Presbyterian Herald July/August 2025

JULY/AUGUST 2025

Green light for church planting GA25

30 YEARS OF DERRYVOLGIE

General Assembly highlights

Anniversary of PCI’s student halls

WHEN WE SING TOGETHER

The power of collective singing

Hamilton Road Presbyterian 16th - 24th August worldwidemission.org

A little look at this year’s events...

Recurring Events

Morning Prayer Meetings Mon 18th - Fri 22nd at 10am Join us to pray for the work of the Convention.

Bible Studies with Joe Barnard Mon 18th - Fri 22nd at 11:30am Gospel Truck Mon 18th - Fri 22nd, 10am - 4pm Location TBC Worldwide Kids Mon 18th - Fri 22nd, 11:15am - 12:45pm Children’s Special for Primary School children led by CEF. Creche Mon 18th - Fri 22nd, 11:15am - 12:45pm Welcome Centre, Hamilton Road Presbyterian Evening Celebrations Mon 18th - Thursday 21st at 7:30pm Mission reports, interviews and a time of praise together.

Sunday 17th - North Africa *(Starts 6:30pm) Monday 18th - Eastern Europe Tuesday 19th - Asia Wednesday 20th - Africa Thursday 21st - Ireland

One-off Events

Surviving the trenches Sat 16th from 8:30am Lisnabreen Presbyterian Church A Breakfast seminar for men of all ages led

by Joe Barnard.

Registered events.

Please book online at worldwidemission.org

ECM Seminar - Love Europe? come fly with us to Athens Friday 22nd, 5pm The travel itinerary includes a visit to the Areopagus to consider the modern day ‘idols’ and challenges to the Gospel in Europe.

Worldwide Unplugged Sat 16th from 7:30pm Hamilton Road Baptist A lively mix of praise, speaker interviews, programme previews and focussed prayer.

Evening Celebration with New Irish Friday 22nd at 7pm With speaker Jean-Pierre and members of New Irish Arts.

20s30s ‘Equip’ Saturday 16th from 10:30am - 1:30pm City Church Bangor (1st Bangor Presbyterian) Worship, teaching, prayer, seminars, lunch.

Teaching with Voddie Baucham, Noah Bartlett and many more.

Worldwide Youth Event Friday 22nd, from 7:30pm Hamilton Road Baptist Food | Worship | Stories | Teaching This event is open to all those in youth groups & secondary school age.

‘Proclaiming the Truth in a World of Lies’ Monday 18th at 4pm Seminar with Voddie Baucham Ministers Lunch and Q&A Wednesday 20th at 12:45pm Hamilton Road Baptist With Joe Barnard & Voddie Baucham For all clergy & those in full time ministry.

Ladies Event Thursday 21st at 2:30pm With speakers Liz Parker, Gillian Newham, Beth Montgomery and Avril.

Satellite Services Portstewart - Sunday 17th at 11am

Drumreagh - Sunday 17th at 11:30am Lurgan - Sunday 17th at 6:30pm Belfast - Sunday 17th at 7pm

Drogheda - Wednesday 20th, 7:45pm Magherafelt - Thursday 21st, 7:30pm Dublin - Sunday 24th, 10:45am

CONTENTS | JULY/AUGUST 2025

FEATURES

12 Community, connection, compassion

Reaching out to the Deaf community

15 GA25

General Assembly highlights

18 30 years of Derryvolgie Anniversary of PCI’s student halls

30 Wars and rumours of wars…

The impact of war on women

32 When we sing together The power of collective singing

34 No time like the present Year two of the ‘Present’ initiative

36 Issues facing young people today The work of The Big House Ireland

38 We are making a difference

30 years of Derryvolgie p18

The Presbyterian Relief Fund offers help

REGULARS

4 5 6 7 11 14 24 40 42 46 47

Editorial Culture Watch News Norman Hamilton My story Tommy Bruce Mission articles Reviews Life in PCI In this month Ruth Sanderson

Community, connection, compassion p12

CONTRIBUTORS

Cover photo: Jamie Trimble July/August 2025 No. 870 £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

When we sing together p32

Dr Angela Minion is founder and CEO of The Big House Ireland. Her doctorate researched the needs of young people and offered a theologically reflective response.

Mark Smith is PCI’s press and media officer. Married to Debbie, they have one teenage daughter and worship at Bloomfield Presbyterian.

Deborah Sloan is a member of Bloomfield Presbyterian Church. She is married to Russell and has four daughters. Having left a career in academia, she is now a freelance writer.

Claire Nicholson is an admin assistant for Kinghan Church. She is married to Jason and they have three children. They attend Mersey Street Presbyterian.

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 July/August 2025

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EDITORIAL Topical Tweets

Future church

It has often been said that children and young people should not just be considered the church of the future, since they are very much part of the church today.

However, to endorse this statement fully requires intentional actions to ensure the voices of young people are heard.

This concept was highlighted at this year’s General Assembly with a heartfelt speech by Laura HutchesonMagee: “I would really encourage some thought around whether we have a particular strategy to enable young people to serve on Councils, committees and panels, to really help them engage further with the…decisions of our denomination… In the past, PCI Youth Assembly was a valuable mechanism to involve young people… It no longer exists…”

Derryvolgie halls of residence (DV) in Belfast is one way PCI has been engaging with young people for 30 years. Marking this significant anniversary, the Herald hears reflections from former chaplains and residents about how DV has provided community and ministry to so many. We also hear about the positive impact adults can have on young people in an article by Angela Minion from The Big House Ireland. She says: “It is essential for young people to clearly hear, and be actively shown, that they have deep personal worth.”

Interestingly, the General Assembly heard from a partner Church that has doubled in the last decade, with half of its membership now under the age of 25.

Rev William Tembo, from the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) in Malawi, reported that including young people in decisions has been a key reason to the upsurge in this age demographic. Part of this has involved young people writing new worship songs.

Deborah Sloan thoughtfully reflects on the importance of music and singing when it comes to our worship of God. She also highlights the power of collectively doing this together: “We are regularly reminded that as we sing, we join with the choirs of heaven.”

As the cycle of life continues and the young people of today inevitably become the older generation of tomorrow, the future they will inhabit is unknown.

Despite this uncertainty, our front cover depicts the Assembly’s pioneering decision to step forward in faith and commit to planting 10 churches in 10 years. Council Secretary Rick Hill inspired the House by saying, it will “envision the wider Church to be bold, courageous and expectant…”

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@BallyhenryPres I have been attending the @pciassembly for 30 years. Tonight was one of the most special moments I’ve experienced as Willie Harper shared the story of Kilkenny Presbyterian. ‘To God be the glory. We’ll praise Him for all that is past and trust Him for all that’s to come.’ #PCIGA25 @pciassembly In speaking to the Nominations Committee report East Belfast Presbytery representative Laura Hutcheson-Magee asks the Committee to have a strategy that encourages and supports young people to be part of the structures of their denomination. #PCIGA25 @benspreston #pciga25 – our thoughts were turned to #ballymena. We condemn violence, pray for peace, and remember our ministers serving the Lord in the town. @rickhillni What often isn’t published… a photo taken in Ballymena this morning of a group of people from across many churches praying together for peace in their town.

As followers of the God of peace we should deplore violence and intimidation of every kind. @pciassembly @PCIModerator Dr Gribben’s theme for the year will be ‘Hope and a future in Jesus’ #PCIGA25

The Review Following the success of ‘The Review’ last year – a resume of key decisions taken at this year’s General Assembly, plus news and photos from the annual event – the 2025 edition will be available week commencing 30 June.

It can be downloaded by scanning the QR code, or by logging onto www.presbyterianireland.org/ga25review.

Full coverage of this year’s General Assembly will be in September’s Herald as usual.

Patrick Mitchel reflects on what’s been in the news recently….

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goal I have when teaching a course called ‘Faith in Contemporary Culture’ is to encourage disbelief. If that sounds counterintuitive let me explain.

Human culture is the visible expression of invisible underlying beliefs and attitudes.

That’s what makes it so interesting and unsettling to visit a foreign culture – you can see what is going on (the physical ‘works’ of a culture) but you don’t understand (the ‘world of meaning’ behind those ‘works’). And so you find yourself a bit lost, an outsider looking in.

But when you’re an ‘insider’ to a culture you don’t notice anything odd. It’s like the air we breathe – we take it in every second without thinking about it. And that’s the challenge when it comes to being a Christian today.

Without realising it, in a thousand different ways, we are shaped by the beliefs and values of modern Western culture.

That culture tells a story that goes something like this: We’re individuals with the freedom and responsibility to make successes of our lives. Education is a route to well-paid employment and the money we earn is our own. Wealth generated by a successful career opens up the door to acquire the symbols of Western success. Each individual creates his or her identity by what he/she buys; whether homes, holidays, cars, clothes, art or whatever. With achievement comes social status, influence and financial security into old age.

This consumer vision of ‘the good life’ is all about ‘this world’, and what can be acquired and experienced during our lives. So we’re encouraged to pursue self-realisation and personal happiness – whatever that looks like. It has no view of what sort of moral choices individuals make – as long as they are ‘true to themselves’. Nor does it have reason to be concerned for the poor, the weak or the vulnerable. Death is pushed to the margins of consciousness; an inconvenient taboo subject, overshadowing the optimism of endless consumer progress.

It’s this story I want students to disbelieve. It conflicts with the Christian gospel at just about every point. The heart of the difference is what Christians live and hope for. And this means that Christian culture – how Christians do things – should look very different to that of the world.

So what does this look like?

Some examples are: Money: Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15). Indeed, it’s easier

for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24). We are not to store up riches on earth but in heaven (Matthew 6:19–20). The love of money is a spiritual trap that leads to destruction (1 Timothy 6:9) or being fooled into a false sense of security (Luke 12:18–19).

Being yourself: “The worst advice you can give anyone is to be themselves” (Stanley Hauerwas). Christians are not free to ‘be themselves’ and follow their desires wherever they lead. Our desires are twisted by sin and can only be changed by the power of the Spirit whose agenda is to transform us into the image of Jesus (Romans 8:29).

Suffering: For a Christian, death is the not the worst thing that can happen. Believers can look it square in the face and say, “Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Resurrection hope transforms the present and has given innumerable believers courage to face persecution. It’s hard to imagine a stronger contrast to Western consumerism than martyrdom.

Care for the poor: God “defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing” (Deuteronomy 10:18). In this vein, Christians are to reflect God’s impartial love for all, especially the poor ( James 2:1–5). The consistent message of Scripture is that if God loves and defends the cause of the vulnerable, his people are to do likewise.

Rugged individualism: We are not lone individuals, navigating our isolated way through life. Believers, rather, belong to the body of Christ. We need each other to live the Christian life. This is why we meet each week to worship, to pray, to confess our sins, to share the Eucharist, and to hear God’s Word. These practices help us to remember what story we belong to. It’s a story filled with the hope that one day God’s kingdom will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Now that’s a story worth believing in.

Patrick Mitchel is Director of Learning at the Irish Bible Institute in Dublin and an elder in Maynooth Community Church.

Herald July/August 2025

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NEWS | IN THE ROUND Calls for peace Both PCI Moderators made calls for peace during the recent General Assembly, amidst the backdrop of rioting in Northern Ireland.

Condemning the riots, outgoing Moderator Dr Richard Murray, said, “Over the last two days, the first people who came out onto the streets of Ballymena were reacting peacefully in response to the alleged sexual assault on a young girl. The right to peaceful protest must be recognised in a democratic society.

“However, what followed the original protest, was hijacked by elements intent on what the PSNI have described as ‘racist, thuggery, and violence’. This has now spread to other areas.

This must be condemned and we call those who engage in such mindless acts to stop all illegal behaviour.”

Bangor Worldwide launch summer theme Bangor Worldwide will have ‘Go Tell It’ as the theme for this year’s Convention week, which runs from Saturday 16 to Sunday 24 August.

Chairman Tom Clarke said, “As Christians, we are all encouraged to go and share the good news of the gospel.

This year we will be hearing from people who are doing just that both Committee secretary Lesley Stewart and newly appointed youth and locally and young adults development officer Paul McKnight (right) with guest globally. speaker Andy Prime from Scotland.

“Bible teaching is a vitally important part of Bangor Worldwide and this year we are delighted that Rev Joe Barnard will be guiding us through the book of Colossians. The Bible studies start each morning at 11.30am and run from Monday 18 to Friday 22.

“International speakers making the journey to Northern Ireland that week include Igor Bandura from the Baptist Union of Ukraine, Berendi Dusan from Serbia, Liz Parker who works with MAF in Uganda and Iulian Mangalagiu, CEF’s director of Europe.”

The majority of the events will be held at Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church but there are also satellite events in Drogheda Presbyterian, Drumreagh Presbyterian and Union Road Presbyterian Church in Magherafelt.

There will be a special ‘Equip Gathering’ on Saturday 16 in City Church (First Bangor Presbyterian) for 20s and 30s, led by Voddie Baucham from Zambia. ECM will run a seminar on Friday afternoon entitled ‘Love Europe’ which will take guests on an imaginary flight to Athens in Greece to explore the challenges to the gospel in Europe.

Registration will be required for some of the events. For more information, visit the website www.worldwidemission.org or follow on social media.

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Dr Murray then prayed for a restoration of peace and of good relations.

The new Moderator Dr Trevor Gribben later led the Assembly in prayer for the many places in the world affected by conflict, including the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan and South Sudan.

He said, “We will all have our different views about Gaza, Israel, Palestine, where countries and terrorist organisations cross the line...

Perhaps the greatest thing our Church can do, however, is to pray; to pray for the peace of those communities.

“Pray that aid and medical supplies might get through to the people in Gaza who need them; pray that people with influence in our world might still put pressure on governments, that they might seek to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.”

GB celebration Drumreagh Presbyterian Church in County Antrim recently hosted Girls’ Brigade Northern Ireland’s annual Queen’s Award ceremony.

Forty-seven achieved GB’s highest award, which takes two years to complete and involves following a wide syllabus of spiritual development and service within their GB company and wider community, as well as completing a creative project, study paper, initiative tests and interview.

Front row: Tracey Davies (GBNI chairperson), Heather Lindsay (GBNI vice president), Isobel McKane (GBNI president), Councillor Tanya Stirling (deputy mayor, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council), Ruth Bromley (guest speaker, PCI children’s development officer), Dr Richard Murray (then PCI Moderator), Rev Ben Preston (GBNI chaplain) and Dr Colin McClure. Back rows: Girls from GB companies across Northern Ireland.

Growing opposition to Bill, says EA Evangelical Alliance has pledged to continue to engage with MPs following the latest debate on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

Commenting, EA director of advocacy Danny Webster said recent debates and votes “show the growing opposition to Kim Leadbeater’s assisted suicide bill, the many problems with it, and the unwillingness to adopt amendments to address concerns.”

He added, “We will continue to engage with MPs and encourage Christians to speak up and contact their representatives ahead of the final vote. We call on the church to pray that this Bill will be defeated, the vulnerable protected and the dignity of life maintained.”

TALKING POINTS

Enough Norman Hamilton ponders the issue of greed, considering what it means to ‘have enough’.

I

was very struck by a question I was asked recently: What I’ve never heard anyone describing themselves as ‘greedy’ – is enough – and when do you know you have enough? just other people!

The question is almost impossible to answer well, for The dangers of sin lurking in greed cannot be missed our general experience is that when we acquire more of in Scripture. In Ephesians 5 we are told that greed really something that we already have, we still want just that little is sinful, and the Apostle Peter talks openly about false bit extra. And if it comes our way, we are often still not quite teachers who are “experts in greed” (2 Peter 2:14). In Mark satisfied, and are very reluctant to say that we have enough.

7, Jesus himself links greed with sexual immorality and There seems to be an insatiable desire for more money; other examples of a very wayward lifestyle. Paul reinforces additional time; extra status; increased leisure; and, of course, Christ’s teaching on a number of occasions by also ranking ever more things. Probably a majority of us have many greed alongside sexual immorality: “Put to death, therefore, more things than we can possibly need. For example, do we whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, really need the 118 items of clothing in the wardrobe of the impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry” average adult in the UK? And do we really use all the mugs (Colossians 3:5). and plates in our kitchens? I’ll readily The Bible does not teach that it is a confess that I certainly don’t need more …we find ourselves virtue to live in poverty or in dire straits. books in my study to add to those that I Those who have more are specifically captured by greed… haven’t properly read yet! called to share willingly with those who Rather coincidentally, as I was asked have less, and it is very sobering to read because it is so hard to that question, my wife and I had already in Matthew 25 that how we have done acknowledge it in our started the process of ‘decluttering’ our this will be exposed on judgment day. home. And it really has been quite a The Apostle Paul beautifully captured own lives. relief to be doing so. We’ve brought the privilege of generosity rather than things to a local charity shop; handed other items on to greed when he told his young friend Timothy to “be rich in friends and family; taken what is no longer needed to be good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” recycled; and inevitably discarded some items that had It can be quite hard to say ‘I do have enough’, yet equally simply come to the end of their useful lives. hard to share what God has provided with other people, Jesus lived in a community which was much less affluent whose need is so much greater than our own. Helping stock than our own, and that makes his words in Luke 12 speak the foodbank is much needed, but cannot be the totality of powerfully to our increasingly materialistic age: “He said our sharing. to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of I have found my spirit quite troubled through writing greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’” this article and wrestling with the question in my own And in saying these words we are told that Jesus didn’t even life – ‘What is enough?’ Is there anything for which I am have somewhere to lay his head (Matthew 8:20). greedy, and if so, why? Is repentance needed in some area?

So often his warning is ignored as we give in to the Answering those questions is a work in progress, but I temptation to buy even more things. And it is getting ever really am convinced that enough really is enough, and that easier to do so. BNLP (Buy Now Pay Later) finance, such decluttering really is good for the soul as well as for the as Klarna, allows customers to pay in a few instalments and home! is growing at around 60% every year. Almost inevitably, we find ourselves captured by greed, which is insidious, since it is the opposite of having enough, and because it is so hard to acknowledge it in our own lives.

A lifestyle of ‘more’ is always very attractive. Having ‘more’ paints a picture of success, and even happiness; it also helps Norman Hamilton our self-esteem and our status amongst our friends and family. And the marketing of ‘more’ is really well captured in Very Rev Dr Norman Hamilton is a former the oft-quoted phrase ‘retail therapy’, where shopping and Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in wellbeing are so closely linked. All of this helps explain why Ireland.

Herald July/August 2025

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NEWS | PCI

News Family Festival 2025 Spruce Meadows in Lisburn was the venue for this year’s ‘Family Festival’.

This annual event is an opportunity to invite families with a connection to your church for a fun-filled afternoon of activities.

This year’s event saw over 200 people attend.

Installation in Dunfanaghy and Carrigart Rev Dario Leal was installed as minister of Dunfanaghy and Carrigart congregations on Sunday 25 May in Carrigart Presbyterian.

This role also includes developing new missional activities in the Bewglas Centre in Carrigart. He is pictured with elders from both congregations of Dunfanaghy and Carrigart, along with members of the presbytery and the Council for Mission in Ireland.

Valedictory service

CMI Urban Mission Network Ten members of the Urban Mission Network travelled to London City Mission’s summer school at the end of June for training in evangelism and outreach.

Those attending included ministers, community outreach workers and mission pioneers.

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Herald July/August 2025

Online academy Booking is currently open for the next intake of the Growing Young Disciples Academy.

GYD is a partner of PCI’s Council for Congregational Life and Witness. Accessible online, the Academy offers seminarylevel training in children’s, youth and family ministry, with the aim of equipping those serving in the local church.

For further information and to book, go to www.growingyoungdisciples.co.uk

The Gujarat United School of Theology (GUST) held its annual valedictory service recently, celebrating the graduations of students for the 2024–2025 academic year.

Nineteen students graduated with bachelor’s degrees in Theology and Christian Studies, while a further five graduated with Diplomas in Christian Studies.

GUST is the theological college of the Gujarat diocese of the Church of North India, with which PCI has a longstanding relationship. The diocese has a diverse geographical and cultural reach, which was reflected in a cultural dance show presented at the service by the first, second and third-year students.

With 405 congregations, there is a huge need for good theological training of leaders. In recent years, PCI has supported several students through ‘Leaders in Training’ grants. Many of these students have come from, and gone on to minister in, rural areas where Christianity is a significant minority religion.

More than 500 people attended the valedictory service, which was a great celebration of the work of GUST and achievements of its students.

Find out more on www.presbyterianireland.org

News CMI Gathering Around 30 people attended the annual Council for Mission in Ireland Gathering which took place in the Carrickdale Hotel from 2–3 June.

Dr John Kirkpatrick, together with his wife Joan, led this time of gathering which included deaconesses, community outreach workers, mission pioneers and staff from mission projects.

Grant scheme The Presbyterian Children’s Society has launched a new small grant scheme for congregations.

It aims to enable them to get alongside children, young people and families to show the love of Christ in a caring and practical way and help support wellbeing and educational development.

A grant of up to £250 is available to support the delivery of a project/workshop with one of the following organisations: Thrive Academy, Eden Consultancy NI, Transforming Lives for Good and Aspire NI. Congregations may also apply with alternative initiatives to support the education, welfare and development of children and young people which particularly arise from their identification of local need and opportunity.

The closing date is 30 November, or until the budget for the scheme is exhausted. For further details, visit www.presbyterianchildrenssociety.org/ alongside-grants

Events PW regional morning

Forthcoming events

‘Present… in prayer’ is the theme of the next event in the Presbyterian Women calendar.

Taking place at Clogherney Presbyterian Church in County Tyrone on Saturday 13 September, between 10am and 1pm, the autumn regional event will look at prayer.

Being present in prayer with God gives us strength in troubles, hope in loss, and power to live each day. And yet for many of us, prayer feels hard and we often struggle to be still and to be present.

This event will seek to address key areas such as when to pray, what to pray and how to pray more effectively. It will look at creative ways to overcome fears and insecurities as we grow a deep desire to fuel everything we do by being present in prayer.

The event costs £10. To find out more, visit www.presbyterianireland.org/pw

There are a number of events planned for the autumn, with a focus on equipping leaders, as well as those involved in children’s and youth ministry.

Leading for a change takes place in Assembly Buildings on Tuesday 11 November, from 10.30am to 1pm. Designed for anyone involved or interested in helping their church follow God’s leading to a new future, the event will consider why things get stuck, explore ways to generate conversation about change, and look at the basic skills needed for facilitating a group to wrestle with an issue. The event costs £7.50 (including lunch). (https://bit.ly/4e9yJGa) Ed Drew, well known author and founder of Faith in Kids, is guest speaker at Starting Strong: Building faith in our children. Taking place at Building faith in our children High Street Presbyterian Church, Holywood on Thursday 20 November, the event will look at how to help children learn and live out a faith that can last. The evening will also feature the story of what one congregation is doing in this area, and highlight some great resources for use in family and church. (https://bit.ly/4l5oaWK) Meanwhile, the Foundations series of events is aptly named as it aims to consider firm foundations to build upon for ministry among children, young people and their families. Come to Ballydown Presbyterian Church on Monday 13 October or Drumreagh Presbyterian Church on Thursday 23 October 2025 and join with other volunteer leaders and helpers for an encouraging evening of equipping, sharing and resourcing for ministry. (https://bit.ly/44b6iTG) Scan the QR codes to book the events.

Creation care conference How we, as created beings, should interact with God’s world will be considered at a PCI conference taking place in Assembly Buildings on Saturday 27 September.

Called ‘God’s world: Our responsibility?’, the conference will be an opportunity to look at what the Bible has to say about our role in working and caring for creation, and to consider how God’s will can be done on earth.

Highly respected theologian and author, Dr Chris Wright will be guest speaker. There will also be breakout sessions on related issues, space for discussion, and time set aside for worship and prayer.

To book, scan the QR code.

Herald July/August 2025

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NEWS | PCI

Resources Video resource A new resource with a rural feel called ‘Seasons’ has just been released by PCI. More than a third of people across Ireland live in the countryside, and it is hoped this video resource will be helpful for congregations in rural settings, and others who simply enjoy the natural beauty around us.

Containing four episodes, Seasons can be used in a variety of settings to open up a conversation about the Christian faith. In a gentle way, it encourages reflection and

conversation about who God is and how he can bring hope and fullness to life.

Each stand-alone episode is themed by a season of the year – autumn, winter, spring and summer. Beginning with a video story which unfolds particular seasons of life, participants are then pointed towards a simple passage of Scripture to discuss together, affirming the difference Jesus can make in the ups and downs of everyday life.

It can be used in group settings, one-to-one conversations or as a digital evangelism tool to share with a friend.

It also offers a framework for four one-off evangelistic conversations located throughout the seasons of church life – harvest (autumn), New Year (winter), Easter (spring), Ascension/Pentecost (summer).

The Seasons clips are available to download from the PCI website.

Accompanying postcard-sized notelets, containing a Scripture passage and simple themes for discussion, cost 10 pence each (minimum order of 10). To order, contact the Congregational Life and Witness office by phoning +44 9041 7246 or emailing clw@presbyterianireland.org

Prayer calendar Children and families across the Presbyterian Church in Ireland are being encouraged to explore how God is at work in the world through the ‘Blaze the Bee’ initiative.

Through the Blaze prayer calendar, there is an opportunity to pray for different countries where PCI has partners and friends. In July, we are praying for Spain, and Malawi is the focus for August.

Online outreach resources PCI’s website features an ‘Outreach and Evangelism’ hub, which contains resources to help individuals and congregations reach out to show and share the good news of Jesus.

The hub features reflections and stories intended to encourage, equip and inspire you in sharing your faith, as well as resources for developing witness.

Find the hub at www.presbyterianireland.org/evangelism

Let’s Pray PCI’s weekly ‘Let’s Pray’ is a great way of keeping up to date with PCI prayer requests.

The email resource provides topics for the coming week, and features prayers and requests concerning all aspects of the life and work of the Church.

To subscribe, go to www.presbyterianireland.org/letspray

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Herald July/August 2025

New children’s, youth and family hubs Looking for inspiration and ideas for your congregation’s ministry among children, young people and families? Take a look at the new children’s, youth and family ministry hubs on the PCI website.

The hubs are filled with links to resources, curriculum ideas, organisations you can draw upon, and support and training for leaders.

Access the hubs at www.presbyterianireland.org /familyministry /childrensministry or /youthministry

E-quip

Tides

Keep up to date with the latest resources, events and training for your congregation by subscribing to PCI’s ‘e-quip’.

This monthly email features details of the wide variety of support PCI provides to develop your congregation’s life and witness.

To subscribe, go to www.presbyterianireland.org/equip

‘People of remembrance’ and ‘Give thanks’ are two of the themes being considered in PCI’s daily devotional over the summer months.

‘Tides’ aims to help God’s people discover what regular engagement with God and his Word can mean for their lives. Each weekday morning, it provides a section of God’s Word to read, a short reflection and a simple way to respond.

To sign up, visit www.presbyterianireland.org/tides

MY STORY...

Alison Kernohan, a member of High Kirk Presbyterian in Ballymena, shares how God has led her to her current role as church relations developer for Open Doors UK and Ireland, as well as her passion for the persecuted church.

The cost of faith Amina, a widow in Nigeria

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hat does my Christian faith cost me? This me profoundly. Upon graduating, I worked with Logos question has been on my mind a lot over the Ministries International (LMI), where I spent nearly 12 past year. Every Sunday in Northern Ireland, years speaking to young people and adults in schools and thousands of people pick up their Bibles, get churches. Those years were transformative as I witnessed in their cars, and head to church. We sing, pray, and worship God’s faithfulness and provision. without a second thought. It’s a routine, something we do In late 2023, an advert for Open Doors popped up on my freely and without fear. phone – just hours before the application deadline. Sensing But what if that wasn’t the case? again that God was redirecting my What if attending church meant risking path, I submitted my application just Looking back, I can see before the deadline. To my delight, I our lives? What if owning a Bible was illegal? What if we had to meet in secret, God’s hand over so was offered the job, and in January 2024, constantly changing locations for safety?

I stepped into this new role, ready for many areas of my life.

For 380 million Christians around the whatever God had in store. Now, my world, this isn’t hypothetical – it’s reality. work takes me all over Northern Ireland, Their faith comes at a cost, one that many of us have never sharing about Open Doors’ mission and challenging people had to consider. to stand with the persecuted church in prayer and support.

I began working with Open Doors in January 2024, and Being confronted daily with the stories of persecuted since then, I’ve been confronted with these questions in Christians has strengthened my faith. One story that deeply a deeply personal way. But my journey to this role started impacted me is that of Amina from Nigeria. She witnessed much earlier. In 2008, someone told me they believed I had militants murder her husband and attack her sons. Then, a heart for persecuted Christians and that one day, I would she was kidnapped and held captive for eight months, all end up working with them. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp because she refused to renounce her faith in Jesus. Despite the significance of those words, but now I can see how God unimaginable suffering, she stood firm. What an incredible was shaping my path. example of unwavering faith!

In 2008, I made the bold decision to leave my job as a Her story forces me to ask: What would our faith look trainee hairdresser and take a voluntary gap year with Crown like if following Jesus meant losing everything – our homes, Jesus Ministries. I sensed that God had something different families, or freedom? Amina’s testimony is a powerful in store for me, and taking a year out felt like the right way reminder that faith is not just about belief but how we live, to seek his direction. What was supposed to be a short-term especially when the cost is high. break turned into a life-changing experience – one that Looking back, I can see God’s hand over so many areas of deepened my faith and introduced me to my future husband my life. I’m grateful for all he has done and excited for the (though I had no clue at the time). Fast forward to today, future. But more than anything, I want to live a faith that and we’re settled in Ballymena, raising our three energetic matters – a faith that stands, no matter the cost. daughters – Karis (9), Emmy (7), and Brielle (4).

After my gap year, I enrolled at Belfast Bible College, where two years of academic and spiritual growth shaped Herald July/August 2025

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CONGREGATIONAL STORY

Community, connection, compassion Claire Nicholson shares the amazing work of Kinghan Church in Belfast, which is reaching out to the Deaf community with compassion.

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he Kinghan Church or the Kinghan Mission as it is also known, has nestled quietly on Botanic Avenue in Belfast for 126 years. Our impressive, much-loved church sits proudly on what is now a very multi-cultural and busy Botanic Avenue. It is a hub of life, love and language… British Sign Language (BSL), as we are a congregation with a difference.

While our doors are open and we welcome everyone, we are part of PCI, under the Council for Social Witness, serving the Deaf community. And what a special community that is. KC, as it is affectionately known, can be summed up in many ways, but three which spring to mind are: community, connection and compassion.

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Community In Psalm 122:1 we read: “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” When our doors are open and our people come together, there is joy in abundance.

Very often, services and gatherings will go on far past their scheduled time as friends gather before or after over tea and chat… and that’s OK! Here people can be themselves. There are no barriers to communication, no fitting in. Navigating a ‘hearing world’ daily is hard. Despite best intentions and token gestures, the Deaf community can at times be forgotten, brushed aside, excluded and their opinion not considered. This is not so at KC. At KC everyone, without exception, is seen as an individual. Included and treated with dignity. Not pitied,

Navigating a ‘hearing world’ daily is hard…the Deaf community can at times be forgotten…

but listened to, valued and loved by us and our Heavenly Father. There’s a very humbling slogan within the Deaf community – “Nothing about us without us” – and how true that is.

Upon entering our building, BSL, not English, is the language used. A combination of signs, finger spelling, body language, facial expression, gestures and many other factors come together to make this a language in its own right. Myself and my colleague, Judith Currie, are part-time members of staff here and we can sign and communicate effectively with members and non-members. No matter the varied requests – spiritual questions, pastoral issues, health concerns, forms to be completed, prayer requests, Bible readings explained, a friendly face or simply a much-needed chat after a week of no communication in your first language. KC is a refuge for many.

Despite not having a minister for the past seven years, we continue to meet together each Sunday for worship at 11am. Rev Will Murphy leads some of our Sunday services and gives of his

It is a truly special place and one where the presence of God is felt and where his Spirit works and moves.

Judith Currie, Claire Nicholson and Rev Will Murphy

time and experience of working with the Deaf community for some 40 years so willingly. He is very much respected and has built trusted relationships over many years.

Connection Weekly services are conducted in BSL, recorded and uploaded to Facebook and YouTube. Some of our members are now housebound, in hospital or care homes. These online services bring much comfort and connection to already isolated individuals and can be the highlight of their week. Learning from God’s Word and signing along with popular hymns gives them a connection to worship that otherwise would be missing.

Thursdays are busy. Bible study is held fortnightly and is prayerfully prepared, and led, by Judith. There is a broad range of topics taught and discussed. Each Thursday, our everpopular lunch club is also held. This is a relaxed time of friendship and food.

We try to meet up once per month, usually on a Saturday, for a trip, event or some down time together. Recently, we had a bowls taster day and we were overwhelmed with the interest shown.

It was particularly encouraging to have so many young people attend. We were also awarded funding from Belfast City Council to allow us to run a VE Day 80th anniversary afternoon tea, all free of charge. This was an amazing day and people thoroughly enjoyed it.

Another exciting area of our work which is developing, and is an answer to prayer, is our work with Deaf children and young people. Traditionally, KC would have had a link with boarders at schools for the Deaf in Belfast.

However, with the integration of Deaf children into mainstream education and the Deaf community spread throughout Northern Ireland and no longer central to Belfast, KC does not have a parish in the traditional sense.

Instead, members come from near and far from across the country.

Judith has formed a close working relationship with Cregagh Primary School Deaf Unit. She has been welcomed there and attends a few times per month, building relationships with the staff and children. At Christmas, four of our members visited the school and had a Q&A session with

the children. This was a fun, interactive, inclusive day and one which will hopefully be repeated.

I have been working on building a relationship with the team at Action Deaf Youth (ADY). This organisation does amazing work with Deaf children and their families and is often described as a lifeline, supporting babies to teens, parents and carers. I now work part-time as a play ranger for ADY. KC and ADY have had two intergenerational play days which have gone from strength to strength. The friendship and bonds which have been made in such a short time are amazing and range from the age of 3–90 years old! Sessions are fun and play based and some, which are supposed to last one hour, often stretch to double this time. We leave exhausted but with smiles and memories made.

Compassion So much goes on at KC, seen and unseen. It is a truly special place and one where the presence of God is felt and where his Spirit works and moves. Many problems are brought through the doors, such as illness, grief, loneliness, isolation, stress, abuse and mental health. We can’t fix it but we can be there – being present, bringing comfort from God’s Word and taking it to him in prayer.

Through prayer and reflection, we believe God continues to bless KC and the work therein. We seek his will in our work and know only he can bless it. We have a heart for this community – the people are our friends. Relationships have been built that will last for time and eternity.

Claire Nicholson is an admin assistant for Kinghan Church.

Herald July/August 2025

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REFLECTIONS

The freedom of the Lord’s day Tommy Bruce Studies in Mark 2:23–3:6

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ow easy it is for a rule or a principle that was suffered, and was continuing to suffer, so what will Jesus meant for good to be twisted to become a burden do? Verse 2 almost suggests that this man was encouraged – a barrier to the Lord and a reason to prolong to be there to try and entrap Jesus. So would he follow suffering. The Sabbath command to remember the his nature and restore the man’s health, or would he keep Sabbath day and keep it holy was central to Jewish religion the self-imposed restrictions of the Pharisees concerning and culture. It was one of the identifying principles of a healing on the Sabbath? If Jesus failed to heal the man, his Jew, and it remains so for many Christians today. Yet even purpose and authority could be undermined, because how something which is highly beneficial can be abused if the could a compassionate Saviour fail to help and heal? Yet if wrong attitude is employed.

Jesus healed, then he would be breaking the long-standing There are two incidents recorded about Jesus and his tradition of the Sabbath. What was more important – the disciples at the end of Mark 2 and beginning of Mark 3 self-appointed authority of the Pharisees, or the compassion which highlight this. Imagine with me, Mark 2:23–24. It’s of the Lord to heal and restore? a warm pleasant Sabbath afternoon, and The hearts of those who sat around is Do our Sabbath activities revealed in v5 – stubborn hearts, proud after church, this group of young men and some followers are making their hearts that had set themselves lead us to do good and to hearts; way across the countryside. They are up as judge and jury. The question posed hungry, wondering where the next meal save lives? in v4 leaves no room for deflection or is coming from, and as they pass through redirection, but rather these hard hearts the grainfield, they enjoy the most basic of fare. The plucked are forced to answer – which is more lawful on the Sabbath heads of grain are quickly rubbed in their hands before to do, good or evil, to save a life or kill one? chewing. A mere handful, not missed by the farmer, but Can you sense the tension, as the focus shifts from caught by the ever-critical Pharisees. observing how Jesus will act, to the motives of the Pharisees?

Looking at Jesus, they say, “Call yourself a teacher, one Is Jesus frustrated by the lack of response or maybe the who has authority? Surely not, you are not even aware of the sinfulness of their response? What should have been a most basic of laws.” You can almost hear the self-righteous moment which led to repentance, instead resulted in the delight, as they point out the failures of Christ and his Pharisees’ ultimate destruction. They chose evil instead followers. They are probably thinking that this will keep of good, they chose to kill instead of to save. As they left Jesus and his followers in their place. The Lord’s reply points the synagogue (v6), they were joined by arch-rivals – the out that David, the great hero of faith, also broke the law by Herodian – who they could agree on virtually nothing with, eating the consecrated bread set aside for the priest when except their opposition to Jesus. he was hungry, and shared it with others who were hardly How had it come to this? Those who were the religious religiously clean. Jesus goes on in v26 to make it very clear elite, looking to prolong suffering, turning the day of that the purpose of the Sabbath was not to be a burden, but freedom into a day of burden. What is our attitude to the rather to give freedom. As the people began their journey Lord’s day? Do our Sabbath activities lead us to do good and through the wilderness, they had left behind the burden of to save lives? Do we often stand in judgment of others who slavery in Egypt, and the Lord gave them the Sabbath, to seek to do good and instead of supporting them we criticise remind them of this. No longer were they slaves, but now and hinder the work of God’s kingdom? How do we keep they were free to live to worship God. Man was not made to our Sabbath day holy, a day given to us by God to rest and observe the Sabbath, but rather the Sabbath was provided as to worship? Part of our worship of God is to show love and a means of grace for those who were following the Lord. compassion to others. May we not just be hearers of the Mark, in his editorial way, links another Sabbath event Word but doers also. to highlight his point. This time, they are in the Synagogue (3:1), the worship service is about to start when the presence Rev Tommy Bruce is minister of Trinity, Letterkenny and Trenta of a man with a deformed hand is noticed. This man has Presbyterian Churches in Donegal.

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025

Hope & a future in Jesus In his first address as Moderator, Dr Trevor Gribben spoke on his theme for the year, ‘Hope and a Future in Jesus’, which is inspired by a passage in Jeremiah 29.

He said: “We’re not called to withdraw behind our walls and be part of a holy huddle. We’re called to seek the peace and prosperity of the city, the town, the village, the rural community – wherever God has placed us…to engage in the public square, to engage in civil society…

“And we do that in partnership with those in civic society who maybe don’t hold our understanding of faith, but who work for the common good… I want, on behalf of this Church, to thank those in civic society who work for the peace and prosperity of our cities and towns.”

Dr Gribben’s message was also one of standing firm: “God says, very simply – don’t be diverted in the place you live, in the age you live. Don’t be diverted from God’s truth. Don’t sacrifice it. Don’t compromise your biblical standard.

Don’t move from the way that God has called you to live, and be, and speak.”

He continued: “No matter what the statistics look like, no matter what social media might say, no matter how

many times the church might be ridiculed and ignored, we have a hope and a future in Jesus Christ. Today, as a Church, we have a responsibility to take that message to this island and through partner Churches to the very ends of the earth.”

Earlier in the week, opening this year’s Assembly, Dr Richard Murray encouraged the Church “not to be ashamed of the gospel in a world that wants to sideline us, to relegate us to private piety, to keep us quiet…”

Speaking of his travels around PCI, the Moderator said, “There is a lot of nervousness in the Church in many of the places I have visited over the year. Lots of places are doing really well, where the whole counsel of God, the truth is being spoken in love. But in other places, there is anxiety about the future and unease about what will be. But didn’t Jesus say: ‘I will build my church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it’?”

He continued: “The good news is that Jesus came as the Lord of life… When Jesus died on the cross, he did so publicly. It wasn’t done in a corner, but it was done for all the world to see and written in three languages – Latin, Greek and Hebrew – so that whoever repents and believes in him shall not perish but have the gift of eternal life.”

Dr Murray concluded: “So let us not be ashamed of the gospel nor of the blood of our AND Lord Jesus Christ. He is the pearl of great price and the buried treasure which so often needs to be unearthed in every generation.”

HOPE A FUTURE

JESUS

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025

Assembly highlights Full coverage of PCI’s 2025 General Assembly will be included in the September edition of the Herald. Here, Suzanne Hamilton highlights two stories of interest from the week.

Listening to the global church

Honouring young people by listening to their thoughts is how the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Livingstonia Synod in Malawi has experienced enviable growth, doubling its membership in the past decade, half of which is under the age of 25.

Rev William Tembo, General Secretary of the Synod, told this year’s ‘Listening to the global church’ that in 2015, the Church was facing an exodus of young people.

“Everybody was looking at us as useless, without value,” he explained. This prompted the Synod to ask the youth for their opinions. “They said – this is how we feel the Church should lead us – and we thank God for that.”

One of the issues they raised was church services, and this has prompted a move from a staid style, where people were Rev Stephen McCracken and Rev William Tembo

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discouraged from moving or shouting “Amen”, to contemporary services, where people can sing and dance.

The young people were also encouraged to write their own worship songs, aided by ministers with musical gifting.

“We added those songs into a new hymn book,” said Mr Tembo. Whereas before there were 382 hymns available in the old hymn book, there are now 452.

Stating that this has made the music inclusive, he added, “The whole Church has accepted this music and we sing these songs with great joy.”

This year the Synod will mark its 150th anniversary. Mr Tembo explained Malawi has faced many challenges – Covid-19, cyclones, climate change, cholera and political uncertainty – but God does not change and “no problem is bigger than Jesus”.

With the theme ‘One body, many voices’, aptly the session also heard stories from Christians in Syria, Lebanon, Ukraine and Indonesia as well as by those who have come to Ireland and are being helped through PCI’s International Meeting Point.

Explaining the importance of hearing their voices, Council for Global Mission convener Rev Stephen McCracken said, “Christianity is not just one voice echoing in one corner of the world, but many voices declaring the one gospel throughout the world.”

Honouring young people…is how the…

Livingstonia Synod in Malawi has experienced enviable growth…

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025

Bold vision adopted

We are asking God for more. We are asking the Church to pray, to give and to go.

Ten newly constituted congregations plus 10 new church plants in 10 years – that’s the bold vision for growth adopted by this year’s Assembly.

Snappily named ‘10+10 in 10’, the initiative aims to give PCI a positive vision or as Rick Hill, Secretary of the Council for Mission in Ireland (CMI), says, “Something to dream for, pray for and work towards in the decade to come”.

Addressing the Assembly, he acknowledged that PCI has historically been a church-planting denomination, with Maynooth and Donabate among the recent examples of fruitfulness, and added, “Our desire is that which has been sporadic in recent decades could become habitual in the next.”

In setting a specific target, CMI has two aims. Firstly, it hopes to communicate that the ultimate objective of church planting is to establish functioning congregations. Mr Hill explained it also seeks “to envision the wider Church to be bold, courageous and expectant, even in a time where the temptation might be to rationalise, reduce or retreat”.

He made it clear that this not a central programme, but a call to the whole Church, with the Council helping presbyteries see where new developments could emerge and, ideally, churches planting new churches.

Congregations are being invited not to consider how they grow bigger, but how they might plant somewhere else, with Mr Hill saying the hope is that this vision will impact towns and cities, stretching southerly and westerly, “to renew our witness across the island”.

He continued, “We want to envision, support and resource the birthing of new churches where appropriate. Some of those are already underway – Balbriggan, Belfast and Wexford among others – but many have yet to be imagined.

We are asking God for more. We are asking the Church to pray, to give and to go.”

The initiative received a positive response, with Rev Keith

McCrory, from Maynooth, saying, “Setting goals allows us to mobilise”.

Mr McCrory explained that he grew up in a nationalist community, where there weren’t churches close by and he blamed Christianity for the Troubles around him. His attitude changed when he was invited to a Crusaders class. Through the love of that class, and then the teaching, he came to know the Lord.

“All over this island there are people like me, miles away from churches. And if we go after this target and exceed it, there will be lots of people who get to stand, as I am today, to say thank you to this House and to all who have made this work possible.”

Rev David Clawson, from West Kirk, Belfast, urged the House to vote for the resolution, but cautioned: “If you do vote ‘yes’, you are making it your personal business. You’re saying, ‘I want to be involved in church planting’.

“It might be that you ministers will be called to move from fruitful ministry in a settled place somewhere far away. It might mean as an elder or as a kirk session, you might approach a planter and offer five of your best people… to be part of their core team… It might mean that you go and play the keyboard or guitar for a small meeting in a part of the city where no Rick Hill one cares or no one wants to go.

“If you vote ‘yes’ it will mean that you will pray that the Lord of the harvest will send workers into the harvest field, and you are saying, ‘Lord count me in’.”

100+10in10

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30 years of Derryvolgie

Derryvolgie Hall (DV), the PCI-run accommodation for students in Belfast, marks its 30th anniversary this year. Sarah Harding hears the reflections of chaplains and students who share what their time at DV has meant to them.

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n January 1995, PCI embarked on of the original fund, DV became a Derryvolgie Hall has a new venture, opening Derryvolgie place for Presbyterian young adults provided…a Christian Hall (DV) in Belfast. It was an coming to study or work in Belfast. Of unusual time to be opening a community, to over 1000 course, while the majority of students halls of residence, halfway through came from Presbyterian congregations, students. the academic year, but unforeseen there have also been students welcomed circumstances had led to this. from other denominations.”

Secretary to CMI, said: At the end of August 1994, the IRA Today, DV houses 88 students and “Using funds from the previous War had announced its ceasefire, but not has been pivotal in the lives of many Memorial Hostel on Bedford Street, before a bomb had damaged the newly who have lived and worked there.

Derryvolgie Hall has provided a space built DV. A rocket, aimed at the British and, more importantly, a Christian It has been the place where lasting Army base behind the halls, had gone friendships were established and community, to over 1000 students. In off prematurely and damaged the romances blossomed (many people keeping with the premise of the terms buildings. The subsequent met their spouse there, and Lyndsey Ballantine (assistant chaplain), Rev Nigel Craig (chaplain) and Vicky Purse (administrator) delay meant a new opening in some cases, their children date in January, with fewer have also grown up to residents than expected. become residents!).

The following academic Rick Hill says: “This has year, numbers increased and always been about more than the year after that the halls accommodation – it has were so oversubscribed an been a place where faith has extension was built. been shaped and lives have Originally under the been defined. Most of all, we oversight of the Council for acknowledge the Lord and Social Witness, Derryvolgie give thanks to him, for he is is now the responsibility of good and his love endures the Council for Mission in forever; his faithfulness Ireland (CMI). Speaking continues through all at a special anniversary generations.” service last month, Rick Hill,

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I emphasised community at the heart of the ministry.

Rev Steve Stockman (left)

Steve Stockman Chaplain 1995–2009 January 1995. It’s a world of East 17 and Boyzone. At the cinema Dumb and Dumber was all the rage.

Blackburn Rovers were challenging Manchester United at the top of the Premier League. John Major was prime minister. I was the new Dean of Residence at Derryvolgie Hall.

I emphasised community at the heart of the ministry. I am delighted to say that there are still little groups of friends who are still close and regularly meet up decades later. I am in touch with so many on social media.

When I arrived, I was aware of a plethora of opportunities for young Christians at Queen’s. The CU had their Thursday teaching meeting and I didn’t want to repeat that, so we went for a Sunday evening event that was more multi-media. I was keen for faith to be connected to the world and prepare minds and vocations. So we had guests who were doctors, lawyers and artists.

There was also teaching and reflective times to pray and search the mind

and soul. There was a lot of music and even a play. Juno and the Paycock was performed to parents and friends. I was managing and encouraging a lot of singer/songwriters at the time so Iain Archer, Brian Houston, Duke Special, Juliet Turner were regulars. Halcyon Days too. It gave the place Rev Maynard Cathcart, Pamela Lockie, Rev Steve Stockman, and Rev Dr Harry Allen quite the vibe.

When it came to the turn of the I meet with many of them who tell millennium, I began to think about me the influence of those days, how it an overseas trip. We decided on Cape helped them shape their faith.

Town, working with Habitat for Glorious times. God taught me so Humanity. What was to be one trip much. We were blessed. Thanks to lasted almost a decade. We went every Janice and my girls, Lynn Guiney two years and after only 14 on the first my assistant chaplain and my trip, we had over 50 on the next four administrators Andrew Kyle, Lorna trips, the most being 68 in 2004.

Dunlop and Carol McMahon and Janice and I got married while in all those students who gave us the Derryvolgie and had our two children privilege of opening their lives to us. when there. Nothing was private. Yet, By 2009, I was tiring and knew it was when in 1999 the committee decided time to move on. In November Fitzroy we needed to build a bigger house, came calling and opened an amazing I preferred to extend where we were next chapter. I have to say that I was rather than buy us a house somewhere surprised after three years when my else. Living on site gave me access to congregation didn’t graduate and move students and them to me – that was on! unique and so wonderful. Still today, Herald July/August 2025

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Karen MBayo

Rev Karen MBayo

Chaplain 2010–2017 I had mixed feelings when I started at Derryvolgie – anxiety, excitement, fear, nervousness. But I think more than anything, I knew that this was where God wanted me to be.

There are so many highlights of my time there, but Sunday night worship stands out. I also loved the opportunity to sit and chat, often into the wee hours of the morning, with students – hearing what was on their hearts and being able to pray for them.

When I think about how I saw God move at DV, I would say it was primarily through the ministries.

I loved the fact that students were prepared to move outside the doors.

They were so sacrificial in the way they lived out their faith and loved others.

Whether it was the elderly residents in the nursing home or the meals with international students in Fisherwick, or going over to Queen’s Elms on a Monday night and chatting to other students there about faith. I think all of those things left a huge impression on the wider community at Queen’s and was a really important way of watching God move in the lives of our students.

The ministry of Derryvolgie was all about moving out in faith.

What shaped me most during my time there, was the sense of community.

When you’re in a community of 90 people, you learn what love is at a deep level, because you can’t love superficially when it’s day after day, week after week, year after year. You have to go beyond yourself and you have to search deeply into the reserves that only God offers because it’s wonderful, but it’s also exhausting and challenging and it drives you really deeply into prayer. I don’t think there’s ever been a time in my life or ministries that I’ve prayed so intently and sought God’s face in various things and just really relied on the ‘only God’ moments. And I’m so grateful for that.

Derryvolgie is an absolutely incredible place and I’m delighted that we’re celebrating 30 years of community life there.

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…they got to see what faith was like among themselves, but also what faith looks like within a family.

Front row (L–R): Lyndsey Ballantine (assistant chaplain), Rev Dave Gray (former chaplain), Lynn Guiney (former assistant chaplain), Vicky Purse (administrator). Back row (L–R): Rev Craig Lynn, Rev Nigel Craig (chaplain), Dr Richard Murray (Moderator), Rev Steve Stockman (former chaplain), Rev Johnston Lambe, Rick Hill (Secretary to the Council for Mission in Ireland).

The ministry of Derryvolgie was all about moving out in faith.

Dave Gray Chaplain 2017–2022 Derryvolgie was my first charge as a minister. For most of my career I’d been a teacher, so I was really grieving the loss of working with young people. So when the job for Derryvolgie came up, I pushed the doors and they opened.

I came into the office armed with a bag of donuts and I was accepted from the outset. From that point on, I just loved the sense of team – not just from the appointed staff (who were incredible), but also from the students who caught the vision of growing community, with a faith in Jesus as its heartbeat.

When I was there, the new Vice Chancellor of Queen’s also arrived and he really wanted to increase the number of international students. So it was wonderful for Derryvolgie to partner with Friends International and reach out to the influx of international students. We were also able to reinitiate some of Steve Stockman’s work of taking teams away, which has been a huge heartbeat of Derryvolgie. We partnered with a group called Saphara to bring a team across to India – that was really amazing.

Covid was a difficult experience as chaplain. But they were amazing times as well – we were able to use social media to keep in touch and we used YouTube and other mediums to keep

our Sunday night worship going.

One of the special things about Derryvolgie was living on site with my family. I think that was great for the students too – our home was opened wide for them. So they got to see what faith was like among themselves, but also what faith looks like within a family.

I love the passage in Isaiah 61:3: “They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendour.” At Derryvolgie there was a feeling of planting seeds in the lives of young people as they grappled with the reality of faith for themselves, in a safe place where they were encouraged. And we had lots of different initiatives going on to help them grow in faith. I saw

growth in the students, but also in the lives of my own kids who experienced a lot of their teenage years in that space.

And I could see it in myself as well – through sharing in the community. It was very much a receiving thing too.

I didn’t move too far from Derryvolgie – I’m now ministering at Cooke Centenary on the Ormeau Road. The very first thing we did was a summer mission and students from DV came and helped with that. It was very emotional for us because it was a celebration for that previous ministry, but also the start of something new as well. The power of a team of people working together for the glory of God – it’s something I’ll always try to emulate in ministry.

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The love and care of the students, as my community…has made a lasting impact on my life.

Nigel Craig Chaplain 2022–present I have had the great honour, throughout my ministry, of serving students in different contexts, from Romania, to Magee, to Belfast. In 2022, my wife Antónia and I received a call from PCI’s Council for Global Mission to establish an international church for students in Hungary.

Unfortunately, Antónia’s health changed and we weren’t able to go.

Instead, the door opened for us to come to Derryvolgie. I was seconded to chaplaincy at QUB in the summer of 2022, and formally installed as chaplain in November 2022.

At Derryvolgie, we seek to address the yearning students have for certainty and community. Over the past 30 years, significant changes have occurred in wider culture, especially when it comes to how many understand marriage, sex, gender, and the dignity of life from cradle to grave. Furthermore, the loneliness and isolation associated 22

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with Covid, and the rise of smartphone usage, has created what psychologist Jonathan Haidt calls “the anxious generation”. In response, we long for students to know that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, and that his Word is unchanging.

Our vision in chaplaincy is to present the truth, goodness and beauty of our God, and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. At our Sunday evening meetings this past semester we invited a variety of individuals to address the theme of ‘Christ at the Academy’, helping students consider what it means to be a Christian in the fields of medicine, education, law and the arts.

We also want them to see the beauty of the Creator in every field of academia.

My lay assistant chaplain Lyndsey Ballantine and administrator Vicky Purse are gifted at organising events for the students at DV, from the welcome weekend to the end of term, whilst recognising that people are more important than programmes.

This past year was the most difficult

of my life. Although Antónia had been diagnosed with cancer in 2014, she was finally admitted to the hospice in October 2024. Admittedly, before we moved to DV, we wondered if it would it be fair for the students to see palliative nurses, doctors, and possibly ambulances, in and out of the bungalow. But we felt called to DV. The students at DV prayed for us during the whole journey, and even sent precious videos and cards.

When Antónia was called ‘home’ in March, the support I received from the students was remarkable – they wrote cards, made homemade buns and traybakes, called at the house, and took part in Antónia’s thanksgiving service.

Those were really precious times. The love and care of the students, as my community, brought great solace and has made a lasting impact on my life.

Stephen McNie Resident 2006–2008 During the first week, we had the obligatory fire drill early one morning. Later that day there were a few people in my room and I was sitting on my window sill and we were basically discussing – if there was a fire outside your door, what would you do? So I looked out and there was a massive hedge outside and I said: “Yeah, I’ve got a big hedge there – I think that would take a man’s fall all right.” So I tried it! I jumped out of my flat (top floor). It worked – the hedge was fairly flat but it took the shock. But I would add – to all the current and future residents of Derryvolgie halls – do not jump out of your window! It’s not safe.

DV had a big impact on my life.

It was a place where I could bring people who had no faith or no church background. The atmosphere and environment they walked into was tangible for them to say there’s something different about this student body.

Sarah Resident 2022–2024 I really enjoyed my time living in Derryvolgie. Throughout uni, it was such a warm community and friendly environment to live in and I’ve made so many lifelong friends from my time here. DV really opened my eyes to future opportunities and ways that I could use the gifts that the Lord has given me in the future – whether that be in some form of ministry or in mission work.

Rebecca Resident 2023–current

Mark Hawthorne Resident 2005–2008, intern 2009–2010 I loved DV – every second of it.

Stocki was chaplain at that time – what we learned was: let’s open our Bibles, let’s read our Bibles and then let’s do what the Bible calls us to do – which in some ways is simple, but in other ways is revolutionary. It was the heartbeat in everything we did – for me that was amazing.

My experience of DV was my first time living in a Christian community. I never really had Christian friends while I was growing up. It was so encouraging to see that there were students my age who were genuinely passionate about serving God. Living in Derryvolgie has really helped me with basic social skills – getting to know more people, as well as hearing different perspectives and respecting those perspectives, and maturing in my faith as well.

Herald July/August 2025

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GLOBAL MISSION WORKERS

Producing fruit Csaba and Ilona Veres

Serving the Hungarian Reformed Church as church planters in Bodaszőlő, north eastern Hungary.

Their personal testimonies were a powerful witness to God’s grace and power.

“This is to my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8).

I

n the Boda vineyards, as we work to reach the Bodaszőlő community with the gospel of Jesus, we are often reminded of our motto Scripture of John 15 and our call to ‘remain’ and ‘love one another’, in order to become the fruitful branch he has called us to be.

This spring there have been challenging periods, where church plant members have been less active and there has been less interest in evangelistic outreaches. In these times, we remind ourselves that vineyards need both hot and cold seasons to produce good fruit, and we reflect on God’s pruning work in us in the spring season, to produce good fruit in our little but growing fellowship.

Alongside the intermittent springtime challenges, we are thankful that in late May three adults and two young people were baptised and confirmed, becoming members of the church plant. Their personal testimonies were a powerful witness to God’s grace and power, and our little fellowship was encouraged. One testimony spoke of the overwhelming love and care of God as she came out of an abusive relationship. One of the other new members was our church plant colleague Krisztian, who although he came to faith many years ago after a time of depression and searching, has never had a local church to attend or been a church member.

Krisztian is now a full-time member of staff at the church plant and it has been a joy to serve together. It is also encouraging to see how God is using his abilities and talents to connect with people. One new opportunity has come through Krisztian’s great cooking skills.

In spring we initiated monthly cooking workshops, aimed at reaching the unemployed in the village. For Roma families living on a limited budget, many have appreciated the low-cost seasonal recipes we have introduced and, on each occasion, we have been able to give ingredient packages to those attending, so they can cook the recipe at home for their whole family. As we share tips and skills, we pray for open and bold discussions about following Jesus, and we are thankful that conversations have opened up in smaller groups as we shared a short gospel message on ‘recipe for real peace’ from John 14.

We continue to look for creative ways to build relationships, care for the community and share the gospel.

As we begin the summer outreaches, we are excited about repeating last summer’s Cahoon drum lessons with the boys, guitar lessons, football training and English classes with teams from Sloan Street and Kilbride, and continuing the cooking workshops.

Please pray: • Give thanks for those who became members of the church plant.

Pray they would continue to deepen in the faith.

• For the seven young people in the youth group, as they study the Word, pray, plan and prepare for the summer outreaches.

• For Children’s Day and summer Bible week – pray for clear teaching and Spirit-led conversations about the Saviour’s love.

• For the summer outreaches, specifically for gospel-focused vision, creativity and energy.

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GLOBAL MISSION WORKERS

A modern mission Naomi Leremore Kenya

Everyone is encouraged to get actively involved in supporting the work.

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magine receiving the gift of land – 200 acres of it! This occurred in Kenya when the government granted the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) a parcel of real estate in Rumuruti to develop facilities that assist the local community of pastoralists. PCEA (PCI’s partner) divided the land into portions for several church departments, urging each to adopt a mission-oriented approach in its use.

Ten acres were designated for the Christian Education department, and a nursery school began operations in 2014. Year by year, Sirai School has expanded until it now includes a full primary and a junior secondary as well.

Today, there are 178 pupils in total. Children like Blessing – a girl in class four – who said, “At home, my parents want to marry me off, but I don’t want, I want to go to school.”

Simon, a boy in class five, shares his challenges in learning: “I cannot study while at home because there is no light. The little kerosene that our parents buy is not enough to use. You just wait until the following day when you are in school, to study.”

Rachel, the head teacher at the school, mentions some of the issues they face, such as a lack of a staff room and not enough classrooms for everyone. The schoolchildren learn in various structures scattered around the compound,

including the church building.

The director of the Christian Education department, Rev Lucy Waweru, has a vision for this modern mission school that includes a purposebuilt classroom block, a high school section, boarding facilities and the provision of bicycles for those who walk long distances to reach school.

One of the most important features of PCEA Rumuruti Mission is the borehole, which ensures there is clean, safe water for drinking. Most of the children survive on the one meal a day they receive at the school. Their parents cannot afford to buy books or pay school fees, so everything is funded by the church.

The department has leveraged social media to convey to church members that this is their outreach mission.

An annual cycling race is held in Nairobi to champion education and raise funds for the school. Everyone is encouraged to get actively involved in supporting the work.

So, what can we learn from our partner Church’s approach to mission? See the real needs in your community; utilise resources and gifts; dream big and start small; focus on what’s most important; make it a team effort; and pray for God’s light to shine.

Rev Lucy Waweru talking with some of the older children

Please pray: • For the outreach work being done through PCEA Rumuruti Mission.

• For Sirai School – the head teacher, Rachel and her staff.

• For provision for all the children’s physical, social and spiritual needs.

• For the finances to sustain the school and increase its infrastructure.

• For Rev Lucy Waweru heading the Christian Education department, as there is much to be done for the 1,500 PCEAsponsored schools within the country.

Herald June 2025

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CHAPLAINCY

Prayer, presence and proclamation Michael McCormick

Forces chaplain to the RAF

Military chaplaincy is by its nature often behind the scenes, but it is clear God is at work.

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recently returned from a deployment of just over six months where I had the privilege to serve across a large geographical area with personnel from all three services of the navy, army, and RAF alongside troops from other nations. During this time, I was constantly reminded of my calling to military chaplaincy and how our ministry is often about prayer, presence – supporting individuals and small groups in isolated and dispersed locations – and proclamation.

As military chaplains we are often seen in civilian eyes through the big ceremonial events, such as VE Day which we had recently, Remembrance, Battle of Britain and many others. These are the opportunities when we are upfront, sometimes with large crowds, and they help with the corporate remembering, much as when Joshua set up 12 stones at Gilgal so future generations would remember God’s mighty deeds for his people. These events are immensely important, but so much of our work is conducted behind closed doors, in smaller groups or in the quiet (sometimes literally the middle of the night) without other people even knowing we are at work.

On one occasion, I had the opportunity to conduct Communion for a group of believers (military, diplomatic and civilian) in a church where no minister had been able to get to that location for over six months. I was told in advance there may be up to a dozen people, but word spread and we ended up with over 60 people attending. It was rich to share Communion together: different ethnicities, languages and denominations, but shared in God’s Word, fellowship and Communion.

During the early hours of one morning,

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I climbed into a vehicle to make a journey to an airport about four hours away, having only had two hours of sleep. I was looking forward to sleep while being driven, but as we drove off, the driver said, “Padre, now I have you for a few hours, can I have a chat?” That conversation led to no sleep, but more importantly, the opportunity to read from the Bible, talk and pray with a man who had once been a faithful Christian, then slipped in his faith. It also gave me the opportunity to hand over a Gideons New Testament I had in my rucksack as he would not have had access to a Bible for the remainder of his deployment.

During one particularly challenging period, I had a calmness and peace of God’s presence as I travelled and ministered in various places. This was noticed by colleagues and those around me, but was something I could not explain, other than I had a sense I was being prayed for. Roll on a few months and I was back at Legacurry Presbyterian Church (where I served my assistantship) and discovered this was the very time the prayer ministry team had been praying for me.

Military chaplaincy is by its nature often behind the scenes, but it is clear God is at work in lives and even though you may not know any military chaplains or what they are doing, please remember them and their ministry in prayer.

Please pray: • For armed forces chaplains, both at home and when they are deployed overseas.

• For spouses and children of chaplains who are so often left at home while the ‘Padre’ is away.

• For lasting peace in the war in Ukraine and for peace in Israel and Gaza.

INTERNATIONAL MEETING POINT

A beacon of light David Johnston

Support worker at IMP North Belfast

…despite our cultural differences, we all have much in common.

S

ince commencing my role as support worker at the International Meeting Point (IMP) North Belfast, many people have asked, “What do you do on a typical day?” The truth is that no two days are the same... you really don’t know who is going to pop in to IMP on any given day. But God knows.

The mission statement of IMP, inspired by Deuteronomy 10:19, is to “Love God and love the stranger in the city”. At both IMP sites, South Belfast (Lisburn Road) and North Belfast (Carlisle Circus), we seek to share Jesus with refugees and those seeking asylum. I have met people from countries as diverse as Ukraine, Syria, Sudan and Afghanistan. Many of these people have left their home countries due to conflict or persecution and carry personal trauma.

IMP North is a beacon of light and hope in a challenging part of Belfast. At Carlisle Circus, PCI also have the Op Shop (Opportunity Shop), selling baby clothes and toys as a means of reaching out to those in the area. Grace and Hope Community Church (a church plant of West Kirk) is also located here, led by Rev Peter Burke. We all work closely together to further the kingdom of Christ.

One of the few consistent rhythms at IMP North is our daily Bible reading and prayer, led by my colleague Shirley McGonigle. None of our exertions will have any eternal significance, unless God is working through us.

When I first started working at IMP North in February, I was struck by the genuine sense of community – relationships had been built over time and regulars attend the weekly Bible study, drop-in café and English classes. In the few months that I have worked here, I have become very fond of these people. You come to realise that, despite our cultural differences, we all have much in common.

As well as our ‘regulars’, there are people who might only pop in once. The transient nature of the work can often feel

frustrating, but I was encouraged to hear that a Muslim man whom I only met once, now plans to attend Bible study in a local church. God can join up the dots!

Everything we do at IMP North is with the purpose of building relationships, so that we might earn the opportunity to share Jesus; whether that is building a bed for a single mother, helping someone arrange a medical appointment, playing table tennis at the drop-in café or entertaining toddlers so that their mothers can engage with an evangelistic course. One of my greatest joys has been to share a Bible study with a young Iranian man who recently came to faith.

Our faithful team of church volunteers are, without doubt, the unsung heroes of this ministry. They cheerfully serve lunch, deliver English lessons, dramatise Bible stories for the Teenie Tots and clean the kitchen with a smile and a joke. It is a privilege to serve alongside them.

I hope this gives you a snapshot of the ministry, which is supported by the PCI United Appeal and the North Belfast Presbytery.

Please pray: • That God would direct our plans, as we consider new opportunities to witness.

• For wisdom and grace, in progressing conversations to spiritual matters.

• For more volunteers to partner with us in this ministry.

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CHAPLAINCY

It all belongs to Jesus Kenny Hanna Rural chaplain

God is granting us favour and gospel opportunities with people of all backgrounds.

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his is what I sometimes think and pray, as I enter a community: “This area already belongs to you, Jesus.”

That deep conviction daily fires me to serve Jesus, as rural chaplain, across the presbyteries of Armagh, Down, Iveagh and Newry, with five livestock markets therein. My certainty comes from the Bible-based truth that: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1).

God is richly blessing our rural chaplaincy team (Jim, Simon, David and me) in visits to markets, agri-business and in pastoral situations. God is granting us favour and gospel opportunities with people of all backgrounds. I believe this is God’s gracious response to the many people who kindly pray for us – so, thank you for your prayers. As a result, we approach each opening, not with complacency, but with hopeful anticipation that God has already gone before us and prepared the way. For me, this Sunday service or church outreach, this livestock mart, this school, this farm, this agri-business, this event, this pastoral need, this evangelistic opening, this… “It all belongs to you, Jesus.” Knowing that is an absolute game-changer.

One encouraging, concrete example of how Jesus being King over all transforms our ministry came in February as farm support organisations, government agencies, Action Cancer, and rural chaplaincy ran a two-week event, ‘Mission: Farm Strong’. Together we visited six livestock marts, one in each county of Northern Ireland. Our mutually agreed press release explained: “These awareness events are for all members of the farming community to encourage them to carefully consider their physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.” It is

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most encouraging to see a wide range of organisations recognise that, as human beings, we have deep physical, mental, and spiritual needs.

The rural chaplaincy team also visited nine primary schools (of different backgrounds) in a tractor kindly loaned by Burkes of Cornascriebe. The tractor was an excellent ‘visual aid’ as we spoke to the children about farm safety and the eternally important issue of how Jesus keeps his followers safe forever.

This event is one simple illustration of the truth, “It all belongs to you, Jesus”. I am convinced this is a healthy perspective for every follower of Jesus to not only have, but to then apply to our own ever-changing circumstances. In every family situation, every friendship, every school and college, every workplace, every circumstance, let us daily preach this message to ourselves, “It all belongs to you, Jesus.”

Please pray: • For five stands at agricultural shows in the rural chaplaincy area, working in partnership with local Presbyterian congregations.

• For new exciting possible openings in rural communities currently being explored – may God move forward whatever will glorify him most.

• For Kenny and others who, in October, are speaking at harvest outreach events, harvest services as well as children’s, women’s and men’s events.

HOME MISSION

The word on the street Tom Dowling

Irish mission worker, Kilkenny Presbyterian Church

…there have been many conversations with passers-by, believer and unbeliever alike.

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ilkenny holds a weekly farmers’ market in the city, near Kilkenny Castle. Many years ago, Joe, a friend from church, and I began an outreach at the market. Our aim was that the gospel and the church would have a visible presence in the market place, a place for people to go to engage with the gospel.

We set up a literature table with tracts, gospels, New Testaments and Bibles. Over the years, there have been many conversations with passers-by, believer and unbeliever alike. On one occasion another stallholder who had engaged with us and taken gospel literature told us that she had cried out to God, and that she now had an appetite for the Bible that she never had before.

More recently, I’ve moved the stand to Kieran Street, a pedestrianised street, which has many cafés and a higher footfall. There have been some encouraging, interesting and, at times, challenging characters and discussions!

One man said he had a dream in which a voice said, “The fool says in his heart there is no God”, words which puzzled him until he googled them and found that they were from the Psalms. This started him reading the Scriptures and coming to the conclusion that salvation was through Jesus. On the other hand, another man told me he was the angel Gabriel on earth, saying he had a massive wingspan as he walked down the street!

Three teenage boys came to the stand recently and we struck up a conversation. At first there was a lot of joking and we had a good laugh, but eventually, as I asked a few questions, the conversation switched to spiritual matters. They listened intently and

engaged well, asking clarifying questions. They shook my hand at the end, thanking me, before leaving with gospel literature. A couple of months later one of those young lads shyly approached me again and reminded me of our previous conversation. He said that the three of them had read the leaflets later that day, and that he believes everything that was in them.

Another young man has been engaging in conversation about spiritual matters – he is reading the Bible and has come to the conclusion that salvation is not from works that we do, but is through faith in Jesus Christ. At the other end of the spectrum, the day before writing this, I had a long conversation with a man in his 90s who had previously been very dismissive, but who said he knows me now and will talk to me in future. We talked about calling on Jesus.

Others come up to the stand requesting prayer, sharing problems, telling me about relatives who have ‘gotten into the Bible’, asking if I think we are saved by what we do, etc.

It’s a privilege to be there and to share with them. Thank you for your prayers. They are much needed and much appreciated.

Please pray: • That Jesus’ sheep will hear his voice and follow him.

• For further opportunities to study God’s Word with people.

• That God will be glorified.

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Wars & rumours of wars…

Mark Smith reports on the recent trip of two senior Presbyterians to Lebanon, where they took part in a special conference of Christian women who are impacted by war.

“Y

ou will hear of wars and rumours of wars...”

The words of Jesus, quoted by Matthew in his gospel are familiar to all. As we have probably entered into the second generation of people who did not live through what many call the Troubles, there are still many (too many) around the world, who are experiencing not just rumours of war, but war itself.

In April, Rev Dr Liz Hughes, the former convener of PCI’s Council for Global Mission, and Heather Clements, convener of the Council’s Global Mission committee, were invited to a country that is all too familiar with war – in a region that is experiencing an unrelenting conflict that is rarely off our news feeds.

The two senior Presbyterians were in Lebanon, taking part in a conference of Christian women who continue to be impacted by war and conflict. ‘The unheard voice: women’s persevering

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witness in war’ was organised by the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) – Europe, which PCI is a member of, and hosted

by PCI’s partner in the region, the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL).

Taking place at a retreat in the hills surrounding Beirut, the conference was led by the current WCRC president, NESSL’s Rev Najla Kassab from Lebanon, and brought together women from Syria, Lebanon, and Transcarpathia in western Ukraine, along with Hungarian-speaking Reformed communities in central Europe. “Of the 24 participants

…the world needs to hear from women…who bear the weight of suffering, who keep everything together…

who attended, some were pastors, or pastor’s wives, and others were women who were in leadership in their congregations,” Mrs Clements explained.

To those living in peace, never take it for granted.

Never forget that you have what others can only pray for.

“For each of them, there was a real sense of loss – for some that meant the loss of family and friends, their home, church, or business. We heard of the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing war. For others, it was coping with Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, or surviving ISIS death squads in northern Syria, or militia groups in other parts of the country.

“For both of us, it was an incredible privilege to be with our sisters in Christ, worshipping and praying together, hearing about their hopes and fears, as they continue to live their lives, and live out their faith as best they can, under such harrowing circumstances.”

The two women took part in a seminar on reconciliation and also spoke about their own experiences of living through the early part of the Troubles as teenagers – and then as a doctor in Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital’s A&E department (Mrs Clements), and as a minister in the north of the city, whose church had been fire-bombed (Dr Hughes).

In one of the group sessions, Dr Hughes made the following heartfelt notes from what the women shared: “This cannot go on; this is not normal. We want peace, we want a proper life. The world needs to hear the unfiltered truth…it is unbearable…the world needs to hear from women who carry the burden…who bear the weight of suffering, who keep everything together…”

Dr Hughes said, “Over the four days, the conference served as a space for reflection, personal testimony, and witness to the striking resilience of women for whom there was, as Heather has mentioned, a genuine sense of loss.

“A recurring theme that we heard was the challenge they faced daily to stay strong for everyone around them – their husbands, children and members of their congregations. They saw their roles in their churches not just as jobs, but a calling and a service. As one woman said to us, ‘Who will tell the story of Christ if we leave?’”

She continued: “Each felt deep sadness for what conflict had done to their countries, family and church families. It was an incredible privilege to see just a glimpse of what God sees: the silent, resilient and courageous persevering strength that you often find in women hidden in the pages of the Bible. While we heard countless personal stories of heartache, there were also tales of strength and resilience too, like the Presbyterian Church in Syria that’s set up a medical clinic treating 3,000 people per month.”

On the final day of the conference the women were given the task of using art to reflect what had challenged and inspired them during their time together. Mrs Clements said, “Thankfully our group was blessed by having an accomplished artist in it.”

They took ‘hope’ as their theme in the form of a tree, which reflected Job 14:7–9: “For there is hope for a tree. If it is cut down, it will sprout again…at the scent of water it will bud and bring forth branches like a plant.”

“It was highly symbolic,” Mrs Clements explained. “Bent by the winds of war, its singed branches represented those affected by war, but not actually part of the conflict.

The leaves lying on the ground were reflective of those who had died, with

the leaves still on the tree suggesting those who remain. The tree, however, had fruit, because we still have hope.”

Worshipping together in Arabic, Armenian, Hungarian and English, their time in Lebanon has left its mark on the returning Presbyterians, who have kept in touch with many of those who attended the conference in a WhatsApp group. “They also gave us a salient message for those not living in conflict: ‘To those living in peace, never take it for granted. Never forget that you have what others can only pray for’. We will continue to pray for peace, and our sisters in Christ, in the hope that peace will come and we will meet again,” Mrs Clements said.

The women at the conference asked PCI to pray for peace, and also to pray for: * Strength and resilience as they continue to carry the natural burdens of ministry – the burden of holding together family, work and caring for church and community members. * The church, especially at times of Christian celebration. * Their children who live with fear, and are often traumatised by their experiences. * Those who are refugees and also for those who stay, grieving the loss of family, friends and fellow church members. * For women’s voices to be heard loud and clear by the global church and by those in power.

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When we sing together Deborah Sloan looks at the power of collective singing.

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ave you ever heard of James B. Partridge? No, neither had I until he started popping up everywhere. He’s become a bit of a phenomenon over the last year, appearing on BBC’s Breakfast and The One Show. He’s featured in The Times, been discussed at length on ITV’s This Morning and Loose Women and performed at Glastonbury. He’s all over social media. But it wasn’t until I saw an article in the online Christian magazine Seen & Unseen that I began to pay attention to what James was doing. ‘Sing it out with James Partridge’s joyous assembly. Bad days get better when we sing together’ was its title.

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Natalie Garrett, who wrote the of his pupils and their parents. He article, had gone along to one of James’ began posting videos on YouTube for sellout shows on his ‘Primary School them to sing along to. But it was when Assembly Bangers’ tour to see what all he shared what he called his ‘Top 10 the fuss was about. At this concert, she Assembly Songs’ on TikTok that things had joined with hundreds of others, went viral. Having hosted singalong “belting out the words” to some welllivestreams during the lockdowns, loved classics like This Little Light of James then decided to continue these Mine, Give Me Oil in My Lamp and in a real-world context.

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.

There’s no doubt James is tapping The idea for the shows had come into something, but is it just the about during opportunity the pandemic to indulge in a We are regularly when James, a wistful throwback primary school reminded that as we sing, to the ‘80s and teacher, wanted Or is it we join with the choirs of ‘90s? to bring some something more? joy into the lives heaven.

When he asked

the audience to choose a favourite song for the finale, the clear winner was Graham Kendrick’s Shine Jesus Shine. No one was checking, but it was likely many of those attending hadn’t been near a church recently and although James grew up going to church, he doesn’t describe himself as religious. He puts the success of his fairly niche events down to “nostalgia in a time when life feels dicey”. He also emphasises that people are yearning for “something that’s more simple, more human and connected”, explaining he’s careful not to encourage people to dwell on the past. He wants them to recognise what they’re doing in the present. “When you’re all singing from

literally the same Songs…are a vital means a glimpse of the hymn sheet, you’re kingdom of God of communicating and breathing at the here on earth. same time, your connecting us to biblical And let’s not hearts are kind forget what James truths. of beating at the B. Partridge same time. You’re said. We are also getting in sync with other people,” he connecting with those around us. We says. are witnessing to each other. Singing It seems what James is doing is is a shared spiritual encounter with a reminding people of the powerful living God. Each voice matters. Our sense of belonging that comes from presence matters. When we create a singing with others. Whilst there are unified sound as a congregation, we are many individual benefits to “belting out emphasising our unity in Christ. words” – it boosts mood, reduces stress, “How music changes through the builds confidence and even strengthens years,” sang one famous popstar and it the immune system – when we sing only takes a quick google to discover collectively, something more happens. just how much Christian singing has Christians experience this ‘something changed over the centuries, moving more’ every Sunday as they gather to from the chants of the early church to sing together as part of their worship. today’s Contemporary Christian Music The Bible commands us to sing. “Sing (CCM) with its rising mainstream and make music from your heart to the popularity. Throughout history, Lord,” says Ephesians 5:19. Singing however, the church has often wrestled is mentioned more than 400 times in with adding new elements into existing Scripture. After crossing the Red Sea, traditions. Once heavily resisted, the Israelites burst into spontaneous instruments had to be gradually song. The Psalms are a songbook about introduced into Christian ‘singing’ and the Christian walk. Miriam, Hannah, when the Reformers wanted to make Deborah and Mary all use song to Christian teachings more accessible acknowledge God’s deliverance. to the ‘common people’, they had to As Christians meet corporately across overcome accusations of being worldly the world, they do not all sing the same when writing hymns to well-known songs. Some are still enjoying Shine folk tunes. There is some evidence to Jesus Shine. Others have moved on suggest that a cultural leaning-in when to Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me. it comes to music has been necessary But although the lyrics and melodies for the church’s survival. For example, are constantly changing, the songs are revivals such as the ‘Jesus Revolution’ always sung with the same purpose were also accompanied by notable – to connect to an unchanging God, shifts in musical styles. praising him for who he is, giving “By way of epilogue,” said Natalie, thanks for what he has done, asking for “as we all poured out of the theatre, his guidance and protection. We are and towards our cars, I heard a gaggle regularly reminded that as we sing, we of strangers-become-friends skipping join with the choirs of heaven. This is across the carpark singing – send forth your word, Lord, and let there be light”. The singing did not end when people left the building. This was good, Natalie felt. There was something in this, perhaps something the church could learn from and respond to.

Songs, it seems are a vital means of communicating and connecting us to biblical truths. And in a time when life feels dicey, isn’t it encouraging that those attending James B. Partridge’s concerts are leaving with the Word of God impressed upon them?

James B. Partridge

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No time like the present David Thompson highlights PCI’s ‘Present’ initiative as it moves into its second year.

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o you ever find yourself thinking, “That rings a bell, I’m sure I’ve heard of that somewhere before”? Maybe that’s how it is with PCI’s ‘Present’ initiative.

Launched at the 2024 General Assembly, the initiative is intended to roll out over three years. The first year, just drawing to a close, had the modest aim of simply creating awareness of the idea being shared and offered to congregations. Through Herald articles, video clips, social media, ‘Tides’ and other denominational channels of communication, the encouragement to congregations to be present to God, present for one another and present where God has placed them to be his witnesses has been widely sown.

Present on the ground in your church life So, what could congregations do with the seed of the Present initiative in the coming church year to see it grow and bear fruit? In many ways, that is down to how it might prove most helpful on the ground in the moment of each individual congregation’s journey.

However, here are some ways in which congregations could harness the Present initiative from this September.

…perhaps your congregation finds itself in a situation in which it is time to break new ground.

Present in the background Perhaps your congregation already has other initiatives running or emphases it is working to embed. In that case, maybe the best way to make use of the Present material is to view it as helpful background from which you can draw upon appropriate content as you see it popping up.

From September, there will be a greater emphasis on stories of how congregations are experimenting with a range of ways of expressing their presence to God in worship, presence for one another as a community of faith and presence as witnesses in the world around them. As you see stories that catch your imagination, it might be helpful to share them with leaders and those who run ministry activities.

PCI resources

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FOR ONE , ANOTHER IN GOD S FAMILY OF THE CHURCH

Perhaps they will offer fresh ways of doing things that you could adopt or adapt.

Present in the foreground Maybe the whole idea of being present provides a helpful framework upon which your congregation can think about its life together and witness to others. The simple idea of breaking down the aspects of ‘being church’ into relating to God, one another and to those around us who don’t know Jesus could help you more fully appreciate how God is active in seemingly ordinary ways in your life together, which are often taken for granted.

Equally, it could stimulate thinking about areas and activities of church life that it might be time to explore expressing in fresh ways.

If the idea of introducing the Present theme into the foreground of your church life this year appeals to you, some simple resources are being provided to help you do so.

To help individual members grasp the idea of the Present theme, a postcardsized prompt suggesting simple ways to be present will be released in both downloadable and print formats.

To help the congregation as a whole become familiar with the Present idea, a simple set of questions for a series of interviews with individual members about what it looks like in reality for them to try to be present to God, one another and as a witness in everyday life will be made available. Interviews

TO GOD AS HIS PEOPLE

…what could congregations do with the seed of the Present initiative in the coming church year to see it grow and bear fruit? could be conducted verbally, in print in the church magazine or produced for release on social media.

To get leaders and core members talking about existing ways the congregation is making itself present, along with fresh ways of expressing the never changing aspects of being church, a framework for discussion will be made available. It will contain PowerPoint slides, facilitator’s notes, video clips and downloadable pages to enable participants to capture feedback as it emerges.

Along with this material specifically produced and provided for year two of the Present initiative, other resources on the theme are also being signposted.

These include existing PCI material currently available, some of which is pictured on p34.

To supplement this, resources produced by the Good Book Company are being offered to congregations for purchase at a reduced rate, some of which are pictured below.

Present to break new ground Finally, perhaps your congregation finds itself in a situation in which it is

time to break new ground. As part of the current reconfiguration of ministry process, things may be about to change for you. You may be preparing to work with a neighbouring congregation for the first time, sharing not just a minister but new opportunities for ministry. Your circumstances bring fresh possibilities to think about being present in worship, shared community and witness. As such, the simplicity of the Present initiative’s picture of church life may offer you a canvas on which to sketch an exciting new future.

No time like the present In whatever way the Present initiative speaks to where your congregation finds itself just now, let’s keep on being present to God, for one another and where God has placed us to be his witnesses in this present moment. It is the only one we have. There really is no time like the present!

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

For more information about the Present initiative, videos, articles and podcasts visit: www.presbyterianireland.org/present For queries, or requests for PCI staff input into your congregation’s Present initiative plans, contact: clw@presbyterianireland.org

Good Book Company publications

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Issues facing young people today Angela Minion outlines how The Big House Ireland is seeking to help young people with the various challenges and difficulties they face.

I

n the years that have followed Covid, there has been a growing awareness of young people facing difficult situations and the need for adult society to take note and intervene.

Discovering how to make a positive difference is our adult opportunity, and as God’s people, our requirement.

Young people matter to God We’ve all been one. We’ve all tasted youth and its mix of potential, possibility, overwhelm and challenge.

We’ve all had a unique experience of being a young person and each of our experiences count.

Each of us has been seen by God and have held potential for good in his hand. It is no different for each and every young person who lives in Ireland today. Each is seen by God, and has the potential for good in his hand. No matter who they are or what their life is like today.

Each young person’s experience is different (and different to yours and mine). Yet, each counts and asks much of us as the adults who surround them.

Today, some young people in Ireland 36

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will enjoy good physical health. Others will experience chronic or life-limiting illness. Some will be carefree, enjoying good emotional health.

Others will be crippled by anxiety. Some will enjoy the company of others.

Others will find company deeply uncomfortable, but unavoidable, in everyday life. Some will enjoy text chat with friends, others will be deliberately humiliated by others through it.

Today, some young people will find school work relatively easy, others will find it virtually impossible. Some will wake up and go to sleep in a loving home, others a hostile or unsafe one.

Some young people will be shown that they are loved, valued and worthy of

Each young person’s experience is different… and asks much of us as the adults who surround them.

respect today. Others will be criticised, dismissed and disrespected. Some will be applauded because they have achieved enough today, others told they need to perform, or be, better.

Today, some will turn to social media or the internet for personal connection or guidance as to how they should look, or be.

Others will seek personal connection or direction from adults they have a healthy relationship with. Some young people will navigate their daily stresses in healthy ways. Others will deny themselves food, or hurt themselves as their best attempt to deal with their inner turmoil.

Today, some young people will find the systems purposed to help them (education, health, family, churches) to do this well. Other young people will go unnoticed, fall through cracks, or be let down.

For developing brains and emotions, our world is unstable and holds too many conflicting messages. The

It is essential for young people to clearly hear, and be actively shown, that they have deep personal worth. messages can be confusing, anxiety inducing and overwhelming. As adults, we too can find ourselves caught in the same overwhelming pressure to do and be more than we are (or can be) today, or the pressure to conform to the latest urgency or trend.

Yet our young people need us as adults to have disentangled ourselves from the many competing philosophies of the world, to be able to offer them our company and supportive help through their journey from childhood to adulthood. Our young people need us to be personally present and available – whether that be in emotional, spiritual, relational or practical ways. To be tangible evidence that the young person in your company has innate value and worth.

It is essential for young people to clearly hear, and be actively shown, that they have deep personal worth.

Worth which is not performance or achievement based. Nor related to success in any field, but entirely about their individual created worth. They have worth because they are who they are.

Discovering this core truth about themselves enables young people to live the best life that they can, in their unique contexts.

In The Big House, we have created and deliver value-led programmes which aim to help young people grow in the knowledge that they are made,

known, loved, valued and worthy of respect. These programmes, ‘Shaken’, ‘Steady’ and ‘Strong’ can be delivered in youth groups and schools, and in day and residential programmes at The Big House.

Our residential stays are designed to offer a special opportunity for youth groups to enjoy time away together, fun activities, good food and interactive teaching sessions that help young people know more of God’s love and hope in their lives. We organise the food, sessions and activities, meaning leaders can enjoy time with their young people, without any extra burden. We also understand that sometimes it’s good to have pastoral support and include that in our package too.

We have found that when young people hear of God’s love and desire to help them as unique individuals, hope grows. No matter who the young person is, or what issue they are facing – hope grows, and life becomes a little fuller.

While each young person’s life experience will be different, the importance of having consistently attentive, available and kind adults who can affirm a young person’s worth and the deep love and hope that God has for them in life, is true for all. It always grows hope and life.

The opportunity – or requirement – to be attentive, available and kind to young people is for

each of us as adults. Whether we are parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbours, leaders, teachers, family friends or just familiar faces across the pews; God has asked us all to tell this new generation of him. No matter who we are. No matter who the young person is, or what issues they face today.

God has sight of all the young people in Ireland today. Each one counts. Each experience counts. Each young person and their life experience has potential for good in the hand of God. Each of us – that’s you and I – can be part of helping young people become adults who have experienced God’s love and hope in their lives.

If you would like join us in our work with young people, or find out more information on booking a stay at The Big House, our youth programmes or counselling service, please visit thebighouse. org.uk or scan the QR code. We would love to hear from you.

Dr Angela Minion is founder and CEO of The Big House Ireland. Her doctorate, in Practical Theology, researched the needs of young people in Northern Ireland and offered a theologically reflective response which has informed the practice of The Big House.

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£

€

We are making

a difference

Lindsay Conway highlights the Presbyterian Relief Fund, which is available to help those in financial difficulty.

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s I start to prepare this article, many thousands of families and individuals are going to experience a further cut in their income as a result of the reduction of benefits, the withdrawal of the winter fuel payment, increase in National Insurance and the change in HMRC tax codes.

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Casual workers’ hours are being cut as employers struggle to afford the new minimum wage increases. These dramatic changes will impact everyone, in particular those on low wages or dependent on benefits, including the disabled. Recent comments in the media state that the proposed benefit cuts for disabled people, particularly affecting

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the health element of Universal Credit, could impact on three million people.

Those aged 18 to 21 will no longer qualify for the health element of Universal Credit, placing them and their families under added pressure to provide specialist services and equipment.

In March 2024, the Auditor General reported to the Northern Ireland Assembly that 1 in 4 children in Northern Ireland are living in poverty.

This just goes someway to outline the possible hardships that many of our brothers and sisters are experiencing on a regular basis and are now coming to the attention of ministers and pastoral teams.

Many congregations have responded to local needs in a very positive way by offering foodbanks, hosting Christians Against Poverty (CAP) information events, providing school uniform projects and establishing community cafés – to name a few. All making a difference to individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet.

What does the Presbyterian Relief Fund do? Its mission statement is: “The purpose of the Relief Fund is to help those under the pastoral care of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland who are facing financial pressure on a modest income.” The fund is open to all over the age of 18 and works closely with the Presbyterian Children’s Society.

It is a privilege to read both the applications and ‘thank you’ messages from applicants and ministers: “You have given me great peace of mind – you have changed my life and given me my independence.”

“We are so grateful for your assistance, even more so with the rising costs of gas, fuel and the cost of living.

This money will be used for heating over the coming winter months.”

“Universal Credit will take at least six weeks before I hear if I am eligible for benefit and housing benefit. I felt the only option was to sleep rough as I had lost my rental accommodation.”

A minister recently wrote: “Please accept my thanks for your generous grant – the claimant had been out of paid employment as a result of being a full-time carer and was reassessing her life as her savings have been depleted. Lastly, it is a testament to the generosity and compassion of God’s people.”

Life-changing events such as a fire, a flood, or an accident at work can all result in an application being made. Assistance can also be given for emergency travel, laundry and household equipment, specialist

I would ask ministers and kirk sessions to please discuss the appointment of a Presbyterian Relief Fund agent in your congregation. medical equipment, security and safety equipment and respite care. Quarterly grants are currently paid at the rate of £415 (NI) and €520 (ROI) and exceptional grants are paid up to a maximum of £1660 (NI) and €2080 (ROI).

I would ask ministers and kirk sessions to please discuss the appointment of a Presbyterian Relief Fund agent in your congregation. The role of the agent is simply to promote awareness of the fund. Those wishing to apply for a grant should approach their minister directly in confidence to complete an application.

Throughout Scripture, we are challenged and at times clearly commanded to engage with those in need. Isaiah 58:7 questions our generosity: “…to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood.”

And in Galatians 6:10 we read: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

There is also that remarkable challenge in James 2 (The Message): “I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, ‘Sounds good. You take care of the faith department; I’ll handle the works department.’ Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you

my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.” This is a challenge to us personally and to congregations as part of our Christian service and witness.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon was without doubt one of the most famous and popular preachers of the Victorian era. A lesser fact concerning Spurgeon was that he also initiated and supported an enormous array of social welfare projects – the most ambitious being the building of his Stockwell orphanage that offered a home to 500 of London’s poorest children. Stockwell was often referred to as Spurgeon’s greatest sermon. Just as Spurgeon was responding to the needs around him, across the water, the Presbyterian Church was also responding to unacceptable poverty in Victorian times through the Presbyterian Orphan Society (now the Presbyterian Children’s Society) founded in 1866, the Kinghan Mission from 1857 and the Old Age Fund from 1906.

Today the Presbyterian Relief Fund continues to follow the call of Scripture and demonstrates the love of God and follows the command of Christ to love one another. In the final sentence of a letter of appreciation, a recipient of a grant said: “The saying ‘charity begins at home’ is certainly endorsed by the Presbyterian Church.”

Congregations, please see the Relief Fund as one of the options in addressing some of the pastoral needs in your congregation and consider appointing a Presbyterian Relief Fund agent. What a difference this aid could make to many pastoral situations!

Lindsay Conway is a trustee of the Presbyterian Relief Fund.

…the Presbyterian Relief Fund…demonstrates the love of God and follows the command of Christ to love one another.

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REVIEWS

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

Remember and Proclaim: Scripture songs for little ones The Corner Room

AVAILABLE VIA STREAMING SERVICES

««««« It’s that time of year when we are busily preparing for summer outreach with children and young people. You might be looking for some new songs to sing at your holiday Bible club or children’s ministry in church. I’m a big fan of songs which are lifted straight from Scripture and there are many verses I can quote because of songs I’ve learned over the years.

If this sounds like you, you’ll love the album Remember and Proclaim from The Corner Room, which is a music ministry of Cahaba Park Church in Alabama. Adam Wright is the genius behind the songs and has produced nine albums which set Scripture to music.

This album is a mix of different music genres – bluegrass, pop, country, folk – so there is something for everyone.

The songs are very catchy and are lifted straight from the ESV version of the Bible. My favourites are 1 John 5:3–5 and James 1:2–5.

These songs allow us to introduce difficult concepts of faith and give us opportunities to talk about how they affect our everyday lives.

Maybe you could pick one of the songs as a memory verse for you to learn. You can also check out their newer album Remember and Proclaim: Volume 2.

RD

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Stirrers and Saints Brian Harris PATERNOSTER

£16.99

Understanding Trauma – A biblical introduction for church care ««««« Dr Steve Midgley

The aim of this book is outlined in the subtitle: ‘Forming spiritual leaders of skill, depth and character’. The author describes the characteristics required for leadership, outlining how leaders need to be both stirrers (strong leaders) and saints (spiritual models), and the problems that can arise when one of these elements is missing.

As a stirrer, the leader is looking ahead, planning how to get there and correctly leading the church in that direction. Just as crucial, though, is the saintly aspect of leadership and the book begins by discussing formational practices to enable growth as spiritual leaders. The author also discusses blocks to spiritual formation and how to identify and overcome them.

The book is honest about conflict, disappointment and failure, which are inevitable, and the process of growing through struggles. Leadership issues from the lives of Moses, Daniel and Mary the mother of Jesus are described and the chapter on Mary’s influence was particularly enlightening as the author describes her as “leading from the second chair”.

The final section of the book discusses leadership practices to follow. The seven ‘S’ inventory outlines the seven roles of leaders as: servants, shepherds, stewards, see-ers and sages (in addition to stirrers and saints). A helpful self-rating table is included to encourage leaders to develop in each of the seven areas.

This book would be beneficial for future, new and experienced leaders to read either individually or in a group context. Each chapter ends with questions for reflection and a Stirrers and Saints podcast is also available.

LMcC

GOOD BOOK COMPANY

£9.99

««««« «««« «

Described in one editorial review as being “thoughtful, informative and compassionate”, I must agree. In this slender book Midgley challenges the reader to consider how the word ‘trauma’ has become a common experience, talked about often and in fact may be in danger of being defined so widely that it becomes almost devoid in meaning.

The author is steadfast in communicating that this is not a trauma recovery guide, but a book that will help Christians better understand people who have experienced trauma so that the church can provide wise pastoral care. We are encouraged to be aware and sensitive to those experiencing trauma, so we can faithfully care for them in a way that best meets their needs.

The book is helpfully split into three sections. The first provides us with a definition of trauma and where we encounter trauma in the Bible. The second section looks at more contemporary thinking around how trauma is understood today and the final section of the book, and perhaps my favourite, focuses on practical ways that the church can respond to trauma compassionately.

In this last section, Midgley sensitively introduces the concepts of lament, beauty and hope. He speaks about bringing our sorrow to God in lament. He contrasts beauty, which comes from God and is found in God, to the ugliness that trauma brings into a person’s life, then finally the hope of suffering restored at the cross.

An inspiring and considerate read.

CS

REVIEWERS

SH – Sarah Harding is editor of the Herald LMcC – Lois McCrea belongs to Howth and Malahide Presbyterian

Experience Jesus. Really.

John Eldredge THOMAS NELSON PUBLISHERS

£14.99

««««« ««« ««

The current culture of instant information and constant connectivity has led people to unwittingly sacrifice their spiritual connection, ultimately leading to a place of despair – that is the message contained in the latest offering from John Eldredge.

The New York Times bestselling author argues that faith is the Christian’s most valuable possession, yet often we don’t think enough about protecting it, adding, “My concern is that our faculty of faith – the ability to trust and believe – has been secretly eroded by something most of us are completely unaware of. It has to do with the fact that we are, all of us, Disciples of the Internet.”

The internet has discipled our souls to expect immediate answers. As a consequence, we feel distant when we turn to Jesus but are not answered in the way the internet does. Furthermore, the information we receive online keeps changing, making weary sceptics of us all.

Through his book, Eldredge hopes to help readers regain their childlike faith in the reality of God’s constant presence to those who seek him. He points to the spiritual warfare around us, and suggests practices and prayers to help transform our ability to hear the voice of Jesus in our day-to-day lives.

There were parts of the book I struggled with, but all in all, I found it a worthwhile read, especially since it prompts more intentionality; to slow down and take the time to deepen my relationship with Christ.

SEH

RB – Ruth Bromley is PCI’s children’s development officer SEH – Suzanne Hamilton is an administrative assistant for the Herald CS – Clare Smith is a member of St Andrew’s, Bangor RD – Ruth Dalzell is coordinator of youth ministry and congregational discipleship in Second Comber

Welcome to the Bloodline Elle Limebear

AVAILABLE VIA STREAMING SERVICES

««««« «««« « Elle Limebear is a British worship leader who has been writing music and leading worship since her teenage years. As the daughter of Delirious? frontman, Martin Smith and his wife Anna, she has grown up surrounded by the music industry and even had a prophetic word spoken over her at birth – that she would be anointed for creativity and leadership.

Bible Investigators: Creation Danika Cooley GOOD BOOK COMPANY

£14.50

«««««

Bible Investigators: Creation is an activity book packed full of brainteasing puzzles, Bible passages and concepts about God’s creation.

It is a lesson and activity book which will encourage children aged 8–12 years to develop skills to investigate the Bible for themselves. As children get older, it is important to move them from learning alongside adults to investigating and

This is her second album – the first, Lost in Wonder, was released in 2020. It is a very honest and vulnerable album – in fact one of the songs is even called Vulnerable. Elle has openly spoken about her struggles with anxiety and fear, co-authoring a book in 2020 called Say Goodbye to Anxiety, and so this is a clear theme throughout. Bye Fear is a strong declaration of not giving in to fear, but instead trusting in God’s peace and joy. Big Enough is an affirmation of God’s arms being big enough to hold us in all the seasons of our lives.

One of my favourites was Soar, which is a beautifully joyous song based on the words of Isaiah 40:31, trusting in the goodness of God to sustain and uphold us. I also found Simple Song charming and moving – exactly as its title suggests, it is a simple song of praise and thanksgiving to God for all his many blessings.

Limebear says, “This album is an open invitation into freedom and joy.” It is sure to refresh your soul and remind you of God’s deep love for you.

SH

discovering the Bible for themselves.

This is a great book with many different activities to help them begin that process.

Children will be encouraged to apply logic to solve some challenging puzzles as they dive deeper into the story of creation, picking up lots of skills for reading and interpreting Scripture for themselves.

There is also space in the book for some journalling – special boxes allow children to make observations and reflect on what they have learnt.

Children aged eight and nine years may need some support with the more challenging parts of the book, but as they progress, they should be able to grow in their independence.

If you have bought a copy of this book, and have more than one child using it, you have permission to print out further copies of the puzzles.

Hopefully this is the first of a series of these activity books to encourage independent learning of the Bible with this age group.

RB

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LIFE IN PCI Exceptional service honoured in Ballygrainey The long service of Trevor Magowan has been recognised with his local MP tabling an Early Day Motion (EDM) in Parliament.

The EDM acknowledges Mr Magowan’s incredible 64 years of dedication to First Ballygrainey Boys’ Brigade, with 54 of those years served as an officer. From joining as a young boy to eventually becoming captain, he has shown steadfast commitment, leadership, and service to the organisation, his church, and the wider Bangor community.

“His selfless dedication, even through personal health challenges in recent years, is nothing short of inspirational.

Trevor has been a role model to generations of young men and a key figure in shaping leaders not only in Ballygrainey, but across Northern Ireland through his involvement in officer training. This recognition is richly deserved,” said Alex Easton, the North Down MP who tabled the motion.

It has been a busy time for the County Down company, with James McDowell receiving his King’s Badge, and David Hamilton and Andrew Edwards being presented with the President’s Badge.

Above: Rev James Rogers, Trevor Magowan and Alex Easton MP. Top right: James McDowell and his mother Ruth.

Bottom right: David Hamilton with his mother Joanne, and Andrew Edwards and his mother Katrina.

Awards at Spa Boys’ Brigade The achievements of five members of Spa Boys’ Brigade in County Down were recognised at the recent annual display with the presentation of King’s and President’s Badges.

Two of the King’s Badge recipients, Isaac Crane and Max Crainey, were unable to be at the display, but Ben Spiers received his from his parents, Barry and Donna.

President’s Badges were presented to Conor Patterson and Timmy Rodgers by their mothers.

Tartaraghan marks 200th anniversary Then PCI Moderator Dr Richard Murray visited Tartaraghan Presbyterian Church recently, to help the County Armagh congregation mark its 200th anniversary. Pictured with the Moderator are Leslie Brush, Stephen McCombe, Rev Andrew Martin, Norman Cornett and Philip McMenemy.

Above: Sandra and Conor Patterson, BB captain Robert Whan, Rev Alan Wilson, and Timmy and Christine Rodgers.

Below: Barry, Donna and Ben Spiers with BB captain Robert Whan and Rev Alan Wilson.

New communicants in Moneymore Two new communicants – Tom Wilkinson and Adele Biggerstaff – were recently received by First and Second Moneymore congregations. They are pictured with members of the kirk sessions and Rev Jonathan Sloan (minister of the County Londonderry congregations).

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

100th birthday in Ahorey William Muldrew, a member of Ahorey Presbyterian Church, celebrated his 100th birthday recently. He is pictured with Dr Richard Murray (then PCI Moderator), Rev Philip McClelland (minister of the County Armagh church) and Freda Muldrew.

Celebration in First Ballymena Yvonne Gilliland, a member of First Ballymena, celebrated her 100th birthday recently. She is pictured being congratulated by the then Moderator Dr Richard Murray.

100th birthday in Mountpottinger

100th birthday in First Bangor

Bertha Douglas, a member of Mountpottinger Presbyterian, celebrated her 100th birthday recently. She is pictured with Rev Enrique Tagle Aguiar (minister of the Belfast church), her son Brian and then Moderator Dr Richard Murray.

Lynda Stewart, a member of First Bangor, celebrated her 100th birthday recently. She was visited in Oakmont Lodge Care Home, Bangor by then Moderator Dr Richard Murray, accompanied by Rev Mairisíne Stanfield (minister of the County Down church) and Janet Browne (pastoral visitor).

Milestone birthday in Stewartstown First Stewartstown member, Mary McKeown, celebrated her 100th birthday recently. She is pictured with Miller Glendinning (clerk of session of the County Tyrone church), Rev Alan Dickey and her elder, Ian Millar.

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LIFE IN PCI Presentations in Granshaw The annual Boys’ Brigade display at Granshaw Presbyterian Church was an opportunity to recognise those who achieved their King’s Badge or President’s Badge.

Timmy Smyth, Thomas Bailie, Lewis Young, Lewis Waters and Jack Ellis all received their King’s Badge – the highest award in the BB. President’s Badges were awarded to Jonah Graham, Luke Bailie, Chris Koots, and Tyler McMaster.

The County Down church’s annual Girls’ Brigade display saw Joanna Love, Rebekah Patterson, Beth Cusin and Sophia Finlay receiving their Brigader brooch from one of their parents.

Below, top: Jonah Graham, Luke Bailie, Chris Koots and Tyler McMaster with their President’s Badges.

Middle: Joanna Love, Rebekah Patterson, Beth Cusin and Sophia Finlay receive their Brigader brooch from one of their parents.

Bottom: Timmy Smyth, Thomas Bailie, Lewis Young, Lewis Waters and Jack Ellis with their mothers.

Presentation in Lecumpher A presentation has been made to Sammy Thompson, to mark his retirement after 28 years of faithful service as clerk of session in Lecumpher Presbyterian Church in County Londonderry. He is pictured with Rev Ashley Graham.

New elders in Grange with Craigmore The ordination and installation of two new elders – Winston Copeland and Robert McNeilly – has taken place in Grange Presbyterian Church, County Antrim. Pictured in the front row are: Mr Copeland, Rev Philip McCullough (moderator of Ballymena Presbytery), Rev Joseph Andrews (clerk of Ballymena Presbytery) and Mr McNeilly. Back row: Noel Connor Rev Ronnie Agnew, Rev Raymond Kelly, David Montgomery and Jamie Harris.

Football success for Bloomfield The 24th Boys’ Brigade five-a-side football team from Bloomfield Presbyterian in Belfast recently won the Northern Ireland five-a-side competition.

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LIFE IN PCI

MALIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH invites everyone to come along to our

SUMMER TEAS These will be held on 4 Saturdays this summer, from 2pm to 5pm on 26 July, 2 August, 9 August & 16 August.

We really look forward to seeing everyone from previous years and new friends too.

Contact Helen 08608 26386 (ROI) or 00353 86 0826386 (NI)

Cheque presentation in Drumachose Donations for The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity were collected during the annual Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade displays at Drumachose Presbyterian Church. The charity has been supporting families within the County Londonderry companies and a total of £1,500 was raised.

Pictured from First Drumachose Boys’ Brigade and 249th Girls’ Brigade are: Emily Hamilton (GB officer and staff nurse who accepted the cheque on behalf of the charity), Sandra Laird (GB captain), Richard Gallick (BB officer in charge), Stephen Breydin (BB officer), and Martha and Frazer (members of the GB and BB).

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ACROSS 1 Abba song (7,5) 8 Boat blade (3) 9 Purveyor of current affairs (10) 11 Highest bravery award (2) 12 Irish rugby star (3) 13 Big boys (3) 14 Finish (3) 15 Lukewarm (5) 17 A friendly girl’s name (3) 18 Greed (7) 19 Kelly, the Aussie bandit (3) 20 Affirmative (3) 21 Taking a break (7) 25 Less than two (3) 26 Rest against (4) 29 Supply of water to ground (10) 30 Eras (4) 32 Lazy (4) 33 Maker of chocolate (6) 34 Elizabeth who? (6)

DOWN 1 Type of jacket (6) 2 Currently (8) 3 Barrel (4) 4 Most annoying (10) 5 Posh camping (8) 6 Completely transformed (7) 7 Autumnal month (8) 10 Remove frozen water (5) 16 Initials on many post boxes (2) 21 Dried grape (6) 22 Every home should have at least one (6) 23 Just about (6) 24 Lovely with ice cream (5) 26 Music maker (5) 27 Received and understood (5) 28 We are these in Jesus (5) 31 Pig home (3)

34

compiled by Harry Douglas

Herald July/August 2025

45

IN THIS MONTH...

July/August 1983

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

Assembly review Robert Cobain

The General Assembly has met. It has taken decisions upon many important matters. There is a danger, however, that having expressed our opinions…we feel we’ve done our bit. That would be most tragic…

It is difficult, I’m sure, for some to feel that the Church is making much progress when so much time, inevitably, is taken up with the internal organisation of the Church. Each committee and Board has to make a report on their work; and their efficiency and effectiveness is open to question and debate. The structure of the administrative machinery is scrutinised, overhauled and reshaped where necessary…

The care and attention we give to maintaining the Church and structuring the Church is useless unless it enables the Church to carry out its mandate ‘to go to make disciples in all nations’…

Falling numbers, rising income sums up the Church’s position from a statistical point of view.

According to the 1976 Annual Reports there were 378,748 members; the 1982 Reports give us a figure of 349,024. Stipend payers, however, have risen from 186,390 in 1976 to 218,339 in 1982. …the Church has raised her yearly congregational income...We are still spending something over 35% of our income on running costs, repairs, construction and debt on buildings. Another 35% is spent on the payment of ministers, ministerial allowances and Assembly assessments. The remaining income is spent on maintaining the United Appeal and other religious and charitable objects…

Just one thought – and a radical one at that. When we look at the New Testament church…do we not find there the local congregation seeking the collective wisdom of the church on local issues? What a transformation it would be for our present overhauled Board and committee structured Church to have to deal with alert and alive local congregational kirk sessions sending up requests through presbytery…to Assembly for help so that they could minister better ‘on the ground’.

Such a change would call for a total rethink and radical change in how we serve and service the Church. It would make a difference to every agency of the Church as it is now constituted…

What makes a hymn ‘good’?

E. Margaret Clarkson

Hymns are expressions of worship.

They are man’s glad and grateful acknowledgement of the ‘worthship’ of almighty God… Hymns are a celebration of what God is and what he has done…

Good hymns adore the eternal Godhead for what he is, worshipping him for his holiness, wisdom, power, justice, goodness, mercy and truth… Good hymns are theologically sound…are doctrinal in content…have words of beauty, dignity, reverence and simplicity…

They display preciseness and finesse of poetic technique and expression… Good hymns turn heavenward…

In the end, good hymns are not the result of desire or ambition, but are an outgrowth of spiritual life.

They are based not on feeling but on eternal verities, centred not on man but on God.

The Magherahamlet builders

Magherahamlet, congregation of 65 families, built a £20,000 hall in one year by voluntary labour, and Dr E.P. Gardner dedicated the new hall in May. In this picture, Rev C.D. Adams and Mrs Adams are joined with some of the willing workers.

Also from July/Aug ’83 46

TV gameshow Blockbusters launched

Herald July/August 2025

Production of Ford Orion begins

Paul Young’s Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home) tops the music charts

REFLECTIONS

Living forever Ruth Sanderson

I

t seems the world is obsessed with immortality. of us who struggle to even reply to texts, this is indeed a Of course, it always has been. One only has to look daunting prospect. More daunting still, many believe it’s at ancient myths and legends of gods and demi gods, the thing which will eventually lead to the extinction of the Middle Ages searches for the Holy Grail and the elixir human race altogether. Fundamentally though, this kind of life. of ambition is driven, not solely by the desire for technical I once watched a documentary years ago about the search advancement, but by fear. for extended life – calorie restrictions, strange daily potions Imagine for a moment that you are a tech billionaire. and regimens – all ways to control the daily lives of those You’ve created some of the most important leaps in obsessed with being as old as possible. Nowadays, the uber knowledge that the human race has ever seen, you have rich check in for regular blood plasma infusions. untold wealth, you’re surrounded by people who say yes to However, the search for immortality has reached past you, who fear you – everyone is a paid employee. Nothing the point of the natural – we are fast entering the age of is beyond your grasp… apart from one thing. Because you transhumanism. Neuro implants are already harnessing the know, deep down, despite the money, the fame, the power – power of thought and one step closer to that one day you will breathe your last We know that this life is – and then what? uploading ‘consciousness’ to the cloud – a concept which is straight out of the only temporary…Our For these billionaires, the idea of pages of science fiction. something being outside of their control real life comes next.

Transhumanism is a philosophical is frightening. They have been able to movement which advocates for using manipulate everything in our lives – technology to enhance human capabilities and extend how we communicate, how we shop, financial interactions, lifespan. The thought is that this could potentially create a personal relationships; all the knowledge in the world ‘posthuman’ species. If you think you’ve heard this all before, available to us in a press of a button. It’s happened so rapidly, you have! If you’ve seen RoboCop, 2001: A Space Odyssey, so ubiquitously that we have walked unconsciously into an Elysium or The Matrix – all of these films explore the idea of entire world created by them. It stands to reason then, that life being extended by use of technology. these super powerful humans want to live forever.

It seems we are closer than we might think. Many The thing is though, death, you see, is a great leveller. If prominent people in the tech industry have talked about you’ve spent your entire life being on the very top of the the increasing convergence between humans and machines. pile, you don’t want to be equal with everyone else. Yet we That future is here, if reports of the successes of the company as Christians know for sure that this life is not the end. We Neuralink are to be believed. have a hope in Christ that we will live forever with him.

Many want humans to merge with AI so that they don’t Sometimes our lives after death are referred to glibly, but get ‘left behind’ by the forthcoming tech revolution. Some it is a truth which is foundational to our faith and should advocate uploading the mind into digital form and settling transform our perceptions of our time here. the cosmos. Others think we should remain organic beings This perspective gives us a massive advantage over the tech but upgrade our biology through genetic engineering – a giants who are searching for immortality – computational or future of designed babies, artificial wombs and anti-aging. otherwise. We know that this life is only temporary. It can be Of course, transhumanism is a popular concept amongst funny, sad, brilliant, awful, exciting, fantastic – but it is only tech billionaire elites. They have made their fortunes and for a short pinprick of history. Our real life comes next. life’s work about the advancement of the sector. We may be As for those searching for forever, and sinking all at the start of the AI revolution, but Silicon Valley’s eyes are the money they can muster into it, I am reminded of already set on something called AGI – Artificial General Ecclesiastes 1:14: “I have seen all the things that are done Intelligence – that is, an AI system that can do all the under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after cognitive tasks a human can do and more. the wind.”

AGI is seen as vital to enabling us to take on the god-like They are simply chasing after the wind. We are the ones role of designing our own evolutionary futures. For those with the real insight, the real power and the real wealth.

Herald July/August 2025

47

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

Application forms are available on request from the Clerk’s Office or may be downloaded from the PCI website.

BALLINA SPECIAL MINISTRY MR RICK HILL: c/o Mission Department, Assembly Buildings, 2–10 Fisherwick Place, Belfast, BT1 6DW. BANBRIDGE ROAD, DROMORE: REV R.A. LIDDLE: Mr Alan Robinson, 25 Beresford Green, Dromore, BT25 1HF. BLOOMFIELD: REV GRAEME KENNEDY: Mr Andrew Shott, 7 The Walled Garden, Belfast, BT4 2WG. BUSHMILLS: (Reviewable Tenure – 5 years) VERY REV DR D.I.J. McNIE: Rev Martin Gracey, 6 Bush Crescent, Bushmills, BT57 8AJ. DONEGAL TOWN and STRANORLAR: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV ROBERT ORR: (Donegal Town) Mr Oswald Perry, Drumenagh, Donegal Town, F94 N7P8. (Stranorlar) Mrs Audrey Chambers, Magheracorran, Convoy, Co Donegal.

DUNMURRY & KILMAKEE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV S. STOCKMAN: (Dunmurry) Rev Gilbert Young, 39 Saintfield Road, Lisburn, BT27 5BH. (Kilmakee) Mr Alastair White, 94 Greenburn Way, Lambeg, Lisburn, BT27 4LU. KELLS: REV M.J.R. NEILLY: Mr B. Turtle, 6 Appletee Lane, Kellswater, Ballymena, BT42 2LS. LOUGHBRICKLAND and SCARVA: (Reviewable Tenure – 5 years) REV DR MARK GRAY: (Loughbrickland) Mr Fred Cairns, 20 Scarva Street, Loughbrickland, Co Down. (Scarva) Mr Robert Jordan, 3 Station Rd, Scarva, Co Armagh, BT63 6JY. LUCAN: REV A. CARROLL: Mr Ian Scott, 22 Willsbrook Avenue, Lucan, Co Dublin, K78 AP57.

MOIRA: REV DR M. COWAN: Mr Richard Brown, c/o Moira Presbyterian Church, 14–18 Meeting Street, Moira, BT67 0NR. OMAGH, TRINITY and GILLYGOOLEY: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV JANE NELSON: (Trinity) Mrs Claire McElhinney, 112 Clanabogan Road, Omagh, BT78 1SN. (Gillygooley) Mr Raymond Smyth, 82 Gillygooley Road, Omagh, BT78 5PX. RATHGAR – CHRIST CHURCH: REV LORRAINE KENNEDY-RITCHIE: Mr Paul Fry, 44 Monolea Wood, Firhouse, Dublin 24, D24 A2V3.

RALOO and MAGHERAMORNE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV ANDREW WATSON: (Raloo) Mr Geoff McBride, 72 Raloo Road, Larne, BT40 3DU. (Magheramorne) Mr Morris Gardner, 89 Ballypollard Road, Magheramorne, Larne, BT40 3JG. RASHARKIN & DUNLOY: REV R.J. WATT: (Rasharkin) Mr Samuel Kirkpatrick, 71 Mullan Road, Ballymoney, BT53 7ED. (Dunloy) Mr Jonathan Gault, 9 Drumnagee Road, Dunseverick, Bushmills, BT57 8TE. STRABANE and SION MILLS: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV P.B. HOUSTON: (Strabane) Mr William Watson, 44 Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9QS. (Sion Mills) Mr Colin Campbell, 26 Albert Place, Sion Mills, Strabane, BT82 9HN. STRAND: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV M. BURNSIDE: Mr John Johnston, 7 Helgor Park, Belfast, BT4 2GG. TRINITY, AHOGHILL and GRANGE WITH CRAIGMORE: REV N.G. MULHOLLAND: (Trinity, Ahoghill) Mr G. Knowles, 67 Tuppenny Road, Gracehill, Ballymena, BT42 2NW. (Grange with Craigmore) Mr Jamie Harris, 32 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3BE.

48

Herald July/August 2025

2 LEAVE TO CALL DEFERRED BALLYRONEY and DRUMLEE: REV LIAM RUTHERFORD: (Ballyroney) Mr David Peters, 30 Seafin Road, Ballyroney, Banbridge, BT32 5ER. (Drumlee) Mr Graham Truesdale, 128 Lackan Road, Ballyward, Castlewellan, BT31 9RX. DROMORE and DRUMQUIN: REV E.T. FRAZER: (Dromore) Mr Lynden Keys, 25 New Park Road, Dromore, Omagh, BT78 3JU. (Drumquin) Dr Paul Booth, 54 Bradan Road, Drumquin, Omagh, BT78 4QQ. GORTNESSY: REV DR SETH WRIGHT: Mr Ross Hyndman, 32 Temple Road, Strathfoyle, Londonderry, BT47 6UB. HILLTOWN and CLONDUFF: REV KENNETH NELSON: (Hilltown) Mr John Ervine, 51 Rostrevor Road, Hilltown, Newry, BT34 5TZ. (Clonduff ) Mr Cecil Brown, 39 Bannfield Road, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5HG. RICHVIEW: REV N.S. HARRISON: Mr Victor Garland, 25 Abingdon Drive, Belfast, BT12 5PX.

SETTLED STATED SUPPLY APPOINTED BALLINDERRY: VERY REV DR W.J. HENRY, Minister of Maze.

BOVEEDY: REV DR T.J. McCORMICK, Minister of 1st Kilrea.

CAHIR: (Home Mission) REV WILLIAM MONTGOMERY, Minister of Fermoy.

KATESBRIDGE: REV N.J. KANE, Minister of Magherally.

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

3 DECLARED VACANT ANAGHLONE and GARVAGHY: REV D. CONKEY: (Anaghlone) Mr John Logan, 4 Bluehill Road, Katesbridge, Banbridge, BT32 5LU. (Garvaghy) Mr James Smyth, 35 Tullyglush Road, Banbridge, BT32 3TN. BALLEE: REV T.P. McCULLOUGH: Mr John Quigley, 81 Queen’s Avenue, Magherafelt, BT45 6DB. BALLINA and KILLALA: (Home Mission) REV DARYL EDWARDS: Mr Geoffrey Shannon, Robin Hill, Carraun, Corballa, Ballina, Co Mayo, F26 A070.

BALLYCAIRN: REV MORRIS GAULT: Mrs Lucy Mulholland, 32 Blenheim Park, Carryduff, BT8 8NN. BALLYCASTLE: REV G.W.M. GLASGOW: Pat Shirley, 22 Dunamallaght Rd, Ballycastle BT54 6PB. BALLYKEEL: REV R.A. MORRISON: Mr T. Simpson, 163 Crebilly Road, Ballymena, BT42 4DP. BALLYNAHATTY, CREEVAN and FINTONA: REV JONATHAN COWAN: (Ballynahatty & Creevan) Mr John Nevin, 116A Clanabogan Road, Omagh, BT78 1SN. (Fintona) Mr Keith Boland, 119 Blackhill Road, Fintona, Omagh, BT78 2LN. BALLYNAHINCH, FIRST: REV ANDREW CONWAY: Mr Brian McKee, 25 Mourne View, Ballynahinch, BT24 8EL.

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 noon on the first Friday of the month can be included in the Church Record.

BANAGHER: REV DR MARK GOUDY: Mr Ivan J. Montgomery, 66 Teenaght Road, Claudy, BT47 4DD.

GARRYDUFF: REV NOEL McCLEAN: Mr Stanley Lee, 12 Cambourne Park, Ballymoney, BT53 7PG.

BELLAGHY and KNOCKLOUGHRIM: REV TREVOR BOYD: (Bellaghy) Mr Harry Ferson, 12 Railway Terrace, Castledawson, Magherafelt, BT45 8AY. (Knockloughrim) Mr Wilbur Bownes, 10 Meadowell Fold, Westland Gardens, Magherafelt, BT45 5DP.

GLASCAR and DONAGHMORE: REV R.M. MOODY: (Glascar) Mr Alan Little, 38 Loughbrickland Road, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5HF. (Donaghmore) Mr David Shilliday, 21 Cargabane Road, Donaghmore, Newry, BT34 1SB.

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

HELEN’S BAY: REV ANNE TOLLAND: Mr David McAuley, 23 Beverley Hills, Bangor, BT20 4NA.

BENBURB: REV BOB ALLELY: Miss Janice Allen, 5 Langs Crescent, Armagh, BT60 1DB.

HYDEPARK and LYLEHILL: REV ALAN MOORE: (Hydepark) Mrs Lynas Alexander, 22 Broadacres, Templepatrick, BT39 0AY.

BOARDMILLS, TRINITY: REV GRANT CONNOR: Mr Adrian Patterson, 41 Cabra Road, Legacurry, BT26 6NB. CARLISLE RD & CROSSROADS: REV JOHN HANNA: (Carlisle Road) Mr Trevor Galbraith, 45 Hazelbank Road, Drumahoe, BT37 3NX. (Crossroads) Mr Richard Russell, 31 Creevagh Road, Londonderry, BT48 9XB. CASTLEDAWSON & CURRAN: REV STEWART GLENDINNING: (Castledawson) Mr Grainger Stewart, 46 Killyneease Road, Castledawson, BT45 8DS. (Curran) Mr Robin Boyce, 48 Lurganagoose Road, Knockloughrim, BT45 8QY. CASTLEDERG, SECOND AND URNEY: REV ROBERT McFAUL: (Second Castlederg) Mr Bert Huey, Tossa, 8 Listymore Road, Castlederg, BT81 7JG. (Urney) Mr Norman McMullan, 80 Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9QT. CAVANALECK & AUGHENTAINE: REV RODNEY BEACOM: (Cavanaleck) Dr Charles McKibbin, 9 Tattenabuddagh Lane, Fivemiletown, BT75 0NW. (Aughentaine) Mr John McCrory, Screeby Road, Fivemiletown, BT75 0TP. CRUMLIN: REV STEPHEN McNIE: Mr James Livingstone, “Edin”, 56 Largy Road, Crumlin, BT29 4RW. CUMBER and UPPER CUMBER: REV DR ROBERT BUICK: (Cumber) Mr Cecil Pollock, 248 Tamnaherin Road, Londonderry, BT47 3LY. (Upper Cumber) Mr Jack McFarland, 12 Cregg Road, Claudy, Londonderry, BT47 4HX. DONEGORE, SECOND: REV E. McDOWELL: Mr Samuel Gawn, 120 Parkgate Road, Kells.

DROMARA, FIRST: REV M. DAVIDSON: Mr I. McCullagh, 10 Mullaghdrin Road, Dromara, BT25 2AF. DROMARA, SECOND: REV DR A. SLEITH: Mr Richard Kernaghan, 89 Rathfriland Road, Dromara, BT25 2EB. DRUMGOOLAND and KILKINAMURRY: REV ANDY DOWNEY: (Drumgooland) Dr Alastair Chestnutt, 22 Fruitvalley Road, Ballyward, Castlewellan, Co Down, BT31 9RE. (Kilkinamurry) Mr Mervyn Copes, 43 Carnpark Road, Dromara, Dromore, Co Down, BT25 2HD. DUNDROD: REV R.C. KERR: Mrs Alison McClure, 20 Thorndale Road, Dundrod, BT29 4UD.

KELLS: (Home Mission) REV ALAN McQUADE: Miss Ruth McCartney, Shancarnan, Moynalty, Kells, Co Meath, A82 PF60.

KILREA, SECOND: REV BRIAN SMYTH: Mr John McIlrath, 9 Moyagoney Road, Kilrea, BT51 5SX. LURGAN, FIRST: REV L.W. WEBSTER: Mr Norman McCleery, 12 McCormack Gardens, Lurgan, BT66 8LE. NEWINGTON: REV DR I.D. NEISH: Mr John Lynass, 8 Bushfoot Park, Portballintrae, BT57 8YX. NEWTOWNARDS, SECOND: REV C.W. JACKSON: Mr Ivan Patterson, 11 Heron Crescent, Newtownards, BT23 8WH. NEWTOWNSTEWART and GORTIN: REV JONATHAN BOYD: (Newtownstewart) Mr David Dunbar, 32 Main Street, Newtownstewart, BT78 4AA. (Gortin) Mr Adrian Adams, 32 Lisnaharney Road, Lislap, Omagh, BT79 7UE. PORTAVOGIE: REV G.J. SIMPSON: RANDALSTOWN, O.C.: REV CHRIS WILSON: Mr Alun Coulter, 48 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3DB. RAPHOE and BALLINDRAIT: REV R. EDGAR: Mrs Sylvia Cole, The Common, Raphoe, Donegal.

RATHCOOLE: REV A. CARSON: Mr Norman Creaney, 7 Coolshannagh Park, Newtownabbey, BT37 9LA. RAY & NEWTOWNCUNNINGHAM: REV GRAHAM ORR: Mr Derek Roulston, Moyle Hill, Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal.

SLIGO: REV DANIEL REYES-MARTIN: Mr Albert Higgins, Carraroe, Sligo.

TAUGHMONAGH (Church Extension) REV K.H. VINER: THE MALL, ARMAGH: REV IAN ABRAHAM: Mr Colin Berry, 26 Killuney Park Road, Armagh, BT61 9HG.

DUNGANNON: REV JAMES O’NEILL: Mr David Miller, 1 Bushvale, Dungannon, BT71 6QA.

TOWNHILL: REV J.D. McGAUGHEY: Mr R. Dickey, 23 Grange Cottages, Toomebridge, BT41 3GR.

ESKYLANE: REV W.J.C. BROGAN: Mr S. McKee, 14 Eskylane Road, Antrim, BT41 2LL.

TULLYCARNET: REV R.S.J. McILHATTON:

FAHAN: REV PHILIP POOTS: Mr James Lamberton, 1 Deanfield, Limavady Road, Londonderry, BT47 6HY.

WARRENPOINT and ROSTREVOR: REV J.S. MAGUIRE: (Warrenpoint) Mrs Heather Gray, 25 Donaghaguy Road, Warrenpoint, BT34 3RZ. (Rostrevor) Mrs Doreen Henderson, 14 Greenpark Road, Rostrevor, BT34 3EY.

FAUGHANVALE: REV P. LINKENS: Mr Donald Montgomery, 25 Carnmoney Road, Eglinton, BT47 3JJ.

continued on page 50

Herald July/August 2025

49

CHURCH RECORD continued from page 49 WATERSIDE: REV COLIN JONES: Mr William McIlwaine, 19 Glenaden Hill, Altnagelvin Park, Londonderry, BT47 2LJ. WOODBURN & LOUGHMORNE: REV JOHN STANBRIDGE: (Woodburn) Mr Robert Logan, 555B Doagh Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 5BT. (Loughmorne) Mr Lionel Brehaut, 21 Cairn Road, Carrickfergus, BT38 9AP.

TEMPORARY STATED SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT ARMAGH ROAD, PORTADOWN: REV P. McCLELLAND: Dr David Lowry, 5 Ridgeway Park South, Portadown, BT62 3DG. BELLVILLE: REV J.T. GRAHAM: Mr Mervyn King, 29 Ardmore Road, Derryadd, Lurgan, BT66 6QP.

Resigned: Rev Prof David Leach, resigned as Professor of Ministry & Director of Institute for Ministry, 1 May 2025 Rev Peter Gamble, resigned as Minister of The Mall, Armagh, 18 May 2025 Rev Dario Leal, resigned as Minister of First Ballynahinch, 24 May 2025 Installed: Rev David Leach, was installed as Minister of Portrush, 2 May 2025 Rev Mariann Gilicze, was installed as Minister of First Lisburn, 10 May 2025 Rev Peter Gamble, was installed as Deputy Clerk of the General Assembly, 19 May 2025 Rev Dario Leal, was installed as Minister of Dunfanaghy & Carrigart, 25 May 2025

THE ELDERSHIP

SPA and MAGHERAHAMLET: REV DAVID BINGHAM: (Spa) Mr Stephen McBride, 28 Ballynahinch Road, Castlewellan, BT31 9PA. (Magherahamlet) Mr David Whan, 74 Castlewellan Road, Dromara, BT25 2JN.

Ordained and Installed: RAMOAN: Alistair McFarland, Samuel Kane RICHHILL: Jonathan Brownlee, Jeffrey Finch, John McAfee, Harry McNeely, David Parr, Chris Wilkinson

WHITEHEAD: REV P. BOVILL: Mr Warren Heggan, 44 Middle Road, Islandmagee, Larne, BT40 3SL.

Retired: CRAIGAVON: Dessie Simpson

CLASSIFIEDS 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.

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50

THE MINISTRY

Herald July/August 2025

Died: BALLYLENNON: Grace Mary (Rae) McCausland FAHAN: Murry Ferguson HARMONY HILL: Ian Wilson LETTERKENNY, TRINITY: William Davidson MALONE: Anne Hagan NEWTOWNBREDA: John Hill, John Sloan ROSEYARDS: Joe Patton WARINGSTOWN: Stanley Anthony

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