Presbyterian Herald September 2025

SEPTEMBER 2025

Winning young hearts for Christ GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025 Full coverage of reports

WHY DO WE NEED MORE CHURCHES?

Reimagining PCI through church planting

BEING CHURCH IN 21ST CENTURY IRELAND Moving from multi-ethnic to intercultural

•

As one of the UK’s leading independent insurance broking and risk management companies, we provide a full range of commercial and personal insurance services.

Our local team in Belfast specialise in: • Community organisations • Churches and charities • Home insurance for ministers • Individual motor and home insurance Please get in touch for more information Call 02890 380980 Email ni@tldallas.com Visit www.tldallas.com Bradford • Belfast • Cumbria • Edinburgh • Elgin • Falkirk • Glasgow • Holmfirth Inverness • Kirkwall • Lincolnshire • London • North Yorkshire • Shetland Find us on Linkedin, X and Facebook TL Dallas & Co Ltd, Registered Office: Dallas House, Low Moor, Bradford, BD12 0HF, Registered in England No: 645405. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

0050825

Christian Aid Ireland is looking for an experienced and wise Christian leader to become the next Chair of our Board, taking up the role in November 2026 - are you ready to join us?

Christian Aid Ireland Is an international development agency founded by the Protestant churches of Britain and Ireland, a global movement of individuals and organisations passionately committed to ending poverty and injustice. We are a separate legal entity within the wider Christian Aid family, sharing the same vision and values. Our work is based on our Christian conviction that everyone is created in the image of God and deserves to live a full life. To that end, we work with people of all faiths and none to tackle both the symptoms and root causes of poverty.

Who we are looking for...

We are seeking someone for the role of Chair who shares our values and our ambition to end poverty; will use their senior leadership experience, international perspective and faith to lead the Board, support the CEO and play a key role in engaging our broad range of stakeholders.

This is an exciting challenge and an opportunity to help drive the performance of the whole Board and ensure Christian Aid Ireland's values are upheld. If you want to be part of a dynamic organisation serving people with lived experience of poverty around the world; if you see the persistent problems of poverty and injustice in the world around you, and feel a conviction to be part of the solution; if you see advocacy, solidarity and action as a core part of discipleship - we'd love to hear from you!

• The Chair is appointed for a four-year term and is eligible for one further four-year term after that.

• The role is unpaid/voluntary, but reasonable expenses incurred whilst fulfilling the duties of the role will be reimbursed.

• There are four board meetings per year, plus attendance at the AGM and an annual two-day residential meeting. The Chair attends meetings of the Income, Finance, Risk and Audit Committee and the Nominations and Board Governance Committee.

• The Chair also has regular 1-2-1s with the CEO, and represents Ireland on the Christian Aid Board based in London, which has five meetings and one residential per year.

• The role requires some occasional international travel and attendance at key Christian Aid Ireland events.

For the full role profile or to express your interest, please send a CV and covering letter to Maeve Marnell, Vice Chair, c/o jdonaldson@christian-aid.org by 30 September 2025.

Company no. 5171525 Christian Aid Ireland: NI charity no. N!C101631 Company no. NI059154 and ROI charity no. 20014162 Company no. 426928 The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid.

CONTENTS | SEPTEMBER 2025

FEATURES

12 Nurturing faith and friendship

Caledon reaches out to the next generation

15 Targeting ways to connect

Being present in Alexandra Presbyterian

16 General Assembly 2025

Full coverage of reports and decisions

38 Being church in 21st century Ireland

Moving from multi-ethnic to intercultural

40 Seasons

Stories that scatter seeds of hope

42 A thriving church in Indonesia

Hearing from church leaders in Halmahera

44 Why do we need more churches?

Targeting ways to connect p15

Reimagining PCI through church planting

47 1700 years of the Nicene Creed Significant anniversary celebrated

REGULARS

4 5 6 7 10 11 32 37 48 50 55

Letters Culture Watch In this month News The Apostles’ Creed Life lessons Mission articles Norman Hamilton Reviews Life in PCI Ruth Sanderson

Cover photo courtesy of Caledon Presbyterian Church September 2025 No. 871 £2.20/€2.60 Published by: The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, Belfast BT1 6DW. T: +44 (0)28 9032 2284 E: herald@presbyterianireland.org W: www.presbyterianireland.org

A thriving church in Indonesia p42

1700 years of the Nicene Creed p47

CONTRIBUTORS Selina Allen is an elder in Caledon Presbyterian. She is married to Gregory and they have two daughters.

She is also head of History at Cookstown High School.

Patrick Mitchel is Director of Learning and senior lecturer in Theology at the Irish Bible Institute and an elder in Maynooth Community Church.

Jonny McClune is PCI’s congregational witness development officer. He is married to Bethany, dad to Jack and Ellie, and a member of Saintfield Road Presbyterian.

Pip Florit is a mission support officer for PCI. She is a member of Bloomfield Presbyterian and lives with her husband, Ismael, and son and daughter in Belfast.

Editor: Sarah Harding

The views expressed in the features, news reports, letters and book reviews of this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor. Editorial comment and signed Subscriptions and Advertising: articles do not necessarily contain the official views of the Church, which can only be laid down only by the General Assembly. Acceptance of advertisements Edward Connolly; Hazel Gilliland does not imply endorsement of the goods or services. Advertising will not be Design and Layout: included if the product or service is deemed to be in conflict with the Church’s Edward Connolly official views, or if it is inappropriate for a church magazine. It is not Herald policy Printing: to include any editorial content along with adverts. The editor reserves the right W & G Baird Ltd to decline any advertisement or letter without assigning any reason. Letters may be edited for publication. No correspondence can be entered into regarding nonpublication of advertisements or letters.

FSC LOGO

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is a registered charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104483); registered charity in Republic of Ireland (20015695).

Herald September 2025

3

EDITORIAL

LETTERS The July/August Herald

Real faith

This year celebrates the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, which was a pivotal moment in church history – firm affirmations of belief for followers of Christ were set out and agreed upon. Rev John Woodside reflects on why this anniversary is significant and worthy of being celebrated.

The Apostles’ Creed, which was adopted later, is a collection of the essential teachings of the 12 apostles and is still recited regularly in many PCI churches.

This month we begin a series looking at each of the statements within it, drawing out their meaning and contemporary relevance to today.

Creeds certainly have value in declaring what we believe, serving as reminders and encouragement.

But without any subsequent action in our lives, they become significantly less powerful.

This month we hear of a Church that is growing and thriving through real faith in action – the Evangelical Christian Church of Halmahera. Despite the many challenges it faces, particularly economically and geographically, the number of its congregations has doubled in the last 25 years. Its Moderator, Rev Ice says the reason for this is simple: “Christians are living out their faith and as their neighbours see God through them, they are being drawn to him.”

PCI has a new resource designed to help individuals share their faith more easily. Congregational witness development officer, Jonny McClune, explains that ‘Seasons’ features “real people talking about the real difference a relationship with Jesus makes in their lives.”

Jonny encourages us to take a bold approach to sharing our faith, seizing opportunities in the ordinariness of life: “…noticing the spiritual in the everyday and letting the conversation grow naturally from there.”

PCI is also encouraging boldness when it comes to its church planting strategy. Council Secretary Rick Hill explains why church planting needs to be a priority for PCI: “There is something happening in our culture – something subtle yet deeply spiritual… We have a chance to take new ground – not in a spirit of competition, but of conviction.” Sharing the gospel message and growing the Church is a vital aspect of putting our faith in action. And as Rick says: “…sow for what we believe God can do.” If we truly believe what we declare in creeds, we will dream big and expect wonderful things from our great and powerful God.

4

Herald September 2025

Dear Editor I take this opportunity to thank you, and your colleagues, for all your work in the production of such an excellent magazine. I have been a subscriber since the 1960s and while since then there have been many dramatic changes in social and political events, as well as lifestyle changes, the Herald has attempted to provide its readers with a Christian perspective on these, as well as updates on the wider work of PCI. Thank you and keep up this good work.

I also take this opportunity to comment on the July/ August edition.

Firstly, to thank the contributors of several articles, in particular Patrick Mitchel and Norman Hamilton for their insightful writings. I was particularly challenged by Norman’s final summary paragraph and commend its wider consideration.

Secondly, I endorse the several references given to children and young people.

Your editorial on the ‘Future church’, Angela Minion’s article on issues facing young

people today and the several reports on the continuing successful outputs of members of the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade in our various congregations are worthy of special attention.

Thirdly, I was cheered by the delightful picture of the church planters featured on the front cover of the magazine, but this must also be seen within the challenges revealed on pages 48–50, i.e. ‘Church Record’, in which 82 congregations are listed as vacant congregations.

For comparative purposes, and selected at random, the May 2011 Herald listed 40 vacant congregations. Times are changing and despite manpower (and womanpower) pressures, it is encouraging to note the work of the Linkage Commission, in association with presbyteries, in responding to this changing situation. It is important that all members understand the challenges and opportunities of the reconfiguration process, and as expressed by Dr Gribben’s moderatorial theme: ‘Hope and a future in Jesus’.

Cecil Graham Ruling elder, South Kirk Presbyterian

‘Present’ postcards inside this edition PCI’s ‘Present’ initiative aims to re-energise congregations and their members in the basics of what it means to be the church and finding the best ways to express this.

The three key themes are, ‘being present to God as his people’, ‘being present for one another in the family of the church’ and ‘being present where God has placed us to be his witnesses’. To help individual members grasp the idea of the Present theme, a postcard-sized prompt suggesting simple ways to be present has been made available. You have received a free copy inside this issue.

Further copies of the postcards can be ordered free (only P&P charged) from clw@presbyterianireland.org. The same content in digital format will also be available soon for download and sharing from the Present page on the PCI website. www.presbyterianireland.org/present

Alan Meban reflects on what’s been in the news recently….

I

s the act of burning a boat filled with mannequins wearing orange lifejackets on top of a bonfire a political protest or a display of hate? It could be both. The tasteless images from this summer’s bonfire at Moygashel certainly stirred up strong opinions.

The Moygashel bonfire builders, who light their pyre on 10 July ahead of the main Eleventh Night celebrations, have a tradition of topping the tower of wooden pallets with a provocative tableau. Last year it was a mocked-up police car.

The year before it was another boat, this time decorated with a picture of the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and a banner asking if the Good Friday Agreement ‘ship’ had sailed?

Migration policies in the UK and Ireland, throughout Europe, the US and beyond deserve to be examined and critiqued. But I’m not sure burning the effigies of human beings is ever a healthy way of kickstarting a meaningful conversation.

The Methodist Church commented publicly, calling the display of a boat with effigies of human beings “deeply offensive”.

Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh, Most Rev John McDowell spoke out, quoting the words of Leviticus 19:34: “The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt,” which he said “exposes that effigy for what it is: racist, threatening and offensive. It certainly has nothing whatsoever to do with Christianity or with Protestant culture and is in fact inhuman and deeply sub-Christian.”

“I don’t think it’s the right thing to do, no matter who you are, whether you’re Christian or not,” was the comment from Rev Mervyn Gibson, Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, adding that it wasn’t a bonfire he would attend due to the depiction.

The bonfire debate transported me back to a Churches Together Britain and Ireland delegation I co-led back in 2017. Seven of us travelled to the small island of Lampedusa – the southernmost point of Europe – to visit refugee projects run by the charity Mediterranean Hope.

Parish priest Dom Carmelo La Magra described meeting “the real flesh of Christ” in his encounters with the migrants who stayed for a few days or weeks on the island before being ferried to Sicily and dispersed across mainland Italy and beyond.

Young men from Nigeria, The Gambia and Senegal told us about their harrowing journeys, trafficked through countries, beaten and often sold into the Libyan construction industry to pay off their ‘debts’.

We met a local man, Constantine, who had been out on the water and encountered a capsized boat.

Having pulled 11 people up onto his vessel, he reached under the waves one last time before heading back inshore and grabbed hold of a hand. He described the young woman he rescued as “a new daughter”. She now lived in Sweden, but was about to return to Lampedusa to be a guest at his son’s wedding. She would forever be part of his family.

Later that week, now in Sicily, we met an orphaned 17-year-old girl, Esther, whose journey from Nigeria, through Niger, into Libya, and finally Italy was a relay race, with her as the human baton, being passed – sold – from one person to another. She showed us a scar on her shoulder, the result of a beating. She was made to ‘pay back’ twice the amount that she had been bought for in order to be set free by one captor.

She was forced to work as a prostitute by one trafficker, clearing her ‘debt’ after six months. Travelling on towards the Mediterranean, she was raped again by three men. Bought, sold and abused, now a missed period and no access to healthcare further changed her life. She finally reached the Libyan coast. Five months pregnant, she hesitantly stepped on board a boat bound for Lampedusa. Esther’s journey from Nigeria to Europe took just over a year. The friend she left home with died at sea.

When I hear of boats arriving on the shores of England, these are the people and stories I remember.

As the parade processed back from the Belfast County field on the Twelfth, I heard one band strike up a familiar tune. While the original words may have come from the American Civil War (“Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! The boys are marching…”), the gathered crowds sang out loud “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world”. It proved to be a more hopeful end to the week.

Alan Meban is a freelance journalist and producer who attends Fitzroy Presbyterian Church.

Herald September 2025

5

IN THIS MONTH...

September 1988

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

PCI Video – Witnessing in the electronic age Willis Cordner

…The verbal period was characterised by the water hole where people met to gossip, pass on local news and share communal myths.

Gutenberg ushered in a new era with his invention of moveable type; the literary period.

The printed page has been a special feature of Christianity for we are in the essence the people of the book. Today, however, we live in the electronic age and this is essentially the visual period…

This problem of how to communicate the faith, rooted in a literary form, to an increasingly visual generation is one that we are only beginning to recognise. Like it or not we live in an electronic age with the emphasis on the visual. It is to this world that we must convey the gospel. ‘PCI Video’… is our Church’s response to this changing situation. We now have the facilities to produce videos tailored to our own local needs. Much useful material is being produced from other sources but this can now be supplemented with PCI productions. This means that we can document various aspects of our work and witness or produce teaching materials which reflect our own ethos...

To date we’ve produced 16 videos mainly for our own use… Our missionary videos shot on location in Kenya and Malawi are among our most ambitious.

For the first time it is possible to see and hear about what is happening overseas…

Willis Cordner overseeing the production of another PCI video.

Heather Sinclair returns to Africa

Heather Sinclair, the nurse who was taken captive last year by the rebel Sudanese People’s Liberation Army, has flown to Swaziland to start a new four-year assignment with Tear Fund… She is joined by nurse Nicki Sullivan… Heather, who comes from County Londonderry, is a member of Ulsterville, Belfast, and Draperstown Presbyterian Heather Sinclair (left) and Nicki Churches.

Sullivan setting off for Swaziland.

Also from Sept ’88 6

A Groovy Kind of Love

by Phil Collins tops music charts

Herald September 2025

Baptismal standards Warren Porter

In not a few of our congregations there is evidence of considerable disquiet over the practice of infant baptism…

People are puzzled. Mr A gives baptism to all who are willing to take the required vows upon themselves. Mr B is much much stricter…demanding a level of spiritual attainment that many honest parents cannot profess to have…

As Presbyterians we have our subordinate standards… A ‘credible’ profession and a ‘believable’ promise are the basic requirements for baptism. It is however at this precise point that we come to one of our main difficulties.

What does ‘credible’ mean?...

Historically there have been two approaches to this question… The ‘Presbyterian’ school took it to mean a profession which could be accepted in the judgment of charity…

The ‘Independents’…were all for questioning and cross-questioning candidates for baptism to see what their spiritual ‘experience’ was.

John Kennedy,…an outstanding conservative leader in 19th century Scotland, used to stress that even the apostles, when they sustained professions of faith… “acted… as mere men and charitable, not as inspired men and infallible; and casting responsibility on those who made it, they administered baptism on an uncontradicted profession of faith”.

Irish Presbyterian ministers would do well to follow the apostles in this.

Good Morning Vietnam is released in UK and Ireland cinemas

Mr Men creator Roger Hargreaves dies

NEWS | IN THE ROUND Assisted suicide statement

Church Leaders called to hope Bishops, ministers and lay leaders from across Ireland gathered at the Benedictine Monastery in Rostrevor recently for a day of ecumenical reflection and dialogue under the theme: ‘Called to Hope – Key Players of Dialogue’. The meeting offered a space to deepen relationships across Churches and traditions.

A PCI statement has described the passing of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill as a “profoundly dark turning point for the UK”.

Following the completion of the initial stages of the Bill in the House of Commons, it will now go to the House of Lords.

The statement said, “We acknowledge that peers can no longer throw out legislation, but can only amend or delay bills for a time… we can only hope and pray that Members of the House of Lords will take a stand for human life, human dignity and protect the most vulnerable people in society in any way they can.”

Chaplaincy survey

Fired up

The Northern Ireland Healthcare Chaplains Association (NIHCA) has commissioned Queen’s University Belfast to undertake a study regarding experiences of people who have used healthcare chaplaincy services in Northern Ireland.

The research team is keen to hear from those who have accessed the healthcare chaplaincy service, either as a patient, family member, someone close to a patient, or an employee of the healthcare setting.

Scan the QR code to access the survey, which is open until the end of October.

Recently, 47 boys from Boys’ Brigade NI (BBNI) companies were given an exclusive first look at the new Fire and Rescue Service Learning and Development College in Cookstown.

The ‘Fired Up’ event offered Company and Senior Section boys the opportunity to take part in hands-on fire service training exercises and explore the new training centre.

A first at Union College The first 11 students of Union Theological College’s new BA (Hons) in Theology graduated this summer.

A further 17 postgraduates received their Master of Arts in Theology, Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology. A Postgraduate Diploma in Reformed Theology was also awarded at a service held in Fitzroy Presbyterian Church.

Union principal Rev Prof Michael McClenahan said, “This year’s graduation service marked a

number of significant milestones for our College...

This is why we offered specific thanks to God for the ongoing development of our undergraduate BA (Hons) pathway, as we celebrated the first graduating cohort from our collaboration with St Mary’s University, Twickenham, in London.”

This year also marked another milestone with the first cohort to graduate from Union’s MA in Theology. This has been offered in collaboration with The BibleMesh Institute.

IN BRIEF Health and healing The Churches’ Council for Health and Healing in Ireland is celebrating its 60th anniversary. The group encourages congregations to have a ministry of prayer and healing, and seeks to support dialogue between ministers and those in medical professions.

This year’s annual morning seminar takes place at Cornerstone Church (formerly Cairnshill Methodist Church) in Belfast on 9 October and has ‘Developing a healing ministry in the local church’ as its theme.

For further information contact john@scottsfamily.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)28 4062 5853 or 07803 147751.

New CE president The incoming Christian Endeavour president is Philip Meeke from Garvaghy Presbyterian CE near Dromara in County Down.

Married to Hilda, with two children Aaron and Sarah, Mr Meeke works on the familyrun farm.

He takes over as president at the 110th Irish National Christian Endeavour Convention on 20 September, in Ballygawley Presbyterian Church.

National commemoration Former PCI Moderator Dr David Bruce represented the Church at the recent National Day of Commemoration which took place in Dublin.

At the annual event, the Republic remembers all Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars, or on military service with the United Nations, and other international organisations in the service of peace.

Dr Bruce said that it has always been “a great sense of privilege personally, and for the Presbyterian community as a whole, to take part in this national commemoration.”

Herald September 2025

7

NEWS | PCI

News Healthcare chaplaincy

Hymn board request

Claire Sellar, PCI chaplain at the Ulster Hospital, has taken receipt of twiddle muffs from a number of congregations – Garnerville, Buckna, Portglenone and Saintfield Road Presbyterian knitting groups.

She wishes to thank these ladies for their kindness.

Pictured are Jennifer Nicholson (lead nurse USC), Claire Sellar, Hilary Alexander, Elizabeth Wilson, Verna McCall, Ethel Crawford and Nancy Calderwood.

Grants available A new grant scheme launched by the Presbyterian Children’s Society aims to help congregations get alongside children, young people and families to show the love of Christ in a caring and practical way and help support wellbeing and educational development.

Through ‘Alongside’, a grant of up to £250 is available to support the delivery of a project/workshop with one of the following organisations: Thrive Academy; Eden Consultancy NI; Transforming Lives for Good; and Aspire NI. Congregations may also apply with alternative initiatives to support the education, welfare and development of children and young people which particularly arise from their identification of local need and opportunity.

The closing date for applications is 30 November, or until the budget for the scheme is exhausted. For further details, visit www.presbyterianchildrenssociety.org/alongside-grants

Christ the Saviour Presbyterian Church in Kraków, Poland is one of four churches that make up the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Poland (EPCP).

In a culturally Catholic country, it is a growing church, led

by Rev Sashko Nezamutdinov, who has a strong personal relationship with PCI, having spent a three-month internship in Richhill Presbyterian Church. This relationship led to the development of a partnership between the church and PCI, which has included visits to and from Poland, as well as support of the church’s publishing ministry and children’s ministry.

As a young church, the congregation has had a variety of homes, most recently renting a unit above the church office.

It is currently trying to furnish the unit and has a dream of putting up one or two wooden hymn boards. Its hope is to find a hymn board with a history, perhaps an unused one from a PCI congregation, reflecting the partnership between Poland and Ireland.

If you or your congregation have one that you would be willing to donate, please contact the Mission Department at mission@presbyterianireland.org

Prayer diary The ‘Blaze the Bee’ initiative aims to encourage children and families to explore how God is at work in the world.

The Blaze prayer calendar is an opportunity to pray for different countries where PCI has partners and friends. In September, we are praying for Pakistan.

Home celebrates 30 years Aaron House, PCI’s residential care home for people with a profound learning disability, celebrated 30 years recently.

The anniversary was marked with a fun day for residents, their families and friends, current and former staff.

Also in attendance were four members of the original Currie Community Committee – who opened Aaron House in 1995 and managed it until 2009, when they handed over to PCI.

Today PCI manages the home with Choice Housing, which maintains the building. It has 15 residents, including several who moved there 30 years ago.

It also supports around nine people in its day care centre, and has one room available for respite care.

PCI Moderator Dr Trevor Gribben said, “Aaron House is a special place.

It was badly needed then and it is still needed today.”

Lesley Anderson (founding member of the Currie Community Committee), Kelly Wilson (Aaron House manager) and Currie Committee members Jenny Prichard, Sandra Purcell and Dr Joan Major, with PCI’s Moderator Dr Trevor Gribben.

8

Herald September 2025

UMN conference Some ministers and outreach workers from PCI’s Urban Mission Network attended a summer school at London City Mission (LCM) in June.

This involved evangelism training in the morning and putting it into practice in different ‘urban estates’ around London in the afternoon alongside an LCM missionary. This was worthwhile and will help strengthen ministry and mission in urban congregations in PCI.

Find out more on www.presbyterianireland.org

Resources

DIARY DATES

Encountering worship afresh

Online hubs

The greatest invitation any of us will get is to meet with the living God in worship. Yet the wonder of encountering God in worship can pass us by through distraction, just going through the motions or boredom.

God promises that as we draw near to him, he will draw near to us (James 4:8). How can that become more of a reality in our worship Sunday by Sunday?

The ‘Encounter’ resource, intended to cultivate a greater appreciation of what happens in worship, has been relaunched as a free digital download from the PCI website. Printed copies can also be purchased for £1.

The sessions offer a mix of biblical pictures of what it is to meet with God, a way of refreshing our experience of worship, and practical suggestions for approaching each Sunday with anticipation and expectation.

Watch the promo video and find out more at www.presbyterianireland.org/encounter

PCI’s website now features a number of hubs to help congregations connect with those outside the church, and also reach younger generations.

The ‘Outreach and Evangelism Hub’ provides encouragement, inspiration and ideas on how to connect, build relationships and gain confidence in sharing God’s story.

The children’s, youth and family ministry hubs are also available on the PCI website.

They are filled with curriculum ideas, organisations to draw upon, support and training for leaders and links to resources.

Access the hubs by scanning the QR codes below.

September PW regional morning

Clogherney – Saturday 13

God’s World: Our responsibility?

Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Saturday 27

October Foundations

Ballydown – Monday 13 Drumreagh – Thursday 23

November Leading for a change

Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Tuesday 11

Starting Strong Children, Youth and Family Hubs

Outreach and Evangelism Hub

High Street, Holywood – Thursday 20

Events Leading to a new future

Building faith in children

Walk through how you as a leader, or leadership team, can grease the wheels of the journey of change in your church and move from being stuck where you are to getting things going in a new way with an event taking place at Assembly Buildings, Belfast in November.

Taking place on Tuesday 11 November between 10.30am and 1pm, ‘Leading for a change’ will consider why things get stuck and explore ways to generate conversation about change.

Those attending will learn basic skills for facilitating a group to wrestle with an issue, see how to map what is involved on the journey of change and grasp what is involved in getting to a new place together.

The event costs £7.50 (including lunch) and is for anyone involved or interested in helping their church to follow God’s leading to a new future.

To book, scan the QR code.

An evening of encouragement for parents and leaders takes place High Street Presbyterian Church, Holywood on Thursday 20 November.

Ed Drew, well known author and founder of Faith in Kids, is guest speaker at ‘Starting Strong: Building faith in our children’.

The event will look at how to help children learn and live out a faith that can last. It will feature the story of what one congregation is doing in this area, and highlight some great resources for use in family and church.

Scan the QR code to book.

Creation care ‘God’s World: Our responsibility?’ takes place on Saturday 27 September in Assembly Buildings, Belfast, between 10am and 4pm.

Featuring theologian and author Rev Dr Chris Wright, the conference will explore the biblical story from creation to new creation, showing how our responsibility to God for the earth connects with proclaiming the gospel and loving our neighbour.

There will also be breakout sessions on related issues, space for discussion, and time set aside for worship and prayer.

To book, scan the QR code.

Firm foundations The ‘Foundations’ series of events aims to consider firm foundations to build upon for ministry among children, young people and their families.

Come to Ballydown Presbyterian Church on Monday 13 October or Drumreagh Presbyterian Church on Thursday 23 October and join with other volunteer leaders and helpers for an encouraging evening of equipping, sharing and resourcing for ministry.

At each event, participants can choose to attend two of the four sessions available: ‘Helping children find their voice in prayer’; ‘Beyond children’s ministry to connecting with the whole family’; ‘Connecting young people with the Bible for a life of faith’; and ‘Embracing young people within your whole church community’.

Scan the QR code to book.

Ballydown

Drumreagh

Herald September 2025

9

THE APOSTLES’ CREED

God the Father

Beginning a new series delving deeper into the Apostles’ Creed, Andy Lamberton considers the first line: “I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth”.

G

od wants to reveal himself to us. And with the will live with a sub-realised identity. That they would live as expanse of creation to draw upon for metaphors, a half-child. Don’t live like this. In Christ, you are a child of God does say he’s like a shepherd, a helper, a God. The Holy Spirit witnesses to who we are, not who we gardener, a rock. But primarily in our Scriptures, might become if only we tried a little harder (Romans 8:16), God says: “Do you know who I am?”… “I am a father”. and so it is by God’s Spirit we confess “Our Father”.

The word holds inherited power. So, how is God revealed However, for many, this very concept is a hurdle. We live as Father in Scripture? in an underfathered society. In Northern Ireland, one in Throughout the Old Testament, although God’s people four children are born into a home without a father present are often described as ‘children’, direct references to God – 5% of registered births have no father referenced, and a as Father are few. Two stand-out references are Psalm 103, further 21% indicate the father lives at a different address. describing God as having the compassion of “a father”, and In the Republic of Ireland, 18% of children do not live with Isaiah 63, “You are our Father”. their father. Christian Guy, director of the Centre for Social Turn the page, and the fatherhood of Justice, states: “Particularly for children God begins to clarify as Jesus almost growing up in the poorest parts of the There are ‘fatherhood always refers to God as Father (a country, men are rarely encountered in deserts’ in many parts of the home or the classroom. There are staggering 165 times in the gospels).

Moments on the cross: “Father, forgive ‘fatherhood deserts’ in many parts of our our towns and cities… them” (Luke 23:34) and his dying breath: towns and cities, and we urgently need “Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit” (Luke 23:46) to wake up to what is going wrong.” carry significance.

So, while we want to sing with Chris Tomlin that God is In John, Jesus gives repeated clarity on their Father-Son a “good, good Father”, this is a challenge for many. How can relationship. He speaks of his unity with the Father (8:29), we grasp the fatherhood of God when our earthly experience his Father’s help with his decisions (8:16), with his words has been one of absence, hurt, or disappointment?

(8:38), with his suffering (16:32), and the authority of his This is where the transformative power of the gospel commission (20:21). comes in. It is precisely into this broken world, into these Then we have the hallmark moment, inviting us into what “fatherhood deserts”, that God offers himself as the everJesus modelled. The disciples ask: “Lord, teach us to pray” present, forgiving, unfailing Father.

(Luke 11:1). Here it is: Jesus himself, coming from heaven, Jesus tells three stories in Luke 15 to explain what God is telling us how to address the almighty creator. And how are like. God is like a shepherd who loses his sheep. A woman we to pray? Jesus invites us to begin our prayers with “Our who loses her coin. And a father who has lost his sons – one Father”. by running and one by refusing. To each, the father goes out Timothy Keller noted: “Jesus says you have to start with with the same message: “Come home”.

‘Our Father’ because those two little words will control As we begin our series on the Apostles’ Creed, let each of everything else about your relationship with God.” us hear the call of the Father’s heart to come home. For in Understanding that you are an adopted child of God is the Christ and by the power of his Spirit, we can live as a child very essence of what it means to be a Christian. John 1:12 of “God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” says: “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Andy Lamberton is a member of Fahan Presbyterian and the Adoption is not about your performance as an employee director of Legacy, providing programmes for churches to help or your benefits as a friend. It is a legal change. The status of faith and fatherhood thrive (www.legacyfathers.org). a natural child is now yours through adoption. God being “Our Father” means that he is as committed to us as he is to his own Son. The main concern of an adoptive parent is that their child

10

Herald September 2025

PERSONAL VIEW

Life lessons Alan Cousins Ireland regional coordinator, SAT-7

Originally from Newcastle, I have also lived in Windsor, Dublin, Pretoria, Donegal and Westport. After working in business for 30 years, I had the privilege of joining the Africa Inland Mission and becoming a ‘business friend’ to workers in North Africa. That’s where I discovered SAT-7.

The most influential people in my life were my gentle, godly, and remarkably gifted pastor, Robert Martin, who taught me to love Christ and expository preaching, and the evangelist Roger Carswell. His kindness one-on-one was even more meaningful to me than his outstanding preaching. Reading the biography of Hudson Taylor and learning about the beginnings of the China Inland Mission affected me deeply.

I was once in a North African city with the same population as Northern Ireland, but only one tiny church. Visiting a local home, I noticed that they were watching SAT-7 and was delighted to discover that they could now hear Scripture and the gospel in the privacy of their homes and without fear of being reported. Today, it has become my joy to share this remarkable story, these ‘glimpses of grace’, all over Ireland.

SAT-7 is a special ministry, raised providentially “for such a time as this”. We love and serve the people of the Middle East and North Africa, where the church, unexpectedly, is growing. Using satellite TV, social and digital media, we broadcast 24/7 in Arabic, Turkish, and Farsi. It is biblically faithful and culturally sensitive. We know that tens of millions are regular viewers. Mothers trust and value us, as together they watch SAT-7 KIDS. Each day, hundreds of people contact us, and many friends serve by responding and helping them. Discipleship is the heart of who we are.

We are also hearing how SAT-7 is becoming useful here in Ireland, both North and South.

People often share that they find our visits to congregations surprising, encouraging and humbling.

Sometimes we lead a ‘Prayer walk across North Africa’. Or I also do a ‘One man theatre’, presenting the life story of Hudson Taylor

and China. I love to share stories, to be fun, creative and prayerful. But most of all, I love to open Scripture, confident that the Word of God is what most deeply and enduringly affects us.

We are learning to be patient. SAT-7 will be 30 years old in 2026 and is still relatively unknown. We want to find new friends and speaker volunteers, but respect that many have existing commitments and challenges. We do not want to be selfish or competitive.

If I may be candid, some of my experiences of church and mission have been painful and disillusioning. Healing has come through focusing on the supreme attractiveness of Jesus Christ, and through Scripture.

As many will know, it is increasingly difficult for missionaries to gain access even in traditionally welcoming countries. ‘Mission through business’ is becoming more necessary, and useful. I like to help church leadership here engage with these complexities and opportunities.

Having lived in South Africa, visits to the Victoria Falls and the water safari on the Chobe River in Botswana top our list of privileges. But the most humbling memories were from time spent with remarkable missionaries in Saudi Arabia, Somaliland, Laos, and North Africa. I wish I could tell more of their courage and example.

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has shown kindness and generosity to SAT-7 since our earliest days. We value your friendship and how, through our partnership, many millions of people are coming to hear and to understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you.

Alan Cousins can be contacted by emailing acousins@sat7uk.org or by telephoning +44 (0)75 2233 4555.

Herald September 2025

11

CONGREGATIONAL STORY

Nurturing faith & friendship Selina Allen, an elder in Caledon Presbyterian Church, tells how the rural congregation is extending Christ’s love to the next generation.

12

Herald September 2025

A

s a child, attending children’s outreach activities was a foundational part of my faith journey; shaping not only what I believe but how I live out that belief today. These gatherings – whether Sunday school, holiday Bible clubs, or youth events – were more than just fun or routine; they were sacred spaces where I encountered the love of God in a way I could understand.

Surrounded by caring leaders and peers, I learned Bible stories that came alive, sang songs that planted truth in my heart, and asked questions that

We…run two vibrant outreach groups that help nurture faith and friendship across generations.

were met with patience and grace.

Those early experiences gave me a sense of belonging in the church and helped me understand my faith. Looking back, I can see how those moments laid the groundwork for a personal relationship with Jesus that continues to grow day by day.

Christian youth groups were simply part and parcel of everyday lives and upbringing when I was young. However, now in 2025, that social landscape for children has vastly changed and we at Caledon Presbyterian Church are acutely aware of this. So many of the outreach groups and activities that took place 30 years ago are now no longer in existence in our area and there has been a distinct void of Christian youth programmes.

And yet, as we all know, children’s outreach activities hold a vital place in the life and mission of PCI, serving as a cornerstone for nurturing faith, fostering community and extending Christ’s love to the next generation.

Consequently, our congregation has been working tirelessly, over a long number of years to fill that gap for the young people in our surrounding area.

Of course, our foundation stone for children’s ministry is rooted in our Sunday school, which has around 20 children. Though it may be small, it holds great opportunities for us to bring God’s Word to our young people in a meaningful way. With such an intimate group, each child is not just seen but known and in turn, that closeness fosters trust, curiosity and a willingness to engage deeply with spiritual themes that might be overwhelming in larger settings. When a child feels known and remembered – whether it’s their favourite story,

…children’s outreach activities hold a vital place in the life and mission of PCI…

a recent prayer request, or just what sweets they prefer – the message for them is clear: You belong here. God knows you, and so do we.

Perhaps our most notable outreach event for primary school children is our holiday Bible club which has run for 18 years within the village.

We run this annually alongside Minterburn Presbyterian Church in the local primary school, which has the purpose of Christian outreach at its centre – to reach those young people who perhaps do not attend our own churches and to offer them the chance to hear of Christ’s love in a familiar and neutral setting. Caledon sits just on the border in County Tyrone and is a quaint Georgian village with a growing population of young families and consequently, we have watched our holiday Bible club numbers climb to almost 100 children attending in recent years.

If holiday Bible club is a key building block of our children’s outreach, then Herald September 2025

13

our latest initiative of an ‘Easter Trail’ in April 2025 built upon that. We opened up our church and grounds and invited all local children to come along and participate in an egg hunt with a difference – it told the Easter story. As youth leaders, we particularly enjoyed exploring the Easter story in this different manner with the young folk.

Children had to collect the 12 objects that represented the various stages of the Easter story – from the small piece of bread to signify the Last Supper, 14

Herald September 2025

to the tiny stone that represented the stone in front of the tomb – and place them into their plastic eggs. It was a privilege to witness young children so involved in the story of Christ’s crucifixion, particularly in an interactive way that we hadn’t observed before.

We are also blessed to run two vibrant outreach groups that help nurture faith and friendship across generations. Our mums and tots group offers a welcoming space for parents, carers and little ones to

gather weekly for play, connection and gentle encouragement, fostering community and offering a rhythm of grace to early childhood. Meanwhile, our youth fellowship with Minterburn Presbyterian Church brings together teens from the local areas in a dynamic setting where they can explore faith, ask tough questions, enjoy activities, and build lasting relationships rooted in Christ. Its aim is to bridge the gap between the Sunday school years and young adulthood, by helping the boys and girls navigate their way through the teenage years from a Christian perspective – certainly a challenge in society today. Something else which we are greatly encouraged by, is the enthusiasm our young people have shown in helping with our outreach initiatives for the younger children, such as the holiday Bible club. This shows discipleship in action!

All of our initiatives not only provide a welcoming space where children can explore the gospel in age-appropriate and engaging ways, but they also act as bridges between the church and the wider community, reaching families who may not otherwise have contact with the church. Our church is investing in the spiritual formation of children, recognising them as full participants in the body of Christ and future leaders of the faith.

Of course, children’s outreach is not without its stumbling blocks and these are all too familiar to many churches in this current climate, including Caledon. These include the struggle for leaders, the financial costs of such events and the challenge to encourage new families from the local areas to become involved; to name a few.

However, though we are a small rural congregation, we are resolute in our faith and we meet each new challenge that arises with God’s steadying hand guiding us along the way.

We have many more outreach activities in store, including ‘Coaching for Christ’ with Minterburn Presbyterian, and we pray that God will continue to bless us in our efforts to bring the gospel truth that Jesus gave his life for us, to the younger generation in our local area.

Targeting

ways to connect

As part of PCI’s ‘Present’ initiative, David Thompson finds out how Alexandra Presbyterian is being present as God’s witnesses through its summer darts club.

A

lexandra congregation is situated on York Road in north Belfast. This summer, it started a darts club as a way of increasing its connection with the local community.

Each Thursday evening in June and July, people of all ages and abilities gathered in the church hall for a bit of craic, chat, a cuppa and a couple of legs of 501.

Minister Ian Cahoon explains why they landed on the idea of darts: “Really this idea came through our community mission worker, Jason Sime. Historically, there had been a few darts clubs around the area, but like so many community activities these days they became unsustainable and had closed down.

We knew some people missed playing and would be keen to have another place to pick up their interest again. Darts are often played in pubs and clubs. Bringing the game into the church setting opened it up so that all ages could play without some of the negative influences that often go along with pub culture.”

As well as seemingly the right connection with the local community, it was also important that this was an activity that the congregation could easily deliver, especially during the summer season when there were fewer people around to open up, serve refreshments and just be there to talk with others. However, it was also a good time to give something a time-limited try as other activities had drawn to a close for the church year.

Set up for the evenings was minimal – four dart boards and a few sets of darts. As only two people could play at any one time, there was plenty of time and space to chat and get to know people between games. Darts is a game young and old can play together and the rules are simple to learn, even if the technique takes a bit of practise to master.

The initiative added yet another simple, but significant, way in which the congregation built upon its existing efforts to make God’s presence felt in inclusive, welcoming and appropriate ways shaped specifically to its local area.

Numbers weren’t huge, but that isn’t what matters. Ian describes the impact like this: “It was just another way of using our space in the community to connect with others in a relaxed setting.

Like so many initiatives in the church, exploring ways to be present in the community today, it was a bit like, try it and see what happens. People came. They became more comfortable being around church, got to know some of our members and perhaps edged that little bit closer to a future openness to finding out more about faith.”

Darts may not be at the bullseye of your congregation’s activity in trying to target ways to connect with others in your community, but it is always worth asking what might be. The answer will emerge from time spent getting to know the interests that people in your area share, how your congregation could host the kind of activities around which they would gather, or join in with them where they are already happening in the neighbourhood.

So often, being present where God has placed us to be his witnesses is not about doing big things that take a lot of effort. It’s about identifying the right thing, finding a way to deliver it simply, then giving it a go and seeing what God does with it. Even then, it doesn’t need to be a programme that lasts forever or that we keep going until it has run out of steam. Instead, it can be the right thing at the right time for a particular season in the church’s and community’s life.

Rev David Thompson is Secretary of PCI’s Council for Congregational Life and Witness.

Herald September 2025

15

Assembly photography: Jamie Trimble

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025

The Church together At the 2025 General Assembly in June, Dr Trevor Gribben was installed as PCI’s Moderator with the theme for his year as ‘Hope and a future in Jesus’.

An overview of the business, debate and discussions follows. Links to the full Blue Book reports can be found on the PCI website www.presbyterianireland.org/ generalassembly.

HOPE A FUTURE AND

JESUS

IN

16

Herald September 2025

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025 Visiting delegates Indonesia, Malawi, Kenya and America were among the countries represented at this year’s General Assembly.

The Moderator welcomed Rev Demianus Ice, Rev Ferry Kabarey and Rev Abram Ugu from the Evangelical Christian Church in Halmahera, Indonesia, and Rev William Tembo from the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Livingstonia Synod.

The Greek Evangelical Church (GEC) was represented by its Moderator Dr George Adam, who last attended the General Assembly in 2018. He said, “Many things have happened since then. We have experienced, all of us, wonderful blessings and many challenges.”

The denomination is small with 35 churches and 5,000 members. In fact, the total number of evangelical Protestants doesn’t exceed 25,000.

“Being so small may be discouraging from time to time, but the Lord is faithful,” he added.

In his address, Dr Robert Waihenya, Secretary General of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, Kenya, thanked PCI for “touching the entire world through mission”.

For Andrew Smith, from the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) in the United States, it was something of a homecoming, as he served in Ballywillan and Dun Laoghaire Presbyterian Churches prior to moving to America and the EPC. Closer to home, visitors included Rev Karen Campbell and Mark Kernohan from the Irish Council of Churches, Rev Canon Amanda Adams and Keith Gardiner from the Church of Ireland, Eoin Stephenson from the Religious Society of Friends, and Dr John Alderdice and Elaine Barnett from the Methodist Church in Ireland.

Dr Alderdice referred to issues Churches have in common such as: “The changing world, changing local contexts for our congregations, necessary institutional governance change, the challenges of increasing age demographics, models of congregational life and ministry that are no longer sustainable.”

Herald September 2025

17

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025 Structures and resources review At the General Assembly in 2024, it was decided that PCI would carry out a review of denominational-level structures and resources with the aim of streamlining through restructuring. The panel set up to work on this was also asked to consider: the future of the Union Theological College building; a detailed overview of the structures, remits and responsibilities of the General Assembly Councils and Commissions; and the wider long-term issues relating to the Council of Social Witness.

Dr David Bruce outlined various challenges that PCI is facing: “Membership numbers across the denomination have been decreasing over many years... With these reduced numbers, financial resources are consequently more limited… There are more vacancies than ministers… There is less willingness in wider society to tolerate a biblical voice… It remains the sad case that there are historic reasons for a loss of respect and trust enjoyed by the church in wider society.”

Given the challenges, the task group presented a set of guiding principles for the Assembly to agree on, from which decisions about structures and resources would then be made. Dr Bruce said, “The group is seeking to apply these principles as a lens to re-examine the remits of the Councils reporting to the General Assembly, and will soon begin a process of consultation with each one.”

Referencing the central functions of the Church and how its work should be concentrated, chair of the Structures panel Dr William Henry said, “We want to ensure that there is gospel driven work that is beyond the work of any one presbytery, beyond the work of any one local congregation.” He added, “So it is time to assess and to address the central spend.”

Rev David Irvine, convener of the General Assembly Structures and Resources Review panel, highlighted that: “A desire has…been expressed for a thinner central Church with more power and responsibility taken on by local presbyteries and congregations.” However, he cautioned that would be “constrained by how much function can be devolved to empowered presbyteries.” He added, “Hence, I would urge the House to give prayerful consideration to how the present presbytery configuration could be altered and empowered in readiness.”

The guiding principles laid out in the report were all agreed by the Assembly.

18

Herald September 2025

Communications review A report was presented, highlighting strategies to help create a more coordinated and focused approach to PCI’s messaging and communications.

It is hoped this will bring a joinedup/cross-Council approach to communications, giving each Council appropriate freedom within an agreed framework.

As part of the communications review, progress is continuing on developing a new PCI website.

It is anticipated that this will be launched in mid-summer 2025.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025

Salaries As part of the Support Services report, David Thomson highlighted that there is a significant issue for PCI with salaries and recruitment.

He said, “In lots of areas, the salaries we are offering are below market rates, sometimes significantly, meaning it is increasingly difficult to both recruit and retain members of staff. This has important implications and the General Council therefore set up a task group to examine this further. There are several complex issues associated with this and…of course, this links to the Structures Review. However, it is still too early to come to specific conclusions.”

To help with this in the short term, it was proposed and agreed that the General Council be given authority to amend salary bands and levels if necessary.

Historical review Following decisions taken at the 2024 General Assembly, PCI has been conducting a safeguarding review. Dr David Allen told the House that background work on the historical safeguarding review has started, as has the review of policies and procedures.

He said, “The Church is committing additional resources to this through extra staff. All of us will be aware of the enormous importance of this part of our work as we seek to fulfill our duty of care to all who come to us as part of our ministry and mission.”

Herald September 2025

19

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025 United Appeal Martin Hampton, convener of the United Appeal for Mission committee, told the House: “This is a much more positive report than last year.”

With a target of £3.4m, Mr Hampton reported that the total income received exceeded this, with funds totalling £3.6m. He continued, “On behalf of the committee, let me say thank you to the congregations for their engagement with United Appeal in a continuing time of financial pressure for many congregations and individual members.”

He added that the grants requested from the Councils for 2026, totalling just under £3.8m, had been agreed.

Mr Hampton concluded, “I am continually encouraged by the faithful work being done through the Councils, made possible by the generosity of our congregations. As we look ahead, I encourage not only continued financial support, but also faithful prayer for the Councils and for all those serving Christ through the mission and ministry of our Church.”

Rick Hill, Secretary to the Council for Mission in Ireland, spoke to thank the wider Church for their contributions to United Appeal, saying, “It makes such a difference”.

He continued, “It is quite literally helping thousands of people to hear about Jesus, and not just hear about him, but come to know him personally too. Thank you for your generosity, your partnership and your trust…it is valued and FOR appreciated.”

mission

20

Herald September 2025

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025 Christian ethos commended The distinctive Christian ethos in services for people with complex needs has been commended by the General Assembly.

Council Secretary Dermot Parsons said, “If Council for Social Witness services do not reflect the love of God for broken people, if they do not care for marginalised people, people who can be overlooked by other providers, then why would the Church put so much effort into providing what could just be care services run by a commercial provider?

“Each year we encounter hundreds of people with no present or past church connection – residents, families and staff. This gives us opportunities, and responsibilities, to show what a living faith can mean – perhaps we are the final opportunity for many of these people to recognise this fundamental truth.”

He made particular mention of providing “a Christ-based response to those with disabilities, people struggling with substance and offending issues – and older people who face challenges often arising from such problems earlier in their lives.”

Safeguarding policies

Improving finances

A series of draft safeguarding policies have been approved by the General Assembly. In all, there are five draft policies, with separate child and adult safeguarding documents for both Northern Ireland and the Republic, as well as a policy for criminal vetting checks.

Outlining the importance of safeguarding and the need for a new set of policies, Rev David Brice, convener of the Council of Social Witness (CSW), said, “Safeguarding is essential. Unpleasant as it is to acknowledge, we do indeed live in a broken world…. Our Taking Care guidelines have served us well in the past, but with regulatory changes, the time has come to effect a reset.”

He said it marks a move to a broader model that will include adults and children, and will be known as ‘Safeguarding’.

The policy statement is a starting point, with the roll-out of a suite of published procedures expected to start in late autumn. There will be enhanced guidance around social media, children visiting from other countries, and the expansion of those who will come under the requirement of statutory safeguarding checks.

Support for local congregations will be strengthened and the Council will work even closer with statutory partners.

Mr Brice added, “I make a plea to all in leadership who have responsibility for children and the vulnerable… keep training; keep on track with policies…and thirdly, keep on the telephone to the Council for Social Witness until you are sure you know what to do in whatever circumstance is before you.”

Managers in CSW have been commended for securing significant improvement in financial performance during 2024.

Council Secretary Dermot Parsons welcomed the realistic set of business objectives for 2025–2026 contained in the report. He said CSW knows it is time to change, and that the senior team’s priorities have had to shift.

“Part of our preparedness requires better stewardship of the resources that God has seen fit to give us. This year, while some budget problems remain, substantial improvement has been achieved in the Council’s finances.

Going forward, CSW’s services should generate resources to enable work with key marginalised groups.”

Herald September 2025

21

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025 Baptism of children of unmarried parents In 2024, the Assembly received a Memorial from two members of Monaghan Presbytery – Revs John Hanson and Alan McQuade – asking for more consistency in the approach taken by kirk sessions regarding the admission to baptism of the children of unmarried parents.

This matter was looked at by a task group and guidelines for kirk sessions were brought to the Assembly and subsequently agreed upon. These stated that “the sacramental discipline remains the responsibility of the kirk session” – therefore in difficult or complex cases, the minister should bring the matter before the kirk session for consideration and decision.

The guidelines also stated that: “The children of unmarried couples should normally not be baptised, unless there are clear exceptional circumstances which the kirk session can justify to a superior court, if required.”

Finally, the guidelines affirmed that “Pastoral sensitivity should always be shown while engaging with unmarried couples seeking baptism for their children, with a view to encouraging them towards Christian marriage.”

Recruitment Plans were put forward for the recruitment of a Clerk of Assembly (Designate) and Deputy Clerk of Assembly (Designate) and it is planned that both of these roles will be appointed at the General Assembly in 2026.

22

Herald September 2025

Guysmere Work is ongoing to see if a residential centre at Guysmere, Castlerock is financially viable. The Guysmere panel’s 2023 feasibility study showed that it would be difficult for a youth centre to be financially sustainable. However, the panel reported that if it can appeal to other groups, sustainability is possible.

Specifically, three areas were outlined: exploring Ulster’s Christian heritage (engaging with the international faith tourism market); learning from C.S. Lewis (the writer spent holidays in his formative years in Castlerock); and discovering the Ulster-Scots (engaging with international groups visiting the homeland of their ancestors).

It is estimated that it will cost £300,000 to engage architects to prepare a full set of plans for the proposed centre and it is planned that these funds will be raised by approaching potential donors in private.

Conversion therapy practices

Governors

The General Assembly has passed a resolution, expressing its grave concern regarding the proposed Private Member’s Bill on banning conversion therapy practices in Northern Ireland.

Council for Public Affairs convener Rev Daniel Kane explained PCI’s concerns were raised during a recent meeting with Eoin Tennyson, the MLA bringing forward the Bill, especially regarding the term ‘conversion therapy’.

“This term continues to be a wide, ill-defined umbrella term covering all kinds of abusive practices, many of which are outlawed already,” said Mr Kane.

It was made clear to Mr Tennyson that it would be well-nigh impossible to draft legislation that protected ministers, church workers and parents as they walk alongside those who struggle with sexuality.

Opposition to Private Member’s Bills being used to introduce new legislation of this magnitude was also expressed at the meeting.

Those who serve on schools’ board of governors in Northern Ireland and on boards of management in the Republic have been commended for their ongoing commitment and dedication.

Speaking on the resolution, Dr Rebecca Stevenson thanked those who assisted with the reconstitution of boards of governors and paid tribute to those “who have prayerfully appointed people or agreed to serve.”

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025 Republic of Ireland The ongoing Mica scandal was one of the matters considered by the Republic of Ireland panel during the year.

Commenting, Rev William Hayes, of Tullamore, paid tribute to Derry and Donegal Presbytery in supporting those dealing with the financial fallout and stigma of crumbling buildings and homes. He went on to highlight difficulties with the more restrictive planning system in the Republic.

AI PCI’s Human Dignity panel is considering holding a conference to examine the implications of artificial intelligence.

Rev Ben Preston, minister of Craigyhill, welcomed this, saying AI technology poses fundamental questions of what it means to be a human.

Poverty

Special Educational Needs The challenges facing the Special Educational Needs sector were recognised at this year’s Assembly.

“Northern Ireland has been described as experiencing a crisis in Special Educational Needs provision,” said PCI’s public affairs officer Dr Rebecca Stevenson, pointing out that more than 11,000 children are currently in that category.

She commended the work special schools do in the face of limited space, staffing and resources and highlighted how some have been forced to convert store rooms and staff spaces into therapy rooms and classrooms.

“They create safe and welcoming school environments for children and young people to flourish,” she added.

Welcoming the introduction of the long-awaited Special Educational Needs Reform Agenda and accompanying delivery plan, Dr Stevenson said, “It is essential that this plan is delivered comprehensively and with expediency.

Sentiment alone will not improve things, and we continue to engage with politicians and government to ensure that this commitment does not turn into an empty promise.”

Recognising that the challenges facing the provision for Special Educational Needs is not limited to Northern Ireland, Dr Stevenson added, “We will continue to work within the Republic of Ireland on this issue and other educational issues as they arise.”

The Assembly passed resolutions welcoming the publication of the SEN Reform Agenda, and commending the vital work carried out in special schools across the island. As part of this particular resolution, congregations are encouraged to make real and meaningful links with such schools in their local area.

Referring to the close relationship his church (Castlewellan Presbyterian) has with a nearby special school, Rev Andy Downey said, “There is a gap where the state has let things fall, and as a Church, surely we want to go and fill that gap.”

The Welfare and Wellbeing panel is to engage on the issue of poverty.

Public affairs officer Dr Rebecca Stevenson said poverty was a significant issue, adding, “Figures from 2022–23 report that approximately 18% of the population, or around 349,000 people in Northern Ireland, are living in relative poverty, with about 15% of the population living in absolute poverty.”

It is almost 19 years since an antipoverty strategy was promised by the Northern Ireland Executive. Dr Stevenson called for progress.

Assisted suicide and euthanasia Ministers are being encouraged to set aside a Sunday annually to consider the importance of holistic end-of-life care.

It was one of seven resolutions passed by the Assembly relating to assisted dying and palliative care. The other resolutions encouraged Presbyterians to write to politicians to ask for priority investment in the best possible palliative care, and commended the work carried out by hospices, palliative care units and teams.

Rev Daniel Kane, convener of the Council for Public Affairs, referred to the “scandal” which is the lack of appropriate care and support for people who are deemed terminally ill.

“Good palliative care is the only real alternative,” he said.

Herald September 2025

23

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025 PCI’s newest congregation established The Assembly agreed to establish Central Belfast as a new congregation. This church plant, which had the oversight of Carnmoney Presbyterian, was established in 2016 by a core group from the church.

More recently meeting in the premises of what was previously May Street Presbyterian, it is now a thriving and growing Christian witness in the heart of Belfast city centre. A Memorial asked the House to grant congregation status to the church plant and bring it under South Belfast Presbytery.

Speaking in support, Rev Stuart Hawthorne, minister of Carnmoney, said the story “is a testament to God’s steady provision. As the team have followed the Holy Spirit’s guidance step by step, today around 300–350 people gather in the old May Street building each Sunday.”

He continued, “While city centre ministry is not more important than suburban or rural ministry, cities remain strategically vital in the mission of God… I’m genuinely excited, not only for Central, but for other church planting initiatives and pioneering ministries emerging within our denomination. Something of this moment may be of significance to them in the future. Such ventures are essential to the life and the future of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.”

Formal relationship approved The Assembly approved a formal relationship between PCI and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (USA). Rev Andrew Smith from EPC was at the Assembly and addressed the House.

He said: “We are immensely grateful to the PCI for your faithful legacy proclaiming the gospel for many years, but now also for your willingness to enter into gospel partnership with us in the EPC so that we might serve better together in our witness and work for the Lord…we in the EPC are very much looking forward to collaborating with you…”

24

Herald September 2025

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025 Ministers and deacons Two Memorials were brought to the Assembly that will be looked at together by an Ad-Hoc panel, made up of members from a variety of Council committees.

Armagh Presbytery’s Memorial asked for “the Doctrine committee to prepare a report for the 2027 General Assembly on the distinctives of the ordained ministry of Word and Sacrament…with focus on our 21st century context…”

Down Presbytery’s Memorial asked for “the General Council to set up a task group to consider how deacons might be ordained…”

Supporting the Armagh Memorial, Rev Philip McClelland said, “While the minister’s responsibilities are outlined in the Code, on the ground, views and expectations vary enough to cause confusion, and therefore, on occasion, contention. Changes in church and culture mean that a shared understanding of a minister’s priorities can no longer be assumed.”

Also supporting the Memorial, Rev Mark Waugh said, “We believe clarity can only be a good thing, and clarity would help us to advance the mission of the church.”

Jeremy Eves, an elder from West Kilcooley Bangor, asked for the role of elders to be fully discussed in the report too: “It seems to me that defining the distinctives and practice of ordained ministry in isolation, and without reference to the role of elders is bound to be incomplete. I have both huge respect and often concern and sympathy for ministers of congregations who carry a huge load in an age when volunteering is reducing…ministers are often expected to carry a burden that is frankly too large. So what are the theological

distinctives of ordained ministry and what are the other matters that the ministers have to deal with simply by acceptance of custom and practice?”

Supporting the Memorial from Down Presbytery regarding the office of deacons, Rev John Torrens said, “We as a presbytery bring this Memorial from a desire to see our Church avail of all the benefits that Christ offers his people through faithful and biblical Church government, of which includes the office of deacon. Evidence of this office is plainly seen in Scripture… This is affirmed by our own constitution, which recognises the office of deacon as a permanent office of Christ’s church.”

Both Memorials were accepted by the House and since the issues were deemed to be relevant to each other, they would be considered together.

However, an amendment was brought

by Revs Jonathan Boyd and Philip McClelland, asking for the Memorials to be considered separately – the Armagh Memorial by the Doctrine committee and the Down Memorial by an Ad-Hoc panel. The decision went to a standing vote, where the amendment failed by 83 votes to 70, so both Memorials will be looked at together by an Ad-Hoc panel.

Mergers passed The Assembly agreed a number of resolutions regarding mergers.

Townhill is to be merged into First Portglenone; Croaghmore into Toberkeigh; Ballynahatty and Creevan into Fintona; Newington into North Belfast Presbytery; and Taughmonagh into South Belfast Presbytery.

A resolution to dissolve the congregation of Killala was also passed.

Change in name to First Bangor A Memorial was brought to the Assembly from the kirk session of First Bangor, asking for permission to change its name to City Church Bangor.

Speaking to support the Memorial, Rev Mairisine Stanfield, minister of the congregation, said, “We believe this is an opportunity for fresh connection and engagement with the community.” As part of a seven-year process, which included research on how the church was perceived in the city, the congregation discovered that people associated it with the words: ‘traditional’, ‘formal’, ‘old’ and ‘outdated’.

Knowing that this did not reflect the church accurately, Mrs Stanfield said, “We were convinced that a new name was missionally important and would make a significant difference to how we were perceived.”

The Memorial was granted by the Assembly.

Herald September 2025

25

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025 Supporting congregations

Fresh Light

Encouragement, confidence and thankfulness are necessary for supporting congregations in this season. That is the message contained in the report of the Council for Congregational Life and Witness (CCLW).

While not verbally presenting this year, the Council’s written report gave an overview of what is being seen across the Church. It said, “We need to take fresh courage in whose we are, who we are and for the task of taking the gospel to those places to which, and people to whom, we are particularly intended to bear witness.”

The report added that the Council’s ‘Present’ initiative, which is entering its second year, seeks to offer such encouragement “in its simple invitation to renew our calling… to whatever size of congregation we are, or kind of season in which we sense ourselves to be ministering.”

In the coming year, Present will focus on simple ways in which congregations can use the initiative. This includes sharing stories of how members and congregations are finding ways to express being present. This will be supplemented by resources, and the availability of Council staff to help congregations “think through the implications and implementation of how they might express presence”.

PCI’s counselling service – Fresh Light – has recruited six new counsellors. They are based in Dublin, south Down, Cookstown, Coleraine, Bangor and Lisburn.

Engagement Between September 2024 and March 2025, 221 congregations participated in at least one CCLW event or programme.

The total number of participants in Council events and programmes in the same period is almost double that of the previous church year.

According to the report, “This reflects the benefit of working with and through presbyteries to co-design and co-deliver bespoke content.”

26

Herald September 2025

PW projects The Presbyterian Women special home project for 2025/26 is the Haven multicultural outreach in Sligo.

The overseas project will support the work of the Diaconal Centre run by the Hungarian Reformed Church in Ukraine.

The visit to this project by the PW president and overseas vice-president was covered in June’s Herald.

Elders CCLW is responding to an increasing awareness of the need to encourage and develop leadership among elders, ministers and other paid staff, according to the annual report. During the past year an ‘Afresh’ evening for elders was held, a set of postcards covering the basic duties of eldership was launched and Council staff have spoken at Ruling Elders’ Fellowships.

“There is clearly appetite among elders to develop their ministry and calling,” says the report. To build on the momentum, the ‘Prepared to Lead’ material for elders-elect is to be updated. The annual in-person elders’ event is to be replaced with a series of pilot events run in partnership with presbyteries.

Reaching young people The number of young people participating in CCLW activities has not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

This has prompted a shift from one-off events and short-term programmes directly delivered by PCI towards a “sharpening of support for ministry among young people delivered in congregations, by congregations.”

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025 Issues raised with Christian Aid

World Development Appeal

In August 2024, an article was published in the Belfast Telegraph referring to the production by Christian Aid and others, of a paper entitled ‘Queering the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda – a practice-based toolkit’.

The contents of the paper raised concerns at presbytery level and was then considered by the General Council. After discussions with Christian Aid, which were not deemed to satisfactorily address the issue, it was agreed that further consideration would be needed.

In the meantime, it was decided that for the 2025 World Development Appeal, 5% of the contributions will go as normal to PCI’s Council for Global Mission, to assist with development work through partner Churches. However, for the remainder, which is normally split evenly between Christian Aid and Tearfund, congregations will now be given a choice. The kirk session can decide in advance if they want it to go to only one of these agencies. If no decision is made in advance, the remainder will be split between the two as usual.

Dr David Allen said, “This is an interim measure until we have had a chance to look at the issue more fully.”

Supporting the resolution, Dr Liz Hughes, chair of Christian Aid Ireland, expressed grateful thanks for the support PCI has given to Christian Aid through the years.

She encouraged the Church to keep on giving to both Tearfund and Christian Aid: “Not only do we work well together and complement each other in our different emphases, but the global need is vast and both organisations have a vital role, to combat poverty and injustice and bring hope to the vulnerable and marginalised.”

Dr Hughes clarified that Christian Aid Ireland, once considered a daughter organisation of Christian Aid in Britain, is: “…now much better described as a parallel agency, with not only our own staff, our own CEO, and our own very independent board, but also our own separate finances, our own strategy, our own global programmes… Can I assure this Assembly that as Christian Aid Ireland, we are as committed as we have ever been to…following Christ himself who came to bring good news for the poor, and freedom for the oppressed, and invites us to love our neighbour, even our global neighbor, as we love ourselves.”

Dr John Dunlop commented, saying, “It is unfortunate we ever decided to get involved in this because we didn’t need to… and we should have been satisfied with what they said… Instead, we decided to take the opportunity to punish Christian Aid by kirk sessions possibly withholding what would otherwise be Christian Aid money. So conflict is set up in our Church… and I suspect that neither of these organisations welcomes this as a classic strategy of the devil to divide the Church.”

Dr Dunlop concluded, “I want to appeal to you to abide by the traditional position of our Church – that 5% goes to our partner Churches and the rest of it is split 50/50 between Christian Aid and Tearfund and do not vary from that.”

As of 25 March, the total raised by the 2024 World Development Appeal is £427,465. Entitled ‘Hunger Pains, Scarcity to Abundance’, the appeal focused on food security. The final total for the 2023 Appeal was £504,521.

The Assembly passed a resolution, giving thanks to God for the generosity of congregations and PCI members.

International aid call The Assembly has called on the UK government to restore its commitment to international aid spending of 0.7% of Gross National Income.

The passed resolution said that in making the call to restore international aid commitments, the General Assembly was “standing in solidarity with PCI’s partners, and recognising the devastating impact on some of the world’s poorest people who are least well able to absorb any reduction in aid.”

Dedicated witness The General Assembly passed a resolution giving thanks for the dedicated and sacrificial witness of PCI’s global mission workers. It also encouraged the Council for Global Mission (CGM) to reflect on its strategy for resourcing mission engagement, in particular the sending of global mission workers.

Herald September 2025

27

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025 Reconfiguration Dr David Allen reported that the work of reconfiguration “is progressing across the denomination”.

He added, “It’s moving at different speeds because some presbyteries were working on this before reports came to the Assembly, so they are further through the process than others. But all presbyteries are wrestling with this in a way that is specific to their own context.”

He thanked presbyteries, Sessions and congregations for their work saying, “Some of the conversations and decisions that they are making are painful and difficult. In places, people are being asked to set aside things that they have held dear for many years, perhaps even generations. But often when the Linkage Commission meets with them, we find people who, in spite of the loss, are willing to count that cost for the sake of the kingdom of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

He concluded by saying that PCI’s reconfiguration process is “about PCI prayerfully looking out to reach those around us with the good news of Jesus...”

28

Herald September 2025

Mission as a minority A report looking at how PCI can be missional in areas where it is now in the minority was adopted at this year’s Assembly.

With figures showing that the denomination has retracted by a third in 50 years, there is recognition that some Presbyterian churches are now in the minority, where once they enjoyed equal or majority presence. The report examined this changing context and offered practical ways to grasp opportunities.

Council for Mission in Ireland convener Rev Ben Walker said the ‘Mission as a Minority’ report “challenges us to cross boundaries, examine our own assumptions and cultural baggage”.

Dr Sam Mawhinney, of Adelaide Road, Dublin, pointed out that being in the minority was the usual situation for PCI members in the Republic, with the last Census there showing Presbyterians were less than 0.5% of the population.

However, he added, “Someone once told me…that God plus one is always a majority, so let us focus afresh on the call to be a missional church, even as a minority, with confidence in Christ.”

Rev David Moore, from West Belfast Special Project, said some of the most encouraging stories in the denomination come from places where PCI is in the greatest minority. Furthermore, across the world, Christ’s church is in the minority, yet on every continent except Europe, church growth outstrips population growth. Minority status was also the situation of the church in biblical times.

“All that is happening at this point of history is that the church in Northern Ireland is having to embrace minority status… That should not be a cause of despondency or lead us to despair.

“Look back in history, look around the world, look over the border. God is wonderfully at work where his people are in the minority, not least because the outcome magnifies his great honour and praise,” he added.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025 Kilkenny Kilkenny Presbyterian Church has exited the Home Mission development scheme.

Willie Harper, an elder in the church, was among those who travelled to Belfast over 40 years ago, to ask a Home Mission Commission not to close the congregation but to send a minister instead.

“They kindly listened to us and, to our great relief, decided to send a minister even though our congregation was only about 16–20 people,” he said, explaining soon after they were blessed with Rev John Woodside and Irish mission worker Billy Patterson.

Growth came, resulting in need for a new church building, which opened, debt-free, in 1992. Through the current ministry of Rev Jonathan Currie and outreach work by one of the church’s early converts Tom Dowling, membership continues to expand, to the extent that the sanctuary is again too small.

“God has so blessed us, that over the past while we have felt that we should be self-sustaining and that the money we receive should be going to support the spread of the gospel elsewhere,” said Mr Harper.

He closed by thanking PCI: “Because of your support, there are many people in Kilkenny rejoicing in the God of their salvation who otherwise may never have heard the gospel and today there are many with the Lord who once had no hope.”

Chaplaincy Two resolutions concerning chaplaincy were passed by the Assembly.

One gave thanks for chaplains and the other approved a report offering a positive vision for the ministry.

Commenting on the report, CMI convener Rev Ben Walker explained that ‘Chaplaincy: A ministry of presence’ explores the ethos of chaplaincy, “seeking to clarify our purpose in sending and supporting chaplains. It recommends continued encouragement and investment; and a vision for us, the wider Church, for the chaplaincy’s mission opportunities.”

He said chaplaincy “spans across diverse settings of healthcare, prisons, universities and the military – offering care, spiritual support, and a missional presence in secular and often acute settings. Wherever they are, chaplains represent the church, supporting people in crisis, fostering connection, carrying revolutionary good news. It is a ministry of presence.”

Rev Robert Bell added that it is sometimes thought of as “ministry on the edges of church life,” whereas it’s “actually ministry in the heart of real life.”

While sports chaplaincy does not come under the General Assembly, many Presbyterians serve in clubs across Ireland. One of them, Rev Dario Leal, was chaplain of Cliftonville Football Club for 15 years. In a testament to his service, five officials from the club attended his recent installation as minister of Carrigart and Dunfanaghy.

“I was honoured and humbled to have those five men accompany me and my family. It was a testimony not of myself but of the work of 15 years in creating network and community within the club,” he said, adding, “I think that’s the heart of chaplaincy – creating communities, where the gospel can flow back and forth.”

Herald September 2025

29

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025 Ministerial training Dr David Allen highlighted the work of the Ministerial Training panel, which produced an interim report to the Assembly this year. He said the panel’s work was “holding fast to our longstanding commitment to our ministers being thoroughly educated and trained for the work that the Lord calls them to through his Church.”

He added, “How we do that most effectively in the context of PCI is the question that the panel is grappling with. Our resources are not unlimited, whether in terms of time or people or finance, yet this is something that surely has to be central to our ministry and mission.”

New students The Council for Training in Ministry (CTM) reported that in the autumn of 2024, seven students commenced training for ordained ministry. There are currently 21 ministry students at Union Theological College. Following applications for an autumn 2025 intake, 15 applicants were interviewed and 12 were nominated to commence training.

All 12 were agreed by the Assembly.

Two new students for deaconess training have also been accepted and will commence studies in September 2025.

More ministers needed Proposing the report for CTM, Rev Andrew Faulkner said, “We need more ministers… Can I encourage you to be on the lookout for potential ministers within your local congregation? All of our applicants begin their journey towards ministry by a minister, an elder, or some other leader in the congregation, recognising some gifting and asking – have you ever considered

30

Herald September 2025

pastoral ministry? We as a Council can encourage and direct and test and train from there, but the starting point, as with most things in Christ’s kingdom, is the local church.”

First graduates in Theology Principal of Union Theological College, Prof Michael McClenahan reported that the first cohort of the BA Hons in Theology (validated by St Mary’s University Twickenham), will graduate this summer. He said, “We look forward to watching the future progress of our graduates… If you can help us by keeping young people, their parents and teachers informed about the BA Hons degree, we would be very grateful.”

Staff changes Following Prof David Leach’s acceptance of a call to Portrush Presbyterian, Rev Gordon Best has recently been appointed as the new Dean of Ministerial Studies and Development at the college. Rev Andrew Faulkner

said, “David Leach served as a superb professor of ministry… We pray that God blesses his work back in pastoral ministry… We are greatly excited by the appointment of Gordon Best… Gordon comes with over 30 years of local church ministry experience…”

Reporting that Prof Gordon Campbell retired last summer and Dr Desi Alexander will retire this summer, Prof Michael McClenahan said, “It has been a pleasure and an honour to work alongside both of them, and I’m delighted that they will both continue to contribute to the life of the college as honorary senior research fellows.”

Sharing God’s Word Prof Michael McClenahan highlighted that a new course will be replacing the ‘Handling the Word’ course, saying that it had already been written and piloted. “‘Sharing God’s Word’ should be available to presbyteries this autumn time and we trust it will be helpful in equipping men and women to be able to share the message of the Bible in whatever context they find themselves.”

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025

Better representation needed Dr David Allen spoke about the work of the Nominations committee which he explained was “entrusted with overseeing the mechanics of populating our Commissions, Councils, and committees”. He reported the difficulties with this, saying, “This system is designed to increase representation across the Church and allow the gifts and experience the Lord has entrusted to his people to be used in his service…however, year on year, despite our best efforts, those offering to serve in this way are very few, and the majority of them are ministers… Having more ministers and fewer elders and members isn’t ideal…”

He concluded, “We may be reaching the point…when consideration needs to be given to how we do this.”

Following on from this, Laura Hutcheson-Magee, a representative from East Belfast Presbytery, highlighted the issue of young people: “I would really encourage some thought around whether we have a particular strategy to enable young people to serve on Councils, committees and panels, to really help them engage further with the structures and decisions of our denomination. I have no doubt that we have aspiration for that, but whether we have an effective strategy for it is perhaps a deeper question. In the past, PCI Youth Assembly was a valuable mechanism to involve young people…and enable them to use their gifts to serve on those. It no longer exists…

I would encourage the committee and Council to continue thinking carefully and creatively about this issue.”

Herald September 2025

31

GLOBAL MISSION LEADERS IN TRAINING

Deepening biblical understanding Rev Limbani Moyo

CCAP Livingstonia Synod, Malawi PhD Theology and Religious Studies, University of Botswana

I wish to commend PCI for its patience, consideration, timely payment of fees and assistance.

I

am Rev Limbani Kayizale Mloyiso Moyo, born on 3 February 1972. I am married to Mayor Chirwa. God has blessed us with five children: James, Joses, twins Ruth and Jacob, and Deborah.

I joined holy ministry training of the Church of Central Africa, Presbyterian (CCAP) Synod of Livingstonia in Malawi under the University of Livingstonia in 2006. I did a master’s in Theology in Tanzania at Teofilo Kisanji University, 2012–2014.

I have served in four CCAP congregations: Kakombwe, Edundu, Kanyawayi, and Viyere. I have been appointed as a lecturer on secondment to the University of Livingstonia twice and have served in all three campuses. At Kaning’ina, I was also appointed as chaplain for one year. In 2023, I was appointed chaplain at Bandawe Girls’ Secondary School.

I secured a place to complete a PhD in Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Botswana in 2019, but could not go due to lack of scholarship until September 2023 when PCI granted me a scholarship. My research study title is ‘An assessment of the New Testament traditions, the roles of Church leadership and migration of members: A focus on the Church of Central Africa, Presbyterian (CCAP) Synod of Livingstonia in Malawi’.

As a minister of the Word and sacraments, the study is deepening my level of understanding biblical concepts and my preaching is improving day in and day out.

As a lecturer, I

32

Herald September 2025

am gaining critical lecturing skills and management. As a scholar, I am gaining research skills in religiosity as well as secular, global, continental and local matters. I am broadening my understanding of issues which surround my research field.

There have been challenges in my study.

In the early days, I struggled because of the variation in learning approaches between universities, but I have since grasped the university’s approach and am hoping to do extremely well in the final part of my study. Finance is always a struggle, but I wish to commend PCI for its patience, consideration, timely payment of fees and assistance.

Each of the universities where I have studied have been different. At the University of Botswana, I am enjoying the studies because I have been given my working office; in my room there is internet connection, provision of a cable to connect to my laptop, a working table, shelf, etc., therefore, a good learning environment.

The mode of study and meeting intervals with my supervisors, how my research writing work is being corrected, and the interaction with those who are shaping my work even more, have been an enjoyment of some kind.

I wish to ask PCI members to pray for me as I enter my third year so that I do well as I have started. Pray for me and my fellow students who are supported by PCI that God will take all of us back to our respective churches or organisations and countries so that they will benefit from our studies.

Please pray: • That Limbani will continue to do well in his studies.

• That he and his fellow PCI-funded Leaders in Training will be a blessing to their Churches.

Learning to address real needs Rev Rahel Tempomona

Evangelical Christian Church of Halmahera, Indonesia PhD Christian Education, Toraja State Christian College

Through pastoral counselling, the church can become a safe space for listening, understanding and healing.

I

come from the Evangelical Christian Church in Halmahera (GMIH), a Protestant Church established through the missionary work of the Utrecht Mission in the 19th century. GMIH has grown and continues to serve primarily in the North Maluku region, especially on the island of Halmahera. The Church is grounded in the Bible as the Word of God and lives out its calling through a contextual and ecumenical spirit of service that engages with the realities of society. GMIH is not only a place of worship, but also a centre for spiritual growth, education, social care and cultural development. Throughout its journey, GMIH remains committed to being the salt and light of the world, embodying Christ’s love in the life of its congregations and communities.

I am currently studying Christian Religious Education with a focus on pastoral counselling. Within the GMIH context, many church members face challenges in family life, social relationships and personal struggles. These realities show that pastoral care cannot rely solely on preaching from the pulpit, but must also be present through more personal and intentional accompaniment. Through pastoral counselling, the church can become a safe space for listening, understanding and healing. I hope that the knowledge I gain can address the real needs of the congregation and serve as a channel of God’s healing love in their lives.

I hope that through this academic journey, I will be shaped into someone who is spiritually and practically equipped to serve the GMIH community through pastoral counselling. I long to be present for people – to listen, to strengthen and to become a vessel of God’s love for those who are struggling. My vision is for the church to be known as a place of healing and hope, where people find comfort and restoration in Christ.

One of the major challenges I face in my studies is the limited availability of reference materials, particularly those that address pastoral counselling within the GMIH context.

This limitation has pushed me to seek additional resources independently, so that I can deepen my understanding and ensure it remains relevant to the practical needs of the church.

Throughout my studies in Christian Religious Education, I have found great joy and gratitude in the learning process.

I have gained new theological and practical insights that have enriched my understanding of ministry. I also enjoy the classroom environment, which encourages interaction with fellow students from diverse backgrounds. Through these relationships, I have learned to appreciate cultural differences, broaden my perspectives, and cultivate a spirit of empathy and tolerance. This journey has shaped not only my knowledge but also my character and relationships – important foundations for future ministry.

I kindly ask for your prayers that I may remain faithful and passionate in my studies. Please pray that God would grant me wisdom, understanding and the ability to grasp each topic well, especially in the area of pastoral counselling.

I also ask for prayer in facing challenges such as limited resources and access to learning facilities.

May God use this season of study to shape my heart – to be sensitive, patient and ready to serve the congregation with compassion.

Your prayers mean a great deal to me as I continue this journey of faith and ministry.

Please pray: • That reference materials will become more readily available.

• That the Evangelical Christian Church in Halmahera will continue to be salt and light.

• Give thanks for Rahel, and her commitment to pastoral counselling.

Herald September 2025

33

DEACONESS

Serving others Louise Davidson

South Belfast Friendship House

True humility in service transforms lives and becomes a testimony of Christ’s love to the world.

O

n 11 May 2025, I was inducted as the deaconess of South Belfast Friendship House, which is situated in Blythe Street in Sandy Row. Friendship House has been in this area for over 60 years, providing a Christian witness to the Sandy Row community.

It all started under the direction and vision of a deaconess, and over the years many deaconesses have served here. So, for me, this opportunity to follow in the footsteps of many great deaconesses who were dedicated to this special ministry was a great way to uphold the legacy of commitment, compassion and unwavering faith, of continuing to show and tell of God’s love in Sandy Row. As I embrace this role, I hope to do so by walking with grace, to uplift lives, and to make a meaningful difference.

Knowing greatness lies in serving Jesus and others with a humble heart.

I am involved in a range of things that keep life exciting and meaningful. First, there is the women’s Bible study, a fantastic space for learning, sharing and growing in our relationship with God. Some women find it a safe space to get the opportunity to ask questions they would not normally get the chance to ask. Then, there is the friendship group – a wonderful circle of people where we laugh, support each other and share life’s ups and downs, along with doing crafts and puzzles, with the odd singsong thrown in and, of course, all done whilst having a cuppa and a bun, finishing off with a short devotion. This has led to me being able to support people pastorally and prayerfully as we have made friendships and built up trust.

Community outreach is close to my heart too. I am getting to know many in the area, including other group

34

Herald September 2025

leaders. I am hoping to build meaningful relationships with many, so we can serve the community together, along with having the opportunity to invite people to different programmes in Friendship House. I also enjoy working with parents and toddlers, which is always a fun and rewarding experience. And, let’s not forget the children’s and youth programmes, where I often get a chance to help, in whatever way I am needed.

Jesus calls us to serve with humility, reflecting his own example of selflessness. In John 13:14–15, he washed his disciples’ feet, which demonstrated that greatness lies in humble service to others. When we serve without seeking recognition, we glorify God and align our hearts with his. Let us embrace every opportunity to uplift others, knowing our reward is in heaven. True humility in service transforms lives and becomes a testimony of Christ’s love to the world.

Please pray: • For Louise’s relationship with Jesus, may it always come first and that she would spend quality time with him.

• That Louise would serve with grace and humility.

• That many in Sandy Row would come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

• For the South Belfast Friendship House team – Robert, Abbi and Louise. Pray that God will protect and uplift them, giving them grace and strength as they serve all they meet.

HOME MISSION

Witnessing to the Lord in the west Helen Freeburn

United Church Galway, a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

The challenges of urban ministry are many… but the blessings are so much more!

Tá an Tiarna Íosa ag obair san Iarthar (The Lord Jesus is at work in the west)

W

e give thanks for the Lord’s love, blessing and guidance over this past year. We have seen our first kirk session elected, with new ruling elders faithfully serving our Lord and the church community with great passion, compassion and vision. We have also seen our first congregational committee elected, with the members also being such a blessing as they serve our Lord and his church in this way.

We have also been blessed by great moments of fellowship and discipleship in our youth group, student group, church services, outreach and service and also with the many newcomers and visitors from various countries that the Lord has led here to be amongst us.

In July, we were so thankful for a wonderful outreach team (from Serge Mission organisation) who came to lead kids and teens camps and spread the good news of Jesus.

The team members spent time talking to people in the streets about faith and about the gospel and spent time in prayer for the city. We are also grateful for all who have come alongside us from different churches over the last few years to encourage us and help us, and everyone in the Council for Mission in Ireland (CMI) who continue to be a great support to us. This is a huge blessing as we can feel the distance from others here at times.

The challenges of urban ministry are many, including experiencing constant change, but the blessings are so much more! Being in the very centre of the city of Galway, we are visible and well placed for outreach, we are easy to find and mission is right here on the doorstep. Once the doors are open, people wander in and we seek to be a place of welcome, prayer and mission, as we “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15:7, ESV).

A new accommodation building for 345 students is opening soon right beside us, which is exciting. We are seeking, by God’s grace, to address the challenges of not having enough space or adequate facilities for ministry or mission, and are in the process of engaging an architectural firm to draw up plans for rooms and renovation. We pray that this building work would be used to further the mission and ministry of the church in many various ways and be used for God’s glory, as we witness to the Lord, both here in Galway and, more broadly, in the west of Ireland.

Please pray: • For the plans to build and renovate at the church so that there would be toilet facilities, meeting rooms and perhaps a welcome/cafe space.

• For the church weekend on 27–28 September 2025.

• For the Spirit’s leading and for the Lord to continue to add to the church’s number those who are being saved (Acts 2).

• For more workers in the harvest fields (Matthew 9).

Herald September 2025

35

CHAPLAINCY

Encompass – a game-changer Rev Norman Harrison

Presbyterian chaplain in Royal Group of Hospitals and lead chaplain in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust

…the pressing need now is… a team which is able to meet the increased demand.

M

y first experience of healthcare chaplaincy was as assistant to Very Rev Dr Andrew Rodgers, then minister of Dungannon. During his ministry and into retirement he undertook chaplaincy duties in the South Tyrone Acute Hospital. I would often deputise for him. Back then I collected a list from reception, called with patients to establish their congregation, and then telephoned or wrote to inform their ministers. On the day of the Omagh bomb, then as minister in Clogherney, I attended patients with the chaplain of the Tyrone County Hospital, Rev John Murdock. I learned from him that regular chaplaincy work was conducted in a similar way in Omagh as in Dungannon.

Today, it has all changed. Chaplains are expected to be healthcare professionals, part of a professional body, trained specifically for the role. Rather than collecting lists, we create our own, accessing the new Encompass system.

Chaplains once complained about getting only a fraction of those who were from our denomination on lists. Now, we have everyone who claims a connection and, as trusted staff, we now triage out anyone who does not want to see a chaplain. Surprisingly, this is no more than 5% of those we speak to, especially considering that 70% have no active church connection.

What this means is that chaplains are on the frontline of the church’s mission, but also that our teams are chronically under-staffed. My working week is split: three days I pastorally serve the Royal Victoria Hospital, Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital and Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, together with our invaluable deaconess Heather McCracken, who the Church supplies 3.5

36

Herald September 2025

days to do the same, alongside her Trust appointments in Maternity and Musgrave Park Hospital. Every day we have 120 Presbyterians just in the RVH alone.

Every day 40 more rotate out and in. By the end of the week that’s nearly 300 Presbyterians.

In my other two days as lead chaplain in the Northern Trust, this new reality has driven change in the approach to staffing. A first for Northern Ireland is the development of a Memorandum of Understanding, initially with the Catholic Church. This will generate an additional 14 priests and lay members to support our Catholic team across the Trust. I am presently developing the same approach and seeking to partner with the Presbyterian Church and the Church of Ireland. This innovation will allow us to welcome more gifted people to volunteer their time to serve with our healthcare team and thus serve the vastly increased number of patients.

The reality is, Encompass has been a game-changer. We now have what we wished for – knowledge and access.

However, the pressing need now is human resources – a team which is able to meet the increased demand.

Please pray: • For wisdom to work out ways to address the huge demand for chaplaincy in patient care.

• For people to volunteer or to become affiliates on the teams.

• For the Northern Trust as it continues to develop an innovative approach of the use of Memoranda of Understanding with denominational bodies.

• For those taking tentative steps of faith in times of healthcare crises.

TALKING POINTS

Our identity in Christ Norman Hamilton considers where true fulfilment in life comes from.

I

t’s only a few weeks since Scottie Scheffler won the Sam Maguire trophy for the 39th time! Almost every day we Open golf title in Portrush with some astounding and can see great gifts and skills on show, and they can often be a consistent play. His wonderful win wasn’t the only real source of pride at national and local level. thing that hit the headlines, for earlier in the week, as a Yet, as Scottie Scheffler made clear, the standing and Christian, he had opened his heart in a press conference to status given in Christ far surpasses anything that we can the amazement of almost everyone listening to him. He said win, or be given here on earth. At a personal level, I have this: found it a great blessing to my mind and soul to spend “This is not a fulfilling life. It’s fulfilling from the sense some time in the last few weeks meditating on the many of accomplishment, but it’s not fulfilling from a sense of names (identities) given to Christ’s followers in the New the deepest places of your heart. There’s a lot of people that Testament. To have the eternal God in heaven give us names make it to what they thought was going to fulfil them in life, such as ‘children of light’, and ‘heirs of God’, alongside being and you get there, you get to number one in the world, and called his special possession is a privilege beyond measure. they’re like, ‘What’s the point?’ What is the point? Why do And there are many others such as being called ‘saints’, I want to win this tournament so bad? ‘members of his household’ and being That’s something that I wrestle with on a …as Scottie Scheffler amongst the redeemed. May I suggest daily basis.” that it is all too easy to take all of these made clear, the standing ‘identities’ that we have in Christ for In the past few years Scheffler has repeatedly said that his deep fulfilment and status given in Christ granted, and as a result, miss out on the comes from his friends and family, and day-to-day strengthening they give, in a far surpasses anything his clear faith in Christ. world where there are untold pressures In so doing, he put his finger on one to keep quiet about who we are in Christ that we can win… of the besetting sins of modern society. and whom we serve.

That is the drive to repeat one of the oldest expressions of Just recently, a teenager about to go to university to study human arrogance which goes back to the earliest chapters in medicine, told me that he was proud to be known as a the Bible – the people who built the Tower of Babel saying, follower of Christ. Self-effacing pride of that kind is very “Let us make a name for ourselves” (Genesis 11:4). They rare. In doing so, he was simply following the example of the desperately wanted to have a self-made ‘identity’ and leave a Apostle Paul who memorably said: “Let the one who boasts legacy for future generations to marvel at. boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). My young friend It is hard to overstate the time and energy that is put in really has spurred me to follow his example. Like Scheffler, nowadays to doing just that. Identity is (very) big business. he has found his true and lasting identity that is the bedrock The posts on Instagram or TikTok; the seeking of status for everyday life, and is open about saying so. Personally, I by the things we acquire; the houses we live in; or the feel hugely blessed not to have to make a name for myself, importance of being seen with or by ‘people of influence’. nor try to create another identity in order to live well here on Prestige, status and being ‘liked’ on social media are central earth or look to heaven. Is that where you are too? to the self-esteem of so many, and when it does not come as hoped or expected, the consequences can be huge – not least low self-esteem and even depression. The Bible perspective on all this striving is so clear in Ecclesiastes 1:2: “Vanity, vanity; all is vanity”, when God is left out of our thinking and the shaping of our lives.

Though, with that said, it is also so very important to value the gifts that God has given people, and to appreciate anyone and everyone who contributes to our wellbeing Norman Hamilton and joy. For example, over the summer, there have been great occasions for people to celebrate – from the English Very Rev Dr Norman Hamilton is a former Lionesses winning the women’s Euros championship in Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, to Kerry winning the all-Ireland senior football Ireland.

Herald September 2025

37

Being church in

21st century Ireland Patrick Mitchel reflects on a recent conference held in Maynooth Community Church which considered how the church in Ireland can move from being multi-ethnic to intercultural.

I

n June, Irish Bible Institute (IBI) and Intercultural Ministries Ireland (IMI) co-hosted a rich and Spiritfilled gathering of people from all over Ireland at Maynooth Community Church – a day shaped by deep conversations, learning, and vibrant intercultural worship. The theme was ‘From Multi-Ethnic to Intercultural: Being church in 21st century Ireland’.

There was much for participants to take away and apply in their own context. The main speaker was Nathaniel Jennings (OMF) whose keynote sessions set the scene for seminars led by experienced leaders in different areas. There was also space for lots of informal discussions and a Q&A session with a panel of leaders from different churches in Ireland.

What follows is a primarily theological reflection on the event.

38

Herald September 2025

God’s rebuilding project The story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11 is a deceptively relevant tale for our divided world. Humans, united through a common language, learn to cooperate to reach new heights (literally). Innovation leads to the invention of a radical new technology (the brick). Imaginations start to run wild as they begin to appreciate its apparently limitless potential. They say, “Come let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens so that we may make a name for ourselves

We want churches that feel like fruit salads, not smoothies – diverse, distinct, and deeply connected.

and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”

In response, God intervenes in two ways. First, he confuses their language.

Second, as they had feared, he scatters them over the face of the whole earth.

This judgment is an act of mercy. No longer would they be able to dream of global domination. The tower remains unbuilt and human power is curtailed.

Separated physically and linguistically, humanity is to learn afresh that we are finite creatures who need others to survive and flourish. “God’s judgment was the grace necessary to relearn the humility that ennobles” (Stanley Hauerwas).

But the human heart is stubborn and rebellious. The tragedy of our world is that we continue to repeat the sin of Babel ad nauseam. Rather than taking the path of humility and openness to the

other, we seek power for ourselves. We fear and hate those who threaten our identity and our control over land and resources. This is why the history of the world is a history of violence and war between competing groups – whether nations, tribes or religious identities.

In his masterpiece, Exclusion and Embrace: A theological exploration of identity, otherness and reconciliation, the Croatian theologian Miroslav Volf discusses elimination and domination, two methods of exclusion. We are witnessing the terrible logic of elimination being worked out in Gaza as I write, by both Hamas and Israel.

‘Our’ territory, ‘our’ origins, ‘our’ culture, must be purified from the defiling presence of the other. Much of Western colonialism was, at heart, Babel writ large: pride in ‘our’ superiority coupled with violence against those considered inferior. ‘What is theirs is ours by right’.

It often involved the eradication of the other’s culture, language and even very existence (the extermination of the entire aboriginal people of Tasmania for example). Closer to home, Ireland has its own bloody history of one side trying to eliminate the other. And what were recent house burnings in Ballymena other than a strategy of elimination?

Domination involves active strategies to subjugate and marginalise the other to ensure they remain in their ‘proper’ (inferior) place. Think of South African apartheid or Israel’s policies towards its Palestinian citizens or Chinese repression of Uyghur and Tibetan cultures or America’s racist history or Myanmar’s ethnic cleansing of its Rohingya population or Saudi Arabia’s imposition of Wahhabi Islam on its religious minorities or Malaysia’s official policy of Malay supremacy – we could name countless other examples.

Humans are tribal at heart. I’m not listing these examples to be controversial

Theologically speaking, our citizenship is in heaven. That means we live here as guests, with humility, not ownership. but to make the point that all humans from every culture are tempted by Babel’s poisonous promise. We unite with others like us to build empires for ourselves that destroy others and corrupt ourselves in the process.

But here’s the good news! The great news that gives hope to our divided, violent world: God has his own rebuilding project.

Divine judgment at Babel leads to a promise made to a single individual, Abram of Ur, who responds in faith and leaves his homeland not knowing where he is going. That promise leads to the story of Israel and ultimately to its Messiah, the crucified and risen Lord of all nations. Jesus sends his Spirit who undoes what was done at Babel. At Pentecost it’s no accident that language barriers are overcome. Pentecost leads to the inclusion of the Gentiles who are also given the gift of the Spirit. The Spirit forms a new people, made of believers from every nation and culture and tribe. A new age has dawned.

Boundaries have been broken, dividing walls demolished.

The calling of the church is to reflect this radical God-given unity in a world that continues to live under the shadow of Babel. The church is to be a place where our diversity enriches our unity and deepens love for one another. The church is to embody God’s rebuilding project – a place witnessing to God’s ultimate future healing of the nations.

Where elimination and domination are overcome by grace, acceptance and forgiveness.

Becoming an intercultural church All this sets an inspiring vision before churches today in an increasingly multi-cultural and diverse Ireland.

Nathaniel described a Christcentred intercultural community as one “characterised by exchanges of ideas and the development of deep relationships of mutual dependency where differences of culture and background enrich rather than divide.”

He used a memorable image: “We want churches that feel like fruit salads, not smoothies – diverse, distinct, and deeply connected.” Being an intercultural church is a journey not a destination and Nathaniel invited us to consider where our churches are on that journey.

This journey will not necessarily be easy. One of the seminar speakers, Rev Dr Israel Olojinfina, director of the UK’s Evangelical Alliance’s One People Commission, talked of a willingness to enter into relationships of ‘mutual inconvenience’. He said, “We are all migrants. Theologically speaking, our citizenship is in heaven. That means we live here as guests, with humility, not ownership.” Humility opens the door to listening and learning from each other.

For further resources see www.interculturalireland.org. The website also has information on a Global Disciples Gathering at Adelaide Road Presbyterian, Dublin on 6 December 2025.

Patrick Mitchel is Director of Learning and senior lecturer in Theology at the Irish Bible Institute and an elder in Maynooth Community Church.

Herald September 2025

39

RESOURCE

Stories that scatter seeds of hope Jonny McClune introduces ‘Seasons’, a new resource inspired by the rhythms of rural life, designed to start faith conversations in any setting.

W

e live in a world obsessed with stories. Whether it’s podcasts on a morning commute, social media feeds or the Netflix binge, stories are everywhere.

We consume them, share them, and are shaped by them. They help us make sense of life, of one another, and of what we believe. Stories are our common ground.

And yet, when it comes to sharing the story of Jesus, many of us hesitate.

We worry we won’t have the right words. We fear being misunderstood.

We wonder if it’s even our place to bring it up.

That’s where ‘Seasons’ comes in – it’s not a programme. It’s not a course. It’s a conversation starter.

What is Seasons?

Seasons is a set of four standalone video testimonies with an accompanying card to guide a reflective conversation about life and faith. The four stories are set around the seasons – autumn, winter, spring and summer – drawing inspiration from the natural rhythms of the year. The themes – loss, preparing, new life and joy – are universal, yet they are framed through the lens of the seasons, echoing the 40

Herald September 2025

…when it comes to sharing the story of Jesus, many of us hesitate. natural cycles that shape rural life.

The heart of Seasons is real-life stories. Each video features someone sharing honestly about their life and faith. These aren’t polished performances – they’re real people talking about the real difference a relationship with Jesus makes in their lives.

Whether shared over coffee, during a walk in the countryside, standing at the school gate or as part of a small group gathering, Seasons offers a gentle, thoughtful way to explore deep issues affecting us all, and brings the goodness of Jesus and the Christian faith into the conversation in a relaxed and relational way.

These everyday settings involve following the leading of the Holy Spirit and some intuition and initiative.

A video might be shared ahead of time – “Take five minutes to watch this before we meet” – or brought into the moment; a story recalled mid-walk; a clip shared while pausing at a bench.

The school gate can often feel like a transient, surface-level space – where

people scroll their phones or wait in silence – but it also holds quiet potential as a place of connection, where small conversations can grow into meaningful relationships and community. Don’t underestimate the power of the follow-up text: “Our chat today reminded me of a story I heard, give it a watch and we could chat again if it resonates with you”. These informal encounters may feel ad hoc, but they reflect the cultural value of relationship over structure. Even when only part of the content is explored, the space for reflection and return allows the Holy Spirit to stir curiosity and open hearts over time.

Why is it needed?

With over a third of people in Ireland living in the countryside, many people are deeply connected to the land yet may feel disconnected from church or unsure about faith. Seasons recognises this as a meaningful opportunity for the church to be present in the everyday, not through pressure or argument, but through common experiences. It doesn’t so much tell as it shows – inviting reflection, conversation and response.

Starting conversations about faith can be difficult and when relationships

Seasons is…real people talking about the real difference a relationship with Jesus makes in their lives.

are often long-standing and close-knit, there can be added pressure not to ‘rock the boat’. Seasons responds to this challenge and offers a way in – through story, Scripture and shared reflection – noticing the spiritual in the everyday and letting the conversation grow naturally from there.

A resource rooted in hope The stories shared through Seasons are about hope. It’s about helping people see that God is present in every season of life – through joy and sorrow, growth

and waiting, beginnings and endings.

It’s about giving us a way to talk about Jesus and sow gospel seed in the soil of everyday life.

In the autumn story, William shares about how life does not always go the way we would plan and yet how he encountered God after a life-altering illness. William talks about putting his hope and trust in God and feeling prepared for the future. This story becomes a platform to introduce the parable of the rich fool which Jesus told (Luke chapter 12).

How Seasons can be used Seasons lends itself to a variety of settings.

Churches could use it: • In a small group setting • As part of a seasonal outreach (e.g. harvest, Christmas, Easter, Pentecost) Personally, you could use it: • One-to-one with a friend over coffee or dinner • As a digital tool – sharing the video with someone online could be a simple but meaningful gesture. It could then be followed up with a relaxed, ‘What did you think of that clip I sent you?’ conversation. Distance doesn’t have to be a barrier to connection.

The videos are available online, accessed through the website or via QR code. Each card stands alone and can be used in any order, at any time of the year.

Other stories include: a story of loss where Elizabeth shares finding comfort from God’s presence in her life; Glenda’s story of finding new life in a relationship with God; and Andy’s story of experiencing life full of joy in the blessing and goodness of God. Jonny McClune is PCI’s congregational witness development officer.

How to access Seasons The video clips are available for free download from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland website.

The accompanying postcard-sized cards, which include the Bible prompts and discussion questions, are available for just 10 pence each (minimum order of 10).

To order, contact PCI’s Congregational Life and Witness office: Email: clw@presbyterianireland.org Telephone: +44 (0)28 9041 7246

Herald September 2025

41

A thriving Church in

Indonesia

Pip Florit talks to three delegates at this year’s General Assembly from the Evangelical Christian Church of Halmahera and finds out about the opportunities and challenges facing this Indonesian denomination.

T

he province of North Maluku sits in the northeast of Indonesia, and is a region made up of tropical rainforests on volcanic islands. The largest of its 1,474 islands is Halmahera, home to PCI’s partner, the Evangelical Christian Church of Halmahera (Gereja Masehi Injili Di Halmahera, GMIH), from where three delegates made the journey to attend this year’s General Assembly.

Rev Demianus Ice, Moderator of GMIH, Rev Ferry Kabarey, Vice Moderator, and Rev Abram Ugu, General Secretary, spent three days travelling from Halmahera to Belfast.

Their week in Northern Ireland provided many opportunities to spend time in fellowship, to hear from each other and to strengthen the partnership.

PCI has partnered with GMIH for 52 years and Rev Ice says that PCI is an “inseparable part of GMIH”. The partnership began in 1972 when Rev James and Mrs Mary Haire took up a post in Halmahera, in the same year that Rev Ken and Mrs Valerie Newell began their ministry in the Evangelical Christian Church in Timor. The Haires’ influence was significant during and beyond the 13 years they were

42

Herald September 2025

stationed there and a guesthouse owned by the Church on the Halmahera University Campus bears their name.

The connection is strong, despite the geographical distance and Rev Ice told the General Assembly that “partnership is not just about sharing resources but also about sharing heart, growing together in faith and learning from each other.”

GMIH is in a vastly different context from PCI, as it seeks to minister in remote areas that may only be accessible by boat and in areas with strongly Muslim populations. 87% of Indonesia’s population is Muslim, with Christianity forming the second largest religion at just over 10%. There are more Muslims in Indonesia than in any other country in the world and, while relationships between Christians and Muslims are generally peaceful, there have been times when this hasn’t been the case.

GMIH has 360,000 members across 48 presbyteries, 548 ministers and 121 ministers in training.

Officially, there is freedom of religion in Indonesia, meaning that Indonesians can choose which religion to follow and worship according to that choice.

In day-to-day life, this is not always the case. Christianity is one of the six religions accepted by the government, but, particularly in Muslimmajority areas, Christians can face discrimination and political pressures.

Churches have also been subject to attacks by extremists in recent years.

Halmahera experienced significant conflict in 1999 following a period of political and economic instability.

Tensions flared along religious lines and fighting resulted between Muslim and Christian communities.

Attacks from both sides afflicted the communities for four years, during which at least 5,000 people are thought to have died and 700,000 have been displaced. Tensions remained high in parts for several years, though there is now a general commitment to peace and communities living alongside each other.

Despite pressure, the Church in Halmahera is growing. GMIH has 360,000 members across 48 presbyteries, 548 ministers and 121 ministers in training. Currently, there are more female pastors than male.

It is believed that since the 1960s in

Indonesia, there have been between two and two and a half million Muslim converts to Christianity. In the last 25 years, the number of GMIH congregations has more than doubled, from 230 to 473. When asked the reasons for this increase, Rev Ice said that it’s all about Christian lifestyle and witness – Christians are living out their faith and as their neighbours see God through them, they are being drawn to him.

For GMIH members, living out their faith has far-reaching meaning, including empowering local people economically, providing support after natural disasters and going to the people, meeting them where they are. In 2025, PCI partnered with GMIH on a project aimed at enhancing food security and economic resilience through sustainable farming techniques, including efficient water management, organic methods and communal farming initiatives. The project reflected GMIH’s commitment to holistic ministry, stewardship of creation and practical acts of service that make a tangible positive impact on everyday life.

GMIH recognises the economic struggles faced by many of the

Christians are living out their faith and as their neighbours see God through them, they are being drawn to him. people of Halmahera. The island has been affected by the influx of large, multinational companies, mainly nickel mining and processing companies.

There has been criticism of these companies, with accusations of land grabbing and environmental damage.

Some communities have reported that their land has been taken without fair compensation or that they have been coerced into giving up their land. Combined with deforestation, inadequate waste management and air pollution, the presence of these companies seems to have caused more harm than good and the Church often has to deal with the fallout. It has worked hard to create programmes, often in collaboration with the government, to educate and empower locals to build up local, sustainable agriculture practices.

Following the eruption of Mount Ibu in May 2024, GMIH responded to those affected, many of whom were evacuated from their homes. The response, to which PCI contributed £3,000, involved pastoral care and counselling to help adults and children cope with the trauma, provision of food and medical care, and particular tailored care for people with disabilities. The

Church sought to care for the most vulnerable in society.

PCI has partnered with GMIH in the education of some of its members. This has included Apner Songa, who was supported through a master’s degree in Human Resources Management and currently serves in GMIH’s Department of Global Partnerships. Two students, Rev Melky Molle and Rev Rahel Tempomona, are currently in receipt of scholarships as they undertake PhDs in Christian Education. The students will contribute significantly to the life and mission of the Church as they go on to educate future Church leaders.

With the Church and its mission field spread out across so many remote islands, there are geographical challenges to overcome. In 2021 PCI assisted GMIH in buying a speedboat, meaning that these islands could be reached. The visiting delegates asked the General Assembly to pray for church planting initiatives in the outlying islands and other remote areas where people may have never heard the gospel.

The Church has challenges, but Rev Ice says, “We truly feel that God is present. God continues to be present and bless church life so that each challenge can be passed well because God continues to guard, God preserves, God protects and God blesses the Church… the Evangelical Christian Church in Halmahera – it belongs to God.” Rev Ice’s final words to the Assembly were a call to continued partnership for the good of the kingdom: “Let us keep working together in the spirit of peace, justice and compassion so his light may shine through us in every place we serve”.

Herald September 2025

43

Why do we need more churches?

Rick Hill discusses reimagining PCI through church planting and multiplication.

I

was always told that you shouldn’t have favourites. That certainly goes for favourite pupils and favourite children, but what about favourite churches? Having served in denominational roles for over a decade and having visited countless congregations, should I be bold enough to admit to having a favourite church?

Well, I do have a favourite church. It isn’t my own church. In fact, it isn’t on this island and it doesn’t even have a burning bush logo at the front, to my knowledge.

My favourite church is found in several chapters in the book of Acts and was located in a place called Antioch. Here, in modern-day Turkey, arose one of the most important

44

Herald September 2025

Christian communities of its day, notable for its devotion to the Lord, its hunger for teaching, its multicultural membership and strong missionary focus. It was in Antioch that followers of Jesus were first called “Christians” (Acts 11:26) and it was this church that served as the launching point for Paul’s missionary journeys, playing a crucial role in the spread of Christianity to the Gentile world.

What a church! In a time of disruption and difficulty, opposition and uncertainty, stood a church which charted a different path, that enabled “a great number of people” (Acts 11:24) to know Jesus and sent out its most prominent leaders to extend the work of the gospel elsewhere (Acts 13:2–3).

An alternative path As we consider the times we are in, it would be easy to allow an age of shrinking congregations, cultural shifts and demographic challenges to tempt the church to retreat. But what if we, as the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, could choose an alternative path – one of faith, courage, vision and bold beginnings?

Alongside our shared understanding of the need to reconfigure existing charges and revitalise congregations, has come a renewed affirmation that planting new churches should be a heightened priority in our mission. To not retreat but recalibrate. To not just save what we have, but sow for what we believe God can do.

100+10in10 A vision worth praying for: 10 + 10 in 10 PCI’s Council for Mission in Ireland has sought to emphasise that church planting is strategically essential for the future health of the Church. This isn’t new territory for PCI. Historically, we have been a church-planting movement, responsible for establishing over 500 congregations across Ireland.

Recent success stories in Maynooth and Donabate remind us that fruitful planting isn’t a thing of the past but is possible now, and we believe it can become habitual in the decade ahead.

And so, we have sought to develop a vision worth dreaming about, praying over and working toward. In June, the General Assembly officially affirmed this as a vision to be embraced prayerfully, practically and prophetically by the whole Church. This conviction is captured in the phrase, ‘10 + 10 in 10’ – a shared, decade-long goal of: • 10 newly constituted congregations; • 10 new church planting projects; • in the next 10 years.

Creating two separate categories seeks to emphasise that a goal in church planting is to see the establishment of fully constituted congregations and offer support to those already on this journey, while also leaving room for the envisioning of new church planting initiatives not yet imagined or begun. While we have previously been hesitant to embrace numerical goals, one minister wisely pointed out that there is a book in the Bible called Numbers! However, creating a target is not about metrics for the sake of it, but about sharpening our focus to plant with purpose and build with boldness. And so, this vision seeks to be a declaration of forwardlooking faith, as well as offering a target to pray towards and hold ourselves to account.

Why plant new churches?

Churches planting churches

Some may understandably ask, “Why plant new churches when some are closing?” It’s a valid question and the answer is multi-layered.

Geographical and cultural gaps: A glance at the map tells us we’re absent in too many places. There are towns and even cities across Ireland with minimal or no Presbyterian witness.

Planting new churches offers the opportunity to meet people where they are, with the flexibility for the gospel to be embodied in a way that relates to different cultural contexts. By planting churches in Maynooth or Wexford or Balbriggan, the distance people have between them and the church has been reduced.

Missional effectiveness: Church plants tend to be agile, mission-driven, and especially effective at reaching the unchurched and younger generations.

In fact, all current church plants within PCI are engaging people not previously connected with another church.

As the late Tim Keller said, “The vigorous, continual planting of new congregations is the single most crucial strategy for the numerical growth of the body of Christ… and the continual corporate renewal and revival of the existing churches.”

Stewarding well: We must also face hard truths. Some congregations may reach the natural end of their life cycle. That isn’t failure – it’s the rhythm of gospel-shaped ministry – life, death and resurrection. Some of our current church planting efforts have arisen from the ashes of previous church closures. And while revitalisation remains part of our strategy, it doesn’t negate the call to birth new life elsewhere. In this, we reject false binaries of revitalisation versus planting. It’s both/and, because healthy churches don’t just survive, they multiply.

Importantly, this isn’t a centrally controlled programme. The Council for Mission in Ireland isn’t seeking to plant 10 churches. The call is to the whole Church – to presbyteries, congregations and individuals – to consider where new opportunities can emerge. Some initiatives are already underway – in Balbriggan, Belfast and Wexford among others – but many have yet to be imagined.

The invitation is wide open. We encourage congregations to not simply ask, ‘How do we grow bigger?’ but to consider ‘How can we reach wider?’ and ‘Where can we plant next?’

…planting new churches should be a heightened priority in our mission… sow for what we believe God can do.

This cultural moment There is something happening in our culture – something subtle yet deeply spiritual. Some have described it as ‘the surprising re-birth of God’, others ‘the quiet revival’.

Whatever the label, this is a missional moment. We have a chance to take new ground – not in a spirit of competition, but of conviction. Not just to maintain our institutions, but to multiply our witness. New churches mean new worship, new community, new outreach and ultimately, new people changed by the gospel.

So, let’s be a church that gives, that goes, that risks and that plants, because we believe in the God who makes all things new.

Herald September 2025

45

Current church planting initiatives within PCI Balbriggan Overseen by Donabate Presbyterian and led by Rev Josh McCance, this church plant was launched in 2020. Set in one of Ireland’s most ethnically diverse towns, around 25 nationalities worship together in a community centre in Balbriggan each Sunday with midweek home groups helping to strengthen fellowship.

Central Situated in the former May Street Presbyterian, Belfast and led by licentiate David Dickinson, this church plant of Carnmoney Presbyterian has grown in recent years, particularly among younger generations. In June 2025, the General Assembly agreed to the constitution of Central as a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, with steps being undertaken to do so in the coming months.

Covenant Commissioned by Hill Street Presbyterian and led by Rev John Graham, a launch team was formed to establish a new worshipping community in southwest Portadown. It has been meeting weekly for worship since April 2025, with much early encouragement.

Grace & Hope This church plant has been meeting for four years at Carlisle Circus, having been established by West Kirk Presbyterian, drawing on resources from the closure of a nearby congregation. Led by Rev Peter Burke, Grace & Hope meets weekly for worship with a diversity of people drawn together.

It has facilitated a number of outreach initiatives, including linking in with the nearby International Meeting Point.

46

Herald September 2025

The Bridge Having engaged in several outreach initiatives in the town centre of Banbridge, Ballydown Presbyterian sent a church planting core team to establish ‘The Bridge’. Led by assistant minister Scott McMenemy, it meets weekly for worship in rented space in the town centre, with a number of families and young people involved.

The Village In recent months, a new work has been established in the Village area of south Belfast led by mission pioneer, Gary O’Rourke, and supported by South Belfast Presbytery.

While the current focus is on outreach and community engagement based in halls owned by Richview Presbyterian, the aim is to develop a core team and a new worshipping community in due course.

West Belfast Since 2022, Rev David Moore has been serving in west Belfast and has formed a small core team under the heading ‘An Tionólann’ (or ‘The Gathering’) to help re-connect with an area where several Presbyterian congregations closed during the 1970s and 80s. A worship service is held on the first Sunday of each month in An Cultúrlann, a cultural heritage centre on the Falls Road, previously Broadway Presbyterian Church.

Wexford Rev David Curran was installed as minister of Wexford church development project in September 2024. Since then, a weekly home group Bible study has been established, along with some outreach initiatives. Following a modest renovation of the former Wexford Presbyterian building, which closed in 2022, there are plans for monthly worship services to commence in September 2025.

Save the date A major church planting conference is planned for Saturday 7 February 2026 with Rev Neil MacMillan (Cityto-City Europe) as keynote speaker. It’s a day to help encourage new church development and equip church planting teams. Come join us.

1700 years of the

Nicene Creed

John Woodside looks at the significance of the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed.

J

esus once posed a question to Simon Peter: “Who do who came as Saviour and the Holy Spirit as giver of life. It you say that I am?” The early Christian church found it emphasises that just as God is one, so is his church. necessary to formulate creeds to summarise what they As we reach the 1700th anniversary of Nicaea, the creeds believed about such important questions. The word are still important to: ‘creed’ derives from the Latin word credo meaning ‘I believe’.

• summarise the essential doctrines of the church; Some were short statements used by candidates at baptism • guide those who are responsible for its teaching; such as ‘Jesus Christ is Lord’. Others were more detailed as • inform those seeking to join it as members; guides for teaching in the church. They were important to • express oneness among believers when recited corporately distinguish ‘orthodox’ Christian teaching from false ideas and at worship; to maintain the unity of the church.

• foster unity in the essentials of the faith with churches Arius, a pastor from Egypt in the fourth century, came worldwide; into conflict with his bishop when he declared that: “The • connect the contemporary church to its historical roots; Son had a beginning but God has no beginning”. He • provide a foundation for worship ‘in spirit and truth’. presented Jesus as the first and greatest created being, a Thus, we delight to sing: semi-divine super hero. Arius’ bishop excommunicated him “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail the incarnate deity, as a false teacher but he had a popular following and the pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel.” church was in danger of splitting.

“Meekness and majesty, manhood and deity, in perfect harmony The Emperor Constantine responded by calling a Council the man who is God, Lord of eternity dwells in humanity, in 325 in Nicaea (Iznik in modern Turkey). Around 300 kneels in humility and washes our feet.” bishops attended and debate centred on the question: Is Jesus “Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty…God in three persons, of the ‘same substance’ as God the Father or is he a lesser blessed Trinity.” being? The Council agreed on the Greek term ‘homoousious’ This anniversary is an opportunity to thank God for those which means that the Father and the Son are ‘of one essence’. of past generations on whose shoulders we stand, who It described Jesus in these words: “True God of true God, earnestly “contended for the faith once for all entrusted to the begotten not made, of one substance with the Father.” saints” ( Jude 1:3).

So emerged the Nicene Creed which was later expanded in 381 at the Council of Rev John Woodside is minister Constantinople and to Remembering Nicaea emeritus of Drogheda this day is the standard An initiative by a Presbyterian member is encouraging Presbyterian Church and a of orthodoxy of Roman, Christian congregations across Ireland to use their service lecturer in Church History at Eastern Orthodox, Anglican on Sunday 5 October to ‘Remember Nicaea’.

Irish Bible Institute, Dublin. and Reformed churches as Suggestions and downloadable resources, well as many others. It has a including a historical piece, children’s page Trinitarian structure dealing and prayers, are available from first with God the Father nicaea1700.net or by scanning the QR code. as creator, Jesus the Son Herald September 2025

47

REVIEWS

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

The Cruciform Leader Alain Emerson

Blind Faith Torch Trust

MUDDY PEARL

PODCAST

««««« «««« « The Blind Faith podcast created by the Torch Trust is a series made up of 15–20-minute episodes that explore the faith of both visually impaired Christians and those who work with them at the Torch Trust.

The podcast hosts excellent and insightful conversations and whilst the episodes are personal in nature, themes can be drawn from each. In her interview, Torch Trust volunteer Edith talks about her initial perception of the visually impaired as being poor and needing help.

Through working alongside blind/ visually impaired individuals and later being married to a blind husband, she learnt that these assumptions were wrong and that blind/visually impaired individuals are as capable as sighted counterparts.

The series also explores strength of faith – when prayers for healing fail, some believe that the blind/visually impaired Christian isn’t strong in faith.

The podcast discusses how damaging this is, particularly for new Christians, and how the disability could, in fact, be part of God’s plan for an individual to carry out his work, and healing will come in heaven.

Another episode looks at the work of the Torch Trust: how it supports blind/visually impaired Christians in their faith.

Overall, this podcast is well worth a listen. The episodes are short enough in length to make it perfect for the commute to work or during a brief period of downtime.

AH

48

Herald September 2025

£15.99

«««««

This is a timely read in an era marred by leadership scandals within the global church. From celebrity pastors to local leaders, many of us have witnessed or experienced the fallout of moral failure or spiritual abuse. In sharp contrast, this book offers an alternative vision rooted in Scripture: a call for Christian leaders to embody hunger, holiness and humility in the way of the cross.

Writing with clarity and warmth, the author blends theological depth with practical insight, drawing on a broad spectrum of voices. What sets this book apart is its authenticity. A respected local pastor and long-time leader within Ireland, Emerson shares not only biblical reflections but also personal failures with disarming honesty. Perhaps that is what I found most refreshing about this read – not for triumphs that the author boasts about, but for failings he professes.

This vulnerability gives weight to his call for cruciform leadership marked not by power or platform, but by service, submission and sacrifice.

At times hard-hitting and always thought-provoking, The Cruciform Leader challenges readers – especially church leaders – to reflect deeply on their own leadership. The book is not a blueprint for success, but a summons to the humility and repentance that should characterise those who follow a crucified Saviour.

For any Christian leader seeking to lead faithfully in turbulent times, this is a compelling and worthwhile read.

RH

The Quiet Time Kickstart Rachel Jones GOOD BOOK COMPANY

£4.99

«««««

‘Six weeks to a healthy Bible habit’ is the aim, and subtitle, of this short and accessible book. It certainly achieves this by guiding the reader through a daily quiet time, covering 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Ruth and the first chapter of the gospel of Mark. It concludes with an eight-week reading plan for the remainder of Mark which the reader can continue independently.

The author understands that getting started and maintaining quiet times can be challenging, therefore each week includes daily Bible readings for five days, allowing time at the weekends to catch up. The daily format includes a manageable Bible passage, explanation and encouragement from the author, questions to consider, prayer suggestions and insights.

The Bible passages start small – making it easy to begin – and each chapter builds on the previous week, so by the end of the kickstart, the Bible passages are longer, the explanations more in-depth and the applications more extensive. The author’s commentary provides a guide in how to read the Bible by looking at what the passage actually says, the context, God’s purpose for us when we read it and how to approach difficult passages.

The author states: “The Creator God, who knit you together and saved you so you can live with him forever, wants to speak to you each and every day.” There are many kickstarts in life for our health, but Bible reading is the most valuable and this book will help it become a daily part of life.

LMcC

REVIEWERS

RD – Ruth Dalzell is coordinator of youth ministry and congregational discipleship in Second Comber AH – Andrew Hamilton belongs to St Andrew’s, Bangor

Dream Small: The secret power of the ordinary Christian life Seth Lewis

RH – Rick Hill is Secretary of the Council for Mission in Ireland LMcC – Lois McCrea is a member of Howth and Malahide Presbyterian Church AD – Andrew Dickson is PCI’s congregational life development officer SH – Suzanne Hamilton is an administrative assistant for the Herald

The Lodge Sessions JJ Heller

AVAILABLE VIA STREAMING SERVICES

GOOD BOOK COMPANY

£7.64

««««« «««« «

We all want our lives to matter. The world tells us that means dreaming big, chasing success, and making a name for ourselves. But in Dream Small: The power of the ordinary Christian life, Seth Lewis (pastor of Carrigtwohill Baptist Church in County Cork) gently challenges that thinking – and points us toward something far richer.

Lewis reminds us that our worth isn’t found in what we achieve, but in knowing our Creator. When we follow Jesus, we’re set free from the pressure to prove ourselves. Instead, we’re invited to direct our dreams toward what truly matters: serving others, investing in people, and living faithfully – even when it seems small or unnoticed.

Rooted in Scripture and everyday life, this short, thoughtful book unpacks how small acts of obedience can have eternal impact. Lewis describes the Christian life as an “upside-down ladder,” where greatness is measured not by status or success, but by humility and service.

For those weary of worldly expectations, Dream Small offers a hopeful and liberating reminder: in God’s eyes, nothing done for him is ever wasted. This book is a warm and timely encouragement to find joy in the quiet, faithful life God calls us to live.

AD

««««« JJ Heller is a Christian artist who has been making music for over 20 years.

Since 2017, she has been releasing a song every month. Her new album, The Lodge Sessions, is a collection of some of these songs.

The focus of this album is around

Unmaking Mary: Shattering the myth of perfect motherhood Chine McDonald HODDER & STOUGHTON

£10.99

««««« ««« ««

The subheading ‘Shattering the myth of perfect motherhood’ perfectly describes what this book is about.

As director of religion and society think tank Theos and a regular contributor to TV and radio, Chine McDonald is known by many in her professional capacity. This book, however, is more personal, giving an honest account of her struggles with being a mother.

Blending memoir with cultural and

parenthood and family life. In her biography we read, “At some point in our lives, we all want someone to believe in us, to remind us there is beauty in the world, and to tell us that everything’s going to be OK.” As a mother of two girls, just like JJ, I found that this album resonated with me more than most other albums.

This album is full of songs which encourages parents in their family life, helping them with truths to share with their children. Songs like Things I’m Thankful For, I Love You Forever and Proud of You help little ones know they are loved, and songs such as Motherhood, Time’s Never Wasted and Big Love, Small Moments help parents and carers know they are not alone as they seek to bring up their children.

As one of the songs says, “Everything is sacred when you take time to take notice”.

RD

social history, she explores how art, literature, culture and society – including the depiction of the Virgin Mary – has created an expectation of perfect motherhood which is so far removed from reality that it “causes a fracture in our sense of self, as too often we judge ourselves for the failure to live up to the impossible standard.”

Body image, breastfeeding, whether to work or not, are among the many different pressures facing mothers. McDonald doesn’t shy away from taboo subjects either.

McDonald argues that the church can help by supporting women and community. “As more and more people live away from their families, the role of the local church in supporting families has never been more needed,” she writes.

Not everyone will agree with everything McDonald says, but she provides plenty to ponder on, both in our attitudes to motherhood and also to Mary.

McDonald writes: “Mary of Nazareth was no wallflower…we find in the pages of history an extraordinary woman, who gave birth to a son, but also to a movement that changed the world.”

SH

Herald September 2025

49

LIFE IN PCI Children’s Day in Upper Clonaneese Over 30 children and young people led the praise at the recent Children’s Day in Upper Clonaneese Presbyterian Church.

Throughout the Sunday school year, through memory work, lessons, crafts and visitors, the young people in the County Tyrone church have been thinking of how to shine their light so the world can see God through them. Aptly, ‘Shining our light for Jesus’ was the focus for their Children’s Day presentation.

Following the singing of the concluding praise, Build Your Kingdom, the Sunday school prizes and the prizes for church attendance were presented. Reece Sharkey received the Wm. Colbert plaque which is awarded for memory work, attendance and colouring a Bible picture; Faith Bell received the W.J. Stinson Cup for memory work and attendance; John Stinson received the Emma Dickson Cup for the highest attendance at Sunday school for over 12 years; and Peter McMullan was awarded a prize for full attendance.

Top left: John Stinson, Hilary Colbert and Rev Jackie Spence.

Top right: Peter McMullan, Hilary Colbert and Rev Jackie Spence.

Bottom: Members of the Sunday school who presented the programme.

Celebration at restoration completion Abbey Church in Dublin recently celebrated the completion of a long-running spire restoration project.

The church is known to Dubliners as ‘Findlaters’ – after the Presbyterian businessman who paid for its construction – and the congregation relocated from Mary’s Abbey to this prime spot in Parnell Square 160 years ago.

Its minister Rev Alan Boal explained, “An old building can become a burden; especially when it comes to deciding on costly work to the spire.

One member asked the pertinent question: ‘will anyone notice if we do this restoration?’ The problem was that structural integrity demanded it. So we took the plunge, selling another building to release the funds required.”

50

Herald September 2025

He said they were determined that all the services and activities associated with the four churches using the premises, would continue throughout the project, adding, “It was only after the scaffold came down that we realised what an impact it was having on the local community.

“People noticed. The media contacted. Our neighbours at the Castle Hotel offered to do the catering free of charge for an opening event. So we invited everyone who had worked on the project, friends, family, local businesses, civic and religious leaders. Nearly 200 people turned up from every walk of life to hear Dublin Lord Mayor, Emma Blain, commend the work and its positive impact.”

The congregation intends to develop these connections and collaborate with those who are trying to improve an area often in the news for the wrong reasons.

“Stones can make an impression. We must become living stones whose impression on our community lasts into all eternity,” said Mr Boal.

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

Birthday celebrations in Loughbrickland Former Moderator Dr Ian McNie visited Mary Shannon on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Mrs Shannon was born into Annaclone congregation and is now in Loughbrickland congregation. Also pictured is Dr Mark Gray, vacancy convener.

100th birthday in Gardenmore Former Moderator Dr Michael Barry visited Iris Todd, to mark the occasion of her 100th birthday. Miss Todd is a member of Gardenmore Presbyterian Church. Rev Ben Johnston, members of the County Antrim congregation and Esther Barry also joined her for the celebration.

New minister in Woodlands Rev David Kelly has been installed as minister of Woodlands Presbyterian Church. He is pictured in the front row with Rev Jonathan Moxen (moderator of Carrickfergus Presbytery). Standing are Dr Colin McClure (presbytery clerk), Rev John Stanbridge, Niall McConkey, Norman Smyth, Ken McKinley and Dr Andrew Mullan.

Seskinore celebrates 200 years The County Tyrone congregation of Seskinore Presbyterian has marked its 200th anniversary. Amanda Dunlop (clerk of session), James Patterson (retired clerk of session), Dr Richard Murray (former Moderator) and Rev Robert Orr (minister) are pictured at the recent celebration.

Anniversary marked in Macosquin Members of 331st Macosquin Presbyterian Girls’ Brigade (Coleraine) celebrated their 40th annual display recently. Pictured are the girls within the Company and Explorer sections alongside captain Cheryl Blair, chaplain Rev Mark Goudy, officers and associates.

Herald September 2025

51

LIFE IN PCI

New elders in Carrowdore and Ballyfrenis

Retirement in Ardstraw

A commission of the Presbytery of Ards recently held a service of ordination and installation for four new elders in Carrowdore and Ballyfrenis Presbyterian Church. The new elders – Jason Tew, Pamela Brown, Emma Heald and Linda Clements – are pictured in the front row with Rev John Flaherty (left), Rev Mark Johnston (centre) and Rev Andras Gilicze (right). Back row: Mark Spence, Jill Brady, Rev Jeff McWatters, Rev Mairisine Stanfield, Herbert Robinson (clerk of session), Elizabeth Warden and Rev Gareth Simpson.

Arlene Stevenson is pictured receiving a gift from Rev David Reid, on her retirement after 46 years of service to Ardstraw Girls’ Brigade in County Tyrone, with 30 years as company captain. She also received flowers from the new company captain, Danielle Stevenson. The presentation was made during the annual display and parents’ night.

Seedtime and Ploughmans service in Ballyblack New elders in Islandmagee A commission of Carrickfergus Presbytery recently ordained new elders in Islandmagee Presbyterian. Pictured are: Rev David Cromie, Dr Colin McClure (presbytery clerk), Isabelle Strugnell, Robert Smith (new elder), Rev John Stanbridge, Hilary Marsden (new elder), Alan Bell, Rev Jonathan Moxen (presbytery moderator) and Ken McKinley.

The annual Seedtime and Ploughmans service in Ballyblack Presbyterian took place recently. The praise was led by Ballyclare Male Choir and the guest speaker was John McClenaghan, deputy president of the Ulster Farmers’ Union. The generous offering on the night was £903 for Rural Support. Pictured at the County Down church are Alison Mayne, Amy Thompson, Dr Sinclair Mayne, David Lemon, Rev Andras Gilicze, Lisa McClenaghan, Mr McClenaghan, Catherine Champion, Pete Champion, Dr George Beale, David McCracken, Georgia McClenaghan, Trevor Thompson and James Martin.

New elders in South Kirk A service of ordination and installation to the office of ruling elder was held in South Kirk Presbyterian recently. The new elders – Robbie Montgomery, Salman Shariati, Sarah Farling, Becky Montgomery, Kirky O’Connor, Josephine Bundu and Lauren Bingham – are pictured in the front row. Back row: Rev Ivan Steen, Colin Houston, Rev Elyse McCroskey, Dr Ian McNie, Cecil Graham and Rev David Gray.

52

Herald September 2025

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

Drumreagh member celebrates

Birthday milestone in Ballyeaston

Former Moderator and minister of Drumreagh Presbyterian Church, Dr Richard Murray, presented Margaret McLean with a 100th birthday card at her Ballymoney home recently. Also pictured is John Walker, former clerk of session and Mrs McLean’s long-term elder in Drumreagh.

The Moderator Dr Trevor Gribben recently visited Lily McNair at her home to pass on the good wishes of the wider Church as family and friends celebrated her 100th birthday. She is a member of First Ballyeaston congregation in County Antrim and regularly attends Sunday worship.

CROSSWORD Puzzle no 301 1

2

solution on page 58 3

4

5

6

7

8 9

10

11 12 13

14

15

16

17

18 19

20

21

22

23

24 26

29

25 27

ACROSS 1 Iconic WW2 aircraft (8) 5 Soreness (4) 9 Manchester born (9) 10 In debt (3) 11 Reading of a poem (10) 13 Uptight (5) 15 Honour (7) 18 Not at home (4) 19 In want (5) 22 Demand (6) 24 African antelope (3) 26 Stringed instrument (5) 27 Strange (7) 29 O.T. heroine (6) 30 Very active! (6)

DOWN 1 Kind outsider (9) 2 State of purity (9) 3 Plum is this (5) 4 Train station (4,8) 6 Preparer of food (4) 7 For ever and ever (8) 8 Upsets (6) 12 Darns or embroiders (4) 14 Eastern English cathedral (3) 16 In twos (5) 17 Feline (3) 20 Changes (5) 21 End of life? (5) 23 Devout woman (3) 25 Pottery material (4) 28 Operate (3)

28

30 compiled by Harry Douglas

Herald September 2025

53

Milngavie United Free Church of Scotland

First Donegore Presbyterian Church, Parkgate, Ballyclare

is seeking to appoint a part-time (3 hrs per week)

Full Time Minister Based, since 1929, in the attractive residential area of Milngavie which is six miles from Glasgow City Centre, we are a small, friendly congregation.

We wish to appoint a full-time Minister to lead our congregation with an evangelistic heart and a desire to share the good news of Jesus Christ and see Christ’s church grow. We wish an experienced empathetic pastor with excellent communication skills to provide pastoral care and support to our church members.

For further information, please contact Justin Hargreaves, Session Clerk, at

jsjhargreaves@gmail.com

United Free Church of Scotland: www.ufcos.org.uk Milngavie United Free Church of Scotland: www.milngavie.church

Get together, have fun and help beat poverty.

The Big Quiz Night is back! Invite friends, family and church together for an all-age evening of fun – all in the name of an amazing cause.

Saturday 15 November at a church near you.

Visit tearfund.org/niquiz to find out more. +44 (0)28 9073 0060 /TearfundNI

ni@tearfund.org

Registered office: Tearfund, 100 Church Road, Teddington, TW11 8QE. Registered in England: 994339. A company limited by guarantee. Registered Charity No. 265464 (England & Wales) Registered Charity No. SC037624 (Scotland)

54

Herald September 2025

MUSICAL COORDINATOR We are looking for an enthusiastic pianist or organist who is passionate about serving God to help lead worship and develop the worship ministry within our congregation.

For further information please contact Email: info@firstdonegore.org Web: www.firstdonegore.org Closing date for applications is 30 September 2025.

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 The closing date for applications is Friday 17 October 2025 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland – NIC105373

Did you, a loved one, or someone you know serve in The Ulster Defence Regiment?

The Ulster Defence Regiment Benevolent Fund is here to help!

Through our delivery partners, we now provide help with financial advice and support, healthcare, mental healthcare and wellbeing.

For more information: T: 077 2067 7838 or E: udrbenfund@outlook.com #KeepTheBenFundNumber Proof of service will be required.

Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland: NIC107024

74261 - UDR Ben Fund Newtownards Advertiser 130x160mm V2.indd 1

19/06/2025 17:01

REFLECTIONS

Haptic humans Ruth Sanderson

W

hen I was a child, the dark nooks and crannies study, she and fellow academics now believe that reading in of the Ulster Museum, pre-renovation, were a medieval times wasn’t just about words and pictures, but also thing of wonder. Like me, you may have snuck about the marks one left on the page. away to gaze at minerals and crystals, glittering She pointed out that these marks had been quite deliberate gold and emeralds from some foreign Armada, or, if you were and the same pattern of defacement had happened through very brave, peeked into the glass case containing the gilded most of the books from that time. It seems now that medieval Egyptian child-princess Takabuti. readers ‘interacted’ with the tales in a very physical way. Not Something stands out in my memory though. I recall only that, but the way subsequent readers interpreted the looking intensely at a piece of pottery – perhaps a clay jug book was changed slightly as the illustrations were altered. or cup – possibly a thousand years old. It was part of quite For example, the character who had been pressed down by a workaday display and the flat, matt pinky-brown clay a thumbprint was a good figure in the book, yet seeing a certainly dazzled less than the other shining treasures. The very decisive thumbprint on their head changed how one thing I couldn’t stop staring at though, perceived them. was that this little piece of pottery had She had recently been inspired to use I wonder what fingerprints on it. this idea of ‘haptic reading’ with modern At some distant point in time, someone thumbprints of God are groups. She ran a workshop with those had pressed their thumb and finger living with HIV and another with young visible on our lives together to make a ridge and their people in care who had come from today? indelible, unique stamp had been left. troubled backgrounds. Both groups had Would they ever have imagined that one a difficult relationship with physical day, a millennium later, a little girl from the future, in a part touch. They wrote a short paragraph about themselves, and of the world unknown to the maker, might have stared at then used ink pads to create images around the text using their prints and felt the chord of time shorten? I spent a long their own fingerprints, thumbprints and palms. The result was time afterwards thinking of those fingerprints, wondering moving, and created immediate extra depth and meaning, about the person who had made them. Then, as I grew up, the and often a change of narrative to what was written on memory receded and tucked itself into a drawer in the very the page. I was amazed at how much a simple idea, carried back of my brain. through from the earliest ages of reading right through to the That little unused mental drawer opened last week when present day, could be so effective and affecting.

I found myself looking at another thumbprint, wondering It made me think of our own lives. Often in the Christian about the person who made it and what they were thinking. life, we use the analogy of God as the potter, moulding our I was in the office of a professor of Medieval Literature; she lives and creating us with clay, his fingerprints in our creation. was showing me pictures from early printed manuscripts However, I love the idea of the print marks of God changing telling the tale of King Arthur. the status of our lives. How, like the medieval readers and the These legends followed a similar story arc, and were kids in care, the marks made on our stories change how we peppered with gilded illustrations of Arthur, Guinevere and are viewed by others as well as ourselves, how his impressions the Knights of the Round Table. They were beautiful and on us change our purpose and meaning. Moreover, how wrought in delicate colours and gold leaf; the perspective Christ changes the narrative of our lives through the very was flat and the characters wore chain mail, long triangular physical marks he received on the cross. sleeves, stockings and swords. However, the thing that stood I wonder what thumbprints of God are visible on our lives out were smudges and marks, thumb and fingerprints over today? The prints which mark that he has been active in our the pictures. story and changed us to follow a different path, a different On one plate, the face of Guinevere had been deliberately narrative – one full of redemption, purpose and intention smudged out; on another, a character had had a thick – one which is always changing, full of thumbprints which thumbprint pressed down as though being thought of badly. are always emerging, shaping and changing our story for the The academic explained to me that in this new field of better.

Herald September 2025

55

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.

BALLINA SPECIAL MINISTRY MR RICK HILL: c/o Mission Department, Assembly Buildings, 2–10 Fisherwick Place, Belfast, BT1 6DW. BANBRIDGE ROAD, DROMORE: REV R.A. LIDDLE: Mr Alan Robinson, 25 Beresford Green, Dromore, BT25 1HF. BLOOMFIELD: REV GRAEME KENNEDY: Mr Andrew Shott, 7 The Walled Garden, Belfast, BT4 2WG. BUSHMILLS: (Reviewable Tenure – 5 years) VERY REV DR D.I.J. McNIE: Rev Martin Gracey, 6 Bush Crescent, Bushmills, BT57 8AJ. DONEGAL TOWN and STRANORLAR: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV ROBERT ORR: (Donegal Town) Mr Oswald Perry, Drumenagh, Donegal Town, F94 N7P8. (Stranorlar) Mrs Audrey Chambers, Magheracorran, Convoy, Co Donegal.

DUNMURRY & KILMAKEE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV S. STOCKMAN: (Dunmurry) Rev Gilbert Young, 39 Saintfield Road, Lisburn, BT27 5BH. (Kilmakee) Mr Alastair White, 94 Greenburn Way, Lambeg, Lisburn, BT27 4LU. FINTONA & DROMORE: REV JONATHAN COWAN: (Fintona) Mr Keith Boland, 119 Blackhill Road, Fintona, Omagh, BT78 2LN. (Dromore) Mr Lynden Keys, 25 New Park Road, Dromore, Omagh, BT78 3JU. KELLS: REV M.J.R. NEILLY: Mr B. Turtle, 6 Appletee Lane, Kellswater, Ballymena, BT42 2LS. LOUGHBRICKLAND and SCARVA: (Reviewable Tenure – 5 years) REV DR MARK GRAY: (Loughbrickland) Mr Fred Cairns, 20 Scarva Street, Loughbrickland, Co Down. (Scarva) Mr Robert Jordan, 3 Station Rd, Scarva, Co Armagh, BT63 6JY. OMAGH, TRINITY and GILLYGOOLEY: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV JANE NELSON: (Trinity) Mrs Claire McElhinney, 112 Clanabogan Road, Omagh, BT78 1SN. (Gillygooley), Mr Raymond Smyth, 82 Gillygooley Road, Omagh, BT78 5PX. RATHGAR – CHRIST CHURCH: REV LORRAINE KENNEDY-RITCHIE: Mr Paul Fry, 44 Monolea Wood, Firhouse, Dublin 24, D24 A2V3.

RALOO and MAGHERAMORNE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV ANDREW WATSON: (Raloo) Mr Geoff McBride, 72 Raloo Road, Larne, BT40 3DU. (Magheramorne) Mr Morris Gardner, 89 Ballypollard Road, Magheramorne, Larne, BT40 3JG. RASHARKIN & DUNLOY: REV R.J. WATT: (Rasharkin) Mr Samuel Kirkpatrick, 71 Mullan Road, Ballymoney, BT53 7ED. (Dunloy) Mr Jonathan Gault, 9 Drumnagee Road, Dunseverick, Bushmills, BT57 8TE. SECOND CASTLEDERG & DRUMQUIN: REV ROBERT McFAUL: (Second Castlederg) Mr Bert Huey, Tossa, 8 Listymore Road, Castlederg, BT81 7JG. (Drumquin) Dr Paul Booth, 54 Bradan Road, Drumquin, Omagh, BT78 4QQ. STRABANE and SION MILLS: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV P.B. HOUSTON: (Strabane) Mr William Watson, 44 Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9QS. (Sion Mills) Mr Colin Campbell, 26 Albert Place, Sion Mills, Strabane, BT82 9HN. TRINITY, AHOGHILL and GRANGE WITH CRAIGMORE: REV N.G. MULHOLLAND: (Trinity, Ahoghill) Mr G. Knowles, 67 Tuppenny Road, Gracehill, Ballymena, BT42 2NW. (Grange with Craigmore) Mr Jamie Harris, 32 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3BE.

56

Herald September 2025

2. LEAVE TO CALL DEFERRED BALLYRONEY and DRUMLEE: REV LIAM RUTHERFORD: (Ballyroney) Mr David Peters, 30 Seafin Road, Ballyroney, Banbridge, BT32 5ER. (Drumlee) Mr Graham Truesdale, 128 Lackan Road, Ballyward, Castlewellan, BT31 9RX. GORTNESSY: REV DR SETH WRIGHT: Mr Ross Hyndman, 32 Temple Road, Strathfoyle, Londonderry, BT47 6UB. HILLTOWN and CLONDUFF: REV KENNETH NELSON: (Hilltown) Mr John Ervine, 51 Rostrevor Road, Hilltown, Newry, BT34 5TZ. (Clonduff ) Mr Cecil Brown, 39 Bannfield Road, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5HG. RICHVIEW: REV N.S. HARRISON: Mr Victor Garland, 25 Abingdon Drive, Belfast, BT12 5PX.

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

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

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

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

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

3. DECLARED VACANT ANAGHLONE and GARVAGHY: REV D. CONKEY: (Anaghlone) Mr John Logan, 4 Bluehill Road, Katesbridge, Banbridge, BT32 5LU. (Garvaghy) Mr James Smyth, 35 Tullyglush Road, Banbridge, BT32 3TN. BADONEY, CORRICK & GLENELLY: REV ROGER McELNEA: (Badoney & Corrick) Mr Edmund Allison, 31a Strahulter Road, Newtownstewart, BT78 4ED. (Glenelly) Mr Ivan McKelvey, 37 Main Street, Plumbridge, BT79 8AA. BAILIEBOROUGH FIRST & TRINITY, CORRANEARY & ERVEY: REV JONATHAN PORTER: (Bailieborough, First) Mr Fred Gilmore, Lisgar, Bailieborough, Co Cavan, A82 YW66. (Bailieborough, Trinity) Mr Leslie McKeague, Urcher, Bailieborough, Co Cavan, A82 EY72. (Corraneary) Dr Alan Hunter, 9 Rockfield Rise, Cootehill, Co Cavan, H16 PX00. (Ervey) Miss Jean Archibald, Largy, Drumconrath, Navan, Co Meath, C15 PH99.

BALLEE: REV T.P. McCULLOUGH: Mr John Quigley, 81 Queen’s Avenue, Magherafelt, BT45 6DB. BALLYCAIRN: REV MORRIS GAULT: Mrs Lucy Mulholland, 32 Blenheim Park, Carryduff, BT8 8NN. BALLYCASTLE: REV G.W.M. GLASGOW: Pat Shirley, 22 Dunamallaght Rd, Ballycastle, BT54 6PB. BALLYKEEL: REV R.A. MORRISON: Mr T. Simpson, 163 Crebilly Road, Ballymena, BT42 4DP. BALLYNAHATTY & CREEVAN: REV JONATHAN COWAN: (Ballynahatty & Creevan) Mr John Nevin, 116A Clanabogan Road, Omagh, BT78 1SN. BALLYNAHINCH, FIRST: REV ANDREW CONWAY: Mr Brian McKee, 25 Mourne View, Ballynahinch, BT24 8EL.

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

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

BANAGHER: REV DR MARK GOUDY: Mr Ivan J. Montgomery, 66 Teenaght Road, Claudy, BT47 4DD.

GARRYDUFF: REV NOEL McCLEAN: Mr Stanley Lee, 12 Cambourne Park, Ballymoney, BT53 7PG.

BELLAGHY and KNOCKLOUGHRIM: REV TREVOR BOYD: (Bellaghy) Mr Harry Ferson, 12 Railway Terrace, Castledawson, Magherafelt, BT45 8AY. (Knockloughrim) Mr Wilbur Bownes, 10 Meadowell Fold, Westland Gardens, Magherafelt, BT45 5DP.

GLASCAR and DONAGHMORE: REV R.M. MOODY: (Glascar) Mr Alan Little, 38 Loughbrickland Road, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5HF. (Donaghmore) Mr David Shilliday, 21 Cargabane Road, Donaghmore, Newry, BT34 1SB.

BELVOIR: REV B.J. WALKER: Mr Brian Dunwoody, 19 Drumart Drive, Belfast, BT8 7ET.

HELEN’S BAY: REV ANNE TOLLAND: Mr David McAuley, 23 Beverley Hills, Bangor, BT20 4NA.

BENBURB: REV BOB ALLELY: Miss Janice Allen, 5 Langs Crescent, Armagh, BT60 1DB.

HYDEPARK and LYLEHILL: REV ALAN MOORE: (Hydepark) Mrs Lynas Alexander, 22 Broadacres, Templepatrick, BT39 0AY.

BOARDMILLS, TRINITY: REV GRANT CONNOR: Mr Adrian Patterson, 41 Cabra Road, Legacurry, BT26 6NB. CARLISLE RD & CROSSROADS: REV JOHN HANNA: (Carlisle Road) Mr Trevor Galbraith, 45 Hazelbank Road, Drumahoe, BT37 3NX. (Crossroads) Mr Richard Russell, 31 Creevagh Road, Londonderry, BT48 9XB. CASTLEDAWSON & CURRAN: REV STEWART GLENDINNING: (Castledawson) Mr Grainger Stewart, 46 Killyneease Road, Castledawson, BT45 8DS. (Curran) Mr Robin Boyce, 48 Lurganagoose Road, Knockloughrim, BT45 8QY. CAVANALECK & AUGHENTAINE: REV RODNEY BEACOM: (Cavanaleck) Dr Charles McKibbin, 9 Tattenabuddagh Lane, Fivemiletown, BT75 0NW. (Aughentaine) Mr John McCrory, Screeby Road, Fivemiletown, BT75 0TP. CRUMLIN: REV STEPHEN McNIE: Mr James Livingstone, “Edin”, 56 Largy Road, Crumlin, BT29 4RW. CUMBER and UPPER CUMBER: REV DR ROBERT BUICK: (Cumber) Mr Cecil Pollock, 248 Tamnaherin Road, Londonderry, BT47 3LY. (Upper Cumber) Mr Jack McFarland, 12 Cregg Road, Claudy, Londonderry, BT47 4HX. DONEGORE, SECOND: REV E. McDOWELL: Mr Samuel Gawn, 120 Parkgate Road, Kells.

DROMARA, FIRST: REV M. DAVIDSON: Mr I. McCullagh, 10 Mullaghdrin Road, Dromara, BT25 2AF. DROMARA, SECOND: REV DR A. SLEITH: Mr Richard Kernaghan, 89 Rathfriland Road, Dromara, BT25 2EB. DRUMBANAGHER FIRST & JERRETTSPASS AND KINGSMILLS: REV B.D. COLVIN: (First Drumbanagher & Jerrettspass) Mr George Moffett, 16 Glen Road, Drummiller, Newry, BT34 1EP. (Kingsmills) Mr Raymond McCormick, 119 Kingsmills Road, Bessbrook, Newry, BT35 7BP.

KEADY, SECOND & DRUMHILLERY: REV W.J.I. THOMPSON: (Second Keady) Mr David Coulter, 14 Woodford Heights, Armagh, BT60 2DY. (Drumhillery) Mr Ivan Orr, 79 Cormeen Road, Killylea, BT60 4NA. KELLS: (Home Mission) REV ALAN McQUADE: Miss Ruth McCartney, Shancarnan, Moynalty, Kells, Co Meath, A82 PF60.

KILREA, SECOND: REV BRIAN SMYTH: Mr John McIlrath, 9 Moyagoney Road, Kilrea, BT51 5SX. LURGAN, FIRST: REV L.W. WEBSTER: Mr Norman McCleery, 12 McCormack Gardens, Lurgan, BT66 8LE. NEWTOWNARDS, SECOND: REV C.W. JACKSON: Mr Ivan Patterson, 11 Heron Crescent, Newtownards, BT23 8WH. NEWTOWNSTEWART and GORTIN: REV JONATHAN BOYD: (Newtownstewart) Mr David Dunbar, 32 Main Street, Newtownstewart, BT78 4AA. (Gortin) Mr Adrian Adams, 32 Lisnaharney Road, Lislap, Omagh, BT79 7UE. PORTAVOGIE: REV G.J. SIMPSON: RANDALSTOWN, O.C.: REV CHRIS WILSON: Mr Alun Coulter, 48 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3DB. RAPHOE and BALLINDRAIT: REV R. EDGAR: Mrs Sylvia Cole, The Common, Raphoe, Donegal.

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

DRUMGOOLAND and KILKINAMURRY: REV ANDY DOWNEY: (Drumgooland) Dr Alastair Chestnutt, 22 Fruitvalley Road, Ballyward, Castlewellan, Co Down, BT31 9RE. (Kilkinamurry) Mr Mervyn Copes, 43 Carnpark Road, Dromara, Dromore, Co Down, BT25 2HD.

ROSTREVOR & WARRENPOINT: REV R.J.A. McCLURE: (Warrenpoint) Mrs Heather Gray, 25 Donaghaguy Road, Warrenpoint, BT34 3RZ. (Rostrevor) Mrs Doreen Henderson, 14 Greenpark Road, Rostrevor, BT34 3EY.

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

SLIGO: REV DANIEL REYES-MARTIN: Mr Albert Higgins, Carraroe, Sligo.

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

THE MALL, ARMAGH: REV IAN ABRAHAM: Mr Colin Berry, 26 Killuney Park Road, Armagh, BT61 9HG.

ESKYLANE: REV W.J.C. BROGAN: Mr S. McKee, 14 Eskylane Road, Antrim, BT41 2LL.

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

FAHAN: REV PHILIP POOTS: Mr James Lamberton, 1 Deanfield, Limavady Road, Londonderry, BT47 6HY. FAUGHANVALE: REV P. LINKENS: Mr Donald Montgomery, 25 Carnmoney Road, Eglinton, BT47 3JJ.

TULLYCARNET: REV R.S.J. McILHATTON: URNEY: REV ROBERT McFAUL: Mr Norman McMullan, 80 Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9QT. continued on page 58

Herald September 2025

57

CHURCH RECORD continued from page 57 WATERSIDE: REV COLIN JONES: Mr William McIlwaine, 19 Glenaden Hill, Altnagelvin Park, Londonderry, BT47 2LJ. WOODBURN & LOUGHMORNE: REV JOHN STANBRIDGE: (Woodburn) Mr Robert Logan, 555B Doagh Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 5BT. (Loughmorne) Mr Lionel Brehaut, 21 Cairn Road, Carrickfergus, BT38 9AP.

TEMPORARY STATED SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT ARMAGH ROAD, PORTADOWN: REV P. McCLELLAND: Dr David Lowry, 5 Ridgeway Park South, Portadown, BT62 3DG. BELLVILLE: REV J.T. GRAHAM: Mr Mervyn King, 29 Ardmore Road, Derryadd, Lurgan, BT66 6QP. SPA and MAGHERAHAMLET: REV DAVID BINGHAM: (Spa) Mr Stephen McBride, 28 Ballynahinch Road, Castlewellan, BT31 9PA. (Magherahamlet) Mr David Whan, 74 Castlewellan Road, Dromara, BT25 2JN. WHITEHEAD: REV P. BOVILL: Mr Warren Heggan, 44 Middle Road, Islandmagee, Larne, BT40 3SL.

THE MINISTRY Licensed: Alex Richardson, by the Armagh Presbytery, on 8 June 2025 James Burke, by the Iveagh Presbytery, on 15 June 2025 Matthew Banks, by the Newry Presbytery, on 20 June 2025 Jack Neilly, by the Ards Presbytery, on 22 June 2025 Resigned: Rev James (Jamie) Maguire, resigned as Minister of First Drumbanagher & Jerrettspass and Kingsmills, 22 June 2025 Rev Alan Marsh, resigned as Minister of Second Keady and Drumhillery, 26 June 2025 Rev Jon-Ross Kernohan, resigned as Minister of Carlisle Road and Crossroads, 30 June 2025 Rev John O’Donnell, resigned as Minister of 1st & Trinity Bailieborough, Corraneary and Ervey, 24 July 2025 Installed: Rev James (Jamie) Maguire, was installed as Minister of Moira, 25 June 2025 Rev Alan Marsh, was installed as Minister of Strand, 27 June 2025 Rev John O’Donnell, was installed as Minister of Lucan, 25 July 2025 Retired: Rev Rodney Thompson, as Minister of Badoney, Corrick and Glenelly, 30 June 2025 Very Rev Dr Charles McMullen, as Minister of Bangor West, 31 July 2025

THE ELDERSHIP

Let’s Pray PCI’s weekly email resource is a great way of keeping up to date with the latest PCI prayer requests.

‘Let’s Pray’ provides prayer topics for the coming week, and features prayers and requests concerning all aspects of the life and work of the Church.

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

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 MILLISLE: 2/3 bedroom bungalow with sea views. Rental September–March. No pets. 07743 667546.

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

Piano Tuning Services available throughout Ireland

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

58

Herald September 2025

CROSSWORD Solution to No 301

ACROSS 1 Spitfire 5 Ache 9 Mancunian 10 Owe 11 Recitation 13 Tense 15 Respect 18 Away 19 Needy 22 Insist 24 Gnu 26 Sitar 27 Unusual 29 Esther 30 Lively

DOWN 1 Samaritan 2 Innocence 3 Fruit 4 Rail terminus 6 Cook 7 Eternity 8 Annoys 12 Sews 14 Ely 16 Pairs 17 Cat 20 Edits 21 Death 23 Nun 25 Clay 28 Use

Ordained and Installed: CRAIGAVON: Graeme Belshaw, Trevor Canning, Peter Graham, Richard Pickering EBRINGTON: Christine Holmes FIRST OMAGH: Ian Alexander, Linda Ellis, Stuart Harper, Janice Vance LOANENDS: John Porter RAFFREY: Cecil Nelson Retired: GREENISLAND: Susan Mannis ISLANDMAGEE: June Coyle, Irene Crawford, Sherman Hawthorne, Hazel Nelson, Ronnie Nelson JOYMOUNT: Peter Denny Died: BALLINA: Yvonne Craven CLONTARF & SCOTS: Helen Sparksman FRANKFORD: Harold Hill MAGHERAHAMLET: Leslie Broome

Church AV Specialists

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

07855 450887 How to subscribe Have you enjoyed reading the Presbyterian Herald, but don’t yet subscribe?

If so, consider supporting the Herald by taking out an annual subscription – printed and digital options are available.

The cheapest way to buy a printed copy is through congregational agents at £20/€24. Postal subscriptions are also available – contact herald@presbyterianireland.org A digital subscription costs £16 (Euro equivalent) from Issuu – issuu.com/presbyterianireland

Gather in Faith, Sit in ComFort.

Create a welcoming, comfortable space for your congregation or community.

D O N AT I O N E N V E LO P E S

Church Envelopes

WHITE LILAC SKY LIME PINK

21-Dec-2025

AQUA

Only buy the envelope numbers that you need

CITRUS

Great value envelopes from your local accredited supplier

THE BENEFITS!

Whether you’re preparing for Sunday worship, a choir rehearsal, or a large community event, our smart storage seating options make setup effortless and provide adaptable comfort for every occasion. Visit our showroom to view our full range of office furniture: Owen O’Cork Mill, 288 Beersbridge Rd, Belfast, BT5 5DX.

• Save Money • Fresh Colours • Better Visibility

• Locally Sourced • COVID Secure • Larger Envelope

THE CASE STUDY We only print and supply the actual number of Envelope Sets that you need for your contributing members.

One congregation was able to reduce the envelope sets they purchased from 350 to 200 and saved 48%!

[deskwarehouse]

This congregation saved £515!

T: 0800 9996055 deskwarehouse.co.uk

DONVELOPE.NET

Read the full Case Study here: Tricord 3A Ballygowan Road, Hillsborough BT26 6HX