Presbyterian Herald March 2023

MARCH 2023

Making new friends SAME MINISTRY, DIFFERENT PEOPLE

The work of Friendship House

SINGING FROM THE SAME PLAYLIST

New PCI worship resource

ACTIVE LISTENING

Helping people in crisis tell their stories

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CONTENTS | MARCH 2023

FEATURES 14 A marathon effort

Reaching out during Belfast City Marathon

16 Singing from the same playlist New PCI worship resource

18 West Belfast witness

Gospel opportunities in the west of the city

20 Same ministry, different people

The work of Friendship House

32 Active listening

Helping people in crisis tell their stories

34 Families on the fringe

PCI initiative for those on the fringes of congregational life

A marathon effort p14

36 Connecting in Christ for 100 years Centenary anniversary of the ICC

REGULARS 4 6 8 9 12 13 23 31 38 40 45 46

Letters News In this month My story As I see it Life lessons Mission Connect Talking points Reviews Life in PCI Ruth Sanderson David Clarke

Singing from the same playlist p16

CONTRIBUTORS

Cover photo: South Belfast Friendship House March 2023 No. 846 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

Same ministry, different people p20

Damian Jackson is General Secretary of the Irish Council of Churches.

Married to Diane, they have three teenage daughters, live in Dublin and attend Dundrum Methodist Church.

Pip Florit is a Mission Support Officer for PCI. She is a member of Bloomfield Presbyterian and lives with her husband, Ismael, and son Jonah in Belfast.

Deborah Sloan is a member of Orangefield.

She has four teenage daughters and has recently left a career in academia to pursue her lifelong dream of being a writer.

Rev David Moore is minister in special work for West Belfast. He is married to Elaine and they have three adult children and one grandchild.

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; does not imply endorsement of the goods or services. Advertising will not be Elaine Huddleston included if the product or service is deemed to be in conflict with the Church’s Design and Layout: official views, or if it is inappropriate for a church magazine. It is not Herald policy Edward Connolly to include any editorial content along with adverts. The editor reserves the right Printing: to decline any advertisement or letter without assigning any reason. Letters may W & G Baird Ltd 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 March 2023

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EDITORIAL

LETTERS Hymn singing

Listening

Once a year, my husband and I lead the pre-marriage course in our church, using resources from Care for the Family. Although designed for those about to embark on the journey of married life, the course serves as a good reminder for us each year about the basics of enjoying a healthy marriage. One key ingredient in this is good communication.

Three ‘don’ts’ are advised: don’t assume; don’t trivialise; and don’t interrupt. In many ways these pieces of advice could be summed up with the phrase ‘listening well’. It is a powerful thing to speak and be heard; to have the full attention of another who is hanging on our every word without judgement.

This month, the subject of listening pops up several times.

Deborah Sloan explores a Christian charity called Active Listening that works with the PSNI to support people in crisis. One volunteer says the service allows individuals to “release feelings and tensions because all they really need is someone to give them that freedom, encouragement and hope.”

During a year that celebrates 100 years of the Irish Council of Churches, its General Secretary, Damian Jackson, outlines the history pertinent to its formation. At a service marking the special anniversary, Damian quotes Archbishop Eamon Martin whose address focused on how Churches could practice hope and humility in today’s Ireland. One of his suggestions involved intentional listening. He wondered if Churches could “work together to create spaces for dialogue at parish, congregation and community level so that all voices can be fully heard about the kind of society and values we want for our children and grandchildren.”

In another article, Pip Florit reports on the work of PCI’s Friendship House in south Belfast where volunteers are working with asylum seekers housed in hotels in the area.

Coming from a range of countries, including Egypt, Kuwait, Yemen and Algeria, she says, “The staff don’t ask anyone to share their story, acknowledging that many have come from traumatic circumstances, but there is always a listening ear for anyone who wants to talk.” This attentive listening is clearly displaying openness, warmth and love to those who need it.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote, “The first service one owes to others in the community involves listening to them.

Just as our love for God begins with listening to God’s Word, the beginning of love for other Christians is learning to listen to them.” In today’s ‘me culture’ that is more focused on shouting our own views rather than acknowledging the voices and opinions of others, the Christian act of listening well should shine like a beacon of light, conveying the love and care of God to those around us.

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Herald March 2023

Dear Editor Psalm 9:2 says, “I will be glad and exalt in you, I will sing praise to your name, O Most High”. Psalm 51:14b says, “…my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness”.

When we praise God in congregational worship, we are to praise him, our Lord and maker of creation. That is ‘objective’ worship in hymns of praise to our Almighty God and Lord Jesus Christ. More and more worship leaders choose songs which are subjective, which are more about ‘me and I’.

Having qualified for the Accredited Preacher Scheme I’m asked at times to choose the praise where I’m to lead the service. I chose one recently, How Firm a Foundation ye Saints of the Lord. The organist replied to me, “I don’t think the congregation know that one.”

Let’s say I was stunned in silence.

While many of the new hymns of praise are doctrinally sound, many of them are doctrinally shallow, repetitive and subjective to the point of boring. Our congregations are losing many of the old, doctrinally sound, objective hymns of praise to God. One YouTube ‘minister’ (oxymoron?) said, “There is as much blessing, if not more, in singing than the preaching of the Word of God”. I’ve no comment regarding this, but suffice to say Scripture is inspired, inerrant, sufficient and our only rule of faith and practice; hymns are not.

When are we going to waken up to some of the so-called praise that passes for worship to our Holy God? When are we going to return to the place where we are worshipping our

Lord in Spirit and in truth and in the fear of our Lord?

Henry Hugh McAuley Belfast

Climate crisis Dear Editor In reply to Dr Mark Dick’s letter entitled ‘Climate Crisis’, may I respectfully suggest he should join a political party or ‘green’ pressure group where he could present his concerns and ideas about climate justice, loss and damage, and global governance more effectively and to a more receptive audience.

Rather than a climate crisis standing item on kirk sessions’ agendas, elders and committee members’ time would be better spent identifying and addressing the dangers of false idols. The church of climate change is one of today’s golden calves and our children’s futures are being sacrificed on an altar of lies and half-truths.

In an ever-increasing secular world, Sunday church should be a haven from politics and eco-zealotry. I hope most people in PCI agree that the only “three-legged stool” we’re interested in is the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Stephen McDonald Belfast

Social media update PCI has reached over 9k followers on Facebook.

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

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

NEWS

Dublin minister to be next Moderator

F

or the first time in nearly a quarter of a century, a the year ahead.” minister from a congregation in the Republic of Ireland As a boy, Dr will become Moderator of the Presbyterian Church Mawhinney in Ireland. Rev Dr Sam Mawhinney, the minister of grew up on the Adelaide Road Presbyterian Church in Dublin was elected North Coast and Moderator-Designate in the Church’s annual election for its worshipped with his principal public representative. family in Ballycastle Brought up in Ballycastle in County Antrim, the 60-year-old Presbyterian father of three received the majority of votes from the Church’s Church, attending 19 regional presbyteries. Dr Mawhinney, who has been minister Ballycastle Primary and Ballycastle High Schools. of the city centre church since 2008, will be the denomination’s After studying medicine and qualifying as a GP, Dr 178th Moderator since 1840.

Mawhinney felt the call into ministry within PCI. As part of Dr Mawhinney will be the first Moderator from a his ministerial training, Dr Mawhinney was the assistant to congregation in the Republic of Ireland since 2000, when the minister of Oldpark Presbyterian Church in north Belfast County Dublin minister Rev Trevor Morrow, of Lucan in 1995 for two years, before he was ordained as minister of Presbyterian Church, was elected. Dr Cahir and Fermoy Presbyterian Churches, Mawhinney received 10 of the 19 votes a joint charge in Counties Tipperary and Rev Richard Murray, minister of and Cork respectively. He and his wife Drumreagh in County Antrim, received Karen lived in Fermoy with their three nine. sons before being called to Adelaide Speaking about his election, the Road Presbyterian Church, where Dr Moderator-Designate said, “I am Mawhinney has served since 2008. Today, genuinely surprised and humbled by my he ministers to around 110 families in the election. It is a position I have not sought, Adelaide Road Presbyterian Church city centre congregation totalling around but happily accept as God’s will for my 150 people. life. While in some respects it is quite a daunting task, I know Dr Mawhinney will be officially nominated to this year’s that God’s help is promised for every task we are called to and I General Assembly at its Opening Night in Belfast in the third therefore thank him for the opportunity to serve the Church in full week of June.

Topical Tweets @CAP_NI No-one is just a number. The people we support are parents, children, sports fans, artists, singers, carers & so much more. That’s why we do debt help the way we do – through local churches that can support each individual as a whole person.

@WorldVision Child sexual abuse is a real & growing danger. The EU’s proposed Regulation #EUvsChildSexualAbuse seeks to establish a clear framework for preventing & combating online child sexual abuse. We must work together to make the internet a safer place for all children.

@OpenDoorsUK The Open Doors World Watch List 2023 is now live at opendoorsuk.org. You can discover where Christians risk everything to follow Christ, trends and development in Christian persecution, and how you can pray for and stand with our worldwide church family.

@Christianitymag “Here’s a challenge for 2023: don’t tell anyone what you’re doing on social media, where you’re speaking, what you’re writing, how you’re leading.”

William Wade on why Christian leaders shouldn’t be building their platform.

Herald March 2023

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NEWS | IN THE ROUND Earthquake in Turkey On Monday 6 February, two powerful earthquakes hit southern Turkey, near the border with Syria. These earthquakes were the deadliest in Turkey for more than 20 years and were felt as far away as Lebanon and Cyprus.

Thousands of people lost their lives in the initial quakes, with the death toll rising in the following days as survivors battled the cold and loss of infrastructure, including food and clean water. In Syria, there were further problems getting aid into rebel-held territory, where winter storms caused people to seek shelter in partially collapsed buildings. Even before the earthquake, over 80% of people in north-

west Syria were in need of aid as a result of the long-term conflict.

The Moderator has urged PCI members to pray for those afflicted by this unimaginable suffering, as well as to give as they are able through the Disasters Emergency Committee, which is supporting aid organisations throughout the affected region, or through PCI’s relief and development partners, Christian Aid and Tearfund, whose focus is on the relief effort in north-west Syria.

PCI also stands in prayerful solidarity with our partner Church, the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, and has made a donation to help support the affected churches in the region.

To donate please go to one of the following: www.dec.org.uk ; www.christianaid.ie; www.tearfund.org

Bsina in Harim.

Photo: Darna Organization.

Civilians look for survivors under the rubble of collapsed buildings in Turkey.

Photo: Adem Altan AFP via Getty Images.

Need for action on Trafficking Act January marked the 8th anniversary of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 receiving its Royal assent. This groundbreaking piece of legislation created modern slavery laws in Northern Ireland.

Since 2015, NI has continued to advance its modern slavery laws, most recently through the Justice (Sexual Offence Trafficking Victims) Act 2022.

Sadly, the current deadlock at Stormont is preventing new protections being implemented.

Rebecca Stevenson, trafficking policy expert at CARE for NI, said: “Sadly, the Assembly’s failure to reconvene following the May elections has meant these new provisions are not yet in force. We join members of every party at Stormont in urging political progress, for the sake of the most vulnerable in our society.”

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Herald March 2023

Moderator to tour Dublin and Munster Last month the Moderator, Dr John Kirkpatrick, conducted a week-long tour of PCI’s largest regional presbytery, the Presbytery of Dublin and Munster.

Preaching in local churches, pastoral visits and encouraging ministers, coupled with meetings in the Oireachtas, engagements involving the social care and education sectors, along with the turning of the first sod for a new church in County Kildare, were all on the agenda.

Clerk of Dublin and Munster Presbytery, Stuart Ferguson who arranged the tour, said, “While they are Dr Kirkpatrick and wife Joan with residents and staff of Peacehaven primarily pastoral visits to encourage ministers, their families and church members, it is also an opportunity to listen and see how congregations are working quietly in the name of Jesus in their local communities. The tours also have strong civic and community elements to them.”

Speaking ahead of the tour, Dr Kirkpatrick said, “While I am a northern minister, we are one all-Ireland church serving Christ together and I’m really looking forward to the visit. Spending time with my colleagues, listening to them, praying with them and discovering the work that is being undertaken so faithfully as they, and the members of their congregations, serve the Lord to help others is so important.”

Dr Kirkpatrick and wife Joan with Rev Michael Anderson, minister of Arklow

English classes in Arklow

Dr Kirkpatrick with Stuart Ferguson, clerk of presbytery

IN THE ROUND | NEWS Education sectors challenge underfunding The Transferor Representatives’ Council (TRC) has joined with six other organisations representing the interests of schools, teachers and pupils in Northern Ireland to write to the secretary of state to raise their shared concerns about the underfunding of education and the consequences for our children.

The letter stated: “We would be failing the children and young people of Northern Ireland (NI) if we did not share our significant concerns about the impact of the current crisis in education funding. Without question, reduction in funding and ongoing under investment will negatively impact the quality of education of every child and young person living in NI. This is inequitable, as the funding for our children and young people is already significantly lower than

Moderator attends motorcycle awards Last month in the Royal Hotel, Cookstown, PCI’s Moderator, Dr John Kirkpatrick, became probably the first holder of the office to speak at the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland Ulster Centre’s annual Season Awards Night.

The evening saw a host of Northern Ireland’s leading road racers and newcomers attend the ceremony, which honoured their achievements in last year’s season. Dr Kirkpatrick, the Portrush minister, has a lifelong love of motorbikes and road racing, and a longstanding pastoral association with the sport, as he is race chaplain to the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (MCUI), a position that he has held since 1994.

that received by those in other regions…

“The current generation of children have already been adversely affected as a result of the pandemic.

Schools face additional challenges as they support mental wellbeing and recovery of learning. These challenges will be compounded by a lack of educational funding, more money needs invested to support learning, yet we are looking at further cuts…

“There is now a need for an urgent meeting involving everyone with a concern for the future of our children and young people…Failure to address this problem will have a negative impact for many generations to come…”

Dr Kirkpatrick said, “This is always an important night for honouring the skill, dedication, courage and passion of those involved in motorcycle racing in Ulster and, of course, a time for reflection as we remember those whose passion for the sport was everything and ultimately cost them everything.

“Like any of our hard-working chaplains you will find in hospitals, prisons, the armed forces or universities, their role is to come alongside people, supporting them, offering a listening and compassionate ear, being there for them, encouraging and praying for them, and not just in their hour of need. In a non-denominational way, my role is no different.”

The Moderator also said that it had been a privilege to serve in his capacity as race chaplain for nearly 30 years.

Tullamore welcomes ‘sanctuary’ recognition Tullamore Presbyterian Church in County Offaly has been recognised as a ‘Church of Sanctuary’ by the independent voluntary organisation Places of Sanctuary Ireland for its ongoing work in welcoming and supporting asylum seekers, refugees and those who have also settled from overseas.

Speaking about the award and the congregation’s ongoing ministry in this area, Rev William Hayes, minister of Tullamore Presbyterian Church, said, “As a congregation, we have been honoured to be able to welcome people from many places and backgrounds over the years.

He continued, “Tullamore, like most Irish county towns, is an astonishingly diverse place for its size and rural context. An example of that local diversity became very apparent back in 2008 when a discussion with some mums and dads at our parent and toddler group revealed that out of the 44 attendees that day, 22 were of different ethnicities and national groups.

“This has meant that in order to simply be a local church working within our parish we had to learn to be a community that reaches out and provides a welcome space for people of many different nationalities and backgrounds…

“As a church, work amongst the refugee, asylum seeker and immigrant community has become a much more intentional activity for us, than simply a by-product of reaching out to the general community, as we are called to do as Christians. Many have also become part of our church community Presenting the certificate of recognition (l–r) Paul Granger one of Tullamore’s elders, too, worshipping on a Sunday, which is Andy Pollak, Places of Sanctuary board member, Rev William Hayes, minister of Tullamore wonderful.”

Presbyterian Church with clerk of session, Eleanor Dwane Smyth and fellow elder Keith Serviss.

IN BRIEF Online Safety Bill Ministers in Westminster confirmed that they will introduce measures to criminalise social media bosses who flout rules aimed at protecting children online.

A spokesperson for leading Christian charity CARE said that whilst it welcomed the move, ministers need to consider further, specific measures on pornography. Tim Cairns, CARE’s policy lead on online safety said, “Research by the British Board of Film Classification found that children are coming across pornography online from as young as seven, with 51 per cent of 11-to-13-year-olds having seen pornography at some point. For many children this is accidental – they have been searching something else and stumbled across it.

We must take steps to prevent this. Age verification measures to be included in the bill must be fit for purpose. And other changes are required to ensure appropriate safeguarding.”

Alarm over missing migrant children Charities working to oppose modern slavery are deeply concerned by reports of missing migrant children, and calls to amend anti-trafficking laws, campaigners say.

The Observer reported that dozens of under-18s have “vanished” from a Sussex hotel that houses asylum-seekers after being “literally picked up” by traffickers. More than half the 136 children who went missing from the hotel over the past 18 months remain unaccounted for, according to the newspaper.

Rebecca Stevenson, a trafficking policy expert at the charity CARE, said: “These reports are alarming. The Home Office has a duty of care that they are failing to fulfill in the case of these especially vulnerable children. The risks posed by traffickers cannot be overstated. Children could end up in criminal exploitation, selling drugs, or be forced into sexual exploitation.”

Herald March 2023

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IN THIS MONTH...

March 1963

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

The Moderator-Designate

The Rev William Alexander Montgomery, MA, was born at Kells, Co Antrim in 1903…and he was brought up in connection with Second Donegore congregation…

Mr Montgomery was ordained on 12 May 1927 in Killinchy, Co Down, where he served with great acceptance for 14 years.

Eventually accepting a call from Second Derry (Strand) congregation, he was installed there on 15 May 1941. Mr Montgomery’s ministry has been characterised by zeal and fidelity, by personal friendliness and ready care for the sick and afflicted,

by Presbyterian loyalty and Christian charity to all…

In Mrs Montgomery, formerly Miss Mary Lindsay Cassels of Glasgow, the Moderator-Designate has a partner of proven ability and character, one who has been outstanding as an organiser and worker in many church activities…

All in all, the Church is fortunate in having chosen one who will be able to preside over her courts with dignity, represent her with distinction, and speak with vision of her needs and calling in our day.

Children!

H.B. Murphy

Have you ever noticed how differently horns on cars sound? Until a day or two ago the horn on my car worked very well. It was one of the blary kind, and I was quite proud of it. But then, all of a sudden, it stopped blowing.

I took the car to the garage… I thought it would take him about five minutes. But instead, he got spanners and a screwdriver and started to take the car to bits…

The garage man told me that inside it there were very fine wires which could easily become burnt out… We can think of our prayers as the fine wires which connect us with God. They are essential wires, wires which we must keep in good order by faithful use and practice if we are to keep the ‘current going between God and ourselves.’

Herald readers – help!

We hope you have noticed and approved of the efforts we are making this year to improve our magazine. We intend to press on as best we can.

At the same time, we appeal to you to help us by getting others, in your congregation and beyond, to take and read The Presbyterian Herald month by month. We need more readers, not only for a direct benefit to our magazine, but as an indirect benefit to our Church.

Please – do not leave this appeal just to your minister, but speak to at least two or three others yourself: and please urge action now – not waiting for another year.

Also from March ’63 8

Herald March 2023

Alcatraz prison in San Francisco is closed.

British Minister of War, John Profumo, denies having affair with Christine Keeler.

A great day for the Irish

F.R. Gibson (convener, Irish Mission) In the month of March, the minds of all true Irishmen and women recall the life, work and witness of that great missionary and saint – Patrick. The 17 March, Patrick’s day, is a great day for the Irish.

Remembering Patrick revives again the challenge of the evangelisation of Ireland, for that was his great service in the land of his adoption…

By the evangelisation of Ireland we do not mean the proselytising of our Roman Catholic fellow-countrymen, that is making them Protestants or Presbyterians; we mean the sharing with them of the privileges of the open Bible we ourselves enjoy, and the blessings of that fuller gospel we profess, as evangelical Protestants…

Last year the colporteurs of the Irish Mission visited 45,479 homes and sold to Roman Catholics alone, 21,638 copies of the Scriptures… In the Bible lies the one adequate cure for the ills of Ireland…

Patrick’s great work was teaching the people of Ireland the Word of God. Patrick’s dream for Ireland may again become true.

The Beatles release their first album, Please Please Me.

MY STORY...

Carson McMullan looks back at the great work that was achieved through the Containers for Malawi project.

A transformational project

I

cannot precisely remember when I first got involved with orphanages and other facilities that benefited many local the Containers for Malawi project but it was in the early communities.

1990s. The thing I am certain about is who roped me in, Originally, we would ship the containers to the north of and how essential he was to the life of this effort to support Malawi (Livingstonia Synod) and to the south (Blantyre people and organisations throughout Malawi. This was Stewart Synod), depending on where the items were destined, but we McCullough, who knew every detail of soon realised it was best to ship everything what should and should not be shipped. to Lilongwe first, as customs clearance …we have seen lives He was ably assisted with a small but was easier there. This brings me to another very dedicated committee who would meet transformed…as a result wonderful gentleman, Smile Namagonya, on a Saturday morning at the premises of who ran a freight forwarding company of the Containers for All-Route Shipping to manifest all items similar to mine, with his sons Ephrem and and load them into the containers. These Japhet. Smile was able to negotiate the Malawi project. were boxes of educational, sporting, or vagaries of Malawian customs officials and medical supplies and knitted goods. Health and safety issues get everything to where it was meant to go. eventually brought this activity to an end as we could only use I am now going to let the words of Ephrem (Smile sadly employees who were trained in driving forklift trucks. passed away in October 2021) conclude what I have to say. He The project was not just for the Presbyterian Church in has a very eloquent way with words and this is part of what he Ireland. We shipped goods that were donated from other said when I asked him to pen his thoughts: denominations, individuals and charities that were destined “Over the past 30+ years we have seen lives transformed, for causes other than Central Church African Presbyterian uplifted and propelled into greater destinies as a result of the (CCAP), but these consignments helped us to ship our Containers for Malawi project. Orphans have been clothed, containers on a more regular basis. Our main supporter, apart fed and educated. Hospitals equipped, empowered and even from our own congregations throughout Ireland, from about built on the heels of the project’s assistance and donations. The 2003 was the Zomba Action Project (ZAP), which was a Malawi government itself has also benefited greatly in terms partnership between Coleraine Borough Council and Zomba of taxes paid by the initiative, but also the many generous Council near Blantyre. Its support was invaluable to us both donations made to its various institutions over the course of operationally and financially. I also need to mention those from more than 30 years. And to this day we are still revelling in the the medical profession who were able to source many items of great feedback, appreciation and delights we get from individual valuable medical equipment and supplies from local hospitals recipients and beneficiaries of the programme. that supported hospitals throughout Malawi.

“Most recently, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and global I feel that that the Containers for Malawi project gave PCI trends, the cost of shipping cargo internationally, including members an opportunity to support our missionaries in Malawi. to Malawi, has skyrocketed. This has put enormous pressure A good example of this is the many ladies across Ireland who on shipping cargo to Malawi. In fact, shipping containers to have knitted and shipped many thousands of items of clothes Malawi has become hugely expensive. Regardless of expense the and bedding, especially for babies. I often felt a little guilty that issue remains that of cost and benefit. In our view, the benefit I never said to the ladies involved that once the use of those to Malawi that the Containers for Malawi has brought over the knitted items had come to an end they would not be disposed last 30 years far exceeds the cost incurred. We are aware of the of; rather, they would have been un-stitched and the wool used great sponsorship PCI has afforded this project and do testify again – and probably again! to the blessings the church’s efforts has brought through the Teams from congregations were able to send out building programme. We can only pray and hope for more of God’s hand materials, enabling them to undertake major projects such through the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the programme as the building or renovation of schools, medical facilities, to Malawi.” Thank you to all who have been involved.

Herald March 2023

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NEWS | PCI

News

Events

Mission grants

Scattered & Sent

At the start of each year, the Council for Global Mission distributes grants to partner organisations.

This year, the Council has sent grants to more than 20 partner organisations, including: In Malawi, Scripture Union (SU) is working on producing Biblereading notes for children, young people and families in the two main local languages, Chichewa and Chitumbuka. Funding from PCI will allow SU to run training workshops for Bible reading promoters and provide start-up funding for preparing and printing the notes. By the end of 2023, SU hopes to distribute 5,000 Bible-reading notes in local languages.

Another of PCI’s partners, which can’t be named for security reasons, is working in urban slums, where there are few opportunities and little hope. They are sharing the gospel while providing opportunities for women and teenagers to develop vocational skills.

Women are trained in tailoring while teenage boys are trained in mobile phone repair.

The Bible Society is working to support Ukrainian refugees in the countries surrounding Ukraine, assisting with shelter and provisions.

They are also providing Ukrainian Scripture to those still in Ukraine as well as those who have fled, including to Northern Ireland.

Mission in Ireland evenings will be taking place in various presbyteries in March 2023. The theme of the evenings will be ‘Scattered & Sent’.

The following dates and times for the presbytery meetings are: East Belfast: 5 March, 7pm, Stormont Presbyterian Iveagh: 12 March, 7pm, Donacloney Presbyterian Down: 12 March, 7pm, Downpatrick Presbyterian Templepatrick: 12 March, 7pm, Muckamore Presbyterian Armagh: 15 March, 7pm, Richill Presbyterian Ballymena: 15 March, 8pm, Ballee Presbyterian Route: 19 March, 7pm, Ballycastle Presbyterian Omagh: 19 March, 6.30pm, Edenderry Presbyterian Dromore: 19 March, 6.30pm, Maze Presbyterian More information on venues, dates and times can be found on the PCI website www.presbyterianireland.org

Overseas trip Rev Uel Marrs, Secretary to the Council for Global Mission, travelled to Nairobi, Kenya at the start of February to take part in the Presbyterian Church of East Africa’s International Mission Conference, which had the theme ‘Mutually Encouraged’.

PCI’s Apprentice Scheme offers individuals and congregations the chance to either give or receive mentorship and training in a congregational environment.

There are several opportunities through this scheme: Serve: If you are 18 years and Train: An accompanying above, an active member of your training programme for church, seeking to grow and apprentices, jointly designed serve, wanting to be supported and delivered by the Council for in exploring and developing your Congregational Life and Witness gifts, an apprenticeship is ideal and the Institute for Ministry at for you.

Union Theological College, begins Recruit: If your congregation with a two-day intensive training would like to profile an apprentice session at the end of August 2023, opportunity on our website, and will then be delivered one provide a short profile by 28 April Friday each month until May 2024.

2023.

To find out more go to: Host: Find out more about www.presbyterianireland.org/ having an apprentice and apprentice facilitating a good programme for both participants and your congregation.

Newsletter To stay connected and up to date with the latest resources, events and training for your congregation’s life and witness, sign up to our E-quip e-zine at www.presbyterianireland.org/equip

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Herald March 2023

A series of regional evening events will take place in March between 7.30pm and 9.15pm. ‘Foundations’ will be a mix of encouragement, teaching, discussion and ideas for those working with children and young people.

Events will take place on Monday 20 March at Banbridge Road Presbyterian. An online event for congregations in the Republic of Ireland will take place on Monday 27 March.

For more information or to book tickets go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/foundations

PCI is holding a regional one-day event to which youth leaders can bring their young people, as part of the process of reconnecting after the interruption of the last few years.

Young people will have a chance to learn from Bible teaching and stories of encouragement, enjoy worshipping together and have fun connecting with others.

The cost of the day is £25 per young person and £15 per leader.

It will take place on Saturday 1 April in Lisneal College, Londonderry (11am–7.30pm).

To find out more or to book your place go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/onwardlisneal

Church planting taster day postponed PCI’s church planting taster day, which was due to take place in May, has been postponed until the autumn. More details to follow.

Find out more on www.presbyterianireland.org

Events

DIARY DATES Impact

Kids’ Big Day Out Kids’ Big Day Out is back!

It will take place on Saturday 11 March from 2–4pm in Waringstown Presbyterian Church. This fun afternoon will be packed full of music, interaction, games and activities, while learning about God together.

This event is for children of primary school age and tickets cost £5. To buy tickets or for more information go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/ kidsbigdayout

Impact summer teams are an opportunity for over 16s to be together with others of their own age for a residential week of worship, learning and serving God alongside local congregations across Ireland.

Teams will gather each morning for worship and Bible study, then go to serve alongside a local congregation in different outreach activities. The young people will grow in leadership ability and in confidence in being a witness for Jesus.

The locations for 2023 are: • Belfast hub: 22–29 July • Londonderry hub: 29 July–5 August • First Monaghan: 5–12 August • Seskinore: 12–19 August • Co Cavan: 12–19 August To find out more or apply go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/ impact

The new PCI Family Festival offers congregations an opportunity to invite families who love their children being part of activities like toddler groups, uniformed organisations and kids’ clubs, but aren’t really involved in the rest of the life of the church, to something at which they can experience more of the larger family of the church.

The Family Festival will offer a varied programme of fun outdoor activities, crafts and games for families with children aged 0–11.

Why not gather and sign up as many families as you can from around your congregation to be part of the festival, or bring your family and invite another family to come along with you?

It takes place on Saturday 13 May at Crawfordsburn Scout Centre, beginning at 1.30pm (participants can bring a picnic). The organised activities will run from 2–4pm.

The cost is £5 per person (under 2s are free) For further details and to book go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/familyfestival

Resource Hymns We Love Hymns We Love is a new outreach course written with the older generation in mind. It uses some of our best-loved hymns to explore the Christian faith in a gentle but faithful way and is flexible enough to be used by groups of any size or one to one in someone’s home.

Each of the eight sessions features a beautifully shot video and includes a rendition of the hymn around which is woven interviews, a short talk and a prayer. The course comes with a comprehensive leaders’ guide too.

Further detail can be found here: www.thegoodbook.co.uk/hwl Hymns We Love launches in June 2023. The publisher is offering a 50% discount to PCI churches that order course materials before 31 May 2023.

This reduces leaders’ kits to £12.50 and participants’ handbooks to £2 each.

To place an order, email robin.fairbairn@thegoodbook.co.uk or order directly at www.thegoodbook.co.uk/hwl, using the code HWL50 at the checkout to receive discount.

March Kids’ Big Day Out

Waringstown – Saturday 11

Scattered & Sent

East Belfast (Stormont) – Sunday 5 Iveagh (Donacloney) – Sunday 12 Down (Downpatrick) – Sunday 12 Templepatrick (Muckamore) – Sunday 12 Armagh (Richill) – Wednesday 15 Ballymena (Ballee) – Wednesday 15 Route (Ballycastle) – Sunday 19 Omagh (Edenderry) – Sunday 19 Dromore (Maze) – Sunday 19

Foundations

Banbridge Road – Monday 20 Online – Monday 27

April Onward

Lisneal College, Londonderry – Saturday 1

May Church planting taster day Central, Belfast – Saturday 13 POSTPONED UNTIL AUTUMN 2023

Family Festival

Crawfordsburn Scout Centre, Co Down – Saturday 13

July/August Impact

Belfast – 22-29 July Londonderry – 29 July5 August First Monaghan – 5-12 August Seskinore – 12-19 August Co Cavan – 12-19 August

Herald March 2023

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AS I SEE IT...

Churches remain a strong pillar in society Alf McCreary

T

he centenary service for the Irish Council of Churches dispute about the best way to proceed with legacy issues, then in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast last month was an lean on the collective togetherness shown by the Irish Council impressive reminder of how well it has survived during of Churches. the past century of turbulent Irish and world history, “A problem shared can be a problem eased. Churches remain since its establishment in 1923. a strong pillar in our society. And that support remains vital The service also commemorated the 50th anniversary of in holding up the hopes of a better future together if we are to the Ballymascanlon talks that led to the establishment of the continue to recover from the past.” It is not every day that the Inter-Church Meeting in 1973. This important dialogue has Churches receive such a glowing tribute from the media. continued ever since, and the large and varied attendance at St The price of not agreeing how to live together peacefully Anne’s was evidence of this. as a society has been all too cruelly There were representatives from the demonstrated in the Troubles, and by the This significant centenary continued political deadlock. During the mainstream Irish Churches, including PCI’s Moderator, Dr John Kirkpatrick, service in St Anne’s was a St Anne’s service the former Methodist who read a lesson. There were also President, Rev Dr Harold Good, spoke strong reminder that the eloquently and movingly about the pain representatives from the Moravian, Lutheran, Indian Orthodox, Greek of the past. He also suggested to the Churches…remain a Orthodox, Roman Orthodox, Antiochian large congregation – which included the major and a positive Orthodox, Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heatonand the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian the Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor influence in our society, Harris, Churches, as well as the Quaker and Christina Black and Simon Coveney, the Cherubim and Seraphim communities, and and should be cherished Republic’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade the Redeemed Christian Church of God. and Development – the need for humility as such.

As I sat during the long, colourful service and hope. with its memorable music and liturgy, I He also asked all of us the pointed was impressed by the sheer range of denominations represented, question: “What is to be our distinctive contribution to the and I marvelled at the way in which everyone was underlining reconciling of our fractured community?” You could have heard what they have in common, rather than that which divides a pin drop in the large cathedral. them.

The Churches have long been criticised for their failings, and Such togetherness should not be taken for granted, and it rightly so, but they continue to carry out good works under the was not so long ago that the concept of a Roman Catholic radar, which rarely make headlines. This significant centenary Primate – in this case Archbishop Eamon Martin – preaching service in St Anne’s was a strong reminder that the Churches, in St Anne’s would have created huge headlines and much with all their shortcomings, remain a major and a positive controversy. Hopefully, such things largely belong to the past, influence in our society, and should be cherished as such. though the uptake of shared pulpits during the annual week It took great courage and vision for the Church leaders to of prayer for Christian unity could be much better – certainly establish the ICC in 1923, under the shadow of the devastating in the exchange of pulpits between the Reformed and Roman Irish Civil War, and that abundance of courage and vision is still Catholic clergy. needed by our current leaders and laity in a secular society with In the event, Archbishop Martin spoke well, and bravely, so many major local and international challenges. Above all, the when he made the suggestion that the Churches might “offer ICC and the Inter-Church Meeting continues to show that the to help develop an agreed truth recovery process to address the light shines on in the darkness, and that the darkness has never legacy of pain and mistrust that continues to hang over us.” overcome it.

That theme was picked up by the local newspapers and given prominent space and headlines.

In fact, the Belfast Telegraph commented on this the following day in its main editorial, which was headlined: “Churches offer us hope for the future.” It stated, “If there continues to be

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PERSONAL VIEW

Life lessons Andrew Dickson

PCI’s Congregational Life Development Officer Growing up in Ballyclare, I’d always dreamed of becoming a sports journalist. But in my final year at school, I overwhelmingly felt God’s call to lay that dream aside to follow, serve, and make him known among the generations. That call has led me to Bible College twice to complete undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Theology. Outside of my studies, I spent a decade in youth ministry in PCI in both rural and urban contexts, before working with the Bible Society in Northern Ireland, where I was responsible for overseeing work on Bible engagement. For the last ten years I have lived by the seaside in Whitehead with my wife Katherine and our two children.

As Congregational Life Development Officer within PCI I have responsibility for facilitating all aspects of the development of discipleship, leadership, and pastoral life of congregations. Like any new beginning, the first few months have been a whirlwind of trying to familiarise myself with the work done in these areas over many years. Yet, there have also been opportunities to sit down with church leaders to listen to their stories, facilitate training, help kirk sessions discern vision and direction for their congregations, and to get to work on some exciting projects coming in 2023. As we continue to emerge from the long shadow of Covid-19, it is vital that we prayerfully and practically consider how we will ‘do’ discipleship, leadership, and pastoral life in our congregations into the future.

There is no shortage of lessons I have learned during my past 13 years serving in ministry. I have learned the importance of giving people my time, and loving people simply where they are at. I have seen the value in actively listening to what people may or may not share, and trying to better understand their perspective or context. Ultimately, the biggest lesson I’m continually learning as I journey with individuals and congregations is that it is Jesus who both saves and builds his church, not me.

Two of the occasions in my life when I felt closest to God came at the birth of our children. As we cradled their tiny bodies, and gazed upon their faces, a tidal wave of tears poured out of me. As an intense love for them was being birthed in me, I became so acutely aware of what the Jesus Storybook Bible calls “God’s never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always and forever love” for me. There was little else I could whisper to God than, “Thank you”.

Growing up in a Christian home with parents who loved and served Jesus was a huge privilege. Seeing them worship, pray, read Scripture, give, and selflessly serve helped me to understand what truly matters in this life. Their example and the values they passed on helped me see that all of life is all about Jesus.

Often, ministry can feel all-consuming, sometimes even more in our house with my wife serving as the youth and family worker in our congregation. We’ve realised the importance of regularly building time to take a step back to go and have some fun. For us as a family, that looks like spending time at the coast, visiting play parks, exploring adventure trails, trips to the cinema or home movie nights, meals out, catching up with friends, and lots of other things that refill, replenish, and restore us.

In recent years, the book that has had the most profound impact upon my life is Eugene Peterson’s A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. Though first published in 1980, Peterson’s diagnosis of a society (and sometimes a church) obsessed with the immediate, the casual, and the quick fix is still radically applicable today. Christian is a long-haul journey toward our Father’s house. In helping me to navigate this journey, Peterson’s invitation to read the Bible slowly, prayerfully, imaginatively, and with obedience is simple yet profound; his insights have greatly shaped both my quiet times and ministry.

“Is there any room for the darkness of our lives in church?” is a question I’ve been asking myself for over a year now. Every Sunday, our churches are filled with people who are hurting, broken, doubting, lonely, fearful, struggling, and sorrowful, myself included. While we might insist that we’re ‘fine’, the Bible shows us that we don’t have to airbrush our difficult experiences. Lament enables us to bring the realities of our pain before a sovereign God. It helps us maintain hope that God will see our circumstances, hear our cries, and act out of his steadfast love to save us. Having created a resource, Daring to Hope, to help individuals and congregations learn how to lament, I would love to see the church more regularly incorporate lament into corporate worship, discipleship, and pastoral care today to show that it’s okay not to be okay.

Herald March 2023

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CONGREGATIONAL STORY

Photography by Gordon Clarke

A marathon effort

Albin Rankin outlines how Stormont Presbyterian Church will once again be using Belfast City Marathon as an opportunity to support, serve and share with others.

W

e have a simple three-word statement that captures the vision we have as a congregation at Stormont Presbyterian Church – ‘Showing People Christ’. The challenge we face is how to go about this. One opportunity that we have engaged with over the past few years is the Belfast City Marathon.

In 2019 the marathon experienced a major course revamp, taking in more of the city of Belfast – north, south, east and west and its historic sites. The event also moved to a Sunday for the first time ever. The starting point for the marathon was Stormont estate and this meant that the runners (and walkers) would be coming past our buildings on the Upper Newtownards Road.

We had a choice. We could let it happen and once the participants had passed and the roads were opened again, we could meet at 11am as usual. This was the easy option but not an attractive one.

If we were to ‘Show People Christ’ then the onus was on us to reach out, to go beyond our walls and engage. We decided that we would try to engage with those participating and those supporting the

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We have a simple threeword statement that captures the vision we have as a congregation…

‘Showing People Christ’. participants.

We offered an opportunity to worship before the race, as well as providing water for the runners, a place for supporters to congregate, the use of our facilities and hospitality. Our approach has evolved over the past couple of years and our preparations for 2023 are well advanced.

We are uniquely placed to act as a supporters hub and so for 2023 this will be our key emphasis. We want to facilitate those who come along to lend their support to the thousands of participants. It is an incredible sight as the runners and walkers emerge from the gates of Stormont estate and begin their arduous trek over 26 miles across the city.

Our vision for this engagement is built around three key ideas: support, serve and share.

Support: There are many who participate in the marathon who are people of faith. Each year we have had the opportunity to meet some of the runners prior to the race. They have used our facilities and some have engaged in the worship service we hold. This year we are endeavouring to spread the word about the worship service and to encourage runners, walkers and supporters to join us for a 15-minute service that will begin at 8am.

Please pray for the team planning this service and for the participants and supporters who will be invited to join in.

We have been encouraged by feedback we have received in previous years from runners who commented that the praise and prayers offered inspired them and stayed with them throughout the 26 miles!

Lynne from Buckinghamshire wrote to us after and said, “I was fortunate to attend one of the short services, which was perfect preparation – and believe me, I sang to myself Be Thou my Vision many times during the course! One of the heartening things across the city was the welcome from many churches along the

route. Once again thank you to all those involved, a definite highlight of the day.”

Jacqueline from Armagh wrote, “I just loved the singing you and the other churches put on, the words give me so much to think about and and ponder… what you were doing was totally amazing and must have been such a witness to many people. God’s work in a practical way… it really was such a blessing and I will be praying for you as you continue to serve in your area.”

Serve: It is relatively easy to open our buildings and make the facilities available to participants and supporters. We want to go beyond this and, building on our experiences in 2019, 2021 and 2022, we want to serve the supporters (many of whom live within our neighbourhood) as well as the participants. This year we will be promoting our location as a supporters hub. There will be tea and coffee, hot breakfast items, places to sit and some covered areas if the weather is unkind.

Frank and Teresa wrote in advance of one of the recent marathons to say, “Please pass on my family’s sincere thanks to Reverend Albin and his congregation for the welcome that they

…the onus was on us to reach out, to go beyond our walls and engage. are providing to the participants in this year’s marathon. My son, along with our many friends, will be competing on Sunday.”

Please pray for the team as they plan and as they provide hospitality. We want to serve others well and to create a welcoming space and a community event.

Share: It would be easy to open the buildings and provide hospitality and then to think we have done all we need to do. We recognise there is something more, something unique we can bring into this opportunity. We are a faith community, a believing community and a Jesus community. We seek to ‘Show People Christ’ because we believe that life without Jesus is not life at all.

Please pray for all of our volunteers as we prepare over the next few weeks for this special event. There will be many opportunities to engage with people that morning and we pray for courage, boldness, grace and winsomeness as we

seek to share Jesus with the people we serve.

Our vision for this event and our engagement with it is not only a Stormont project. There are lots of other churches along the marathon route who also look to engage, support, serve and share. As we plan, prepare and pray for 30 April 2023 we would ask for the prayers and support of PCI. Please spread the word to participants and supporters you know about the worship service, the supporters hub and the hospitality on offer.

Please pray that God will pour out his Spirit and bless the conversations and interactions that morning. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and make disciples…”

For us that means going outside our building and engaging with an event that is literally on our doorstep. We believe in a God who can take the ordinary and do the extraordinary. Join us in praying that God will use the ordinary acts of welcome, hospitality and conversation to accomplish his plans and purposes.

Rev Albin Rankin is minister of Stormont Presbyterian Church.

Herald March 2023

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RESOURCE

Singing from

the same playlist

John Murdock introduces the new PCI Worship Hub.

A

s part of its commitment to resourcing congregations for aspects of their weekly activities, the committee for Congregational Life has developed a new PCI Worship Hub. It is hoped that this will be a valuable tool to help those who plan and lead worship in our congregations.

Beyond the old congregational playlist Gone are the days when all our congregations simply used hymn books in the pews, usually one of the versions of the Church Hymnary or the Irish Presbyterian Hymnbook, perhaps supplemented by copies of Glory to God or Mission Praise.

Back then, whoever was responsible for choosing the items of praise simply selected from these possibilities based on the theme of the service.

Now there are many other books of hymns and songs, as well as an enormous amount of material available digitally from which psalms, hymns and songs

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can be selected. Many congregations project the words on screens and in some cases the hymn books, which were removed for health and safety reasons during the Covid pandemic, have not returned to the pews.

Both of these developments have significantly expanded the range of possibilities in choosing praise.

Finding just the right song While it is a great advantage in having so much material available to us, the downside is that the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming and it can be difficult to choose what to use to fit with a particular theme. The advantage of using a hymn book is that the content is thematically arranged as in our denominational hymn books, or it may have a good thematic or scriptural

…the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming and it can be difficult to choose what to use to fit with a particular theme.

index at the back. However, this is not so easy with downloadable material.

This is where the PCI Worship Hub aims to help ministers, praise group leaders, organists and anyone who even occasionally needs to choose items for worship.

What will be on the hub?

The Worship Hub will provide links to a variety of worship resources under various tabs, as follows: Psalms in contemporary versions.

The psalms traditionally have been at the centre of Irish Presbyterian worship.

Indeed, until the end of the 19th century, only metrical psalms would have been sung, unaccompanied, during services of worship. With so many new hymns and songs being available today, the traditional metrical psalms, with a few well-known exceptions, have largely been squeezed out. Perhaps we are beginning to notice what we have lost; however, it becomes difficult to imagine a revival of singing the psalms if that is limited to

versions in which language, idiom and tunes are difficult to navigate now that musical styles and tastes have changed.

This psalms section of the hub will contain a downloadable list of a range of versions of all 150 psalms in contemporary language – in a form that is easy to introduce to congregations.

The list will indicate where to find the words and music, the author, the metre, suggested tunes with vocal range and a web link where available. There will also be a list of psalm books, downloadable psalm versions and suggestions for hymns and worship songs that are largely based on a psalm.

Worship songs for seasons. Finding worship songs that relate to a particular season of the church year, or special occasions, can be challenging. The ‘songs for seasons’ section of the hub will provide links to suggested songs for Christmas, Easter, harvest thanksgiving, remembrance and the celebration of the sacraments.

It is hoped to add new suggestions for each season annually, which will be signposted via posts on social media.

Hopefully this will facilitate a mix of praise that includes the time honoured, traditional old favourites as well as some fresh possibilities to expand the range of what we sing and provide new angles on

…the PCI Worship Hub aims to help ministers, praise group leaders, organists and anyone who…needs to choose items for worship.

It is also hoped to populate a section containing new songs by local authors/ composers. So, if you have written any hymns or songs that you would be willing to share with the church at large, please do contact the Council for Congregational Life and Witness at clw@presbyterianireland.org with your composition.

what God has done and fresh words and tunes to which we can respond.

Worship resources. This more general section of the hub will contain links to resources for help with planning and preparing worship. It will include digital links for finding songs and hymns, the PCI Book of Public Worship, tips and tools for digital ministry, as well as information on using copyrighted materials and how to obtain the relevant licenses to reproduce words, music and video.

A work in progress The PCI Worship Hub is, and will continue to be, a work in progress. Our aim is that it will be updated as new materials and useful information become available. The group overseeing the hub will be glad to receive suggestions of psalms, hymns, songs or resources that you have used that are not included, but that you think might be helpful and appreciated by other congregations.

Again, these can be sent to the email address above.

Rev John Murdock is minister of Killead and Loanends Presbyterian Churches and project coordinator of the PCI Worship Hub. The PCI Worship Hub is available at: www.presbyterianireland.org/worshiphub

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West Belfast

witness

Rev David Moore, minister in special work for west Belfast, a new role in PCI, outlines the exciting gospel opportunities in this area of the city.

“W

ill there come a time when Presbyterians will once again raise their hearts and minds to God here on the Falls Road?”

These could be the words of a visionary within the Council for Mission in Ireland (CMI). They were, however, delivered by the former Sinn Féin Mayor of Belfast, Tom Hartley. He was speaking at an event to mark the return of the bell of the former Broadway Presbyterian Church to its original location; the building is now the home of Cultúrlann, an Irish cultural centre at the junction of the Falls Road and Broadway in West Belfast. It is possible to view Tom’s speech online at www.facebook.com/ watch/?v=454713903111905 Tom has researched, written and spoken extensively (and in glowing terms) on the Presbyterian contribution to the development of the city of Belfast, especially as it expanded in the 19th century. What he discovered about the academics, scientists, politicians, philosophers and social activists of that era I found inspiring and enlightening as a modern-day Presbyterian.

On a personal level, it was striking for me that the event Tom addressed was in September 2022, two weeks after I had been installed as minister in special work for west Belfast. I took assurance from his words and the timing of them.

During the previous 12 months, led

by CMI, a proposal had been developed that resulted in the creation of this new

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post. It was a bold initiative, a sign of the courage of CMI in its vision for the spiritual welfare of the city, which had the support of North Belfast Presbytery, the Belfast Conference and other key decision-making bodies. The convener of CMI, Very Rev Dr Frank Sellar, has described west Belfast as a part of the city that we in PCI have neglected for far too long. Thankfully now, as we raise our hearts and minds to God for this area, it seems, in the providence of God, the time for re-engagement has come and is welcomed.

Building on good relationships already established, this four-year post has the goal of presenting the gospel in a culturally appropriate way to the local community through word and action.

The desire is that, as people encounter Jesus Christ, they will be drawn to faith and trust in him as Saviour and Lord and be built up in discipleship. It is hoped that, over the duration of this current post, a living, worshipping and reformed community of Christians be established in the area, from which a new and culturally appropriate congregation may emerge.

Formerly, there were several PCI congregations and centres of outreach across west Belfast, though with the

…west Belfast…a part of the city that we in PCI have neglected for far too long.

David and Elaine Moore

troubled history of conflict that the city has experienced these all closed, the last around 30 years ago. There is still a strong sense, however, that the Presbyterian Church was a part of the community here, and a willingness for this not simply to be part of history, but also part of the present and the future.

Tom Hartley made this explicit when he included the following in his speech last September: “We need to get Presbyterians back on the Falls Road.

Why? Because they are so much a part of us.”

Could a door of welcome be opened any wider? I had to chat with him!

From that point, along with following up contacts within west Belfast made by other PCI members, I have been networking among the people who live and work here. My wife Elaine and I have also had the privilege of sharing alongside others seeking to help refugees, who live in the area, settle into new lives here in Belfast. The wide open and warm welcome given at the beginning we found repeated many times since.

Albert Street Presbyterian Church

There are a few ways our shared history can help us reconnect with the local community.

It has been fascinating to meet people from across west Belfast who are engaged in community development, which is remarkable in the results it has produced in education, arts, media, culture, politics, sport, tourism, policing, justice and more.

There is of course a particular background to all of this, but there are lessons that we could all learn, especially in a desire to build our churches into intergenerational communities of hope and transformation.

There are a few ways our shared history can help us reconnect with the local community. For instance, I am hoping to hold an exhibition about one of the former congregations of west Belfast, Albert Street. At one point in its history, it had even been known as Falls Road Presbyterian Church!

Albert Street closed in 1971. It amalgamated with Argyle Place to form what is now West Kirk. There are still members of West Kirk who remember when Albert Street closed. They did not want to leave, nor did those who lived beside the church want them to leave; however, at the time there was no

alternative. One idea I have had is to try to reconnect some of the former Albert Street congregation with former residents of Albert Street during this exhibition, which we hope to hold during the West Belfast Festival in August 2023.

It is also hoped to invite the authors of a book about the history of PCI in west Belfast to launch it during the exhibition, alongside walking tours, talks and other events, which we hope will make people aware not only about the past but the present involvement of PCI with the area. If you belonged to Albert Street, or any of the congregations that formerly served west Belfast, then it would be great to hear from you.

Perhaps you have memories to share, some photographs or you know of the whereabouts of some significant items connected to a particular congregation.

If so, please contact me on dtmoore765@gmail.com Regardless of whether you have a connection with the area or not, your support in prayer would be greatly

appreciated for this new work. It has been hugely encouraging to have over 180 people already added to our prayer email list, from all parts of Ireland and beyond. If you would like to join them and us in this vital work then contact me at the email address above, or the CMI office mission@presbyterianireland.org for quarterly prayer letters.

Do you remember Albert Street Presbyterian Church?

If you belonged to Albert Street, or any of the congregations that formerly served west Belfast, then David Moore would love to hear from you. He is planning to hold an exhibition on Albert Street Presbyterian Church during the West Belfast Festival in August 2023.

Perhaps you have memories to share, some photographs or you know of the whereabouts of some significant items connected to a particular congregation. If so, please contact David directly on dtmoore765@gmail.com

Support the work of David Moore To stay connected with the work that Rev David Moore is doing in west Belfast and to support him prayerfully, please sign up to his prayer email list by contacting the CMI office: mission@presbyterianireland.org

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Same ministry,

different people

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Pip Florit visits PCI’s Friendship House in south Belfast and discovers how staff and volunteers are reaching out to asylum seekers housed in hotels in the area.

S

outh Belfast Friendship House stands in the heart of Belfast.

A joint venture between the Council for Mission in Ireland and Presbyterian Women, for many years, it has been a place of welcome and belonging for the community of Sandy Row. In recent months, the ministry of the House has reached further afield as people from around the world have arrived on its doorstep.

At the end of November 2022, BBC NI reported that around 1,300 people seeking asylum were living in hotels run by the Mears Group in Northern Ireland, and around 300 of those were children. It has been well publicised that UK asylum

applications are not being processed quickly enough, so many arriving in the country are in limbo for significant periods of time.

As a result of engagement in Sandy Row over years, Rev William Harkness, project leader at Friendship House has developed a relationship with a local school. Several months ago, the school referred a single parent of one of their pupils, who was living in a nearby hotel.

This highlighted to the Friendship House staff the position and need of people seeking asylum in Northern Ireland and from this interaction, the idea developed.

Friendship House opened its doors to provide a welcoming space for people living in Belfast hotels. For many of the people arriving in Northern Ireland, their lives beyond this initial accommodation are limited and for those with small children, that is particularly challenging.

So, once a week, Friendship House becomes a place for families to gather, for children to play, for food to be shared.

“Friendship House is about sharing God’s love and gospel,” says William, and this is no different, whether it’s to a child who has grown up in Belfast or a mother from the Middle East. “We’re doing the

We’re doing the same ministry as we do with Sandy Row families, just with different people…

same ministry as we do with Sandy Row families, just with different people with different stories.”

I visited the group on the promise of the best homemade falafel I would ever eat and I found so much more. The House quickly filled up with parents and children, enjoying a warm welcome on a cold Belfast day. In the main room, as children coloured in and solved puzzles, their parents talked over coffee. In the kitchen, many chipped in, chopping vegetables, blending chickpeas and creating some altogether delicious smells.

The families had come to Belfast from many different countries: Egypt, Kuwait, Yemen, Algeria. They had been living in the hotels between 10 months and two weeks. Most of them native Arabic speakers, but some of them with excellent English. Hassan*, from Kuwait, didn’t speak any English before arriving in Belfast five months before. “I spent five hours a day in my hotel room learning English. I want to speak like a native,” he said, before asking, “What’s the craic?”

He loves Belfast, saying that he’s found people are friendly and humble. As he came through the door, he greeted William with a big hug.

He wasn’t the only one. Two-year-old Naima lit up and ran to William as soon as he walked into the room. It’s clear that the welcome they receive is part of why these families feel so at home.

The staff don’t ask anyone to share their story, acknowledging that many have

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come from traumatic circumstances, but there is always a listening ear for anyone who wants to talk. Carol Reid, Friendship House’s children’s worker, said, “God has given us very clear opportunities to build relationships with the families he has brought to Friendship House”.

For many of the families, the children are the reason they have uprooted their lives to come to a foreign place. “It’s a safe place for children to grow up,” said Amir, watching his two-year-old, Faisal, play with the toy cars. Amir is on the waiting list for English classes at Belfast Met and Faisal has picked up a lot of English words in the four months they have been in Belfast, which he demonstrated, running over to the tank of plastic fish shouting, “fish”.

Carol is a gifted artist, something she loves to share with the children. “I have loved being able to plan arts and crafts for the toddlers and kids to do each week.

Seeing how much they enjoy and engage with this activity, which everyone can get involved in!”

These families don’t want to be idle.

They want to use the skills and education they have acquired overseas. Maryam, from Yemen, studied art in Egypt. Her four-year-old daughter, Amal, coloured pictures beside her as we talked about culture and religion. Maryam’s father encouraged her to read as she was growing up and she says that this, along with her studies, has made her more accepting of different people, cultures and religions. The laws in Yemen, which is 99% Muslim, were restrictive, with women required to wear the niqab (full face and body covering). She echoed Amir’s sentiments about wanting a safe place for her daughter to grow up, away from the conflict and resulting food insecurity afflicting Yemen in recent years. Maryam was keen to talk about some Christian friends she had in Egypt

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Herald March 2023

…this is a ministry that could be replicated by many churches. and, when asked what she knew about Christianity, she said, “forgiveness”.

Three Kuwaiti women, Amina, Neha and Rana, drank coffee and chatted.

Neha and her daughter had been in the hotel for ten months and they were still awaiting a decision on their asylum application. Rana and her two children had been in Belfast for six months.

Amina had the most joyful smile as she told me about her four children, ranging from one to 12 in age. They had been in the hotel for four months. The women were relaxed and friendly and William said, “God helps people feel at ease in Friendship House, allowing us to get to know them and help them as we can.”

The entrance hall of Friendship House was full of prams, many of which had been donated by south Belfast congregations. This is an ongoing need, as having a pram allows much more freedom for families with small children.

“I get one or two requests for prams every week,” said William.

It was clear that the kitchen was a significant place. Most of the families commented that one of the most difficult things about living in a hotel was not having control over the food they could eat and not being able to prepare it themselves. When Friendship House started this ministry, one of their plans was to provide a kitchen space where people could come and prepare food the way they wanted.

After a couple of hours of hard work, spread before us was a colourful array of vegetables and flatbread, along with homemade hummus and falafel.

And curried pickles, which may not sound appetising, were delicious. The kids sat at one table and the adults at another, enjoying the feast. The sense of community was palpable.

Providing food for this number of people weekly isn’t cheap, but so far, this has been covered by donations. Carol said, “God has been very faithful in providing all of the resources we have needed to be able to run this group.”

There were about 25 people in total – a small proportion of the hundreds living in hotels around Belfast. William believes that this is a ministry that could be replicated by many churches. The need is huge and the requirements are really just a space and a warm welcome. The food is a bonus.

Pip Florit is PCI’s Mission Support Officer for Partnerships. * Names have been changed If you would like to know more about volunteering at Friendship House or if you have a pram to donate, please contact mission@presbyterianireland.org

MARCH 2023

Mission Connect

The hope of the gospel

Looking back – looking forward Volker and Jinhyeog Glissmann

Mission news from workers around Ireland and the world.

Signs of growth Stephen and Angelina Cowan Ensuring your church is a safe place for children and young people Dr Jacqui Montgomery-Devlin The hope of the gospel Leslie and Mabel Brush Faith and fellowship Rev Alan McQuade

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

Unfamiliar paths Joanne Dunlop

Including March prayer diary

Looking back – looking forward

Volker and Jinhyeog Glissmann Global mission workers, Malawi

The Glissmanns are living in Malawi. Jinhyeog is involved in a local Primary School as a music teacher. Volker works off-campus as a programme developer for TEEC, the Theological Education by Extension College in Johannesburg, South Africa, and does grass roots theological training in Malawi.

Cholera vaccine in January, but then the vaccine ran out.

South Africa is hit by a significant shortage of electricity, which sometimes makes communication with the office in Johannesburg challenging.

The Malawi Kwacha was devalued by 25% overnight last year, and prices rose steeply. It affects the cost of living as many he end-of-year break imported goods have become is always a good place quite expensive, and not The students repeatedly ask questions on to reflect on the last everything needed is produced year and plan for the year ‘the afterlife’, ‘discipleship and spiritual growth’, locally. For example, a ream of ahead. One of the highlights 500 pages of A4 now is double and the book of Revelation. of 2022 was that we finished what it was at the beginning writing the third course in our of last year. The printing cost grassroots series that covers for our self-study workbooks the biblical story. We graduated our first ‘Knowing the Spirit’ (Acts tripled in price to beyond affordable (we had to go back to lowto Jude) group in Zomba in May. Currently, I am running three quality photocopying). The Ukraine war increased the prices of groups of the same course in a church in Blantyre. The course flour (and bread) and cooking oil. Last November a petrol and is discussion based, and re-running it helps to identify gaps of diesel shortage meant that we spent significant hours queueing understanding in the course and other questions that Malawian for petrol. But the rains look very good this year, and as a country grass roots Christians have. dependent on rain-fed agriculture, this is very hopeful.

The students repeatedly ask questions on ‘the afterlife’, ‘discipleship and spiritual growth’, and the book of Revelation. We Please pray: shall see what is possible this year. What always amazes me is that • Praise God for continuing grass roots training here in Malawi the better understanding gained from the Malawian grass roots and for new course ideas that can help strengthen the local directly feeds into the ‘main’ job of revising the Bachelor with TEEC church. in South Africa. On paper, it looks very disconnected, but in God’s • Please pray for Malawi and South Africa, as the last few months plan, it is a continuation. Interestingly, issues arising in grass roots have brought many challenges. Please continue to pray for training in Malawi directly relate to and feed into my work with the good and gentle rains so that Malawi is food secure this year.

Bachelor degree revision.

• Please continue to pray for the health and safety of the whole Challenges remain, and a Cholera outbreak hit Malawi. The family. opening of schools in Blantyre was delayed. We got the first

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Mission Connect | Herald March 2023

Signs of growth

Stephen and Angelina Cowan Global mission workers, Kenya

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ngelina and I returned to Kenya in December just as the In this past season many pastoralists’ animals have died first joint youth camp took place in over two years. Despite due to lack of fodder and water. The dry spell followed many reports of drought, our garden was still productive. The years of above average rain, when herd size grew due to good Nairobi team leading the youth camp, Kubamba, use music and pasture. Genesis 41 gives direction on dealing with drought. drama as a key element in Land rehabilitation through communicating the gospel. planned work rather than cash The testimony of a young Turkana man…

There was great excitement as transfers would seem to be a the Turkana village of Nachola better intervention. revealed he had come to faith in Jesus Christ attended, even when cattle There are signs of growth during camp. rustling and ethnic tension has in the local church here, but been high. This bodes well for challenges are many. Our the future as children interact prayer is that individuals will together. The testimony of a young Turkana man who stayed on in stand up for Jesus, and then when divisive issues arise, such as Tuum revealed he had come to faith in Jesus Christ during camp. traditional marriage, the young men will stand together. An animal Rubbish is a major problem in rural villages, and we continue is slaughtered for a celebration and blood is drunk out of the to see a negative effect on animal health as a result of this dewlap of the ruminant animal. How do we deal with that?! careless action. A cow at the school died due to eating plastic and discarded uniforms. Discipline is not taught in a classroom, but by action.

The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Tuum Girls’ School continues to grow in numbers and there is an improved academic standard as some students have come in from Nairobi, challenging Please pray: local girls to value hard work. 2022 results showed a clear • We continue to pray for the seeds of truth sown. improvement in academic grades. Local standards are rising too.

• Pray that discipline will grow in all aspects of life.

Well done to all teachers and students!

Mission Connect | Herald March 2023

Ensuring your church is a safe place Dr Jacqui Montgomery-Devlin PCI’s Head of Safeguarding

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s children and young people come into our churches, we an understanding of safety for children and young people. This, in should be confident that we have done our utmost to turn, provides reassurance, to parents and carers, that leaders will ensure their safety. They, and their parents/carers, should be equipped to keep their children and young people safe while in be assured of this. their care.

The Charity Commission I have heard accounts of Taking Care volunteer trainers…support leaders trainers driving late at night, NI states that trustees are responsible for ensuring those in congregations to develop an understanding of in the dark, and in inclement benefiting from, or working weather conditions, to get to, safety for children and young people. This, in turn, and from, training events. No with, their charity are not harmed in any way through complaints, no hesitation – provides reassurance… contact with it, and therefore they just do it! They may not they: receive much recognition, but • have a legal duty to act prudently and take all reasonable steps neither do they seek it; it is another virtue of the servant heart, within their power to ensure this does not happen; and a reminder of Philippians 2:3–7: “Let nothing be done through • recognise that children, in particular, are an especially selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each vulnerable group; esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not • stress the importance of charities having proper safeguards in only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” place for their protection.

On behalf of all our congregations, I would like to pay tribute The Taking Care volunteer trainers help each of your churches to all of our trainers, past and present, for their unwavering to achieve this. They deliver child safeguarding training, at both dedication, their selflessness, and their demonstration of Christ’s foundation and refresher levels, to leaders within our church love. organisations on a constant basis.

When I read 1 Peter 4:10 I am reminded of the servant heart I see in each of the Taking Care trainers: “As each has received a gift, use Please pray: it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

• As these trainers continue to seek to glorify God in this way, It would be a mammoth task to count the number of hours, or please give thanks for them and pray for their energy levels to be even the number of sessions, that have been delivered by each of sustained. these trainers over many years of dedicated service. This immense • Please also pray for the new Taking Care trainers coming on gift of their time, and expertise, is so freely given on a weekly, board. May they be equipped, and feel fully supported and monthly, and yearly basis. appreciated in their role.

In their service, they support leaders in congregations to develop

Mission Connect | Herald March 2023

The hope of the gospel

Leslie and Mabel Brush

Community outreach workers in Tartaraghan

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e live in a world where there seems to be so much • Family@4: a monthly informal outreach event for families on hopelessness. The news is dominated by the costSunday afternoons with crafts; usually, over 100 children and of-living crisis, wars, corruption, family breakdown parents attend. It can be a challenge sharing God’s Word with etc. There are many with “no hope and without God in the such a diverse age group. world” (Ephesians 2:12). The • Men@10.30: a weekly men’s challenge is how to effectively outreach with games and At most of these activities we are thrilled communicate the wonderful crafts. hope the gospel offers.

• Friendship group: a monthly to have people from outside our In January our church event for senior members. church fellowship along; food is provided ran ‘Hope Explored’ on • Women’s Bible study: held three consecutive Sunday fortnight, it brings giving opportunity to chat and build bridges. every afternoons; we were delighted women of different ages to see some folk on the fringes together. of church attend. The course focuses on the hope, peace and At most of these activities we are thrilled to have people from purpose Jesus gives. Mabel was talking recently to a woman who outside our church fellowship along; food is provided, giving said that she’d been looking for these things all her life but had no opportunity to chat and build bridges. connection with church and didn’t know where to look… until a We are thankful to be part of a church fellowship where God’s neighbour invited her to Christianity Explored, where she became Word is central; whether it’s the very short Bible thought for a Christian. toddlers, deeper study for women or anything in between. Those Part of our work involves building relationships with people, at Men@10.30 listen intently to the Bible slot, with one man taking both in the community and with those on the fringes of church, an Ultimate Questions booklet recently. While we rejoice in good whether through visitation or an event. Leslie previously visited attendances at Sunday services and our organisations, we long all the homes within a two-mile radius of the meeting house. He to be people who desire to put him at the centre of our daily lives plans to revisit these homes with an updated What’s On leaflet and ministry – to “seek first the Kingdom of God”. Then we can introducing church activities and the booklet Road to Freedom. share the hope of the gospel with a needy world.

Pastoral visitation gives opportunity to visit individuals, some in seemingly hopeless situations, to share God’s Word and pray with Please pray: them, pointing them to Jesus, the only one who can give real • Thank God for all who attend the events. hope.

• Pray for wisdom in communicating the wonderful hope of the We are also involved in: gospel.

• TLC (Tartaraghan Little Children): a weekly toddler group for • Pray that as believers we put God first in our lives. parents/caregivers and children.

Mission Connect | Herald March 2023

Faith and fellowship Rev Alan McQuade

Stated supply minister, Kells, Co Meath

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he Kells of Co Meath, is the place from which the famous our team got under way, numbers in attendance at worship rose Book of Kells derives its name, with its rich Christian history to between 30 to 35, with some new families beginning to attend of the early church in Ireland. and more regular support from the Romanian Christians. However, The little meeting house was constructed by and for six Scottish Covid-19 would soon have an impact. stonemasons and their families who came to build the walls of The congregation struggled through the lockdowns and on the local estate. Hence the return to normal conditions small size of the building. the numbers struggled …the witness of our Reformed tradition has It wasn’t expected that the up to between 15–20 Presbyterians would inhabit been constantly maintained by a small number people on a good Sunday. the area in any significant If everyone turned out we of families whose strong commitment has numbers. However, the might have around 35. But witness of our Reformed we did lose some significant persisted through difficult times. tradition has been constantly church members through maintained by a small number bereavement, and this has of families whose strong commitment has persisted through been tough on those continuing to faithfully serve the church. difficult times.

In the last year, through other volunteers, we added a mid-week On my first Sunday leading worship in November 2019, there Bible study. Numbers are few, but the fellowship is good. were nine people in attendance, including a few children. It was good to be worshipping with such a stalwart little group, but this was certainly an indication that much prayer, wisdom and grace Please pray: would be required to move forward. The congregation also has a • Pray for Ruth McCartney, clerk of session, as she encourages the good and mutually helpful relationship with a Romanian Baptist little congregation week by week. congregation that holds a service after our own service of worship.

• Pray for the preaching team of accredited preachers who Thankfully, with the help of the kirk session, and the permission faithfully serve by opening God’s Word and leading the worship of the Vacancy Commission, we gathered together a small group services. of accredited preachers who form the preaching team. This • Praise God for the faithfulness and vision of all those involved to provided a consistent, regular team that, with a programmed see the church flourish in Kells, Co Meath. preaching schedule, provided continuity in the Bible teaching. As

Mission Connect | Herald March 2023

Unfamiliar paths

Joanne Dunlop

Deaconess, Antrim and Craigavon Area Hospitals “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will lead them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them” (Isaiah 42:16).

family members and also to bring the gentle but very real reminder of an almighty, loving Father who is with us wherever we are and who “[hems us] in, behind and before” (Psalm 139:5).

The Lord’s promise to his people Israel, as recorded in Isaiah 42, is one that he has been reminding me of more and more over t has been a real privilege recent weeks. Thankfully, while to work as a chaplain for ways within the hospitals I am thankful to God for opening up the past 10 years in Antrim are gradually returning to and Craigavon Area hospitals. something more akin to the opportunity to be involved in this Every day as I walk along the ‘normal’ and visiting by family, particular pastoral work. corridors and get to greet, chat, friends and community and at times pray with staff pastoral workers is much more members, I am thankful to God for opening up the opportunity possible, there are still unfamiliar paths to be walked for many of to be involved in this particular pastoral work and to be a part of those who are admitted on to the wards. the unique community within our hospitals. I am thankful too that As I spend time with people who are waiting for tests and results, God promises to equip those he has called into the work he has for or those who are about to embark on an unknown and (what them to do. can feel like) an overwhelming journey of ongoing treatment, I’m On my journey towards chaplaincy God graciously provided reminded that the Lord wants us to look to him with expectation a number of confirmations that this was the path that he was that he will fulfil his promises – promises to go before us and lead leading me to be on. So daily I call on him to fulfil his promise us as we look to him, promises to turn the darkness into light to make me able and thank him that he is faithful to do so. He and to make the rough places smooth. Our Father God, full of has also provided the support of chaplaincy colleagues and compassion, will never forsake us. opportunities for training and encouragement, particularly through membership of the Northern Ireland Healthcare Please pray: Chaplaincy Association (NIHCA).

• For hospital staff in their tireless work, and for opportunities to The last few years have obviously seen all of us walk along encourage them. unfamiliar paths and, for some, they have been particularly rough.

• For the Holy Spirit to lead me in each day, so that I may cross For those who have had to enter into hospital, leaving loved ones paths with those he wants me to encounter. at home, it was a privilege as a chaplain to act as a bridge between

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Mission Connect | Herald March 2023

MARCH 2023

Please pray for... n CHAPLAINS – Pray for Rev Kenny Hanna, PCI’s rural chaplain and the wider rural chaplaincy team as they are present in local marts and have conversations with many people about the love and good news of Jesus. n ZAMBIA – Give thanks for Rev Sevatt Kabaghe, CCAP Zambia Synod General Secretary, together with the teachers, who are taking forward the Synod’s Early Childhood Development Programme. Pray that Diane Cusick will continue to make a good recovery from illness, knowing God’s strengthening in 2023. n COMMUNITY OUTREACH – For Jason Sime working in Alexandra, pray for all of the initiatives that take place to engage with the local community, that the community would know the love and compassion of Jesus.

Jason Sime

n HUMAN TRAFFICKING – Pray for those who have been tricked or coerced into modern slavery, often suffering physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Pray especially for children now in the care of local authorities that they may receive the support they need and be kept safe. n HOME MISSION – For the congregation of Arklow; pray for Rev Michael Anderson and the congregation, that they would know a deep sense of Christian fellowship and would draw in others. n AFGHANISTAN – The people of Afghanistan have been enduring a bitterly cold winter with some 38 million people facing hunger and four million children enduring malnutrition. Pray for PCI’s development partners Christian Aid Ireland and Tearfund as they seek to get aid to those in need. Pray too for God to protect the minority Christian community. n THOMPSON HOUSE – Pray for director David Farrow, and the staff team. Give thanks for the dedication of the staff as they work closely with residents to develop their social and domestic skills. Remember particularly residents who suffer with their mental health and addictions. n IRISH MISSION – Pray for Tom Dowling, Irish mission worker in Kilkenny; pray that people would hear the good news of Jesus through the different outreach initiatives. n LATVIA – Give thanks for the work of the Baltic Reformed Theological Seminary as it serves the Reformed Church in Latvia and beyond. Remember the staff and students, and not least the seminary’s director, Artis Clemins, and his family.

n SPECIAL MINISTRY (WEST BELFAST) – Rev David Moore continues to develop relationships within the community. Pray for him as he seeks to be a witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. n KENYA – Pray for Stephen and Angelina Cowan as they seek to make efficient use of their time journeying between various locations in Northern Kenya. Pray that the young people who gave their lives to Jesus at the recent youth camps would grow and be protected in their faith. n CHAPLAINS – Rev Gary Aitcheson is parttime prison chaplain in Magilligan; pray for him as he serves in the prison alongside his congregational and pastoral duties. n CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE – We have the privilege of caring for thousands of children every week in all of our organisations. Give thanks for this opportunity to witness to children.

Remember the work of Taking Care and Jacqui Montgomery Devlin (Head of Safeguarding) as she deals with sensitive subjects on a daily basis.

n DEACONESS – Pray for Paula Burrows, serving in Ballygrainey Presbyterian Church.

Rev James Rogers has recently been installed as minister in Ballygrainey – pray for him and Paula as they get to know each other and work together to serve the congregation. n PAKISTAN – Pray for Rev Dr Maqsood Kamil in his role as strategic advisor regarding the Church and Leadership Programme of the PAK Mission Society, and as he pioneers the work of Arete: Institute of Leadership and Management. Pray for Christians in the country who are suffering persecution to remain steadfast in their faith and also for the fair treatment and protection of all minority communities. n SUNNYSIDE HOUSE – This home in Bangor offers care and support to older people in a Christian environment. Give thanks for the staff team whose members are dedicated to this work. Pray that they continue to promote integrity in their daily practices and for new people to come forward with the enthusiasm and compassion to join the Sunnyside staff team. n NEPAL – Dhana Lama is now in her second year as Executive Director of the United Mission to Nepal (UMN). She asks for prayer that she will be able to lead and manage with wisdom, courage and humility, all to the glory of God.

n CHAPLAINS – Pray for Claire Sellar, who has recently taken on the role of part-time health care chaplain in the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald; that the Lord would work through her to minister to patients and staff.

n CHAPLAINS – Pray for PCI’s forces chaplains as they serve in very specific and challenging circumstances; that they would know the Lord’s presence wherever they may be.

n SOUTH SUDAN – Pray for South Sudan as relentless ethnic conflict only serves to push the country ever closer towards famine.

Pray for peace, justice, political stability and food security for all the people, and also for resolution to the ongoing division in the leadership of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan.

n KINGHAN CHURCH – This provides a vital service and witness to the deaf community.

Remember Judith Currie and Claire Nicholson who work at Kinghan. Pray for the church committee and Kinghan task group – that God gives them strength and wisdom to make decisions and plan ahead.

n SOUTH BELFAST FRIENDSHIP HOUSE – Pray for Rev William Harkness and Carol Reid as they lead various activities for those within the Sandy Row area and for those being housed in nearby hotels.

n COMMUNITY OUTREACH – For Ben Cavan working in Ballycrochan. Pray for Ben as he reaches out to the community surrounding Ballycrochan, that the Lord would direct him in conversations and his programme planning.

Ben Cavan

n CSW EXECUTIVE TEAM – Pray for the executive team as it meets fortnightly to make decisions and look for efficient ways to provide not only the best possible care but to show the love of Christ in all that they do.

Pray for Caroline Yeomans, Jayne Bellingham and Wendy Kelly as they line manage and provide professional guidance.

n INTERNATIONAL MEETING POINT – Pray for the staff and volunteers of the International Meeting Point in both north and south Belfast, that they would be equipped to meet the needs of those that God brings to them and that they would shine out God’s love to those they meet.

www.presbyterianireland.org/prayer

TALKING POINTS

Being an attractive witness Norman Hamilton asks how we can model faith well to those around us, especially our children.

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’ve had the privilege of writing some articles (including in much to chat through with other believers what it looks like the Herald) on the census figures published last autumn, to be a follower of Christ and an attractive witness to him in which highlight the declining numbers of those who still today’s world? If we are struggling to figure this out, is it any identify as Christian. I have had some wonderful responses, wonder that our children are not picking up the basics of doing and with permissions, I am including a few of them in this so among their own peers, and in their schools, colleges and piece. universities?

The sentence that generated most feedback was from Prof And why do we struggle so much to include core Christian Linda Woodhead, head of the Department of Theology and truth in everyday conversations? Personally, in recent months, Religious Studies at King’s College London, when she said I’ve been having increased opportunity to talk with people from that some of the decline is “about not passing on religion to totally non-church backgrounds. Some conversations have been your children. In Christianity, faith was not being passed down very challenging indeed, and others extremely heart-warming. generations, whereas ‘it’s happening much more effectively in But my overriding impression is of widespread illiteracy in this Islam and Hinduism’.” increasingly godless society about what the This has caused me to ask if we have …why do we struggle so Bible says, and what it actually looks like all too readily outsourced the Christian to be an open-hearted, contented follower much to chat through education of our children and young of Christ. And this in spite of thousands of people to Sunday School/Bible class/youth with other believers what church services every week and countless fellowship/Scripture Union/Bible clubs other church-based gatherings. it looks like to be a and summer camps. I have been involved I am having to find new words and in all of these over the years, and it has new ways of expressing my own faith, follower of Christ and an been both a joy and a privilege. But am I and to listen and interpret very carefully attractive witness to him why people believe the things they do. being unduly alarmed or critical that the wonderful influence of such ministries For example, only recently, one lady told in today’s world? seems so rarely backed up in the home me of being “saved seven years ago”, but setting? One email I received included this paragraph: doesn’t count herself as a Christian – because “you have to be “There are very many Christians exhibiting reality of personal very good to call yourself a Christian. And I’m not.” There’s a faith and living with integrity, many sacrificially, some or all lot of unpacking to do and a long journey ahead in that one of whose children have never been in the faith or who have situation… and she has no active church connection. A male rejected it. I count myself amongst that number. I suspect that Presbyterian minister is not the one to walk alongside her on we don’t talk about it in order to protect, and keep private, the that journey. But finding the person who can is indeed a very lives of our children out of respect for them, but also because we considerable challenge. feel, or might feel, enormous guilt. What could we, or should The census gives a hard statistical picture of Christian we, have done better, differently, or not at all in order to nurture faith in today’s society. What it cannot give of course, is clear our children’s faith? Even to participate in this debate with close direction as to how individual believers, local congregations and friends, let alone in the public square, is to risk, by implication denominations should respond to that picture. The call of Jesus and assumption, a level of exposure which we feel is either in Matthew 28 to make disciples is still a wonderful call, and improper or requiring vulnerability beyond our ability to cope the promise of his Spirit to help us do that is equally wonderful. with.”

Are we up to that call in this our generation? If we are not, we This deeply painful but honest comment, raises the question simply cannot expect our children do it in their generation. of why, as adult believers, we are rarely taught within our churches how to deal with the very real secular objections to our faith to which our children, our wider family, our friends and colleagues are exposed every day, and how to do that well.

Traditional Christian language simply doesn’t cut it.

Rev Dr Norman Hamilton There seems to me to be a wider and deeper cultural issue here… the quality of ‘Christian’ conversation generally. Yes, Very Rev Dr Norman Hamilton is a former we can (and do) talk readily about the ‘church’ – sometimes Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in positively, though often negatively. But why do we struggle so Ireland.

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Active listening Deborah Sloan finds out more about a charity that is supporting people in crisis through actively listening to them – giving them a voice and acknowledging their pain.

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very day, hundreds of people across Northern Ireland will find themselves in the midst of some kind of crisis where they need to receive help from the emergency services.

Even though they fully discharge their duties and do all they can, PSNI officers who respond to a situation can often be concerned that they have to leave someone in a vulnerable or traumatised state. This is where Active Listening (AL) can step in to fill the gap between crisis and hope.

Active Listening is a Christian charity, based in Northern Ireland, which receives referrals from the PSNI and provides confidential listening and signposting to adults in crisis. Those who avail of support may be victims of a crime such as burglary, domestic violence or online fraud. Sometimes, victims can feel ashamed and unable to confide in their own family about what has happened to them. Active Listening was founded in 2007 by a Christian community police officer who witnessed first-hand how police officers wished they could do more to help. He also recognised a deep human need in people to have someone they could safely talk to. Now all PSNI

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Herald March 2023

officers have access to an app on their phones where they can make direct referrals to AL before leaving a situation. The organisation believes that everyone experiencing a crisis should have someone they can speak to in confidence, without judgement, who can practically help them to work out some positive next steps in their life.

Referrals to Active Listening can only be made via the emergency services and follow a strictly controlled three-stage process. If specific criteria are met when the PSNI assesses a situation, then individuals can be referred through a secure and encrypted email system. Risk assessments are also completed by PSNI and AL. Active Listening’s head office will assess the referral for suitability, with

…everyone experiencing a crisis should have someone they can speak to in confidence, without judgement…

accepted referrals then directed to a local team coordinator who will assign two team members to make direct telephone contact with the person. Telephone conversations may then lead to a face-toface meeting in a public place, although currently face-to-face meetings remain suspended due to a need for additional volunteers.

PSNI officers are aware that Active Listening is a Christian organisation and those who use the service will also be advised of this during the referral process.

It is staffed solely by Christian volunteers who come from a wide range of church backgrounds, including Presbyterian and other denominations. Helen Sloan, an elder in First Bangor Presbyterian Church, who established and led a team in Ards and North Down for many years,

before joining the Active Listening senior management team, explains that it is not a counselling service. Those who volunteer simply need to have compassionate hearts for people, a willingness to share their faith in a practical way and a desire to be of Christian service to others. She says, “Christians are called to serve, and we believe that Active Listening provides something valuable and successful which all Christians can do. It is a response, welcomed and respected by the PSNI, which is serving and helping on the front lines of our communities across Northern Ireland.”

AL volunteers are not experts. They are just people who have benefitted from training in simple active listening skills.

Volunteers will have a maximum of two calls per month and will be part of a team operating in their own geographical area. Knowledge of that area means they can signpost to local services, including local churches. Helen explains that as volunteers listen and provide space for people to share their story, individuals in crisis are able to “bring perspective and order themselves to what is going on.

They can release feelings and tensions because all they really need is someone to give them that freedom, encouragement and hope.” Volunteers do not use the service to impose their beliefs on those in need of support. Sometimes, they may be asked to pray and will always respond positively to this. Teams of volunteers also meet together once a month to pray for and encourage each other.

Active Listening has a tightly regulated governance structure and all those who volunteer are given an induction to understand policies and procedures along with listening and signposting training.

“At Active Listening, we consider it

Active Listening provides a wonderful opportunity for Christians to…be a positive influence right at the heart of a community. important to look after the people who give their time to help others,” says Helen. “We support our volunteers so they can grow and develop and enjoy being part of a team that is really making a difference in people’s lives. Our training is gentle and is designed to build on the life skills our volunteers already possess.

We also try to supplement this with briefings periodically throughout the year from some of the specialist agencies we signpost to, alongside sharing learning from peers in the local team environment.

When people become a part of Active Listening, we love to see how much they realise they can do and the sense of value they feel just from something as simple as listening.”

2022 has seen a huge increase in referrals and Helen believes there are a few reasons for this, not least the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has disrupted access to many public and voluntary services and has also had a negative impact on mental health. Because the health service is under immense pressure across Northern Ireland, referrals for additional support can be substantially delayed, which creates even more anxieties for vulnerable people. There is also increased publicity encouraging people to talk about their mental health and this is leading to more people being willing to engage with organisations such as AL. In addition,

increasing numbers of PSNI officers are now recommending it to members of the public.

As a charity, AL is part-funded by the PSNI but also relies heavily on funding applications and private donations. It is an entirely voluntary organisation with no paid staff but its overheads include insurances, volunteer expenses and capital equipment. Each volunteer also receives a mobile phone so they don’t have to use their personal phone. But while securing additional funding is important, Active Listening’s main priority is recruiting more volunteers. Due to the rising demand for its services, it needs to supplement existing teams to be able to respond more readily and quickly to those in need. It also wants to expand its reach across all parts of Northern Ireland.

At the moment, it is receiving referrals from locations where it currently doesn’t have teams, so it is important to establish new teams in Belfast, Londonderry, Portadown/Lurgan, Newry and Mourne/ Downpatrick. AL is also interested in engaging more broadly with churches as locations at which to provide training.

Helen urges people to get in contact to find out more about getting involved.

“Active Listening provides a wonderful opportunity for Christians to step outside their church walls and be a positive influence right at the heart of a community,” she says. “It is a unique privilege for Christians to live out their faith in a practical manner.”

Further information on how to get involved as a volunteer or to donate to the work of Active Listening is available on its website at www.activelistening.org.uk or by emailing info@alni.org.uk.

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Families on the fringe

Ruth Bromley discusses some recent research that assessed changes to children’s ministry across PCI following the pandemic. She also highlights an upcoming event for those families on the fringes of our congregations.

R

esearch commissioned in 2022 by the Council for Congregational Life and Witness highlighted some interesting changes in children’s ministry across our denomination since the pandemic. Some of this research focused on children and families who are part of the church family and also on others who are involved in different areas of church life during the week.

The most common provision in PCI congregations for children’s ministry is on a Sunday. This includes crèche and Sunday schools in most congregations, but there has been an overall decline

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in the numbers of children and young people attending on a Sunday morning (a 27% decrease). The research showed that there are about 7,000 children and young people attending Sunday activities.

It’s really important that we continue to build relationships with and disciple

…there are thousands of children representing many families who are on the fringes of our churches…

these children and young people well.

But it is also important to remember that this is only half the story.

Our research also showed that there are around 14,000 children and young people involved in uniformed organisations that are connected to Presbyterian congregations. It doesn’t take an expert in maths to realise that there are a lot of children (and young people) who are coming in and out of our church buildings but who are not part of the Sunday morning gathered church family.

Even if every child on a Sunday morning was attending a uniformed organisation – which they are not – there are

thousands of children representing many families who are on the fringes of our churches, and that is only the uniformed organisations.

The research also showed us that 56% of Presbyterian congregations have a toddlers group during the week. It does not specify what the membership breakdown is of church family and non-church family in toddlers groups, but anecdotally a large proportion of those groups are parents, grandparents, childminders, etc. who come in from the community because there is a welcome, a warm cuppa and a biscuit, and a safe place for the kids to play.

In many instances, our congregations have better connections now with all the families connected to our congregations compared to before the pandemic.

Previously, those who were committed to attending Sunday activities, as well as uniformed organisations, toddlers groups and other organisations, came when they were able. However, during the pandemic when organisations had to close, many found other creative ways to stay in touch with the children and families, whether that was online sessions or doorstep visits, phone calls and WhatsApp groups.

This included organisations that focused mainly on families on the fringe of our congregation.

There are a couple of areas in the research that were highlighted in the focus group stage that are particularly interesting when it comes to this area of ministry and mission.

Firstly, although it was always there to some extent, there is an increased importance placed on relationship over programme. It does not mean that the programme is not important. In fact, in many circumstances, the programme is the vehicle necessary to develop the relationship. However, there is an increased awareness that the relationship needs to be the end and the programme the means, rather than the other way around.

Secondly, more congregations are

seeing that they need to make their provision more family orientated. I was recently reading an article that said that coming to church is about the only activity that families do together.

Usually, parents go somewhere, or the kids, or the teenagers. But the whole family come together to church and there is not really any other aspect of life where that happens. I am an advocate of age-appropriate teaching and I think it is crucial in the discipleship of all those who come to our church but I also think there is a place for the family all coming together, learning as one and serving together. I think this idea should also be extended to organisations and events throughout our church, giving an opportunity at times for families to come, learn and do activities together that are planned to include all ages.

No longer does the mantra of ‘if we open the doors they will come’ hold true.

The world, however, is a different place now than it was even three years ago.

Church is not the automatic place to come to for community and relationship building. No longer does the mantra of ‘if we open the doors they will come’ hold true. There is a growing realisation that new approaches are needed to reach and develop relationships with those on the fringe of church life and in the local community. There are many challenges involved in imagining and implementing this creativity in the midst of busy church calendars, but these days are a new beginning and giving us the opportunity to try new things. And this is true of the central Church as well as individual congregations.

One of the new initiatives that we want to try is called ‘Family Festival’. This is a new event for families, specifically designed for congregations to invite those

Family Festival Date: Saturday 13 May 2023 Time: 2–4pm (registration from 1.30pm and the opportunity to bring a picnic) Location: The Scout Centre, Crawfordsburn Country Park Register at: www.presbyterianireland.org/familyfestival

who are on the fringe of activities, e.g. families connected to toddlers groups, kids clubs and uniformed organisations, to come alongside church families and build relationships while having fun together. The event is being held at the Scout Centre in Crawfordsburn Country Park and it will be an afternoon of outdoor activities, crafts and games.

Outdoor activities will include the climbing wall, archery, orienteering and grass sledding, as well as an assault course for those under eight years old.

Why are we doing this? Do we want to invite families on the fringe to come to these events so that they become part of our church? Maybe. Are we sure that will work? No. Do we want to help church families build relationships with fringe families so that they feel a sense of connection with the church family?

Yes! Do we want to see the church making a difference in their community?

Absolutely! This is an opportunity for our church families to be salt and light with other families on the fringes of the church, without the pressure of organising and creating the event themselves.

Family Festival is an experiment for the Council, but one that we hope will have an impact on the local congregations and one that we can then replicate in other areas to support and encourage other local PCI congregations.

Why not bring your family to our first ever Family Festival and invite another family on the fringe of the congregation whom you may know through a toddlers group or a uniformed organisation to come along with you?

Ruth Bromley is PCI’s Children’s Development Officer.

Family Festival 2023

Herald March 2023

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Connecting in Christ for 100 years Celebrating the centenary of the Irish Council of Churches, Damian Jackson outlines the history and legacy of this significant organisation.

O

ne hundred years ago last Monday, as I write this, the first meeting of the organisation that would become the Irish Council of Churches (ICC) took place. As a founder member, PCI was present. Then called the United Council of Christian Churches and Religious Communities in Ireland, it comprised representation from seven churches (PCI, Church of Ireland, Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church, Methodist Church, Moravian Church, Congregational Union, and the Religious Society of Friends/Quakers).

Indeed, it could be said that the genesis of the organisation can be traced back to the PCI in 1904, when the General Assembly and the Conference of the Methodist Church first exchanged deputations, leading to an establishment of a joint committee of the two Churches. Soon afterwards, the General Synod of the Church of Ireland and the General Assembly appointed a joint committee to “encourage the cultivation of friendly relations between the two Churches.” One of the issues that was an early concern of the PCI– Church of Ireland joint committee was

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temperance. Their advocacy on this issue was notable in that it demonstrated a willingness to cooperate with the Roman Catholic Church on matters of common concern, evidenced in a letter to the prime minister dated 15 March 1915 and signed by the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, the Moderator, and the Methodist Vice-President.

The United Council itself was formed following resolutions passed in 1921 in the General Assembly and General Synod recommending “the formation of a United Council of the Christian Churches in Ireland” and inviting other Churches to co-operate, resulting in that initial meeting of seven Churches on 23 January 1923.

The ICC is still here today – ‘Churches in Ireland, Connecting in Christ’. Over the last century the organisation has

…it has advocated in areas as diverse as unemployment, penal reform, human rights and mental health.

undergone many changes, including a change of name, and it now comprises much wider representation, reflecting the greater diversity of people who now call Ireland home. Membership includes 16 Churches – five from the Orthodox traditions, and two whose origins are in Nigeria (see irishchurches.org/members).

Through the Irish Inter-Church Meeting (IICM), the ICC collaborates with the Catholic Church, and here another significant anniversary takes place this year, as the IICM’s origins were in the Ballymascanlon talks, which took place 50 years ago.

These anniversaries were celebrated at a joint service of worship in St Anne’s Cathedral on Sunday 22 January. In his address at the service, Rev Dr Harold Good brought two words to the Churches in Ireland today: humility and hope. He challenged the Churches to bring these qualities into their public engagement, particularly concerning

the unfinished work of peace – so evidently needed as we approach the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement.

Humility, because we recognise that as Churches, “we have not always been obedient to the gospel entrusted to us.

Too often we have been silent when we ought to have spoken and too often we stood back when others fuelled the flames of sectarianism and strife.”

Hope, because, despite our human failings, we are inspired to continue our reconciling work by a vision that is “rooted in the unshakeable conviction that if we say and do and be the people that we are called to be, God will not be found wanting.”

Archbishop Eamon Martin, in his address, considered how Churches might practice hope and humility. Today’s Ireland is very different from when our predecessors first met 100 years ago, but there are difficulties still. Violence has abated – though sadly not entirely disappeared – and a deep pain remains in so many of our hearts, and deep division in our communities, that has not been addressed or healed.

Archbishop Martin suggested that there may be a role for the Churches to “develop an agreed truth recovery process to address the legacy of pain and mistrust that continues to hang over us.” He wondered if Churches could “also work together to create spaces for dialogue at parish, congregation and community level so that all voices can be fully heard about the kind of society and values we want for our children and grandchildren.”

Such intentional listening, grounded in pastoral concern for those who have suffered loss, is what made PCI’s Considering Grace such a powerful project. It also underlies the work of the Churches through the ICC as it brings

those concerns into the conversation when in dialogues with government and EU representatives on matters such as the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland and the discussions on the Legacy Bill.

As well as engagement on matters of peacebuilding and reconciliation, justice and concern for those who are most vulnerable in our society have always been at the centre of the ICC’s work.

Since its earliest days, it has advocated in areas as diverse as unemployment, penal reform, human rights and mental health.

Today, the ICC is directly working on a wide variety of issues including housing insecurity and homelessness, the cost-ofliving crisis, the rights of people seeking asylum, racism, polarisation and climate

ICC seeks to develop Churches’ capacity to respond effectively to the issues affecting our communities today. justice, as well as supporting Churches’ responses to the Covid-19 crisis. In all of this, through building connections, the ICC seeks to develop Churches’ capacity to respond effectively to the issues affecting our communities today.

The ICC has developed a Bible study resource to help churches look at the meaning of home in the Scriptures, and consider what that means for how we regard people who are homeless, and how we respond to the political reality we live in, which doesn’t seem able

to ensure that its citizens have the shelter and space they need to live a full life.

At the 2019 ICC AGM, the Council adopted its ‘Affirmations on climate justice and care of creation’. This has underpinned its work to support churches to consider the local and global aspects of how we live and use the resources that God has given us in creation. They provide a framework for examining how our current ways of living affect the ability of others in different parts of the globe to provide for their families.

Through two projects that the ICC is undertaking in partnership with the Centre for Religion, Human Values, and International Relations in Dublin City University, it is exploring how the voices of Churches can bring a values-based perspective into play in political discourse on the economy and the major problems facing humanity today.

During this milestone year, the ICC is reflecting on the circumstances of its origins, its work in the years since, and its ways of working today. It is currently seeking to discern how it needs to adapt and change in order to effectively serve the common good of the people of this island, and bear witness to the good news of the gospel through our love for one another and the communities in which we work.

The ‘hope’ that this work will not be in vain comes from a common faith in a God of power and love. In his eternal perspective, 100 years is but a blink of an eye… not even that… but in the context of our human story a centenary is a significant moment.

Damian Jackson is General Secretary of the Irish Council of Churches.

Herald March 2023

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REVIEWS

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

The Seed of the Woman Nan Dolce

Jesus People Danny Gokey

EVANGELICAL PRESS

SPARROW RECORDS

Available via streaming services

««««« Danny Gokey shot to fame by coming third on American Idol in 2008. Viewers empathised with the tragedy that had recently befallen him – his wife had died from congenital heart disease just four weeks before his audition. Drawing from this experience, his songs often reflect loss and heartache, yet testify to God’s goodness.

Gokey’s music has always been firmly in the pop lane and this, his eighth album, does not deviate from this. Despite a few collaborations (Christine D’Clario, Angie Rose and Koryn Hawthorne), who each add fresh elements, there’s not much on the album that feels particularly new.

There are a number of catchy tunes and powerful lyrics, with themes designed to encourage and strengthen faith. He Believes in You is a rousing track that speaks to our pain and struggles: “When you’re lost and you’re broken hearted, he is holding you at your darkest…” Likewise Stand in Faith is a powerful affirmation of God working in our lives, even when we can’t see it.

The title track is an upbeat reminder that we are part of a worldwide family of believers.

And Agradecido is a joyful song of gratitude for God’s many blessings, although its similarity to Despacito by Justin Bieber is a little disconcerting (albeit with more edifying lyrics!).

Overall, this is a mood-lifting album that will remind you of God’s love and grace.

SH

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£9.99

Still Crazy: Love, laughter and tears from the world of the sacred diarist ««««« Adrian Plass

In biblical times, women were considered and treated as second-class citizens, had no rights, and had their lives ruled by fathers, husbands and even brothers. They were marginalised and life was not easy. A life of no hope, even abuse, would have been their lot.

Sadly, this is still the case for many women in our world today. However, we do see in this book that God was working through these women of the Bible, from century to century, until the final timeline arrived – the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

From the disobedience of Eve to the obedience of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and all the women in between, they had one thing in common; their lives and seed pointed to a Saviour being born. These stories are full of issues like infertility, deception, sibling rivalry. The drama moves slowly and lovingly to the birth of Jesus, and God’s love and sovereignty shines through. These women defied pharaohs and kings, saved nations, and changed history. They obeyed God and clung to his promises and God blessed and protected them.

Dolce’s book enlightens us to how, through the seed of all these women, God brought to fruition the wonderful birth of our Saviour Jesus and our path to salvation and eternal life. This is the marvellous gift offered to each of us and we must choose to accept it.

An excellent read with much food for thought.

DH

HODDER & STOUGHTON

£19.99

«««««

The most recent book by Adrian Plass is a collection of stories, conversations and poems, reflecting the unexpected turns life can take. Throughout, Plass emphasises how it is paramount to rely on God to carry us through in the heat of these moments. That’s not to say it is devoid of comedic value as Plass incorporates humorous events within his own life to illustrate biblical truths in a relatable, light-hearted manner.

Adrian explains the name of the book is two-fold. “Firstly, because I’ve been at this writing-and-speaking business for quite a while now, and the passion to share my thoughts still hasn’t subsided.” Secondly, he feels that a “right type of crazy” is needed to deal with the ups and downs of life. He reflects a wide-ranging number of issues, including things like growing older and the pandemic.

The primary themes and lessons discussed throughout the book are summed up in its epilogue, which contains a poem centred around our weakness in comparison with God’s greatness. Carefully posed lines such as, “You control the universe, the passage of the spheres, you know the joy of hearts remade and rescued through two thousand years” denote the simple truth that no matter what tribulations or trials cross our paths in life, Jesus is an everpresent figure, over it all, always.

CD

REVIEWERS

KA – Kathryn Anderson is a member of Anahilt Presbyterian Church SEH – Suzanne Hamilton is an administrative officer for the Herald SH – Sarah Harding is the editor of the Herald

Forgive: Why should I and how can I? Timothy Keller HODDER & STOUGHTON

£14.70

«««««

In his latest offering, renowned American pastor Timothy Keller addresses the ever-evolving and contentious issue of forgiveness.

Keller builds upon his initial dissection of the parable of the unforgiving servant with Old and New Testament citations to add structure and depth to his contention that forgiveness should be a central component in all our lives – not solely on a religious level, but on social and cultural levels as well. In doing so, he acknowledges that such a topic has faced mistrust and opposition in the past – when considered in light of the Holocaust and the killing fields of Cambodia, for example – and more recently with the problematic cultural dimension arising from the #MeToo movement.

It must be admired that Keller in no way shies away from citing opposing views and high-profile court cases to engage the reader further in such a thoughtprovoking topic: Why should I forgive?

How can I forgive? Will forgiveness restore an abuser to a position from which they can abuse again? Is forgiving just masquerading as a beacon of virtue in a world where Bible-believing Christians are expected to ‘forgive and forget’?

Keller does not waver in his deep reliance on biblical texts to assert and conclude that forgiveness is not denying or whitewashing over a wrong, nor is it abandoning justice. Divine forgiveness, on the contrary, brings healing and hinges on Jesus’ death on the cross. Overall, an informative and useful resource.

KA

JMcC – James McCormick is head of PCI’s Creative Production Department DH – Dorothy Hamilton is a member of Ballygrainey Presbyterian Church CD – Claire Dickson is a politics student at Queen’s and comes from Banbridge

Willowfield Roger Hamill

AVAILABLE VIA STREAMING SERVICES

««««« Following on from his 2015 debut album, Keep, local singer-songwriter Roger Hamill has launched a new collection of songs; released to mark the 150th anniversary of his Church of Ireland congregation of the same name.

The album, mostly recorded live in the church, is a combination of new material and some favourites from his first album, along with a couple

A Greater Glory Gavin Peacock

CHRISTIAN FOCUS PUBLICATIONS

£11.99

«««««

Gavin Peacock was a professional footballer, playing for Queens Park Rangers, Chelsea and Newcastle United among others in a career that spanned over 600 games. During his 18 years, he scored over 135 goals and had many highlights, including playing in the FA Cup final.

Upon retirement, he embarked on another successful career as a football

of reworkings of well-loved hymns.

From stirring strings to simple piano melodies, Roger blends acoustic rock with a contemporary worship feel. The classics Come Thou Fount and What a Friend are given fresh interpretations with Celtic strings.

The older work featured on the album includes Roger’s track You are Faithful, which feels appropriate for a church anniversary; “If ever we lose sight of you…The very stones would praise your name, your glory keeps on shining...”

For me, the stand-out track is the title song – a sincere song of thanksgiving and celebration of the local church.

Although penned for this church in east Belfast, the sentiments shared can easily be applied to wherever God has planted his church: “If these red brick walls could speak to us, the tales they’d tell of how God’s love has held us close in Willowfield.” Insert your own congregation here and allow this album to provide you with the soundtrack to thank God for your church.

JMC

pundit, appearing on Match of the Day, Football Focus and Final Score. While these would be dream jobs for many, Peacock says he soon realised that playing football professionally didn’t satisfy him. “My sense of wellbeing depended entirely on my performance. I loved football. But soon I realised that achieving this goal wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.”

Struggling to find purpose, he attended a local church and became involved in a weekly Bible study, coming to faith.

Knowing his identity was in Christ and not what he achieved on the football pitch or as a pundit, Peacock felt called to ministry, training first in the UK and then in Canada, where he is now associate pastor of a church in Calgary.

His sporting stories are interesting, but they’re perhaps less detailed than other football biographies I’ve read, but that is the point. Peacock himself says it is not just an autobiographical story from the “pitch to the pulpit”, but instead a memorial to God’s saving grace.

SH

Herald March 2023

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LIFE IN PCI Kilkinamurry Presbyterian Church celebrates 200th Anniversary On the evening of Saturday 19 November, Kilkinamurry Presbyterian Church, Co Down, hosted a special service to celebrate its 200th anniversary as a congregation.

The service was led by the minister, Rev Philip Cleland, with special items of praise led by the choir and praise group Grace Alone. The speaker for the evening was the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Dr John Kirkpatrick. Former ministers, their families and past members of the congregation were in attendance to share in this very significant milestone.

An enjoyable detailed anniversary book has been published featuring insights into how the church began, the timeline of events within Kilkinamurry Presbyterian Church and its continued history to the present day. The book is available to purchase with a minimum donation of £5.

Anyone wishing to purchase the book please contact: Ivan McCabe 07815 563719; Mervyn Copes 07968 678734 (after 6pm); or Heather Greer 07746 032575

Right: Seated from left: Yvonne Martin, Sheila Bennett and Heather Greer. Back from left: Mervyn Copes, Trevor Redmond, Ian Porter and Maurice Cowan.

Below: Pictured are the Kilkinamurry Presbyterian Church committee and former ministers with the Moderator and minister of the congregation, Rev Philip Cleland.

Killyleagh church celebrations The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has travelled to Killyleagh to lead the celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of the beginning of Presbyterianism in the Co Down town.

Dr John Kirkpatrick preached at the morning service in the Plantation Street meeting house on Sunday 27 November before planting an Irish oak tree to commemorate the anniversary.

Killyleagh was one of the first places on the island of Ireland where Presbyterianism was introduced by Ulster-Scots settlers when they arrived in the early 1600s. The congregation was formally established in 1622.

The Moderator was welcomed to the pulpit by the current minister, Rev Jonathan Boyd.

Later, he was presented with a copy of a history book that has been published to mark the 400th anniversary.

The book recounts intriguing moments in the history of Killyleagh, including split loyalties over the 1798 United Irishman rebellion, IRA attacks on the castle as part of the first Troubles in the 1920s and how Killyleagh learned of the outbreak of the Second World War.

Pictured top: Rt Rev Dr John Kirkpatrick, Mr Graham Furey (Clerk of Session), Rev Jonathan Boyd and Mr Robert McMurray.

Bottom: Launching a new history book detailing the last 400 years in Killyleagh is the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Rt Rev Dr John Kirkpatrick, with his wife, Joan, and (left) Rev Jonathan Boyd (minister of Killyleagh) and (right) Mr Graham Furey (clerk of session).

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

Over 50 years as organist at Glengormley George Hewitt completed 51 years as organist in Glengormley Presbyterian Church in January this year. He started playing the organ in Glengormley in January 1972, having previously served as organist in Rathcoole Presbyterian Church from 1968. Mr Hewitt is pictured with his wife, Elaine.

New Elders for Ballycastle Two new elders were recently ordained and installed in Ballycastle Presbyterian Church. L–R: Rev John Stanbridge, Miss Pat Shirley (clerk of session), Rev Dr Mark Jones, Mrs Valerie Sayers (ordained), Rev Alan Buick (Moderator), Rev Dr Godfrey Brown (clerk of presbytery), Mr Paul Hayes (installed).

Spa celebrates 150 years William Brown and Isobel Dobbin, the two most senior members who attend Spa Presbyterian Church, in Co Down, are pictured cutting the cake that was made for the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the church. A special anniversary service was held in the church on 27 November 2022 and was attended by the Moderator, Rt Rev Dr Kirkpatrick, who also gave the address.

20 years of service recognised in Ballynure Heather Kennedy was recently presented with a gift in appreciation of her 20 years as an elder in Ballynure Presbyterian Church, Co Antrim.

She will now take up the office of elder emerita. L–R: John Ayre, Church Committee, Jim Browne, elder; Miss Kennedy; Rev James Rogers.

Presentation to Cancer Focus NI in Anahilt A wonderful Musical Evening of Celebration – “Remembering Julie at 50” – was held recently in Anahilt Presbyterian Church in Co Down. The event, which was compèred by Iain Coalter, featured Bailliesmills Accordion Band, Ballyclare Male Choir, Anahilt Girls Brigade and the Munroe Sisters. The evening was a huge success with all donations (now totalling around £5,900) going to Cancer Focus NI in memory of Julie Donnell, who was an active and much-loved member of the congregation. The photograph includes Joanne Smyth, Cancer Focus NI, Rev Laszlo Orban, minister of the congregation, (back row, third from right), Julie’s parents, Reginald and Gwynne Donnell (front row, right) and some helpers at the event.

Herald March 2023

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LIFE IN PCI

Marking 50 years of ordained ministry Dr David Clarke returns to Terrace Row in Coleraine to mark 50 years of ordained ministry. From left, Mr and Mrs George Scott (clerk of session), Dr and Mrs David Clarke, and the current minister Dr Andrew Brown with his wife Lorraine.

Hazelbank minister leads Pipe Band to victory in championships On Saturday 13 August 2022 at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Tullylagan Pipe Band Drum Corps under the leadership of the Rev David Brown, minister of Hazelbank Presbyterian Church, Coleraine, won the grade 3A world drumming prize. Pictured: Rev Brown receiving his prize from Jacqueline McLaren, Lord Provost of Glasgow City Council.

New minister in First Derry and Monreagh Rev Colin Jones has been ordained as minister in First Derry and Monreagh Presbyterian Churches. He is pictured with Rev Paul Linkens, Rev Graham Orr, Dr Bryan Brown, William Kyle, Dr Robert Buick, John Vance and Walter Hoy.

Licensing by Dromore Presbytery First Castlederg PW celebrates 60 years Mrs Ivy Simpson and Mrs Eileen Harpur, founder members of First Castlederg PW, cut the celebration cake on the 60th anniversary. The ladies enjoyed a meal together.

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Members of the Dromore Presbytery Commission at the licensing of Stephen Kerr at Legacurry Presbyterian Church on Sunday 30 October.

Pictured are L–R Rev Michael Davidson, Alan Martin, Rev Howard Gilpin (acting clerk), Mrs Lyndsey Shields, Stephen Kerr, Gordon Wallace, Rev Dr Allen Sleith (Moderator) Roy Patterson and Rev Bobby Liddle (convener).

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

New minister for Killead and Loanends Recently, in Loanends Presbyterian Church, David Morrison (front row second right) was installed as minister of Killead and Loanends.

He is pictured with Rev Christopher Wilson, Rev Stephen Lockington (moderator of Templepatrick Presbytery) and Rev Eddie McDowell (convener of the vacancy). Back row: Tom McKnight and James Livingstone (clerk of presbytery).

First Lisburn recognises long service At a recent evening in Lisburn Golf Club, Sheila Hammonds (left), elder and retiring Sunday School Superintendent is presented with a gift

by Margaret Thompson (right), the new clerk of session.

Retirement in Corraneary, Co Monaghan BB retirement presentation at Mourne BB officers Gladys Girvan and James Hanna on their retirement, recognising over 80 years of combined faithful service in First Kilkeel BB. Presenting their gifts, Rev William Bingham and Captain Geoffrey Chestnutt.

Gifts were presented to Eddie Martin at a congregational evening in recognition of his 57 years of dedicated service as secretary of the congregational committee. Mr Martin was presented with a gift cheque by the treasurer Mrs Edith Hunter and a piece of inscribed glass by the minister, Rev John O’Donnell. Mr Martin’s wife, Pat, was presented with flowers by Alannah Brady. Eddie and his wife Pat are pictured with Rev John O’Donnell and Alannah Brady.

Glendermott ordains and installs new elders Six new ruling elders were ordained and installed at Glendermott Presbyterian in June by the Presbytery of Derry and Donegal. In the picture from L–R are: Rev Stephen Hibbert (minister of Glendermott), Raymond Dunlop, David Chambers, David Allen, Stephen Neely, Samuel Young, Fiona Walker and George Walker (clerk of session).

Herald March 2023

43

LIFE IN PCI

New minister at Glenwherry Presbyterian

Installation in Co Monaghan Rev David and Mrs Sandra Hagan with some members of Monaghan Presbytery and representatives from the three churches at the installation of Rev David Hagan in First Castleblayney, Frankford and Corvally.

Rev Trevor Kane was installed as minister at Glenwherry congregation in Ballymena Presbytery on Friday 21 October 2022. Rev Kane is pictured with his wife, Suzanne and their children Noah, Eli, Judah, Eva and Joseph.

CROSSWORD Puzzle no 276 1

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ACROSS DOWN

1 Fellowships of churchgoers (13) 1 Private (12) 2 O.T. book (7) 7 Agile (6) 3 Relatives by marriage (6) 9 The busy biblical sibling (6) 4 Called (5) 10 Noise a sheep makes (3) 5 The people of God (6) 11 Initials of a church-based youth 6 Conviction, belief (5) organisation (2) 8 This is not good (3) 12 A regal spud! (6) 11 Baby’s resting place (6) 13 Way out (4) 15 Eastern European country (7) 14 Deep cut (4) 17 Mary and 9 across were these (7) 16 The first man (4) 18 Ringed planet (6) 19 Adolescence (7-5) 20 Rewards (5) 22 To arrange (8) 21 To submit, surrender (5) 23 Purposes (4) 24 Gummed paper container ready 26 Uncommon (4) to be returned (initials) (3) 27 Electronic company (4) 25 Perceive with the eyes (3) 28 A Khartoum dweller is this (8)

REFLECTIONS

The transfer window Ruth Sanderson

I

f there is one main source of conflict in my marriage it I shrugged. “So they must be top of the league then,” I is this: reading in bed. My husband loves nothing more muttered vaguely, plunging the coffee. than spending a good hour reading before he falls asleep – “No!” he cried. “That’s the thing – they’re getting beaten whether it’s on his phone, an iPad or an old-fashioned book. by lots of other teams whose players aren’t as good. I suppose In fact, there are a pile of books on his side of the bed; they individuals don’t make a team.” represent various subjects – ecology, botany, history, fiction. It That line stuck with me – “individuals don’t make a team”. It’s doesn’t matter, if it’s knocking around, he will read it. Match been rattling around my head a bit in the context of church life. reports, academic papers, whodunnits. It all gets consumed Does everyone get a chance to play in the team? Or is there a like a night-time cup of cocoa before he can switch off and fall certain ‘type’ of person in church that we prize over others? asleep.

The Bible is full of flawed men and women from all sorts This irks me beyond belief. Since the advent of parenthood, of backgrounds who were part of God’s amazing plan for I feel so unbelievably exhausted by the end of the day that creation. I often think we would balk if some biblical figures when I go to bed, I just want to sleep. I have always been like sat in our pews on a Sunday morning. How would we treat a canary – switch the lights out and I am Rahab? Jonah? Would we move slowly unconscious within seconds and snoring away from John the Baptist, put off by I often think we would loudly (another bone of contention in our the camel hair and locust lunch? Would marriage… but I digress). However, if the balk if some biblical we elect temperamental Peter as an elder? reading light is on, or even if there is light figures sat in our pews on Would Moses make it on to the church from my husband’s phone, I simply cannot committee? Would many of the cast list nod off, no matter how hard I try. I clench a Sunday morning. of the Bible be welcomed in fully to our my eyes shut, try breathing rhythmically, church life? toss and turn, put an arm over my eyes, then a pillow, until Of course, I’m being flippant, and those are perhaps extreme finally I sit bold upright. examples. Yet are there those on the margins of church life who “Would you please switch off that light?!” are overlooked? Do we forget the individuals who are a little My poor husband, one of his greatest joys denied to him! quieter? Those who see life a little differently? Do we sometimes Which is perhaps why he has been furtively reading in the wee overlook women? Single parents? Do we forget about older hours of the morning when I have most definitely sunken into a people? Are the first hands up always the right people for the deep, deep sleep. Yesterday he looked a little weary. job?

“I was texting with my friend Sami this morning at 2am.”

The Bible’s great analogy is the church being like the body “Whatever about?” with Christ as the head. All the parts of the body are important “Chelsea,” he said. in allowing it to function, yet not all are obvious, or glamorous.

“The football club?”

I have always found this analogy both reassuring and a “Yes,” he replied matter-of-factly. “We were speculating as to great challenge. Reassuring because God has created us all to whether they might go bankrupt.” be different, to fulfill different functions in his kingdom. He It seems that his late-night reading of football news had been doesn’t want us to be clones of each other, but rather to be more fuelled by a conversation with our friend who has a young baby like him as he uses our personalities, gifts and skills. It’s also a and was clearly up making a bottle. A couple of articles about great challenge because it calls us within the church to actively the fate of Chelsea FC led to an early-morning text discussion seek out those who aren’t similar to us – who think differently on the subject. I blame myself. Also, let me point out right now and perhaps aren’t the loudest voice or even the most articulate. that I have no interest in football whatsoever, so my attention The church is a wonderful paradox. It’s only by allowing its was minimal at best. members to be free in themselves that we can fully work as a “Did you know,” my husband began to tell me, as I started to whole, with all the multifaceted life that that entails. Moving glaze over, “that Chelsea spent £650 million on players within together as one collective, made up of parts, each different but last year’s transfer windows?” each the same. Maybe this is where Chelsea is going wrong.

Herald March 2023

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REFLECTIONS

Living as God’s people David Clarke Studies in 1 Peter (2:11–25)

“T

he life of the clergyman should be a standing subtle human heart can easily use conscience as an accomplice protest against the life around him,” declared rather than a guide. Hence the command: “Do not use freedom a Victorian cleric. Peter would have gone as a cover-up for evil” (v16). further, insisting that all believers are called to An American preacher facing that situation remarked, “You an exemplary style of living. He counselled his readers to “Live can hardly raise any ethical standard today without being such good lives among the pagans…that they may see your accused of being a legalist.” good deeds” (v12), adding that “it is God’s will that by doing Martin Luther struck the desired balance when he wrote, good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men” (v15).

“A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A He sees the key to such living in the verb that is unwelcome to Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.” modern ears, the verb “submit” in verses 13 and 18.

A lifestyle pattern. Early Christians were subject to a Two factors need to be borne in mind when considering barrage of criticism. The adherence to “another king, one called Peter’s use of that verb. First, Peter was Jesus” (Acts 17:7), sounded like disloyalty writing at a time when the notorious Nero Though the king is to be to the state, eating the ‘body of Christ’ was emperor (he was known as ‘king’ [v17] suggested cannibalism, and the “holy kiss” honoured, God is to be in the eastern portion of his empire), of (I Thessalonians 5:26) brought whispers of whom it was said that “there could be Modern criticisms might include feared, since he holds our incest. few rulers indeed whose claims on loyalty hypocrisy, dogmatism and obsession with would be sustained by less personal merit.” eternal destiny in his material success. Authentic Christian Yet Peter tells his readers to “submit” living would not only silence such critics, hands. (v13), because rulers have a God-given but ‘glorify God’. purpose (v14). While the natural reaction To submit to masters who may be harsh of fallen individuals is to be self-assertive, the Christian lives can lead to “unjust suffering” (v18,19), but the example of Jesus by a different code. Likewise, Paul was to advise: “Honour one is to be followed (v21). Outside the gospels, this passage is the another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10). longest about the death of Jesus, and is staggeringly real and Second, slavery was part of the first century social fabric solid. The words “body” and “tree” (v24) makes us think of flesh, (v18). While the biblical view of humanity, made in the image blood and timber. Yet despite acute suffering, Jesus was content of God and redeemed by Christ, lit the blue touchpaper under to “entrust himself ” to God (v23). this flawed human institution, slavery in the first century seems There was no desire to be noticed. Instead, he found to have been more benign than the gratuitous brutality we satisfaction in fulfilling his redeeming mission (v24). associate with pre-Civil War America. Indeed, for some, slavery Josephine Butler was one who followed in such steps (v21). was a temporary status, a way in which they paid their debts, She was one of the great social reformers of the 19th century, and it was not unknown for slaves to be better educated than and a pioneer of female rights. She was once offered a large sum their masters. of money to publish her autobiography, but adamantly refused, A lifestyle call. Peter calls his readers to an exemplary style of saying, “I would not do it for anything – not for £50,000.” Of life. While there will inevitably be critics, their “ignorant talk” her campaigns, which led to the Married Women’s Property will be refuted by positive good and by careful avoidance of Act, and the repeal of the Contagious Diseases Act, she said, “sinful desires, which war against the soul” (v11).

“I have tried to make myself as little prominent as possible… I That lifestyle will involve a delicate balance between freedom hate the very appearance of egotism.” and obedience and is crystalised in four short injunctions (v17).

On the walls of a university hall in old Aberdeen are three As equal creatures of God, respect must be shown to everyone, brief Latin phrases, which can be rendered: “They say. What say while special love is to be shown to fellow-believers. Though the they? Let them say.” Peter might amend them slightly: “They king is to be honoured, God is to be feared, since he holds our say. What say they? Let them see.” eternal destiny in his hands.

Perhaps in the past the church has majored on ‘don’ts’, but a pendulum swing in the opposite direction is also harmful.

Very Rev Dr David Clarke is a former PCI Moderator and minister To live as ‘free men’ (and women), brings it’s own hazards. The emeritus of Terrace Row Presbyterian Church, Coleraine.

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Herald March 2023

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Applications are invited for the Convenership of the General Council within the structures of the General Assembly, to take up post immediately following the June 2023 General Assembly.

The position is open to ministers, elders and communicant members of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Appointment of Conveners of State Education Committee and Taking Care Committee Applications are invited for the Convenerships of the State Education Committee under the Council for Public Affairs; and of the Taking Care Committee under the Council for Social Witness.

These positions are open to ministers, elders and communicant members of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Further information for any of the above posts can be obtained from the Deputy Clerk, David Allen, at the email address below or telephone (028) 9041 7204.

Application forms may be downloaded from the PCI website at www.presbyterianireland.org/convenerships Applications, using the pro-forma, should be forwarded no later than 5pm on Thursday, 16 March 2023 to: deputyclerk@presbyterianireland.org or by post to The Deputy Clerk, Assembly Buildings, 2–10 Fisherwick Place, Belfast BT1 6DW.

Herald March 2023

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.

BALLYALBANY and GLENNAN: REV D.T.R. EDWARDS: (Ballyalbany) Mr Sam Condell, Billary, Smithborough, Co Monaghan. (Glennan) Dr Michael Wallace, 8 Fellows Grange, Fellows Hall Road, Killylea, Co Armagh, BT60 4LR. BALLYMENA, FIRST: REV N.A.L. CAMERON: Mr Tom Heaney, 109 Loughmagarry Road, Ballymena, BT43 6ST. BALLYRONEY and DRUMLEE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV A.M. BORELAND: (Ballyroney) Mr David Peters, 30 Seafin Road, Ballyroney, Banbridge, BT32 5ER. (Drumlee) Mr Graham Truesdale, 128 Lackan Road, Ballyward, Castlewellan, BT31 9RX. BELMONT: REV T.J. STOTHERS: Mr Christopher Steele, 1 Hawthornden Drive, Belfast, BT4 2HG. COLERAINE, NEW ROW: REV R.D. GREGG: Mr Adrian Cochrane, 12 Cambridge Park, Coleraine, BT52 2QT. DUNFANAGHY and CARRIGART: (Home Mission) 50% Congregational Ministry, 50% CMI Mission Project REV T.J. BRUCE: (Dunfanaghy) Mrs Ethel Montgomery, ‘Millrace’, Marble Hill Road, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal, F92 N2WO. (Carrigart) Mrs Joy Buchanan, Figart, Carrigart, Co Donegal, F92 N2WO. DUN LAOGHAIRE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV A.J. BOAL: Mrs Dorothy Shanahan, 1 Holmwood, Brennanstown, Cabinteely, D18 T2T5.

GARVAGH, MAIN ST and KILLAIG: REV DREWE McCONNELL: (Garvagh, Main St) Mr Alan Farlow, 39 Ballynameen Road, Garvagh, BT51 5PN. (Killaig) Mr Ivan McKane, 27 Cashel Road, Macosquin, Coleraine, BT51 4PW. HILLTOWN and CLONDUFF: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) 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. KNOCK: REV R.J. BEGGS: Mr Hugo Wilson, 5 Finchley Gardens, Belfast, BT4 2JB. LECUMPHER and MAGHERAFELT, UNION ROAD: REV J.A. MARTIN: (Lecumpher) Mr Sammy Thompson, 10 Ballynagowan Road, Desertmartin, BT45 5LH. (Magherafelt, Union Road) Mr Ian Francis, 32 Caraloan Road, Magherafelt, BT45 6NW. LOWE MEMORIAL: REV DR D.J. McKELVEY: Dr Moyna Bill, 6 Old Coach Avenue, Belfast, BT9 5PY. McQUISTON MEMORIAL: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV R.S.J. McILHATTON: Mr Ken Galbraith, 14 Millars Forge, Dundonald, Belfast, BT16 1UT. NEWTOWNARDS, REGENT STREET: REV P.T. DALZELL: Mr Ian MacDonald, 11 Stanvilla Road, Newtownards, BT23 8HE. RALOO and MAGHERAMORNE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV D.R. CROMIE: (Raloo) Mr Geoff McBride, 72 Raloo Road, Larne, BT40 3DU. (Magheramorne) Mr Morris Gardner, 89 Ballypollard Road, Magheramorne, Larne, BT40 3JG. RATHFRILAND, FIRST: REV C.G. HARRIS: Mr David Scott, 13 Sleepy Valley, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5HL.

48

WARINGSTOWN: REV R.L. BROWN: Mr David Crawford, 148 Avenue Road, Lurgan, BT66 7BJ.

2. LEAVE TO CALL DEFERRED CLADYMORE and TASSAGH: REV R.I. ABRAHAM: (Cladymore) Mr David Wilson, 73 Kilmachugh Road, Mowhan, Armagh, BT60 2EN. (Tassagh) Mr Philip Crozier, 68 Bachelors Walk, Keady, Armagh, BT60 2NA. DROMORE and DRUMQUIN: REV E.T. FRAZER: (Dromore) Mr Lynden Keys, 25 New Park Road, Dromore, Omagh, BT78 3JU. (Drumquin) Dr Paul Booth, 231 Tummery Road, Irvinestown, BT78 3UF. 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 ARMAGH, FIRST: REV G.R. MULLAN: Mr Ian Kyle, 8 Drummanmore Road, Armagh, BT61 8RN. BALLEE: REV T.P. McCULLOUGH: Mr John Quigley, 81 Queen’s Avenue, Magherafelt, BT45 6DB. BALLINA, KILLALA & BALLYMOTE: (Home Mission) REV D.J. CLARKE: Mr Geoffrey Shannon, Robin Hill, Carraun, Corballa, Ballina, Co Mayo, F26 A070.

BALLYCASTLE & CROAGHMORE: REV DR ANDRE ALVES-AREIAS: (Ballycastle) Pat Shirley, 22 Dunamallaght Rd, Ballycastle BT54 6PB. (Croaghmore) Andy McGugan, 158 Whitepark Road, Bushmills, BT57 8SS. BALLYNURE: REV D.J. KELLY: Mr George Clarke, Kinnen House, 70 Ballyvallagh Road, Gleno, BT40 3NA. BELLAGHY and KNOCKLOUGHRIM: REV J.B. MULLAN: (Bellaghy) Mr Harry Ferson, 12 Railway Terrace, Castledawson, Magherafelt, BT45 8AY. (Knockloughrim) Mr Wilbur Bownes, 10 Meadowell Fold, Westland Gardens, Magherafelt, BT45 5DP. BELVOIR: REV B.J. WALKER: Mr Brian Dunwoody, 19 Drumart Drive, Belfast, BT8 7ET. BUSHMILLS: VERY REV DR D.I.J. McNIE: Rev Martin Gracey, 6 Bush Crescent, Bushmills, BT57 8AJ.

SAINTFIELD, FIRST: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV B.A. SMALL: Mr Paul Jackson, 20 The Grange, Saintfield, BT24 7NF.

CASTLEDERG FIRST AND KILLETER: REV R.A. ORR: (First Castlederg) Mr James Emery BEM, 8 Lurganbuoy Road, Castlederg, BT81 7HS. (Killeter) Mr Isaac Crilly, 7 Fort Road, Castlederg, BT81 7UL.

TOBERKEIGH and RAMOAN: REV R.W. GASTON : (Toberkeigh) Mr Jim Kane, 67A Ballinlea Road, Ballinlea Upper, Ballycastle, BT54 6NN. (Ramoan) Mr Robert Getty, 23 Carrowcroey Road, Armoy, Ballymoney, BT53 8UH.

CASTLEDERG, SECOND AND URNEY: REV C.H. DEERING: (Second Castlederg) Mr Bert Huey, Tossa, 8 Listymore Road, Castlederg, BT81 7JG. (Urney) Mr Norman McMullan, 80 Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9QT.

Herald March 2023

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.

CASTLEROCK: REV D.H. BROWN: Miss Heather McSparran, 26 Freehall Road, Castlerock, BT51 4TR.

RATHCOOLE: REV A.K. DUDDY: Mr Norman Creaney,7 Coolshannagh Park, Newtownabbey, BT37 9LA.

CLONTIBRET and MIDDLETOWN: REV J.H. HANSON: (Clontibret) Mr S.R. Gray, Legnacrieve, Castleshane, Co Monaghan, H18 DN20.

RATHGAR – CHRIST CHURCH: REV DR S. MAWHINNEY: Mr Paul Fry, 44 Monolea Wood, Firhouse, Dublin 24, D24 A2V3.

CRUMLIN: REV BEN JOHNSTON: Mr James Livingstone, “Edin”, 56 Largy Road, Crumlin, BT29 4RW.

SPA and MAGHERAHAMLET: REV D.F. LEAL: (Spa) Acting Clerk – Mr Stephen McBride, 28 Ballynahinch Road, Castlewellan, BT31 9PA. (Magherahamlet) Mr David Whan, 74 Castlewellan Road, Dromara, BT25 2JN.

CUMBER and UPPER CUMBER: REV S.W. HIBBERT: (Cumber) Mr Eric Christie, 43 Gorse Road, Killaloo, Londonderry, BT47 3SS. (Upper Cumber) Mr Jack McFarland, 12 Cregg Road, Claudy, Londonderry, BT47 4HX. DROMARA, SECOND: REV D.H. GILPIN: Mr Herbert Chambers, 29 Stewarts Road, Dromara, BT25 2AN. DUNDROD: REV R.C. KERR: Mr William McClure, 20 Thorndale Road, Dundrod, BT29 4UD. ENNISCORTHY and WEXFORD: (Home Mission) REV M.R.J. ANDERSON: (Enniscorthy) Mr Ian Gibson “Tanglewood”, Monart, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. (Wexford) c/o Mr Ian Gibson.

ENNISKILLEN: REV G.M. ANDRICH: Miss Kate Doherty, Tiernisk, Drumgay, Enniskillen, BT74 4GH. FAHAN (Home Mission) and WATERSIDE: REV G.A. McCRACKEN: (Fahan) Mr James Lamberton, 1 Deanfield, Limavady Road, Londonderry, BT47 6HY. (Waterside) Mr William McIlwaine, 19 Glenaden Hill, Altnagelvin Park, Londonderry, BT47 2LJ. GARDENMORE: Rev B.S. PRESTON: Dr Philip Shepherd, 1 Huntersbuoy Lane, Larne, BT40 2HH. GLASTRY and KIRKCUBBIN: REV A. GILICZE: Mr James McClements.

GORTNESSY: REV COLIN McKIBBIN: Mr Ross Hyndman, 32 Temple Road, Strathfoyle, Londonderry, BT47 6UB. HYDEPARK & LYLEHILL: REV C.K. McDOWELL: (Hydepark) Mrs Lynas Alexander, 22 Broadacres, Templepatrick, BT39 0AY. KELLS: (Home Mission) REV ALAN McQUADE: Miss Ruth McCartney, Shancarnan, Moynalty, Kells, Co Meath, A82 PF60.

KILMAKEE: REV ROBERT LOVE: Miss Aileen Irvine, 5 Aberdelghy Park, Lambeg, Lisburn, BT27 4QF. KILREA, SECOND: REV DR CLIVE GLASS: Mr John McIlrath, 9 Moyagoney Road, Kilrea, Coleraine, BT51 5SX. MONEYDIG: REV DR S.D.H. WILLIAMSON: Mr Steven Torrens, 115a Agivey Road, Kilrea, Coleraine, BT51 5UZ. NEWINGTON: REV DR I.D. NEISH: Mr John Lynass, 8 Bushfoot Park, Portballintrae, BT57 8YX.

STRABANE and SION MILLS: 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. TULLYCARNET: REV DR COLIN BURCOMBE: VINECASH: REV P.W.A. McCLELLAND: Mr Thomas Graham, 38 Richmount, Portadown, BT62 4JQ. WHITEHEAD: REV N.W. DUDDY: Ms Helen Graham, 4 Kilcarn, Islandmagee, BT40 3PJ.

TEMPORARY STATED SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT BALLYCAIRN: REV WILLIAM HARKNESS: Mr Brian Milligan, 19 Glenariff Drive, Dunmurry, BT17 9AZ. BELLVILLE: REV D.S. HENRY: Mr Mervyn King, 29 Ardmore Road, Derryadd, Lurgan, BT66 6QP. CARNLOUGH-CUSHENDALL and NEWTOWNCROMMELIN: REV J.A. BEATTIE: (Carnlough-Cushendall) Mr Norman McMullan, 91 Ballymena Road, Carnlough, BT44 0LA. (Newtowncrommelin) Mr James Gillan, 67 Gracefield, Ballymena, BT42 2RP. GRANGE with CRAIGMORE: REV R.S AGNEW: Mr Jamie Harris, 32 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3BE. NEWTOWNSTEWART and GORTIN (Home Mission): REV JONATHAN COWAN: (Newtownstewart) Mr James Baxter, 22 Strabane Road, Newtownstewart, Omagh, BT78 4BD. (Gortin) Mr Adrian Adams, 32 Lisnaharney Road, Lislap, Omagh, BT79 7UE. WARRENPOINT and ROSTREVOR: REV S.S. JOHNSTON: (Warrenpoint) Mr Denis Brady, 28 Seaview, Warrenpoint, Newry, BT34 3NJ. (Rostrevor) Mr Terry O’Flynn, 15 Aurora Na Mara, Shore Road, Rostrevor, BT34 3UP.

THE ELDERSHIP Ordained and Installed: ELMWOOD: Lorraine Bell, Julie Murdock, Robin Walsh ENNISKILLEN: Clive David Morrow Died: GREYSTONE ROAD (ANTRIM): Samuel Magee OC RANDALSTOWN: David Selbert-Rainey

NEWTOWNARDS, SECOND: REV C.W. JACKSON: Mr Ivan Patterson, 11 Heron Crescent, Newtownards, BT23 8WH. PORTAVOGIE: REV G.J SIMPSON: Mr Trevor Kennedy, 1 Cairndore Road, Newtownards, BT23 8RD. RANDALSTOWN, O.C: REV A.W. MOORE: Mr Alun Coulter, 48 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3DB. RASHARKIN: REV A.J. McCRACKEN: Mr Norbury Royle, 96 Drumsaragh Road, Kilrea, BT51 5XR.

continued on page 50

Herald March 2023

49

CHURCH RECORD

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

Piano Tuning

continued from page 49

Services available throughout Ireland

THE MINISTRY

Tel: +44 (0)28 9268 9468

Installed: James Rogers, as minister of Ballygrainey, on 3 February 2023 John Stanbridge, as minister of Joymount, on 3 February 2023

Mobile: 07788 746992

Resigned: James Rogers, as minister of Ballynure, on 2 February 2023 John Stanbridge, as minister of Ballycastle and Croaghmore, on 2 February 2023 Retired: David Cupples, as minister of Enniskillen, on 31 January 2023 Died: Robert Neville Brown, minister Emeritus, former lecturer at Stranmillis College, on 10 January 2023 Thomas James (Jim) Hagan, minister emeritus of Donacloney, on 20 January 2023

Church AV Specialists

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

07855 450887 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.

Accommodation Northern Ireland PORTSTEWART: Excellent 3-bed house available June to August 2023 (3-minute walk to Promenade), NITB approved, no pets. Call 07803 184539.

PORTRUSH: Excellent 1-bed apartment (sea views) available May to August 2023, NITB Approved, no pets. Call 07803 184539.

PORTSTE WART: Excellent 4-bedroom cottage bungalow available June –S ept. Call 07513 826551, Email: pabloguy50@gmail.com.

Facebook: @campbellandcorentalproperties PORTSTEWART HARBOUR: 2-bedroom apartment to let. May, June and September availability. Tel 07753 718494.

CROSSWORD Solution to No 276

ACROSS DOWN 1 Confidential 1 Congregations 7 Nimble 2 Numbers 9 Martha to be in a relationship?

3 In-laws 10 Baa 4 Named 11 CE 5 Israel 12 Edward meone who shares your faith?

6 Faith 13 Exit 8 Bad 14 Gash 11 Cradle 16 Adam ficult to meet the right person?

15 Hungary 19 Teenage years 17 Sisters 20 Organise 18 Saturn on 23 Uses 20 Gains 26 Rare 21 Yield 27 Sony 24 SAE remost Introduction Agency for 28 Sudanese 25Catholics See

Hoping...

Seeking...

Finding...

heavenlypartners

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ww.heavenlypartners.ie 50

Herald March 2023

PORTRUSH: Modern bungalow in Portrush for holiday letting: 3 Bedrooms.

Enclosed back garden. WiFi. Located of the Coleraine Road. Walking distance to beach.

Contact Joy 00353 (0)862164169.

PORTRUSH: Cosy holiday home available few minutes walk from beaches or golf course. Can accommodation up to 4 adults and 2 children. Min of 2 nights booking.

Reasonable rates. Tel: 07735 928901.

This ad is being seen by over 30,000 people.

It could be yours!

To advertise in the Presbyterian Herald contact +44 (0)28 9032 2284 herald@presbyterianireland.org www.presbyterianireland.org/herald

Republic of Ireland CO DONEGAL: 3-bedroom farmhouse to rent for holiday accommodation all year round. Pets welcome. 1 mile from Carndonagh town centre. 10 minutes from beautiful local beaches and Ballyliffen golf course. Tel: 00353 749374227; Mob: 08684 48955. €80 per night.

Self Catering HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION: FLORIDA – Disney 20 mins, heated pool etc. SPAIN – East coast, minutes to beach, public travel by bus or tram. NORTHERN IRELAND – North coast, Portstewart, sea views.

Contact: geraldsmyth@hotmail.com Web: www.christiancoastalapartments.com

New Advertising Rates from 2023 (Trim size: 210mm x 297mm Bleed: 3mm)

Full Page – Outside Back/Inside Front

£490.00

Full Page – Inside

£450.00

Half Page portrait (w86mm x h256mm)

£295.00

Half Page landscape (w176mm x h126mm)

£295.00

Quarter Page portrait (w86mm x h126mm)

£150.00

One Eighth (w86mm x h61mm)

£80.00

Semi Display (per column cm – width 41mm)

£8.00

Classified ads are charged at 40p per word All prices are exclusive of VAT

Hoping...

Registered Charities and PCI Congregations will receive a 12% discount

Seeking...

Artwork for display advertising should be supplied electronically where possible.

to be in a relationship? someone who shares your faith?

Finding...

it difficult to meet the right person?

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Advertising needs to be booked by the first of the month preceding publication e.g. 1 August for September edition.

If you wish further information about advertising in the Herald or want to place an ad please contact the Herald office in Assembly Buildings.

Tel: +44 (028) 9041 7294 Email: herald@presbyterianireland.org

Church and Faith Insurance “Great is thy faithfulness” Artistic Director: Cherie Nummy

The TL Dallas team in Belfast has over 100 years collective experience in designing and arranging bespoke insurance products for the Faith sector.

Saturday: 10.00am - 7.00pm

Leveraging their experience, our Belfast team designed a facility for the Faith sector, which is now in its sixth year, and with the backing of Aviva, now covers over 200 churches. We also have access to Home Insurance policies for Ministers, including unique features, geared at protecting Ministers assets and responsibilities.

Sunday: 2.00pm - 5.00pm (no refreshments) Closing Service at 7.00pm conducted by the Moderator The Rt Rev Dr John Kirkpatrick

Flexibility is at the heart of the facility, which we’ve seen many Clients benefit from, with significant premium savings and the comfort of extensive cover.

Refreshments available - group bookings essential

Get in touch today to learn more or for a no obligation quote.

Friday 26th - Sunday 28th May 2023 Times:Friday: 26th May 11.00am - 7.00pm Official Opening & Dedication of Festival at 11.00am

Contact: Anne Love - Tel. 07751 577 003 Email: balteaghpresbyterian@gmail.com

Visit www.tldallas.com Call 02890 380 980 Email gary.proctor@tldallas.com

Balteagh Presbyterian Church Drumsurn Road Limavady BT49 0PH

BALTEAGH FLOWER FESTIVAL 23 ADVERT BG.indd 1

TL Dallas (NI) Ltd is an appointed representative of TL Dallas & Co Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Dallas House, Low Moor, Bradford, BD12 0HF. Registered in England No. 645405.

06/12/2022 19:24

1960

2023

“BE THOU MY VISION”

A Festival Of Flowers Artistic Director - Mrs Elma McDowell

Friday 19th - Sunday 21st May 2023 We invite you to come and join us to celebrate over 60 years of St Molua’s Church at Stormont as we give thanks for the past and look forward to our future

Friday: 10am - 8pm

Opening Ceremony at 11.00am

Saturday: 10am - 8pm Sunday: 2pm - 6pm

Thanksgiving Service at 6.30pm View the selection of beautiful handmade quilts on display in the Parish Hall as you enjoy your refreshments

CATERING OPTIONS AVAILABLE For further information and bookings, please contact Sharon Beck Mobile: 07958 142 612 or Email: sharonmbeck55@hotmail.co.uk St Molua’s Church, 645 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3LR stmoluasonline.com

Charity No. NIC 102374

Proceeds in aid of Parish repair fund with donations to Guide Dogs NI and Angel Eyes NI

‘I invite my childre n. I share the food with everyone . It is food that makes a meal for th e whole day’ Esther grows pigeon peas on her farm.

With these peas, she can bake delicious bread, support her daughter’s dreams, and send her grandsons to nursery.

Esther Saizi with her daughter Ziwone and grandson Emmanuel.

4-20 May

1 Christian Aid Week

This Christian Aid Week, you can help more farmers like Esther build happier futures for their families.

Find resources to plan your Christian Aid Week service at caweek.ie Christian Aid Ireland: NI charity no. NIC101631 Company no. NI059154 and ROI charity no. 20014162 Company no. 426928.

The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid. © Christian Aid February 2023.

Photo: Christian Aid/Adam Haggerty