Hope Unmuted - SUMMER 2021 - Presbyterian Church ...
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SUMMER 2021 Unmuted hope
As a Christian Aid
supporter, your love
is (already) alive
across the world.
It’s in the clean,
fresh water in Grace’s
village in Kenya.
It’s in the relief supplies
that reach Tasmin’s refugee
camp in Bangladesh.
And it’s in Johaira’s smile
in Nicaragua, because she
knows she can provide for
her precious baby – not just
today, but for years to come.
By leaving a gift in your Will
to Christian Aid, your love will
live on, and will help build a
fairer, more peaceful world
for the next generation.
For support to leave a gift in your will or a
conversation in strict confidence, please contact
Sarah by email on sleeman@christian-aid.org
or telephone 028 9064 8133 (Belfast) or
01 496 7040 (Dublin).
NI charity no. NIC101631 Company no. NI059154
ROI charity no. 20014162 Company no. 426928
CONTENTS | SUMMER 2021
FEATURES
10 General Assembly 2021
Plans for this year’s Assembly
12 A podcast for passing on faith
Edengrove Presbyterian’s new podcast for
children
14 Moderator interview
David Bruce on being Moderator for
another year
18 Every drop makes a ripple
Update on the Moderator’s Appeal
20 COP26 or cop out?
Engaging effectively with climate change
22 The gift of presence
Providing pastoral help following a suicide
24 Has culture been cancelled?
How ‘free’ is free speech?
26 Mind matters
Building emotional resilience in children Has culture been cancelled? p24
39 Reconnecting the church family
Advice for congregations going forward
42 Sharing threads of hope and
dignity
Project to tackle period poverty
44 Transformational reconciliation
Dealing with conflict in church
46 Faith in the storm
How Cyclone Seroja devastated parts of
Indonesia
48 The comic with a serious focus COP26 or cop out? p20 Mind matters p26
Sharing the experiences of recovering
addicts
CONTRIBUTORS
REGULARS
4 Letters Will Leitch has been a Elsye McCroskery is a
6 News journalist and broadcaster former minister of the
for more than 30 years. Protestant Evangelical
9 My story He is married with two Church in Timor, now
11 Life lessons grown-up children and living in Belfast and
30 Norman Hamilton serves as an elder at Knock married to Barry, minister
31 Mission Connect Presbyterian Church in of McCracken Memorial.
50 As I see it Belfast. They have two daughters.
51 Reviews Suzanne Hamilton is Lisa Skinner is Senior
54 Life in PCI Senior Communications Communications Assistant
56 Crossword Assistant for the Herald. for the Herald. She lives in
She attends Ballyholme Belfast with her husband
57 Andrew Conway
Presbyterian in Bangor, Stephen, their three
59 Betsy Cameron is married to Steven and daughters and one son,
mum to twin boys. and worships at Kirkpatrick
Cover: Jamie Trimble Memorial Presbyterian.
Summer 2021 No. 833 Editor: The views expressed in the features, news reports, letters and book
Published by: Sarah Harding reviews of this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor.
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Subscriptions and Advertising: Editorial comment and signed articles do not necessarily contain the
Assembly Buildings,
Belfast BT1 6DW.
Elaine Huddleston; Lisa Skinner; official views of the Church, which can be laid down only by the General
Assembly. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply endorsement
FSC
Suzanne Hamilton
T: +44 (0)28 9032 2284 of the goods or services. The Editor reserves the right to decline any LOGO
E: herald@presbyterianireland.org Design and Layout: advertisement or letter without assigning any reason. Letters may be
W: www.presbyterianireland.org Edward Connolly edited for publication. No correspondence can be entered into regarding
Printing: non-publication of advertisements or letters.
W & G Baird Ltd
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is a Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104483); Registered Charity in Republic of Ireland (20015695).
Herald Summer 2021 3
EDITORIAL LETTERS
Disappointed by male and female. Joe Biden,
on the other hand, does
Trump critics not support any of these
Dear Editor positions, quite the opposite
In response to the Very Rev in fact; he is following the
Dr Norman Hamilton’s (former anti-God, anti-Bible, liberal
Emerging Moderator of PCI) criticism
of evangelical Christians
in the United States for
secular agenda on all of
them and has been heavily
criticised by his own church
As we progress into summer, with longer nights and their continued support of for doing so.
better weather, there is a definite sense of hope in the air. Donald Trump, which has To suggest that these
Hope that we could finally be emerging from the Covid left him feeling “betrayed, committed Christians in the
nightmare and that normal life is slowly becoming a reality. compromised and even US should abandon their deep
Yet what do we find when we emerge? Life will have shamed” (Spring Herald), I faith-based convictions for the
changed dramatically for many people: some will have wish to offer an alternative sake of political expediency,
lost loved ones; others will have lost a career. Others still perspective. and adopt a world view which
will have lost much of the support and encouragement of I am both sad and embraces a secular cultural
social interaction. It is unlikely that any of us will emerge disappointed to read the stance on these fundamental
unscathed. criticism, in the Spring edition moral issues which seeks to
It has been suggested that those who have had their lives of the Herald, aimed at our minimise their importance, is
most affected by the pandemic are children and young fellow Christians in the United as revealing as it is shocking.
people, with major disruptions to their educational and States who support Donald Such pronouncements, no
Trump and who decided matter how plausible, should
social development. In regard to young people, Graeme
to vote for him in the 2020 gain no traction among
Thompson highlights that retaining connection with
presidential election instead true Christians lest our very
this age group is a significant challenge for churches.
of Joe Biden. They voted for salvation be jeopardised.
He stresses the importance of re-engaging with them a candidate who supports
personally and individually and suggests that this must be John Elliott
their right to live their lives, Co Donegal
prioritised over and above programmes. as committed conservative
Katharine Hill, UK Director of Care for the Family, has Christians, on the basis of
written an excellent book, featured in this issue, which is biblical principles and God’s Bible reading
aimed at helping parents to build emotional resilience in precepts. A candidate who Dear Editor
their children in a post pandemic world. Recognising that allows them to hold on to When I was a boy and into
there is already a myriad of challenges for parents that their Christian values and my early 20s, which was a
accompanies normal childhood development, she surmises to exercise their faith-based considerable time ago, it was
that “the fallout from the pandemic on young people’s moral conscience. the norm in Presbyterian
wellbeing could be significant and long term.” They voted for a candidate churches that there be two
The fallout for church life generally could also be who, regarding abortion, Bible readings taken from
significant and long term. In one respect it has highlighted is pro-life, who regarding the Old and New Testaments,
differences of opinion within our congregations and has marriage, supports their respectively.
therefore created the potential for division and conflict. Rev Bible-based God ordained I remember sitting in the
Paul Jamieson, writing on behalf of PCI’s Conciliation Service, position that marriage should pew of Newmills Presbyterian
recognises that disagreements are inevitable but it is how be between a man and a Church, Co Armagh and
we deal with them that counts. “Through our sinfulness we women and with regards whatever else was my
will create conflict, but through Christ’s righteousness we to gender, supports their distraction, when the minister
position that God made us announced the Scripture
can transform it, preventing its destructive power…”
Being a committed church member takes time, energy
and enthusiasm, some of which may be in short supply
following the past year. However, as Tony Merida asserts in
his new book Love Your Church (see reviews), we all need to
work harder at fully embracing our membership – loving
our church and our fellow believers, just as we love Christ.
Moderator, Dr David Bruce, who has returned for a second
year in office, is hopeful that our denomination will
re-emerge resilient. He believes that PCI is being
reconfigured from within, by those who sincerely wish to
follow Christ and says, “…we see the disruption in front of
us, we make sense of it, and then walk by faith.”
4 Herald Summer 2021
Letters to the Editor Please note: Letters are limited to 300 words and may be edited for clarity
Write to: Presbyterian Herald, Assembly Buildings, Belfast, BT1 6DW and length. They will only be published in the Herald if the author’s name and
Email: herald@presbyterianireland.org address have been supplied to the Editor. On request these will be withheld
from print. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. The
views expressed in the letters are not necessarily those of the Editor or PCI.
reading I stopped and listened available to all. for producing CDs or DVDs of energy economy.
intently. The reason for Luke 11:1–13 was the church services they should I am glad that this has been
attentive listening was that inspiration for me to write be willing to ask for help from discussed in PCI in 2020. I
the Scripture was read by the a number of songs, which I their neighbouring churches. believe now is the time for the
minister with authority and recorded in my home over the The Covid-19 crisis has Church to publicly commit to
clarity, with every comma, and past year. The songs were then highlighted the isolation felt invest in clean, ethical funds.
full stop observed. The reading further developed into a set of by many people of all ages so When our Church takes such
was a feast and truly came written daily reflections, thus it is important that churches a stand it will also encourage
across as the inspired Word of providing the opportunity to work together to remedy this. us as members to consider
God. listen as well as read into the Rosemary Clarke the ethical use of our own
At some stage over past Scripture. Co Armagh finances.
decades the decision seems The series, ‘Only When We need to do this out of
to have been taken to reduce
Bible readings in the church
I Pray’, is not deep or Ethical funds love for our neighbours far
and near, our children and our
heavy; rather it is current,
service to one portion, and Dear Editor grandchildren. We need to
encouraging and relevant. I
often a short reading on which There is a compelling case do this to maintain a credible
pray that through it the Holy
the sermon is preached. This for our Church to move its witness. We must ensure that
Spirit will nudge readers
practice seems to be uniform investments out of fossil fuels our investments are being
forward in their faith walk.
throughout Presbyterian and into ethical funds where used in ways that please and
The series can be found
churches. our money is being used glorify our Creator and Master.
at kilmakee.com
It is a known fact, that in positively towards sustainable Michael Jemphrey
Alastair White
general, people today, despite development goals such as: Belfast
Lisburn
being better educated, read clean water and sanitation;
affordable and clean energy;
less than previous generations.
Lack of and sustainable cities and
Supporting those
I doubt if the reading of the
Bible is an exception to this technology can communities. hardest hit by
statement. As a Reformed isolate In addition to the Covid
Church, one of the five Solas contribution fossil fuels make
Dear Editor Dear Editor
is Sola Scriptura (Scripture to the growing worldwide
During the Covid-19 crisis I am sure many readers will
alone). Numerous biblical climate emergency (see Rev
many people were able to share my concern that the
verses underline the Bible’s Allen Sleith’s Herald article
watch the church services second wave of Covid has hit
authority, but I will simply in March 2019), they cause
online and take part in hard in India, Pakistan and
quote 2 Timothy 3:16–17. air pollution, bringing in its
Zoom meetings. People who Nepal, where we have many
In any other walk of life if wake asthma, heart disease,
normally would not attend links in mission.
there was a deficit of a ‘life and strokes for the most
a church service availed Our oldest mission partner,
living/giving’ resource, efforts vulnerable. According to the
themselves of this facility. the Gujarat diocese of
would be made to bridge the coroner in a recent case in
While it is good that this has Church of North India has
deficit by providing additional London of a nine-year-old
lost (at time of writing) 12
resources. It seems strange happened, it is important that girl who died of air pollution,
pastors and one mission
and contrary to good practice the Church recognises that children, older people and
worker, leaving widows and
that at a time when there is a there are people who have no anyone living with respiratory
young children, and many
decrease in reading generally internet access. It is essential disease are all at risk from toxic
other influential lay leaders.
that some time ago PCI, and that such people are not air.
May I simply suggest
it appears all its ministers, neglected. John Wesley’s sermon ‘The
that those of us who have
decreased Bible readings in CDs and DVDs of church Use of Money’ urged investors
received vaccines might
the church service. services need to be available to avoid industries like tanning
make a thank offering
I suggest it is time to as an alternative to online and chemical production,
approximate to the cost
question current practice. services. During the pandemic, which can harm the health of
of two shots (roughly
Robert Dowey I felt saddened that some workers. Bringing this up to
£20/€20) and contribute to
Portadown elderly church members date, in 2018 the Church of the Moderator’s Christmas
had little or no contact from Ireland divested from fossil Appeal, which I understand
Daily reflections in their churches. However, the
responsibility of contacting
fuels. Last November, 47 faith
institutions from 21 countries
still remains open for
song such church members should followed suit. Our partners in
contributions?
John Faris
Dear Editor not just be that of the church Tearfund are advocating for Carnalea
I’d like to let readers know minister, but the responsibility this too. Even institutional
about a new series of Bible of their fellow church investors are increasingly
reflections, put to song, that members. moving toward sustainable
I have composed and are If a church lacks the facility investments in the clean continued on page 6
Herald Summer 2021 5
LETTERS NEWS | IN THE ROUND
continued from page 5
Racism in Ireland health, etc. Book launch
As far as clergy are
Dear Editor Former PCI Moderator, Dr Frank Sellar, has
concerned, this means written a new devotional book about John
I would appeal to the listening to and getting to the Baptist.
Presbyterian Church in Ireland know the new arrival, and Published by Christian Focus Publications,
to adopt a policy on pastoral understand why they may find The One Who Came Before – 31 days with John
care for ethnically mixed the environment difficult. In the Baptist contains 31 devotional readings,
couples, where one party is extreme cases, it means having each with a question to ponder and a prayer
white Irish or British and the to move away from Ireland,
to pray.
other a migrant of a different It takes Bible passages about John the
but that should be a last resort, Baptist verse by verse, making observations
skin colour or their son or and I would hope clergy could concerning what he says, what the text
daughter. help to see if there are other meant when first
As one with personal options. written and how
knowledge of all this, I would It is one thing to it applies today.
plead with the Church to see produce websites about The Evangelical
that such couples often face Bookshop has a
how welcoming one’s
additional pressures to those special offer of
congregations are, but it is 25% off. Visit
where both are white or both worthless if the minister does www.evangelicalbookshop.co.uk/products/the-
black. not see the reality of racism one-who-came-before
On the other hand, many in small Irish towns and give
such couples get on well active support to victims.
in their neighbourhoods, Some clergy have a good
and the key issue is how the insight, others seem abysmally
white family responds to the lacking in empathy, which
partner. I would urge you to makes one wonder why they Prepared to
have an insight into what it’s entered the ministry in the first welcome?
like to be a stranger who feels place. During 2021, the UK
unwelcome in a town, blamed Surely Presbyterians, as government estimates the
for everything that goes wrong a minority in the Republic, arrival of up to 130,000 people from Hong Kong. Some will settle
in your spouse’s life, even should understand what it is in Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland may be an alternative
when it’s down to economic like to be misrepresented? for some.
circumstances or other factors, Hong Kong Ready Churches is an initiative offering support and
Declan McSweeney
the acute damage to mental training to churches so that God’s local family can be praying and
Address supplied ready to help with the resettling process.
Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church in Bangor has a long
involvement in welcoming people from Hong Kong and many other
nations. A statement from the church says, “The involvement of
people in our congregation from overseas has been an enriching and
Topical Tweets faith-building experience as we respond to God’s call to reach out to
the nations on our doorstep. There are several Cantonese speakers
in the congregation, and we have registered to be a Hong Kong
@tidesdaily Ready Church. We would encourage other churches to also respond
“In a world of cancel culture, self-centred to this opportunity – your congregational life and witness will be
decision-making and tearing apart on social strengthened if you do.”
media, encouraging one another is a positive To find out more, or if your church can intentionally engage in
praying, preparing and welcoming please visit www.ukhk.org/church
act of counter-cultural defiance.”
@karenjardine #tidesdaily
@PCIModerator Historical booklet
Praying today that changes coming in The name of Private William McFadzean
political leaderships within unionism will has become well known throughout
Northern Ireland and far beyond
enable fresh conversations to help shape the because of his instinctive action at the
future. We may differ but we are not enemies. Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916
which saved the lives of his comrades
@RosamondBennett at the cost of his own. He was
Donations of excess vaccines is an important posthumously awarded the Victoria
Cross by King George V for his bravery.
act of solidarity, but it is also just a stop gap, In the latest publication from
not a solution to the wider issue of global the Presbyterian Historical Society
vaccine shortfall. We need a temporary of Ireland, entitled The Last Seven
waiver now so more doses can be produced Seconds, his great nephew, Nigel,
& more needless deaths prevented. reflects on William’s life and courage, and
on what it has meant for his family and others in the century since.
The booklet is available from the Presbyterian Historical Society
of Ireland (online at present) for £3 plus postage.
6 Herald Summer 2021
IN THE ROUND | NEWS
Church leaders Bangor Worldwide
meet Taoiseach launches theme IN BRIEF
A range of issues was discussed ‘The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad’ is Ballymurphy
when the Taoiseach Micheál the theme for the 85th Bangor Worldwide
Martin met with members of the Missionary Convention, taking place between inquest
Church Leaders Group (Ireland). 20–29 August. PCI Moderator Dr David Bruce
PCI Moderator, Dr David Bruce, The majority of the events will be held at issued a statement following
and Dr Ivan Patterson (president Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church in the Co a coroner’s finding that
of the Irish Council of Churches) Down town, but there are also events in the neighbouring Baptist church those killed in Ballymurphy,
were among those present at as well as in Belfast, Dublin, Drumreagh, Lurgan and Magherafelt. in Belfast in August 1971,
the meeting, where violence in Chairman Tom Clarke said, “Our focus “were entirely innocent of
Northern Ireland, the pandemic on the first main evening meeting will be wrongdoing on the day in
and the implementation of the ‘The persecuted church’ and this will be question.”
Protocol following the UK’s exit held, God willing, at Assembly Buildings Dr Bruce said, “It reminds us
from the EU were on the agenda. in Belfast on Saturday 21 August. Bishop once more of the tragic and
The Taoiseach praised the Michael Nazir-Ali, former Bishop of Raiwind shattering past that Northern
Church Leaders for their ongoing in Pakistan and Bishop of Rochester from Ireland has witnessed, and the
contribution to 1994 until 2009, will join other speakers legacy of those times half a
peace building, to give us an insight into the realities of century on.”
and recognised persecution across the world.”
the work that To comply with Covid-19 measures, Jonathan Lamb, who will lead the PCI welcomes call
churches registration for most events including the Bible studies.
undertake on morning Bible studies and evening meetings will be required in advance for better end of
an ongoing by signing up on the Bangor Worldwide website. life provision
and daily basis For more information on all the events taking place during the PCI has welcomed the
at community convention, visit the website www.worldwidemission.org or follow on unanimous support given to
Micheál Martin TD levels in Northern social media (@BangorWorldwide on Instagram and Twitter, Bangor the cross-party motion in the
Ireland. Worldwide Missionary Convention on Facebook). Northern Ireland Assembly
There was around end of life issues,
a constructive discussion on which emphasised ‘a good end
Northern Ireland, including a PCI: ‘Reconciliation is key to any of life experience for people in
shared and grave concern at
recent incidents of violence on the future legacy proposals’ Northern Ireland’ and greater
investment in palliative care
streets. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has reiterated its belief that services.
The Taoiseach discussed with that any meaningful approach to dealing with the legacy of PCI Moderator Dr David
the Church Leaders Group the Northern Ireland’s past must place reconciliation at its heart. Bruce said, “While it can be
government’s Shared Island In a statement, PCI Moderator Dr David Bruce said, “It is our hope all too easy to focus on what
initiative and they recognised and prayer that being able to address the past effectively will enable divides us politically, it is
the importance of dialogue, us all to reimagine and create a better future, one that is based on a heartening to see MLAs come
engagement and respect for reconciled community at peace with itself. This, however, will require together to call for better
all communities and traditions deep engagement with the people of Northern Ireland, especially end of life outcomes to be
on these islands in fostering those who have suffered the most, the victims and survivors. included in the Executive’s
reconciliation through the “Many victims and survivors come from our Presbyterian family. It is forthcoming Programme for
framework of the Good Friday impossible to quantify the suffering that violence visited on them and Government (PfG).”
Agreement. so many other innocent people…”
The meeting also focused on a Calling for a process that has reconciliation at its heart and which
number of issues relating to social promotes healing between and within communities, Dr Bruce said, Moderator leads
cohesion, in particular the need to “Only then can we truly learn to live with one another in the present, RUC annual service
ensure that no one is left behind lay the foundations of a better future, and begin to deal effectively PCI Moderator Dr David Bruce
as we build towards recovery with many of the unresolved issues that have been left in the wake of hosted the annual Royal Ulster
following the pandemic. our past.” Constabulary George Cross
Day thanksgiving service.
For the second year
Secretary of State’s abortion powers called ‘destructive’ running, the service to mark
the sacrifices and honour
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has called “The Secretary of State, and those supportive of the achievements of the RUC
Westminster’s confirmation of the Secretary of devolution, cannot claim to be upholding Northern was held virtually, with the
State for Northern Ireland’s abortion powers ‘deeply Ireland’s fragile devolved settlement, while at Moderator hosting it from the
regrettable’ and ‘a sad day not only for devolution’, the same time facilitating this ill-considered and Weir Chapel in PCI’s Assembly
which has been seriously undermined, ‘but also for irresponsible intervention which cherry-picks issues Buildings in Belfast.
the protection of unborn children…’ and undermines that very system. It should not be “While we cannot be
Speaking after a debate on the Abortion (Northern forgotten that nearly 80% of those who responded to together physically and pay
Ireland) Regulations 2021 in the House of Lords, the public consultation on the abortion regulations in tribute to loved ones, for me it
Moderator Dr David Bruce said the approval of ‘radical 2019 were against the proposals. is a great privilege to be able
and sweeping powers’ devalue Northern Ireland’s “This is a sad day not only for devolution, but also to take part in the service,” said
purposely unique system of negotiated government for the protection of unborn children…We call on Dr Bruce.
and would give the Secretary of State the freedom the Secretary of State not use these new powers and
to interfere directly, and at will, with every single reflect on how destructive they could be.”
department of devolved government.
Herald Summer 2021 7
NEWS | PCI
Equipping your congregation for the
ongoing journey out of lockdown
As congregations continue the tentative journey out of lockdown
to more regular patterns of church life, the ‘Refined’ section of the
PCI website contains a range of useful resources. These include:
Prism: Perspectives from A new way of keeping in touch with
the pandemic experience programmes, events and resources
This Bible study is part biblical reflection, part To improve communication about all
framework for discussion, part practical response that is available for all aspects of your
and part encouragement to take fresh faith in congregation’s life and witness, the new
God. The content based on ‘Perspectives from a e-quip e-zine will be launched in time for
Pandemic’ is suitable for use as a home Bible study, the new church year starting in September.
midweek meeting or for more personal discipling. It could provide a Signing up will ensure that you receive updates by email about
framework for sermons or content for teaching in other settings. PCI programmes, events and resources in the areas of discipleship,
Go to www.presbyterianireland.org/Prism leadership, pastoral care, outreach, involvement in global mission and
worship, as well as details of events for children’s, youth and family
ministry. Links to blogs, podcasts and other digital ministry will also be
signposted.
Opening Opening Sign up today at www.presbyterianireland.org/e-quip and encourage
up to God: up as many as possible in your congregation to do so.
Leading out of to God
L E A D I N G O U T O F LO C K D O W N
lockdown PCI Youth App
This is a resource for kirk sessions or organisational leaders as they lead The PCI Youth App can be customised for your own
their congregations out of lockdown. It looks at lessons learned and individual congregation, allowing youth organisations
helps them reassess what can be done differently or stopped. to safely and effectively keep in touch with young
To download the ‘Opening up to God’ resource go to people, leaders and parents.
www.presbyterianireland.org/openinguptoGod To find out more or to sign up for the PCI Youth App
go to www.presbyterianireland.org/youthapp.aspx
Encounters with Jesus
A video-based resource for children’s
and family ministry, ‘Encounters with Refined digital hub
Jesus’ can be used in both digital To find out more about our latest
children’s and in-person ministry. To digital offering and resources,
find out more and access this resource including links to the latest webinars
go to www.presbyterianireland.org/ and podcasts, as well as stories and tips to fire the imagination for
encounterswithJesus restarting congregational activities for all ages go to our Refined digital
hub: www.presbyterianireland.org/refined
Digital dispatches
In today’s increasingly smaller world, as in across the
followers of Jesus we have the opportunity world. The clips
to be global disciples as never before, introduce the
playing a part in what God is doing both global mission
near and far. worker and their
To help with your involvement, each PCI ministry, along
global mission worker has produced short with a number of Global mission workers featured in
and long film clips that can be used in church current prayer requests. Digital Dispatches include: Chris and Rachel
services, prayer meetings or events, to raise The 10–15 minute stories enable PCI Humphries in Portugal, Steve and Rosie
awareness and prayer for what God is doing congregations to go deeper in building a Kennedy in Romania, Peter and Jayne Fleming
across the world, as we relationship with a global in Nepal and Diane Cusick in Zambia.
seek to go deep and mission worker. The clips To download or view any of the clips go to:
wide in global mission include an overview of www.presbyterianireland.org/digitaldispatches
involvement. their context and some
The three-minute stories from their ministry,
profiles give a window into along with a section of
the wide variety of work Bible teaching and prayer
PCI workers are involved requests.
8 Herald Summer 2021
MY STORY...
Lisa Fagan tells of Jean Thompson, who as well as fundraising and campaigning to end poverty for
almost 30 years, has pledged a gift in her Will to Christian Aid.
Putting
faith into
action
C
o Down woman Jean Thompson has been a Christian Recalling one action in particular, she says, “In 2000, Christian
Aid supporter since 1994, giving on a monthly basis Aid had commissioned a six-foot artwork called Body of
to the charity by direct debit as well as making ad hoc Chains which was touring around the UK and Ireland. It was
donations in response to emergency appeals. a human form made entirely from chains, representing the
Her dedication to the charity has increased in recent years. bondage caused by developing countries’ debt burden. We
Since retiring from her role as a clerical officer in a residential brought the artwork to Bloomfield Shopping Centre and got
home, Jean has had more time to devote to her unpaid work shoppers to sign the petition asking the government to cancel
as the Christian Aid organiser at First Bangor Presbyterian this unpayable debt.”
Church, where she belongs. Every May during Christian Aid The Body of Chains artwork formed part of the Jubilee 2000
Week, she carries out a house-to-house collection in the town campaign which successfully lobbied for billions of dollars of
and after church on Sundays she holds coffee mornings and debt cancellation. But debt cancellation wasn’t the only change
Traidcraft stalls to raise funds for the charity’s work. She is that Jean helped to bring about. She was part of the movement
supported by many friends in her church but makes special that brought fair trade products into the mainstream.
mention of Maisie Burton. “This was back when the supermarkets
Not even cancer can stop Jean’s “I’m passionate about weren’t stocking fair trade produce. We
fundraising activities. In 2011 she was collected till receipts from members of
diagnosed with stage four cancer in her leg Christian Aid because our church and used a highlighter pen to
and faced the possibility of losing one- they help everyone who draw attention to all the items that could
third of her leg muscle, meaning she might be fair trade – like bananas, chocolate, tea,
never walk again. Thankfully this wasn’t needs it – it doesn’t coffee and sugar. We met the supermarket
necessary and Jean made a good recovery.
In fact, within a few months she was back
matter what religion they managers, showed them the receipts and
asked them to stock fair trade versions.”
on the fundraising trail. are…” Jean has also decided to leave a gift in
Explaining why she does it, Jean says, her Will to Christian Aid, a process she
“I’m passionate about Christian Aid because they help everyone describes as straightforward. Explaining what motivates her
who needs it – it doesn’t matter what religion they are. In support of the charity, Jean says, “My Christian faith but also
Bangladesh, they help people whose crops have been destroyed because I want to help people in need.”
by floods. In Kenya where there’s been a drought and women Jean has lived in Bangor since marrying Andy in 1968 but she
walk for hours each day to collect water, Christian Aid has been grew up in Ballymena with her brother Ernest McKeown who
building new water sources.” still lives in the town. She describes her childhood as ‘normal
Besides her financial support and her fundraising, Jean is and happy’. With perfect family symmetry, Jean served as Girls’
also an activist, amplifying Christian Aid’s campaign messages Brigade captain at Wellington Street Presbyterian Church while
on debt, climate change, taxation and fair trade. In 2007, she Ernest was captain of the Boys’ Brigade.
took part in a Christian Aid march in London, calling on the Jean became GB captain at First Bangor soon after her move
UK government to introduce a Climate Change Act to cut the there. She and Andy have two sons – Peter lives in Michigan
UK’s carbon emissions – legislation that was introduced the in the United States and Victor lives in London. Commenting
following year. on her sons’ thoughts on her gift, Jean laughs, “They don’t know
Closer to home, she joins in local campaigns, building yet. They’ll find out when they read this,” adding, “But they
public support for debt cancellation, fair trade and tax justice. don’t need to worry – they will be looked after.”
Herald Summer 2021 9
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
General Assembly
set for October
Mark Smith sets out how the General Assembly changed last year
and the plans for 2021.
T
he 2021 General Assembly will open on Monday 4 responsibility given to the 25-member Standing Commission
October with the formal confirmation of Dr David was not lost on them, and they were intensely aware of the need
Bruce as Moderator for an historic second term. to act wisely and responsibly. Normal routine business was dealt
Members will be debating and deciding on a range of with and mostly only non-controversial necessary decisions were
matters that are important to the life, witness and mission of taken,” Mr Gribben explained.
PCI. Announcing the news, Rev Trevor Gribben, Clerk of the “The intention at the time was that resolutions, which were
General Assembly, said that he very much hoped that it would establishing new policy, or business of a more controversial
meet in person in the Assembly Hall, adding that if that was not nature, would be remitted to an in-person additional meeting
possible, alternative arrangements have been agreed. of the full General Assembly, to be held in the autumn of
“There can be absolutely no doubt 2020. However, given the ongoing Covid
that the life and rhythm of our Church …the life and rhythm of restrictions, even this proved not to be
has witnessed extraordinary change and possible, and the Standing Commission in
required unprecedented adjustment our Church…have fact held two additional short meetings to
as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. witnessed extraordinary take some significant decisions that were
This has been most acutely felt at local necessary and time sensitive.”
level right across this island, where the change and required Mr Gribben continued, “So that all
ongoing worship, life and witness of our unprecedented ministers and kirk sessions were kept as
congregations have been significantly fully informed as possible, the Moderator
disrupted,” Mr Gribben said. adjustment… and I wrote to them detailing the work of
“This disruption has also been significant the Standing Commission immediately
in relation to the running and organisation of PCI’s central after each of its meetings. The full reports and minute books
support and administrative work. I want to pay tribute to have now been published and distributed to all ministers and
ministers, elders and leaders on the ground, as well as central kirk sessions.
support staff who have kept things going, honouring and “The work has now begun preparing this year’s Blue Book,
glorifying our Lord Jesus as they did so. One of the casualties which will contain both the business remitted from the
of these times, however, was our 2020 General Assembly, which 2020 Standing Commission for discussion at a full meeting
was not able to meet.” of the General Assembly, along with
The decision that it would not meet reports from each of PCI’s councils and
in person was agreed that April at a commissions.”
Special Meeting of the General Assembly, Looking ahead to the autumn, the Clerk
based on the 2019 Assembly roll. Held said that a final decision on the form that
virtually, members also agreed that the 2021 General Assembly takes would
all necessary business of the General ultimately be a decision of the General
Assembly be conducted through a ‘2020 Council. Consideration is being given
Standing Commission of the General to a number of options, from a coming
Assembly’. “While some things had to together for an in-person meeting of
be done differently by necessity, decisions ministers and elders that would have the
were taken collectively, prayerfully and look and feel of a normal Assembly, to
democratically in the best traditions of Presbyterianism,” Mr establishing a new and larger Standing Commission of 105
Gribben explained. members. This would have significant presbytery representation,
The Standing Commission met via video conference from 1–3 would meet in the Assembly Hall, and be live streamed. A
June, but on the Opening Night, in an empty Assembly Hall, final decision regarding the form of the 2021 Assembly will
only four people took part physically. Via live stream, the Church be communicated to kirk sessions and presbyteries, most likely
was able to witness outgoing Moderator, Dr William Henry, towards the end of the summer.
give his address and reflect on his year in office; followed by the Mr Gribben concluded, “Please pray for God’s guidance for
election, installation and address, of his successor, Dr Bruce. the General Council in the decisions it has to make, and for all
“Over the following two days, the Commission dealt with those preparing for our General Assembly, in whatever form it
reports from the General Assembly’s councils and over 70 eventually takes.”
related resolutions to enable the Church’s work to continue. The
10 Herald Summer 2021PERSONAL VIEW
Life lessons
Donna Jennings
Church and Mission Coordinator for Evangelical Alliance (EA) NI and a member of Orangefield Presbyterian.
I grew up in east Belfast, where I live now with my husband my whole person joins with church ancient and global, to pledge
Nathaniel and our two children, Micah and Tabitha. After four a whole life allegiance to Jesus as Lord; I am called out of myself
years at Stranmillis College, I was ready to explore the world – so and my little world and rooted back into the eternal person
ended up in Bangladesh, where I met Nathaniel. We returned to and purposes of God. With the creed – I say, I believe, I love, I
Northern Ireland in 2010. champion the holy, universally united church. Because by our
unity, the world will know who has sent us.
We were involved in church planting in Bangladesh for
several years. Our experience there was ‘wonderfully awe-ful’. Today’s society is largely shaped by a (post)-postmodern
Communicating the gospel and forming little communities around world view, set on a fierce justice campaign to deconstruct every
the person of Jesus Christ across many cultural barriers – Islamic societal structure around what it means to be human. While I
faith, poverty, honour-shame culture, restrictive roles for women agree there are unjust structures in society that need to be called
– with an international team is, not surprisingly, messy! But a out and transformed, society is driving a destructive crusade,
beautiful mess, where I learnt the deepest lessons of life and faith. shutting down any meaningful dialogue and telling stories of
individual rights that clash with each other.
I experienced that God through his Spirit works around us,
and through us, in ways we cannot imagine. When reading the I get frustrated with the church here when we fail to
Bible alongside women in slums; with 13-year-old girls in child engage with and choose to retreat from culture. We must
marriage; trafficking; corruption and violence – my tightly bound understand what, how, why people think, feel, behave in order to
up Northern Irish understanding of the gospel was painfully communicate the story of God and form the community of God
unstitched and expanded. Now as I look at the Western church meaningfully.
patterns amidst our cultural currents, my current conviction is
that the UK Western church has so many lessons to learn from Our son Micah is now 13. At age two he had a sudden
our church family around the globe. regression of development and has a diagnosis of severe learning
disability, autism and challenging behaviours. Being Micah’s
In EA I’m tasked with equipping the mum is perhaps the experience of my life that keeps building
church to be biblically faithful and my character. Not only because of the challenges, which are real,
culturally relevant. Lockdowns caused the deepest questions but mostly because I learn so much from him. He causes me
of ecclesiology to bubble up to the surface – when we cannot to reflect most deeply on my values, priorities, and what brings
‘go to’ church, how do we ‘do’ church? While we missed the me joy. He forces me to slow down, take time and stand silently.
‘gathering’, lockdowns unleashed the people of God to ‘be’ the Micah bears God’s image to me, not despite his disabilities, but
church outside the building and weekly programme, in a way that because of them. In Micah’s presence, I am most fully aware of
we had perhaps forgotten. Digital tools are here to stay, and they my own humanity, personhood and the loving gaze of my Father.
bring massive opportunities – but we need to master these, not let
them master us. I’m working on some resources for the church to The last book I read was Florence Nightingale by
‘Reflect and Reset’ on how to do church as we journey together Mark Bostridge. I have always been fascinated by
out of Covid. this enigmatic woman who pushed through the social
conventions of her era (in both sex and social class), and
I’ve been reflecting lately on what the Celtic Christians led a global movement that transformed healthcare in
referred to as ‘thin spaces’ – moments when the veil between the the most challenging of situations. Bostridge presents
co-existing temporal and eternal dimensions of life is stretched Florence’s deep grapplings with faith that were
so thin, that we can smell, taste and glimpse the King and his dominated by her sense of vocation: “The kingdom of
kingdom. For me, these spaces occur when I slow down and heaven is within, but we must also create one without,
pause for long enough to be present to God in the moment. because we are intended to act upon our circumstances.”
I wonder as we have celebrated and clapped and prayed for the
The Apostles’ Creed is so much more than a dry set of ‘essential services’ for over a year, do we evangelicals need to revise
doctrines. When I say the creed as an act of corporate worship, our theology and praxis of vocation for our people?
Herald Summer 2021 11CONGREGATIONAL STORY
A podcast for passing on faith
Dave McConkey explains how Edengrove Presbyterian’s new podcast is helping parents
disciple their children.
A
few years ago I listened to daunting, then all of that should be at So, in thinking all of this through, I
pastor and author, Jason my fingertips. I, of course, want to talk to was left with the following questions:
Helopoulos, speak at a my girls about Jesus, and there is nothing How can the church help? What can the
conference we hosted on the more important to me than seeing them church do to support parents as they seek
subject of passing our faith on to the next grow in their walk with the Lord. But to raise their children in the faith? How
generation. He posed this question: If an after being busy all day at work, and do we make all of this even just a little bit
outsider were to spend a week living with when the girls’ behaviour might be trying, easier?
us, other than on Sundays, would they see there are many days I really don’t feel ‘Edengrove Presents God’s Big Story’
anything that would identify our homes like I have the energy to plot out a Bible is part of our attempt to answer those
as ‘Christian’? lesson and struggle to get them to focus questions. It’s a daily (five days a week)
Now of course our faith should impact and engage with it. In fact, I’ll be honest, podcast that in one year (260 episodes)
every single aspect of our life, but what there are days when it is the last thing I walks through the entire story of the
he was showing us was that the visible, want to do. Bible – Genesis to Revelation. It’s hosted
tangible expressions of our faith should I know how important it is though; I by me and a curious cow called Marvin;
not be limited to one service on a Sunday know their Christian education should every episode is around 10 minutes long,
morning. If we claim Christ for ourselves be systematic and thorough. I have felt contains a Scripture reading recorded
and our families, then it is in our homes guilty that I’m not doing a very good job, by a member of our congregation, and
where our children should be introduced guilty that at times the thought of family finishes with a devotional thought or
to and nurtured in the Scriptures; worship feels like another chore to be something to think or pray about. With
where they should be consistently completed – certainly not something I a few other characters joining in, and
experiencing family prayer and praise. delight in – and what is that showing my with jokes, quizzes and a huge number of
Therefore the place where our children girls? None of this is good! cow-based puns along the way, we hope
are discipled most is not within the walls it’s a journey that children and families
of our churches, it is within our homes, will enjoy, and one that will help them
and therein lies both the wonderful …the place where our see how all those Bible stories that they
opportunity and the fearful responsibility know so well (and perhaps a few they
children are discipled
of parenting. don’t) are part of one great big story that
The thing is, I earn my living telling most is not within the is all about Jesus.
children and young people about Jesus. How does that help? It means that if
If anyone should have the resources
walls of our churches, it is you use a podcast app, family devotions
and experience to make this task less within our homes… can be as simple as taking out your
12 Herald Summer 2021phone and pressing play. Absolutely zero is busy. Homework, swimming lessons, information. Marvin and I would be
preparation or planning is required – you music lessons, sports training, dance delighted to have you join us!
don’t need to be a Bible teacher – you classes… we’ve all had those days when
just listen along with your kids, be there we’re just thankful we’ve made it to Dave McConkey is the coordinator of youth
to talk with them bedtime, right? (Or ministry at Edengrove Presbyterian Church,
about any questions is that just me?) Ballynahinch.
they might have, Adding one more
and then use the thing to the list
prompts to pray might seem like
Podcast feedback:
with them. one too many, and Facebook comments on
I know some of it certainly requires ‘Edengrove Presents God’s Big
our families listen an effort to carve Story’
each morning over out that little bit of
breakfast, others space consistently “Our kids range from 13 years old
listen as they drive in our busy daily down to a four-year-old, so I needed
to school, a few schedules; but I something that could reach that
listen just before believe walking age range to start our day. God’s
bedtime, and in through the Bible Big Story has done just that. It’s
our house we listen with our children is fun and entertaining and grabs my
each evening after of such significance younger’s attention but digs into the
dinner. All 260 it is absolutely Bible enough to keep my older kids
episodes are there, worth the effort. interested too. It has led into great
and while some For our conversations and helped encourage
families have now congregation, it’s them to pray. It’s been a great way to
finished and have been a lovely point start our day; learning more about
gone back to the beginning to start again of connection during the lockdowns. The God’s character and how we can
while they wait for Season Two (which church family has read the Bible to our connect with him.”
is coming later this year), others have children every day for an entire year. But Anna, Nebraska
moved at a slower pace tackling just two we’ve also found connections with families
from across the world. Each month we do “We have a seven-year-old and
…walking through the a live online quiz via Zoom, based on the four-year-old. I can’t stress enough
how much the whole family LOVES
Bible with our children is podcast’s content, and we’ve been joined
this podcast. We found it less than
by friends from right across the USA and
of such significance it is Canada – we now have friends in eight
a month ago and have already
listened to 107 episodes. I especially
different states (and counting) and we’ve
absolutely worth the even reached Hawaii.
appreciate going through stories you
don’t find in your usual children’s
effort. So if you’d like to find out more or give
story Bibles. They’re short enough
it a try, you can search for ‘Edengrove
that we can usually get through two
or three episodes a week. Every family Presents God’s Big Story’ on iTunes,
or three at breakfast. It’s also a great
is unique, so the format is flexible and Spotify or any other podcast player, or thing to listen to in the car.”
families can determine what best fits in you can check out our Facebook page Chris, Texas
with their lives. (search for EdengroveGBS) or our
Ten minutes a day is not nothing. Life website www.woodendonkey.org for more
Some other podcasts to ponder...
Refined Greenways PCIcast
As part of the Greenways is a podcast sharing stories PCIcast is a
ongoing Refined and equipping real world Jesus followers self described
initiative, PCI to see the kingdom of God break into ‘very unofficial’
has a series of the vocational conversation
podcasts available. Refined is the new space where about life and
digital programme for supporting they lead, live faith in the
and developing congregational life and love. Hosted Presbyterian
and witness – more information and by Rev Gareth Church in Ireland hosted by PCI
resources can be found at MacLean and Jonny ministers Craig Lynn and Ben Preston.
www.presbyterianireland.org/refined Campbell.
Herald Summer 2021 13Listening out for
his master’s voice
Photography by Jamie Trimble
14 Herald Summer 2021Will Leitch talks to Dr David Bruce as he prepares for another year in the Moderatorial seat.
D
o you pray for our Moderator? Secretary to the Presbyterian Church in with our society, our country, and our
If Dr David Bruce and his Ireland’s Council for Mission in Ireland. island. It takes discipline, wisdom,
wife Zoë have met you on In his view, to ask a parish minister to humility, and hard graft. It’s no job for
their official travels, virtual set aside his or her duties in such a year anyone depending simply on their own
or in person, you can be sure that they would be a very big ask. strength.
pray for you. First thing in the morning, “So maybe the Church had a wee bit of When we speak, it’s a matter of days
after breakfast, and after reading a psalm wisdom in seeing if I would be willing to after a week of rioting and violence on
together. It is a commitment they have do it,” he says. our streets. The news, and the mood in
made, and they admit their list of names A year ago, I wrote that in conversation, Northern Ireland has been bleak. I ask
quickly became more of a booklet. David about it, and he accepts that
For the first time since 1894 violence changes the conversation
the Church has announced that when he meets people.
the current Moderator has been He explains that in the previous
nominated to serve for a second few days he has met many people,
term of office. including the Secretary of State,
David Bruce has been noticed Brandon Lewis MP; the Chief
by others during his first year Constable, Simon Byrne; the
as Moderator. Journalists and Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; the
commentators, politicians and Shadow Secretary of State, Louise
businessmen have remarked how Haigh; and the Independent
he listens and understands, how Reporting Commission (IRC).
he is willing to engage with people He describes how it becomes
and find a point where they can almost impossible to have
connect. nourishing conversations across the
Interviewers will take him on, divide and create the space where
and have done so. He is happy we can differ well. “We can differ
with that because he knows that badly when there’s violence,” he
it’s rarely personal, it is just their reflects ruefully.
job. They have noticed that he is Yet the perspective of a Christian
gracious, but no pushover, and that leader can change a narrative, if
he will not be stepping down in they can just, with God’s help,
June. find a way to engage, in a tense
In the course of my conversations situation.
with our Moderator in the past 12 “Hearing the Chief Constable
months, I have come to understand give his take on the Bobby Storey
that this happens because of a funeral is quite a different narrative
deliberate and considered approach David and wife Zoë than a loyalist community leader
to the job. on the Shankill Road the night
A year ago, armed with notebook after the Lanark Way violence,”
and digital recorder, I sat down with David Bruce quietly makes you listen says David. “I had both of those
David in an office in Church House to and think. He still does. But with a year experiences”.
interview him about his coming year as to look back on, no observer can fail He knows that any leader must
Moderator. That I am interviewing him to notice how much David thinks, and resist the temptation of borrowing one
again, a year later, and this time by Zoom, has thought about his job, and how the narrative and hijacking it for their own.
says a great deal about how our lives have Presbyterian Church in Ireland interacts But he also knows how Presbyterians are
changed, not least by the pandemic. likely to think about his job.
“Moderators will always tell you that David Bruce has been “They expect their Moderator to have
they don’t want the job, but they’re an opinion,” he says.
willing to do it,” he smiles into his noticed by others He knows he is not called to be a
webcam, before he goes on. during his first year as political commentator, or a politician, or a
“I used to think that was a bit of a journalist. “I’m none of those things – I’m
cliché, but having lived a year of it, I can Moderator…how he is a theologian and a pastor, that’s the USP
say that it’s very much the case.” (unique selling point) and, if I can bring
David thinks of the issue very simply.
willing to engage with that to the table, I will.”
These are not easy times. His role is people… I ask him how a minister learns to
Herald Summer 2021 15You can also read
