MAY 2024
All smiles
in south Belfast
TEACH US TO PRAY New PCI resource
THE POWER OF GRANDPARENTS Passing on faith
BEING HUMAN
Changing our perspective on who we are
Committee members required for Christian Aid Ireland Christian Aid Ireland is seeking to appoint new members to two of its Board Committees, commencing November 2024.
Income, Finance, Risk and Audit Committee (IFRA); Fundraising and Communications Committee; and International Programmes Committee. We are especially interested in receiving applications from those with the following skills/experience: • Human Resources • Financial knowledge • Legal experience • Fundraising skills and experience ideally gained in the voluntary/ community sector • Development sector experience relevant to advising on international programme policy and strategy. Christian Aid Ireland is an independent legal entity within Christian Aid and is part of a global movement of individuals and organisations passionately committed to ending poverty and social injustice. Our work is inspired by Christian values and a belief that everyone, regardless of faith, race, ethnicity, age, gender or other identity is entitled to live a full life, free from poverty and injustice. An essential part of these values is the obligation and responsibility on us all to tackle injustice whenever and wherever we find it. Our work is based around four key goals: – Building a movement across Ireland – Building peaceful, just and inclusive societies – Demanding gender equality and supporting people who face discrimination – Tackling the root causes of injustice. This work is underpinned by a Christian conviction of the humanitarian obligation to work with people of all faiths and none. We are seeking to recruit Committee members who share our values and ambition to end poverty, and who will bring leadership experience, international perspective and faith to the role, providing support and guidance to staff and ensuring best practice in governance across all aspects of Christian Aid’s work in keeping with the Christian values that shape our vision. Terms of Appointment • Committee members are appointed for a 3 or 4-year term and are eligible for one further 3 or 4-year term after that. • The role is unpaid/voluntary but reasonable expenses incurred whilst fulfilling the duties of the role will be reimbursed. • Committees meet 3 or 4 times per year and most meetings are online. Further information and how to apply For a comprehensive role profile and further information including the latest Annual Report, Christian Aid Ireland Programme Strategy and From Violence to Peace Strategy, please visit our website www.christian-aid.ie or if you would like to speak with the Chair of the Nominations and Procedures Committee, please contact jdonaldson@christian-aid.org Expressions of interest from those with experience in the following areas would be particularly welcome: professional financial expertise; fundraising; legal; or HR. In the first instance, please express your interest in the role by sending a full CV and covering letter, outlining your suitability for the role, to Dr Nicola Brady, Chair of the Nominations and Procedures Committee, c/o jdonaldson@christian-aid.org by 31 May 2024.
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CONTENTS | MAY 2024
FEATURES 7
General Assembly 2024
Information on this year’s programme
14 From loneliness to belonging
The work of Safe Families in Terrace Row
16 Teach us to pray New PCI resource
18 Faith without borders A city centre congregation
31 A year in pictures
Postcard moments from a moderatorial year
34 The power of grandparents Passing on faith
36 Being human
Changing our perspective on who we are
Teach us to pray p16
38 Shining his light in Kenya A ministry for rescuing street children
REGULARS 4 5 6 8 9 12 13 22 23 40 42 45
Letters Culture watch News My story Jonny Frazer In this month Life lessons Norman Hamilton Mission Connect Reviews Life in PCI Ruth Sanderson
The power of grandparents p34
CONTRIBUTORS
Cover photo: Jamie Trimble May 2024 No. 858 £2.20/€2.60 Published by: The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, Belfast BT1 6DW. T: +44 (0)28 9032 2284 E: herald@presbyterianireland.org W: www.presbyterianireland.org
Shining his light in Kenya p38
Andrew Dickson is the congregational life development officer for PCI. He lives in Whitehead with his wife Katherine and their two children, and is a member of Islandmagee.
Ruth Bromley is PCI’s children’s development officer. She is married to Brendan, mum to Bess and is a member of First Holywood Presbyterian.
Peter Lynas is UK director at the Evangelical Alliance and co-leads the Being Human project. He’s a former barrister who is married to Rose and has two daughters.
Rev Elsye McCroskery is an ordained assistant in Windsor Presbyterian Church. She is married to Barry, minister of McCracken Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Editor: Sarah Harding
The views expressed in the features, news reports, letters and book reviews of this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor. Editorial comment and signed Subscriptions and Advertising: articles do not necessarily contain the official views of the Church, which can only be laid down only by the General Assembly. Acceptance of advertisements Edward Connolly; Hazel Gilliland does not imply endorsement of the goods or services. Advertising will not be Design and Layout: included if the product or service is deemed to be in conflict with the Church’s Edward Connolly official views, or if it is inappropriate for a church magazine. It is not Herald policy Printing: to include any editorial content along with adverts. The editor reserves the right W & G Baird Ltd to decline any advertisement or letter without assigning any reason. Letters may be edited for publication. No correspondence can be entered into regarding nonpublication of advertisements or letters.
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The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is a registered charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104483); registered charity in Republic of Ireland (20015695).
Herald May 2024
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