FEBRUARY 2024
If one part suffers...
PIONEERS WHO PERSEVERE
Moderator reflects on his trip to Kenya
THE CHALLENGE OF ABUSE WITHIN OUR CHURCH Addressing abuse in PCI
TRANSFORMATION IN CONCILIATION
How conciliation helps with conflict
perfect for day trips... a warm welcome awaits.
Minutes from Belfast and the International Airport, Colemans Garden Centre, Templepatrick is one of the largest centres of its kind in Ireland and steeped in 60 years of horticultural heritage. Widely used by coach parties, we are conveniently situated just a couple of minutes off the M2, on the main route to the North Coast. There is a designated coach set down and pick up point at the entrance ensuring easy access for those visitors with mobility difficulties. We have a designated coach group dining facility and licensed restaurant with dementia friendly trained staff offering disabled access and is open 7 days a week all year round. Pay a visit to our unique Farm Shop with individually sourced local produce alongside speciality foods from Ireland and beyond, our Farm Shop turns shopping for food into one of life’s great pleasures. With its own butchery and deli counter, freshly baked breads, cakes and pies, fresh fruit and vegetables, amazing cheeses, pickles and preserves it really is a food lover’s paradise. We bring you the best in Outdoor Living with quality products including Campingaz Barbeques, Coleman Outdoor Shelters, Palram Canopia Gazebos, Sheds and Greenhouse, Lugarde Luxury Outdoor Buildings, Rathwood Outdoor Furniture, Adman Metal Sheds and Zest for Leisure real wood garden furniture so you can enjoy your outdoor space at its best! Our retail family includes Klass, Mountain Warehouse, Pavers, The Works, Menarys, Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Ponden Home who collectively will bring you great offers and products for you to enjoy. Book in advance and your party will enjoy the best visitor experience with passengers receiving a voucher entitling them to discount from our Garden Centre and participating retail outlets.
For further information or to book call 028 9443 2513 or email laura.west@colemansgardencentre.co.uk
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CONTENTS | FEBRUARY 2024
FEATURES 10 Five ministers up for Moderator
The list of nominees for this year
14 Fisherwick celebrates 200 years An important milestone for the Belfast church
16 Pioneers who persevere
Moderator reflects on his trip to Kenya
20 The challenge of abuse within our Church Addressing abuse in PCI
31 The plight of the persecuted Stories of Christian persecution around the world
34 Moving from darkness to light
Pioneers who persevere p16
A story of growing up in Iran
36 Transformation in conciliation
How conciliation helps with conflict
38 Interested in becoming a minister? Details about PCI’s Ministry Taster Day
REGULARS
Transformation in conciliation p36
4 5 7 12 13 22 23 40 42 47
CONTRIBUTORS
Letters News In this month David Clarke My story Norman Hamilton Mission Connect Reviews Life in PCI Ruth Sanderson
Interested in becoming a minister? p38
Pip Florit is a mission support officer for PCI. She is a member of Bloomfield Presbyterian and lives with her husband, Ismael, and son Jonah in Belfast.
Paul Jamieson is minister of Hillhall Presbyterian Church in Lisburn and the convener of PCI’s Conciliation Service.
David Leach is Professor of Ministry and Director of the Institute for Ministry at Union Theological College.
Mark Smith is PCI’s Press Officer. He lives in east Belfast with wife Debbie and daughter Emily.
Cover photo: PakMission February 2024 No. 855 £2.20/€2.60 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
Editor: Sarah Harding
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 Subscriptions and Advertising: articles do not necessarily contain the official views of the Church, which can only be laid down only by the General Assembly. Acceptance of advertisements Edward Connolly; Hazel Gilliland does not imply endorsement of the goods or services. Advertising will not be Design and Layout: included if the product or service is deemed to be in conflict with the Church’s Edward Connolly official views, or if it is inappropriate for a church magazine. It is not Herald policy Printing: to include any editorial content along with adverts. The editor reserves the right W & G Baird Ltd to decline any advertisement or letter without assigning any reason. Letters may be edited for publication. No correspondence can be entered into regarding nonpublication of advertisements or letters.
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The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is a registered charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104483); registered charity in Republic of Ireland (20015695).
Herald February 2024
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