MARCH 2018
a lifeless ordinary
WHOLE LIFE WORSHIP Worship that extends beyond a Sunday morning
DISAGREEING WELL Have we lost the art of courteous debate?
CHRISTIANS AND CULTURAL DIFFERENCE Recognising our internal bias
#noquestionof flimits
TH
WHY DOES A LOVING GOD ALLOW SUFFERING? DOESN’T EVOLUTION DISPROVE GOD? AREN’T ALL RELIGIONS BASICALLY THE SAME? WHY DOES GOD CARE HOW I LIVE?
8 BE £ D IR
FO
RY 4 A U EBR RE F
B NCH RLY U A L E D \\ ACKE P A RING B \ \ In association with:
is an interactive day for 12-18s to ask their big questions about God. DATE & TIME
Saturday 10th March 2018, 10am – 5pm.
“ equips young people with meaningful answers to their questions about the reality of God and the challenges thrown at them by culture.” - AMY ORR-EWING
Doors open at 9.30am. Donuts on arrival! LO C ATION
Methodist College (Whitla Hall), 1 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6BY
Gareth Blac
k
BOOK ONLINE £10 www.rebootglobal.org INFO
Invite a friend and bring a packed lunch. Any questions, email: reboot@zachariastrust.org 02890673379
FOLLOW US
Jo Vitale
@REBOOTquestions /Rebootquestions
rebootquestions
Simon Edwards
Tanya Walke
r
The Zacharias Trust is a UK registered charity, which seeks to help the thinker believe and the believer think.
CONTENTS | MARCH 2018
FEATURES 16 Eastern European evangelism
Richhill congregation builds connections with Poland
18 My Place
United Appeal supports inclusive children’s ministry
20 Whole life worship
Worship that extends beyond a Sunday morning
22 Disagreeing well
Have we lost the art of courteous debate?
33 A Camino adventure
Rev. David Cupples shares a journey of a lifetime
36 Christians and cultural difference
A Camino adventure p.33
Recognising our internal bias
39 Hope for girls
A challenge for the church to be countercultural
REGULARS 4 6 8 9 13 14 15 24 25 42 44 48 49
Letters News In this month… As I see it Life lessons My Story Arthur Clarke Talking Points Mission Connect Reviews Life in PCI Crossword Betsy Cameron
March 2018 No. 809 £1.00 (€1.20) Published by: The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, Belfast BT1 6DW. T: +44 (0)28 9032 2284 E: herald@presbyterianireland.org W: www.presbyterianireland.org
Christians and cultural difference p.36
Hope for girls p.39
CONTRIBUTORS Dr. David I. Smith is Director of Kuyers Institute for Christian Teaching and Learning, Calvin College, Michigan. He is senior editor of the International Journal of Christianity and Education. Ruth Sanderson lives in Co. Down with her husband Harry. She is a freelance radio/television presenter and producer.
Editor: Sarah Harding Subscriptions and Advertising: Elaine Huddleston; Lisa Skinner; Suzanne Hamilton Design and Layout: Edward Connolly Printing: Nicholson and Bass Ltd.
Dr. Claire Rush is a volunteer leader in Islandmagee Presbyterian GB, advocacy coordinator for Girls’ Brigade Ministries and vice-president of Girls’ Brigade International. Rev. David Cupples is minister of Enniskillen Presbyterian Church. He is married to Rosie and father to Ellen and Peter.
The views expressed in the features, news reports, letters and book reviews of this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. Editorial comment and signed articles do not necessarily contain the official views of the Church, which can be laid down only by the General Assembly. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply endorsement of the goods or services. The Editor reserves the right to decline any advertisement or letter without assigning any reason. Letters may be edited for publication. No correspondence can be entered into regarding non-publication of advertisements or letters.
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is a Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104483); Registered Charity in Republic of Ireland (20015695).
Herald March 2018
3
NEWS | PCI
News Exploring dementia issues A round-table discussion on dementia, involving a number of people who care and advocate for those with the condition, took place in Assembly Buildings in Belfast recently. Organised by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI), the group discussed various issues, including ways to increase support for people with dementia and their carers, funding for service providers and how to make the church more dementia-friendly. Lindsay Conway (Secretary of the Council for Social Witness) said, “Approximately 20,000 people in Northern Ireland and 55,000 in the Republic of Ireland are living with dementia, and these numbers are expected to increase significantly in the years ahead unless there is greater focus on prevention. “As a Church we have taken a number of steps to help those with dementia and their carers, including the creation of dementia gardens, adapting the interiors of our homes and training all our staff in dementia care. “It is clear, however, that we can and must do more to support people with dementia and their carers, and we look forward to building on the connections we have made today with other organisations as we look at how the church can become more dementia-friendly. “The continuing absence of an Executive in Northern Ireland obviously presents challenges in terms of key decisions that need to be taken
Kids’ Crew needed Volunteers are being sought to help out with this year’s Kids’ Big Day Out. If you are 14 years old or older and are fun-loving, committed, motivated and able to assist with the kids’ programme and zones, then please consider registering to be part of the Kids’ Crew. Contact clw@presbyterianireland.org for further information.
Fresh Light volunteers sought PCI is looking for volunteer counsellor supervisors for Fresh Light – its counselling ministry, which seeks to bring comfort, strength, peace, hope and transformation in the difficult seasons of people’s lives. Operating from a Christian understanding of life and the world, volunteers are committed to standards of best practice and ethics in their counselling, a service which is open to adults and available to all faiths and none. Speaking about the opportunity and the value placed on the ministry, David Thompson, Secretary of the Council for Congregational Life and Witness, said, “Recent indications are that the counselling ministry provided by Fresh Light remains a valued part of the ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and a vital specialist supplement to the pastoral care provided in local congregations across Ireland. “In order to ensure standards of good practice are maintained and
10
Herald March 2018
to expand the reach of Fresh Light, the appointment of counselling supervisors is an important next step in the development of the service. “We hope that those with supervision experience will be excited about offering their gifts to contribute to a ministry that offers the wisdom and love of Christ, in a practical way, to those most in need.” The closing date for applications is Friday, 9th March and full details can be found on the PCI website.
Those taking part in the round-table discussion were: Dr. Norman Hamilton (convener of the Council for Public Affairs), Linda Wray (PCI’s Residential and Supported Services Manager), Rev. John Seawright (convener of PCI’s Older People’s Services Committee), Gavin Norris (PCI Public Affairs Officer), Rosemary Gibney, Michelle McMillen, Lorna Conn (Dementia Together NI), David Hooks, Barry Smith (Alzheimer’s Society), Lindsay Conway (CSW Secretary) and Norma Picking (manager of PCI’s residential care home Adelaide House).
on funding and other issues. However, we are determined to work in partnership with others to raise awareness of dementia and to make sure that it is on the political agenda,” he added.
Support for Kinghan Church from Markethill Lindsay Conway, Secretary of PCI’s Council for Social Witness, and Jill Shanks, from Kinghan Church for the deaf and hearing impaired, visited a Church of Ireland ladies’ coffee morning group in Markethill. Jill gave a presentation on the work and witness of the members and friends of the Kinghan Church. Lindsay and Jill were well received and want to thank the many people from Markethill who have faithfully supported the Kinghan Church over the past years. This year the Markethill Festival again gave generously to Kinghan
Church, and having opportunities to talk to local people about the work is very much appreciated. Many thanks to Rosaleen Kerr from the Markethill group who organised the trip.
Omagh home celebrates 25 years Harold McCauley House achieved a significant milestone, celebrating 25 years of work and witness in the Omagh community at the end of last year. PCI’s only nursing home opened in 1992. The Harold McCauley House cookery book, produced to celebrate this special anniversary, gives over 200 pages of various delicious recipes, tried and tested by the expert catering team at the home. It costs £10 and is available from the Social Witness office. All proceeds go to the home.
Find out more on www.presbyterianireland.org
News Middle East visit PW president Elma Leeburn visited Lebanon recently in order to get alongside and encourage women of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL), PCI’s partner church in the Middle East. The visit was also an opportunity to see NESSL’s work with refugees who have fled conflict in Syria.
Events
Summer teams Ten denominational summer teams will be travelling the length and breadth of Ireland during the summer of 2018. They will work alongside and in support of local PCI congregations as they reach out to their local communities through holiday Bible clubs, teen drop-ins and community service projects. Team membership is open to everyone over the age of 16. More information and application forms can be found at www.presbyterianireland.org/ summerteams
March
Lasting legacy Millisle and Ballycopeland Presbyterian will host an event celebrating the 150th anniversary of Amy Carmichael’s birth on Thursday, 19th April at 7.30pm. Amy Carmichael, one of the world’s best known and inspirational missionaries, was born 150 years ago in Millisle, Co. Down, where she attended Ballycopeland Presbyterian Church with her family. As a young adult, she served the Lord locally, founding a mission in Belfast to the ‘shawlies’ (women in the mills who wore shawls), before devoting her life to missionary service overseas. Amy spent most of her life in India, where she founded the Dohnavur Fellowship in 1901, an organisation devoted to rescuing girls and young women who were enslaved in Hindu temples. She also wrote numerous books which continue to inspire many in their Christian life and service today.
Simple Worship in the Smaller Church She said, “It has been a fascinating and challenging experience, in particular meeting some refugee women in the cities of Tyre and Sidon and learning how the Lebanese church is reaching out with the love of Christ. As a result of the continuing conflict in Syria, Lebanon’s population has grown considerably.” Mrs. Leeburn was accompanied by her husband Ian, Women’s Ministry and PW Development Officer Pauline Kennedy and PCI’s Global Mission Secretary Rev. Uel Marrs. The group visited one of the six refugee schools that NESSL has set up. The schools were supported by last year’s PCI Youth and Children’s project ‘Journeys of Promise’. They also visited the headquarters of the Bible Society of Lebanon.
DIARY DATES
Two regional events aimed at helping those who organise and lead worship in the smaller church will take place on Thurs., 26th April. Simple Worship in the Smaller Church will offer simple ways to worship that lead others to meaningfully engage with our Father. The guest speakers are Sam and Sara Hargreaves. The first event takes place from 10.30am to 12.45pm at Union Road Presbyterian, Magherafelt and the second is at Ballydown Presbyterian Church between 7.45 and 9.45pm. The price is £5. For further information contact the CLW office: tel. +44 (0)28 9041 7246; clw@presbyterianireland.org
Handling the Word course North Belfast Presbytery – Saturday, 3rd
Taking Care refresher training Ballynure Presbyterian – Thursday, 8th
Mission in Ireland evenings
East Belfast Presbytery – Sunday, 11th Omagh Presbytery – Sunday, 11th Ballymena Presbytery – Wednesday, 14th Templepatrick Presbytery – Sunday, 18th Derry and Donegal Presbytery – Wednesday, 21st
‘Taking Care of All’ adult safeguarding conference
Kids’ Big Day Out Wellington Presbyterian Church in Ballymena will host Kids’ Big Day Out on Saturday, 21st April from 1.45-4pm. Kids’ Big Day Out is an event for primary school-aged children and their leaders or parents. Tickets are on sale now and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Both children and their leaders need to purchase a ticket, which cost £4 each (euro equivalent).
Mission in Ireland evenings A number of Mission in Ireland evenings will take place at a variety of venues throughout March. Presbyterian Moderator Dr. Noble McNeely will speak at the East Belfast Presbytery event at Belmont Presbyterian Church on Sunday, 11th March, while Rev. David Bruce (Secretary of the Council for Mission in Ireland) and a prison chaplain will address the Omagh Presbytery evening at Drumquin Presbyterian, on the same night. The East Belfast event starts at 7pm, while the Omagh evening begins at 7.30pm. The Ballymena Presbytery evening takes place at Killymurris Presbyterian on Wednesday, 14th March, starting at 8pm, when Rev. Richard Houston from Lucan Presbyterian and Belfast City Mission’s Andy Williamson will speak. David Boyd (an Irish mission worker in Dublin) and deaconess Heidi England will address the Templepatrick Presbytery evening, which takes place at Muckamore Presbyterian on Sunday, 18th starting at 7pm. Newtowncunningham Presbyterian Church hall will host the Derry and Donegal Presbytery event on Wednesday, 21st at 8pm. Billy Patterson, a retired Irish mission worker, is the speaker. The final Mission in Ireland evening sees Rev. David Bruce address Carrickfergus Presbytery at First Larne Presbyterian on Sunday, 25th starting at 7pm.
Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Thursday, 15th
Transform
Crumlin Road Gaol – Friday, 23rd
April Family Holiday
Castlewellan Castle – Tuesday, 3rd to Friday, 6th
Celebration of 150th anniversary of Amy Carmichael’s birth
Millisle and Ballycopeland Presbyterian – Thursday, 19th
Kids’ Big Day Out
Wellington Presbyterian, Ballymena – Wednesday, 21st
Worship in the Discipleshaping Church conference
Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Wednesday, 25th
Simple Worship in the Smaller Church
Union Road Presbyterian, Magherafelt – Thursday, 26th Ballydown Presbyterian, Banbridge – Thursday, 26th
Herald March 2018
11
UNITED APPEAL
Rose Lowry, aged 8
My Place
Lisa Skinner looks at how United Appeal for Mission is helping congregations to be inclusive in their children’s ministry. A new event called ‘My Place’ focuses on reaching out to children with special needs and their families.
S
tatistics show that most Christians come to faith before the age of 14, which is why PCI believes in having a vibrant children’s ministry, one that impacts the lives and faith of children within PCI and within the communities around our congregations. Ruth Bromley is PCI’s Children’s Development Officer and is instrumental in equipping Presbyterian churches to maximise their potential in their work with children. In her role, Ruth encourages children’s leaders to share Christ in relevant and engaging ways. She runs the events ‘Little Day Out’ and ‘Kids’ Big Day Out’ (attended by 500 children and 175 leaders from across Ireland) and has recently been facilitating a new event called ‘My Place’, which seeks to ensure that children’s ministry is accessible for all. Ruth also oversees the children’s ministry certificate at Union College and participates in the regional training of leaders through ‘Road Trip’. She supports and resources children’s workers across
18
Herald March 2018
the denomination and will often spend an extended period of time with one congregation, helping them to reshape their children’s ministry. The Youth and Children’s Project is coordinated by Ruth each year and she has just put together a resource on schools’ ministry, providing ideas for congregations to connect and build relationships with local schools. In the coming months she will also take the lead in producing a resource on Sunday morning children’s ministry, exploring different models that may prove useful. It is thanks to United Appeal funding that Ruth is able to do all of this and more; through this work children are meeting Jesus and being blessed in their walk of faith.
If difficult questions aren’t asked…we will fail to meet the needs of children and adults who have extra needs...
Inclusive children’s ministry My Place is an evening event, exploring together what it might look like to be an inclusive church. Children with special needs and their families often find it difficult to come to church and to practically and emotionally connect with the worship. Ruth says, “It can be stressful because our churches tend to be places of calm and order and these children and young people can be loud and can ‘spill over’ our pews as it were. Within PCI we long to have those children and their families walk into a church and think of it as somewhere that they belong, somewhere they can call ‘my place’. We all need community and none more so than the families of those with learning disabilities. “For us, the My Place training is just the start of a conversation around how we enable children with special additional needs to enter into worship with us and to be blessed by our children’s ministries. How can we include those for whom a lifelong developmental disability affects how they view and interact with the world around them, and how they interact with others in that world? The
Stephen Lowry and Ruth Bromley
body of Christ has many parts and if we aren’t including all parts of that body, can we really call ourselves a church?” Rev. Stephen Lowry is the ordained assistant minister in First Holywood Presbyterian Church and father to Rose, an eight-year-old girl with global developmental delay. He explains, “One of the most helpful things for parents of children with special needs to know is that their church family are asking questions about what is the best way to accommodate covenant children such as Rose, who just don’t seem to fit in with the current model of children’s ministry. If difficult questions aren’t asked, then we will keep doing what we always do and we will fail to meet the needs of children and adults who have extra needs, who should be valued members of our congregation.” Designed for local PCI ministers, elders, children’s workers, parents and church members, My Place considers the biblical teaching behind the mandate to be more inclusive; the personal experiences of parents of children with special needs; and the wisdom of experts in the field of special education; as well as providing space to discuss ideas and ask questions.
We’re so much stronger when we can tackle these things together. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” This rings true for all children regardless of mental or physical ability. As one of the My Place trainers, Sarah Hill, reminds us, “God doesn’t stop revealing Himself at a certain IQ. So bring your children and young people to Jesus and let Him reveal Himself to them.” Ruth says, “My Place is only possible to run because of the generosity of PCI congregations all across Ireland. Events like this help us to understand this issue better and enable us to be people and places of welcome for all.”
As Stephen confirms: “We’re so much stronger when we can tackle these things together.” The next My Place event takes place in Ballygawley Presbyterian on Wednesday, 2nd May. The event is free to attend, but please register your interest online at www.presbyterianireland.org Further information is available by emailing clw@presbyterianireland.org or telephoning +44 (0)28 9032 2284.
To watch a short film of Ruth Bromley and her work involving My Place, please visit www.presbyterianireland.org/unitedappeal
Herald March 2018
19