Presbyterian Herald October 2022

OCTOBER 2022

With Katharine Hill, including content from Mark Chester, Dr Kate Middleton and Dr Rob Waller

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Tuesday 29 November

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Wednesday 30 November

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CONTENTS | OCTOBER 2022

FEATURES 10 Better together

Islandmagee churches become one

14 Stepping forward: stepping up

A new event to encourage and equip new leaders

16 The Queen remembered Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

32 Renovation and innovation

Irish mission discussion with Rick Hill and David Bruce

36 Covid, community and the Code PCI going forward

38 40 years, 3 generations, 1 world

Better together p10

A cycle across Ireland for charity

REGULARS 4 6 22 23 31 40 42 43 45 46 47

Letters News In this month Mission Connect Norman Hamilton Reviews Ruth Sanderson Life in PCI Crossword As I see it David Clarke

The Queen remembered p16

Renovation and innovation p32

CONTRIBUTORS Andrew Dickson is the Congregational Life Development Officer for PCI. He lives in Whitehead with his wife Katherine and their two children, and is a member of Islandmagee.

Deborah Sloan is a member of Orangefield.

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

Alan Meban attends Kilmakee Presbyterian Church and writes about culture and politics as Alan in Belfast on his own blog and Slugger O’Toole.

Dr Donald Watts is former Clerk of the General Assembly and also a former minister of Ballyholme Presbyterian.

Cover illustration: Barry Falls October 2022 No. 842 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

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 Renée Finnegan 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 October 2022

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EDITORIAL

LETTERS Containers for Malawi

Unity

With the recent death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, there has been a strong sense of many communities united in grief. In this edition we pay tribute to a Queen who devoted herself so fully to serving not only her people, but also her Lord.

We hear reflections from some in PCI who met her. In these stories, a common admiration is shared, but the different words used to describe her makes for a very long list, including: faithfulness, duty, example, sincerity, service, grace, dignity, leadership, integrity, steadfastness, warmth, humility, tenacity, resilience, devotion… the list goes on.

Her visit to the Republic of Ireland in 2011 was a pivotal moment. Dr Frank Sellar comments: “Fearlessly crossing centuries of political animosity, bitterness, turbulence, and personal pain for the sake of reconciliation.”

The Queen’s actions showed her desire for peace and her great respect for unity. This is echoed elsewhere in the magazine, as the importance of unity within our Church is discussed. Dr Donald Watts reflects on where we find ourselves as a denomination as we emerge from Covid. He is concerned that one of the most fundamental issues to PCI is a “lack of trust in one another” and calls for us all to “work through differences with respect”. He optimistically sees the current times as “new beginnings”, which has a sense of fresh opportunities and unlocked potential.

This sentiment is also reflected in the words of Rick Hill, who succeeds Dr David Bruce as Secretary to the Council for Mission in Ireland. Rick and David talk candidly to Alan Meban about the denomination moving forward, with Rick focusing on two words: ‘renovation’ and ‘innovation’, saying he’s keen for the Council to help PCI “rethink, reset and renovate the shells and structures that are already there to become all it could be”.

One church that is shining as an example of practical unity is the congregation of Islandmagee. Minister Peter Bovill describes the long journey of how two churches became one. Although a somewhat lengthy process, Peter gives testament to God’s perfect timing and grace throughout. The church’s motto through the transition has been ‘We are better together’, which also perfectly fits for our denomination as a whole.

Just as Queen Elizabeth’s death has brought unity to many, so too this season in the Church’s life has the potential to unite people together. And as we renew a spirit of togetherness, we can all draw inspiration from Her Majesty’s faith, reflected on our cover image: “The message and teachings of Christ have been my guide.”

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Herald October 2022

Dear Editor I cannot remember how long I have been involved with the Containers for Malawi Project.

It has got to be over 30 years and in the beginning I was coopted onto a committee which oversaw the receiving, loading and shipping of containers to Malawi.

The service has supported many schools, hospitals, orphanages, colleges and other organisations in CCAP Livingstonia, Blantyre and Nkhoma Synods.

Over time and for various reasons, the committee dwindled until it was just me which was okay because I had the backing of AllRoute Shipping and latterly Woodside Global to provide support services, but I am retired from the world of shipping for six years and I feel it is now time to retire properly.

It has become a very expensive and risky operation to ship containers to many countries in Africa, and Malawi is no exception. Shipping costs and trucking costs have soared and getting consignments through customs in Malawi without duty payments is an arduous process.

I am expecting that the last container will be loaded and shipped around the first week of November so if anyone has

anything they would like to be shipped please deliver to the receiving depot at Relocation Logistics as soon as you can.

The rate is still £10 per cubic foot and I hope to hold that for this final shipment. Thanks is due to the team at Relocation Logistics for their kindness and efficiency in handling many thousands of items over the years.

If anyone has any questions, please contact me on 07484 717280 or carsonconluce@aol.com There is plenty of space at the moment but please check with me prior to delivery to the depot. Finally, I would like to thank all who have supported the project. I know that it has been appreciated widely in Malawi.

Carson McMullan Containers to Malawi coordinator

Turning of the Tide Dear Editor The Turning of the Tide video left me with a multitude of feelings from frustration to bewilderment. It seems to show PCI’s narrow vision of what the church of Christ is: a vision which seems to focus on a gathered community upholding our denominational values above Christ’s command to his church, his people, to be salt and light in the world.

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

Often I felt we contributed to people’s levels of fear and anxiety, plunging them into isolation and loneliness. The message sent by signs such as ‘It is prohibited to sit in this pew’ only served to push people further away. I fear that many will not return to church, will not be attracted by this video and churches will close down with greater speed than had been predicted.

Most striking of all to me is the complete lack of empathy for the persecuted church worldwide. These brothers and sisters are very much

Please note: Letters are limited to 300 words and may be edited for clarity and length. They will only be published in the Herald if the author’s name and address have been supplied to the editor. On request these will be withheld from print. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. The views expressed in the letters are not necessarily those of the Editor or PCI.

part of the body of Christ whether they meet in secret, or whether legitimate fear prevents them from doing so.

These believers know they are not ‘land-locked’ because the Spirit came to free them.

Our calling to mission as ‘fishers of men’ continued, we just had to be more creative – in both our pastoral care and the once-in-alifetime opportunity to have conversations about Jesus when fear abounds and the world is turned upside down.

Rather than a barren shoreline (shorelines actually teem with

Topical Tweets @pciassembly With the worsening situation for many due to the #costoflivingcrisis the leaders of #Ireland’s main churches have called on governments for urgent practical action saying they are deeply concerned by what they are seeing on the ground. @careorguk The coronavirus pandemic has spurred a rise in pornography addiction, experts have warned, with the number of people seeking help almost doubling. @nickygumbel Church is not an organisation you join; it is a family where you belong, a home where you are loved and a hospital where you find healing. @rickhillni Something I appreciate about this country is how we generally respond better to those who choose humility & integrity over polish & hype. @Tearfund As Liz Truss takes office as Prime Minister, she inherits a nation with anxiety over the cost of living, war in Ukraine, and mounting problems such as the climate crisis. The Bible calls us to pray for our leaders: today, and throughout this week, please join us in prayer.

life) and being in water up to our ankles, we should rather be immersed in the life offered freely to us through the Spirit.

If our vision is little more than getting our people back in the pews then we are much to be pitied.

Gwen Montgomery Killinchy

Tea or coffee Dear Editor I stand cup to saucer with Rev Rosborough regarding the great tea/coffee scandal which is creeping into PCI.

Having had an addiction to coffee for over a decade, all of a sudden two years ago my gallbladder erupted.

Wonderfully this brought about the reformation of my palate. Since then I have turned my back on coffee and have come to appreciate the delights of loose leaf tea. I share my story to bring hope to others that change is possible. Sadly however, for all too many ministers, the only T they know is the tee of the golf course!

Rev Lachlan Webster Craigavon

@HillStChurch On this sad day we give thanks to the Lord for Queen Elizabeth II and for her quiet, steadfast faith. @BibleSocietyNI “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” John 14:3 (NIV).

We join the nation in the mourning of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We know that today Her Majesty is safe in the arms of the Almighty God. @secondcomber We could hardly ask for a finer example of a Christian pursuing her calling with faith, hope and love. Having often requested that God would save our gracious Queen, let’s thank him for her and seek his blessing on her family, this nation and all nations. 1 Timothy 2:1–4 @pciassembly Following this evening’s announcement that Her Majesty The Queen passed away peacefully this afternoon at Balmoral, @PCIModerator Dr John Kirkpatrick has offered the Church’s ‘deepest, heartfelt and sincere condolences’ to His Majesty The King. @Care4theFamily We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty The Queen and our thoughts go out to the Royal Family at this time. We fondly remember Her Majesty’s exemplary example of devotion to the crown, her family and her faith. #QueenElizabethII

Herald October 2022

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NEWS | IN THE ROUND Moderator offers ‘sincere condolences’ on the death of the Queen PCI Moderator Dr John Kirkpatrick has paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, following her death last month.

He said, “For those in Northern Ireland who express their loyalty to the Crown, few can remember a time when the Queen was not part of the very fabric of national life, as her Platinum Jubilee in June demonstrated. At the same time, for many who do not share that same sense of loyalty, in her long life, Queen Elizabeth became one of the most recognisable and respected figures across these islands…”

He continued, “As an all-Ireland denomination, many of our members, and indeed non-members alike, found much hope and encouragement in Her Majesty’s many visits to Northern Ireland, not least during the darkest of days. Few will also forget her state visit to the Republic of Ireland with her late husband, Prince Philip, 11 years ago.

“In a long and significant reign, they were four days in May that not only made history, but quietly closed a chapter in Ireland’s story. A short visit that left a long-lasting impression, which will be remembered for many years to come, alongside her commitment to peace and reconciliation,” he said.

The Moderator concluded by saying, “In acknowledging a life of devotion to public service, I will always remember the Queen’s willingness to talk about her personal faith in Jesus Christ. I was greatly encouraged by her Christian witness, which was a wonderful example for everyone who acknowledges the name of Jesus as their Saviour…

“At this time of great sadness, bereavement and loss, it is my prayer that His Majesty The King, and Royal Family, will take heart in that simple, but profound declaration. It is also my prayer that they may know the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the anchor of our soul, and our ultimate comforter in times of great sadness.”

Church leaders call for cost-of-living crisis action With projections for the autumn pointing to a worsening situation for many households across the island of Ireland, as a result of the unfolding cost-of-living crisis, the leaders of Ireland’s main Churches have said that they are deeply concerned by what they are seeing on the ground.

In a joint statement, they have called “for more practical support to be delivered urgently through direct government initiatives in both jurisdictions and also via grassroots charity and community partnerships.”

The Church Leaders Group (Ireland), which includes the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic Archbishops of Armagh, the Presbyterian Moderator and the Presidents of the Methodist Church and Irish Council of Churches, also said that they are “deeply concerned regarding the government response in both jurisdictions, in meeting immediate needs and also in relation to longer-term strategy.”

They go on to say that practical support “…must go hand in hand with a longer-term refocusing of government policies to deliver real and meaningful social justice and eliminate poverty across this island.”

The Church Leaders’ Group (Ireland): Dr John Kirkpatrick (PCI Moderator), Right Reverend Andrew Forster (President of the Irish Council of Churches), Rev David Nixon (President of the Methodist Church in Ireland). Seated: Most Reverend Eamon Martin (Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland) and the Most Reverend John McDowell (Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland).

Union holds Luther conference Union Theological College’s principal, Rev Prof Gordon Campbell (centre), is pictured launching the ‘Martin Luther: Bible translator, illustrator and publisher’ conference with a 1579 edition of the Geneva Bible, the oldest Bible in the College’s Gamble Library’s collection.

He is joined by two of the conference partners: Catherine Little, General Secretary of the Bible Society in Northern Ireland, and Trevor Wilson, UK partnerships manager for Biblica, the international Bible society. The two-day conference in September brought together experts from Ireland, UK and Europe.

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Herald October 2022

IN THE ROUND | NEWS GB to partner with Habitat for Humanity Ireland Girls’ Brigade NI has announced a three-year charity partnership with Habitat for Humanity Ireland.

Over the next three years, more than 19,000 girls from across Northern Ireland will engage with Habitat Ireland’s mission through their GB company.

Habitat Ireland has worked with the Girls’ Brigade (GB) to develop resources for GB girls, which will explore some critical issues of housing, advocacy and sustainability. All sections of GB will engage in active mission​and understand how all of us can make positive changes in our own communities and around the world​. ​ Habitat is a Christian housing organisation whose mission is to build a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

India: 180 years of partnership celebrated

IN BRIEF Moderator congratulates new Secretary of State

Gail Clarke (National Secretary, GBNI), Jenny Williams (chief executive, Habitat for Humanity Ireland) and Tracey Davies (chairperson of GBNI) at the launch of the partnership.

explained that his Church is growing, saying, “My parents saw the work of missionaries from Ireland and the United States, but from the 1970s local leaders have led the way in our shared theology and passion for mission.”

He added, “Across the Diocese, especially in the rural and tribal areas, we have a practical missional strategy organising free classes where we can teach.

We have also set up medical clinics. Even though we face many challenges, we are seeing many people come to a faith in Jesus Christ. God is good and is blessing our work, just as he blessed, and continues to bless, the work of Irish Presbyterians.”

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland celebrated its oldest official partnership when senior PCI representatives welcomed the Right Reverend Silvans Christian, Bishop of the Church of North India’s (CNI) Diocese of Gujarat, to Assembly Buildings in Belfast.

The relationship with Gujarat spans 180 years and began with PCI’s foundation in July 1840. During this first session of the Church’s inaugural General Assembly, according to the minutes, Rev James Glasgow of Castledawson and Rev A. Kerr of Portadown “…consented to proceed as missionaries to India…for the solemn work of the Assembly’s Foreign Mission”.

Between 1840 and the late 1960s around 300 PCI missionaries served in various capacities in Gujarat.

During the three-day visit Bishop Silvans and his wife Jenis met with the Moderator, Dr John Kirkpatrick, his wife Joan, and members of the Council for Global Mission. They had lunch with some of those who had a connection with the denomination’s work in Gujarat over the years. This included Frances Martin, wife of the late Rev Alan Martin, who served as missionaries in Gujarat from 1963 to 1968. Rev John Faris and Alastair Rankin, great great grandsons of Rev Rev John Faris (great great grandson of Rev James Glasgow, PCI’s first missionary to Gujarat James Glasgow, were also present. in 1840), Rt Rev Silvans Christian (Bishop of the Diocese of Gujarat) and his wife Jenis, with In his comments, Bishop Silvans Frances Martin (the wife of the late Rev Alan Martin, who served as missionaries in Gujarat gave thanks for the partnership and from 1963 to 1968).

UK’s new Prime Minister PCI Moderator Dr John Kirkpatrick has congratulated Liz Truss on becoming UK Prime Minister.

He said, “The in-tray awaiting the new Prime Minister contains some of the most difficult and complex issues that have faced the UK and farther afield in a generation. From the cost-of-living crisis to the war in Ukraine, industrial unrest in Great Britain to record levels of inflation, I recognise that this will be a very challenging time for any new Prime Minister.

“Alongside these important issues, I would urge the new government to encourage the formation of the Northern Ireland Executive and resolve matters relating to the Northern Ireland Protocol.”

PCI Moderator Dr John Kirkpatrick has congratualted Chris Heaton-Harris, on his appointment as Northern Ireland Secretary of State.

“The call to public service, especially to political office, can often be onerous, especially in uncertain and challenging times. On behalf of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, I would like to offer my congratulations to Mr HeatonHarris on his appointment and assure him of my prayers, along with the prayers of many in our Church across the island of Ireland,” Dr Kirkpatrick said.

Change of venue There has been a change of venue for the next meeting of the Presbyterian Historical Society. The event on Thursday 20 October will now take place in Cullybackey Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Rev Geoffrey Allen will speak on Rev William Martin, preacher, pioneer and patriot at the next meeting of the Society.

Foster care events A series of information events for potential foster carers are being held in the coming months.

There are virtual events on Thursday 6 October and Tuesday 6 December, as well as one dedicated to fostering teenagers on Tuesday 11 October. All run from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

There will also be an in-person event at the Silver Birch Hotel, Omagh on Tuesday 6 October between 7.30pm and 9pm.

There is no need to register.

Please see the Western Health and Social Care Trust Facebook page for sign-in details for the virtual events. If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, or just want to find out more about what is involved, call HSC NI Foster Care on 0800 0720 137 or visit adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net

Herald October 2022

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NEWS | PCI

News Tribute to deaconess Michelle Purdy It is with deep sadness, together with profound thanks to God for the life and witness of Michelle Purdy, that we pay a short tribute to our sister, colleague, friend and serving deaconess, who died on 26 August 2022, peacefully in hospital.

Michelle, whose name is derived from the Hebrew name Michael, meaning ‘close to God’, chose, as a teenager, to become ‘close to God’, putting her trust and faith in Jesus Christ. Following, obeying and serving him fully for the rest of her life.

Growing up in the congregation of Banbridge Road Presbyterian Church, Dromore, she was shaped by her time in Sunday school and as an enthusiastic member of Girls’ Brigade. Her personal commitment to follow Christ was evidenced by active involvement in Banbridge Academy’s Scripture Union and her commitment to youth ministry and outreach.

A woman very open to God’s Spirit, she responded ‘seriously’ to God’s call to full-time Christian service, leaving a successful career in community volunteer management in Fermanagh and Downpatrick, to train as a deaconess in Union Theological College.

In June 2005, on the completion of her training and probationary year in Legacurry Presbyterian, Michelle was commissioned to serve in Ballygowan (and for a short time worked part-time in Second Saintfield). In September 2013 she was inducted to serve in Ballyclare, something she did fully and faithfully until her death.

Michelle, together with her husband Tom, committed herself to becoming part of the community of Ballyclare. With vision and enthusiasm, she served Christ and those whom he brought to her. Her love for him led her to coordinate the local foodbank, launch ‘Messy Church’, organise mothers and toddlers and oversee various initiatives and programmes to reach families on the fringe of church life.

Psalm 62 was one of Michelle’s favourite Scriptures and verses 7 and 8 help reflect her life and witness: “My salvation and my honour depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” hope WeRekindling in the Council for Mission in Ireland want to thank God for the life and witness of Michelle Purdy. For the influence she has been, who was great company, kind, considerate, caring and passionate, and for faithfully serving her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

To those who loved her most, her husband Tom, mother, sisters, her wider family, and dear friends, we extend our deepest sympathy.

New qualification for home managers Two PCI home managers have achieved My Home Life qualifications.

Mae Irvine, from Corkey House, and Anna McCaffrey, from Sunnyside House, are pictured with Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann.

Funded by the Department of Health, the recognised leadership qualification took a year and much dedication to complete. It is designed to strengthen person-centred care, staff resilience and community relations.

Personnel Nigel and Antónia Craig, due to a change in personal circumstances, are regrettably unable to take up their roles with the Reformed Church in Hungary in Debrecen at this time.

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

World Development Appeal This year’s World Development Appeal, ‘Rekindling Hope: From flight to flourishing’, will be launched on 19 October.

The Appeal will focus on people who have From flight to flourishing had to flee their homes and find themselves in foreign places. The featured project is in Lebanon, working with Tearfund’s partner in the Tahaddi Centre, providing holistic support to displaced and stateless families.

Lebanon has one of the highest numbers of refugees per capita in the world, despite being a country in crisis itself. Your support of this year’s World Development Appeal will help to resource Tahaddi as the centre continues to rebuild and restore lives previously torn apart by conflict, crisis and Covid, changing stories of flight to stories of flourishing.

Rekindling hope

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Herald October 2022

Moderator visits Harold McCauley House PCI Moderator Dr John Kirkpatrick and his wife Joan recently visited Harold McCauley House – PCI’s nursing home in Omagh.

They spent two hours in the home, speaking with staff and residents, and Dr Kirkpatrick conducted a service for the residents. They are pictured with some of the care staff and the manager Michelle Murray (second from right).

Find out more on www.presbyterianireland.org

Events

DIARY DATES

Children’s ministry online webinar

Pastoral care training

As we come back to a more normal routine of children’s ministry, many volunteers may be new or feel like they need a refresher in why and how we do our children’s ministry. An online webinar on Monday 10 October is for those volunteers.

Taking place between 7.45pm and 9pm, the webinar will cover skills such as managing groups of kids, leading from the front, telling a story and preparing a lesson, as well as thinking about what the Bible says about the ministry. Hosted by PCI’s Children’s Development Officer Ruth Bromley, it will include a mixture of video and live teaching with space to reflect and also some time to ask questions.

To book your place, go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/events

An event looking at how we pastor our congregations will take place at Assembly Buildings, Belfast on Wednesday 5 October, between 10.30am and 12.45pm.

Costing £5, this will be a helpful event for ministers, elders and church staff members in a variety of roles.

The speaker is Dr Tim Witmer, author of The Shepherd Leader, who has extensive experience, as both church pastor and Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, of thinking about models of effective pastoral life in congregations and what it might look like to transition towards doing things differently than we have done before.

To find out more or to book for this event go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/ events

Youth event There is a final call for bookings for ‘Onward’ – an in-person youth event for secondary schoolaged children being held in Carnmoney Presbyterian Church on Saturday 29 October, between 7.45pm and 9.30pm.

The event is ideal for bringing small or larger groups of young people from your congregation as part of reconnecting and recommencing more regular patterns of youth ministry.

For more information and to book tickets go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/onward

Regional resourcing events ‘Foundations’ is an opportunity for volunteer leaders and helpers in children’s, youth and family ministry to come together for regional evening events, offering a mix of teaching, discussing and resourcing.

For more information on dates and regional venues and to book tickets go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/foundations

Another look at pastoring our congregations Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Wednesday 5

Bible for All – How to read the Bible Union Theological College – Thursday 6

Children’s Ministry Basics webinar Online – Monday 10

Bible for All – Those who need the Bible Union Theological College – Thursday 13

Taking Care training for designated persons Online – Thursday 13

Bible for All – Telling the story of the Bible Union Theological College – Thursday 20

Taking Care adult safeguarding training

Woodlands Presbyterian – Wednesday 26

Event for church leaders Assembly Buildings, Belfast will host an in-person event for church leaders on Tuesday 15 November, between 7.15pm and 9.15pm.

Since the emergence of Covid-19, Presbyterian churches across Ireland have been faced with the significant challenge of how to respond to the avalanche of psychological, emotional, and spiritual traumas experienced by many church members of all ages. It would be a mistake to imagine that Covid-19’s effects will simply disappear. As we recommence more regular rhythms of church life, ‘Restored’ is a free event, which will give church leaders the space to explore how to biblically and pastorally respond to issues arising in the wake of the pandemic.

To book your place go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/restored

October

Onward: Following Jesus

Resources New Blaze resources The new ‘Blaze’ resources for harvest are now available on the PCI website at www. presbyterianireland.org/blaze The initiative aims to encourage all-age congregational engagement in global mission, and the new resources include a Blaze-themed ‘Digital Dispatch’ from one of our global mission workers and some children’s address ideas to use with it. There are also some children’s ministry ideas for groups to use as well as new family activities for use at home.

Carnmoney Presbyterian – Saturday 29

November Taking Care adult safeguarding training Terrace Row Presbyterian – Friday 11

Restored

Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Tuesday 15

Foundations

Ballynure Presbyterian – Thursday 17 First Omagh – Thursday 24

Herald October 2022

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CONGREGATIONAL STORY

Better

Peter Bovill shares the good news story of two congregations in Islandmagee that are amalgamating to become one.

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Herald October 2022

Photography by Jamie Trimble

together

‘W

e are better together’ has become the strapline for our amalgamation journey here in Islandmagee. This wasn’t something that we realised overnight but something that God has revealed to us as we have journeyed with him as congregations over these last years.

1 January 2023 brings with it a new stage in our journey together. The turn of the new year will see us reach the summit of our goal to be one congregation and become ‘Islandmagee Presbyterian Church’. This journey has covered many years, taken different twists and turns, involved many people and revealed God’s grace and faithfulness.

In sharing something of this journey I hope that you are encouraged about what God is doing here in Ireland, even in a small place called Islandmagee.

We haven’t always got it right and are certainly far from perfect, but there might even be something for you to learn and apply into your own church context.

There has been a Presbyterian witness in Islandmagee that stretches back into the 1600s and the early beginnings of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

The seceder congregation of Second Islandmagee began in 1785 and together the two congregations have sought to minister to this unique rural and coastal area of Northern Ireland. The ‘island’ is nearly surrounded by water and measures seven miles long by two miles wide. It is home to the Gobbins coastal walk, along with the famous Rinkha ice-cream shop, the beach at Browns Bay and the harbour of Portmuck, which is perfect for a dip in the sea. All these things make Islandmagee well worth a visit.

In your travels around the ‘island’ you may come across two church buildings but if you joined us for Sunday worship, you will find one church family that is seeking to be faithful in ministry and mission in our ‘island’ community. As a small rural congregation, we face many challenges, but we are seeking to step out with God into a new future together.

One that is founded on our shared journey, the faithfulness of the saints who have gone before us and the goodness of God.

Within PCI the words ‘amalgamation’ or ‘merger’ may bring with them the thought of a directive from on high; congregations being instructed, often in vacancy, that they must consider an amalgamation or linkage as the best way forward. Stretching back to a Carrickfergus Presbytery mission plan over 15 years ago, there has been talk of linkage of the two congregations in Islandmagee. In some ways it is not surprising that we are now amalgamating, but we are so thankful to God for the journey that has brought us this far and all he has taught us along the way.

There has been a Presbyterian witness in Islandmagee that stretches back into the 1600s…

Small steps We all know Aesop’s fable, The Tortoise and the Hare. Slow and steady wins the race. Our journey together has been one of small steps over the years that slowly shaped a growing relationship between the two congregations.

These small steps created a trajectory under God that in his perfect timing has brought us to the point of amalgamation. In its own unique way, each small step has often represented the conscious decision of elders, a desire to grow an area of ministry or an opportunity to experience more of God’s blessing together.

Those small steps stretching back over the decades have involved invitations to special services; sharing the employment of a youth worker; and a number of united ventures,

including youth ministry, a choir and summer services. A growing number of united services in a period of vacancy created the foundation for our linkage in 2017 and from that point the elders and congregations moved forward in ministry and mission together. In 2019 the two PW groups chose to join together and to experience the blessing of truly being one.

Then in 2021 we asked the Linkage Commission if we could amalgamate.

The willing travellers The congregations in Islandmagee have shared a unique journey together over these last years. Their role and participation cannot be underplayed – they have shown their openness to what God has been doing among them and a desire to be a part of it.

At the heart of our journey has been the people of God who have been willing travellers through faithful prayer, a looking to the good of others, a heart for the next generation and a desire to continue to be a witness for the good news of Jesus in years to come.

But on this journey they have not been alone.

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Our faithful God When I arrived in Islandmagee in 2013 I discovered a stone in the vestibule with the inscription “Thus far has the Lord helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12). This stone referred to the Ebezener stone that Samuel had set up to recognise God’s help and faithfulness to his people up until that point in their journey.

At this moment in the life of our church family we can once again raise an ‘Ebezener’ stone to declare that, ‘up to this point the Lord has helped us’.

We are where we are, because of God’s faithfulness and goodness to us as a church family and the Holy Spirit at work in each of our hearts.

As we look back over this last decade and beyond, we can see God’s hand at work. Creating the situations in which friendship and fellowship has grown, and shared ministry and mission has developed.

Over the years any personal frustrations that I or others may have had with the speed of progress, can now be seen to be God at work. He has graciously been teaching me patience and a trust in his perfect timing. God has been creating a dependence on him for each step we take, which I hope and pray we will continue to embrace for the future.

God’s timing has given the opportunity for many things. As the joint kirk session met in the years prior to amalgamation, we had the opportunity to develop friendship and unity, ahead of potentially more challenging discussions. After our linkage in 2017 the elders chose to have one service of worship meeting for a month in each building. This charted

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…we are so thankful to God for the journey that has brought us this far and all he has taught us… a course for our continuing journey together. Everyone came to appreciate what it was like, to worship ‘not in my church building’ and not to sit in ‘my pew’.

Weather watching Like the farmers of our local community, we have sought to discern what ‘weather’ might be coming our way. Islandmagee is known to have its own unique climate, however the weather, both sunny (opportunity) and inclement (challenge), that we face has much in common with Presbyterian congregations across Ireland.

As we looked to the future as two congregations, the inclement weather we faced included the challenges of reduced numbers and overstretched leaders, along with questions of how to minister to the growing apathy towards God that we saw around us.

The rallying cry of God to his people

through history has often been, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” It is the encouragement that ‘if God is with us, who can be against us’, and to grasp the opportunities that come our way.

And so faced with these challenges, God over the years, has been presenting a wonderful opportunity to us, in the form of a closer relationship between the two congregations. This has brought blessing through the unity of God’s people and new fellowship in Christ, the

God’s timing has given the opportunity for many things.

encouragement of greater numbers at worship, as well as new ways to serve and be cared for.

The relationship has already brought a fresh perspective on ministry and mission. It has allowed us to work together to put on events in our local community, to see new possibilities for ministry, to grow numbers in our home groups and to support individuals stepping out to serve in different ways.

As we traverse the summit of amalgamation and head for new pastures on the other side, we will continue to face many challenges but I pray as elders and one congregation we will continue to grasp the opportunities that come our way.

The journey ahead In many senses the next few months will bring a new beginning for us as one

…might we see amalgamations and mergers not as negative steps, but as opportunities… congregation. We are so fortunate that this new beginning isn’t really ‘new’. We move forward together with relationships in our church family that have grown over these last years. We step out together knowing that God promises to guide us and lead us as he has done so clearly in the past. The foundations of our ministry and mission are already in place and we pray that God in his grace would choose to bless them for his glory. However, this is still a ‘new beginning’ for which we are so thankful, and one which is bringing enthusiasm and momentum to our

church family after a challenging number of years for us all.

In Islandmagee we are pleased to say, “We are better together”. The many blessings that we have experienced from the close unity of God’s people have been worth any sacrifice or challenge along our journey. Being able to set aside our individual identities as two congregations and find our unity in Christ as one church family has been such a joy to be a part of.

I wonder as we move forward as a denomination across Ireland, might we see amalgamations and mergers not as negative steps, but as opportunities for us to experience more of what God calls us to be as his church and the blessings that can be ours as his people.

Rev Peter Bovill is minister of Islandmagee Presbyterian Church.

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Stepping forward:

stepping up

Andrew Dickson highlights some new PCI events designed to encourage, empower, equip and embolden new leaders.

W

here have all the leaders gone? I wonder have you or your church asked that question lately?

The church is a volunteer organisation.

All churches, even the most staff-driven ones, need the service of volunteer leaders to make their ministries work. Yet, as we emerge from the long shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic, congregations of all sizes are encountering a familiar problem.

We are wrestling with a shortage of leaders for all sorts of ministry activities.

For all the other aspects of church life which have encouragingly bounced back since the emergence of the pandemic, volunteering has witnessed a dramatic stepping back. According to a recent survey conducted by the Evangelical Alliance, 6 in 10 church leaders say they have perceived “a decrease in volunteering at their church”. Alarmingly, many of these leaders have at least 25% fewer volunteer leaders than they had in 2019.

A further 3 in 10 church members surveyed also stated that they now spend less time serving in church than they had done previously.

We don’t know whether this decrease in stepping forward to lead is due to

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temporary post-pandemic fatigue, people more carefully assessing how they will invest their time and talents, or a seismic cultural shift. What is apparent, however, is that the pandemic has profoundly impacted the volunteer landscape within many of our congregations. We want our volunteer leaders back, but perhaps understandably they are slower to respond than we would like.

Where do we go from here?

Whilst the pandemic has exacerbated the lack of leadership crisis facing many congregations today, perhaps volunteering for ministry is something which hasn’t worked well for some time. At one time or another, we’ve all perhaps heard the desperate plea from a minister or leader that a certain ministry needs more leaders to be able to meet and fulfil their purpose. As my own

…the pandemic has profoundly impacted the volunteer landscape within many of our congregations.

personal experience and practice as a former PCI youth worker have shown me, sometimes in our desperation to get or keep ministries going, we find it easier to resort to plugging gaps. Rather than encouraging, empowering and equipping people to step forward, step up, and serve in ministries they are passionate about, we thrust them into leadership positions not suited to their gifts.

Whilst this strategy, alongside frequently and fervently praying that God will somehow work everything out, might solve our crisis in the short-term, it’s not a sustainable model for the longterm health of either our churches or those who serve.

As we emerge from the challenging landscape brought about by the pandemic, the time is ripe across our congregations to revisit our recruitment practices, rethink how we develop leaders and reimagine ways we can encourage potential leaders to step forward and up into congregational leadership earlier. If this process sounds daunting, here are three simple ways volunteer leadership can be revitalised in your congregation: Create clarity. What’s the purpose of the role? How does it contribute to

the mission of the congregation? What are the boundaries of the role and the expectations of the leader? How will they grow as a disciple by serving in this capacity? How will they be supervised, mentored and released to serve and lead well in this and every season of church life? How will the leaders know that their work has made a difference? Rather than dumbing down leadership roles, consider building up role expectations, and provide opportunities that will give leaders chances to participate, be tested and grow whilst doing something good.

Foster flexibility. Whilst some volunteer leadership positions have a very specific time commitment – think holiday Bible club – more and more ministry today can be accomplished whenever the leader has time to get the job done. Rather than limiting opportunities based on physical availability during narrow time slots, be creative about how you structure service opportunities to allow people to better offer the times in which they are available.

Pursue passion. Sometimes it’s easier to make our pitch starting with the position that we want filled. However, what would it look like for us to begin with the potential leader first? How could we figure out what their gifts are?

How can we come to understand what they are passionate about and where they feel compelled to make a difference?

Having engaged with them, could we craft opportunities within our ministries which honour their passion, and release them to serve in spheres which also support the mission and priorities of the congregation?

As congregations consider the work of reimagining volunteering, CCLW has designed a short, simple, but significant programme for new leaders – both young and old – to be encouraged, empowered, equipped and emboldened as they start to lead for the first time.

Stepping Forward: Stepping Up Beginning and ending with two inperson events in Assembly Buildings on Saturday 28 January and Saturday 22 April from 10am to 1pm, ‘Stepping Forward: Stepping Up’ will also incorporate two online sessions on Thursday 23 February and Thursday 23

If we want to lead like Jesus, we must first be disciples…

March (7.30–9pm). Providing a depth of teaching that is both accessible and applicable, the four sessions will give emerging leaders the opportunity to engage with material which introduces them to some of the ideals which lie at the heart of Christian leadership: Character – In a world which defines leadership on the basis of identity, strength and success, ‘Stepping Forward: Stepping Up’ will explore how Christian leaders can ground their leadership in characteristics found throughout Scripture – humility, integrity, godliness, forgiveness, unity, service and the fruit of the Spirit. If we want to lead like Jesus, we must first be disciples who take seriously his call to follow and abide in him.

Commitment – God is committed to his people. Jesus was committed to his ministry and mission. The disciples and apostles were committed to following Christ, making disciples and sharing the good news. In an age where commitment is sometimes seen as a dirty word, ‘Stepping Forward: Stepping Up’ will show participants the value of following these examples for our own spiritual lives, our local church and our discipleship relationships.

Consistency – Does our practice match our profession? Does our behaviour reflect our beliefs? All Christian leaders need to be consistent in their lives.

Paul understood this when he declared, “You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers” (1 Thessalonians 2:10). In our leadership, “Consistency is the jewel worth wearing; the anchor worth weighing; the thread worth weaving; and the battle worth winning” (Chuck Swindoll).

Community – Christian leadership does not occur within a vacuum, but rather is founded upon the principle of being a part of one body comprising many parts. Our shared union with Christ creates communion with one another. We all have gifts we can bring to this community. We each have a God-given part to play. As leaders, we’re

never above or beyond the people around us. We are part of a collective, and we ought to lead in a spirit of collaborative partnership.

Culture – What do we want to be known for? Leaders influence culture in the way they communicate, what they value, how they cast vision, and by their personal example. Passed down throughout the church, and shaped by policies and procedures, in short, culture is ‘the way we do things around here’. How we consistently and intentionally develop a healthy, Christlike church culture which emphasises character, commitment, consistency and community, and leads to growth and greater impact for the kingdom of God takes time. Yet it is more important now than ever before.

Equipping new leaders As we step out into this new season of congregational life, volunteer leaders will continue to be the life force of the congregation. In many ways, both the success and strength of the future church depends on our ability to revisit, rethink, and reimagine our volunteer practices.

Rather than waiting for clarity about the future to emerge, now is the time to begin this task and press on to engage, encourage, empower and equip new and emerging leaders for the tasks of ministry.

Perhaps in reading this, there are names and faces of those in your church, aged 16+, who spring to mind. Why not have a chat with them about ‘Stepping Forward: Stepping Up’? Investing £25 to send your emerging leaders to these four sessions, will not only enable them to hear from a variety of ministry practitioners, spend time journeying alongside those at a similar stage as them, but also create leaders of impact who will shape the work and ministry of your congregations for years to come.

To book your emerging leader’s place today, visit www.presbyterianireland. org/steppingforward and complete the booking form. For further details please contact the Council for Congregational Life and Witness office (clw@presbyterianireland.org or Tel: +44 (0)28 9032 2284).

Andrew Dickson is PCI’s Congregational Life Development Officer.

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THE QUEEN REMEMBERED

The Queen

remembered The Herald pays tribute to the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. Herald marked historic moments As expected, the historic occasions of the death of King George VI and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II were featured in the Presbyterian Herald.

The March 1952 edition reported that the sorrow of the Church was expressed in two messages sent by PCI Moderator Dr Hugh McIlroy, one of which expressed sincere sympathy on the circumstances of the Queen’s accession to the throne.

“We pray that Your Majesty, walking in your reverend father’s footsteps, may be richly blessed in your reign…”

The Queen’s coronation was marked in the July 1953 issue, with the editorial saying many are expressing the “wistful hope that we might be on the verge of another Elizabethan age…”

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The same issue featured the poem, ‘A prayer for Coronation Day’, which said, “Today our youthful Queen is set apart…

And as with joy we crown her in our heart/ In love divine let her be crowned by Thee…”

In the June edition of 2002, the Herald reported that Dr Alastair Dunlop had the privilege of preaching in the presence of the Queen during a service to celebrate her Golden Jubilee in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.

At the service, Dr Dunlop, who was PCI Moderator at the time, said that in a society which had changed enormously in 50 years, the Queen had displayed “an unwavering, consistent devotion to duty, unstinting service to the nation and the Commonwealth, and utter faithfulness to vows made at her coronation.

“We are particularly grateful today, in this context of worship, for her example of steady, Christian faith,” he added.

THE QUEEN REMEMBERED

Impressed by Her Majesty’s knowledge of Northern Ireland The first engagement I had with HM The Queen was on 12 July 1951. She was then the Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh, when she officially opened a youth centre at Chigwell, Essex.

At the opening ceremony the Rt Hon Winston Churchill, as the local constituency MP, gave a speech following which the royal visitor carried out an inspection of the centre and then had informal chats with representatives of the various national groups. What a unique experience for a 19-year-old from Belfast who on his first visit to I was greatly impressed London had the by the way in which this opportunity to see and hear our future quite small figure could Queen and her first Minister in fill the entire place with Prime the flesh! her regal personality.

Within two years I was back in London for the Coronation Day celebrations. I was on first aid duty with the St John Ambulance Brigade and our aid post was at Oxford Circus. We took up our position at 4.30am and while it was about 5pm before the golden coach conveying the newly crowned Queen and her Consort passed our post, my memories of that day are still very vivid.

Then in 1977, on the occasion of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, I was a member of the team that organised the Northern Ireland Jubilee Youth Festival, held at Coleraine on 13 August. Due to

the pressures arising from the Troubles, it was only on 28 June – two days before the end of school term – that the decision was taken to proceed with the royal visit. There followed a hectic period of planning to finalise the programme. It turned out to be successful and a few days following the event a letter was received from Buckingham Palace stating how much the Queen had enjoyed the visit.

In 1995, at a ceremony held at Buckingham Palace, HM The Queen invested me as an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) and I still recall her words of encouragement and congratulation. In November 1996 I was appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO). In April 2015 I attended a service of the Order held in St George’s Chapel following which a reception was held in the state apartments at Windsor Castle. At this Her Majesty circulated around the groups and when she spoke to the group I was in, I was again encouraged and impressed by her sincerity and knowledge of ‘all things Northern Ireland’.

Cecil Graham Elder in Windsor Presbyterian Church and former clerk of South Belfast Presbytery

NI Jubilee Youth Festival 1977

Cecil recieves the OBE 1995

Photo by Cecil Graham 1951

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THE QUEEN REMEMBERED

A style of leadership exemplified by Jesus When the Queen celebrated her 95th birthday in April 2021, I wrote to her on behalf of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. I offered her the condolences of the Church following the loss of her husband Prince Philip, less than two weeks before, and went on to say this: “This is also an opportunity to acknowledge Your Majesty’s devoted public service and unstinting sense of duty to the people of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.

The Apostle Paul’s words in Colossians come to mind when he wrote, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…’”

These words I believe, exemplified the Queen’s life of service as our monarch through her remarkable reign. Her deep Christian faith was made clear in her annual Christmas broadcasts and informed her style of leadership. In the modern era the monarch has little actual power, but potentially great influence. Lesser models of leadership abound – examples of which, sadly we have had too many, and which stand in stark contrast to her extraordinary testimony. Hers was the style of leadership exemplified by Jesus, and commended to his followers. The greatest among you Hers was the style of should be like the least. The one who leadership exemplified rules should be like

by Jesus, and the one who serves.

Most Moderators commended to his are invited to followers. meet the Queen at some point during their term of office. The Covid restrictions combined with her increasing frailty meant that I was unable to do so.

Whatever our view of the monarchy, we should pray for her successor, recognising that just as the Queen navigated years of extraordinary post-war change, so the King will be required to do the same. May he follow her remarkable example of life and faith.

Very Rev Dr David Bruce Former Moderator

Serving with grace How can any of us ever forget those words of Her Majesty at Dublin Castle 11 years ago when she stunned all present with these simple words: “A Uachtaráin agus a chairde” (President and friends).

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The Queen, speaking in Gaelic, acknowledging people this side of the water and both sides of the border as friends.

Fearlessly crossing centuries of political animosity, bitterness, turbulence, and personal pain for the sake of reconciliation.

“With the benefit of historical hindsight,” she said, “we can all see things which we would wish had been done differently or not at all. But it is also true that no one who looked to the future over the past centuries could have imagined the spirit of partnership that we now enjoy.”

The Queen served with grace because she herself served the King of grace. In a world of division and historic distrust, where it is easy to be cynical, bitter, or angry with so much in the public sphere, how thankful then for the way Her Majesty lived with such dignity, stability and integrity and reset relations in this part of the world by showing respect, serving the nation during times of conflict and peace, providing steadfastness and stability, and tirelessly supporting innumerable charitable causes. We thank Almighty God for her and pray earnestly for her successor Charles III with the words ‘God save the King’.

Very Rev Dr Frank Sellar Deputy Lieutenant of Belfast

Every inch a Queen I reported for the Belfast Telegraph on Her Majesty’s 1977 Silver Jubilee visit to Northern Ireland. The situation was so dangerous that she and the Duke of Edinburgh sailed in on the Royal Yacht Britannia which moored in Belfast Lough. To avoid onshore travel they held receptions on board the vessel.

However, the Queen overcame her fear of travelling to Hillsborough by helicopter, and I was one of a small group of journalists awaiting her arrival. When she disembarked, she Alf at Buckingham Palace in September 2022

THE QUEEN REMEMBERED

looked pale and uneasy. This may have been due to the flight, and also her awareness that she was visiting one of the most troubled parts of her kingdom.

I was aware of her humanity and vulnerability and I admired her courage in facing the considerable pressures during that 1977 visit.

I was also close to the Queen and the other royals three years later when our family holidayed in Scotland near the Castle of Mey, the Queen Mother’s summer residence. To our astonishment when we reached the nearby Scrabster pier, we saw right beside us the Queen, Prince Philip, Princess Margaret, and Charles and Anne who had visited the Queen Mother and were about to embark on a Royal Navy tender to board the Royal Yacht Britannia moored out to sea. As they departed, I pinched myself in disbelief that this had all happened without a major security cordon – apart from two policemen – in sight.

Years later I met the Queen at a function in Westminster Abbey as the guest of Joan Wilson, whose daughter Marie died in the Enniskillen bomb, following a service for the civilian victims of conflict. However, my most memorable encounter was in 2005 when she received me at an Investiture Ceremony in Buckingham Palace and greeted me warmly as she shook my hand. On both occasions, at the Abbey and the Palace, I was greatly impressed by the way in which this quite small figure could fill the entire place with her regal personality. She was every inch a Queen.

Most fondly of all I remember her Christmas broadcasts each year when she underlined her deep Christian faith to the listening world. She could rightly claim: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

Alf McCreary Elder emeritus of Whitehouse Presbyterian and appointed MBE in 2004 for services to journalism and charities.

A beacon of light The impact of the Queen’s death is being felt across the island of Ireland.

Former Moderator Dr Trevor Morrow, who describes himself as “immersed” in another jurisdiction – the Irish Republic – said the Queen was an outstanding Christian leader.

He said her statements had shown that her primary loyalty was to Christ and at a time when integrity and truthfulness is apparently in short supply, she towered We in the Republic will as “a beacon of never forget her light”.

He continued contribution to peace on by referring to the this island…

Queen’s visit to Ireland in 2011 when she laid a wreath in Dublin’s Garden of Remembrance and spoke a few words of Irish at a state dinner, and said, “We in the Republic will never forget her contribution to peace on this island when she expressed such humility and forgiveness in what she said. And then that moment, that extraordinary moment of the bowing of her head at the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin which in a brief moment helped undo years of antagonism and suspicion between Ireland and Britain.

“So, wherever we are on the political spectrum, wherever you live on the island of Ireland, as Irishmen and women, we can together give thanks to God for Her Majesty The Queen.”

Dr Morrow’s comments were made at PCI’s General Assembly in June 2022.

In the presence of a very special lady The year 2012 was a very special one for me as I was called to be our Church’s Moderator. It was made all the more special for me as it was also the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

I had the privilege of representing PCI at a number of services marking the Jubilee and at which Her Majesty was present. It was an honour to be at the National Thanksgiving Service in St Paul’s Cathedral and then to read the Scriptures on the day when the Queen came for the Jubilee service in Enniskillen.

These were all very special occasions, but personally for me the highlight was I was invited …her whole life has been when to a lunch given a life of service, rooted in in her honour at the Titanic Centre

her Christ-centred faith…

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THE QUEEN REMEMBERED

in Belfast and to my surprise, I found myself sitting opposite her at the table. I was invited to give thanks for the meal, and then quietly and graciously she drew me, along with my fellow guests, into the conversation. As others have often commented, she made us feel so at ease in her company. That day I found that lunch table was a place of welcome, acceptance and warm relationships. I came away with the sense that I had been in the presence of a very special lady who brought us as strangers to each other together around the table.

Now when I think about the day when I had lunch with the Queen, I reflect that her whole life has been a life of service, rooted in her Christ-centred faith, marked by the fostering of relationships and bringing people together. Nowhere was this more in evidence than in the fostering of relationships between Ireland and Britain, and between different communities and traditions in these islands. She was courageous in doing so, extending a hand and building bridges across ancient divides.

Her example ought to be an inspiration to all of us in this our island home to renew our efforts to develop and sustain those relationships.

Very Rev Dr Roy Patton Former Moderator

A symbol of consistency In 1977, some of us were representing our school at a visit to the University of Ulster, Coleraine, to mark the Silver Jubilee of HM The Queen. We stayed close to a girl with a posy of flowers in the hope we would be seen. And then, those few brief moments as the Queen smiled warmly, engaged with us and asked us questions.

She…made clear her Where were we from and if we were support for Christian on holidays? I was impressed by the ministry. beauty of her eyes and assumed by her interest that she knew everything about Omagh Academy!

Over 40 years later and my wife Barbara and I were at a garden party in Buckingham Palace on a sunny May afternoon with the Queen now in her early nineties still on walkabout.

She maintained a breathtaking pace over a couple of hours, engaging in numerous conversations with such a beautiful smile. We were simply amazed and astounded by her tenacity and resilience. How much ground had she covered in those intervening years from 1977 to 2018 and even since? Such a

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symbol of consistency and strength of Christian character, she never put a foot wrong.

Very Rev Dr Charles McMullen Former Moderator

Genuine interest in others I have had the privilege of meeting the Queen on three occasions: in 1996 with my wife Marlene, at an event to mark the tercentenary of the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department; at a medal-presentation ceremony in Buckingham Palace in 2007; and with Marlene in 2008, in Hillsborough, at a reception for reservists who had served in Afghanistan.

What impressed me most was how well the Queen was briefed in advance so that she could make meaningful and personal conversation with each of those whom she would meet.

I remember being asked about Union College and discussing the good attendances at church in Northern Ireland. Marlene recalls how the Queen expressed real interest in her work as a woman in ministry. At the medal ceremony, the Queen asked me how my family had coped while I was in Afghanistan; and she observed how she herself knew only too well what it meant to worry about a close family member on operational duty. She certainly came across as genuinely interested to learn of the personal experiences of everyone whom she met – a quality which I am sure is part of what has endeared her to so many.

She also made clear her support for Christian ministry. At the Hillsborough event, we were also introduced to the Duke of Edinburgh, who was similarly interested to hear the personal

THE QUEEN REMEMBERED

stories of those who had served in Afghanistan, interlaced with his infamous witty comments!

We give thanks for the 70 years of the Queen’s reign.

Rev Professor Patton Taylor MBE TD VR PhD Former army chaplain and principal emeritus of Union Theological College

An awe-inspiring presence As we mark the sad passing of Her Majesty The Queen I can only look back on her life with admiration. Her sense of duty and devotion, sustained by her unwavering and personal faith, spanned the decades. It is with pleasure and a sense of pride that I reflect upon my own personal encounters with the Queen.

In 2002, as part of her Golden Jubilee tour, Her Majesty visited Loughry College, Cookstown. I was delighted to be invited to attend this event and had the opportunity, as part of the crowd, to shake her hand. Little did I know that years later I would have the honour of being awarded an MBE for services to the community through music, in Buckingham Palace.

Her smile lit up the room and radiated a warmth and friendliness that instantly put me at ease. I was deeply impressed by the Queen’s genuine interest in our conversation.

Obviously meticulous research is carried out in advance as, much to my surprise, the Queen commented on her visit to

At Loughry College in 2002. Photo by Meta Bell

Cookstown. I was also struck by her enthusiasm and passion for community-based activities in Northern Ireland. I recall with fondness how she thanked me for using music as an instrument to break down barriers and divisions in the hope of bringing communities together. It was She looked upwards a truly special towards God and moment. Despite her diminutive outwards towards her stature she had people. an awe-inspiring presence, and I couldn’t help but feel that I was meeting a lady of greatness. It is a moment that I will cherish forever.

I was also honoured to be in her presence at the last garden party she attended, at Buckingham Palace, in 2018. Now, as a Deputy Lieutenant of County Tyrone I have the pleasure of encouraging positive community relations, throughout the region, and have the joy of witnessing first-hand the fantastic community-based activities that are flourishing in County Tyrone.

We can all learn so much from the inspirational example set by the Queen. She looked upwards towards God and outwards towards her people.

Meta Bell, MBE Deputy Lieutenant of Co Tyrone and member of First Cookstown

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IN THIS MONTH...

October 1981

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

Church House damaged in bomb blast Robert Cobain

Saturday 22 August was a black day for the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

A car, parked in the Wellington Street alley at the side of the Church House building in Belfast, exploded at around 2.15pm, spewing bricks and rubble into the Assembly Hall area. Chairs and pipes from the organ along with leaded windows were sent cascading as the force of the blast from 300lbs of explosives packed in a blue van ripped through the building. The explosion left gaping holes all down the wall behind the Assembly Hall platform.

The Moderator’s room was devastated. Many of the glass-framed pictures of former Moderators, which lined the walls, were broken. The Moderator’s chair, some tables and desks were in a crumpled heap. The window was gone and the curtains were in shreds.

Wellington Street The main Assembly Hall was hit hard…Doors were twisted, walls cracked and leaded windows smashed and twisted throughout the hall. The two clocks in the main hall were faceless but the Bible on the desk on the platform remained intact.

The organ took a lot of the pressure of the blast and is bound to be in very bad repair now…

First estimates put the bill for damages in the region of £600,000 and since Church House is listed as an historic building, it will have to be restored, as far as possible, to its original character… The PWA office

Dungannon men set off on 15,000mile cycle trip round the world

Two young Dungannon men have started out on a trip which means travelling 15,000 miles round the world on pedal cycles…

John Hanson, aged 26, who has just completed a course in sociology at the Ulster Polytechnic is a student for the Presbyterian ministry. John Rodgers, aged 20, until recently was employed in a car components firm.

The purpose of the gruelling trip is to highlight the plight of the people in the Third World countries…

The expedition is also a big effort to raise money for development projects to be administered through the Tear Fund…

Presbyterians in the US propaganda war Robert Cobain

The Presbyterian delegation spent an exhaustive three-week period in the United States in May in an attempt to ‘balance’ the American view of events here…

The delegates, chosen by a sub-committee of the Government Committee and added to by the General Board, covered an area which lay between Boston, Detroit and Chicago in the north to Atlanta, New Orleans and Houston in the south…

The topicality of the Northern Ireland situation provided a challenge and an opportunity for the Presbyterian group to show that the situation was far from simple and this was sharpened by the death of Bobby Sands, the first hunger striker to die in the present campaign for political or prisoner of war status…

Also from October ’81 22

Herald October 2022

Hunger strike by Republicans at Maze Prison ends

Nelson Piquet wins the Formula 1 World Drivers Championship

Rock band Queen releases their Greatest Hits album

OCTOBER 2022

Mission Connect

Loving our neighbours

Demonstrating grace David Boyd

Mission news from workers around Ireland and the world.

Keeping connected Csaba and Ilona Veres To trust and adjust Peter and Jayne Fleming Christian mission continues at Peacehaven Michael Williams Embarking on all things new Rev Cheryl Meban

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

Loving our neighbours Rev Daniel Rankin

Including October prayer diary

Demonstrating grace David Boyd

Irish mission worker, Dublin

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t comes as a bit of a shock to realise that I have been working in practical demonstration of grace.

Dublin city centre for 25 years! It doesn’t seem anything like that I think the reason that this is so is because in our culture grace is long, possibly because there have been so many changes in that in short supply and becoming scarcer by the day. You don’t have time, that the years have flown past. As I look around me today, to be among people for very long to appreciate the truth of that Dublin is a very different place from the one I first encountered a statement, and a brief venture into the world of social media will quarter of a century ago. shock you at the level of vitriol The advent of the Celtic that characterises so much of …grace has the power to shock people, Tiger ushered in a level of the discourse… even among prosperity unprecedented Christians! especially grace that is costly. in the history of the state.

As a result, grace has the There was huge inward power to shock people, investment as Big Tech saw the city as the ideal place to establish especially grace that is costly. I have witnessed the extraordinary their European headquarters. Dublin became a boomtown and power of grace to unlock the human heart. I have seen it at the availability of lots of highly paid jobs attracted people from all work in people who would have been hostile but were drawn parts of the world. I have watched the cityscape around the church into conversation, in spite of themselves, because the desire to change dramatically as urban renewal swept away large sections understand grace overcame their hostility. It has shown me why of the built environment and new high spec office blocks sprang Jesus did not just engage in a preaching ministry but rather a up everywhere. ministry of word and deed.

The change in the spiritual landscape was every bit as dramatic.

Peter tells his parishioners to: “Always be prepared to give an The scandals in the Catholic Church saw its waning influence on answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope society accelerate as secularism took hold. The influx of economic that you have” (1 Peter 3:21). Clearly, Peter expects that his people migrants brought a corresponding influx of new religions and will be living in such a way that their lives will attract questions philosophies, and Dublin has become post-Christian like any other from those around them, that their ministry was one of word and European city. deed. If our lives are not attracting questions maybe our witness During this time, I have had the opportunity to try many different does not sufficiently showcase God’s grace. types of evangelism. I have been involved in street evangelism, Please pray: social justice projects, Alpha courses, Christianity Explored courses, international student outreach, etc. As I look back over these • Pray for Christians across Ireland to showcase God’s grace and different experiences, those that stick in my mind as engaging engage in a ministry of word and deed. people the most, and having the greatest impact, were the • Pray for the power of grace to unlock more hearts for Christ. occasions where people had the opportunity to experience a

Mission Connect | Herald October 2022

Keeping connected

Csaba and Ilona Veres

Global mission workers, Romania

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ummer is over, we’ve packed away our swimsuits and sun and searching, and one girl coming to faith. cream. But after the ‘spiritual high’ of a camp experience, As youth work ministries start back after the summer break, it’s what is left? For us camp is much more than fun and games time to pray that these young people will keep connected with and a spiritual high which quickly fades after the goodbyes are the church, keep connected with those at camp, or get inspired said and the last photos are through faith buddy peers shared in the Facebook group. in the church. For those new Summer camp…can be a significant link Summer camp is just one part emerging leaders who have of an ongoing discipling of volunteered in camps and in the chain of discipleship, a space for young people throughout the gained opportunity to be part small group study for deep and honest Hungarian Reformed Church of a team, grow in confidence (HRC). It can be a significant and take on new leadership connection with each other and God… link in the chain of discipleship, tasks, it’s our prayer they a space for small-group study will continue to seek out for deep and honest connection with each other and God, a time opportunities to grow and serve. to eliminate some hurry from our lives and focus on the Word and Last year after the teen camp, young people continued to meet one another. for Bible study and a few joined the praise band. This summer after The HRC has a rich tradition of summer Bible camps which camp they have organised a youth group hammock sleepover in continued even through the darkest days of communism. In the the forest and again the worship band have been active. Although 1950s and 1960s while pastors of the HRC were sentenced to small, these are but encouraging signs. prison for preaching the gospel, youth work was thriving, and in order to provide teaching and evangelism away from the prying Please pray: eyes of the authorities, church pastors and leaders held camps in • Give thanks that camps are a place where young leaders remote locations in the mountains. One of these locations was emerge, giving them opportunities to serve in a team, Camp Mahanaim, a CE owned campsite, where for the past 25 discovering their callings and seeing God at work. years our congregation’s children’s and youth camps have been • Pray for the children and young people who have attended held. camps or day camps this summer, that they would have a This year we were part of a team leading our congregation’s teen hunger for God’s Word and his presence in everyday life. camp in the mountains at Mahanaim, as well as a Bible day camp • Pray for young people who have attended camp who have for Ukrainian and Hungarian children in Cluj and organising a work not been part of a church until now. Pray that they will find a camp with a team from Germany at the Algyogy youth centre. church fellowship where they can continue to grow in Christian At the teen camp we unpacked the 10 Commandments. It was maturity. encouraging to see real questions being asked, honest discussion

Mission Connect | Herald October 2022

To trust and adjust Peter and Jayne Fleming Global mission workers, Nepal

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y first meeting with a group of leaders in Nepal was on a eventually we did receive a visa and had nine months in Nepal short visit to discover if there was opportunity to come with opportunity to make genuine contributions to the work of and live there. It was a gathering of the Integral Mission UMN and KISC before we leave.

Forum (IMF) and there were 10 In January last, Jayne folk from about five different had a change from the Over these years despite huge challenges… groups who were all working to classroom to one-to-one the forum has continued in its work of find practical ways of helping student educational support, Christians demonstrate the love helping pupils who needed offering fellowship, support and inspiration of God to the communities they support with reading. In an lived in. international environment to Christian leadership in Nepal.

That was six years ago and with children from many just a few days before writing different home countries, you this article I attended the IMF for my final time in Nepal. Over these can imagine how difficult it is to communicate. She has loved years, despite huge challenges and long breaks when meeting this exciting new opportunity. Peter has been engaged with the was impossible, the forum has continued in its work of offering appointment and support of two new colleagues in the team. He fellowship, support and inspiration to Christian leadership in has also put a lot of effort into cooperation with five Nepali writers Nepal. This time there were 40 present. I was delighted at the in preparing a guidebook which will be used by teachers all over range of groups represented – Prison Fellowship, The Leprosy Nepal who are preparing future leaders to act as salt and light in Mission, Tearfund, church pastors, college teachers, and local faith- society, bringing life in all its fullness. For this and much more we based NGOs – all learning from one another. give praise to God. Throughout these years in Nepal we have repeatedly learned Our years in Nepal have been among our greatest life about the need for trust and the willingness to adjust. When we experiences. We have benefited immensely from these years and arrived, Jayne had to accept that she would be teaching an age believe there are greater days to come for God’s people in Nepal. group at Kathmandu International Study Centre (KISC) which she We will continue to maintain interest and involvement prayerfully had not prepared for. In the early months the school moved to and in any practical way possible. completely new premises in a location quite far from our home.

Peter had to live with the disappointment of aspects of the work Please pray: being closed down due to outside pressures and members of staff • Praise God for the privilege of serving in Nepal, for the support leaving United Mission to Nepal (UMN). of our whole Church back home and for all the positive signs of Over the years our personal circumstances demanded health and growth among God’s people in Nepal. willingness to adjust. There was a long and frustrating time away • Pray that what has been achieved thus far will continue to from Nepal during the pandemic and constant uncertainty multiply. about what would happen on our return. We are so thankful that

Mission Connect | Herald October 2022

Christian mission continues at Peacehaven

Michael Williams Peacehaven

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t is over six years since PCI came to Peacehaven’s assistance to and respect. This has always been a key value for us – one of the provide leadership and good governance – which has ensured reasons why we opened, over time, three homes in the community that the Christian mission of the service remains intact and and did not remain static with one house. effective. Peacehaven has for well over 40 years served and cared Peacehaven has always thanked God for his provision, and for for adults with an intellectual meeting every need. Each disability through residential time it was the right time to care, and together with our increase, God led the way. He …it is really important to ensure that we are residents, worked to ensure provides not just the resources ‘person centred’ and support each person’s needs for houses, but also the staff, their best possible lives are lived. with dignity and respect. This has always been a and the funds to pay them.

Peacehaven has always I’m sure the HSE would also sought to provide good like to note their continuous key value for us… quality care, because of our contribution, however it is faith, and now, with no less consistent for us to praise God importance, due to the standards of regulation and government first, and to state that what he provides is always very good. policy. Peacehaven has a very skilled team of social care workers We are at a stage now where we are again looking at the who attend to all aspects of the residents’ lives. We support (where changing needs of the residents we have, the needs of those needed) all routines, self-care, day opportunities, employment, people who want to join us and asking ourselves the question, transport and travel, family contacts, friends, social interaction ‘How do we meet all their needs – what changes are now and, of course, connection to churches. The staff group worked required?’ PCI’s Council for Social Witness and board of Peacehaven exceptionally hard during the pandemic and lockdowns – Trust and I are wrestling with this question. We want to provide the remarkably during that period none of our residents were affected best care and we need to remain faithful to our mission.

by Covid-19, though most of the staff had a bout of the virus.

“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, Thanks be to God, that we always had enough staff for the rosters. in undisturbed places of rest” (Isaiah 31:18).

Some of our residents have been with us since we opened in 1980, which means that today they are entering their senior years.

Once we cared only for youthful people who had busy lives. Now we have a range of ages (all adult), and therefore many different Please pray: individual routines and goals to achieve. As is common, adults • Give thanks that God continues to meet our every need at with Down’s syndrome are prone to early onset dementia, and Peacehaven. so Peacehaven now cares for adults with this disease, amongst • Pray for guidance and wisdom for management staff as differing age-related care needs. Needless to say, the work has they seek to meet the changing and developing needs of the become more complex, but it is really important to ensure that we residents. are ‘person centred’ and support each person’s needs with dignity

Mission Connect | Herald October 2022

Embarking on all things new

Rev Cheryl Meban

Chaplain, Ulster University Belfast

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t’s that time of year when many young adults set out to embark year. There are Wellbeing services and a Students’ Union ready to on a new course at university. Students are God’s people, help and support students. missionaries and disciples going to a new place God will show Register with a local GP as soon as you arrive, so you know who them. It’s a privilege, an opportunity, but can also feel terrifying to contact if you get sick. and overwhelming. Please make sure that new students know Connect with disability services. Access support. they aren’t the only ones Take note of the number for feeling lost or overwhelmed. student counselling services …Christian students may feel deeply challenged... so you know who to call if you Below are some pointers for them, and you. trying to express genuine faith with integrity. or a friend need support.

Staff and students face Contact a chaplain, so you everything that other people get invited to getting-to-knowface. Financial hardship and handling money, family tensions, you events early on while everyone’s finding their feet. difficult flatmates, toxic work-relationships, falling in love, handling Connect with Christian Union, and other groups of shared attraction and rejection, bereavements, illness, crises of faith, interest, and don’t be put off if you don’t immediately find people climate anxiety, political uncertainty, existential worries, etc. like you there. Keep trying!

Then there’s a whole new set of people to get to know, new Join Friends International’s outreach to international students. subjects, new ways to learn, while adapting to a new home, It’s the best way to have a real university experience. new freedoms, responsibility for looking after your own food, Look after yourself and each other: Make sure needy people washing clothes, managing finances, adjusting to a new rhythm don’t monopolise all your time – send them to professionals for of study, hitting (and missing) deadlines, exams, assignments, proper support, while you get on with your studies. performance… Christian students may feel deeply challenged Keep a journal to notice how God’s at work. Use every challenge by living in a secular environment, and trying to express genuine to your advantage… God is with you. faith with integrity. Some fear losing faith when gaining new information, surrounded by bright people who may mock faith as Please pray: childish or intellectually untenable. Feeling one’s own doubts, it • Pray for students: may challenges bring growth and maturity can be frightening to acknowledge a disconnect between what in the love of Christ and dependence on him alone for all our one has always said one believes and what one now thinks or feels needs. May they witness God’s faithfulness. to be true or possible. Fret not! Help is available.

• Pray for internationals – far from home, may they discover Some advice: Christ surprisingly close.

Look after your stuff. Theft of laptops and loss of phones causes • Pray for chaplains – and all staff dealing with students’ immense stress and loss of coursework. Lock doors. Mark property. concerns.

Plan your budget: Finances are under increasing pressure this

Mission Connect | Herald October 2022

Loving our neighbours

Rev Daniel Rankin

Strand Presbyterian Church, Belfast

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asting Crowns, thinking of the words of Paul to the makes it a priority to come on their lunchbreak. It is at 1 o’clock, Christians in Ephesus, asks a number of questions: “If we two courses and is £3, hence the 123 club. are the body/ Why aren’t his arms reaching?/ Why aren’t We celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a street party his hands healing?/ Why aren’t his words teaching?/ And if we are in our car park and were delighted some of our neighbours joined the body/ Why aren’t his feet us. It seems we organise a lot going?/ Why is his love not of our activities around food!

Spending time with people is so important... showing them there is a way?”

As we read the Scriptures, we it can change their lives for eternity.

Here in Strand, we aim to notice that Jesus also did some be the body of Christ to our of his wonderful work while neighbours in Sydenham, Belfast. Our motto is: ‘Loving God, loving spending time eating with those he was ministering to. people, loving life’.

As Jesus blessed the children, we too want to be a blessing.

We are very conscious that we have all suffered in many ways We would love the parents of Sydenham to bring their children because of Covid-19. When Jesus sees people suffering, he meets to us so we can ask God to bless them. Our annual fun day was them at the point of their need. This then has been our aim as in August. We had over 100 children with their parents enjoying we bring Jesus to those in need in the streets surrounding our themselves, playing, eating and laughing. Most of those who came building. are folk we have coming to our Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade.

We realised people have missed social contact, as several We have lots of other plans for this autumn, including ‘Come dine lockdowns separated family members from one another, with us’ – a monthly family dinner, when families can eat together neighbours and friends. As we had opportunity, we have and we will cook and clear up as well as chat with them. organised safe events for our neighbours to meet together to chat, Spending time with people is so important, as Christians we see laugh and just enjoy being together again. it can mean so much more than just an hour or two, it can change On Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings our foyer area is their lives for eternity. converted into a café. Folk can come in with or without friends and Please pray: they are guaranteed a lovely cup of tea or coffee, a scone, or some other treat and some really good craic. We have found this to be • Pray for those we spend time with, that they will be conscious of such a blessing to our neighbours as they enjoy time together.

God’s presence.

We also have our 123 lunch club. It is open on the first Tuesday • Pray for our Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade, that we will cope of each month. There are no age restrictions. The majority of folk with the rising attendance. are retired but we do have someone who works from home and

Mission Connect | Herald October 2022

OCTOBER 2022

Please pray for... n UKRAINE – Pray for protection for people in Ukraine and an immediate end to the war.

Pray for the millions displaced in the country and those who have fled Ukraine. Pray for the ongoing work of Christian Aid, Tearfund and Hungarian Reformed Church Aid, supported by the Moderator’s Appeal.

n CARE STAFF – Pray for new care staff joining the Council for Social Witness, that they will settle in quickly and develop good working relationships with staff and residents, and have a real commitment to providing the best possible care for our residents.

n COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Pray for Michaela Tucillo, the new community outreach worker in Abbey in North Belfast Presbytery, as she settles into her new role.

n HOME MISSION – Pray that the congregation of Dundalk will know God’s help to be a faithful and fruitful congregation in the centre of Dundalk town.

n CHAPLAINS – The work of our forces chaplains requires that they be away from home for long periods of time. Pray that chaplains and their families will know how sufficient the grace of God is for such times of separation.

n HOME MISSION – Give thanks for new families who have started coming along to church services in Donabate recently. Pray for the discipleship of new believers. Pray too for the continued growth and development of the church plant in nearby Balbriggan.

n KENYA – Pray for Stephen and Angelina Cowan as they continue to serve in Tuum in northern Kenya. Give thanks for the leadership team of the Samburu Awareness and Action Programme; pray that the team will be aware of God’s leading.

Stephen and Angelina Cowan

n SOCIAL WITNESS – Give thanks for the Personnel Department as they support managers in the Council for Social Witness.

Pray the right candidates will come forward and that the selection panels will have the wisdom and discernment to know God’s will in making their decisions. n MALAWI – Pray for the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Blantyre, Livingstonia and Nkhoma Synods, Malawi, especially for its healthcare, education and development projects as it seeks to help people living in one of the world’s economically poorest countries. n DEACONESS – Eleanor Drysdale serves in Wellington. Pray that God will use her ministry to touch the hearts of the members of the congregation, both young and old. n URBAN MISSION – Pray for members of Session, committee and the church family of Craigavon congregation as they focus on leadership development, outreach into the community and the development of the congregation’s facilities over the next season. n LATVIA – Pray for the ongoing work and witness of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Latvia and for students and staff at the Baltic Reformed Theological Seminary. n HOME MISSION – Pray for the congregation of Drogheda as they continue to worship God and learn from his Word at Sunday services and seek to reach out to friends and neighbours with the gospel.

n COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Leslie and Mabel Brush serve in Tartaraghan Presbyterian Church, Co Armagh. Pray for wisdom and love as they communicate the gospel and connect with local people in various ways.

n COMMUNITY HEALTH PROFESSIONALS – Pray for those who visit our services on a regular basis, open their eyes to see your love through the residents and staff they meet.

May our services show God’s love in action. n HOME MISSION – Pray for God’s blessing on Rev Stephen Richmond, the kirk sessions and members of Donegal and Stranorlar home mission congregations as they live out their faith and share the good news with other people. n DEACONESS – Rachel Cubitt serves in Whiteabbey. Pray for good relationships to be built and for blessing in her ministry that will bear much fruit. n SOUTH SUDAN – Pray for peace, justice, Rachel Cubitt political stability and food security for all the people of South Sudan. Pray for the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan, for the reconciling of its leadership and as they seek to promote peace and justice. n KINGHAN MISSION – The Mission was founded in 1857 to support the d/Deaf and blind in Belfast. Pray for those members who are unable to attend weekly worship due to old age, ill health and those in nursing homes.

n PORTUGAL – Pray for Chris and Rachel Humphries as they complete their final home assignment and settle back into life, work and church in Northern Ireland having served in the Comunidade Church Plant in Senhora da Hora since 2018. n CHAPLAINS – Pray for the appointment of a new PCI chaplain to provide pastoral care and support to students at Queen’s University Belfast and Stranmillis College, including those living in Derryvolgie Halls. n PAKISTAN – Pray for the unity, work and witness of the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan. Pray for Christians in the country who are suffering persecution to remain steadfast in their faith and for protection. n SOCIAL WITNESS – Pray for our senior management team who are dedicated to this ministry, may they continue to promote integrity in daily practices and may hearts remain full of compassion for those who reside and work in our services. n IRISH MISSION – Pray for God’s leading and guiding for Tom Dowling, Irish mission worker in Kilkenny. n CHAPLAIN – Ken Doherty is chaplain in the Mater Hospital, Belfast. Pray for those in hospital, for their healing, and pray for patients and their families to seek strength, comfort and peace in Christ. n HOME MISSION – The congregations of Enniscorthy and Wexford are vacant at present. Pray for the appointment of a minister of God’s choosing and for the congregations to be encouraged in their work and witness. n BRAZIL – Pray for the leaders and members of the Presbyterian Church of Brazil which has around 650,000 members in 5,000 congregations throughout Brazil. Pray especially for all their efforts to reach out with God’s love and care to those living in deprived areas. n DEACONESS – Pray for Louise Davidson to be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s leading in her work at West Church, Bangor. Pray that the women at West and Kilcooley will know the love, peace and grace of God. n INTERNATIONAL MEETING POINT – Pray for Shirley McGonigle as she leads the work of the International Meeting Point in north Belfast. Give thanks for the IMP partnership with the new church plant – Grace and Hope Community Church.

www.presbyterianireland.org/prayer

TALKING POINTS

Don’t pass by Norman Hamilton discusses the importance of compassion in the cost-of-living crisis.

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lease, please… don’t pass by on the other side. I suggest to “never tire of doing what is good”. that is a message jumping out at us from the Bible as So how might ordinary people like you and me respond to we face not only a cost-of-living crisis – but a cost-ofthe catastrophe that is already under way for so many in our living catastrophe for very many, which has been rightly cost-of-living crisis? May I make a few simple but potentially described as a ‘pit of financial doom’. important suggestions?

In Luke 10 Jesus told a story about two religious leaders who 1. Make a point of talking in a careful and sensitive way with ‘passed by on the other side’ when they saw a man beaten up people and to people about how they are coping. No one should by robbers on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. I have often be left to ‘suffer in silence’. wondered exactly why they did this. For after all, we would at 2. Be very diligent NOT to add to the prevailing misery and the very least expect them to show some interest or concern. Yet discontent by your own conversation. Times are tough. Talking they did not. It may well be that they told themselves that they up the misery even further is seriously unwholesome. Proverbs didn’t know what to do in the circumstances; or made an excuse 15.4 in the Amplified Bible could not be more to the point: “A of being in a real hurry; or didn’t want to be contaminated by soothing tongue [speaking words that build up and encourage] blood flowing from the man’s wounds; is a tree of life, but a perversive tongue …absolutely nothing, or, probably most likely, they concocted a [speaking words that overwhelm and religious reason NOT to give assistance. depress] crushes the spirit.” should dampen our Back in 1706, the famous Bible scholar 3. Seriously consider inviting more Matthew Henry commented on what Jesus concern and compassion people to your home for a meal, especially described. The language is quaint by today’s whom you might not normally think for those in need in these those standards – but the insight is devastating: of in this way. Sharing a meal and your increasingly terrible “It is sad when those who should be home is one of the most rewarding actions examples of charity are prodigies of cruelty, you can take – for everyone benefits when times. and when those who should by displaying this happens. the mercies of God, open the bowels of compassion in others, 4. Excel in supporting your local foodbank – copy the shut up their own.” compassion and enthusiasm of the people in those Macedonian Human nature being fallen, as it certainly is, means that churches. The demand is rising steadily, so supplies need to rise similar things could well happen today. I personally have heard too. some very negative comments about people who seek help from 5. Enquire about volunteering to help staff your local church-based foodbanks. Alongside that, I am also well aware foodbank. There are often opportunities for both men and of the horrible exploitation of some people in employment. women.

Compassion can be absent on a grand scale.

6. Think carefully about some people to whom you normally Yet from a biblical perspective, nothing, absolutely nothing, give a gift at Christmas – which is rapidly approaching! Ask if should dampen our concern and compassion for those in they would like a gift voucher instead for a store of their choice. need in these increasingly terrible times. The opening words 7. Finally, pray regularly that the Lord will open new doors of Paul in 2 Corinthians 8 are a template for God honouring and opportunities for you to exercise a ministry of care, help compassion. “And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to and compassion in everyday life; and that you will have the know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian discernment and courage to take those opportunities. churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing The Lord surely wants to do remarkable things through his joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For people in these tempestuous days – so it is really important not I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even to pass by on the other side when he brings beyond their ability.” our way such wonderful opportunities.

The Macedonian churches – north of what we know today as Greece – had experienced huge pressure and many trials which had left them in extreme poverty. Yet those Christian people Rev Dr Norman Hamilton were a real testimony to God’s call to show ‘rich generosity’ in their ‘rock bottom’ poverty.

Very Rev Dr Norman Hamilton is a former And this call to compassion is a constant theme in Paul’s Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in letters. For example, in 2 Thessalonians 3 he calls on his readers Ireland.

Herald October 2022

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After more than 15 years serving as Secretary to the former Board of Mission in Ireland which became the Council for Mission in Ireland, Dr David Bruce is retiring and handing over the reins to Rick Hill at the beginning of November. David and Rick spoke to Alan Meban.

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Herald October 2022

How wide is the remit of the Council for Mission in Ireland (CMI)?

David Bruce: One of the basic values of Presbyterianism is that we only do centrally what we can’t do at a congregational level. CMI provides the scaffolding to help our Church look outwards to build meaningful, credible connections with their contexts and communities. The driver for that is Christmas, the doctrine of the incarnation that God came to us and entered our world.

Photography by Jamie Trimble

A time for renovation & innovation

Our day jobs – Rick and I both now – are to help our congregations express that good news. 540 different settings, 540 different stories, 540 different sets of expectations. But whatever the story is, our job is to try to stimulate mission to be done really well.

What’s prepared you, Rick, for this new role as Secretary of CMI? Rick Hill: I spent a decade working in youth ministry, some of that time with Scripture Union and some with my local

congregation, Carnmoney, where I’m an elder.

For the last seven years I’ve been working for the Council for Congregational Life and Witness, delivering training and developing resources in discipleship and leadership. It’s helped me to see the wider Church in action, to build and establish relationships, and to grow my understanding of how our structures and processes work.

Mission has become much more of a priority for the denomination in modern times?

DB: In the past, Presbyterians outsourced a lot of missional activity to other agencies that we supported rather than being committed to doing it ourselves.

When I started in this post, the

restructuring of PCI’s central boards in 2007 was more than a reorganisation of some committees.

It was a statement of intent: to address mission more seriously.

As a denomination we need to ask, is a congregation healthy when it does mission? Or is it missional because it’s healthy? Those are questions Rick and I have been talking about a lot during our handover. And we think that a healthy congregation will by its DNA, by its nature, be missional in outlook.

Our confessional understanding of the gospel hasn’t shifted. However, we recognise that the context has changed radically and continues to change. We need to constantly revisit how we answer the question of what good news looks like for the people we should be trying to reach.

What does good news look like for a migrant who has arrived in Ireland with only the clothes on their back? What does good news look like for somebody who is LGBT+, who is trying to interpret decisions that were taken by the Church at the 2018 General Assembly?

…is a congregation healthy when it does mission? Or is it missional because it’s healthy?

What does good news look like for a congregation that is in the inner city, which in the Victorian era was thriving, and yet now is an empty husk of a building, well beyond its sell-by date and no longer fit for purpose? We need to open up conversations about mission and the gospel and how it connects with people today.

What are some of the highlights of the last 15 years?

DB: I can think of a congregation where the Linkage Commission – with the support of CMI – allowed the appointment of a minister, even though the statistics were all heading in one direction. There was an embryonic potential for something new to happen with the arrival of large numbers of migrants into that area of the city.

Could I have imagined that the congregation would ultimately relocate from their building, have screens up during services with readings in Farsi alongside English, as well as in sign language? No! But it’s an expression of the body of Christ and can help the

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…today the Church can’t afford not to be missional. That option is off the table. whole denomination to reimagine what it means to be Presbyterian. Rebirth is possible: new wine can be poured into a wine skin that is not so old and cracked that it can’t contain new life.

Could I have imagined 15 years ago that 80% of those attending our Galway congregation would be from Central Africa? That the congregation is vibrant to the point where new chairs have had to be bought, because there are no longer enough?

Could I have imagined nearly 30 heart languages being spoken in our Drogheda congregation in its new building? No, I couldn’t. But we prayed, and God has allowed all this to happen.

And the scale and scope of chaplaincy has been changing?

DB: We’ve invested quite heavily in the concept of chaplaincy as mission.

There’s mileage in it, and I think there’ll be mileage to expand it if we have the resources to do so.

RH: It’s the missional principle to go to where people are, or else to find out where God’s at work and go and join him there. It’s a missional front door,

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and we can really help churches to draw alongside and create bridges between chaplaincy and congregation.

The work of the Home Mission Review Implementation task group continues?

DB: Rather than seeing Home Mission as a destination and a status that a congregation acquires and keeps forever and a day, we’re looking upon it as a journey where we come alongside, to accompany a congregation and invest in a more dynamic, shorter-term way to help it become more missional in its outlook, more holistic in its approach of bearing credible witness, where God has placed them.

RH: In many ways the Church is grappling with a need to reconfigure and change.

DB: Like pressing a reset button?

RH: Yes. I think two things need to happen: renovation and innovation. Those are two words that I’m almost bringing with me into this role. How can the Council help the Church to rethink, reset and renovate the shells and structures that are already there to become all it could be?

Whereas in the past maybe the Church could have got by, merely sustaining and pastoring and teaching, just continuing with programmes, today the Church can’t

afford not to be missional. That option is off the table.

And then there’s the innovation to imagine where are we not that we could be? Who are we not reaching that we could be? In the current climate, there’s actually an onus on churches that may be seen to be stronger – numerically, spiritually, financially – to recognise that they have been blessed by God and ask what they can do that’s beyond their bounds.

So I would love to see a fresh focus on church planting, not just from the

Council, but also congregations. Then CMI can come alongside with support and resources, to equip and walk with congregations on that journey. There are massive challenges, but to be honest, I’m really excited about the opportunities.

DB: Statistically, the Presbyterian Church was at the height of its influence in the late 1930s, and probably at the height of its powers in the early 1960s.

But if you look at the graphs, since then there’s been a steady process of reduction in our churches. So this story has radically changed. We may not have addressed mission as much in the past, but now our very survival depends upon doing it properly.

Is the Church threatened by the effects of Covid?

RH: Covid has accelerated decline and brought uncertainty in many places.

It has left us with a choice: face the inevitability of decline by consolidating and closing, or work hard, pray hard, and act now to change the narrative.

It would be dangerous to just go about the work of linking, amalgamating or even closing churches in a way that is reductionist and pragmatic, without considering how the Spirit of God would seek to breathe life into new models of mission or fresh forms of church.

As presbyteries seek to realign their resources, it’ll be vital to leave room and plan for new church communities and missional projects too.

Isn’t there an opportunity in the next decade to grow our footprint and preach the gospel to new people, in new places, and in fresh ways? Is decline inevitable if the Church rediscovers her call as missionary people? Jesus is still good news and the fields remain harvestwhite. And the Church confidently and creatively adopting a missionary posture is essential to the health and wellbeing of this island.

DB: When I worked for Scripture Union International, I travelled a lot to Ukraine to get the movement started in that country. I look now and see church buildings I preached in that have been destroyed. I see congregations that have been dispersed, people who have lost their lives, families that have been broken up. I see the complete desecration of their land as a result of violent conflict.

I think two things need to happen: renovation and innovation.

In light of Ukraine, and the potential some people see for wider conflict across Europe in the next 20 years, I have to ask what kind of Church are we? What would remain if all the normal systems and structures that we have were simply removed from us as they have been in Ukraine.

Rick, is part of you raring to go, while another part feels slightly daunted?

RH: Do I feel a 100% equipped right now to do all the things that I know fall into this remit? No, I don’t. But it’s pushing me towards a greater dependence on God which I’m thankful for. And I’m grateful for the role that David has played up to now, including how he has helped me transition into this role.

DB: I was 49 when I took this job on, and I intentionally asked God to help me multiply rather than add. I wanted to take the first 25 years of my work and multiply those experiences to hand them on to others. And I think I can look back with gratitude to God to say that in some measure he has helped me to do that.

Rick is coming into this role at a time of significant fragility: culturally, politically, economically. But he serves the same God that I serve, and will be equipped to respond to whatever is put in front of him and given the resources that he needs.

And he will not only sense that, but be able to testify to it himself, when he in turn hands onto his successor whenever that time comes.

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Covid, community & the Code

Donald Watts offers his thoughts on the Church emerging from Covid and the importance of unity, and highlights how the republishing of PCI’s constitution has the potential to draw the Church together.

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nexpected phone calls are not always welcome but it is always good to have a chat with Sarah, the editor of the Presbyterian Herald. “Do you think you could write something positive about the Church coming out from the restrictions of Covid?” she asked. “Something to encourage our readers. Oh, and you might like to say a bit about what’s behind the republishing of the Code as well.” I don’t remember ever having heard the words ‘positive’, ‘encourage’ and ‘the Code’ used together before, so it was a challenge I really couldn’t refuse.

There is no doubt that the response to the pandemic has had a dramatic and damaging effect on the life of the church. The patterns of church life, which many of us had enjoyed from childhood, were suddenly shattered – no possibility for organisations to meet, no more socialising over cups of tea, but more fundamentally no opportunity to be with people when they were ill or weak and no coming together for worship. It seemed as though the church as we knew and loved it could hardly continue, and yet it

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did! Which actually shouldn’t surprise us at all because we are the church of Jesus Christ and our security is in him. We can have confidence because the victory of the church is not something that we work for, to be secured in the future; it does not depend on our programmes and strategies, but has already been won in the death and resurrection of our Lord.

Which is not to minimise the fact that the experience of the pandemic was traumatic for many people and some do feel let down by the church. At a time when people needed to find comfort and feel the support of others around them, church members were being told to stay apart. That was difficult in what is, after all, a community of believers.

Now possibilities are opening up again for the church to restore a sense of being together, so we must surely work hard to

…the fundamental issue we face in our denomination is a lack of trust in one another.

offer truly supportive care. We also need to restore within the church the centrality of worship.

I suppose what stunned believers most in the response to Covid was that we couldn’t, for a time, meet for worship.

Personally, I think that was the right decision, but it was very challenging. The church exists to worship God; that is the heart of our being. Without worship who are we? The Shorter Catechism tells us that our “chief end is to glorify God” and that truth is most fully expressed when we worship together. However, the Bible is also quite clear that when we are faithful, good can come out of a disastrous situation. I like to remember Joseph’s words when, on the death of their father, his brothers assumed Joseph would punish them. Instead he said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20). I am not, in case there is any misunderstanding, implying that Covid was in any way sent by God – so far as I can judge, it was caused by human carelessness – but in God’s

generosity good can come out of evil. The experience of the last few years gives us the opportunity to reset our priorities as a Church and to consider what is really important for the kingdom of God. The church will never again be the same as we once knew it, of that there is little doubt, but does that indicate a problem or an opportunity? Before rushing to bring back everything we once knew and made us feel comfortable, surely it is important to pause and reflect on where God may be leading us. As one who was relieved to no longer have responsibility in a congregation during the period of the pandemic, I gratefully pay tribute to those who did rise to that challenge. It can’t have been easy, yet there were many imaginative ways found to retain some sense of community in worship and to keep contact with people.

While some of those initiatives are no longer necessary, many of the lessons and skills learnt will strengthen the life of the church as we move ahead.

God has a time for everything.

Reflection is important, but not for too long! Now is the time for the church to get into gear again and for all of us to be involved. I think of it as a bit like riding a bike. So long as you’re moving forward it’s fairly easy to keep upright, but if you slow down, almost to a stop, keeping balance becomes challenging. The church, for reasons outside its control, has slowed down and perhaps begun to wobble a bit.

Now it’s important to get going again.

A number of people have remarked to me that there seemed to be a better spirit abroad at the most recent General Assembly and that is probably true, although I do have to enter a note of caution. Most of the more tendentious issues have been ‘postponed’ to the next Assembly. ‘Interim’ reports can be very useful at times. However, I like to think there may have been another reason. Because the ‘big beasts’, otherwise known as Councils, did not have very substantial decisions for the Assembly to consider, delegates heard more from the fringes. I was excited by the church planting that is

Perhaps the republished Code will enable us to see better how to work through differences, with respect… going on and the new build progressing at Maynooth; I was challenged by work being done to better integrate those with particular needs into congregational life and worship; as always, I was humbled by the accounts from our visiting friends of the life of partner Churches overseas. It was a reminder that if we only look to the General Assembly as a barometer of the health of our Church we can have quite a distorted view. The encouraging life of the Church is in our congregations, who too often feel ignored.

If Covid was a defining moment in the life of the church, and I’m sure historians will see it as such, it would be wrong to imagine we did not face critical issues before then. The pandemic may have exacerbated some of our problems, but it didn’t cause them. In my view the fundamental issue we face in our denomination is a lack of trust in one another, which finally brings me to the republishing of the Code. Immediately let me make it clear that, while the panel involved in the republishing has been a happy and cohesive one, I am here expressing only my own personal views.

For many years it has been recognised that the Code, as we know it, is a confusing book for any of us to find our way around. Some of the language is difficult and indeed at times can seem not entirely consistent. A degree of tradition comes into how we read the Code, which

requires an understanding of institutional memory. That can make it a very remote text for those not steeped in it. Many give up and others just find it a source of fun. Wisely, some years ago, the General Assembly decided we should try to produce a more accessible version, not changing its meaning but making it more readily understandable. That is what the panel has tried to do.

While the text of the Code is important, I would suggest that if we are to significantly impact the life of the Church not only the wording of the Code but our attitude to it needs to change. Too often it can be used as a law-book to keep people in check, especially of course those with whom we disagree. In fact, the word ‘law’ doesn’t appear in the Code and while ‘lawful’ is used occasionally it normally refers to the civil law. What the Code does claim to be is: “The book of the Constitution and Government of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.” A constitution is written to positively express what is central to the life of an organisation, or nation, or Church. It is intended to hold people together not force them apart. I’ve been taken aback recently by a number of people, some quite experienced ministers, who have asked me in all seriousness, “Am I allowed to say that?” Of course, the Code sets down parameters within which we must work, but its primary purpose is to draw us together and protect our relationships, not separate us and cause fear.

As we begin to move forward again as a denomination, this is the time God has given us to reassess our priorities and establish how we may move forward supporting one another, as a family of God’s people. Perhaps the republished Code will enable us to see better how to work through differences, with respect for other opinions than our own. This is a time of new beginnings so let’s not waste it.

Dr Donald Watts is a former Clerk of the General Assembly.

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40 years, 3 generations, 1world

Deborah Sloan chats to Rev John Hanson and his son Jonny about the cycle across Ireland they completed in the summer, along with Jonny’s children, to raise money for charity.

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he summer holidays were particularly busy this year for 10-year-old Bethany and 11-year-old Joshua Hanson as they regularly strapped on their helmets, jumped on their bikes and put in many hours of practice, riding their bikes along canals, round country roads and up and down mountains, in preparation for a unique family cycling adventure.

In August, just before heading back to school, Bethany, Joshua, their dad Jonny and grandad John successfully completed a 366-mile cycle across the length and breadth of Ireland. Over six days, on two tandems, especially sourced on eBay for the trip, they cycled an average of 60 miles a day, travelling from Tralee in County Kerry to Larne in County Antrim. Their adventure raised funds for Tearfund (a Christian charity which partners with churches to tackle global poverty through sustainable development) and Jubilee Community Benefit Society (an award-winning interchurch, environmental and agricultural social enterprise which operates Jubilee Farm, Northern Ireland’s first community-owned farm).

Although the third day from Athlone to Mullingar was the most exhausting and he notes that there were quite a few hills, John Hanson, who is minister of the

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Clones group of Presbyterian churches (Clones, Newbliss, Ballyhobridge and Stonebridge) was delighted that all went smoothly and the family only experienced one puncture, just 10 minutes away from their final destination.

The puncture was quickly fixed and the three generations made it back on schedule to Jubilee Farm, to celebrate their lengthy journey. John’s son, Jonny Hanson, who provides consultancy and communication services for conservation and agricultural organisations said, “The journey was tiring and challenging but hugely rewarding. Just like our collective progress towards sustainability.”

This isn’t the first time that members of the Hanson family have completed difficult challenges which have the dual purpose of raising money for charity and raising awareness about environmental sustainability. Alongside a number of cycling challenges, the family have also climbed mountains on five continents

…it is up to each individual churchgoer to consider their own personal sustainability journey…

and taken on the ‘Christian Aid 4:48 Hike’, scaling four peaks across Ireland in 48 hours during a fundraising initiative for Christian Aid. The cycle across Ireland this summer had a special significance as it celebrated the 40th anniversary of the year-long, round-the-world cycling trip which John and his friend John Rodgers embarked on in September 1981, covering 13,000 miles across Europe, Asia and North America and raising an astonishing £54,000 for Tearfund (equivalent to almost £200,000 today). They trained very little before embarking on their ambitious journey, which was planned using a Philip’s School Atlas. Even though they were robbed at gunpoint in Thailand, suffered from severe sickness in India and came off their bikes in America, they described the journey as relatively problem-free! John wrote and published a book, Around the World in Cycle Clips, about the trip and donated his Viking Clubman bicycle to the Ulster Transport Museum where it still remains on display. During the celebratory anniversary cycle, John, Jonny, Joshua and Bethany were able to re-stage the iconic photograph captured in Dungannon Square in September 1982, when the two Johns arrived back there to huge crowds and much jubilation.

In 1981, when the eyes of the world were focused on the Troubles and the political conflict in Northern Ireland, John who was training for the Presbyterian ministry at the time, was becoming increasingly concerned about the issue of global hunger. He wanted to encourage people to lift their eyes beyond the problems on their own doorstep and see the bigger problems in other parts of the world. The main aim of the roundthe-world cycle was to simply highlight the fact that millions of people didn’t even have enough food to eat or clean water to drink.

John remains passionate about the vital work that Tearfund continue to do to reduce food poverty, emphasising how they not only provide physical food but also spiritual food. “As well as putting bread into hungry stomachs,” he says, “Tearfund also brings the bread of God’s Word into people’s lives.”

His intention was that this year’s cycle would replicate the aim of the original round-the-world cycle by drawing attention to the fact that whilst much has changed in the last 40 years, many people still don’t have enough to eat.

An increase in world population and the environmental devastation caused by climate change means that there are now not just millions, but hundreds of millions of people who don’t have enough food.

“As Christians, we have a responsibility to not only follow the first and greatest commandment to love God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, but also to follow the second commandment which is to love your neighbour as yourself. That means ensuring your neighbour has enough to eat,” John says.

In 1998, 16 years after the roundthe-world cycle, Jonny, then age 10, began to get involved in the fundraising challenges, accompanying his dad on a 330-mile cycle from Cork to Coleraine.

They cycled for three days on a (now retired) tandem to raise money for repairs to the roof of Second Ballybay Presbyterian and for the Camphill Community at Ballybay.

In aid of

Jonny acknowledges that whilst people can sometimes find it easier to financially support larger, global interventions which are further away, such as the anti-poverty and justice campaigns led by Tearfund, they can also get involved practically in local environmental initiatives closer to home. Having founded and run Jubilee Farm for eight years, Jonny is now moving into an advisory and ambassadorial ‘farmer-at-large’ role, handing it over to a management team so he can concentrate on mentoring and supporting other early-stage community farming projects. He sees real opportunity for the establishment of more Jubilee Farms staffed by volunteers. With the rising cost of living and dependence on foodbanks, there is a growing need to repurpose surplus land and develop farming cultures which enable good, affordable, fresh food to be better accessed by communities.

The ‘get-up-and-go’ that characterises these cycle adventures is the same… required to transition our economies and societies to sustainability.

John and Jonny are keen to stress that everyone has a part to play when it comes to environmental sustainability.

Whether it’s the global development issues that John first drew attention to 40 years ago or the local communitybased issues that Jonny is now engaged in promoting, it is up to each one of us to accept our individual responsibility for our world. Whilst collective action and increased messaging is important, it can’t just be left to political, societal and church leaders to take action; it is up to each individual churchgoer to consider their own personal sustainability journey – where they live, how they travel, what they eat. Faith and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. The catastrophic effects of climate change can’t be tackled by just sitting back and leaving it to others.

“The ‘get-up-and-go’ that characterises these cycle adventures is the same ‘get-

up-and-go’ required to transition our economies and societies to sustainability,” says Jonny. This starts by better understanding the link between climate change and poverty. Whilst they are often treated as two separate issues, they really need to be considered together. The hotter temperatures, drought and extreme weather conditions resulting from climate change are destroying homes and livelihoods, damaging supply chains and subsequently causing food shortages, leading to food poverty.

And so what’s next for John, Jonny and the Hanson family? Well alongside continuing to raise awareness about environmental sustainability, John hopes to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats, at some point, perhaps with Joshua and Bethany in tow, whilst Jonny will be establishing a range of new community farming and conservation initiatives. Both agree that 40 years on from the original round-the-world cycle, there is still much that needs to be done.

You can find out more about Tearfund at www.tearfund.org and Jubilee at www.jubilee.coop To donate to the Hanson family’s cycling fundraising, visit justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/hansonglobalcycle

Herald October 2022

39

REVIEWS

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

Life After Death TobyMac FOREFRONT RECORDS

£10.96

«««««

TobyMac, a former member of DCTalk – “the most popular overtly Christian act of all time” – has a discography that diversifies from gospel, pop, rap to hip hop music.

His latest album, released in August 2022, is a compilation of songs written and recorded with many other gifted musicians, following the unspeakably life-changing loss of his eldest son in October 2019.

TobyMac says about the project, “Life After Death chronicles my journey from the depths of the deepest valley to the beauty of God’s promise that he will never leave us. Ain’t no doubt about it, he is still the goodness in my life.” Lyrics from the track entitled The Goodness reiterates, “Everywhere that I go/ You keep showin’ up/ Lord, you make me wanna shout it, oh/ You’re the goodness in my life.”

At the same time as being open and honest – real – about grappling with grief, he just as openly and fervently proclaims God’s faithfulness as the only firm foundation for followers of Jesus in the midst of a fallen and broken world. Tracks likes Cornerstone reinforce this, “I’m here travelin’ down this long and winding road/ Seasons come and seasons go/ I been high, and I been low/ But I’m standing on the only rock I know.”

As other reviews say, “Life After Death is aptly named”. It reflects on painful, poignant loss with a future hope in Christ that is indescribable as we grieve while continuing to grow in faith.

RF

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Singled out – Navigating your God of All Things – season of singleness Rediscovering the sacred in Paula Halliday an everyday world WAVERLEY ABBEY RESOURCES Andrew Wilson £9.99 ««««« ZONDERVAN REFLECTIVE £9.31 ««««« A 60+ year old male reviewing a book by a 30+ year old female, written for single women struggling with this status, surely some mistake? Recently published, Paula Halliday’s first book Singled Out is written as a conversation with other women who, like her, would prefer to be married. A serendipitous discovery, curiosity, minimal thought and an instinctive purchase was how I came to listen in.

This Belfast author has produced a wee gem. While a romantic relationship is absent, Halliday realises that she has the most important of all, one with Jesus. That God has not yet granted her a status upgrade is not that he doesn’t love her, just that in his wisdom there may be a good reason for saying, “No” or “Not yet”. That submitting to God’s plans requires obedience. That because we are programmed with that natural human instinct and the aspiration for marriage feels good, it doesn’t mean that it accords with God’s task for her, to write this book. She has sought wisdom from the Bible and shares this in language that is light to read but heavy in thought. She writes as a friend that understands, empathises and sensibly advises.

And men would benefit from her book too. We too wish for things, get upset when they aren’t forthcoming and lose sight of the possibility that God may have a different plan for us. Eavesdropping on someone else’s private conversation is, usually, neither polite nor considerate, just occasionally it may teach us a few valuable lessons for our own good.

PG

The blurb at the back of this book reminded me of our children’s church mission where each child would receive a paper flag and would draw or write on it where they see God. Responses ranged from the predictable to the ‘way out there’!

The book is split into two parts, Old and New Testament. Chapter headings include galaxies, donkeys, viruses and pots. We are encouraged to consider why God made things and the author offers possible solutions that many of us would never consider as we go about our daily lives. I was absolutely captivated, in a childlike way, by each chapter and graciously reminded that all God’s works proclaim his glory. God’s creation, and everything in it, is beautiful.

My favourite chapter is titled ‘Honey’.

This cupboard essential in our home, which is regularly spread on my toast, appears 60 times in the Bible. Wilson describes in wonderful detail how not only is honey sweet to taste, indeed it is significant that the manna tastes of honey (Exodus 16:31), but it also represents God’s land and God’s rescue. Israel knew slavery and bondage but the Lord rescues her into sweetness and abundance. Honey also describes God’s law. David says that the rules of the Lord which warn and guide us are “sweeter also than honey...”

(Psalm 19:10).

If you are enthused about rediscovering a childlike wonder of God’s creation, and everything in it, then this book is an absolute treat.

CS

REVIEWERS

NH – Nevin Harding is 13 years old and attends West Church Presbyterian, Bangor RF – Renée Finnegan is an administrative officer for the Herald

The Lies We Are Told, the Truth We Must Hold: Worldviews and their consequences Sharon James CHRISTIAN FOCUS PUBLICATIONS

£7.55

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In the first part of this book Sharon James presents several worldviews which exclude God, and their devastating consequences. The beliefs of ‘great’ thinkers like Charles Darwin, Karl Marx and Friedrich Nietzsche are explored. Rather than bringing greater freedom and happiness the reality is “bad ideas bear bitter fruit,” evil abounds, the weak are exploited and society breaks down.

Thankfully James does not leave the reader with this depressing vision of the present and ever-worsening future, but presents the biblical worldview as the only foundation for human flourishing in society.

She starts with God the Creator who made humans in his own image, which promotes respect for human rights and the sanctity of life. As a result of the fall, suffering is central to human existence, but forgiveness is offered to all in Christ, and with it the hope of Christ’s return, which will bring about justice for all. James challenges the reader to live this truth in the here and now, sharing this good news of salvation with others, and to be equipped to do so. The summaries given at the end of each chapter are helpful in tracing the author’s overall line of argument, since the examination of the different worldviews can make this difficult.

A valuable insight into the thinking which is behind popular culture and what a Christian response to it should be.

JC

CS – Clare Smith is a psychotherapist and member of West Church, Bangor PG – Peter Gray is a member of Knock who loves a good book.

JC – Joy Conkey is librarian at Union Theological College SH – Suzanne Hamilton is an administrative officer for the Herald

By Faith 7eventh Time Down BEC RECORDINGS

£7.99 to buy MP3 album

«««««

With its catchy tunes and easylistening vibe, it could be easy to just dismiss 7eventh Time Down’s latest offering as just another Christian rock album. However, by digging deeper into the words, By Faith has much to offer.

I found a real emotional connection through the songs, as they reminded me that we can trust in God no matter what we face.

How to Pray: A guide for young explorers Pete Greig with Gemma Hunt HODDER & STOUGHTON

£9.25

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This book was written to teach kids how to pray and show them that praying isn’t just a meaningless task that Christians do regularly, but instead is a tool that they can use to connect with God. It is split into sections and then chapters. The sections cover the different parts of prayer: pause; rejoice; ask; yes. The

In particular, Questions becomes all the more powerful when you know that group member Mikey Howard gave a short testimony at the start of this track’s video, about a difficult season in his life when his wife miscarried.

The song tells us that God is closer than you know in your confusion, and urges us to wrestle with our questions: “It’s okay to have your doubts, all the ‘Why Gods?’ and ‘What nows?’ Every time that you cry out, he listens.”

The catchy title track, By Faith, emphasises that even in our fears, God will never let us down: “By faith, hope is never gone. No matter what I’m walking through, all things are possible with you. By faith, on the rock I stand. Always I will trust your plan.”

Don’t Forget, featuring Tasha Layton, is one of my favourites. It has a lovely beat and the words remind us to always look to God. “Don’t forget who is writing your story…When the fight don’t seem fair and the end is unclear, don’t forget who’s walking with you.”

I suspect this album will get better with each listening.

SH

chapters then discuss these in more detail, and include common struggles that many young people face in trying to pray – I thought this book answered them well.

There are also science sections to show you how the brain works and how you can use that to your advantage in coming closer to God. It has various activities for you to do too, some active and some mental. It also has lots of stories either from the Bible or actual people.

What I liked most of all was how the writers were able to use stories to describe how it may feel useless praying, but actually it never is. An example of this is, “A man once threw a rock into a lake and every day he would keep on doing this.

Eventually it would feel like a useless task but one day he throws a rock and there is no water – he has thrown so many there is no lake anymore.” I think when we pray it is like this – we feel that nothing happens when actually if we keep on praying something will happen.

NH

Herald October 2022

41

REFLECTIONS

Kings and Queens Ruth Sanderson

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he day I graduated, the Queen was in the room. She Her reach has not just been around the world – it has also was up in the balcony in a yellow outfit, flanked by been deeply personal to so many people who now recall their Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla. We had own encounter with the Queen and hold it as something all, of course, been expecting Charles, but not the special.

Queen herself – but there she was, a tiny lady, watching all the It’s hard to mourn the passing of a 96-year-old who has made proceedings as they happened. As she walked in to take her such a huge contribution to society as we know it. Rather, the seat, the whole building turned to look at her. celebration of a life well lived seems more apt. In a changing After the ceremony as we walked outside, we were greeted world, full of uncertainty and fluctuations, it’s hard to think by a huge flank of paparazzi who were there to photograph my of any other figure who has been so constant. A perpetual rather famous classmate. backdrop to the ups and downs of the past 70 years.

We walked around the building out of sight of the The past few weeks have been extraordinary. The pageantry, photographers, and there, just standing on rolling coverage, language and pomp of her own with a small smile on her face, was state and ceremony. Traditions which …it’s hard to think of any have been taking place, almost unchanged the Queen. I nervously did a half curtsey, and possibly a wink – it’s a long time ago for centuries. It’s been a marvel to look other figure who has now! I remember thinking how terribly at the ancient machine of majesty, turn been so constant. A familiar she seemed. Also, how funny it its glittering wheels, polish up the gold was that she was just there watching the gilt and dust off the ermine. The British perpetual backdrop to scene before her – a proud granny, in the monarchy does ‘wow’ very well, and is the ups and downs of the perhaps the most impressive one left, area where all the other proud grannies and mums and dads were mingling with where others have streamlined, slimmed past 70 years. their graduating children, and probably down, or vanished all together. Of course, breathing a sigh of relief that they had there is more to come, and a coronation to made it to that day without too many glitches, hoping to soon plan in what is sure to be another dazzling event. be off the payroll.

Yet as I watch the ancient uniforms, heraldic trumpets, Like me, almost everyone has a story about the Queen – stockings and plumage, I do wonder what place it now has. whether it was a formal or informal meeting, or just the way she As we have seen from the past few weeks, the only certainty impacted upon their lives in some way. is change. What’s the role of the monarch in modern Britain?

The death of Elizabeth II has prompted people to dust off A King no longer rules, rather they reign; they have no real their ‘when I met the Queen’ stories. My Instagram feed was power. The age of deference no longer exists. The landscape is full of them – one friend had met her as a child, presenting a very different to that of 1952; the British Empire has almost bouquet of flowers, and posted a newspaper clipping from the vanished, and with it, comes the hangover of moral ethicality of time. Another posted a picture of himself impishly shaking empire building and the legacy it has left. King Charles inherits hands as she visited a gallery he worked at. domestic nationalism as well as the inevitable final cutting of It’s amazing, the sheer number of people who have physically ties from so many former crown dependencies. met or seen her, bowed or curtseyed, presented her with flowers, It’s been a time to think about the continuity and fluctuations showed her around a factory, or gallery or airbase. How many of history. However, we can be assured that whether King school children have sung in choirs for her? She has travelled Charles III lives up to his mother’s reputation or not, there is a the world and shaken hundreds upon hundreds of thousands of greater King, who is so personal that he dwells within us. By all hands. How many sick and dying has she has chatted to? How accounts, the late Queen knew our Christ the King too – how many railways, roads, factories and schools has she opened? wonderful that we are all equal as his subjects, but more than How many troops has she inspected? Tree planting ceremonies that, we are all equal as his children. As monarchs come and go, has she attended? Ribbon cuttings? Garden parties? Galas? we know we can be sure of our eternal King.

Performances? How many renditions of the National Anthem has she heard? How much small talk has she made? How many conversations of global significance has she had?

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Herald October 2022

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

Retirement in Hillsborough Hillsborough Presbyterian congregation marked the retirement of organist and choirmistress Diane McMullan, following 36 years of dedicated and faithful service to the ministry in the County Down church, with a special service and presentation. Pictured are: Derek McClelland (clerk of session), Mrs McMullan and Dr Allen Sleith (minister).

Retirement after nearly 45 years in Orritor Sammy Laughlin has retired after serving for nearly 45 years as congregational secretary in Orritor Presbyterian Church. He was presented with a picture of the County Tyrone church and a gift voucher for the Royal Court Hotel, Portrush. Pictured are: Rev James Porter, Mr Laughlin, May Laughlin and Stewartie Black (clerk of session).

Birthday milestone in Hillhall PCI Moderator Dr John Kirkpatrick recently took time out of his busy schedule to visit Bess Neill on her 100th birthday. A member of Hillhall Presbyterian Church outside Lisburn, Mrs Neill currently resides in Faith House Eventide Home in Finaghy. They are pictured with Rev Paul Jamieson from Hillhall, Celeste Simpson (wife of Philip Simpson, clerk of session) and Hannah Simpson.

Presentation in Greystone Road Cilla Dodd (secretary of Greystone Road Presbyterian Church) is pictured presenting gifts to Roberta Irvine (deaconess), who is leaving Antrim to serve in Elmwood Presbyterian, Lisburn. James Warwick (clerk of session) is also pictured.

Car park opened at Poyntzpass Jim and Dorothy Loughlin cut the ribbon to declare the new car park open at Poyntzpass Presbyterian Church. Mr Loughlin is a lifelong member and elder of the County Armagh church and Mrs Loughlin is the organist. The car park has 30 spaces and lies directly adjacent to the church building.

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LIFE IN PCI

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

New elders in Bessbrook A service to ordain Robert Cartmill and Jim Neagle as ruling elders took place at Bessbrook Presbyterian Church recently. The service was organised by a commission of Newry Presbytery and was conducted by the moderator of presbytery, Rev David McCullagh. The faithful service of James Strain, a ruling elder in the County Armagh congregation for over 30 years, was also recognised with a presentation of a Bible to mark his retirement from the kirk session. Pictured are members of Bessbrook Presbyterian Church kirk session with the new elders. Front row: Mr Cartmill, Mr Strain, Rev Keith McIntyre and Mr Neagle. Back row: Samuel Paul, Danny Kennedy (clerk of session) and Richard McMinn.

Presentation in Rasharkin Presentations were made on the final day of Rev Jeffrey Blue’s ministry in Rasharkin Presbyterian Church, County Antrim. Pictured are: Sadie Royle, Naomi Taylor (church secretary), Julie Blue and Mr Blue.

Millisle and Ballycopeland retirements At a recent service in Millisle and Ballycopeland Presbyterian Church, Hubert Adams, Ted Jenkins and William Brown were presented with gifts to mark their retirement from the eldership. Also pictured are Rev Mairisine Stanfield (moderator of Ards Presbytery) and Rev John Flaherty (minister of the church).

Farewell service in Second Broughshane Second Broughshane recently held a farewell service for Rev Alistair Beattie, which had been delayed due to Covid restrictions. Mr Beattie had served the congregation for 25 years until his retirement in June 2021. Pictured are Mr Beattie and his wife Ellery. They were presented with many farewell gifts which included a picture of the County Antrim church.

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Herald October 2022

Faithful service marked Trinity Greyabbey recently presented gifts to Leonard Brown and his wife Joan in recognition of his 18 years’ dedicated service as secretary.

Pictured are: George Angus (clerk of session), Mrs Brown, Mr Brown and Rev Neil Stewart (minister of the County Down church).

LIFE IN PCI Clonaneese Children’s Day celebrations For the first time in three years, Children’s Day services were held in Upper and Lower Clonaneese Presbyterian Sunday schools.

The Bible was the theme for the day, which began with the service in the Lower Church.

The programme was based on a range of questions which were answered by the children through narrations, poems and songs. After the presentation of prizes at the conclusion of the service, everyone celebrated together over a Bethany McMullan, who was awarded Ben Sharkey and Luke Sharkey receive Matthew McMullan and Danielle Pike delicious tea. receive the W.J. Stinson Cup from Hilary the Colbert Plaque, pictured with Mrs the Emma Dickson Cup for highest At the later Upper Church service, the Sunday Colbert, Sunday school superintendent.

Colbert. overall attendance from Mrs Colbert. school children and young people used narrations, poems, songs and video clips in their programme, which focused on Dickson Cup for highest overall attendance since enrolling until leaving questions including: What is God’s Word? Do many people buy a Bible? was awarded to Ben Sharkey and Luke Sharkey.

How is the Bible made up? How did these people know what to write?

Sunday school superintendent Hilary Colbert thanked parents and After the singing of the final hymn, awards were distributed to each families for supporting Sunday school in a particularly challenging child by the Sunday school teachers. The Colbert Plaque for colouring year, to the teachers for their commitment in teaching their classes and a Bible picture and learning memory work was awarded to Bethany assisting with preparing for the service and to the children and young McMullan. The W.J. Stinson Cup for Senior Two class for learning memory people for working so well. work was awarded to Matthew McMullan and Danielle Pike. The Emma

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ACROSS 1 The Samaritan was a good one (9) 5 Biblical woman (3) 8 Worker in a forest (6) 10 School jacket (6) 11 Malted milk drink (8) 13 German grocery chain (4) 14 Parasitic insect egg (3) 15 Short Violet (2) 16 Small round hill (5) 18 Don’t get stuck in this! (3) 19 Anglican morning service (6) 20 Assistant (4) 22 4 down not required now! (3) 24 Eight-legged creature (5,6) 25 Used in biblical anointings (3) 26 Limb joint (4) 27 Evil one in Revelation 20 (5) 28 Hits on Facebook (5)

DOWN 1 British naval hero (6) 2 A state of ungratefulness (11) 3 Garden tool (3) 4 Take one out on a wet day (8) 6 Piece of jewellery (7) 7 Detection device (5) 9 Periods of sovereignty (6) 12 Old Vauxhall car (4) 16 Having information (7) 17 Speedy missionary in China (7) 18 Base or foundation (7) 21 Fast pace (5) 23 Loud shouts (5) 24 Wriggly creature (4) 26 Knock Out (2)

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AS I SEE IT...

Repentance is needed Kenneth Patterson

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uring the last meeting of the General Assembly the in too many of our pulpits (although, again thankfully, not all). report of the Reconfiguration of Ministry task group Because liberalism, ecumenism, or half-hearted evangelicalism was being considered late on Saturday afternoon. will not do, and as a denomination we need to repent because It records an alarming set of statistics which detail there is still too much of all these among us, in spite of the the steady decline in the number of contributing families in ordination vows ministers take to preach the Word and uphold PCI over the last number of years (and this is true also of our subordinate standards which set out clearly all the above communicant members and baptisms). Now there were only doctrines. relatively few members of Assembly present at this debate, Now there is also something else which we desperately need during which I spoke of my concerns, and so I thought that today. We need a real work of the Spirit of God among us in I might be able to share these concerns true revival blessing. We need his work of through the Herald in the hope that fellow conviction of sin, and conversion to Christ, It is my view that in our and we need to be praying earnestly for Presbyterians might be stirred to pray earnestly about this situation. denomination sadly one this. But there is no mention of this in As I read this report, I find that the the report. And while we need this work word ‘repentance’ is conspicuously absent. major part of our of God among us, I don’t think we need It is my view that in our denomination more programmes, or resources, or problem is that in many yet sadly one major part of our problem is conferences, or workshops. Despite so (thankfully not all) of our many of these over the years they have that in many (thankfully not all) of our churches, we have lost the gospel, and made little or no difference. No! We need churches, we have lost we need to repent. Now when I speak of godly ministers who will preach the Word the gospel, I mean the whole counsel of the gospel, and we need in all its fullness, backed up by godly, God from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22, praying elders and members. And we need to repent. with all the doctrines clearly set before to repent and cry earnestly to God that he us in all Scripture. Doctrines such as the would yet have mercy on us, and revive our glory, majesty, power, holiness, wrath, love and mercy of the one Church and heal our land. true God. And the biblical doctrine of man, originally created I am not pessimistic about the church of Christ, because he perfect, but now fallen and in rebellion against his Creator. And has said that he will build his church, “and the gates of hell will we must emphasise our total depravity and inability to save not prevail against it”. But I confess that I am very concerned ourselves, and that salvation is all of God and all of grace. Then about our Presbyterian Church, unless, in the mercy of God, he also, as we preach of God’s covenant love and grace, we must visits us by his Spirit and we see a true reviving of his work, and remind our people too of his justice and wrath. Of course, we people genuinely converted and added to the church. must also clearly show people Jesus Christ in all his glory and Perhaps these thoughts will cause some in PCI, and those grace, and speak clearly about all he has done and still does as on the task group, to think deeply about our present situation the mediator of the new covenant for the salvation of sinners; in a biblical way, and to truly seek his mercy. And perhaps also preaching especially substitutionary atonement, and ranging they may be an encouragement, especially to younger ministers, through all the Scriptures which all point to Jesus. And we must to be diligent in their ministry (both pulpit and pastoral), stress the need for the new birth, as well as our responsibility to remembering that one day we will all give account of our repent and believe in Christ crucified or we perish, and preach stewardship to God. also about the second coming of Christ, and the awesome day of judgment which awaits us all, warning people about hell, as well as speaking of heaven for the redeemed. All of these great doctrines are part of the true gospel.

So, we need ministers, who are truly converted and love the Scriptures, to preach these doctrines with scriptural balance, and with love, zeal, grace, boldness and fearlessness, whether people listen or not. And sadly, I believe that this is not the case

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REFLECTIONS

Danger, doctrine and duty David Clarke Studies in 1 Peter (1:1–2)

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hen one is far from home, nothing is more Philippians 3:20 applied to Peter’s friends: they were “a colony reassuring than a familiar voice. Rory of heaven”.

Fitzpatrick’s book, God’s Frontiersmen, tells of Peter countered their fears with a strong dose of doctrine. the role Ulstermen played in the settlement of Believers who may have felt themselves vulnerable and North America. He records how a young man named Miller, insignificant, were reminded that they were ‘elect’ and ‘chosen’, the youngest in a large family, left the poverty of home to seek words applied originally to the tribes Moses led out of Egypt: a better life in the United States. One evening in a raucous “Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has hotel in upstate New York, a waitress heard his Northern Irish chosen you to be his treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 14:2). accent, and engaged him in conversation. As he answered her Peter’s opening greetings foreshadows a developed doctrine questions, he realised that she was his own older sister, who of the Trinity: “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God had emigrated years before, and of whose the Father, through the sanctifying work whereabouts those back home had no of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ Our calling is to obey, but and sprinkling by his blood” (1:2). That information. What joy and elation they must have felt! when we fail, the atoning doctrine does not spring from dextrous The recipients of Peter’s letter must have manipulation of abstract ideas, but from felt a similar joy. They too were “strangers blood can still be the realities of spiritual experience. Peter, in the world” (1:1), scattered through an as a devout Jew, had often recited the sprinkled. It is the extensive area in what is modern Turkey.

Shema: “The Lord our God, the Lord is ongoing reality of Paul had not been able to evangelise One”– but he discovered that when he Bithynia (Acts 16:6–7) but someone else thought of God, thoughts of Jesus came discipleship. had, and a celebrated letter from the local flooding into his mind, and that, through governor Pliny to the Emperor Trajan, the Spirit, he often felt Jesus to be with implored guidance on how to treat these people who meet “to him, even when physically absent. sing hymns to Christ as to a god”.

During the Soviet years in Russia, a meeting of peasant Just as a tinker like Bunyan could write the glorious Pilgrim’s believers was interrupted by the secret police. They took the Progress, so the mind of the “unschooled” (Acts 4:13) Peter had names of everyone present. As they prepared to leave, an old been set alight by contact with Christ. With the help of Silas peasant remarked that there was one name they had missed.

(5:12), he sent a message of encouragement and guidance to They counted again and were adamant, “We’ve got every name”. that scattered community.

The old peasant persisted. Finally, in exasperation, they asked, Peter was aware of the danger in which his friends stood.

“Who is it?” and the old man replied, “The Lord Jesus Christ.

He referred to the “painful trial you are suffering” (1 Peter He is here!” The Holy Spirit makes Jesus real.

4:12). While in some parts of that wide area, local persecution Peter also reminded these believers of their duty: “obedience may have begun, there were other, more insidious pressures to to Jesus Christ” (1:2). Obedience is a Christian prerequisite. confront.

“This is love to God, to obey his commands” (1 John 5:3).

These Christians were truly ‘strangers’, with values, aspirations The order of the clauses in v2 is unexpected. We would expect and tastes that were different from the pagans around them. reference to “the sprinkling with his blood” to come before Faith can be an isolating experience. The recipients of Peter’s “obedience to Jesus Christ”, since when we experience the letter might recall the warning of Jesus that his message would benefits of Christ’s atoning death, a life of obedience ought to “turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother… result. One commentator helpfully suggests that the cleansing A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household” virtue of Christ’s death is available, and will be needed, until (Matthew 10:34–36). It is not easy to be the one person in a the end of our earthly pilgrimage. Our calling is to obey, but crowd who harbours faith in one’s heart. It has been pointed out when we fail, the atoning blood can still be sprinkled. It is the that none of C.S. Lewis’ university colleagues ever spoke to him ongoing reality of discipleship. about his religious writings. The contemptuous sneer, the cold shoulder, the dismissive comment are part and parcel of being a believer in an alien culture. Moffatt’s memorable translation of

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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.

BALLYGRAINEY: REV R.S. HAMILTON: Mr Brian McDowell, 263 Killaughey Road, Ballyhay, Donaghadee, BT21 0ND. BALLYRONEY and DRUMLEE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV A.M. BORELAND: (Ballyroney) Mr David Peters, 30 Seafin Road, Ballyroney, Banbridge, BT32 5ER. (Drumlee) Mr Graham Truesdale, 128 Lackan Road, Ballyward, Castlewellan, BT31 9RX. BANGOR, HAMILTON ROAD (ASSOCIATE): REV CHRISTOPH EBBINGHAUS: Mr Alan McDowell, 11 Braemar Park, Bangor, BT20 5HZ.

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

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

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

3 DECLARED VACANT ARMAGH, FIRST: REV G.R. MULLAN: Mr Ian Kyle, 8 Drummanmore Road, Armagh, BT61 8RN.

BELMONT: REV T.J. STOTHERS: Mr Christopher Steele, 1 Hawthornden Drive, Belfast, BT4 2HG.

BALLEE: REV D.A. McMILLAN: Mr John Quigley, 81 Queen’s Avenue, Magherafelt, BT45 6DB.

CARRICKFERGUS, JOYMOUNT: REV G.A.J. FARQUHAR: Mr Stephen Drake, 8 Bluefield Way, Carrickfergus, BT38 7UB.

BALLINA, KILLALA & BALLYMOTE: (Home Mission) REV D.J. CLARKE: Mr Geoffrey Shannon, Robin Hill, Carraun, Corballa, Ballina, Co Mayo, F26 A070.

DUNFANAGHY and CARRIGART: (Home Mission) 50% Congregational Ministry, 50% CMI Mission Project REV DR BRIAN BROWN: (Dunfanaghy) Mrs Ethel Montgomery, ‘Millrace’, Marble Hill Road, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal, F92 N2WO. (Carrigart) Mrs Joy Buchanan, Figart, Carrigart, Co Donegal, F92 N2WO. DUN LAOGHAIRE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV A.J. BOAL: Mrs Dorothy Shanahan, 1 Holmwood, Brennanstown, Cabinteely, D18 T2T5.

GARVAGH, MAIN ST and KILLAIG: REV DREWE McCONNELL: (Garvagh, Main St) Mr Alan Farlow, 39 Ballynameen Road, Garvagh, BT51 5PN. (Killaig) Mr Ivan McKane, 27 Cashel Road, Macosquin, Coleraine, BT51 4PW. GLENWHERRY: REV S.D. KENNEDY: Mr Andrew Hoey, 49 Ballynulto Road, Ballymena, BT42 4RJ. LECUMPHER and MAGHERAFELT, UNION ROAD: REV J.A. MARTIN: (Lecumpher) Mr Sammy Thompson, 10 Ballynagowan Road, Desertmartin, BT45 5LH. (Magherafelt, Union Road) Mr Ian Francis, 32 Caraloan Road, Magherafelt, BT45 6NW. NEWMILLS and CARLAND: REV W.A. DICKEY: (Newmills) Mr Roy Wilkins, 38 Dungannon Road, Coalisland, Dungannon, BT71 4HP. (Carland) Mr Howard McLean, 16 Ballynorthland Demesne, Dungannon Park, Dungannon, BT71 6BT. RATHFRILAND, FIRST: REV C.G. HARRIS: Mr David Scott, 13 Sleepy Valley, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5HL. TOBERKEIGH and RAMOAN: REV JOHN STANBRIDGE: (Toberkeigh) Mr Jim Kane, 67A Ballinlea Road, Ballinlea Upper, Ballycastle, BT54 6NN. (Ramoan) Mr Robert Getty, 23 Carrowcroey Road, Armoy, Ballymoney, BT53 8UH.

2 LEAVE TO CALL DEFERRED CLADYMORE and TASSAGH: REV R.I. ABRAHAM: (Cladymore) Mr David Wilson, 73 Kilmachugh Road, Mowhan, Armagh, BT60 2EN. (Tassagh) Mr Philip Crozier, 68 Bachelors Walk, Keady, Armagh, BT60 2NA. DROMORE and DRUMQUIN: REV E.T. FRAZER: (Dromore) Mr Lynden Keys, 25 New Park Road, Dromore, Omagh, BT78 3JU. (Drumquin) Dr Paul Booth, 231 Tummery Road, Irvinestown, BT78 3UF. RICHVIEW: REV N.S. HARRISON: Mr Victor Garland, 25 Abingdon Drive, Belfast, BT12 5PX.

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

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

Herald October 2022

BALLYALBANY and GLENNAN: REV D.T.R. EDWARDS: (Ballyalbany) Mr Sam Condell, Billary, Smithborough, Co Monaghan. (Glennan) Mr David Russell, Knockafubble, Emyvale, Co Monaghan.

BALLYMENA, FIRST: REV N.A.L. CAMERON: Mr Tom Heaney, 109 Loughmagarry Road, Ballymena, BT43 6ST. BELLAGHY and KNOCKLOUGHRIM: REV J.B. MULLAN: (Bellaghy) Mr Harry Ferson, 12 Railway Terrace, Castledawson, Magherafelt, BT45 8AY. (Knockloughrim) Mr Wilbur Bownes, 10 Meadowell Fold, Westland Gardens, Magherafelt, BT45 5DP. BELVOIR: REV B.J. WALKER: Mr Brian Dunwoody, 19 Drumart Drive, Belfast, BT8 7ET. CASTLEROCK: REV D.H. BROWN: Miss Heather McSparran, 26 Freehall Road, Castlerock, BT51 4TR. COLERAINE, NEW ROW: REV R.D. GREGG: Mr Adrian Cochrane, 12 Cambridge Park, Coleraine, BT52 2QT. CRUMLIN: REV BEN JOHNSTON: Mr James Livingstone, “Edin”, 56 Largy Road, Crumlin, BT29 4RW. CUMBER and UPPER CUMBER: REV S.W. HIBBERT: (Cumber) Mr Eric Christie, 43 Gorse Road, Killaloo, Londonderry, BT47 3SS. (Upper Cumber) Mr Jack McFarland, 12 Cregg Road, Claudy, Londonderry, BT47 4HX. DROMARA, SECOND: REV D.H. GILPIN: Mr Herbert Chambers, 29 Stewarts Road, Dromara, BT25 2AN. DUNDROD: REV R.C. KERR: Mr William McClure, 20 Thorndale Road, Dundrod, BT29 4UD. ENNISCORTHY and WEXFORD: (Home Mission) REV M.R.J. ANDERSON: (Enniscorthy) Mr Ian Gibson “Tanglewood”, Monart, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. (Wexford) c/o Mr Ian Gibson.

FAHAN (Home Mission) and WATERSIDE: REV G.A. McCRACKEN: (Fahan) Mr James Lamberton, 1 Deanfield, Limavady Road, Londonderry, BT47 6HY. (Waterside) Mr William McIlwaine, 19 Glenaden Hill, Altnagelvin Park, Londonderry, BT47 2LJ. GLASTRY and KIRKCUBBIN: REV N.W. McAULEY: (Glastry): Mr Will Taylor, 43 Manse Road, Kircubbin, Newtownards BT22 1DR. 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.

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 HYDEPARK & LYLEHILL: REV C.K. McDOWELL: (Hydepark) Mrs Lynas Alexander, 22 Broadacres, Templepatrick, BT39 0AY. KELLS: (Home Mission) REV ALAN McQUADE: Miss Ruth McCartney, Shancarnan, Moynalty, Kells, Co Meath, A82 PF60.

KILMAKEE: REV ROBERT LOVE: Miss Aileen Irvine, 5 Aberdelghy Park, Lambeg, Lisburn, BT27 4QF. KILREA, SECOND: REV DR CLIVE GLASS: Mr John McIlrath, 9 Moyagoney Road, Kilrea, Coleraine, BT51 5SX. KNOCK: REV G.J. MACLEAN: Mr Hugo Wilson, 5 Finchley Gardens, Belfast, BT4 2JB. LOWE MEMORIAL: REV DR D.J. McKELVEY: Dr Moyna Bill, 6 Old Coach Avenue, Belfast, BT9 5PY. McQUISTON MEMORIAL: REV R.S.J. McILHATTON MONEYDIG: REV DR S.D.H. WILLIAMSON: Mr Steven Torrens, 115a Agivey Road, Kilrea, Coleraine, BT51 5UZ. NEWINGTON: REV DR I.D. NEISH: Mr John Lynass, 8 Bushfoot Park, Portballintrae, BT57 8YX. NEWTOWNARDS, REGENT STREET: REV P.T. DALZELL: Mr Ian MacDonald, 11 Stanvilla Road, Newtownards, BT23 8HE. NEWTOWNARDS, SECOND: REV DR W.J.P. BAILIE: Mr Ivan Patterson, 11 Heron Crescent, Newtownards, BT23 8WH. PORTAVOGIE: REV G.J. SIMPSON: Mr Trevor Kennedy, 1 Cairndore Road, Newtownards, BT23 8RD. RANDALSTOWN, O.C. REV A.W. MOORE: Mr Alun Coulter, 48 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3DB. RASHARKIN: REV A.J. McCRACKEN: Mr Norbury Royle, 96 Drumsaragh Road, Kilrea, BT51 5XR. RATHCOOLE: REV A.K. DUDDY: Mr Ken Neill, 307 Merville Garden Village, Newtownabbey, BT37 9TY. SAINTFIELD, FIRST: REV B.A. SMALL: Mr Paul Jackson, 20 The Grange, Saintfield, BT24 7NF. SPA and MAGHERAHAMLET: REV D.F. LEAL: (Spa) Acting Clerk – Mr Stephen McBride, 28 Ballynahinch Road, Castlewellan, BT31 9PA. (Magherahamlet) Mr David Whan, 74 Castlewellan Road, Dromara, BT25 2JN. STRABANE and SION MILLS: REV COLIN McKIBBIN: (Strabane) Mr William Watson, 44 Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9QS. (Sion Mills) Mr Colin Campbell, 26 Albert Place, Sion Mills, Strabane, BT82 9HN.

Clerks of presbytery please note: Only material received by the General Secretary’s Department by 12 noon on the first Friday of the month can be included in the Church Record.

TEMPORARY STATED SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT BALLYCAIRN: REV WILLIAM HARKNESS: Mr Brian Milligan, 19 Glenariff Drive, Dunmurry, BT17 9AZ. BELLVILLE: REV D.S. HENRY: Mr Mervyn King, 29 Ardmore Road, Derryadd, Lurgan, BT66 6QP. CARNLOUGH-CUSHENDALL and NEWTOWNCROMMELIN: REV J.A. BEATTIE: (Carnlough-Cushendall) Mr Norman McMullan, 91 Ballymena Road, Carnlough, BT44 0LA. (Newtowncrommelin) Mr James Gillan, 67 Gracefield, Ballymena, BT42 2RP. GRANGE with CRAIGMORE: REV R.S AGNEW: Mr Jamie Harris, 32 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3BE. NEWTOWNSTEWART and GORTIN (Home Mission): REV R.N. ORR: (Newtownstewart) Mr James Baxter, 22 Strabane Road, Newtownstewart, Omagh, BT78 4BD. (Gortin) Mr Adrian Adams, 32 Lisnaharney Road, Lislap, Omagh, BT79 7UE. RALOO and MAGHERAMORNE: REV D.R. CROMIE: (Raloo) Mr Geoff McBride, 72 Raloo Road, Larne, BT40 3DU. (Magheramorne) Mr Morris Gardner, 89 Ballypollard Road, Magheramorne, Larne, BT40 3JG. WARRENPOINT and ROSTREVOR: REV S.S. JOHNSTON: (Warrenpoint) Mr Denis Brady, 28 Seaview, Warrenpoint, Newry, BT34 3NJ. (Rostrevor) Mr Terry O’Flynn, 15 Aurora Na Mara, Shore Road, Rostrevor, BT34 3UP.

THE ELDERSHIP Ordained & Installed: LISLOONEY: Tom Taylor

THE MINISTRY Ordained & Installed: Christopher Wilson, as Minister of Greystone Road, Antrim, on 2 September 2022 Installed: Enrique Tagle Aguiar, as Minister of Mountpottinger, on 4 September 2022 Jeffrey Thomas Blue, as Minister of Second Broughshane, on 17 August 2022 Stuart Neil Hawthorne, as Minister of Carnmoney, on 2 September 2022 Craig Munro Wilson, as Minister of Burt and Inch, on 2 September 2022 Installed and Inducted: David Thomas Moore, as Minister in Special Work West Belfast, on 1 September 2022 Resigned: Jeffrey Thomas Blue, as Minister of Rasharkin, on 16 August 2022 Stuart Neil Hawthorne, as Minister of Waringstown, on 1 September 2022 David Thomas Moore, as Minister of Knock, on 31 August 2022

TULLYCARNET: REV DR COLIN BURCOMBE VINECASH: REV P.W.A. McCLELLAND: Mr Thomas Graham, 38 Richmount, Portadown, BT62 4JQ. WARINGSTOWN: REV R.L. BROWN: Mr David Crawford, 148 Avenue Road, Lurgan, BT66 7BJ. WHITEHEAD: REV N.W. DUDDY: Ms Helen Graham, 4 Kilcarn, Islandmagee, BT40 3PJ.

Herald October 2022

49

CLASSIFIEDS

Please note: Adverts must be received in writing (email or post) by the first of the month preceding publication to guarantee inclusion. Adverts received after that date will be published if space permits. Advertising rates can be found on the website – www.presbyterianireland.org/herald – or telephone the Herald office on +44 (0)28 9032 2284 for more information.

Accommodation

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Groomsport Presbyterian Church

We are a rural church family, just outside Ballymena, seeking to appoint a

Music Coordinator (part-time)

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to help lead and develop our corporate praise.

For further details, job description and application form please contact Rev Alistair McCracken, 304 Cushendall Road, Ballymena, BT43 6PS Telephone: (028) 2565 7531 Email: amccracken123@gmail.com

50

Children’s and Family Worker Part-time (20hrs/wk) 2-year contract

Applications are invited for this part-time post, based on a two-year fixed term contract, to join an established Ministry Team at Groomsport PC. The post holder will be responsible for the continuing development of Children’s and Family ministry within our church alongside leaders in children’s organisations.

Salary Scale (depending on experience) Band A PCI recommended salary scale 2022 (£19,488–£23,181) on a pro-rata basis

The closing date for applications is Friday 21 October 2022

To obtain a full job description and application details contact Rev Paul Dalzell 5 Millbank Bangor BT19 7PL Tel: 07909 896123 Email: pdalzell@presbyterianireland.org

Registered Charity in Northern Ireland – NIC105373

Closing date for applications is 30 November 2022

Herald October 2022