Wider World Spring 2021

Spring: March-May 2021

WIDER WORLD What’s inside Our Special Home Project launch 2020-22 Open NI (A ministry of CARE in Northern Ireland)

PW Devotional by Catherine Campbell, Together in Service Joanna and Suzanna

Trinity House Garvagh, caravan update from Denise Keegan

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A word from the PW President

Heather Clements “Yet there is one ray of hope: his compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his loving-kindness begins afresh each day” Lamentations 3:21-23 (Living Bible)

“Yet, in the midst of the pandemic that brought disruption and grief to so many, there was always hope. ”

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I was considering what I would say in this article as I was returning from a socially distanced walk on a dreary winter’s day. I was reminded of these verses when I saw the crocus shoots appearing above the dark soil in the garden heralding spring and the promise of brighter days. The news bulletins that night showed images of people receiving the vaccine against Covid 19 and gave further hope that the pandemic would be defeated, sooner rather than later.

It has been easy to feel that everything was hopeless over the past year. We were separated from friends and family, and the things that so often gave us pleasure - hugging family, shopping trips, meals out, holidays - were all stripped away. We missed our times of fellowship in church and especially in PW and other ladies meetings. Yet, in the midst of the pandemic that brought disruption and grief to so many, there was always hope. These verses remind us that God’s compassion towards his people never ends. He is merciful and faithful.

We don’t know what further impact Covid 19 will have on how PW will operate over the next year. Meeting for conferences in large groups will probably still not be possible for some time. However, I have been so impressed that many of our groups have developed new ways of reaching out to ladies in their congregations showing love and kindness and encouraging one another. As we look to the future of PW we do so in the knowledge that God has called us to serve him wherever he has placed us. We all have different gifts and maybe during the pandemic you have realised that God has a work for you to do in your PW group. Can I ask you to continue to encourage one another and also ask you to pray for wisdom for decisions PW Panel and office-bearers have to make over the months ahead. Together in prayer let us look forward to the work of PW with the hope that God will use us for his glory.

We appreciate your understanding for the decision that was taken to halt publication of Wider World since the March 2020 edition, and we thank you for continuing with us into 2021, especially as we move to a mini version, temporarily.

PW Special Home Project 2020-22 | Open NI (A ministry of CARE in Northern Ireland) Every year in Northern Ireland thousands of women and their partners in our churches and communities suffer the pain of baby loss. Often, they do so in silence.

Open NI, which is a ministry of CARE, aims to create an environment within churches where miscarriage, unintended pregnancy and post abortion concerns can be shared with grace and compassionate understanding. And, to develop support for those who have experienced loss in this way, through our retreats; ‘Open’ Post-Abortion Healing Retreats and ‘Loved’ Miscarriage Healing Retreat Days. These retreats happen across Northern Ireland and are open either to women or to couples. As well as pre-planned retreats, we are also able to provide a retreat at the request of a church community. Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, at this time we are only able to offer Loved Miscarriage Healing Retreats for small groups or couples. Let me take this opportunity to tell you more…

Loved Miscarriage Healing Retreat Days A quarter of known pregnancies in the UK sadly end in miscarriage. These statistics suggest that losing a baby is a fairly common occurrence but, regrettably, this experience is often not spoken about in our churches as well as in society, and so the grief and pain surrounding it is often suffered in silence. For many women and their partners, the only option is to put on a brave face. But emotions following a miscarriage can include guilt, anger and a sense of loss and bewilderment.

Part of the healing process is to talk and share with others who have also known this loss, and to acknowledge that these babies were loved. Our Loved retreat day, usually from 9am to 4pm, offers the opportunity to do this in safe and peaceful surroundings. We share our stories and then look at topics such as anger, guilt, grief, forgiveness and letting go. We end with an hour to remember our babies, with prayers and music, and commit our sadness into God’s hands. Whilst the retreat is based on the principles of the Christian faith and will include prayer and Bible readings, those with a Christian faith and those of no faith are all welcome.

A Story of Hope and Healing…

One lady shares how she found hope and healing through coming along to a Loved Miscarriage Healing Retreat…

“I had my miscarriage at week 12. Shortly afterwards, my husband took seriously ill and I felt I hadn’t the time or space to spend before the Lord to acknowledge the deep sense of loss.

On a human level I knew the emotions were still buried deep and needed the time and space to be processed. That is why I decided to go to the Loved Retreat.

I can only describe the retreat day itself as the healing of God given through the organisers and facilitators. From the moment I was greeted at the door I knew I had made the right decision. The sharing of all the mothers of their own painful loss was a truly treasured space. We all had something in common, a broken heart. The healing through this sharing was so unique to each mother there but we were given the space to cry and let go in the presence of others who were walking in the same shoes.

I left the retreat refreshed and renewed that I had given my baby the time needed to fully hand her back to God. I felt the healing hand of God. It was like the world stopped for one day to allow me the chance to grieve, to share and to surrender all to Him. The pain and loss were also handed over and I left feeling truly blessed, truly Loved.

To those who aren’t sure about whether attending a retreat is right for them, I would say “just go”. It is a beautiful ministry that is so needed. Seek the healing that only God can give.”

We are delighted to be Presbyterian Women’s Special Home Project for 2020-22. With your support we will be able to compassionately come alongside those who have suffered in this way and provide non-judgemental, Christian support by creating a space, especially for women, to share openly and confidentially with others who have gone through similar experiences.

If you would like to find out more about the Loved Miscarriage Healing Retreats, please reach out to Hannah Arnold from CARE. You can contact her at hannah.arnold@care.org.uk.

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Together in Service Joanna and Suzanna

By Catherine Campbell Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to follow Jesus during those three dramatic years of His ministry?

To have sat where the fields sweep down to the blue waters of Galilee, and to hear the Saviour teach as no one had ever done before? To watch the leper leave Him cleansed; the blind seeing; the tormented sit in peace? I have.

However, I have had the privilege of walking some of those very roads where Jesus travelled and taught; read the words He actually spoke in the very places where others had the inestimable opportunity to listen for themselves. Sitting with the crowd would have been amazing. But to be part of that small select group who got to hear what the crowd didn’t; to have seen how Jesus lived – up close and personal – would surely have blown my mind! I guess even the twelve disciples didn’t realise their privileged position until Jesus had returned to Heaven, and the Spirit came, enlightening both hearts and mind.

For a long time in my mind I had this image of Jesus and the twelve men, alone, making those journeys, interrupted only when the crowd caught up with them. That’s probably because so little of the biblical text speaks of the role women played in those important three years of human history. It’s easy to pass over the few sentences that mention the women who travelled with Jesus, but it’s foolish to do so. We have so much to learn from the women described in Luke chapter 8 as those “who provided for Him from their substance”, and in Mark chapter 15 as those “who followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee”. Among this special group were two wealthy ladies named Joanna and Suzanna. They worked together in service for the Lord Jesus.

Joanna was the wife of Chuza, manager of Herod Antipas’ household. Her husband’s job was a responsible one making him privy to the goings on at the palace, and the supervision not only of staff but also of the financial matters involved with the running of Herod’s home. Chuza wasn’t a mere servant, but himself of high social standing with the accompanying monetary and property benefits. Yet when Joanna met Jesus and was healed by Him she chose to leave behind her mansion and use her wealth for more than self-gratification. In fact she stepped ‘down’ to become like those who previously served her.

We know less about Suzanna. She also was a woman of wealth who had been healed by Jesus. She also not only followed Jesus, but made a deliberate choice to serve Him (Luke 8:2, 3). We do not know if Joanna and Suzanna knew each other before joining the inner circle of Jesus, but they served Him side by side after Jesus touched and changed their lives.

READ: Luke 8:13; Luke 23:49, 55-24:1-10 Mark 10:42-45

Servanthood was Jesus’ way. His humble birth and unremarkable childhood preceded a life of devoted service to His Heavenly Father (John 6:38). He had no property (Matthew 8:20), or money (Mark 12:15), or social standing: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

This was what Joanna and Suzanna heard as they travelled with the disciples around Galilee and beyond. They had a privilege unknown to women before the coming of Jesus… they were allowed to sit at His feet just like the men. Jesus treated women in a revolutionary way and they responded to Him in worship and service.

On the road Jesus and His disciples needed accommodation, food, and other practical help. That meant the travelling band was not only thirteen men, but also included women like Joanna and Suzanna.

These two women exchanged their comfortable lives to follow Jesus. They risked their reputations, undoubtedly causing tongues to wag as they travelled with men not their husbands.

And they used their own wealth and contacts to make sure Jesus had a place to rest when needed, and food to keep up His strength on those difficult days of covering desert and city roads.

And they did it together. For Joanna and Suzanna it was all for Jesus… whatever the cost. But their reward was worth it all, when on that resurrection morning they were among the first to be told that: “He is not here, but is risen!” (Luke 24:6). They went to the tomb to carry out their final act of practical service for Jesus – anointing His body – instead they heard the news that Jesus is alive!

Service turns today’s worldview on its head for Jesus tells us that: “Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mark 10:43).

• What do you regard as great acts of service?

Might you be inactive for God because you think you couldn’t do what others do?

• Tucked into the long list of spiritual gifts recorded in 1 Corinthians 12 is the little word ‘helps’ (v28). Even the simple tasks result in blessing when done for Him.

• Think back to when you first came to Jesus. Spend time meditating on what He has done for you. Thank Him for your salvation, and for His touch on your life.

• Check out Romans 16 for the list of people who worked together with Paul for the gospel’s sake. They certainly weren’t all preachers!

• Could it be that Jesus is asking you to give up something for Him now? How will you respond to His request?

• Don’t allow what others say to put you off. Remember: “We are workers together with God” (1 Corinthians 12:31).

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Trinity House Garvagh Caravan Update PW Special Home Project 2018/19 What a year 2020 has been! Lockdown, restricted travel, and, for our residents, time spent without seeing their family.

It has been a difficult and challenging year for everyone, but how will we all remember it in years to come?

For the residents of Trinity House, reminiscence plays a big part in everyday life. They like to talk to staff about their life experiences, where they grew up, family, their job and often where they went on holiday. It was with the latter in mind that we had the idea to develop a wildflower garden and use a caravan as a focal point, to bring back happy memories of holidaying by the sea.

With the help of Presbyterian Women’s Special Home Project in 2018/19, the placement of a caravan and planting of a wild garden has been completed. The official opening, due to take place on the 2nd May 2020, unfortunately did not happen due to the Coronavirus pandemic. However, the caravan and the gardens have been well used by our residents and staff.

Some of the residents formed a little art group and spent time, sitting outside in the wonderful weather we had, painting what they could see around them.

Some of the wildflowers were picked and were used in a variety of crafts which were later sold via an honesty box system from the front foyer and the money donated to charity. However, when visiting restrictions were relaxed slightly at the end of the summer, the caravan and wildflower garden provided a beautiful setting for residents to have their first face to face visits with family members in a long time, rather than talking through windows or via Skype.

It is hoped that, as this pandemic comes under control, restrictions are lifted, and when it is safe to do so, everyone who has contributed to this very special and beautiful project could come and join with the residents, staff, families and friends of Trinity House and have a day of fun and celebration.

Denise Keegan Head of Older People Services – Council for Social Witness, PCI 05

PW Deaconess Training Presbyterian Women is delighted that Paula Burrows and Louise Davidson have completed their training and have been commissioned and inducted as Deaconesses in Ballygrainey Presbyterian Church and West Presbyterian Church Bangor respectively.

Paula writes...

“I do not know what lies ahead, the way I cannot see, but one stands near to be my guide He’ll show the way to me. I know who holds the future and He’ll guide me with His hands. With God things don’t just happen every thing by Him is planned. So, as I face tomorrow, with its problems large and small. I’ll trust the God of miracles give to Him my all”.

I always loved this chorus as I was growing up. It comforted me to know that, although I don’t know what a day brings, my God knows all things. As I prayed and asked him how he wanted to use my life I knew that I could depend on him to lead the way.

Looking back now I can see how God has been guiding, equipping and preparing me for this next part of my walk with him as a deaconess in PCI. I had made enquiries about the work of a deaconess when I was doing my A levels, many years ago, but God put it on my heart again when I had taken a career break from teaching and my family and I were living in England. So, when the opportunity came up to apply to train as a deaconess I knew that I had to knock the door to see if this was where God wanted me to be.

I have so much to thank God for as I think about how he has been with me during the training - from the full-time year of study at Union Theological College, to the two years of part-time study and placements in Belmont PC and Ballygrainey PC. I know that he has carried me through.

I would like to thank all the PW ladies who supported us in our training, both prayerfully and financially. It is very humbling to know that sisters in Christ, most of whom we have never met before, are bringing us before the throne of our great God in prayer and are giving to his work as they train us up to serve him.

On Wednesday 25th November 2020 I was commissioned and inducted as a deaconess in Ballygrainey Presbyterian Church. I am looking forward to being involved in the pastoral work of the congregation and supporting the development of women’s and children’s ministry as well as engaging in outreach and mission in the community. What a privilege it is to get to know the Ballygrainey Church family and together grow in our love of God. A song that really puts into words how I feel as my training ends and I begin to serve God as a deaconess is “Goodness of God”. If you get a chance, have a listen to it. www.youtube/ n0FBb6hnwTo. Isn’t it amazing to think that God has a plan for each of our lives and his way is always the best way. Let’s trust him with each and every day and, as Psalm 89:1 says, let us “sing of the Lord’s great love forever…”

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Louise writes...

It is more than ten years since I found myself drawn to the words of Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” As I reflected on what God was saying to me, I asked myself what God’s purpose was for my life. The role of a deaconess had intrigued me from a young age but now, as this verse was in the forefront of my mind, there was a very real sense of prompting from the Holy Spirit that I was actually being called to pursue this ministry.

Nonetheless, my initial thought at that time was, ‘I couldn’t do that.’ I didn’t have a strong academic record and, if I’m honest, I didn’t think I’d be ‘smart’ enough. I had been a nursing auxiliary for many years and loved my work. My primary focus had always been on being a wife and mother and, together, our family had a settled, happy life. The thought of disrupting all of this was scary. How would my family react? (They have been 100% supportive!) What would other people think? One day, struggling with my own inadequacies, I came across these wise words: “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called”.

I was then able to say that if this is what God wanted me to do, then I would trust and obey him.

This process of “being qualified’ by God has been ongoing for these 10 years, during which time he had to do a lot of refining in my life, emotionally and spiritually. He gave me wisdom, strength and stamina to gain a theology degree, before completing my training as a deaconess. This involved working for a Diploma in Diaconate Studies & Ministry, undertaking ministry placements in Hospital Chaplaincy in the Royal Victoria and Belfast City Hospitals, along with time serving in the congregations of Shore Street Donaghadee, Dunmurry, and West Church Bangor.

In October 2020 I was delighted to be commissioned as deaconess in West Church Bangor and I am blessed to serve alongside the Very Rev Dr Charles McMullen and the other ministry team members. Through my involvement in pastoral ministry, and the development of women’s ministry programmes, I want to encourage Christians to grow in their faith, and to reach out and share the love of Jesus with others, whoever they are and in whatever circumstances they find themselves.

Finally, I want to say a sincere thank you to Presbyterian Women’s PW Panel for their care and prayers each month, and to every one of you PW ladies for your prayerful and financial support that enabled me to train as a deaconess. I look forward to being able to visit you in your PW group one day, to enjoy fellowship, friendship and, of course, a cuppa tea and a bun!

Group Focus

Kells PW

Like many PW Groups things have been challenging as we have had to work out ways to come alongside each other, even at a distance. Carolyn Patterson writes…

We all know the importance of fellowship and of gathering together to help us to remain strong and grow in our faith, and yet this past year we have never known such separation from each other, and such isolation from our church family. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul tells the Thessalonian Christians (and us) to “encourage one another and build each other up”.

Every church has had to think about how to encourage their members during this time of separation; how to help them carry on growing in faith and maturity, and to see that our faith should not be dependent on others, but on Christ.

Here in Kells, one of the main ways of keeping in touch with people was by making telephone calls. The lost art of making an actual telephone call was hastily relearned and many afternoons were spent sitting on the sofa and talking to women on the phone; just seeing how they were and how they were feeling and trying to offer a bit of cheer and encouragement. It was lovely to hear of women in the congregation who were doing the same of their own volition.

Some older women in particular had a list of a few others who they rang each week (or in some cases each day!) and it was good to know that our elderly women were receiving regular calls.

During the Spring of 2020 our Thursday morning ladies’ Bible study was typed up each week and posted on Facebook for the women to read. That was fine for a while but, when Autumn came with no resumption of activities in sight, we moved onto Zoom. Moving online was a challenge as some needed help with the technology and many were unwilling to see themselves on screen. Even when we got through the technological and embarrassment difficulties, it was hard to get used to talking without talking over each other, and praying in front of a camera.

However, it is amazing how we all adapted and how things became easier with practise. They always do! And it was worth the difficulties just to see each other’s faces.

Autumn 2020 marked the 85th anniversary of PW in Kells. Plans had been started for us to have a meal together in a local restaurant but, of course, that didn’t happen. Instead, we organised a special online service where the anniversary was marked by a message from the PW President, Heather Clements, and by hymns which reminded us of God’s faithfulness through the years - indeed a timely reminder that he is that same faithful God in our present circumstances.

The service also informed everyone about this year’s PW theme, ‘Side by Side’ and the special projects, which helped us to take our minds off Covid 19 and remember other needs in other places. Each PW member also received a little gift, delivered to their home by PW Committee members, of a pack purchased from the PW office containing a PW pen, pencil and notecards to use to send encouraging messages to others. We added a chocolate and a commemorative card. Encouraging the women to think of someone who they could come alongside, whether in person or on the phone, was important during this difficult year.

We want to be reflective Christians, who look for the good things that God is doing in all circumstances. As a part of that we recorded interviews with members of the congregation, both men and women, with the purpose of allowing people to share lessons they felt they had learned during lockdown and ways they had grown in their faith. The hope was that, as people watched the interviews, they would be encouraged to reflect on their own experience and see how they could mature in their faith as a result. 2020 was a different year, but we trust it was a year in which we learned to rely more on God and think of others more – a year which will bear great spiritual fruit.

“We want to be reflective Christians, who look for the good things that God is doing in all circumstances.”

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You might have heard that our Global Mission Workers have each produced two film clips, short (3mins) and long (10-15mins), that are available for use in Presbyterian Women’s Ministry meetings. Suitable for live streaming or physical gatherings, it has been encouraging to hear of a number of PW groups using this resource already, and finding it helpful.

The clips will raise awareness and prayer for what God is doing across the world as we seek to go deep and wide in global mission involvement.

Digital Dispatches are available to view and download from the PCI website. You can access these by entering the link below.

Over the coming months updated clips will be added, so please keep checking back for new material. www.presbyterianireland.org/Resources/Videos/Digital-Dispatches.aspx

PW Webinar Pressing on Together

On Saturday 27 February Presbyterian Women hosted their first Webinar, Pressing on together, side by side.

This event involved women who serve in the leadership of women’s ministry and PW groups across our congregations.

Everyone was welcomed by the PW President, Heather Clements and those who took part were Pauline Kennedy (Women’s Ministry and PW Development Officer), Ellen Hillen (PW Leader of St Columba’s PC), Carolyn Patterson (Ladies’ and Family worker in Kells PC) and Elizabeth Moffett who gave a short Mission Fund report.

Many of you will agree that leading in any form of ministry these days isn’t easy, with most of us being stretched in ways we never thought possible. And it’s been no different for women who lead in over 450 PW groups across our denomination. Together, through the sharing of stories, talk and reflective questions, we considered ways to come alongside women, encouraging them to press on as they live for Jesus, serving him in whatever ways they find possible, still being his disciples and making disciples. If you would like to listen to the stories shared and talk given, you will find them on our website; www.presbyterianireland.org/pw

Keep in touch For more information Tel: +44 (0)28 9041 7256 Email: pw@presbyterianireland.org Web: www.presbyterianireland.org/pw Like us on Facebook: Presbyterian Women Follow us on Instagram: @widerworldmagazine

Contact: Presbyterian Women, Congregational Life & Witness Department, Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, 2-10 Fisherwick Place, Belfast, BT1 6DW.