MAY 2023
“AI, please generate clever and witty headline...” A STEP TOO FAR?
Latest advancement in AI
THE GREAT DEPARTURE
The church’s missing generation
AWAKENING AT ASBURY
An outpouring of the Holy Spirit
Applications now open for YWCA's:
Resident Asssistant Programme
CLOSING DATE 22nd MAY 2023
WORSHIP - FELLOWSHIP - BIBLE TEACHING
Resident Assistant's (RA's) build a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for residents at YWCA Dublin, offering peer support, assisting them in practical ways, and facilitating social events for guests and the community. Resident Assistant's (RA's) build a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for residents at YWCA Dublin, offering peer support, assisting them in practical ways, and facilitating social events for guests and the community.
Free accommodation provided in our Dublin city centre residence!
5 - 11 August 2023 Ulster University, Coleraine RA Team 2022/2023
The ideal applicants will be: Women currently studying in Dublin or taking a gap year Interested in growing their hospitality and leadership skills, enhancing their CV and engaging with the wider work of YWCA Ireland, European YWCA and the World YWCA Interested in volunteering as part of a team in an intercultural and diverse environment Have experience or interest in developing skills in social media and marketing, hospitality, women’s leadership, event management and community development.
more info: www.ywcadublin.ie / infodublin@ywca.ie
With: Tony Horsfall Arianna Walker Archbishop Ben Kwashi
www.newhorizon.org.uk
to apply: linktr.ee/ywcadublin
CLONTIBRET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
HARVEST FLOWER FESTIVAL
WE ARE
HIRING
“PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING” Friday 29 September – Sunday 1 October 2023
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Friday 29 September – 2pm–7pm Saturday 30 September – 11am–6pm Sunday 1 October – 2pm–5pm
CLOSING HARVEST SERVICE Sunday 1 October at 7.30pm
Refreshments available Group bookings essential
Contact Alison Lyster 00353 86 8368638 alisonlyster@yahoo.co.uk Application information is available by contacting Robert Kennedy (Board member) robert.kennedy@missionafrica.org.uk
Closing date 26th May
Clontibret Presbyterian Church Braddox, Monaghan, Co Monaghan H18 V340 Charity No Chy22945
CONTENTS | MAY 2023
FEATURES 12 General Assembly 2023 Feature on this year’s timetable
14 Hitting the ground running Couch to 5K in Broughshane
16 Supporting leaders globally PCI grants help train leaders
18 The great departure
The church’s missing generation
20 A step too far?
Latest advancement in AI
31 Awakening at Asbury
An outpouring of the Holy Spirit
34 Sowing, planting & watering Exciting new church developments in PCI
46 Giving peas a chance in Malawi
Hitting the ground running p14
Christian Aid Week
REGULARS 4 6 8 9 11 13 23 39 40 42 47
Letters News In this month My story Life lessons David Clarke Mission Connect Norman Hamilton Reviews Life in PCI Ruth Sanderson
A step too far? p20
CONTRIBUTORS
Cover image: Illustration generated using the Midjourney AI May 2023 No. 848 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
Sowing, planting & watering p34
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.
Prof Stephen Williams is Honorary Professor of Theology at Queen’s University, Belfast.
Colin Burcombe is minister of Mersey Street in east Belfast and teaches the Hebrew language in Union Theological College. He is married to Anna and they have five children.
Rick Hill is Secretary of PCI’s Council for Mission in Ireland. He is an elder in Carnmoney Presbyterian and lives in Doagh with his wife Sarah and three children.
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 May 2023
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