MAY 2026
SHARING JESUS IN SANDY ROW The work of Friendship House
PRESENT IN MID-ULSTER Lecumpher reaches out
AT THE HUB OF THE MATTER PCI’s resource hubs
Making & Growing Disciples of Jesus
Ministry Apprentice (Summer 2026 Start) We are looking for someone to join the ministry team for a one year full-time role, with the possibility of a further year*. This role is ideal for anyone who would like to gain experience in preaching, pastoral care, leadership and discipleship. The successful candidate will also attend Cornhill, Belfast for theological training.
Technology That Supports Your Mission. Connect Tech Services provides professional AV and networking solutions for churches from sound, lighting, and visuals to hearing assistance and WiFi.
For more information, please contact We deliver reliable technology and
standrewspci@gmail.com or visit www.standrewsbelfast.com/apprentice
seamless support, so your church can focus on its mission.
Closing date: 12/6/26 with interviews to be held the week beginning 22/6/26 *The opportunity for a further year will be dependent on agreement with Kirk Session. The role includes a six-month probationary period.
Contact us today! T: 028 9691 8892 W: www.connecttechservices.co.uk E: info@connecttechservices.co.uk
Join us this summer at Keswick at Portstewart as we dig deeper together and consider that no matter where we are in our journey of faith, we all need our spiritual roots to be healthy, growing deeper and stronger. With guest speakers Jonathan Thomas, Clive Bowsher & Mark Meynell.
04 - 10 JULY 2026
CONTENTS | MAY 2026
FEATURES
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General Assembly 2026
9
Grief and gratitude
Overview of proceedings in June A story of sharing Jesus today
14 Present in mid-Ulster
Lecumpher Presbyterian reaches out
18 At the hub of the matter Highlighting PCI’s resource hubs
21 Not just social work
David Farrow retires from Thompson House
30 Sharing Jesus in Sandy Row The work of South Belfast Friendship House
34 God beyond nostalgia
The dangers of looking to the past
36 Explaining evangelism
At the hub of the matter p18
The new Christianity Explored course
38 Turning hunger to hope Christian Aid Week focus
REGULARS
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Editorial Culture Watch News Life lessons The Apostles’ Creed As I see it Reviews Life in PCI In this month Reflections
Cover illustration: Susanna Banks May 2026 No. 878 £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
Not just social work p21
Sharing Jesus in Sandy Row p30
CONTRIBUTORS Pip Florit is a mission support officer for PCI. She is a member of Bloomfield Presbyterian and lives with her husband Ishmael and son and daughter in Belfast.
Jonny McClune is PCI’s congregational witness officer. He is married to Bethany, dad of two and a member of Saintfield Road Presbyterian.
Ruth Sanderson lives in Scotland with her husband and two daughters. She is a freelance radio/television presenter and producer.
Diane Casement is the engagement officer for Christianity Explored Ministries. She lives in Belfast with her husband and belongs to Knock Presbyterian Church.
Editor: Sarah Harding
The views expressed in the features, news reports, letters and book reviews of this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor. Editorial comment and signed Subscriptions and Advertising: articles do not necessarily contain the official views of the Church, which can only be laid down only by the General Assembly. Acceptance of advertisements Edward Connolly; Leah Jones 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 2026
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