) Mr. William Robinson, 46 Drumaduff Road, Maine South, Limavady, BT49 OPT. (Bovevagh) Mr. Boyd Douglas, 279 Drumrae Road, Dungiven, Co Londonderry, BT47 4NL.

RANDALSTOWN, SECOND: REV. E.S. McDOWELL: Mr. Fred Hand, 13 Groggan Road, Randalstown, BT41 3HA.

BELVOIR: REV. B.J. McCROSKERY: Mr. Brian Dunwoody, 19 Drumart Drive, Belfast, BT8 7ET.

RICHVIEW: (Part-Time (60%); Reviewable Tenure – 5 Years) REV. N.S. HARRISON: Mr. Victor Garland, 25 Abingdon Drive, Belfast, BT12 5PX.

BURT: REV. JAMES LAMONT: Mr. James Buchanan, Heathfield, Burt, Lifford, Co. Donegal.

WARINGSTOWN: VERY REV. PRINCIPAL J.S. CARSON: Mr. David Crawford, 148 Avenue Road, Lurgan, BT66 7BJ.

CAIRNALBANA & GLENARM: REV. W.F. DICKEY: (Cairnalbana) Mr. T. Montgomery, 133 Doury Road, Ballymena, BT43 6SR. (Glenarm) Rev. W.F. Dickey, 6, Ambleside, Cullybackey, BT42 1RQ.

WOODBURN & LOUGHMORNE: (Reviewable Tenure - 7 years) REV. R.J.A. BELL: (Woodburn) Mr. James Stewart, 25 Dairyland Road, Straid, Ballyclare, BT39 9QN. (Loughmorne) Mr. Trevor Herron, 92 Cairn Road, Carrickfergus, BT38 9AT.

CALEDON & MINTERBURN: REV. A.D. DAVIDSON: (Caledon) Mr. Joseph Lawson, 51 Derrycourtney Road, Caledon, BT68 4UQ. (Minterburn) Mr. Alan Campbell, 46 Rehaghy Road, Aughnacloy, BT69 6EU.

Herald February 2018

Editor’s Note: Information for this page is supplied by the General Secretary’s Department.

Vacancies for Conveners of Commissions, councils and committees of the General Assembly are online at www.presbyterianireland.org/convenerships

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

CLOGHER & GLENHOY: REV. L.M. KEYS: (Clogher) Mr. David Boyd, Knockmany, Augher, BT77 0DD. (Glenhoy) Mr. Rowland Mulligan, 3 Knockgreenan Park, Omagh, BT79 0DD.

TOBERMORE & DRAPERSTOWN: REV. DR. J.A. CURRY: (Draperstown) Mr. G. Dickson Jnr, 7 Strawmore Road, Draperstown, BT45 7JE.

COLERAINE, FIRST: REV. R.S. McMULLAN: Mr. Joe Cassells, 25 Queen’s Park, Coleraine, BT51 3JS.

VINECASH: REV. DR. M. McCLENAHAN: Mr. Jim Whittle, 47 Moy Road, Portadown, BT62 1QN.

CORBOY & MULLINGAR: REV. DR. K.D. McCRORY: (Mullingar) Mr. Wilson Porter, Joristown, Raharney, Killucan, Co. Westmeath.

CRUMLIN ROAD: VERY REV. DR. T.N. HAMILTON: Mr. J. Coleman, 2 Abbeydale Parade, Belfast, BT14 7HJ. DONEGORE, SECOND: REV. JONATHAN BOYD: Mr. Samuel Gawn, 120 Parkgate Road, Kells, Ballymena, BT42 3PQ. DRUMBANAGHER, FIRST AND JERRETTSPASS & KINGSMILLS REV. B.D. COLVIN: (Drumbanager, First and Jerrettspass) Mr. George Moffett, 16 Glen Road, Jerrettspass, Newry, BT34 1SP. (Kingsmills) Mr. Raymond McCormick, 119 Kingsmills Road, Bessbrook, Newry, BT35 7BP. FORTWILLIAM & MACRORY: REV. J.K. DOHERTY: Ms. Carolyn Crowe, 84 Somerton Road, Belfast, BT15 4DD. GLENDERMOTT: REV. K.A. JONES: Mr. George Walker, 3 Beverley Gardens, Londonderry, BT47 5PJ. INCH: REV. JAMES LAMONT: Mr. James Buchanan, Heathfield, Speenoge, Burt, Co. Donegal, F93 W3K6.

KEADY, FIRST & ARMAGHBRAGUE: REV. S.M. HAMILTON: (Keady, First) Mr. Ronnie Boyd, 113 Keady Road, Armagh, BT60 3AD. (Armaghbrague) Mr. William Henry, 39 Dungormley Estate, Newtownhamilton, Newry, BT35 0HY. KEADY, SECOND & DRUMHILLERY: REV. D.J. HUTCHINSON: (Keady, Second) Mr. David Coulter, 1 College Glebe, Killylea, Armagh, BT60 4GL. (Drumhillery) Mr. George Mitchell, 55 Drumhillery Road, Middletown, Armagh, BT60 3QB. MOSSIDE & TOBERDONEY: REV. A.J. BUICK: (Mosside) Mrs. Mabel Morrison, 284 Moyarget Road, Mosside, Ballymoney, BT53 8EH. (Toberdoney) Mr. Hugh Hill, 5 Castle Park, Deffrick, Ballymoney, BT53 8EW. NEWTOWNHAMILTON, SECOND & CREGGAN: REV. J.K.A. McINTYRE: (Newtownhamilton, Second) Mr. Jim Copeland, 2 Old Mount Road, Newtownhamilton, Newry, BT35 0DS. (Creggan) Mr. Cyril Feely, 20 Cloughogue Road, Cullyhanna, Newry, BT35 0LS. ORANGEFIELD: REV. DANIEL RANKIN: Mrs. Ruth McConnell, 36 Raffrey Road, Crossgar, BT30 9NW. RAVENHILL: REV. W.A. McCULLY: Mr. Denis Marriott, 216 Orby Drive, Belfast, BT5 6BE. RYANS & BROOKVALE: REV. F.J. GIBSON: (Ryans) Miss Nora Hamilton, c/o Bronte Fold, Rathfriland, BT34 6LU. (Brookvale) Mr. Norman McCrum, 49 Ballynamagna Road, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5PA. WHITEHOUSE: REV. A.V. STEWART: Mr. Maurice Finlay, 12 Whitethorn, Greenisland, BT38 8FH.

THE ELDERSHIP Ordained & Installed: FISHERWICK: Jennifer Breene, Roma Cullen, Alastair Edwards, Sara Hutchinson, Adam Leahy, Diane McKelvey HOWTH & MALAHIDE: Hyton Banks, William Lane, Adriaan Smuts Died: BELLASIS: George Byers BLOOMFIELD: Kathleen Todd CARRYDUFF: Hugh Monro CLOUGHWATER: Samuel Douglas Brown COOKE CENTENARY: Mary Simpson DUBLIN, ABBEY: Jo van der Flier DUNDALK: Roy Truesdale DUNDONALD, CHRIST CHURCH: Brian McCartney FAUGHANVALE: William Hunter HARMONY HILL: Hugh Mack KEADY, FIRST: Cecil Dickson TOWNSEND STREET: James McCausland

THE MINISTRY Ordained & Installed: Ian Cahoon, as Minister of Alexandra, on 30 November 2017 William Alan Dickey, as Minister of First Stewartstown, Brigh & Albany, on 4 January 2018 David Joseph Gray, as Chaplain in QUB, SUC & UTC on 26 November 2017 Craig Neil Lynn, as Minister of Rathcoole, on 9 December 2017 Graham Robert Mullan, as Minister of Moy & Benburb, on 5 January 2018 Installed: Colin George Anderson, as Minister of First Castleblayney, Frankford & Corvally on 1 December 2017 Installed & Inducted: William Harkness, as Minister of Great Victoria Street, with additional Missional Work, on 1 December 2017 Retired: Sarah Elizabeth Hughes, as Minister of Whitehouse, on 31 December 2017 John Alexander Noble, as Minister of Balteagh & Bovevagh, on 30 November 2017 Resigned: Peter Thomas Fleming, as Minister of First Coleraine, on 1 October 2017 William Harkness, as Minister of Mosside & Toberdoney, on 30 November 2017 Peter George McDowell, as Mission Support Officer (Partnerships), on 31 December 2017 Died: Rev Victor Whyte, Minister Emeritus of Macosquin, on 29 November 2017

TEMPORARY STATED SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT DUNDALK: (Home Mission) REV. T.D. HAGAN: KELLS: (Home Mission) REV. DAVID NESBITT: Ms. Ruth McCartney, Shancarnan, Moynalty, Kells, Co Meath.

A82 PF60.

MAY STREET: REV. W.J. ORR: Mr. Arthur Acheson, 56 Quarry Road, Belfast, BT4 2NQ.

Herald February 2018

49

CLASSIFIEDS Accommodation Northern Ireland PORTSTEWART H O L I D AY HOME: Comfortable, bright, spacious, modern house with enclosed garden. 4 double bedrooms. 2 bathrooms. Sleeps 8 - 10 (Additional double available). Quiet, child-friendly location. Balcony views of countryside. Fully equipped throughout. £495 per week. Contact Graeme 07841 100177.

PORTSTEWART LET: Luxury 3 bedroom townhouse in private development. View property on www.northcoastholidaylets. co.uk, for more info telephone 028 90401745 or 07800 802662.

PORTSTEWART: Five bedroom semidetached chalet bungalow overlooking sea coastal road. OFCH. Non smokers. WiFi available. Tel: 028 25582525.

PORTSTEWART: Luxury 4 bedroom cottage and 5 bedroom townhouse available June-Sept. Call 07513 826551, Email: pabloguy50@gmail.com Facebook: @campbellandcorentalproper ties Web: www.millcottages.com FERMANAGH: Fermanagh Lakeland.

‘Muckross Lodge’ Bed & Breakfast, Muckross Quay, Kesh. Situated overlooking Lough Erne. All rooms en-suite, TV, tea/coffee making facilities. Open all year. B&B £25pps, £5 single supplement. Tel: Caroline Anderson 07739 910676.

PORTSTEWART: Sea Holly Lodge. Modern luxury bungalow, presented to the highest standard, 3 bedrooms (1 en-suite) in quiet cul-de-sac. Ten minutes’ walk from promenade, garden front and rear, TV/ video, washing machine, dryer, microwave.

No smoking, no pets. Available high and low season. Tel: Tommy or Hannah Collins 028 29540645. Mobile: 07989 397942.

CROSSWORD Solution to No. 238

ACROSS 1 Paddington 8 Tyson 9 Igloo 10 Lifeboats 11 Imams 14 Site 15 Timothy 17 Mrs 19 Banger 21 Clay 22 Asher 23 Ants 25 Threat 16 Yellow

50

DOWN 1 Philip 2 Dalmation 3 Idols 4 Graff 5 OT 6 Nylon 7 Portstewart 12 Attract 13 Symphony 16 U-boats 18 Scrawl 20 Greed 24 Sow

Herald February 2018

Please note: Adverts must be received in writing (email or post) by the first of the month preceding publication to guarantee inclusion. Adverts received after that date will be published if space permits. Advertising rates can be found on the website – www.presbyterianireland.org/herald – or telephone the Herald office on +44 (0)28 9032 2284 for more information.

W I L L A N LO D G E, P O R T R U S H: Picturesque log cabin set among gardens located in quiet residential area. Three bedrooms (one en-suite). Fully furnished and equipped. Reasonable rates. Telephone 07989 815312.

To Let Northern Ireland P O R TS T E WA R T: Student let for 2018/2019 term. Lovely house in quiet area of Portstewart suitable for two final year students or postgrads. All mod cons, free WiFi, parking for two cars and five minute walk to promenade. Please contact Michael for more details. Tel: 07824 808152.

Spain HOLIDAY RENTAL: Beautiful 3-terraced, 2-bedroom villa in Torrox Costa, southern Spain. Sleeps 4-6. Fantastic sea views, pool open all year. Very reasonable rates. Good availability winter, spring and autumn 2018, but summer booking up fast. All proceeds to help local missionaries and youth work.

For brochure email juliechitty@hotmail. co.uk or phone 0034 651653838.

Self Catering SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION: FLORIDA (villa/apartments) lake views, large swimming pool complete with sun loungers, 10 minutes from Disney. SPAIN (apartments) coastal location, sea views available. N. IRELAND (apartment) north Antrim coast, sea views/minutes from beach. Contact Gerald 07971 194211 or www.christiancoastalapartments.com

Catering T H E L A D I E S O F AG H A D O W E Y Presbyterian Church would again be willing to cater for groups (minimum 25) visiting the Causeway coast. Choices available:morning coffee, brunch/lunch, speciality afternoon teas, turkey and ham salad buffet.

For fuller details please contact Mrs. Olga Cunningham 028 70868300. Proceeds for the church building project.

ORGANISING AN OUTING? The ladies of Carrowdore and Ballyfrenis would be delighted to cater for your group. Morning coffee, lunch, high tea or supper. Convenient to Mountstewart, ArdsPeninsula and Ards or Bangor shopping centres. For details contact Lillah Stevenson 028 91861233 or Hester Muckle 028 42788917 / Mobile 07713 029096.

BALLYCLARE PRESBYTERIAN WILL cater for groups going or returning to the north coast. Morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea. Contact Margaret 028 93323313.

BANNSIDE PW, BANBRIDGE will be pleased to cater for groups visiting the area for morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and high tea. Please contact Marion on 028 40626987.

THE CATERING TEAM at Lylehill Presbyterian (near Templepatrick) will be delighted to cater for morning coffee, lunch or salad high tea. Tel: Kathleen 028 94432701 or 07842 193774.

FIRST DUNBOE PW, Articlave (5 miles from Coleraine, 1 mile from Castlerock) would be very pleased to provide morning coffee, afternoon tea, high tea, or supper for parties during May and June 2018.

For details contact: Mrs. Louie Conn 028 70848244.

VISITING THE CAUSEWAY COAST AREA? The ladies of Bushmills PW would be pleased to cater for groups. Telephone Doreen Armstrong 028 20741022 or Margaret Picken 028 20731539.

HILLSBOROUGH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH will cater for groups coming to visit Hillsborough Castle, the forest park, Dobbies, Sprucefield etc. Morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea, high tea. Contact Helen 028 92682664 or the church office 028 92683502.

CARLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, situated between Dungannon and Cookstown, willing to cater for groups.

Please contact Jennifer: 07901 744838 or Gillian: 07876 464441.

F I R S T BA L LYM O N E Y PW would welcome parties for morning coffee or high tea during the summer. Please contact Mrs. M. Murdock 028 27663622 or Mrs. A. Booth 028 27662757.

ARMAGH, ST AIDAN’S Parish, Grange, would be pleased to cater for groups visiting the Armagh area. Places of interest include St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Palace Stables, St. Patrick’s Trian, etc. Tel: Charlotte 07736 717181 after 6pm.

Wanted COMMUNION GLASSES WANTED by Bloomfield Presbyterian Church. Please contact 07915 643817.

Services VIDEO RECORDING: Professional service for interviews, website videos, short stories, appeals, events, weddings, corporate, church, charity. Tel: Phil 07531 779502. www.reelimpressions.com

Miscellaneous THE GOSPEL IN IRAN, the gospel in Bolivia, get the latest! Terri Jackson blog: http://bibletheologyqa.blogspot.co.uk/

Ross Morrow A.L.C.M., L.T.C.L.

Piano Tuning Services available throughout Ireland

Tel: +44 (0)28 9268 9468 Mobile: 07788 746992

Church AV Specialists

PA systems • Loop systems Projectors & screens • Installation & repairs alan@audiopromotions.co.uk www.audiopromotions.co.uk

07855 450887

Women’s Discipleship Intern Sloan Street is a growing church in Lisburn.

We are keen to grow and develop people in their ministry skills, this led us to appoint a Ministry Apprentice in 2014 and Assistant Minister in 2016 alongside a Youth Intern.

We are seeking a Women’s Discipleship Intern to become part of the team ministering to secondary school age, young adults and new Christian females. This role would involve one-to-one discipleship and evangelism, as well as being part of the leadership team in our teenage ministry. Experience would be helpful but willingness to learn and a commitment to communicate the gospel are what we’re really looking for.

The post would begin July 2018 for two years and would include expenses and attendance at Cornhill in Belfast.

For more details contact: E: andrew@sloanstreet.org T: 07982 743449 www.sloanstreet.org

Mission Africa Summer Teams

July & August 2018

® www.missionafrica.org.uk

Application deadline: 23rd March 2018

À 028 9040 2850 Community Action, Nigeria

Kid’s Ministry, Burkina Faso

Working in the middle of a rural market town. The team will be involved in visiting local villages, orphanages and schools, as well as helping to run a holiday Bible club.

Helping to organise and lead a camp for disadvantaged children in the city. The team will then visit a rural village, helping in local churches and running outreach programmes in local schools.

27th July - 24th August 2018

20th July - 10th August 2018

Football Coaching, Kenya

Outreach & Discipleship, Kenya

Using sport to bring the good news of Jesus to teenagers who are fanatical about football. Mission Africa is partnering with Ambassadors Football to provide coaching to teenagers in the Nairobi area.

Running a summer Bible programme, including Bible clubs, crafts and activities, and games. The team will work with local churches to share the gospel using music, dance, drama and preaching.

10th - 31st July 2018

10th - 31st July 2018

Your Legacy Of Hope And Care

- a gift in your Will to Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke

A gift in your Will to NICHS could not only help your loved ones, but leave a legacy of hope for generations to come.

In Northern Ireland almost half of all adult deaths are caused by chest, heart and stroke illnesses. NICHS are working to change this through funding research and caring for those who are affected by devastating health conditions every day.

A gift to us in your Will could be invested in critical local

research that will change the future for families at risk from our biggest killers.

The smallest investment can lead to the biggest breakthrough.

For a leaflet or further information on leaving a legacy to NICHS, please call us on: 028 9032 0184, or write to NICHS Gifts in Wills, 21 Dublin Road, Belfast, BT2 7HB

Please visit our website to see how our Medical Research Programme has already supported groundbreaking projects and is committed to many more over the coming years. www.nichs.org.uk

Charity Reg No. NIC103593 NICHS_legacy AD_Pres Herald.indd 1

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Professional Audio Visual Installations 57 Drum Road Cookstown BT80 8QS

T: 028 8676 4059 ¦ www.reasound.com