Presbyterian Herald May 2025

MAY 2025

80 years

of remembrance

A faith-art exhibition, Angels Among Us invites you on a fascinating and inspirational journey, exploring the stories of Angels of the Bible Following the success of Angels Among Us, in 2019, Magheralin Parish Church is offering a second opportunity to experience this collection of 25 ‘life size’ angel sculptures. Commissioned from well-known and emerging Northern Irish artists, each display tells the story of an angel encounter in the Bible.

From ‘Elijah’s Angel’ formed from mosaic broken pottery, to the ‘Revelation Angel’ made from six wings of captured-tear-glass, this spectacular exhibition will challenge and inspire you.

EXHIBITION OPENING TIMES

FRI 28TH NOV - SUN 7TH DEC

Fri 28th & Sat 29th Nov: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Sun 30th Nov: 2:00 PM - 6:30 PM Mon 1st Dec - Thurs 4th Dec: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Fri 5th & Sat 6th Dec: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Sun 7th Dec: 2:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Group bookings outside these times may be arranged. For further information please email: angelsamongus25@hotmail.com

MAGHERALIN PARISH - CHURCH OF IRELAND 3 NEW FORGE ROAD, MAGHERALIN, CRAIGAVON BT67 0QJ WWW.MAGHERALIN.ORG

•

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CONTENTS | MAY 2025

FEATURES 6

General Assembly 2025 This year’s programme

12 Caring for creation Upcoming PCI conference

15 Refired for Jesus at 80 Finding faith in later life

16 20 years of reconfigured ministry in Ballybay A Monaghan story

18 80 years on…

Remembering VE Day

30 The Chosen

A TV phenomenon

34 Being present in this season of life and witness

20 years of reconfigured ministry in Ballybay p16

Adapting to changes in church life

36 An influx of emotions

Navigating the transition from school to university

38 More than child’s play

The importance of parent and toddler groups

REGULARS 4 5 7 8 9 13 14 23 24 40 42

The Chosen p30

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

CONTRIBUTORS

Cover photo: Stained glass memorial window, Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum.

May 2025 No. 868 £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

More than child’s play p38

Michael Jemphrey is a member of Knock Presbyterian. He and his wife Miranda work with Wycliffe Bible Translators and he is part of the task group organising PCI’s creation care conference.

Mark Chester is Care for the Family’s parent support manager. He has been involved in running parent and toddler groups for over 20 years and is the author of several books.

Rev David Thompson is Secretary of the Council of Congregational Life and Witness and chaplain to Glentoran Football Club.

Olivia Bailey works for Christian Unions Ireland and is based in Belfast. She seeks to support and equip students in their mission of reaching their campus with the gospel.

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 2025

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EDITORIAL

LETTERS Thanks for generous support

Change

To mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, the Herald hears the recollections of three Presbyterians who lived during the Second World War. It is remarkable to think of how much technological change these people have witnessed in their lifetimes.

We cannot imagine the chaos of wartime that they experienced, but many different kinds of chaos still abound in our world today.

In Culture Watch, David Smyth comments on the recent tariffs imposed on the rest of the world by Donald Trump. He says, “…the sheer speed, scale and the erratic nature of current political events feels like we are living in perpetual crisis and chaos.” However, he also suggests it is an “opportunity to explore with friends and family where their hope lies in a culture of chaos.”

Norman Hamilton addresses another big news story – the Netflix drama Adolescence, which shines a light on the world that our young people are growing up in.

The series follows the story of a 13-year-old boy who has murdered a teenage girl, inspired by real-life similar cases which are alarmingly becoming more prolific.

Norman says, “This is the most extreme outworking of awful harm inflicted on girls and young women by boys and young men, many of them deeply affected by contempt or prejudice against women or girls, and which is warped even more by violent pornography.”

There are many things in our society that would make us want to hold our heads in our hands in deep despair.

This may also be the case when we look at changes in the church. Highlighting PCI’s ‘Present’ initiative, David Thompson says, “We need to find the means of settling into a way of being present to our current challenges and opportunities that counters a temptation to despair and instead repairs in us a sense of purposeful focus.”

In all of this, our answer is to look to the One who holds all things together. Dorothy Malcolm who was just 14 when the war started, can still recite a poem she holds dear, quoted by King George VI in his 1939 Christmas broadcast. Perhaps we would do well to memorise it too.

“And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’ And he replied: ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way...’”

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Herald May 2025

Dear Editor I’m writing to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland for its unwavering prayerful and financial support towards the World Development Appeal.

Christian Aid has recently received a generous contribution of £160,000, a gift that will make a significant impact in longterm development projects aimed at combating hunger in Burkina Faso, the DRC, Sierra Leone and Honduras.

Thank you.

At a time when global development is facing setbacks and uncertainty, as governments and donors are making cuts and rolling back on commitments, your support is a beacon of hope. The compassion and generosity shown by Presbyterian congregations enables us to put our faith into action by making a sustainable difference to families facing hunger and uncertainty.

Hunger remains the leading cause of death worldwide, with nearly half of child deaths linked to malnutrition. For many communities benefiting from your support, traditional crops are the foundation of both their food and livelihoods. Climate change is disrupting harvests, with rising temperatures, drought and erratic rainfall causing crop failures and threatening families’ survival. Your support is crucial as together we help farmers in Honduras and DRC to grow drought resistant crops, provide rainwater collection systems in Burkina Faso to sustain crops during droughts, and equip displaced women in Seirra Leone with tools to

grow food and support their families.

This year marks Christian Aid’s 80th year of providing life-saving assistance across the globe. Eighty years made possible through the commitment of Presbyterian congregations all over Ireland. Your continued prayers and support make it possible for us to walk alongside the most vulnerable, transforming lives and offering hope where it is most needed.

Thank you for standing with us and for being a vital part of this important work.

Rosamond Bennett CEO Christian Aid Ireland

Mental health awareness Dear Editor We’re inviting groups and organisations across Northern Ireland to celebrate their communities this Mental Health Awareness Week 12–18 May. Community is an important protective factor for our mental health. It not only helps tackle social isolation, but it gives us a sense of belonging, safety, purpose and support.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, we are encouraging groups and organisations to host events and activities to showcase the great work they do; bringing people together and supporting wellbeing.

Everyone is also invited to take part in our fun ‘Wear It Green Day’ activities.

More information and resources to get involved in Mental Health Awareness Week are available on our website www.mentalhealth. org.uk/mhaw Karen Hall Head of Northern Ireland Mental Health Foundation

David Smyth reflects on what’s been in the news recently….

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tried. I really tried to avoid writing about the US president, and I failed.

As I write these words, Bloomberg has reported that $10 trillion has been wiped off the stock market following ‘Trump’s tariffs’.

The larger context is the decision to initiate a global trade war while simultaneously re-writing US foreign policy. Military support for some longstanding allies is being withdrawn while the sovereignty of peaceful neighbours like Canada and Greenland is being threatened. These shifting tides of American protectionism and nationalism are causing waves for the rest of the world.

At this point, I risk straying too far into commentary on economics and foreign affairs, where I am significantly under-qualified. So instead, let’s consider the story from two different angles as something of a cultural barometer, and consider how we might respond as followers of Jesus.

Chaos President Trump’s policies themselves are controversial but there are legitimate arguments about global trade, how much of our goods we should buy locally and how best to redistribute wealth. It is also vital that important and urgent discussions about defence spending and changing global alliances take place.

One of the major issues is the way these policies have been announced and executed unilaterally and without any advance notice to the markets or other countries through the usual diplomatic channels.

More widely, the sheer speed, scale and the erratic nature of current political events feels like we are living in perpetual crisis and chaos. In fact, I’m sure that by the time you read this piece, the news cycle will have moved on rapidly again.

Yet there is an opportunity here too for followers of Jesus.

With constantly shifting sands, many people are either burying their heads, or looking for a rock to build their life on before the next storm.

Psalm 90:2 says: “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” Yet, the Lord is not remote or abstract in his everlastingness; he is near and present, calling us who are weary and thirsty to come to him, to find abundant life and peace for our souls. I wonder if this is a moment of real opportunity to explore with friends and family where their hope lies in a culture of chaos?

‘Entertainment-ification’ Ok, I think I just made up this word but hopefully you get what I mean. This president is a master of political communication, who seems to see the world as a deal to be done, a fight to be won or a TV show to executive-produce. He announced these tariffs in the Rose Garden, like a game-show host complete with a large cardboard prop. Just a few weeks ago, when he met with President Zelenskyy in the Oval Office he quipped, “This is going to be great television.” Immediately following these events, and almost every other news story, social media explodes with parodies, memes and GIFs. Now, I love a funny meme as much as the next person and absolutely believe there is an important role for satire as a critique in public life. But there is a real danger that news has simply become another form of entertainment.

“Our politics, religion, news, athletics, education and commerce have been transformed into congenial adjuncts of show business, largely without protest or even much popular notice.

The result is that we are a people on the verge of amusing ourselves to death.”

So wrote Neil Postman in 1985, over 20 years before the invention of social media.

Much of this change in media consumption and the rise of ‘infotainment’ is being driven by the extent to which we live online. Globally, people average six hours and 40 minutes of screen time per day, with Generation Z averaging around nine hours. It’s possible that many children today will see their parents looking more at a screen than at them and vice versa.

In this moment, there’s an opportunity for us as Christians to pause and audit the sheer amount of media we are consuming. I love current affairs and am a huge supporter of good journalism. My challenge is to consume less media overall, higher quality media, and spend more time praying than scrolling.

I also include myself among those who are tired of the shallows of digital distraction and long for deeper face-to-face relationships. I think many of my non-Christian friends and family are similar and ultimately long for the kind of stability and relationships that God offers us with him and each other.

So, as you watch the news this week, resist the temptation to be overwhelmed or just entertained and why not have a faceto-face conversation with a friend about the hope you have amid the chaos.

David Smyth is head of Evangelical Alliance (EA) in Northern Ireland. To find out more about the work of EA, go to www.eauk.org Herald May 2025

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IN FOCUS | General Assembly

General Assembly 2025

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ext month, the General Assembly will meet a little earlier than usual, when the Moderator, Dr Richard Murray, formerly constitutes the annual meeting in Belfast’s Assembly Buildings, on the morning of Tuesday 10 June. The Assembly will close on Thursday 12 June with the General Assembly Communion service.

This year will be the 185th anniversary of the first General Assembly meeting, held on 10 July 1840 in Rosemary Street Presbyterian Church, Belfast. With the union of the General Synod of Ulster and the Secession Synod, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland was born.

It is also the 120th anniversary of the General Assembly first meeting in Assembly Buildings, having been officially opened on 5 June 1905. Another occasion to note is that for the first time in nearly 30 years, the Clerk of the General Assembly will not be in his usual platform seat to the right of the Moderator’s chair.

This year, Dr Trevor Gribben will become the eighth of his predecessors to occupy it, serving the Church in its highest office when he will be installed as Moderator on the Wednesday afternoon. The last Clerk to be elected Moderator was Dr Sam Hutchinson in 1997. Like all ModeratorsDesignate, in recognition of the office that they are to assume, the Presbyterian Theological Faculty, Ireland confers on them the degree of Doctor of Divinity.

Dr Gribben received his at a special graduation service at Union Theological College in April.

“For me, it will be a very different General Assembly. As I said in February on my election as Moderator-Designate, while it will be a great honour and an exciting opportunity to serve the Church in a fresh way, with the new opportunities and ministry that will open up, I still feel a certain amount of trepidation, but I am very much looking forward to it,” Dr Gribben said.

A change in senior office bearers Taking Dr Gribben’s place will be Dr David Allen, who will become Acting Clerk of the General Assembly. Rev Peter Gamble, minister of The Mall Presbyterian Church in Armagh, will become Deputy Clerk. Their appointments come into effect this month.

Dr Gribben continued, “While the Church’s senior office bearers will have changed, the General Assembly continues to be an essential part of the rhythm of our Church life, as it has been these past 185 years. Once again, this year’s meeting will largely follow the new format that was first introduced in 2024, following earlier decisions of the Assembly.”

In one significant change, however, rather than having a separate evening worship event; this year there will be two additional ‘reflective worship’ times led by the Moderator during Assembly business.

These will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Looking forward to the Assembly itself, Dr Gribben said that it is also “The PCI family coming together from across the island for Bible study and to worship, to pray and to wait upon the Lord, as we meet collectively to debate and decide matters that are central to the life and mission of our denomination. It is a time when the Church often gives collective voice to the concerns of many people within and outside of our denomination.”

Civic guests The installation of the Moderator will take place during the General Assembly itself. Before invited civic guests, visiting delegates, members of Assembly, and members of the public, on Wednesday afternoon, Dr Murray will lead Dr Gribben’s service of installation.

“As we progress with the arrangements and commit to the Lord our plans, in the spirit of Proverbs 16:3, please pray for all involved, for our deliberations and for the life, work and witness of our Church,” Dr Gribben said.

Mark Smith is PCI’s press and media officer.

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Herald May 2025

…the General Assembly continues to be an essential part of the rhythm of our Church life. #pciga25 summary Tuesday 10 June Opening meeting

10am – Opening address and constitution of the General Assembly – Dr Richard Murray

Reflective worship 5.30pm – Assembly Hall

Wednesday 11 June Reflective worship 12.30pm – Assembly Hall

Installation of the Moderator 4.30pm – Installation of and address by the incoming Moderator Dr Trevor Gribben

Thursday 12 June Communion service TBC – Assembly Hall

Assembly business details Tues 10 – Thur 12 June Assembly Buildings, Belfast All welcome to the public gallery, no tickets required, livestreamed Further information: www.presbyterianireland.org/ga2025 Email: info@presbyterianireland.org Call: +44 (0)28 9032 2284

IN THE ROUND | NEWS Service marks end of an era A service of thanksgiving for the witness of Woodvale Presbyterian Church has taken place.

The north Belfast church is closing after 130 years.

Preaching to over 200 people who attended, PCI Moderator Dr Richard Murray acknowledged the emotions that were being felt and empathised with the congregation.

He said, “I was very keen that the service would be one of thanksgiving for the congregation that had contributed so much to the local area over so many years.”

Founded in 1895, the church opened its doors four years later at a time of continued and intensive growth in the population of Belfast. By the 1950s and early 1960s the congregation stood at around 1,200 families. However, the opposite demographic shift of people leaving the north of the city in the late 1960s and early 1970s, led to

numbers falling dramatically.

With the congregation settling at 130 families, and 40 people worshipping on a Sunday, the decision was made to close the congregation, and that it be merged with the Presbytery of North Belfast.

Vacancy convener Rev Angus Stewart, explained this means “at some future stage, having reflected on the guidelines suggested by the congregation, the presbytery will use the funds as a blessing to others locally.”

IN BRIEF Hospital appeal PCI hospital chaplain Claire Sellar is appealing for PCI congregations to consider making and supplying ‘sensory/twiddle muffs’, to help those who have dementia or present with confusion when attending emergency departments.

The knitted or crocheted items are invaluable in helping settle patients and relieve agitation.

“They are single use and stay with the patient on their hospital journey and can take them home on discharge,” explains emergency department nurse Jenny Nicholson.

Claire, who is the designated chaplain to inpatients living with dementia at the Ulster Hospital, is happy to collect finished items. She can be contacted by emailing Claire.

Sellar@setrust.hscni.net

Historical Society The next meeting of the Presbyterian Historical Society takes place on 15 May, with the Robert Allen Lecture. Dr Robert Armstrong, Associate Professor of History at Trinity College, Dublin, will deliver a talk on ‘Reflections on the 1625 Revival’.

The event takes place at Union Theological College, and starts at 8pm.

Appeal to tackle hunger Monies raised from Christian Aid Week, which this year is 11–17 May, could fund vital tools and training to help farmers in hunger hotspots such as Guatemala.

In the Central American country, nearly half of all children experience stunting of their growth. In some areas, this rises to 90%. In the Alta Verapaz region, malnutrition in the under-fives is the highest in the country.

Here, many Indigenous families live without electricity, mains water or network coverage, and are on the frontline of a climate crisis.

Intense heatwaves and harsh droughts are causing food crops to die and rivers to dry up.

Amelia and her husband live there with their two children.

Their home has no mains water or electricity but there is a river that runs through the bottom of the plot. The community uses the river to catch fish, and families bathe and wash

their clothes. But the water is drying up in the heat. Every Wednesday, Amelia goes to the market to sell her produce. But the market is shrinking because farmers have little to sell.

In Alta Verapaz, 90% of people live in poverty, and the climate crisis is causing vital crops to fail. For these Indigenous communities, their livelihoods, traditions and survival are on the line.

Since 2011, Christian Aid has been working in Guatemala with its partner, Congcoop.

In 2020, when hurricanes Eta and Iota forced almost 200,000 people out of their homes and into shelters, Congcoop offered vital humanitarian aid. Today, Congcoop offers training and tools so that farmers can grow more resilient crops, conserve water and create organic fertiliser.

When Amelia discovered these ‘agro-ecology’ initiatives, she volunteered to attend the training sessions and bring the

Changes to Sunday broadcasting Amelia and her four-year-old daughter.

Credit: Christian Aid/Amy Sheppey

learning back to other women in her community. She is hopeful of better times ahead: “My first priority is to feed my family. I want my children to go to school to finish their education and live a better life.”

For more information or to make a donation, visit caweek.ie

From the start of May BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle’s Sunday religious broadcasting schedule changed. If you tune in regularly, please note the following: 6.30am–8am Kerry McClean 8am–9am Sunday Sequence 9am–9.45am Morning Service 9.45am–10am Thought for the Week 5pm–6pm Sounds Sacred 9pm–10pm Sunday with Brian D’Arcy

Herald May 2025

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IN THIS MONTH...

May 1978

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

Religious broadcasting Editorial comment

The winds of change are blowing and we’re beginning to feel the breeze.

It was not surprising to read the recent public statement from BBC Northern Ireland in which they said they have decided to discontinue the practice of inviting the newly elected Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland to broadcast on the Sunday morning following the meeting of the General Assembly…

Are worship services and religious meetings now in danger of being mercilessly shipped by TV and radio – in as far as they are not news, not informative, not entertaining? Are they judged to be celebrations of an incrowd?...

Of course, what has been overlooked by the Church in her use of the media is the intrinsic law governing the media – it must scratch where it itches! The programme must be relevant to the needs of listeners and viewers. It must be constantly kept in mind that the media are basically for information and entertainment.

The debate today is not about more air time for the Churches; it is about better and more imaginative religious programmes. We need not fool ourselves into thinking that we are going to ‘use’ the media to evangelise through live voices and pictures, nor need we think that the devotion of the church service will envelop non-churchgoers as well, just because it is transmitted through television or over radio.

If we want to use public media to evangelise then let’s do it properly… We will have to be honest and self-critical as our confession of sin shows us to be. We can’t hide our mistakes, excuse the inexcusable, look better than we are. We can’t always side with the powerful and the influential. We must show we live on promises and forgiveness rather than success. If we fail to come across the media for real, then we betray our nature and seek to fool the public…

United States

Over 1,000 people from entertainment centres and gambling casinos in Las Vegas heard Dr Billy Graham preach at 3am on a Saturday morning last month – and 43 responded to an invitation to accept Christ, including a Muslim belly dancer, three showgirls, seven cocktail waitresses, a card dealer and a homosexual.

The unique early morning meeting was part of a five-day evangelistic campaign…

Africa

In Africa, the circulation of Scripture Union’s Bible reading notes now totals 540,000. There are groups linked with Scripture Union in 4,000 secondary schools in the African continent. And SU field and executive staff in Africa now total 27 (including the staff of the closely linked Fellowship of Christian Students of Northern Nigeria).

Nearly all of them are nationals.

Ballycastle

Ballycastle congregation, situated on the north Antrim coast, has made 1978 its 150th anniversary year… Dr A.W. Godfrey Brown, the minister of the congregation has, this year, dedicated two carved oak flower stands in memory of Mr and Mrs Jean Bailie, bequested by Hanna Moore Bailie; a memorial window dedicated in memory of Mr and Mrs J.B. Ekin, a gift from their son and daughters.

Also from May ’78 8

Herald May 2025

Charlie Chaplin’s stolen coffin is found

Ipswich Town win the FA Cup

Boney M’s Rivers of Babylon tops the charts

MY STORY...

Dún Laoghaire Presbyterian Church organist, Edward Harte, talks about his love of music and the inspiration behind his fundraising efforts for South Sudan.

A love of music

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started playing the organ when I was 11, having been home. The then music director, John Morris, and the rector, a chorister at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, from Rev Baden Stanley, were kind enough to give me access to the age of seven. I enjoyed singing as part of the choir. I the organ throughout lockdown and ever since. As a result, I remember well the sense of excitement as I progressed am able to practise every day. Without this, I certainly would through the ranks; you start as a probationer, before being not have progressed as far as I have with the organ. promoted to a Junior Cassock Boy, you then go on to be After Covid, I returned to the cathedral, but now as an a Senior Cassock Boy and, finally a chorister. The strong organist and quickly earned the position of junior organ bonding between my fellow choristers and me was lifescholar. In this role, I play in matins at least once a week, as changing, as was the firm foundation in music. I enjoyed well as occasional evensongs and Sunday services. the sense of purpose, working together Beyond my activities as an organist, I under the dynamic leadership of our have been learning Swedish ever since Since first arriving in the the choir trip to Sweden and I am master of the music, Stuart Nicholson.

The choir sings in daily services, helping Presbyterian church, interested in international politics and people to open their hearts to God in economics. In 2023, I became aware of everyone has been worship through music. the current situation in South Sudan and extremely welcoming I look back with a great sense began to study the culture and the ways of gratitude for the wonderful of life of the many different tribes. I was and kind… opportunities that we had. We had a aware that relatively few people know really great trip to Sweden, I also took part in the famous about South Sudan and the struggles there, so I thought that services of Nine Lessons and Carols, broadcast on RTÉ. it would be good to spread awareness about the problems in We just managed to finish recording a CD of Advent carols the region, such as famines, violence and drought. I spoke Hark What a Sound, in March 2020, just before everything to people in my school and in churches around Dublin, stopped because of Covid. managing to reach over 400 people.

We will all remember our experiences of that strange On 16 November 2024, I hosted an organ recital in my time. For me, it was a great pity as that was the end of parish church to raise money for UNICEF. This project my chorister career – my voice broke during lockdown. received a huge amount of support from various groups, However, during my time in the choir, I had been receiving especially the parishioners of Christ Church, Bray and the piano lessons from Ernest Dines and, at his suggestion, I was congregation of Dún Laoghaire Presbyterian Church, where introduced to the organ. I well remember the day (25 June I have been playing the organ since January of last year.

2019) that Mr Dines and Mr Nicholson took me up into the Since first arriving in the Presbyterian church, everyone organ loft of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral to have a go. Looking has been extremely welcoming and kind, especially Rev back, it was a bit like giving a learner driver the keys to a Clarke Deering. He has been very supportive of my organ Ferrari! playing and of the South Sudan project – he gave me the Lockdown, in actual fact, provided a great opportunity opportunity to talk about it in a Sunday service. With the for me. The choir school days had been long – rehearsals at help of all the supporters, I managed to raise €3,588 – an 8.25am followed by matins at 9am every weekday, evensong amount that I could never have predicted. on Tuesday and Friday evenings, as well as the morning I will be starting the Leaving Certificate soon and I service and evensong on Sundays. I live in Bray and after am hoping to study Economics at university when I finish a few years of this my parents and I were pretty tired. My school. However, I hope that the organ and music will parish church is Christ Church, Bray – a short walk from remain an important part of my life.

Herald May 2025

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NEWS | PCI

Events Fortify Growing Young Disciples – a partner of PCI’s Council for Congregational Life and Witness – is holding a ‘Fortify’ event in Strandtown Baptist Church, Belfast on Saturday 17 May, from 10am to 4pm.

Fortify Days are for anyone involved in children’s and youth ministry. The aim is to encourage, resource and equip those who are passionate about raising the next generation to know Jesus and live for God’s glory.

Called ‘Handing down the faith’, the Belfast event will think deeply about what God says on the issue of passing on the faith to the next generation, who are growing up in an increasingly post-truth/post-Christian culture.

For more details and to book, go to www.growingyoungdisciples.co.uk/training/fortify/days

Getting alongside Whitehouse Presbyterian Church will host ‘Alongside’ on Thursday 22 May, from 7.45pm to 9.15pm.

Offered in partnership between PCI and the Presbyterian Children’s Society, the evening will explore ways your congregation could find fresh opportunities to get alongside today’s children. Those attending will hear about opportunities to work alongside a variety of ministries to help you make a difference in your community.

The Presbyterian Children’s Society will also share possibilities for grant-funding congregational-based projects centered around children and young people.

To book your place, scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/alongside2025

CMI evenings Throughout March, events were held in 13 presbyteries, with speakers from different aspects of the Council for Mission in Ireland’s work, including Home Mission congregations, church planting projects, mission projects and various chaplaincy roles in prisons, healthcare and rural communities.

The final Mission in Ireland evening for 2025 will be held in Glendermott Presbyterian on Sunday 18 May at 7pm with speakers Rev David Moore (West Belfast Special Ministry) and Sharon Heron (International Meeting Point), and a video highlighting church development in Wexford.

‘God ever present’ is the theme of this year’s Presbyterian Women annual conference.

Siân Wyn Rees, head of the Bible Society in Wales, is guest speaker at this year’s event, which takes place at Assembly Buildings, Belfast on Saturday 10 May. The morning session runs from 10.30am to 12.15pm, with an afternoon celebration from 2pm until 3.45pm.

The event is free and there is no need to register.

Event for families Spruce Meadows in Lisburn is the venue for this year’s ‘Family Festival’, which takes place on Saturday 17 May. The event is an opportunity to invite families with a connection to your church for a fun afternoon of activities.

The cost is £7.50 for adult/child with under twos free. Scan the QR code for more information or visit bit.ly/familyfestival_2025

The Carrickfergus Presbytery ‘Mission in Ireland evening’ held in Craigyhill

Leaders’ conference ‘Leading where you are’ and ‘leadership in action’ are just two of the topics being considered at this year’s ‘Emerge’ event.

Taking place at Lowe Memorial, Belfast on Saturday 14 June, between 10.30am and 7pm, the conference is for emerging leaders, aged between 21 and 30 years.

It will feature roundtable discussions, workshops and panel sessions. The aim is to encourage, equip and empower emerging leaders to grow and lead well where God has placed them.

To book, scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/emerge_2025

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Herald May 2025

Find out more on www.presbyterianireland.org

News

DIARY DATES

Prayer resources for the Middle East

May

On Friday 4 April, South Kirk Presbyterian Church opened its doors to provide a space for prayer, for those wanting to stand with Christians living in the Middle East.

Throughout the day, there was an opportunity to reflect on the current situation in the Middle East, as well as the chance to hear from some of PCI’s partners in the region, with videos produced by the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, SAT-7, Nazareth Evangelical College and the Arab-Israeli Bible Society. These short clips highlighted the difficulties of the region, as well as reflecting the incredible work of these organisations and the hope that this brings. The day finished with around 70 people

PW annual conference

Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Saturday 10

Family Festival

Spruce Meadows, Lisburn – Saturday 17

Mission in Ireland Evening Derry and Donegal Presbytery – Sunday 18

attending a reflective worship service that drew from people, traditions and music of the Middle East.

The resources used in the day of prayer, including videos, country profiles, liturgy and an overview of prayer stations are available on the PCI website for any congregation wishing to replicate the day, but there is also a strong sense that a day of prayer is only the beginning, a place to begin to discern God’s heart for the Middle East and how he wants us to respond.

To access the resources, scan the QR code.

Alongside

Whitehouse Presbyterian – Thursday 22

June General Assembly

Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12

Emerge

Lowe Memorial, Belfast – Saturday 14

Appointments

Blaze prayers

Next month’s installation of Dr Trevor Gribben as PCI Moderator has necessitated change in the Church’s leadership team.

Dr David Allen (PCI’s Deputy Clerk of the General Assembly and Deputy General Secretary – top right) has been appointed as Acting Clerk of the General Assembly and Acting General Secretary, from 12 May 2025 to 31 August 2026.

Following a recruitment process earlier in the year, Rev Peter Gamble (bottom right), minister of The Mall Presbyterian Church in Armagh, has been appointed as Deputy Clerk and Deputy General Secretary. He will take up his new permanent role on 19 May. Other changes agreed by March’s General Council included the appointment of the former Deputy Clerk, Rev Jim Stothers, to the roles of minute secretary to the Judicial Commission and General Council, and to this year’s General Assembly.

Children and families across PCI are encouraged to think about global mission through the ‘Blaze the Bee’ initiative.

This year’s prayer calendar is highlighting countries where PCI has friends or partners. This month, the focus is on Poland and Ukraine.

Blue Book This year’s ‘Blue Book’ will be emailed in PDF format later this month to all ministers entitled to attend the General Assembly in June. Upon receipt, congregational ministers are asked to forward it to their representative elder(s).

A hard copy of the ‘Blue Book’ will be available to everyone entitled to attend the General Assembly when they register at the Assembly in June.

Resources Let’s pray Keep up to date with the latest PCI prayer requests with ‘Let’s Pray’.

This weekly email resource provides prayer topics for the coming week, and features prayers and requests concerning all aspects of the life and work of the Church, with a major emphasis on Global Mission and Mission in Ireland.

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

Herald May 2025

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COUNCIL SPECIAL

Caring for creation Michael Jemphrey looks at the reasons for a creation care conference, ‘God’s World: Our responsibility?’, being hosted by PCI in September.

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t the beginning of the great story in Genesis, humans are formed from the dust of the earth (2:7) as were the animals (1:24). We all, man and beast alike, are dependent on the seeds (1:29–30) which are buried in the earth. From such an unpromising beginning, the seeds spring up and multiply to provide us plants for food. We are created from earthly materials, and its soil, plants and creatures provide what we need to live.

But there is another side of the story: we were made in the image of God to be rulers of the earth, and its animals, its fish and birds (1:26, 28). In the Garden of Eden, Adam is called to cultivate and care for the earth (2:15) and name the animals (2:19).

This conference will help us explore God’s world, the place he has given us in it, and the role we have to play.

What does it mean for us in this point of the story in 2025 AD to “rule the earth” when the earth is groaning from multiple forms of pollution?

Biologists study plants and farmers interact with the land, but many like myself live in urban settings. I have never farmed a day in my life, and the only food I pick myself are apples from my garden and blackberries from roadside hedgerows. For the rest I depend on farmers, processors, distributors, and retailers. I often wake up and have breakfast without pause for thought or wonder at the amazing natural processes, and human toil and effort it has taken to get cereal and toast on my table.

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A time to listen Following a survey of congregations, the 2024 General Assembly resolved to hold a conference on the topic of creation care. As current debates on the subject are often polarized, it is

…it is crucial for the Church to listen deeply to one another, and learn. crucial for the Church to listen deeply to one another, and learn. As followers of Christ, how can we have meaningful conversations about creation care with fellow believers who may well hold different views on some points?

In the morning sessions, Dr Chris Wright will trace the biblical narrative and God’s purposes for creation from the beginning of the story where all was ‘good’, through the fall where all creation is groaning, on to redemption and towards the new heavens and the new earth in Revelation. He will

Conference details ‘God’s World: Our responsibility?’ takes place at Assembly Buildings, Belfast on Saturday 27 September, from 10am to 4pm, with Rev Dr Chris Wright as the keynote speaker.

The cost is £10 (£6 for students) and bookings will open on 26 May. To register, scan the QR code.

address the question of how ruling and caring for creation relates to loving our neighbours and proclaiming the good news. There will be an opportunity to bring questions to Chris in a Q&A session.

In the afternoon, attendees will be able to choose from a range of breakout sessions, including: • Congregational stories – local church initiatives in creation care • Salt of the earth – Christians as influencers • Food, farming, and land use • Critical thinking in an age of information • Finding hope in climate anxiety.

There will also be space to listen to our Creator and his Word, reflect on what we hear, and consider how we may act in response, individually and in connection with others in PCI. This event is open to students, parents, teachers, church leaders, farmers, those in the retail industry, policymakers, ministers, and youth leaders – in brief everyone is welcome.

Join us as we connect with the Lord, his Scripture, his creation and his people. Let us learn together how to care for God’s world and glorify him, pointing forward to the day when “the knowledge of the glory of the Lord will fill the earth as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14).

Look out for an upcoming interview with Chris Wright in the June edition of the Herald.

Michael Jemphrey is a member of Knock Presbyterian and a translation and anthropology consultant.

TALKING POINTS

Lost boys

Following on from recent media coverage, Norman Hamilton looks at the challenges facing young men in today’s toxic society.

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of the everyday world in which they live, and about which ccasionally, just occasionally, a high-profile many of us have little or no realistic understanding. celebrity does, or says something really special, In it, they spoke of their addiction to gambling, gaming uplifting and worthwhile. I think that really was and pornography – and were explicit in saying that the case in the BBC Richard Dimbleby Lecture pornography is available to young children of all ages. They given by Sir Gareth Southgate in March. As the former also spoke eloquently, yet in simple language, of the pressures England football manager, he reflected on his personal to perform – at school, in sport, indeed in every aspect of journey as a leader, knowing what failure looked like for life, and of the constant pressure that comes on social media himself, having missed in a penalty shoot-out against Germany in the semi-final of Euro 96. He used much of his from “the minute we wake up to the last thing at night”.

After that interview on Newsnight, I recalled a speech to discuss the challenges that young men currently conversation several years ago which has haunted me ever face and what might be done to help. A few quotations give since. I was chatting in the early hours of the morning with the flavour of what he said: “Young men are suffering. They are feeling isolated. They’re two very articulate young men who had just come out of a grappling with their masculinity and with their broader place nightclub in Belfast. They told me that though they didn’t want to do drugs (not least because in society. And how sad is this, suicide We have to show young many of their friends had taken their remains the leading cause of death for own lives), they dealt in them regularly men aged under 50 in the UK.” men that character is in order to finance a night out such as Southgate referred to a report by the the one they were having right then.

Centre for Social Justice highlighting the more important than And they told me exactly how the fact that 2.5 million children in the UK status. finance was worked out. I asked them have no father figure at home. He said what was the alternative to that lifestyle. The response in there is “an epidemic of fatherlessness”, noting that boys are more likely now to own a smartphone than to live with their almost their exact words: “Well, the only other option is sitting at home with my Da, having a row with him over a dad. six-pack and watching TV.” From their perspective, what “They spend more time online searching for direction and they were doing was entirely sensible, even though they are falling into unhealthy alternatives like gaming, gambling knew they shouldn’t do it. Needing to choose between two and pornography. awful options. And not aware of any good alternatives. Two “We need leaders to set the right tone... To be the role models we want for our young men. We have to show young very lost young men – amongst millions.

The editor of the Herald has invited me to write not men that character is more important than status. That only this article, but to follow it up next month with some how you treat others is more important than how much money you make. That values matter... courage, humility, and thoughts as to what a Christian view of masculinity might look like in today’s toxic society. A very difficult subject integrity over selfishness, greed, arrogance.” indeed. If you have any wisdom to offer, please feel free to Coincidentally (perhaps?) March also saw the worldwide use my hamilton.norman@gmail.com email account to do so. I phenomenon of the Netflix TV series Adolescence, which, would genuinely appreciate your thoughts, on a strictly offaccording to one of its writers, was partly inspired by recent the-record basis (of course!) to help with a possible followcases of teenage boys murdering girls. This is the most up article later in the year. Thank you! extreme outworking of awful harm inflicted on girls and The full text of Sir Gareth’s lecture is young women by boys and young men, many of them deeply widely available on the internet, as is the affected by contempt or prejudice against women or girls, video of his address. and which is warped even more by violent pornography.

Southgate’s lecture and the series were discussed in a riveting interview by Victoria Derbyshire with three young Norman Hamilton men aged 17–21 on the BBC’s Newsnight on 19 March. Can I specifically urge – even ask – you to watch that interview Very Rev Dr Norman Hamilton is a former which is still available on BBC iPlayer and is headed ‘Young Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in men and toxic masculinity’. They painted a vivid picture Ireland.

Herald May 2025

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REFLECTIONS

Real friends Tommy Bruce Studies in Mark 2:1–12

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hat creative methods have you seen being used question was asked, “Who does this fellow think he is? Only or have used yourself to introduce your friends God can forgive sins” (v6). It’s amazing how correct a person to Jesus? I often wonder what my thoughts can be, and yet completely miss the truth. Everything about would have been if I had been there that day, Jesus pointed to the reality that he was the Saviour, and yet as the dirt and dust started to fall around those sitting in the because he didn’t match their understanding, they refused cramped room. to believe. Those who had the most exposure, who had the Was the roof about to collapse? How much is this going greatest access to knowledge of the Messiah, were hostile to to cost to fix? As the opening in the roof grew wider, the him. Jesus didn’t have to hear their words to know what was eager sweat-covered faces appeared through a cloud of in their hearts and he challenges them in verses 9 and 10. He dust. Loud strains and groans followed, as the sunlight was asks what is easier for them to accept: the physical healing of obscured, and the form of a man was lowered, on his bedroll, the paralysed man or to believe that he can forgive sin? Jesus to the floor. A crowd filling every corner of your house was didn’t permit their hostility to hamper or limit his work, one thing, but when strangers began to but rather he used their lack of faith to dismantle it, was that a step too far? And How is he changing your reveal his power and glory. yet what we would call the destruction As the man picks up his mat in v12, life and is that change of private property was forgotten, as the we are left in no doubt, that Jesus is being seen by your Lord sees and then speaks.

God. The people were amazed, they Jesus sees their faith (v5); not just had witnessed healing, they had heard friends and family? the faith of the paralysed man, but the Jesus’ teaching with authority, but what faith of those who had carried him. I confess that for many they had seen here was on a different level. The man was years, I had just assumed it was his faith, as I came with my physically healed, but his eternal destiny was also changed. predetermined biblical understanding to read this passage – Sometimes I meet people who have a vast knowledge the man had faith and so he was healed. Yet the challenge is of the Bible – they can talk about Old Testament people there for all of us who have friends and family members who and places, and their memory of New Testament events is doubt and struggle – it was the friends’ faith that Jesus saw. amazing – yet the God they speak of is remarkably similar Does my life, what I say and do in everyday situations, show to these teachers of the law. Their God is limited by what my faith in Jesus? Are others drawn to faith in Jesus as they they believe he can do, rather than the God who can step see my faith lived out? into the present and radically change people forever. The Jesus says, “Son, your sins are forgiven” (v5). A few simple one who has the authority and the power to say your sin is words that changed this man’s life, not merely his physical forgiven, your guilt is taken away, your shame is removed, life, but his eternal life. It was, by this stage of Jesus’ ministry, now go and live for me, is the true God of Bible times and well known that he was a healer; healing had become the of today. He hasn’t changed and he is still in the business norm, but these words penetrated even further, “Your sins are of changing lives. How is he changing your life and is that forgiven”. Who can forgive sins but God? After all, as King change being seen by your friends and family? I pray that we David writes in Psalm 51:4, “Against you and you alone will be open to God’s work in our lives, our churches and in have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.” With our communities, for his glory. these simple words, Jesus begins to reveal not only that he is the great teacher and the miracle worker that the crowd had come to accept, but now he is claiming to be God. The Rev Tommy Bruce is minister of Trinity, Letterkenny and Trenta paralysed man, and his friends, came in faith expecting to be Presbyterian Churches in Donegal. healed, instead he was saved.

The focus of the passage now changes to the teachers of the law who had been in the house watching what was going on. Their hackles were raised with these words, and the silent

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SHARING JESUS TODAY

Refired for Jesus at 80 Jonny McClune talks to Colly, a Presbyterian from Ballymena who had a life-changing encounter with Jesus later in life.

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the point. Encouraged to ifty years ago, after struggling with alcoholism in This story is part of look at the evidence, Colly his twenties, Colly began his journey of sobriety.

PCI’s new ‘Sharing read of Jesus in the gospels Early in his recovery, he was encouraged to find Jesus Today’ series, and in one prayer time felt God. While he developed a deep belief in God, he to be released in the presence of God and the struggled to establish a personal relationship with him. coming months via warmth of the Holy Spirit In the 1990s, life’s twists and turns – including business PCI’s web and social in the sunlight through the losses, mental health struggles, and depression – led Colly media sites. window and accepted Jesus to a pivotal moment. Another man (also in recovery) as his saviour. helped Colly see he was running on ‘Colly power’ Colly could see that God’s hand had been on his life and needed ‘God power’ in his life. Colly experienced but recognised that Jesus wouldn’t come into his life something of God’s grace and comfort and while his uninvited. He takes comfort in the relationship with God didn’t grow, his words a friend shared with him: “Those life turned a corner, his business grew “Granda, you’ve almost who come to the vineyard late get the and his mental health was transformed. same reward.” While celebrating his In recent years, Colly would have got God right… you’re 80th birthday and 50 years of sobriety sat with his wife as she streamed the just missing Jesus.” were significant milestones, the most Sunday worship in their home. She important part of Colly’s year was encouraged him to try Alpha, even for beginning a relationship with Jesus as his Lord and a couple of weeks. Colly agreed, and during the course Saviour. he heard the echo of his granddaughter’s voice: “Granda, you’ve almost got God right… you’re just missing Jonny McClune is PCI’s congregational witness development Jesus”. This came through a challenge from C.S. Lewis, officer. mentioned at Alpha – if we can accept Jesus as a great moral teacher but not as the Son of God, we have missed

Stories of sharing Jesus today Colly’s story encourages us to see how God is at work with all people, including those in later life. God was not finished with Colly and it’s inspiring to see the different people he used along his journey to draw him into a relationship with Jesus as his Lord and Saviour.

Has Colly’s story inspired you? Could you share the importance of a relationship with Jesus in your life? Is there someone who has been part of your life for a long time who might be worth a fresh invite to come to church?

Join us in thanking God for working in Colly’s life, for his story which encourages us to share Jesus with those who aren’t following him.

Herald May 2025

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CONGREGATIONAL STORY

Second Ballybay

Elders of First Ballybay, Second Ballybay, Drumkeen and Rockcorry

20 years of reconfigured ministry in Ballybay

In 2005, there was a reconfiguration of the churches in the Ballybay area of Monaghan. Twenty years on, David Allen talks to the elders involved in the process about their experiences of it.

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olomon, when he was writing the book of Ecclesiastes, said “…there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

As in all of God’s Word, it’s true, even when it comes to reconfiguring ministry and mission in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

One example of this happened in 2005 with the formation of the Ballybay Group, when the four congregations of First and Second Ballybay, Drumkeen and Rockcorry were brought into a linkage.

Before then, they were in two groups of two – First Ballybay and Drumkeen, and Second Ballybay and Rockcorry, with two ministers, and a weekly service in all the meeting houses. Now, they’re still four distinct congregations, with four kirk sessions and committees, and four meeting houses. But there’s only one minister, Rev Gerry Clinton, and there are only two services each Sunday, with First and Second Ballybay joining together every week in alternate buildings; and Drumkeen and Rockcorry doing the same. A few times

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each year, all four congregations join together for worship. The kirk sessions almost always meet together, and the youth work etc is shared.

At the start of April, I spent a very pleasant evening with the elders who were serving in 2005, along with Rev Gerry Clinton and Rev David Nesbitt and his wife Elsie. David had been minister of First Ballybay and Drumkeen at the time, having been installed in 1968. In 2005, Second Ballybay and Rockcorry then became vacant.

The reason for the visit was to hear their story – how they felt before, during and after reconfiguration – their concerns, their encouragements, and their reflections after 20 years of reconfigured ministry.

There are more leaders… members have greater opportunities to use gifts.

The first thing the elders were keen to share was that they all, without exception, believe that the reconfiguration has been a good thing – one that God has blessed – bringing encouragement, fellowship and support to them in their congregations.

Each worship service has a much greater attendance, the praise inspires more involvement and there is greater encouragement for families of all generations to attend. There are more leaders and Sunday school teachers in the combined congregations and members have greater opportunities to use gifts. Fellowship has deepened, especially among the elders, as they meet together to give spiritual leadership to the congregations. There is also more finance available, as only two buildings each week are being heated, only one minister is being paid, and only one manse is being lived in.

All of them firmly believe it was the right thing to do, and are thankful to God for the way reconfiguration has benefited their congregations.

However, they were honest that back

Rev David Nesbitt with his book Full Circle

...the reconfiguration has been a good thing – one that God has blessed...

in 2005, they had concerns about what would happen, and a few of them weren’t sure if it was the right way forward. The main concern they spoke about was what would happen to the meeting houses. Presbyterianism has a long history in the area, with families belonging to the congregations for many generations and with family members buried in the churches’ graveyards. The elders were keen to retain the meeting houses, and worship in all of them. It’s worth mentioning that there are other former meeting houses in the area, where congregations and worship haven’t been retained, but these four congregations were aware of their history, their identity, their presence and witness in the community.

One other concern was that people would only attend when the service was in ‘their’ church, and wouldn’t go on the alternate weeks – this happened with just a few families. There was open and honest discussion in 2005, they said, but the vast majority of them were in favour of the change, and agreed to present it positively to the congregations. Those who were initially reluctant, accepted the wishes of the clear majority, and when the decision was taken, all of them moved forward together.

First Ballybay

So, why did the elders endorse the reconfiguration?

Firstly, they realised something had to change, that things couldn’t go on as they had. Put simply, they knew there was no way that two ministers could be in Ballybay any longer. There weren’t enough people, there wasn’t enough finance, and they couldn’t expect PCI to provide the ministers and money to allow there to be two ministers in the town. While that was a painful realisation, it was one they all recognised.

Secondly, the elders all knew each other because the congregations had been working together for years. When David and Elsie came to Ballybay in the 1960s, the youth work among the congregations was united, and led by them. So, many of the 2005 elders had been sharing church activities for nearly 40 years. They knew, respected and even liked each other! So, the move to link the congregations was natural, an extension of their existing friendship and fellowship.

Thirdly, forming a group of four congregations allowed them to retain and use all their meeting houses. The identity, presence and witness of all four congregations was maintained

in the local area, both rurally, and in Ballybay town.

Finally, all the elders emphasised that they were led by a respected and trusted minister. David, with Elsie, had been ministering there for almost 40 years. He knew, and was known, by everyone and was trusted by all. In 2005, he was approaching retirement.

People recognised that the easiest thing for him would be to leave things as they were, avoiding change so close to retirement. By encouraging such a change, everyone knew he had no self-interest, and was leading the congregations that way purely because he believed it would be for their longterm benefit and blessing.

The last question I asked the elders was, “What do you think will be happening here in another 20 years?”

The quick-witted reply was: “The group will be doing so well that there’ll be someone else from Belfast talking to us to see what they can learn.” Amen to that!

(Many thanks to the elders, David and Elsie Nesbitt, and Gerry Clinton for their openness and hospitality.)

Dr David Allen is Deputy Clerk of the General Assembly.

Herald May 2025

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80 years on...

Corner of York Street and Lower Donegall Street, Belfast. Wikicommons

This month marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, which signalled the coming end of the Second World War a few months later.

Sarah Harding talks to three Presbyterians about their recollections of that time.

Dorothy Malcolm (née Adair) Kilmakee Presbyterian Church Dorothy Malcolm has just turned 100 and is a member of Kilmakee Presbyterian Church in Dunmurry. She was 14 when the war started and was living in Bangor with her mother and father and two sisters. Her father was a grocer who had a shop on Main Street and they attended Trinity Presbyterian, also on Main Street, a few doors up.

She vividly recalls the ships that would have been in Belfast Lough.

“There were always warships. Any boat crossing the Atlantic never travelled on its own – they travelled in convoy. You’d maybe have got up on a Sunday morning and there could have been 50 or 60 ships off Bangor. It was amazing – but we got used to seeing them. And then the next morning, you would get up and there wouldn’t be a ship to be seen.”

Along with the ships came sailors.

Dorothy says, “There were always sailors in Bangor – all different nationalities.”

In her mid to late teens, Dorothy became a hostess for the American Red 18

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Cross, which had taken a bit older, travelling to the Floral Hall in Belfast. For over Pickie Hotel. This Dorothy and many others, role was to help entertain the war was actually quite soldiers on their time off. a social time because there “We played table were so many dances. She tennis with the boys, had recalls hearing about the coffee with them and end of war, when she was just talked to them. We working at Stormont. danced to records and “We knew it was played snooker too. It imminent. I worked in the was generally just a club Dorothy Malcolm (née Adair) Ministry of Agriculture and for boys to come and we were waiting to go in relax.” and have our dinner. We were standing Dancing was a favourite pastime in the dinner queue when somebody for Dorothy. There was one particular American she remembers dancing with came in and said, ‘The war is officially who came down from Langford Lodge, over!’, and everybody was so delighted. where some of the men were stationed. But suddenly a quiet voice said, ‘The dances will never be the same again’. I She says, “I never went out with him, think we were all silently thinking the but he was a beautiful dancer.” same thing!”

She fondly remembers going to the Dorothy knew she was fortunate dance hall in Bangor, and when she was to be able to dance, because she had We were standing in the contracted polio at the age of three from the water at Bangor seafront. Her dinner queue when mother had taken her and her sister down to the beach. somebody came in and had gone into the water and fallen said, “The war is officially – “II was wearing a white dress and over!” blue sash. There was a boy sitting on

A street party in Donegall Square North, Belfast, Co Antrim to celebrate Victory in Europe or VE Day on 8 May 1945.

Copyright Belfast Telegraph

the wall looking down and he saw me lying in the water and rushed down, lifted me out and gave me artificial respiration to get the water out of my lungs. The doctor came to the house and said that within six weeks my legs might go beneath me, and within six weeks to the day, that happened.”

Dorothy’s father paid for a doctor who insisted on pulling her legs to stretch the muscles and straighten them, which made Dorothy scream.

But it seemed to make the difference as she knew other girls in Bangor at the time who also contracted the disease and ended up in wheelchairs.

Dorothy’s mother died during the war, in 1942, which was a very difficult time for the family, especially since the reason was never known to Dorothy (front row, far left) and her school hockey team

Thanksgiving service in St Anne’s Cathedral on 8 May 1945.

Copyright Belfast Telegraph

Dorothy’s father, Alex Adair, in the Home Guard (second row, third from right)

“That one night was terrible. I remember the planes flying overhead... them – although it is now suspected she possibly had leukemia or a brain tumour.

When rationing was brought in, it was a pressured time for her father as a grocer (he was also in the Home Guard, and had fought in World War One too).

“On the last Sunday of the month, we cleared the table and all sat down.

If you happened to have a boyfriend, he was roped in too. And we sat round and counted food coupons for my father to take up to the food control place on a Monday morning. And that

dictated what food he got allocated for the next month to sell to the people.

It must have been tough for him if he knew people who were very poorly and needed more meat, but couldn’t give it to them. There would have been a black market, but daddy didn’t indulge in that.”

Dorothy remembers the awful bombings of the Belfast Blitz, especially on Easter Tuesday 1941.

“That one night was terrible. I remember the planes flying overhead.

We were very fortunate in Bangor, but there were an awful lot of people killed in Belfast.”

The reporting of news was very important and so Dorothy remembers reading newspapers every day to find out what was going on in the war. She Herald May 2025

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In those days, everybody helped everybody else.

It was an amazing thing.

Dorothy and Walter Malcolm on their wedding day at Helen’s Bay Presbyterian Church

was also an avid fan of the cinema and “He was also a wonderful orator. You would have gone three times a week – wouldn’t have missed it. Churchill was the Pathé news reports before the film absolutely fantastic.” were helpful sources of information Dorothy loved the radio, and still too. does. She remembers when they first Dorothy’s family attended Trinity got a radio in the family home.

Presbyterian Church morning and “My sister was mad keen to get dance night every Sunday and she particularly music – it was on every evening at a remembers Rev Wimpress, who was quarter past five. My mother was more installed in the congregation in the nervous about the radio. One evening early 1930s as “an absolutely fantastic she had it on and was the last one to orator”. She says the church was go up to bed. She was tidying up and packed out every Sunday night with went over to turn the radio off. She put young people. “If you weren’t in your her hand to the knob and man on the pew half an hour before the service radio said, ‘Don’t be going away dear’ started, you had to sit on a chair in the (as dance music was about to come on). aisle. Both aisles had chairs the full My mother thought he was speaking length of them. We all went in with directly to her! So she never halted and our hats on and went straight up then came out the stairs – my Dorothy at her 100th birthday party and walked down father had to Queen’s Parade, come down to holding our hats turn it off.” in our hands.”

Dorothy met A favourite her husband haunt for the Walter at a dance teenagers after and married church was The in 1954. The Crystal Buffet couple moved on the seafront, to Belfast and where Dorothy later Dunmurry enjoyed tomatoes in 1960. The on toast with estate where her friends. She she still lives recalls listening was just newly to the radio there developed then, when Winston and she became Churchill spoke a founding to the nation. member of 20

Herald May 2025

Kilmakee Presbyterian Church.

Dorothy has many hobbies, including playing bridge online and watching sport – particularly tennis, golf, rugby and snooker. She was thrilled to get a 100th birthday card from one of her favourite tennis stars – Tim Henman.

She also enjoys getting her nails done every month.

Dorothy has coped with many ups and downs in her life but the one constant in all of it has been God. She says, “He’s always been there”.

She has kept a postcard with the words of the poem God Knows by Minnie Louise Haskins, which was quoted by King George VI in his 1939 Christmas broadcast to the nation. Dorothy can still recite it and it appropriately helps to sum up her faith: “And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’

And he replied: ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way...’”

Thanksgiving service in St Anne’s Cathedral on 8 May 1945.

Copyright Belfast Telegraph

Brian Scott West Presbyterian Church, Bangor Brian Scott was born in 1932 and so was seven years old when the war started. He grew up in a house just under the ‘nose’ of Cave Hill on the outskirts of Belfast. He has very fond memories of living there.

Brian Scott aged 30 “My grandfather built three houses there and around them was nothing else but green grass. I climbed Cave Hill every day.”

Brian recalls living through the war and he particularly remembers the Belfast Blitz when people desperately tried to escape the bombing of the city.

“It was just a mass of humanity that came up the Cave Hill Road. I remember watching them – I had a good look at everybody coming up. They were literally staying in the mountains.”

He also recalls being in the front garden one day and seeing a parachute coming down.

“I called my father and he came out, looked up and then threw himself on top of me. It was a bomb and it went off in the field above us. It left an awful crater, but thankfully no one was hurt.”

On VE Day, he says the neighbours got together to celebrate. “We had a big party in Henderson Avenue – it was a very joyful occasion.”

Stained glass memorial window, Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum.

Copyright Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum

He wistfully remembers the camaraderie and care that people showed each other during war time. “In those days, everybody helped everybody else. It was an amazing thing.”

Brian was one of four siblings and the family attended Rosemary Presbyterian. When he moved out of the family home, he bought a cottage in Islandmagee and attended First Islandmagee. It was around this time that he gave his life to Christ.

He was then in the Merchant Navy for nine years and says, “I enjoyed the water. There’s no two ways about it – the sea was in my blood. I had a couple of uncles that were captains.”

His life at sea took him to far-flung places like New York and the Bahamas, but he settled back in Belfast when he married his wife Anne, who he met at church. Initially they attended Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church before becoming members of West Church, and had one son, Rick.

Brian’s faith has remained strong all his life. Even during a recent stint in hospital, he was praying with other patients and sharing his faith.

“I’m a great believer in Jesus.

Everywhere I go, I take him with me.

He has promised me, ‘Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find.’

I take his promises for everything.

It’s amazing the people that I have brought to Jesus – just through simple conversations.”

It was just a mass of humanity that came up the Cave Hill Road…They were literally staying in the mountains.

Brian Scott and his son Rick

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Jim Henry Union Road Presbyterian, Magherafelt Jim Henry was only a baby when Belfast was bombed in the Blitz, but it had a lasting impact on the direction of his life. Born in December 1940, he was five months old when Belfast suffered catastrophic damage from the German bombers, particularly on the Easter Tuesday raid of 15 April 1941.

Jim’s family lived in the Dunmore area of the Antrim Road in north Belfast, which was badly hit. The family had to be evacuated and were sent to Magherafelt.

“We never went back to the house, and my mother and father never talked about it.”

At that stage, Jim had five siblings (his mother went on to have another four children), and the family were settled in a house owned by First Magherafelt Presbyterian – the Coolshinney school house.

“My mother kept us here while my father worked in Belfast five days a week. He’d come home every Friday night and go back again on Sunday night.”

Although fewer signs of war were visible in Magherafelt, Jim remembers seeing soldiers in the area.

“The American soldiers would have gone up and down the road to the airfields in Ardboe and another place just outside of Moneymore. The American Air Force had a lot of bases about.”

Jim married his wife Ray in 1960 and they went on to have six children. The family moved churches to

In those days there was no money in the country, yet the church family were very generous to us...

Union Road Presbyterian in the 1960s and have been worshipping there ever since. In 1976 Jim set up a construction company with Harry Keenan which was called HK Construction, then in 1986 Jim took the bold step of starting his own construction company and Henry Brothers Ltd as it is now known

Jim Henry and his wife Ray

was formed. Jim has since retired from the business but it is still owned and run by second generation family members.

The kindness and care of First Magherafelt had a lasting impact on Jim and his family – a fact that he only fully appreciates looking back.

“I don’t think it’s until later that I realised how much First Magherafelt had done for us. In those days there was no money in the country, yet the church family were very generous to us, as were our neighbours at Coolshinney and the surrounding area.”

What the Herald said in June 1945 The church in the hour of victory in Europe By the Literary Editor As we write, the overwhelming news of the German debacle is pouring in hour by hour. No great nation has ever suffered such deep humiliation. The revelations of obscene horrors of cruelty in the prisons and camps – “the lowest depth of human degradation,” as the parliamentary deputation well called them – impel us to the conclusion that this humbling of the great German people is in accordance with the just judgment of Almighty God. How then should the church of Jesus Christ comport herself in this tremendous hour?

1 The church must seek humbly and patiently to construe and interpret victory aright… Deeply grateful acknowledgement will be made, in numberless ways, of all that our heroic men and women have done and suffered…The debt we owe is beyond all computation. But first of all, let the awe of God fill and dilate our souls…

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2 The church should be encouraged and confirmed in her witness and work by the consciousness that God’s strength enabled her in so many lands and under such terrible strain to maintain her integrity of conscience, her testimony against tyranny and injustice and her loyalty to the principles of Christ…

3 The church will realise that she alone is entrusted with the true basis of a World League. The New Testament is the one final charter of international brotherhood…

4 The church alone can fully interpret and voice the highest calls of a new world order. The end of the war is not yet. The call is still to discipline and patient endurance. But already the tasks of peace confront us…

It is for the church to make clear to one and all that only on spiritual foundations can a better, cleaner, more wholesome and equitable world be built…

REFLECTIONS

Translations Ruth Sanderson

T

he crematorium was surprisingly beautiful. A simple is that everyone around the globe can read the Bible in their A-frame wooden barn in structure, it wasn’t like own language. the ones I had been in before, which were concrete, I spent a happy summer when I was 17 in the south of cold and impersonal. This one sat in an open green France on one of Wycliffe’s student summer trips, spending landscape and overlooked the misted Ochil Hills in the hours helping to illustrate an edition of a children’s picture distance.

Bible in a Ghanaian tribal language. The team was led by Mourners in dark colours gathered in the foyer as we the late Ian and Clare Gray, who had dedicated their lives waited to go into the main service area. Gentle voices to helping unknown numbers of people read and discover and nods, smiles and the odd laugh between old friends the reality of Jesus in their own languages. Ian translated murmured, as we all stood around. the Tampulma language in Ghana and checked the Bible A friend’s mum had passed away. We have known him translations in 10 other languages. He and Clare, I am in since our university days, and we were no doubt, helped tens of thousands of there to support him, his wife and people to faith in Christ through their Reading the Bible in children. It was the first funeral we had painstaking work. The Grays were called one’s own language is been to in Scotland we realised, as we to bring that familiar whisper of the waited. tongue that is in each inner part something that we might mother The doors opened and we went in to of us. take our seats. The silence fell and we all take for granted as it is Those memories came back to me stood as the strains of Auld Lang Syne while we were sitting in a cool Fife by no means the case for crematorium. Reading the Bible in played on the harp and fiddle. everyone.

“This is quite Scottish, isn’t it?” I one’s own language is something that whispered to my husband. The coffin was we might take for granted as it is by no festooned with roses interspersed with thistles. means the case for everyone.

As the service went on though, it was impossible not to Today, the whole Bible has been translated into over 750 notice a particularly Scottish flavour to the proceedings. different languages, with nearly 4,000 active translation There was a poem by the former national poet of Scotland, projects in progress. Language is at once an evolving and Kathleen Jamie, about the Battle of Bannockburn. Highland particular thing. Meanings and syntax change from one Cathedral was played on the bagpipes, and then the minister generation to the next. Many in the world speak a local, read a portion of 2 Corinthians in Scots. (He pointed out tribal or regional accent or dialect. Languages like Basque that it was Ayrshire Scots, which was met with a mixed have no roots in any other established language and are reception in eastern Scotland.) throwbacks to an ancient prehistoric tongue. Alpine valleys The reading was particularly moving. I was so struck with in the Tyrol speak languages which vary from valley to valley. the sincere way in which it was read and how it took on a Within the UK and Ireland, we have many variations and new and personal meaning to a largely elderly congregation various languages. All beautiful and valid and meaningful. who had grown up speaking some kind of version of it. A All these ways of communication are living and moving. thick, knowing hush came over the congregation and they Isn’t it amazing when people can read God’s Word in the listened to words which many had only heard repeated at way they pray to him? weddings and funerals. These words now took on an intimate “For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than meaning. As the minister continued, it felt as though any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul through those words, God had drawn everyone in closely and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and and was whispering into each of their ears – just as parents attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). and grandparents past had done in that language.

It made me think of the importance of the work of organisations like Wycliffe Bible Translators, whose mission

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DEACONESS

God’s plan Cathy Smith First Holywood

I am continually blessed each week when we join together.

D

uring my childhood, we lived near the Donegall Pass in Belfast. I remember walking past Union Theological College on numerous occasions, completely unaware of the important role it was going to play in my life. I could have never imagined that God would place me in this building to train to become a deaconess.

As part of my training during my final year at college, I was placed in First Holywood Presbyterian as a trainee.

After my training finished, a deaconess opportunity arose in the congregation, and through prayer, I felt that this was the place where God was calling me to serve.

I was delighted to be commissioned and inducted as a deaconess on 23 November 2024.

First Holywood Presbyterian is situated in the heart of a vibrant town, with a busy main street. It has a close-knit community, making it easy to meet with members of the congregation outside of the church and strengthen relationships with them.

Each Tuesday, our building is busy with a parent and toddler group, attended by people from all walks of life who may have never attended a church before. It’s the perfect time to chat and connect with others, being a great outreach opportunity to the community around us.

On a Wednesday morning, I lead a women’s Bible study.

This is a special time of the week for me, as we spend time together studying and learning from the Bible. The fellowship and friendship these ladies have developed over the last few months is so encouraging. I am continually blessed each week when we join together. We also enjoy some fun together with one of the ladies requesting to listen to the 1970s’ pop band Boney M singing Rivers of Babylon.

One of the parts of my role as a deaconess is supporting members of the congregation, especially those

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struggling with loneliness, illness or coping with the loss of a loved one. My mum was diagnosed with dementia around four years ago. This has led me to be more aware of the increasing numbers of our elderly members who are experiencing the devastating effects of memory loss. I was encouraged by the church to organise a training evening, hosted by the Alzheimer’s Society, to provide expert advice to families living with dementia. We were encouraged as a congregation to care for the person with dementia, with ideas shared for offering prayerful and practical support to families.

During this training, I was reminded that, although the person who we love may be changing, the love that God has for them will never change.

Please pray: • For God to lead Cathy as she serves in First Holywood.

• For the women’s weekly Bible study.

• For members and the families of those who suffer from dementia.

HOME MISSION

Growth and opportunity Rev Damien Burke Drogheda

…we have people from all over the world, coming together for corporate worship.

I

n the last census, Drogheda was the largest town in the Republic of Ireland. More and more people are coming to live and work in Drogheda and the surrounding areas.

There are over 5,000 houses currently being built on the north side of the town.

This population increase has impacted our congregation, as we have experienced numerical growth over the last year, in particular.

This growth has been wonderful because on Sunday mornings, we have people from all over the world coming together for corporate worship. It does feel like a foretaste of Revelation 7:9: “From every nation, tribe, people and language”. However, this increase in number presents its own challenges in how we get to know one another deeply as a church family, in understanding the different cultures and backgrounds, and in becoming more than a Sunday morning church.

We are thankful to God that most Sundays we have newcomers coming along who are either new to the Christian faith or seeking a church. We are grateful for the ongoing ministries such as the home groups and midweek

gatherings which help us connect with one another and with God through Bible study and prayer. We are thankful to God for those who serve faithfully, in the Sunday school provision, youth club, ladies’ book group, men’s breakfast and the young adults ministry.

Our church toddler group, which takes place every Thursday morning during school term time, has been a great way to serve, care and reach out to the local community. The team of volunteers from the congregation have been able to foster good and meaningful relationships, taking opportunities to pray and speak about the Lord with parents, grandparents and childminders who come along. It has been a joy to see some families come along to an evening outreach event, the Christmas carol services and Sunday morning off the back of the connections with toddler group.

Please continue to pray for us in this period of growth and opportunity.

Please pray: • That the congregation would grow in their knowledge and love of God. • That the elders would know the Lord’s help in pastoral care and leading of the church.

• That the congregation would use every opportunity to make the good news of the gospel known in Drogheda.

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CHAPLAINCY

Answers to prayer Rev Graeme Orr

Ulster University, Magee campus

It has been a most encouraging year with many God-given opportunities to share the gospel…

T

hank you sincerely to those who pray for the Lord’s work among students in Magee, prayer is being answered.

I am thankful for the small team of Christian students who faithfully help out with the weekly tea, coffee and Bible outreach each Thursday morning during term time. Caitlyn and Rebecca have been such an encouragement. It has been a most encouraging year with many God-given opportunities to share the gospel with various needy souls from many nations. Pray that where ‘good seed’ has been sown in conversation and through the written page (many gladly receiving copies of God’s Word) that some might be saved.

The Christian Union (CU) continues to grow with around 100 students involved. The CU committee has been a joy to work with, supporting them as they themselves are burdened to reach out to fellow students.

This culminated in a successful week of mission through February with various events organised to encourage unsaved students to attend. The CU has enjoyed God’s rich blessing in hearing from his Word each Tuesday evening and they have deepened their fellowship and walk with God through small groups.

Graeme Orr, CU president Maggie Craig, Professor Malachy O’Neill, Dr Richard Murray and Rev Joe Fell

CU students enjoying some fellowship in Magheramason manse

It has been a joy to have a number of Christian students at our evening services in Magheramason, with three ’student-led’ services as we seek to encourage the next generation in the proclamation of the glorious gospel.

In February we also were encouraged by the visit of our current Moderator Dr Richard Murray. As we recounted the past rich heritage of ministers previously trained for service at Magee, we prayed together for the raising up of future ministers who might continue to serve the church and denomination for years to come. Through it all, as I continue to seek to be faithful to that which the Lord has called me to in part-time student ministry, my prayer is that of John the Baptist found in John 3:30: “He (Jesus) must increase and I must decrease.” To God be the glory!

Please pray: • For the continued growth of the Christian Union at Magee.

• That the CU committee members are encouraged in their outreach efforts.

• That students are open to hearing from God’s Word, and that many come to faith.

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SOUTH BELFAST FRIENDSHIP HOUSE

A faithful God Robert Dalzell

Mission project leader

God has been faithful in many ways during this season…

A

s with many mission projects and congregations in PCI, Friendship House tends to have varied seasons. There are, of course, the usual markers of Easter, Christmas and half terms, plus metaphorical seasons, such as the ‘busy’ season, the ‘off’ season, and the one we have found ourselves in recently, the season of change.

Since taking on the role of project leader in 2023, there have been many changes in staffing which has shaped what we offer. Yet, through all of this uncertainty, God has always been faithful – providing just what we need, right when we need it. We are always mindful of those who have previously paved the way for where we are today. The words of the old hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness have come to mind: “Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father; there is no shadow of turning with thee.

Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.”

God has been faithful in many ways during this season, through our interactions with ‘old faces’ during our regular activities and also in building new relationships through some new programmes.

We have seen his faithfulness through the continued provision of resources, volunteers and prayers from within the denomination and further afield. One place in particular where we have seen his faithfulness is in two of our new programmes for adults – a men’s breakfast and a women’s Bible study. Our men’s breakfast is the newest programme and is a partnership between South Kirk, Belfast City Mission and ourselves.

It has begun to find its ‘regulars’, allowing the team to build relationships and share the gospel with them.

Our women’s Bible study has been another testament to God’s faithfulness.

It began as the result of one of the ladies from our friendship group coming to faith and, as she began to share this with the group and her family, it became clear there was a real hunger to know more about God and his Word. This particular lady has been coming to Friendship House for years, through many programmes and sending her children and grandchildren. Over the years, through the work done by many in Friendship House, God has been faithful in bringing this lady into his arms. No doubt many years of faithful prayer, service and friendships have played a part in seeing God’s faithfulness play out in her life. Our faithful God uses faithful people (though often unfaithful too). Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father.

Please pray: • For the relationships being built through the new programmes, that they would be fruitful.

• For the new Christians as they navigate living out their faith.

• Give thanks for those coming to faith and sharing that with those around them, and for God’s continued faithfulness in all that Friendship House does.

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GLOBAL MISSION IN SPAIN

Resting in the assurance of Christ Neil and Jenny Stewart Northern Spain

…it is the lack of Christian fellowship and the high level of secularisation that is the most daunting.

“W

e’re not really sure…” That’s the answer that I seem to be giving people a lot at the moment. “What will you be doing day to day?” “What do you expect to happen?” “How do you go about planting a church?”

To be honest, I’m not really sure about a lot of things at the moment. There are days when I feel like I have more of a handle on what life and ministry are going to be like, and other days when it seems like I have no clue at all.

In 2024, my wife Jenny and I accepted a call to plant a church in northern Spain. We had previously served with Latin Link in Chile and had seen the great need for healthy churches worldwide. We knew the riches that we have in Ireland – large numbers, thriving congregations, abundant resources, a world-class college where we could study – but we also saw how large parts of the global church have so little. It was a burden that stayed with us throughout my time at Union and as an assistant at Hamilton Road. How can we leave large parts of the global church hungry for gospel teaching when we have so many who can explain the Scriptures? How can we leave the job of witnessing about Christ to so few of our family amidst a sea of unbelief? It was a thought that just wouldn’t go away, and so even with three young kids and countless questions and doubts, we knew that we had to accept.

I am writing this at the beginning of April. After Easter, we move to Bilbao to begin to build a home, friendships, cultural understanding and all the other things needed to live somewhere long term.

Packing up here, teaching the kids Spanish, dealing with the culture shock and transition

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are one thing to worry about, but it is the lack of Christian fellowship and the high level of secularisation that is the most daunting. The area of Bilbao where we will be living and eventually planting currently has no evangelical church and there can be hostility to the gospel in northern Spain, so we understand that the work could be difficult and long. We are grateful for Derek and Jane French as well as others in the Basque Country Project Team who we will be able to learn from and journey alongside.

There are still many questions for which we need to find answers, however, we are confident that God wants to build his church. In John 10, Jesus says, “I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.” Christ calls the most unexpected people, he uses the most unlikely of people so that even if the situation looks hard, even if we feel unsure at the moment, we can rest knowing that he holds all things together and that he will build his church.

We’re not really sure what will happen. But he is, so we can rest in that.

Please pray: • For the Stewart’s children – Grace, Jonah and Zachariah – as they try and adjust and learn the language.

• For the relationships with neighbours, friends, Christians the family might meet, and others so that they would feel at home.

• For the work of the Basque Country Project Team.

• For the people of Bilbao, that they would be open to the gospel and that the Stewarts would see good fruit.

Sowing gospel seeds Neil Harrison

Mission development officer

The challenge of this work cannot be underestimated.

I

n March, I spent three days visiting Derek and Jane French, PCI global mission workers in Bilbao serving in student ministry with Grupos Bíblicos Unidos (GBU), and in church planting and mission to the Basque people. Accompanied by Rev Stephen McCracken, convener of the Council for Global Mission, the purpose of the visit was to encourage, pray and have a clearer understanding of the complexity of mission in this region.

We spent plenty of time with Derek and Jane and their family, who have been serving in Bilbao since 2007. We asked many questions to gain insight into the context for mission in the proud Basque region of northern Spain.

We also met with the wider team of mission workers from different countries, who form the Basque Country Project Team with a vision to reach the Basque people with the gospel. Neil and Jenny Stewart will be joining this team with a focus on church planting.

Outside family life, Jane has editorial responsibility within the publishing arm of GBU called Andamio Kids. This has produced Spanish translations of a number of well-known Christian books for children and young people, such as The Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton and A Jesus Christmas by Barbara Reaoch. The most recent publication is the first from a Spanish author for Andamio Kids, Laura García Terrades, and is a children’s devotion book called Ruta J77. The team are incredibly excited about this.

Derek is on the advisory board for GBU (a similar agency to IFES) which includes oversight of all its work with students. He also leads Bilbao International Church (BIC), the only English-speaking church in the city, which is engaging with people, from many different countries, living and working in Bilbao. Alongside this, he is developing and leading the Basque Country Project Team.

After a few days in Bilbao, Stephen and I could see that the Basque culture and identity is deeply ingrained and celebrated. Local people are resistant to being labelled Spanish, as evidenced by the lack of those flags anywhere.

The Basque language is a very important aspect of their identity with public schools being taught mainly in the Basque language, also the biggest football club, Athletic Bilbao, only recruits Basque players.

In speaking with Derek and others, engaging in mission work as an outsider can be viewed with suspicion, and requires significant time spent developing cultural awareness and building trust amongst the local people, but once that friendship is gained, they are a very warm, open and loyal people.

The challenge of this work cannot be underestimated.

While no parallel is exact, I wondered about the crosscultural similarities of someone from Spain engaging in mission in a Gaeltacht region along the west coast of Ireland.

The barriers seem huge and the work long-term, and yet there is a clear need for a gospel witness in Bilbao among the Basque people. Stephen made the following reflection: “I came home aware of how gospel work is hard, like in Jesus’ parable of the sower, but also thankful for what PCI is supporting through this ministry.”

In praying for this work and all those involved, let’s hold onto the promises that it is Christ who builds his church (Matthew 16) and he can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3).

Please pray: • For Derek and Jane and their family as they continue living, working and witnessing in Bilbao.

• For Jane’s publishing work – pray that the new children’s devotional book would be used powerfully by God to draw children to him.

• For Derek’s work with GBU – pray that students would be reached and won for Christ.

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Season five (part one) of The Chosen, entitled Last Supper, hit cinemas last month and later in 2025 the full season will make its streaming debut.

Sarah Harding talks to two of its stars, Shahar Isaac (Peter) and Vanessa Benavente (mother Mary), about being in such a phenomenally successful show. She also speaks to Simone Pester from Bloomfield Presbyterian about her experience of being an extra on the show.

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Photograph credit: Annie Leibovitz

The Chosen

…it now has over 280 million regular viewers and more than 17 million social media followers.

I

f you’re one of the few who hasn’t heard of The Chosen, it is a groundbreaking historical drama based on the life of Jesus, seen through the eyes of those who knew him. As a crowd-funded passion project from creator Dallas Jenkins, the show had humble beginnings back in 2017. But its popularity has grown with each season and it now has over 280 million regular viewers and more than 17 million social media followers.

Although there have been many screen adaptations of the life of Jesus over the years, none seem to have resonated as strongly with audiences as The Chosen. Shahar Isaac, who plays Peter, says it’s to do with authenticity.

“I think it’s the obsession with trying to get as authentic and real and deep as possible…and seeing them, not as idealised figures, but seeing them as human beings. This obviously starts in the writing – this goes deep. We are using the medium of television over several seasons to actually deepen into each one of these characters. That exploration is what makes this show.”

Vanessa Benavente who plays Mary, the mother of Jesus, agrees that the writing is pivotal.

“The writers have really fleshed these characters out and have made us see them in such a different light – we see the real humans.”

The writers have really fleshed these characters out…– we see the real humans.

Season five is the story of Holy Week and so during the episodes we see Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, his turning of the tables in the Temple, Judas’ betrayal and the Last Supper.

Shahar says Peter’s reaction is one of bewilderment to the events that unfold.

“At the beginning of the season, we [ Jesus and his disciples] get so much love and it feels like all those years of hard work have paid off – finally we get accepted. We come into the city and we get embraced by such a large group of people and we think we’ve made it.

Then that gets shattered when what goes on in the court of Gentiles with the table turning. And I’m dealing with it horribly because it’s not something I can understand…Why have we sent out a message of peace and suddenly the colour that is coming out is this aggressive colour? I don’t understand

Peter, played by Shahar Isaac

why. Why throw away everything we’ve built?”

For Vanessa, this season represents a week that is a particularly distressing one for Mary.

“I always say that I feel like this week must have felt something like a mother learning that her child has a terminal illness…dealing with heartache…how do you say goodbye and make each moment count? That’s where Mary is – she’s preparing to say goodbye.”

Both Shahar and Vanessa acknowledge that there was pressure for all the actors taking on these iconic roles, given the level of expectation that would undoubtedly come from audiences. Although staying true to the biblical narrative, lots of artistic licence has been taken to flesh these characters out, in the hope of understanding them more fully.

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Fans at The Chosen season five premiere in Madrid

Shahar admits that liberties have been taken. “It’s a version of Peter. You could ask 10 people who he was and you’ll get 10 different answers. This is the version that I can relate to as an actor. I feel very fortunate in every season to receive such a challenge – whether it’s emotional, or physical…

That requires me as an actor to really stretch all my abilities. It’s such a huge gift and I’m incredibly inspired by this – by the writing and by this show.”

For Vanessa, the Mary she read in the script was not how she was used to seeing Mary portrayed on screen.

“We always see her in such vulnerable moments in her life. Very extreme, very fragile moments, when this woman has to have had so much strength. Just to be alive in those times, you had to have physical strength alone.

“This show explores her life as a mum, but also just a woman, a friend, as part of her community, even as a mentor to some of the other disciples.

So it’s beautiful to see how they have made her a more complex, more real woman.”

The Chosen has had a massive reach, with more than 800 million views in 175 countries. There are plans to ultimately translate all seven seasons of the show into 600 subtitled languages and 100 dubbed languages. Currently there are 75 different language translations available for certain seasons.

Shahar says he does get recognised quite a bit when he’s out and about, but is often surprised by it – “It always catches me off guard.” He is encouraged by the different responses he gets though.

“One of the cool things about this show is…10 different people will tell you what they feel and you will kind of get 10 different connections, different responses. Because we leave this kind of canvas of just trying to bring authenticity and truth, I think each person…takes away something different. So it’s kind of cool how this show impacts.”

The Bible is the Bible, and The Chosen is supposed to make people look into the Bible.

Vanessa Benavente (Mary the mother of Jesus) being interviewed by Sarah Harding

Prime Video will stream season five later in 2025, in addition to The Chosen app. Seasons one to four are also currently available on Prime Video and The Chosen app.

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Being an extra on

The Chosen

Simone Pester on set

S

imone Pester is originally from Germany, but has been during 47-degree heat. At one point, this made her ill, as well living in Northern Ireland as a landscape architect for 20 as the high altitude in Utah, so she required medical help. But years. She is used to praying big prayers and following despite this, she loved the experience of just being on set.

God’s leading, having come to Northern Ireland after praying, She says the job of a good extra is simply to blend in. “You’re “Lord, where shall I go?” told, ‘Don’t look at the actors, do not talk to them, do not touch Her connection with The Chosen also involved her following them. Don’t look at the scene. You’re just walking around, God into the unknown. She had heard of the show and was focused on your own business.’” skeptical about watching it, but was Simone loved her experience so much impressed with what she saw. she applied again for season five and was Being on set is like…

“The writing is so well done – I can’t successful. It is during this season that really explain why it works – it’s not she was involved in her favourite scene – seeing the biblical preachy and it’s not overly explanatory. the one where Jesus overturns the tables stories come to life.

And there’s one thing the writers do very in the Temple. well – every time they take something “This time we were allowed to look out of the Bible, it’s exactly as it is in the Bible. When Jesus because we were the onlooking crowd. We did the scene preaches, you can open the Bible and read along.” maybe seven times. I was standing beside two Pharisees and Simone heard that many extras were needed on set, was near the last table Jesus (Jonathan Roumie) throws down especially for scenes like the feeding of the 5,000. So, she the steps. He pushed away some baskets of dried flowers and I prayed a prayer – telling God she would love to be an extra and had to shuffle back and they landed at my feet.” asking for him to open a door.

Although Simone says she isn’t particularly recognisable in She says, “Always be careful what you pray for!” any of the scenes, she is not bothered by this and has simply After seeing a livestream on YouTube looking for extras for loved being part of it. season four, she decided to apply. She had little hope of being “Being on set is like travelling back in time, seeing the biblical successful as the production company was asking for people to stories come to life.” be sponsored (to help with funding the show since it is offered She believes the show is a perfect tool to reach people for free on The Chosen app). Simone didn’t have anyone to everywhere in the world beyond borders and language sponsor her, but decided that since God had opened the door, barriers. she would keep walking through it. So, she committed to a “For me, The Chosen is a net. It’s the net catching the fish. And small amount of her own money. The other hindrance was that then we need people with solid theology cleaning up the fish she was only free to travel during a small window of dates due on the shore. I’m not a person who turns The Chosen into more to other commitments, so she didn’t imagine that the schedule than it is. The Bible is the Bible, and The Chosen is supposed to would work out. make people look into the Bible.

A few weeks later, she was surprised to receive an email to say “It’s the gospel from the viewpoint of the disciples – they get that she had been successful and that the filming dates were far more screen time. And of course, Jesus fits into the centre of during the tiny window that she was free. She was delighted, it and is very important, but I think that’s the true reason why it but also very nervous about going ahead with it. Filming resonates with people – because we’re all disciples. And in the was in Utah and she had to cover the cost of her own travel, show the disciples are all different – Matthew is so different to accommodation and even her costume.

Simon Peter. And I love Nathaniel, from whom we only have “I asked for something. I got it. God opened the door – a one line in the Bible – ‘I saw you under the fig tree’. They made double door! And I thought, it’s almost rude not to go a really beautiful story out of that, and suddenly it makes sense through it.” why somebody, from that one sentence, followed Jesus.”

Simone managed to cope with the expenses, resourcefully The whole experience has opened doors for Simone back contacting a Presbyterian Church in Utah and securing free home – she has taken on some part-time work as a paid extra accommodation with a lady from the congregation who was in Northern Ireland. But the important thing for her has been willing to put her up for a few nights. following God’s leading and trusting him with the whole She quotes a line from one of the scenes in The Chosen, adventure. She has plans to return later in the year for season spoken by Matthew, which she says describes how she felt six. about pursuing the adventure: “I have only one thing to do “It has definitely deepened my faith – it’s been a clear step today – follow him and everything else falls into place.” She out of the boat. I’m walking on water, not knowing what says, “So I just chose the next step, and then the next step.” the next day brings or how I’ll manage it all. I’m praying for Simone points out that the life of an extra is far from everything, every day – and that’s just what our Christian walk glamorous. In fact, it’s very hard work. There was a lot of should be.” waiting, much of it involving standing in the Utah sun, often

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TODAY

Being present

in this season of life and witness David Thompson ponders how we might respond when we have a sense that things just aren’t working the way they used to in our congregation.

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hat can we do when we have that overwhelming sense that things just don’t feel and work the way they used to any more in our congregation’s life?

It is almost an inevitability that all of us have experience of ending up there at some point in our everyday life. Some aspect of our world changed.

We thought it was just a momentary interruption to the familiar. We told ourselves that everything would go back soon to the more comfortable way it used to be. But then we move past being able to easily believe that.

It becomes no longer possible to live in denial. It is no longer profitable to dismiss the way things are now as just a passing fad. It is no longer plausible to keep on going as if nothing has changed. All of that is bewildering, paralysing, traumatic, anger inducing and depressing. We feel ourselves trapped in a place where we would rather not find ourselves.

Perhaps as we look around our congregation these days that’s just how we feel.

Way back when In such seasons, one temptation is to seek to take refuge in the glory days of the past. Everything about the here 34

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However uncomfortable it feels, now is the only time given to us. and now is viewed through the lens of comparison with what went before.

That always appears better than the present when observed through our rose-tinted spectacles, which screen out any difficulties or downsides of the way things were back then.

In church life, we have an almost inbuilt tendency to default to this way of seeing our present circumstances. We talk about times when our congregation was bigger, younger, held greater sway in its community. Even if all of that was true, seeking refuge in the comfort, safety and familiarity of that past does nothing to serve us well today.

Some future then Another temptation is to try to escape our discomfort with present circumstances by telling ourselves that the way things are now will soon give way to some future promise. A whole industry has grown up around charting the path to those better times ahead. Books, podcasts, TED talks, conferences, programmes set out the simple set of steps to follow that can

get us there. They are the same for everyone, everywhere, whatever our church’s story, setting, starting point or size.

In the fog of our present circumstances, the idea that the issues we face as a church can be boiled down to something short and simple, rather than having to wrestle with a complex mix of factors all coming together at the same time, is seductive. But by that kind of oversimplifying, the results of following the proposed solutions are underwhelming.

Living in the present However uncomfortable it feels, now is the only time given to us. We can’t turn the clock back or fast forward into the future. So, how can we live better in this moment and live with whatever circumstances we find ourselves in as a congregation today? We need to find the means of settling into a way of being present to our current challenges and opportunities that counters a temptation to despair and instead repairs in us a sense of purposeful focus.

Attending Perhaps that starts with an intentionality about sharpening the attention we give to what is happening

around us. Too often we miss the shudders and shifts that are happening under our feet, so that they sneak up on us in ways that leave us coming to address changing circumstances too late.

What is changing in church, society, the patterns of living, around which people form their lives? While we may bemoan some of these things, they may not be all bad. They might be neutral, neither here nor there for the work of the kingdom, just different than we are used to. Some might even offer new opportunities unseen before.

It will always be about being present to God as his people.

Awareness

necessary change to the regularity of one of our gatherings has made it more possible for someone to consistently attend and benefit; how someone has come to faith through some simple contact they made with us through a community initiative? These kinds of stories often provide the pointers to how God wants us to locate ourselves in the present.

Beyond that general attention we give to what is changing around us, how about prayerfully pursuing a particular awareness of how God is at work in and through what is happening in the present circumstances of our congregation’s life and witness? Too often church life passes us by in a daze of busyness. We could easily rhyme off all the weekly activities in our programme – who they are for, what happens at them – but what is God doing through them? That is a different question that calls for deeper reflection.

What stories can we draw upon that tell us how a youth organisation has changed a young person’s life; how a

By giving our attention to what is happening and seeking to become more aware of how God seems to be working, it should become clearer if we need to adjust some of our ways of trying to express our life and witness as a church in the present.

PCI’s ‘Present’ initiative seeks to underscore that the basic features of church life and reaching out to others are unchanging. It will always be about being present to God as his people. It will always involve being present for one another in God’s family of the church. It will always be about being present where God has placed us to be

Adjusting

his witnesses. However, the particular ways in which we shape those aspects of church life may need to be adjusted if we are to make the most of the opportunities God is giving us today and to make sure we are responsive to what we are finding is not working the way it used to. Perhaps we need to sharpen some part of our Sunday worship, find different ways of being together for prayer, or think about adding evangelistic edge to an activity in the community.

Making the most of the present season As we edge towards the season of the church year in which the frenetic activity of church life tends to slacken after Easter, perhaps this is a moment of opportunity to get people together to think, talk and prayerfully discuss what we are seeing in our congregation’s life and witness and how God seems to be at work in the present.

Find out more about the Present initiative at www.presbyterianireland.org/present Rev David Thompson is Secretary of PCI’s Council for Congregational Life and Witness.

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An influx of emotions Olivia Bailey discusses the difficult transition from school to university and highlights a resource and upcoming event from Christian Unions Ireland designed to help.

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he move from school to university is possibly one of the biggest moves of your life. You leave the familiar environment of school, where you are comfortable with your teachers, friends and lifestyle, to the student world filled with so many options and opportunities.

Maybe you will be living on your own for the first time, moving cities or navigating how to commute from home, while still hoping to get the university or college experience. You have a fresh start and the opportunity to make new friends, but where do you find them?

Perhaps you are excited for this fresh start, newfound independence, and the exciting new opportunities that

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university life holds. Starting this new chapter comes with so many emotions, changes, opportunities and challenges.

As everything around you is changing, where can you find stability and security?

Christian Unions Ireland (CUI) works alongside students in Christian Unions (CUs) in university and college campuses across the island of Ireland. CUs exist to give every student in Ireland the opportunity to

The move from school to university is possibly one of the biggest moves of your life.

hear and respond to the gospel. Each year, the CUs welcome ‘freshers’ (new students) to campus and into the CU community. Very quickly these freshers find themselves bombarded with many different options of where to spend their time, which societies to join and are confronted with many opportunities to think about what they believe, and how they want to live. For this reason, CUI has created a resource for school leavers called ‘Flux’. This resource is designed to help school leavers to think about how they can be rooted in their identity in Christ, so that they will be able to go out and share the good news of Jesus with the people they encounter in their new context.

Student life offers young people a unique opportunity to question and dig into what they believe.

The resource is simply a series of articles and studies working through the book of Philippians, exploring the crucial topics of identity, purpose, belonging and fulfilment. The aim is to help school leavers to understand these things for themselves so that they can live for Jesus whether they are in university or the workplace. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he speaks to the young church about their identity grounded in the work of Christ, their purpose to shine like stars, their place of belonging in the family of God and their ultimate hope of life with Christ forever. Throughout, there are calls to rejoice and not to be anxious – a wonderful calling in times of change!

For some Christian students on our island, coming to college is an exciting opportunity to meet like-minded Christians of their own age, while others are challenged by meeting people who disagree with the Christian faith, maybe for the first time. Student life offers young people a unique opportunity to question and dig into what they believe.

In this environment, many come to hear of or know Christ for the first time through their years of university.

Flux is designed to be used by school leavers or freshers in small groups, as they figure out what this time of change and uncertainty means for them, discussing how they can apply the lessons from Philippians in their daily experience. CUI staff and ‘Relay’ workers are also able to meet with freshers, to help them to process all the changes they are facing, and to look to Christ together.

Personally, I have had the joy of working through Flux with some girls who had moved from England to study at Queen’s University. It was a truly wonderful experience for me as I got to know them and chatted about the struggles of settling into university life.

We encouraged each other to place our security in Christ and our identity in him. One of the girls commented: “Flux has been really helpful in discussing the transition to university – each study helpfully reminding us that our identity is not through what we do, where we are or how we feel, but rather in who Jesus is and what he has done for us.”

I was also encouraged to see how the studies helped them to understand

their role in sharing the gospel.

Another girl commented: “It has encouraged me to be more vocal about my faith around my course mates.”

It is so exciting to watch freshers grasp the dual realities of their identity in Christ, which remains secure in changing circumstances, and the truth that God has placed them in university for the purpose of taking part in his mission to this world.

CUI is committed to helping more school leavers and freshers to be rooted in their identity in Christ. If you are leaving school yourself or have friends or family members who are school leavers, you get your own copy of Flux here: https://cui.ie/students/linkup/ or contact admin@cui.ie You can also find our podcast series on the Christian Unions Ireland YouTube channel and more information on our social media platforms.

Olivia Bailey is CUI Belfast staff worker.

Flux event CUI, in partnership with Scripture Union Northern Ireland, is hosting a Flux event in Belfast for school leavers. Save the date, and come along on Saturday 14 June, 9.30am–1pm, to The Hub, Belfast.

The day will include Bible teaching from Rick Hill, small group discussions, worship and seminars on aspects of life after school. All school leavers are welcome whether you will be going to university, college or something else.

Click on the QR code to sign up and be part of this exciting event or visit www.suni.co.uk/what-we-do/schools/events/flux

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More than

child’s play

Mark Chester outlines what he’s learnt from 22 years in the parent and toddler business ahead of a playtime national conference by Care for the Family.

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ittle did I know it at the time, but what happened at 10am on 29 March 2003 defined the next two decades of my life.

It was one of those ‘sliding doors’ moments – you know, from the film of the same name. The movie depicts Gwyneth Paltrow’s character, Helen, leading two very different lives depending on whether she catches a train or misses it – the point being that seemingly insignificant events can have momentous consequences.

Back in 2003, it could have gone either way. I’m waiting inside the door of our church, and I’m hoping people will arrive. If they do, my life goes one way. If they don’t, it goes another.

And the reason I’m writing this now is because people did come, and they’ve not stopped coming – for 22 years.

You see, we tried a parent and toddler group specifically for dads, and that first morning 20 families turned up. If they hadn’t come, who knows what I would be doing now – but because they did, I’ve been heavily involved in the parent and toddler world ever since.

And this is what I’ve learnt.

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Parents are sometimes lonely John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote that well-known song about a lonely woman called Eleanor Rigby who “waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door”.

Many parents of young children keep a face in a jar by the door and when they go out of the house, they put it on. It’s a face that says, “I can cope, I am fulfilled, my children are doing well, I’m doing well”. It will often mask the truth, the tiredness and the loneliness.

Don’t get me wrong, having young children can, of course, be fulfilling and fun, but it’s not always so. In the space of a few moments, we may laugh with our children, feel immense gratitude that they exist, know that we love them dearly and still experience intense feelings of loneliness. We all know that children take our time and our

…having young children can, of course, be fulfilling and fun, but it’s not always so.

energy. It’s what makes having them so rewarding, but also challenging. How can we have the capacity to cultivate and maintain friendships when our priority is to ensure our children are fed, clothed, clean, warm and well? It’s not easy. Life can become dominated by work, parenting and household chores.

Friendships wane, and before we know it, we’re feeling isolated and guilty for having negative thoughts. And so, we grab for that mask – the face we keep by the door – and put it on. The world won’t get to see what’s behind it – unless, that is, we find a place in which we feel safe enough to take the mask off again. And that’s where our churches and their parent and toddler groups come in.

Churches are helping – enormously I wrote in my book Who Let the Dads Out?: “Let’s face it, no other organisation has provided parentand-toddler sessions as consistently, as passionately or with the same longevity as the church.” I have frequently heard parents describe their parent and

I have frequently heard parents describe their parent and toddler group as a lifeline.

toddler group as a lifeline. One mum told me that she didn’t think she’d still be alive if it wasn’t for the group she went to. It was her one chance in the week to tell people how she was really feeling. The number of churches running parent and toddler groups is phenomenal, and it’s incredibly significant that practically every young family will be within travelling distance of one of these groups.

And then there are the volunteers – thousands upon thousands of people who quietly and conscientiously get on with providing this priceless lifeline for parents, all the more special when we know that the work they do is routinely overlooked, underestimated and undervalued. Tidying away toys, emptying nappy bins and brushing up biscuit crumbs are not the most glamorous tasks in the world, but some exceptional people do them week in, week out. If that’s you – thank you!

Small gestures have profound consequences I don’t know if you remember an American sitcom from the 1980s called Cheers. It was centred around characters who each day gathered together in a Boston barroom. The theme tune contained these lyrics: “Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.”

These words could have been written about a parent and toddler group.

Simply greeting a person by name can make that person feel valued. A smile at the door can say, “We’re glad you came”.

And many parents need those simple gestures. They need a place to go, a place where the welcome will be warm, where they feel it is safe to remove their masks, where they can be open about their challenges, share their feelings and where they and their children can have fun.

One of the Bible stories I love tells how, after his death and resurrection,

kindnesses from my childhood. And so, the impact of all of these small gestures – greeting a person by name, giving them a smile, handing them a cup of coffee – can have a lifetime’s impact.

Parent and toddler groups work

Jesus appeared to some of his disciples on the shores of Lake Tiberias while they were fishing. Jesus cooks for them, beckons them to “Come and eat!” and then serves food to them. Preparing and serving food and drink to others – even if it’s only a coffee and biscuit – can provide an oasis. It’s a way of saying, “We care about you”, and for a parent, who cares for others day in day out, it’s like having a moment in the sun.

Kindnesses stick. I can still remember

Little else brings people across the thresholds of our churches in the numbers that a parent and toddler group can. And we should celebrate that. The church is doing an amazing job in supporting young families at a crucial point in their lives. It is an expression of our love and God’s love for the people of our communities.

What an incredible piece of work!

Mark Chester is founder of Care for the Family’s ‘Who Let the Dads Out?’ ministry. He has been writing and speaking about fatherhood and family life for over 20 years.

Playtime national conference Care for the Family recognises the incredible job parent and toddler group leaders and volunteers do. They know it’s not always easy to keep going, and so each year run the ‘Playtime National Conference’ to equip, encourage and inspire with new ideas and creativity, and to provide a space to be refreshed.

This year’s conference takes place in Belfast on Saturday 27 September 2025.

Visit cff.org.uk/playtimeconference for more information.

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REVIEWS

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

Flux Christian Unions Ireland PODCAST

««««« «««« « Created by Christian Unions Ireland, Flux is a four-part podcast series which works alongside a resource of the same name. It is designed to help Christian young people transition to starting university.

The podcasts, which span roughly four hours, cover four themes – identity, purpose, belonging and fulfilment. Each podcast offers an excellent and insightful conversation around the struggles of being a new student, such as the stress of making friends, involvement in clubs/societies, pressure to fit in and finding identity amongst new people, with the hosts providing their own experiences.

There is an emphasis on finding solutions through faith, linking it back to the teachings of Paul and Christ, as well as exploring how university Christian Unions and local church communities can provide a supportive environment for students.

As a fresher who is two-thirds of the way through my first year, this would have been a worthwhile resource for me to have listened to before starting, as the first few weeks of university are exciting but also challenging in adjusting to a new environment.

The podcast is well worth a listen for its intended audience – prospective university students. I feel it is also a must-listen for other students, as the challenges discussed can occur at any stage of university life.

AH

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Honour Adam Ramsey

Send Jim Essian

THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY

£9.99

THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY

«««««

Honour forms part of the ‘Love your church’ series by the Good Book Company. Other titles in the series include Welcome, Gather, Belong, Serve and Send and the aim of each is to equip us to love and serve our church family.

This is an impactful, short book focusing on a frequently overlooked topic. The subtitle is: ‘Loving your church by building one another up’ and it both explains what honour is and who we are to honour. It also helpfully outlines what it is not, and how it can become distorted.

The book outlines a biblical pathway of honour that avoids both extremes of unquestioning submission and spiritually manipulative honour, or an absence of honour, and the dangers of both.

It describes honouring God through how we think (sound doctrine), how we live (faithful obedience) and the motive for both of these which is genuine love.

We are to honour him for who he is, not to get what we can from him. We are his and he is in charge.

The author describes the relational beauty of honouring one another and the impact this will have on our mission and witness. Honour is necessary for a healthy church and every church member would benefit from reading this book. There are questions for reflection at the end of each chapter and the book concludes with a small-group discussion guide.

Practical suggestions for building a biblical culture of honour are also provided which will enable everyone in the church to be honoured as God intended.

LMcC

£7.85

««««« «««« «

Part of the ‘Love your church’ series, Send outlines how we can all play our part in building God’s church, whether through praying, giving or even going.

The book starts with God’s vision for the world, pointing out that its current brokenness is nothing new. Essian refers to the prophet Habakkuk who lived in a time of violence, injustice, scandal and greed, and says, “The Old Testament prophets usually speak in tumultuous times full of evil and injustice…And yet they are filled with the promises of God.” Using the example of the Atacamba Desert in Chile, which appears barren, but has 200 varieties of flowers lying underneath its surface which create a ‘superbloom’ when enough rain falls every five years or so, Essian says, “We see a desert; God sees a superbloom ready to happen. We see the church in decline, the Twitter wars, culture in constant conflict; God sees the readiness of revival.”

The second chapter looks at God’s vision for us, calling Christians “elect exiles” – ‘elect’ defining our relationship with God, and ‘exiles’ referring to our place in the world. “Cultural Christianity lives settled; exiled Christians live sent.”

While the book is challenging, it is also encouraging. I found the chapter on finding your place by identifying your spiritual gifts particularly thoughtprovoking.

My one criticism is that it is US-centric in parts, but putting that aside, with its action steps at the end of each chapter and a discussion guide for small groups, Send is a great resource for Christians wanting to identify how they can fulfil their obligation to the Great Commission.

SEH

REVIEWERS

RB – Ruth Bromley is PCI’s children’s development officer RD – Ruth Dalzell is coordinator of youth ministry and congregational discipleship in Second Comber

How to Speak Life: Sharing your faith in 3, 2, 1.

Glen Scrivener 10PUBLISING £10.99

««««« «««« «

When the word ‘evangelism’ is mentioned, many of us will identify with feeling shame or discomfort, since it’s an area of our faith that we often struggle with.

Glen Scrivener describes evangelism as “hit and miss – mainly miss”. In this book, he seeks to help us ease the pressure that we can put on ourselves and instead to develop a true love and desire to share Jesus in natural ways with those around us.

Drawing on the parable of the sower, he encourages us that when we talk about our faith, it’s not about us. Our job is just to scatter the seed and allow God to do the rest. He says, “I want you to feel that you have a secret power. In your pocket you have seed, and if a single life-giving word falls on the right soil, dominions are brought down, life bursts forth, eternities are changed.”

Scrivener goes into quite a bit of detail about how we can speak to others about Jesus – in each chapter he gives an example of a conversation he’s had with someone. And the encouraging thing is that very often he shows us how to approach this in a non-direct way, perhaps starting with a non-threatening everyday topic of life that then leads on to Jesus.

The only thing I wasn’t struck with was the 3, 2, 1 concept that seemed to complicate what Scrivener was saying, which was otherwise very straightforward, encouraging, inspiring and hugely practical.

SH

LMcC – Lois McCrea is a member of Howth and Malahide Presbyterian Church SH – Sarah Harding is editor of the Herald AH – Andrew Hamilton is a member of St Andrew’s, Bangor SEH – Suzanne Hamilton is an administrative assistant for the Herald

Sing: Spring songs Ellie Holcomb

AVAILABLE VIA STREAMING SERVICES

««««« It’s that time of year when there’s a ‘quare stretch in the evenings’, the sun is a bit warmer, we see new life after a long winter and Ellie Holcomb, author and songwriter, has released an album which is perfect for this season!

Sing: Spring songs was released in March and demonstrates how spring is

Lily, the Lemur and the Lamb King Bob Hartman THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY

£8.99

«««««

Lily, the Lemur and the Lamb King is the latest, and newly published, book from Bob Hartman. The author is a renowned Christian storyteller who has a legacy of brilliant books helping children understand more about God and the Bible through his unique style.

The book is illustrated by Keila Elm in a beautiful way which fits the stories so perfectly.

a time which shows us how the earth echoes the good news of the Easter story. The first song on the album had a verse which says: “Spring retells the story of God’s Son who died. Was buried for three days, but then came alive. So Spring sings the song, ‘Death isn’t the end. God loves to make everything new once again’.”

This opening song sets the tone for the rest of the album, which has lots of different genres of music plus a reworking of the old favourite, Jesus Christ is Risen Today. There are plenty of songs which will get your toes tapping and make you feel excited that spring is here.

Holcomb has said about Sing: Spring songs, “We all know what it feels like to walk through winter seasons, but winter never gets the final word. Springs always sings a song of hope, reminding us that God loves to make all things new.” Make sure you give this album a listen!

RD

This is a fantasy-style book reminiscent of Narnia, where Lily and her pet lemur meet the Lamb King, and he takes them on adventures in a mysterious and exciting playground.

The book is full of captivating short stories where Lily and her pet explore the world with the Lamb King at their side. In the first story, they experience the adventure of the creation of the world.

The storytelling continues in a whimsical style, while helping children imagine a world living alongside the Lamb King. Lily and the lemur also go on to explore a metree, play Scrabble with a slow loris, and save an entire family of squirrels from the cold in the stories that follow.

The book helps children to explore key truths about Jesus’ kingdom, like how to welcome others, what gives others value and why a king who sacrificed himself for others is the best king of all.

This book would be a great edition to the bookshelf of any family who loves a good story with biblical depth. It is aimed at independent readers, aged seven plus, or as a read-aloud with children aged five years and over.

RB

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LIFE IN PCI Tercentenary marked Ballinderry Presbyterian Church recently marked 300 years since a congregation was first centred in the area.

The small, rural congregation in County Antrim has experienced slow steady growth over many years, notes the clerk of session, James Moore.

This is evidenced in a Sunday school of 50 and other active youth ministries. There is also engaging men and women ministries, encompassing all generations. For example, the PW has an age range from 19 years to over 90.

The month of celebration at Ballinderry included a range of events, such as barbeques, a colour run, congregational dinner and having several former assistants back to preach.

The most recent occurrence was the renovation of the welcome/ entrance area to create a larger meeting space in the hall.

Moderator visits Knockloughrim Convener Rev Trevor Boyd with members of Knockloughrim congregational committee who welcomed the Moderator Dr Richard Murray to their service recently.

Below: Betty Quin, George Quin (former clerk of session), Dr William Henry (minister) and James Moore (clerk of session).

Elders installed in Donaghmore Two new elders have been ordained and installed in Donaghmore Presbyterian Church in the Iveagh Presbytery. Pictured in the front row are: Rev George McClelland, Andrew Skillen and Edmund Boyd (new elders) and Jim King (clerk of Iveagh Presbytery). Back row: Rev David Conkey, Rev Mark McMaw (vacancy convener), Richard Gamble, David Shilliday (clerk of session in the County Down church), Don Cummins and Maurice Shilliday.

New members in Ravenhill A special service was held at Ravenhill Presbyterian Church recently to welcome 14 new members. They are pictured after the service with the minister of the Belfast church, Rev James Cochrane.

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

Elders ordained in Gilnahirk A service of ordination and installation for new elders has taken place in Gilnahirk. The new elders – Carol Noble, Alan Magee, Laura HutchesonMagee, Rosemary Gregg, Stephen Chambers, Carol Chambers and Barbara Anderson – are pictured in the front row. Back row: Rev Mariann Gilicze (assistant minister, Gilnahirk), Rev Stephen Moore (minister, Gilnahirk) and members of the East Belfast Presbytery commission – Daphne Caldwell, Rev Enrique Tagle-Aguiar, Rev Colin Burcombe, Martin Hampton, Rev Jimmy Warburton and Rev Edward McKenzie – along with Heather Taylor (clerk of session, Gilnahirk).

100th birthday in Greenbank Elsie Rankin, elder of Greenbank congregation since 1967, celebrated her 100th birthday with a special celebration in the County Donegal church recently. Former Moderator Dr Ian McNie brought the greetings of the General Assembly and Rev Philip Poots presented her with a commemorative Bible from the congregation.

100th birthday in Bovevagh Former PCI Moderator Dr Ian McNie visited Irene Douglas, a member of Bovevagh Presbyterian Church, on the occasion of her 100th birthday.

Also pictured is Rev Gary Aitcheson, minister of the County Londonderry congregation.

New communicants in Malone Five young people at Malone Presbyterian became communicant members recently. Pictured are Courtney Thompson (youth and children’s coordinator), Olivia, Anna, Catherine, Rev Kathryn Viner (minister of the Belfast church), Noah and Isabella.

Cheque presentation in Magherally Every Home Crusade/Revival Movement Association and B Positive were the recipients of £4,200 raised at a Christmas tree festival held in Magherally Presbyterian Church. ‘Joy to the world’ was the theme for the festival, and the trees had Bible verses displayed beside them, telling the gospel story from Genesis to Revelation. The County Down church was blessed to welcome choirs from Ballydown and Drumadonell primary schools, along with a music ensemble from Banbridge Academy. The festival was brought to a close by a ‘Carols by Christmas tree light’ service at which the guest preacher was PCI Moderator Dr Richard Murray.

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LIFE IN PCI

New elders in Ballykelly Anniversary marked in Greyabbey Trinity, Greyabbey PW Wings group held an evening to celebrate 70 years of women’s ministry in the County Down church. Guest speaker was PW president Ellen Hillen. Past Trinity PW presidents and committee members were also present, along with members of the Greyabbey church, Trinity, Cloughey, and neighbouring PW groups. The evening programme had ‘Entrusted’ as its theme and included praise led by the Trinity praise group, and Bible readings and prayers from previous women’s ministry leaders. Pictured with the PW president are Trinity Wings PW committee members Julie Hamilton, Linda Coard, Helen Robinson, Hazel Courtney, Sandra McKinstrey, Barbara Gracey and Heather MacArthur.

Rhonda McClelland and Stephen Cooper have been installed as elders in Ballykelly Presbyterian Church. They are pictured in the front row with Audrey Neill (clerk of session), Rev Susan Moore (moderator of presbytery) and Rev Philip Houston (minister of the County Londonderry church). Back row: Ian Gault, Gerald Miller, Marlene Kelly, Hugh McCollum, Ian Conn and Robert Craig.

New elders in Caledon A commission of Armagh Presbytery recently ordained three new elders in Caledon, Co Tyrone, who are pictured with Session members and members of the commission. Back row: Leslie Hadden, David Kirkland, Dr Tony Davidson, Christopher Holland and Rev Principal Michael McClenahan. Front row: Rev Joanne Smith, Stanley Farley, the new elders – Willene Hadden, Selina Allen and Gillian Sloane – and Joy Hadden.

Long service marked in Ballymagrane A presentation has been made in Ballymagrane Presbyterian to Lorna Robinson, who has resigned after 51 years as church treasurer. She is pictured being presented with flowers and a gift by Rev Roger McElnea on behalf of the congregation to thank her for many years of faithful service.

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Herald May 2025

Moderator visits Churchtown PCI Moderator Dr Richard Murray recently visited Churchtown Presbyterian, located in the County Londonderry village of Tamlaght O’Crilly. He is pictured with Rev Richard Morrison and the elders of the church.

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

New communicants in Moneymore Associate minister installed Rev Josh McCance has been installed as associate minister of Donabate, with responsibility for church development in Balbriggan. Pictured are: Margaret McKenna (acting presbytery clerk), Rev Damien Burke (presbytery moderator), Carel Mienie (elder, Drogheda), Mr McCance, Rev Andy Carroll (minister, Donabate), Daren Egan (elder, Donabate) and Rick Hill (Secretary of the Council for Mission in Ireland).

Ten new communicants were recently received by the congregations of First and Second Moneymore. Pictured in the back row are: Kenneth Brown (clerk of session), Mark Friend, Glenn Caldwell, Joanne Monaghan, Lynda Henry, Trevor Armour, Ethan Wallace and Rev Jonathan Sloan (minister of the County Londonderry congregations). Front row: Jacqueline Armour, Palmer Allen, Ella Watters and Holly Brown.

New elders in Newtownstewart The ordination and installation of new elders has taken place at Newtownstewart Presbyterian Church in County Tyrone. Pictured in the front row are: Rev Gunther Andrich (presbytery moderator), the new elders – Mark McKelvey, Jim Hunter, Alison Black and Richard Black – and David Dunbar (clerk of session). Standing: David Millar, Colin Busby, Stephen Somerville, Rev Jonathan Boyd, Rev David Reid, Dr Rob Craig, Edward Stevenson and Alan Moore. Photograph courtesy of Tyrone Constitution, Omagh.

New minister in Armagh Rev Thomas Moore has been ordained and installed as minister of First Armagh and Tassagh Presbyterian Churches. Mr Moore is pictured with both kirk sessions following the service.

Anniversary in First Newry Members of First Newry (Sandys Street) PW marked their 150th anniversary recently.

Herald May 2025

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Fermoy Presbyterian Church in conjunction with Cahir Presbyterian Church

LIFE IN PCI

Youth and Community Outreach Worker

Hours: Full time (37.5 hrs/ wk) 3-year contract Salary: €36,431 – PCI Salary Scale 2025 Band A4

Based in Counties Cork and Tipperary, this unique opportunity will attract a dynamic, experienced and spiritually mature person ready for a fresh, varied and challenging role, as a key member of a ministry team, seeking to advance God’s kingdom through evangelism and discipleship.

The person we are looking for will need to have: A clear personal commitment to Jesus Christ A willingness to work within the ethos of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Experience of leading evangelistic activities Experience of working with children and youth Ability and willingness to share the truths of the gospel A desire for working with those beyond the church, including foreign nationals Experience of active work and ministry in a church setting Good communication and interpersonal skills Sensitivity to working in a multicultural and growing church

• • • • • • • • •

Moderator preaches in Kilkeel

The nature of this post will require evening and weekend work.

PCI Moderator Dr Richard Murray preached in Kilkeel Presbyterian Church recently. He is pictured receiving a gift from Rev Stephen Johnston (minister of the County Down church).

To receive an application pack please email:

fermoypchurch@gmail.com Closing date for applications is Friday 16 May 2025.

CROSSWORD Puzzle no 298 1

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compiled by Harry Douglas

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Herald May 2025

ACROSS 1 Fairground ride (12) 7 Canadian dog? (8) 9 Search for (4) 10 Adam’s mate (3) 12 On a high (5,2,1,4) 15 Writing implement (3) 17 Begin (5) 18 Russian ruler (4) 20 Midday (4) 21 Legends (5) 23 Personal record (5) 25 She met the infant Jesus (4) 26 Canadian city (6) 27 Burnt tree? (3) 28 God keeps these (8)

DOWN 1 Last OT book (7) 2 Thief (6) 3 Bread riser (5) 4 Gravy maker (3) 5 Not good for you! (9) 6 Move to music (5) 8 Responds (6) 11 German car (initials) (2) 13 Prophet (7) 14 Evergreen tree (3) 16 Sin (8) 17 Lord’s Day (6) 19 Boxing periods (6) 22 Shed over Jerusalem (5) 24 Toy on a string (4)

Director of Music Ministry PART–TIME Knock Presbyterian is a large, vibrant, intergenerational church in east Belfast. Our greatest desire is to help people of all ages to know, enjoy, and follow Jesus. We are seeking to appoint a part-time Director of Music Ministry to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to serve by leading and developing the musical life of our church, encouraging worship that is Christ-centred and engaging for all generations. Might God be calling you to this role?

Hours: 15 hours per week Starting salary: Negotiable, dependent on ability and experience.

To find out more, scan the QR code or email office@knockpresbyterian.co.uk

Helping people know, enjoy and follow Jesus

Pastoral Associate PART–TIME Knock Presbyterian is a large, vibrant, intergenerational church in east Belfast. Our greatest desire is to help people of all ages to know, enjoy, and follow Jesus. We are seeking to appoint a part-time Pastoral Associate to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to serve by providing spiritual and practical care within our congregation. Might God be calling you to this role?

Hours: 22.5 hours per week Starting salary: £27,736 – £32,552 FTE, dependent on qualifications & experience.

To find out more, scan the QR code or email office@ knockpresbyterian.co.uk

Helping people know, enjoy and follow Jesus

Herald May 2025

47

CHURCH RECORD VACANT CONGREGATIONS, MODERATORS AND CLERKS OF KIRK SESSIONS (Information supplied by clerks of presbyteries, conveners of Assembly commissions and councils.)

1 LEAVE TO CALL GRANTED

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

BLOOMFIELD: REV GRAEME KENNEDY: Mr Andrew Shott, 7 The Walled Garden, Belfast, BT4 2WG. BUSHMILLS: (Reviewable Tenure – 5 years) VERY REV DR D.I.J. McNIE: Rev Martin Gracey, 6 Bush Crescent, Bushmills, BT57 8AJ. DONABATE: ASSOCIATE (Reviewable Tenure – 3 years) REV ANDY CARROLL: DONEGAL TOWN and STRANORLAR: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV ROBERT ORR: (Donegal Town) Mr Oswald Perry, Drumenagh, Donegal Town, F94 N7P8. (Stranorlar) Mrs Audrey Chambers, Magheracorran, Convoy, Co Donegal.

DUNFANAGHY and CARRIGART: (Home Mission) 50% Congregational Ministry, 50% CMI Mission Project REV T.J. BRUCE: (Dunfanaghy) Mr John Sterritt, Moss Road, Cashelshanaghan, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, F92 TV21. (Carrigart) Mrs Joy Buchanan, Figart, Carrigart, Co Donegal, F92 N2WO. KELLS: REV M.J.R. NEILLY: Mr B. Turtle, 6 Appletee Lane, Kellswater, Ballymena, BT42 2LS. LISBURN, FIRST: (Reviewable Tenure – 5 years) VERY REV DR D. BRUCE: Miss Margaret Thompson, 2 Springhill Mews, Lisburn, BT28 3QG. LUCAN: REV A. CARROLL: Mr Ian Scott, 22 Willsbrook Avenue, Lucan, Co Dublin, K78 AP57.

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

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

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

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

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

MOIRA: REV DR M. COWAN: Mr Richard Brown, c/o Moira Presbyterian Church, 14–18 Meeting Street, Moira, BT67 0NR.

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

NEWTOWNARDS, GREENWELL STREET: REV S.W. ORR: Mr David Francis, 29 Beverley Walk, Newtownards, BT23 7UQ.

3 DECLARED VACANT

OMAGH, TRINITY and GILLYGOOLEY: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV JANE NELSON: (Trinity) Mrs Claire McElhinney, 112 Clanabogan Road, Omagh, BT78 1SN. (Gillygooley) Mr Raymond Smyth, 82 Gillygooley Road, Omagh, BT78 5PX.

ANAGHLONE and GARVAGHY: REV D. CONKEY: (Anaghlone) Mr John Logan, 4 Bluehill Road, Katesbridge, Banbridge, BT32 5LU. (Garvaghy) Mr James Smyth, 35 Tullyglush Road, Banbridge, BT32 3TN.

PORTRUSH: REV DR JOHN COULTER: Prof John Gillespie, 12 Randal Park, Portrush, BT56 8JJ.

ARMAGH ROAD, PORTADOWN: REV P. McCLELLAND: Dr David Lowry, 5 Ridgeway Park South, Portadown, BT62 3DG.

RATHGAR – CHRIST CHURCH: REV LORRAINE KENNEDY-RITCHIE: Mr Paul Fry, 44 Monolea Wood, Firhouse, Dublin 24, D24 A2V3.

BALLEE: REV T.P. McCULLOUGH: Mr John Quigley, 81 Queen’s Avenue, Magherafelt, BT45 6DB.

RALOO and MAGHERAMORNE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV ANDREW WATSON: (Raloo) Mr Geoff McBride, 72 Raloo Road, Larne, BT40 3DU. (Magheramorne) Mr Morris Gardner, 89 Ballypollard Road, Magheramorne, Larne, BT40 3JG.

BALLINA and KILLALA: (Home Mission) REV DARYL EDWARDS: Mr Geoffrey Shannon, Robin Hill, Carraun, Corballa, Ballina, Co Mayo, F26 A070.

STRABANE and SION MILLS: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV P.B. HOUSTON: (Strabane) Mr William Watson, 44 Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9QS. (Sion Mills) Mr Colin Campbell, 26 Albert Place, Sion Mills, Strabane, BT82 9HN. STRAND: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV M. BURNSIDE: Mr John Johnston, 7 Helgor Park, Belfast, BT4 2GG. WOODLANDS: REV J. MOXEN: Dr Ian Drysdale, 27 Windslow Heights, Carrickfergus, BT38 9AT.

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2 LEAVE TO CALL DEFERRED

Herald May 2025

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

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 BANAGHER: REV DR MARK GOUDY: Mr Ivan J. Montgomery, 66 Teenaght Road, Claudy, BT47 4DD. BANBRIDGE ROAD, DROMORE: REV R.A. LIDDLE: Mr Alan Robinson, 25 Beresford Green, Dromore, BT25 1HF. BELLAGHY and KNOCKLOUGHRIM: REV TREVOR BOYD: (Bellaghy) Mr Harry Ferson, 12 Railway Terrace, Castledawson, Magherafelt, BT45 8AY. (Knockloughrim) Mr Wilbur Bownes, 10 Meadowell Fold, Westland Gardens, Magherafelt, BT45 5DP. BELVOIR: REV B.J. WALKER: Mr Brian Dunwoody, 19 Drumart Drive, Belfast, BT8 7ET. BOARDMILLS, TRINITY: REV GRANT CONNOR: Mr Adrian Patterson, 41 Cabra Road, Legacurry, BT26 6NB. CASTLEDERG, SECOND AND URNEY: REV ROBERT McFAUL: (Second Castlederg) Mr Bert Huey, Tossa, 8 Listymore Road, Castlederg, BT81 7JG. (Urney) Mr Norman McMullan, 80 Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9QT. CAVANALECK & AUGHENTAINE: REV RODNEY BEACOM: (Cavanaleck) Dr Charles McKibbin, 9 Tattenabuddagh Lane, Fivemiletown, BT75 0NW. (Aughentaine) Mr John McCrory, Screeby Road, Fivemiletown, BT75 0TP. CRUMLIN: REV STEPHEN McNIE: Mr James Livingstone, “Edin”, 56 Largy Road, Crumlin, BT29 4RW. CUMBER and UPPER CUMBER: REV J.R. KERNOHAN: (Cumber) Mr Cecil Pollock, 248 Tamnaherin Road, Londonderry, BT47 3LY. (Upper Cumber) Mr Jack McFarland, 12 Cregg Road, Claudy, Londonderry, BT47 4HX. DONEGORE, SECOND: REV E. McDOWELL: Mr Samuel Gawn, 120 Parkgate Road, Kells.

DROMARA, FIRST: REV M. DAVIDSON: Mr I. McCullagh, 10 Mullaghdrin Road, Dromara, BT25 2AF. DROMARA, SECOND: REV DR A. SLEITH: Mr Herbert Chambers, 29 Stewarts Road, Dromara, BT25 2AN. DRUMGOOLAND and KILKINAMURRY: REV ANDY DOWNEY: (Drumgooland) Dr Alastair Chestnutt, 22 Fruitvalley Road, Ballyward, Castlewellan, Co Down, BT31 9RE. (Kilkinamurry) Mr Mervyn Copes, 43 Carnpark Road, Dromara, Dromore, Co Down, BT25 2HD.

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.

GLASCAR and DONAGHMORE: REV R.M. MOODY: (Glascar) Mr Alan Little, 38 Loughbrickland Road, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5HF. (Donaghmore) Mr David Shilliday, 21 Cargabane Road, Donaghmore, Newry, BT34 1SB. HELEN’S BAY: REV ANNE TOLLAND: Mr David McAuley, 9 Church View Cottages, Bangor, BT20 3EJ. HYDEPARK and LYLEHILL: REV ALAN MOORE: (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.

KILREA, SECOND: REV BRIAN SMYTH: Mr John McIlrath, 9 Moyagoney Road, Kilrea, BT51 5SX. LOUGHBRICKLAND and SCARVA: REV DR MARK GRAY: (Loughbrickland) Mr Fred Cairns, 20 Scarva Street, Loughbrickland, Co Down. (Scarva) Mr Robert Jordan, 3 Station Rd, Scarva, Co Armagh, BT63 6JY. LURGAN, FIRST: REV L.W. WEBSTER: Mr Norman McCleery, 12 McCormack Gardens, Lurgan, BT66 8LE. NEWINGTON: REV DR I.D. NEISH: Mr John Lynass, 8 Bushfoot Park, Portballintrae, BT57 8YX. NEWTOWNARDS, SECOND: REV C.W. JACKSON: Mr Ivan Patterson, 11 Heron Crescent, Newtownards, BT23 8WH. PORTAVOGIE: REV G.J. SIMPSON: RANDALSTOWN, O.C.: REV CHRIS WILSON: Mr Alun Coulter, 48 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3DB. RAPHOE and BALLINDRAIT: REV R. EDGAR: Mrs Sylvia Cole, The Common, Raphoe, Donegal.

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

DUNDROD: REV R.C. KERR: Mr William McClure, 20 Thorndale Road, Dundrod, BT29 4UD.

TAUGHMONAGH (Church Extension) REV K.H. VINER:

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

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

DUNMURRY & KILMAKEE: REV S. STOCKMAN: (Dunmurry) Rev Gilbert Young, 39 Saintfield Road, Lisburn, BT27 5BH. (Kilmakee) Mr Alastair White, 94 Greenburn Way, Lambeg, Lisburn, BT27 4LU. ESKYLANE: REV W.J.C. BROGAN: Mr S. McKee, 14 Eskylane Road, Antrim, BT41 2LL. FAHAN: REV PHILIP POOTS: Mr James Lamberton, 1 Deanfield, Limavady Road, Londonderry, BT47 6HY. FAUGHANVALE: REV P. LINKENS: Mr Donald Montgomery, 25 Carnmoney Road, Eglinton, BT47 3JJ. GARRYDUFF and DUNLOY: REV C.B. MULVENNY: (Garryduff ) Mr Stanley Lee, 12 Cambourne Park, Ballymoney, BT53 7PG. (Dunloy) Mr Jonathan Gault, c/o 26–28 Church Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6DL.

TRINITY, AHOGHILL and GRANGE WITH CRAIGMORE: REV N.G. MULHOLLAND: (Trinity, Ahoghill) Mr G. Knowles, 67 Tuppenny Road, Gracehill, Ballymena, BT42 2NW. (Grange with Craigmore) Mr Jamie Harris, 32 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3BE. TULLYCARNET: REV R.S.J. McILHATTON: VINECASH: REV PRINCIPAL MICHAEL McCLENAHAN: Mr Thomas Graham, 38 Richmount, Portadown, BT62 4JQ. WARRENPOINT and ROSTREVOR: REV J.S. MAGUIRE: (Warrenpoint) Mrs Heather Gray, 25 Donaghaguy Road, Warrenpoint, BT34 3RZ. (Rostrevor) Mrs Doreen Henderson, 14 Greenpark Road, Rostrevor, BT34 3EY. WATERSIDE: REV COLIN JONES: Mr William McIlwaine, 19 Glenaden Hill, Altnagelvin Park, Londonderry, BT47 2LJ. continued on page 50

Herald May 2025

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CHURCH RECORD

CLASSIFIEDS

continued from page 49

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.

TEMPORARY STATED SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT BELLVILLE: REV J.T. GRAHAM: Mr Mervyn King, 29 Ardmore Road, Derryadd, Lurgan, BT66 6QP. NEWTOWNSTEWART and GORTIN: REV JONATHAN BOYD: (Newtownstewart) Mr David Dunbar, 32 Main Street, Newtownstewart, BT78 4AA. (Gortin) Mr Adrian Adams, 32 Lisnaharney Road, Lislap, Omagh, BT79 7UE. RASHARKIN: REV R.J. WATT: Mr Samuel Kirkpatrick, 71 Mullan Road, Ballymoney, BT53 7ED. SPA and MAGHERAHAMLET: REV DAVID BINGHAM: (Spa) Mr Stephen McBride, 28 Ballynahinch Road, Castlewellan, BT31 9PA. (Magherahamlet) Mr David Whan, 74 Castlewellan Road, Dromara, BT25 2JN. WHITEHEAD: REV P. BOVILL: Mr Warren Heggan, 44 Middle Road, Islandmagee, Larne, BT40 3SL.

THE MINISTRY Resigned: Rev Dr Martin McNeely, resigned as Minister of Fahan, 23 March 2025

THE ELDERSHIP Ordained and Installed: LOUGHMORNE: Lionel Brehaut, Alan Woods, Henry Bryans Woods Died: DUNLUCE: William Wylie

A date for your diary

Banagher Presbyterian Church

Ballyhanedin Road, Claudy, Co Londonderry, BT47 4TQ

Flower Festival

Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Church building Friday 30, Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June 2025 Artistic Directors: Mr Alan Beatty and Mr James Burnside

Accommodation COSY 3-BEDROOM HOLIDAY house in Portrush, short walking distance from town centre, beaches and golf course.

Can accommodate 4 adults and 2 children. Ofch, WiFi and downstairs toilet.

Min 2 night stay. Reasonable rates. Tel 07735 928901.

OONA’S COTTAGE: Newly restored traditional cottage with all modern amenities: sleeps 2, with travel cot if required. Located outside Ballymena, Co Antrim with easy access to tourist destinations. Tourist Board approved.

Two-night minimum stay. £95 per night. www.samscottage.co.uk PORTSTEWART: A modern 3-bedroom semi-detached house presented to a high standard, with off-street parking and a fully enclosed rear garden. Near local amenities. Available high and low season.

No smoking and no pets allowed. Contact Paula: 07840 123518 or 028 79632163.

PORTSTEWART: Excellent 4-bedroom cottage bungalow available June– September. Call 07513 826551; Email pabloguy50@gmail.com; Facebook @campbellandcorentalproperties PORTSTEWART HARBOUR: 2-bedroom apartment to let, May–September availability. Tel 07753 718494.

PORTRUSH: Modern bungalow in Portrush for holiday letting – off the Coleraine Road, walking distance to the beach. 3 bedrooms, 1 ensuite.

Enclosed garden, WiFi. Contact Joy 00353 862164169.

P O R T S T E WA R T H O L I D AY L E T : Townhouse, 3-bedroom, 2-minute walk to Promenade. WiFi. Full details Tel: 07800 802662.

Contact: Miss Ruth Connell 07775 596085 Morning Coffee, Lunch and Afternoon teas available.

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

Piano Tuning Services available throughout Ireland

Tel: +44 (0)28 9268 9468 Mobile: 07788 746992

PORTSTEWART HOLIDAY RENTAL: 3-bedroom house in quiet location.

5-minute walk from the Promenade, shops and restaurants. Large enclosed garden.

Dog friendly. For more information w w w. p o r t h o u s e p o r t s te w a r t . co. u k and booking email info@ porthouseportstewart.com CASTLEROCK: Cosy holiday home available in Castlerock. Walk ing distance to the beach and short drive to Portrush/Portstewart. 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, modern amenities including a stove, WiFi and dog friendly with enclosed garden. Competitive rates and good summer availability. Contact 07955 054028.

Self Catering ACCOMMODATION: FLORIDA – Disney 20 mins.; SPAIN – East coast. Beach views. Bus and tram from airport; NORTHERN IRELAND – Portstewart. Sea views. Contact: +44(0)7971 194211; geraldsmyth@hotmail.com

CROSSWORD Solution to No 298

ACROSS 1 Merry-goround 7 Labrador 9 Hunt 10 Eve 12 Crest of a wave 15 BIC 17 Start 18 Tsar 20 Noon 21 Myths 23 Diary 25 Anna 26 Ottawa 27 Ash 28 Promises

DOWN 1 Malachi 2 Robber 3 Yeast 4 Oxo 5 Unhealthy 6 Dance 8 Reacts 13 Obadiah 14 Fir 16 Trespass 17 Sunday 19 Rounds 22 Tears 24 Yo-yo

Church AV Specialists

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

07855 450887 50

Herald May 2025

Presbyter an

St John’s Parish Church Newtownhamilton

CHURCH IN IRELAND

Appointment of Convener of General Assembly Committee Applications are invited for the convenership of the following General Assembly Committee:

Disability Services Committee under the Council for Social Witness This position is open to ministers, elders and communicant members of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Friday 30th May~Opening Service @ 8pm Guest Preacher - Bishop Ken Clarke

For further information, please contact the Deputy Clerk, David Allen, at the email address below or telephone +44 (0)28 9041 7204.

Sunday 1st June~ Hymn Singing Evening @ 7.30 pm Special Guest, Wilson Beare [Bible Society]

Application forms may be downloaded from the PCI website at www.presbyterianireland.org/convenerships

Sunday 8th June~Closing Service @ 7.30pm Guest Preacher - Rev Trevor Johnston (formerly Ballymoyer)

Completed applications should be forwarded no later than 5pm on Friday 9 May 2025 to: deputyclerk@presbyterianireland.org or by post to The Deputy Clerk, Assembly Buildings, 2–10 Fisherwick Place, Belfast BT1 6DW.

For further details and viewing times email Stjohnsnth@outlook.com, view Facebook, or contact Alyson 07856 749740

FINAGHY LOWE MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BELFAST

Community Outreach Associate Applications are invited for this part-time post, based on a two-year fixed term contract (renewable) to join an established Ministry Team at Lowe Memorial Presbyterian Church.

The post holder will be responsible for the strategic development of community outreach ministry within Lowe and will manage the CAP Debt Centre for South and West Belfast.

The post holder will explore opportunities for evangelism and involvement in other potential ministries in the wider community.

Salary scale (depending on experience): £18,491–£20,195 per annum Hours of work: 25 per week including irregular hours, regular attendance at Sunday services and some other weekend working Closing Date: Friday 16 May 2025 at 1pm Application Form, Job Description and Specification from: Rev Dr J. McCracken, Finaghy Lowe Memorial Presbyterian Church, 191–193 Upper Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT10 0LL Tel: (028) 9062 6561 or 07511 157793 Email: admin.lowe@btinternet.com

Ministry Apprentice JOB PURPOSE: To work within Trinity Presbyterian Church, being involved in aspects of ministry such as preaching, pastoral care, leadership, outreach and youth work.

CONTRACT: Fixed term contract for the duration of 24 months.

The candidate will be expected to participate in part-time study, funded by Trinity Presbyterian Church, at Cornhill Training Centre Belfast, which will include a practical ministry attachment to Trinity.

HOURS: 8 hours per week including evenings and weekends.

SALARY: £6,000 per annum.

FURTHER INFORMATION: For Application Form, full Job Description, Personnel Specification and Terms and Conditions, please contact: Clerk of Session: Mr W.R. Quinn, 48 Newal Road, Ballymoney, BT53 6HE Email: bertiequinn48@gmail.com Telephone: (028) 2766 3136/ 07831 831175 This post will be offered to the successful applicant on the basis of a 24-month contract, starting 1/9/25, including a 6-month probationary period.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 23/5/25. It is planned to hold

interviews for this post during the week beginning 16/6/25.