wake me UP when SePtembeR enDS meet the PReSiDent ...

+PLUS annUaL meeting 2012 | ReCiPeS | nabiki | gROUP FOCUS: DROgheDa

wake me UP whenSePtembeR enDS

meet the PReSiDent

DaUghteRS OF the king

whO CaReS? whO CaReS!

SePt 2012

Hazel ReidFirst Broughshane

DeaCOneSSeSSeRving gOD, the ChURCh anD theiR COmmUnity

www.presbyterianireland.org/pw

www.missionireland.org

Jenny CleggBallycrochan, Bangor

Amanda CooperNew Row, Coleraine

Muriel CromieBelfast City Hospital &

NI Cancer Centre

Doreen DraffinWhitehouse & NI Hospice

Eleanor DrysdaleWellington, Ballymena

Lynda GibsonMaghaberry Prison

Jean Gwyn PattonRoyal Victoria Hospital

Sharon HeronStrand, Belfast

Roberta IrvineGreystone Road, Antrim

Christine KyleUlster Hospital, Dundonald

Phyllis LintonWest Church, Ballymena

Elizabeth MatthewsElmwood, Lisburn

Michelle McCauleyBallygowan &

Second Saintfield

Heather McCrackenAlexandra, Belfast

Sonya McCullaghShore Street, Donaghadee

Sadie McCulloughWhiteabbey

Lynda McFaulFirst Carrickfergus

Carol McRobertsTullycarnet

Carole O’HaraAntrim Area Hospital &Craigavon Area Hospital

Jackie O’NeillJoymount, Carrickfergus

Julie PeakePortrush

(Maternity leave)

Margaret RobertsonGardenmore, Larne

Jenny RobinsonSouth Belfast

Friendship House

Kathleen SpenceScarva Street, Banbridge

Rosemary SpiersFirst Antrim

Evelyn WhyteFirst Lisburn

Amy MageeMuckamore

Eileen BlackProbationary Deaconess

First Magherafelt

Joanne DunlopProbationary Deaconess

Hillhall, Lisburn

Tracey NichollProbationary Deaconess

Once again, September has arrived. This probably means different things to different people. Some will welcome the return to a more structured routine when children or grandchildren return to school and our church organisations resume, while others may have a sense of dread at the thought of the busy winter ahead.

If you are feeling the burden of leadership, the article, Lead...Who Me? uses the book of Jude to speak to us and remind us that “We have been called to this life, to this place, to the tasks that lie ahead.”

For those facing the anxiety of children leaving home, the article, Wake Me Up When September Ends, speaks about the pain this can bring. The author shares her deep pain and the journey she encountered when three of her four children left home at the same time. It was a journey that took her to the depths of despair but then brought her to a place where she could say, “I don’t know what the next big life change will be but, whatever it may be, God knows about it already and we will face it together.”

Whatever our feelings, let us commit the future to our Lord and ask that He will use us in the days that lie ahead.

The article Nabiki shares with us a heart wrenching story which is typical of the horrendous circumstances faced by many young girls in various parts of Africa. It also reminds us of the difficult circumstances which may be faced by PCI mission personnel and our need to uphold them all in prayer.

Everyday Evangelism acknowledges the difficulty many of us face in sharing the Gospel with others and encourages us to look at life as a story. “One of the big reasons we don’t speak out is that we’re not sure what to say. How do we tell the Good News? Remember, it’s all about telling a good story, your story, God’s story.”

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this magazine; it is packed with ideas, thoughts and challenges. May you be blessed as you read it and hear God speaking into your situation. Once again the names of some contributors have been withheld to protect their privacy.

Charlotte

Editor: Charlotte StevensonContact: PW Office, Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, 2-10 Fisherwick Place, Belfast, BT1 6DWEmail: [email protected]: www.presbyterianireland.org/pwTel: +44 (0)28 9032 2284 Like us on Facebook: Presbyterian Women

Wider World is the magazine of PW and has a readership of around 18,000. Published Quarterly: March, June, September & December. Annual Subscription: £5 (€5.70) / £1.25 (€1.43) per issue.

Each year, an order form will be sent to Wider World agents. This should be returned, together with payment, to the PW Office. If required, invoices will be issued upon receipt of the order form.

wider world magazine Sept 2012

3

inSiDe thiS iSSUe...

wiDeR wORLD

eDitORiaL

Cheques should be made payable to ‘The Presbyterian Church in Ireland’ marked Wider World on the reverse.

Wider World is available on CD for blind and partially sighted people. For details contact the RNIB Northern Ireland Accessible Media, 159 Durham Street (1st Floor), Belfast, BT12 4GB. Tel: +44 (0)28 9050 1888 Email: [email protected] Thanks to Margaret Clarke for helping to co-ordinate this service.

The Editor reserves the right to accept, reject or edit contributions. Opinions expressed in Wider World are not necessarily those of PCI, PW or the Editor.

Designed by: Break Design ConsultancyPrinted by: Impression Print & Design

4 Wake Me Up When September Ends

6 Annual Meeting 2012

8 Light of The World

10 Meet the President

12 Lead...Who Me?

14 There’s None So Strange as Folk!

16 Who Cares? Who Cares!

18 Group Focus: Drogheda

20 Recipes

22 Everyday Evangelism

24 Fundraising Ideas

25 Daughters of the King

26 Encouraging One Another

27 Caroline Shares...

28 News and Events

30 Nabiki

32 Can We Trust the Bible?

34 Overseas News


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In August last year it was with joy that we received the news that my son had been accepted into the university of his choice in England. A few days later my eldest daughter had her offer on her chosen apartment accepted and another daughter became engaged to her boyfriend of five years, who was already loved and considered part of our family. The happy couple also finalised their plans for an extended post-graduation trip to Asia and Australia. The congratulatory greetings cards were lined up along every available space and excitement buzzed in the air. We were just delighted for them all.

Then September arrived and the packing began. Boxes, suitcases and rucksacks were loaded up, airline and train schedules were studied, journeys were booked and confirmed and tickets arrived or were printed out on the ever busy computer. They were leaving home to set off on their own great adventures, fulfilling their ambitions and dreams, beginning a new chapter in their lives, doing what they had planned, saved and studied for over the past months. They had reached the stage when they were willing and ready to take responsibility for themselves, to put into practice all the skills they had been taught and to be truly independent for the first time - all the things parents want for their children, in fact all the things we are preparing them for from the minute they are born. Of course I was thrilled for them! Wasn’t I?

We waved goodbye to my daughter and her fiancé as they headed for China and, a few days later, my husband and

I delivered our son to university, settled him into a student house, filled his fridge and, with some last minute instructions about eating fruit, left him there and flew home in near silence.

Never has our house felt so quiet and empty as it did when we arrived home that day. All the busyness was over and the mission was accomplished without drama. Now I could just get on with…what? I was reminded of an occasion many years ago when my husband took our baby girl out to give me a ‘bit of a break’. I couldn’t think of anything I really wanted to do with all this free time and space and I just wanted my baby back!

I had been given the necessary tutorials on using Skype and was able to talk to our son online the next day. I was reassured that he was fine and we got a call from China confirming that our daughter was having a great time.

WAkE ME UP WHEN SEPTEMBER ENDSWHy DID No oNE WARN ME?

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God tells us that, although our situations change, He will continue to provide what we need and His care for us can never be exhausted. He then went on to firmly point me in the direction of different work for me to do for Him, involving challenges and opportunities which I could not have taken on before. After a period of time, and a few false starts, I was able to change my focus back to God, to make time to listen to what He wanted to teach me through my recent experiences and what He wanted me to do next.

I remembered that God always has a plan for our lives because He tells us that in His Word, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11). I suspected it didn’t include me lying in bed feeling sorry for myself. Changes in routine can give us the opportunity to reconnect with Him in a deeper way, as well as time to review what we have learned of Him and ourselves, and to look anew at our skills and how they can be used in God’s service and for His glory. That has certainly been the way God has dealt with me this year. It has not been an easy time at all. Many tears have been shed and there has been much ranting as I have gradually allowed my parental responsibilities to be prised from my clenched fists.

I had committed them to God in prayer so now I could relax and enjoy the peace - except it didn’t feel quite like that. I continued feeling a bit flat and tearful and found it very hard to get used to the lack of activity in our home.

Our youngest daughter was still at home, but it was very quiet without the sound of arguing over TV remotes and the last biscuit! I know she missed her brother and sisters too, though she would fiercely deny this! Although I was not especially worried about the children who had left home - I knew they were settling in well - I just felt bereft! Part of me always seemed to be waiting for someone else to come home at night and initially I continued to cook enough for six when only three people sat down for dinner. At least mealtimes were free from the bickering about portion sizes, debates about who needed the car and who needed lifts to evening activities - and I hated it! What was I supposed to do now?

I felt no one needed me and no one cared. The house was quite clean and tidy and even if it wasn’t, who cared anyway? Then I slipped into a routine of only cooking basic meals if I had to – cooking for three was hardly worth the effort - and a nap in the afternoon passed the time nicely. I didn’t really want to see friends. I was so wrapped up in my loss that I also failed to notice that my husband missed the children too and he had the additional worry of watching me get more and more depressed. I know that this sounds quite melodramatic, but I think it was partly because I was so unprepared for these feelings that I really didn’t know how to deal with this new phase in our family life. No one had warned me that I might feel anything but joy when it came time for my children to leave home.

But God intervened. He spoke to me gently through the story of the prophet Elijah. At a time of famine and drought, God led Elijah east of the Jordan where he was sustained by a stream and fed by ravens. When that stream dried up he met the widow of Zarephath who fed him from a continually replenished supply of flour and oil. Her faith and obedience in sharing her meagre resources also resulted in further blessings for her, which you can read about in 1 Kings 17.

I still look forward to Skype dates, Facebook photos & university holidays, but life goes on in between. In the case of those of us who have been given children to bring up and lead into adulthood, we have to accept that, as a mark of our success, we will in fact work ourselves out of a job! We begin in the starring role as parents and, as time progresses, we must be prepared to step aside to become supporting actors and, ultimately perhaps, part of the crowd scene and fan base of our children’s lives.

God has a purpose for our whole lives. We read in Ephesians 2:10 that we are “created for work which God has prepared beforehand for us.” If we trust in Him and are obedient to His call, we can experience “life in all its fullness” (John 10:10) as we step out with Him into new territory. I know that, through many of my past experiences, God has already equipped me for my new role and that He will continue to do so in the future. He has never said that life will be easy, but there will be joys and triumphs for His Kingdom if I allow Him to use me as He knows best. I am beginning to embrace the next stage of my life with anticipation. I don’t know what the next big life change will be but, whatever it may be, God knows about it already and we will face it together.

he haS neveR SaiD that LiFe wiLL be eaSy, bUt theRe wiLL be jOyS anD tRiUmPhS FOR hiS kingDOm iF i aLLOw him tO USe me aS he knOwS beSt.

6

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The meetings were joyful, challenging and uplifting times of worship, using the theme, Light Of The World. We enjoyed sharing worship together in an Assembly Hall full to overflowing. Caroline Hawthorne (PW General Secretary) welcomed us warmly and Edna McIlwaine reminded us from Ephesians 3:20 that God “…is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or think”, as she had experienced during her year as President.

Using DVD clips, PW members, who had found light in the darkness of their lives, shared their experiences;

Margaret Grayson suffered the death of her husband and five close family members in a short time and then discovered she had breast cancer. When she had to face going to the City Hall to register her husband’s death, she felt she could not do it. That morning, when Margaret opened the curtains, she saw a rainbow in the sky and God reminded her that He is sovereign and she drew her strength from the Lord.

Edna introduced Anna Morison as the new Home Vice-President, while Elizabeth Moffett enters her second year as Overseas Vice-President. Valerie Tweedie was then introduced as the new President for 2012-2013. Valerie reminded us that ‘Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever,’ emphasizing that we should stay close to Christ, our ‘Tower of refuge and strength’.

Our main speaker, Michele Guinness, addressed the meeting in a humorous and challenging way, bringing a different perspective to the Gospel from her Jewish background. Both meetings were lively and stimulating. Once again we can thank God for blessing us as we met together in His name. The glory in all things must go to Him.

Dorothy Marshall

Valerie Reid spoke of the importance of the Word of God for direction and comfort. Recently she knew God’s help in the difficult/dark days during the loss of her brother-in-law to cancer. Words of scripture provided hope, reassurance, peace and love and reminded her that God is indeed a light when we are in a dark place.

Caroline then thanked everyone for their generous giving to the PW Mission Fund and showed a short PowerPoint presentation on how the money is being used.

Another DVD clip highlighted the work in Drogheda Presbyterian Church which we are supporting this year as one of the special projects.

On Thursday, Jenny Clegg (deaconess), read from the Gospel of John and Karen Campbell and band led the praise. Eileen Black (deaconess) read the scriptures on Friday with Graham Hawthorne and band leading the praise.

PW ANNUAL MEETINGS 2012

LOtS OF wOmen, ShOPPing bagS, SmiLeS anD ChatteR! that waS the SCene On thURSDay

3RD may, when wOmen FROm aLL OveR iReLanD met in the aFteRnOOn FOR the annUaL

meeting. the SCene waS RePeateD On FRiDay evening, minUS the ShOPPing bagS!

we neeD hiS Light tO See thROUgh the mateRiaLiSm OF OUR SOCiety anD tO ReaLiSe that ‘enOUgh’ iS aLL we neeD.

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Michele introduced her talk in an engaging and humorous way. She described how, in Jewish culture, the light of God’s presence in the home was illustrated in the Sabbath candles that her grandmother lit every week. “Let there be light” were the first words of God in creation (Genesis 1:3). We find 260 references to light and 200 to darkness in the Scriptures. In the beginning there was darkness, disorder and emptiness, exile and death. Spiritual darkness is dangerous but, with Jesus, the darkness is never forever. God dwells in light and overcomes the darkness.

ANNUAL MEETING 2012WITH MICHELE GUINNESS

light of the world

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When Jesus claimed, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), it was at the culmination of the Feast of Tabernacles. This feast was a harvest festival, when crowds came to Jerusalem to celebrate God’s provision. For seven nights a great procession would walk from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple, where the priest poured out water taken from the pool. On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and said, “If anyone is thirsty let him come to me and drink.” In a dramatic way He was claiming that He was the Messiah.

Every night, as the procession arrived at the top of the hill, there would be four large torches shining out over Jerusalem. Each torch had a meaning: ‘Glory of God’, ‘Joy of Victory’, ‘Light of Eternity’ and ‘An Outburst of Joy’. The men would dance all night for joy. While the dancing was going on and the torches were shining brightly, Jesus proclaimed, “I am the light of the world.” He was fulfilling Simeon’s words, “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:32). Jesus was claiming that He was the fulfilment of Malachi’s prophecy that “the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in His wings.” (Malachi 4:2).

R.L. Stevenson wrote of the lamplighter, “There’s a man punching holes in the darkness.” The New Testament also speaks of light. With the coming of Jesus, God is punching holes in the darkness until no darkness remains.

The first hole is the ‘darkness of dead religion’, the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, the reliance on rules and regulations.

The third hole is ‘personal darkness’. God guided His people in the wilderness by a pillar of fire by night. Sometimes we have specific guidance but often we trudge in the darkness. At times God tests us but He will give us light to keep us on the path. We need His light to see through the materialism of our society and to realise that ‘enough’ is all we need. He has given us the values of Christ.

The fourth hole is the ‘darkness of death’. Death is a human condition which causes separation and loss. When we trust Jesus, the light gets brighter and brighter until we see Him in His full glory. We go to the eternal city and dwell with Him in His eternal light forever.

In a break with tradition this year, we held our Annual Meetings on two different days and included an afternoon seminar with our guest speaker, Michele Guinness. The one-hour seminar on Friday afternoon was attended by about three hundred women and explored the Jewish roots of the Gospel. The theme of the talk was Celebration, Jewish Style. When she first became a Christian, Michele found our Christian style of worship alien to her experience as a Jew. Jewish festivals are very colourful. The Passover is a glamorous event, with shining candlesticks, which is presented in an interactive form. It is a dramatic retelling of the story of the exodus from Egypt. Children take part by asking four questions and the point of the celebration is to remember and relive the story of God’s salvation.

Story-telling plays a large part in Jewish culture. The purpose of the stories is to teach people to obey. Story-telling takes up 87% of the Scriptures so it is important for Christians too. It should give children a sense of wonder. Jewish people thank God a hundred times a day for His many blessings.

They give thanks for everything, such as getting up, seeing a rainbow or fruit on a tree, even emptying the bin!

Jesus was sensitive to ordinary things around Him. He noticed colour, perfume, music, wind, the fig tree and sounds in the market place among other things. We should be sensitive to ordinary things too and let our imaginations feed our spirits. For Jesus, celebration was a way of life. The Jews would have had six weeks holiday each year to go to Jerusalem for the three main feasts. God commanded His people to rejoice in His festivals. In the Gospels there are 30 references to Jesus eating in celebration. One notable occasion was when He went to eat with Zacchaeus. The salvation of one soul causes the angels to celebrate. When we open our lives to Jesus, He promises to come in to our lives and eat with us (Revelation 3:20).

Celebration acts as a witness to unbelievers, is an antidote to pain and loneliness, and a rehearsal for the royal banquet which is to come.

a SeminaR with miCheLe gUinneSS

Michele Guinness

Our lives should produce the fruit of patience and gentleness, and shine so that people will see our good deeds and glorify God.

The second hole is the ‘darkness of sin’. The wonder of the cross and God’s forgiveness were brought home to Michele as she read John’s Gospel under the bedclothes and then she went to York with her school to watch the Passion play. The sound of the nails being hammered in made her realize the reality of salvation in Christ. She remembered Isaiah’s words: “Then your light will break forth like the dawn.” (Isaiah 58:8). For Isaiah, God’s light was centred on justice in society. If we walk in God’s light, we need to stand against injustice and the unfair distribution of wealth. In that way our light will shine.

Dorothy Marshall

10


The women of Orangefield encouraged me to send my son to Sunday School and when there were special children’s services, I went to church and to my surprise actually enjoyed it. I accepted an invitation to go to the Young Women’s Group. One evening, as a woman taking the meeting played that famous Charlie Landsborough song and shared about her Forever Friend, the ‘penny dropped’ - what the others had in their life was Jesus.

My first contact with the Presbyterian Church was as a new mum when I went along to a Mother and Toddler Group and it was there I met women who ‘had something’. At that time I didn’t know who or what, but I wanted what they had. As a child I had been sent to Sunday School, but as far as I recall I never heard the Gospel and when I reached an age to decide for myself whether to get out of bed or not on Sunday morning, I chose to have a lie in!

Presbyterian Women encourages women to become Disciples of Christ, and that’s exactly what the group I went along to in Orangefield Presbyterian Church did!

MEET THE PRESIDENT vaLeRie tweeDie

11


She encouraged anyone who had never asked the Lord into their life to do so and I did. It is the best decision I ever made.

Looking back on my Christian journey there have been many significant times. Going to a Bible study group led by my minister’s wife helped me realise that I can read the Bible for myself and that God speaks to me through it. The Women’s Study Fellowship course at Belfast Bible College helped me grow in confidence so much that I swapped my main job in church of pouring tea, for leading the Young Women’s Group. At the time I was the most unlikely person for the task but, who God calls, He equips and the words from Philippians 4 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” took on a whole new meaning.

Since answering the call to get involved with PW centrally, God has turned my life and the life of my family upside down. There I met many women who have become true sisters in Christ, and aunties to my children! One of my favourite sayings is, “A ship is safe in a harbour but that’s not what it was designed for.” Since embarking on my journey with PW it hasn’t always been plain sailing and calm waters, but my life jacket has been in knowing that I am where God wants me to be for “such a time as this”, (Esther 4:14).

I thank Central Committee for the privilege of representing PW as Home Vice-President over the past two years and for all the new experiences gained. I visited many congregations and was able to get to know and encourage the deaconesses whom PW and BMI are pleased to support together.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am passionate about PW and women’s ministry. As President, two words describe how I feel - humbled and excited. I can’t believe the journey God has taken me on and hope that in the year ahead I will bring glory to Him in all I do, and importantly, not let busyness crowd out the times that He and I spend together, just enjoying each other’s company.

The words of the worship song, My Jesus My Saviour, have always been very special, reminding me that He is my Comfort, my Shelter, my Tower of

refuge and strength, and that nothing, absolutely nothing, compares to the promise I have in Him.

Presbytery NamePresident (East Belfast) Mrs Valerie TweedieHome Vice-President (Ballymena) Miss Anna MorisonOverseas Vice-President (Iveagh) Mrs Elizabeth MoffettGeneral Secretary Mrs Caroline HawthorneCommunications & Development Officer Mrs Charlotte StevensonArds Mrs Margaret StevensonArmagh Mrs Edna McIlwaineBallymena Mrs Lynn MurrayNorth Belfast Mrs Evelyn ColemanSouth Belfast Dr Jean ShannonEast Belfast Mrs Margaret GraysonCarrickfergus Mrs Lynda StothersColeraine & Limavady Mrs Jean FarlowDerry & Donegal Mrs Elaine CrockettDown Mrs Sandra StokesDromore Mrs Elma LeeburnDublin & Munster Iveagh Mrs Jean AnnettMonaghan Mrs Pat MartinNewry Mrs Pauline IrvineOmagh Mrs Valerie ReidRoute Mrs Ann MillarTemplepatrick Mrs Edith HolmesTyrone Mrs Anne ThompsonModerator’s Wife (Ex Officio) Mrs Daphne Patton

Pw CentRaL COmmittee 2012 - 2013

OFFiCe beaReRS

L-R Elizabeth Moffett (Overseas Vice-President), Caroline Hawthorne (General Secretary), Valerie Tweedie (President) and Anna Morison (Home Vice-President).

We wish Daphne God’s Blessing during her husband’s year as Moderator and look forward to her sharing with us on Central Committee.

Daphne Patton

12

Some years ago I took my son ice skating. With all the confidence of a nine year old he took off on the ice while I clung to the side for dear life! I so wanted to skate confidently, enjoying the exhilaration of gliding around the rink, but the fear of falling and making a fool of myself held me back. Perhaps a call to leadership can make us feel this way: we love Jesus and long to serve Him and so we say “yes” when called to lead. However, fear and insecurity keep us clinging to the edge.

The short book of Jude gives some insight to the challenge of leadership and it’s to that letter that we turn. These thoughts are drawn from Walter Wright’s book, Relational Leadership.

Who are we as leaders? Jude is a straight-talker. He writes to a church struggling with strong characters who claim to be leaders but who are actually pointing people in the wrong direction. He reminds the true leaders of who they are in Christ and what they are to do.

“To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ.” (verse 1).

We are calledWe have been called to this life, to this place, to the tasks that lie ahead.

We are lovedChristian leaders must find their identity rooted deeply in God’s love. Any valid leadership we seek to exercise must be grounded in a permanent, intimate relationship with Jesus.

We are kept“The heart of leadership is not in mastering the ‘how tos’ but in being mastered by the amazing grace of God.” Leighton Ford.

LeaD...whO me?

2013 Annual Meetings

Thursday 9th May, 2pm

& Friday 10th May, 7.30pm

Speaker: Heather Morris

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As we step out in Christian leadership, it’s not a child who says, “Hold my hand, trust me…”, rather it is Jesus, Son of God, who reaches out, speaks our name and says, “You are called, you are loved, you are kept. Now trust Me.” How will we respond? Do we say, “Yes I know,” but keep on clinging to the edge? Or do we say, “Yes!” and start to skate?

What is leadership about?False leaders, says Jude, are “shepherds who feed only themselves.” (verse 12). They use power for their own benefit and this is not the character of a godly leader. Christian leaders serve, recognising that their leadership is to build up others and to build up the Kingdom of God - not to build up themselves. Christian leaders encourage; they build and serve as part of teams, sharing power and responsibility. They see potential in others and rejoice in, rather than feel threatened by, the gifts of others. And they are loyal, not speaking badly of fellow workers or listening to those who do so. In short, as Christian leaders you must “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3,4).

Christian leaders deliver on vision or, perhaps more accurately, Christian leaders co-operate with God, Father, Son and Spirit in order that vision can be delivered. Jude writes that those leading in wrong directions are “clouds without rain, blown along by the wind.” (verse 12) For a farmer in a hot and dusty climate, the appearance of a cloud brings hope of rain and good harvests. But as Jude paints his picture, the clouds pass by, blown on by the wind, failing to deliver on their promise. Jude is accusing the false leaders of promising a future to the people which they cannot deliver.

Leaders have vision. It’s one thing to preach and teach so that the people of God discern God’s leading - in Jude’s language that’s allowing the clouds to form - but there comes a time to deliver, to make sure that vision and heart-stirring rhetoric become action. Nehemiah saw God’s vision for a re-built Jerusalem, he spoke about it and then he acted, leading his people back to rebuild the city walls. Relying on God, he delivered on the vision God gave him. Likewise, Moses heard God’s command to lead His people out of Egypt. His reluctant leadership is well known, but still he acted. Relying on God, he delivered on the vision God gave him. To deliver on vision means investing time in people; it means working to ensure that relationships are right; it means allowing people to use their talents and supporting them when they do; it means delegation; it means keeping going, even on the difficult days.

Jude’s third image is of “autumn trees without fruit, uprooted—twice dead.” (verse 12). These leaders are twice as useless – they are not grounded in a relationship with God which empowers them to do His work. Consequently they do not produce growth in their community. Leadership is about character. At the core of leadership is the challenge to live so that what you say is what you do.

And if all this sounds too daunting and we begin to think leadership might not be for us, we turn to Jude’s closing words, remembering whom we serve, whose work we do and who will indeed see His work carried through to completion! “To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore!” (Verse 25).

Rev Dr Heather Morris

‘Called, loved, kept’ - as Christian leaders we must allow the Spirit of God to bring these truths home to us. Otherwise our motives will be tainted by insecurity and our leadership will be driven by the need to make people like us, rather than by seeking the will of God and the advancement of His Kingdom.

To focus our minds on these truths, we must walk closely with Jesus. We all know that it’s easy to let prayer slide and easy to let our relationship with Jesus grow cold. We know this, but here’s the truth: it’s simply not enough to know about it and sympathise with each other on how hard it is. Jesus died so that we might know the joy of a relationship with Him. Let’s stop messing around with that and do whatever we need to do to keep that relationship alive. Maybe that is getting a prayer partner or joining an accountability group or a discipleship group. Whatever it is, do it!

We must trust God with who we are “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1). I wonder if, like me, you are ever tempted to look around and think, well if I looked like her I would be able to lead; or if I could cook like her; or if my family were like hers; or if I had her gifts. Of course there is work for God to do in each of us that will rub off the edges and make us more like Jesus; God will do this. If God is calling you to leadership, He knows what He is doing, so trust Him.

We must have faith God’s Word tells us we are ‘called, loved, and kept’. Now will we choose to believe that or not? Let’s go back to that outing with my son. As I clung to the side, David said, “Mum don’t worry, I’ll hold your hand, you can lean on me…” If I had fallen I would have squashed him flat!

LeaDeRShiP iS abOUt ChaRaCteR. at the CORe OF LeaDeRShiP iS the ChaLLenge tO Live SO that what yOU Say iS what yOU DO.

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Has your heart ever gone out to someone who is suffering? You feel for them in their pain? Have you a burden for someone but felt that you, in yourself, were helpless?

Maybe your response is “I’m too shy” or “I don’t know them well enough to get involved.” Or maybe, like Moses, you plead “Please send someone else to do it!” (Exodus 4:13).

We don’t need to rely on our human ability. Christ promised “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Mathew 28:20). His promise when sending out his early followers is as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago!

Paul knew what it was like to be at the end of his tether. He realised that his own ability to cope was of no use. His self confidence was exchanged for confidence in his God.

Recently, while waiting for my husband, parked in one of our city streets, I noticed how miserable the passing people looked as they went about their daily lives, with drooped shoulders, downcast eyes and minds obviously pre-occupied.

We don’t need to look far to find similar characters who are finding life burdensome and daily living a strain - people who are waiting until hopefully ‘things turn the corner’ or to when the ‘brighter days eventually come’.

What can we do to bring light to their paths?Maybe you think that it is only recently that people are finding life a struggle but, in Corinthians, Paul urges the believers or saints (imagine being known as a saint!) to respond in love. Not everyone can be called full time to serve God in the role of church visitor, pastoral worker, missionary or minister

but everyone can be called to the ministry of ‘bringing comfort’ to people hurting in so many different ways.

A work colleague, a neighbour, a relative, a member of our PW Group who is facing a situation and feels that they have no hope or no-one to turn to, need to realise that God is their comfort, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). God is compassionate and, above all, cares about them personally.

Paul, in his honest straight talking manner, tells it as it is! He is speaking from his deep experience of suffering and grounded in his personal relationship with his Saviour. If we are to bring a blessing to others, we need to rely alone on God’s strength and guidance - not on our own desire to help or to make things better.

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We need to ensure that we are in close relationship with God, who equips us. Are we listening to His promptings? Satan is subtle, telling us that we are ‘copers’, that we’re made of strong stuff, that we don’t need to turn to the God of all comfort who shares in our sufferings.

When our Lord left His disciples to face trials, He gave them a promise that we also can claim; “Do not let your hearts be troubled. I will not leave you.” (John 14:1).

How comforting it is to know that we have a reliable, trustworthy and, most importantly, compassionate friend who is beside us in every situation we face, even in the darkest night when sleep evades us!

I personally was the recipient of many blessings from the hands of others over many years.

Another friend delivered a box of groceries when I couldn’t spare the time to shop.

Don’t Be PiousPlease don’t leave a collection of ‘helpful’ verses or books about the theology of suffering. People in the midst of difficult circumstances have trouble enough focusing on daily living, let alone on finding time or the inclination to read books. Maybe later, when they are questioning what has happened in their lives.

At a time when our young son was facing a life and death situation during his years of illness, a friend gave me a verbal sermon on the ‘Authority of God’. All I needed was a hug and a hankie for my tears!

Be PersonalA card telling them that you are simply praying for them (and do!) or a gift of flowers will brighten their day and show that you do care. A personal gift such as a bath bomb, a magazine on a favourite subject, a CD or a scented candle would also be appreciated. Remember the old Post Office advertisement? “I saw this and thought of you!” If the time is not right for a longer visit just leave your gift and go quickly.

Be PrayerfulPaul emphasises the power of constant prayer. Pray for the person at all times and in all situations, not just when trouble initially comes but remember them on dark winter evenings, when anniversaries loom and when hospital appointments are scheduled. Very often, it’s a few weeks later when the initial feelings of shock, numbness or fear have subsided that the person really needs your continued prayers to help them walk through their valley. As you do this you are sharing in their sufferings - supporting and upholding them, asking God to help them in ways they may never know!

In a very dark room, even a tiny tea light brings relief to the vast darkness. Don’t underestimate how you can be used by God to bring a little light to the life of another!

Joan Thompson

Our second son, Matthew, took seriously ill at the age of ten months with a viral infection and as a result, was left profoundly mentally and physically handicapped. With three other young demanding children in a busy household, there were many times that I struggled with the pressures of even simple daily tasks, and with feelings of loneliness and the belief that no one else really cared about us - yes, even as very involved members of a thriving congregation!

Can you imagine what it is like to take four children Christmas shopping with one in a wheelchair? Have you ever wished that someone would mind the children so that you could get your hair cut? Have you faced the prospect of going alone to hospital for test results? Or have you ever wished that when someone asked you how you were, that they actually waited to hear your truthful answer before hurrying away?

All of these are simple tasks but so important when people need to experience comfort and love. People do care! They are just reluctant to show it.

Dwight L Moody challenges us when he states, “Where one man reads the Bible a hundred will read you and me.”

We are called to be Christ’s messengers in today’s society - bringing real hope and comfort to the situations we and others face. How do we show others that they are important to us and to God?

We shouldn’t be offended if well intentioned offers of help are declined. It’s the person that matters - not our sensitive feelings.

Be PracticalDon’t just say, “If there’s anything I can do...” Chances are that they will never ask. Be specific when offering practical help and think about what the person really needs. A pot of soup or a complete meal that can be frozen if not required immediately is much more acceptable than yet another chocolate cake! One of the most helpful offers that I’ve ever received was when a neighbour offered to walk the dog while our family was needed at a hospital bed.

we aRe CaLLeD tO be ChRiSt’S meSSengeRS in tODay’S SOCiety - bRinging ReaL hOPe anD COmFORt tO the SitUatiOnS we anD OtheRS FaCe.

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“Our churches are filled with people who outwardly look contented and at peace, but inwardly are crying out for someone to love them (to care for them) … just as they are – confused, frustrated, frightened, guilty and often unable to communicate with their own families.” (Keith Millar)

Ask yourself, honestly, to what extent could these words have been spoken by someone in your church? Even yourself?

“Many people today find it easier to sit through a finely-tuned (or not) service and leave to go home without ever having to open up their lives or care about another person’s journey (through life…)” (Keith Millar). For them, the reality is often loneliness, isolation, spiritual poverty and no real growth in, and experience of, Christ.

Others may be regular attenders, but engage only at a superficial level. For example, they enjoy a cuppa together after the service, talk about sport or current affairs or the kids, or engage in a ‘fine’ conversation – you know the one that goes, “Hi, how are you?” “Oh, fine, and you?” “Fine thanks. Do you take sugar in your tea? What a lovely dress!”

being theRe FOR eaCh OtheR

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Sharing in fellowship, however, is much more than this. Some will head home, inwardly crying out for someone to really care, with a longing for open, honest sharing, someone to express a genuine concern for their health or spiritual wellbeing.

Yet it can be so easy to care. For example, when I was on sick leave some time ago, frustrated by my own incapacity and unable to be out and about the Father’s business (or so I thought), I heard of a member who was suffering from a severe bout of a recurrent illness. On one of my better days (when I had the strength and voice to speak), I telephoned her and simply asked how she was. Our conversation was but a few minutes long, as I listened to her intently and promised to keep her close in prayer, and then we hung up. To my utter amazement the next day, a beautiful bouquet of flowers was delivered to my door with a simple note that read: “Thank you for caring when sick yourself. It means so much.” In that moment, the Lord revealed how easy it really is to communicate love and to care for someone in need.

I’ve been told by some over the years that the Sunday service can be the loneliest place in the world. One woman shared how she had plucked up the courage to attend her PW meeting, looking for friendship, but no-one talked to her and, with a sense she didn’t belong, she never returned.

Haven’t we let people go home alone after a Sunday service to eat a ham sandwich or boiled egg?

and share with one another on the journey, then we can endure when it’s our turn to be plunged into the valleys; the pain of loss, the cloud of discouragement, the fear of diagnosis or the frustration of ill-health.

When we live in and out of the resources that a living relationship with Jesus supplies, we will treasure any and every opportunity to intentionally connect with and care for our fellow travellers. Moreover, we will not be able to keep ourselves from sharing with them out of the overflow of His goodness, mercy and love, which He pours daily into our lives. Think about it… She who shares (what the Lord has given) cares. She who cares, shares...

Jesus didn’t talk about ‘church’ as being a place to go, but a way of living in relationship to Him and others for our mutual benefit and support. The call of the Kingdom was never a call to ‘go it alone’, or a superficial community where we all get on with our own business while inwardly crying out for love and care. No, He wired us for dependence and relationship – deep dependence upon Him, authentic relationships with others.

His divine will is the same today as it was for the early church: “All the believers were one in heart and mind...they shared everything they had (God-given gifts, time, money, resources, encouragement, faith)… there were no needy persons among them (physically, emotionally, materially or spiritually)...and what they had was distributed to anyone as he (or she) had need.” (Acts 4:32-35).

Now, that’s what ‘being there for each other’ really looks like!

Amanda Cooper

Those diagnosed with terminal illness or mental health problems, even the bereaved, have asked me, “Why, when I hurt the most, or am afraid, does it seem people scatter into the busyness of their own lives and priorities or cross to the other side of the street when they see me? Don’t I matter? Don’t they care?”

Ironic, isn’t it, that despite our talk of ‘church families’ and having more ways to connect today, people in this era can feel more isolated and lonely, more disconnected than ever before! And the greatest tragedy is that sometimes it is we who are to blame.

Do I hear some of you protest? “But in our church, we do care. We have a Practical Care Team, a Pastoral Care Team, a Prayer Ministry Team and a Confidential Prayerline. We care through our PW, GriefShare and DivorceCare programmes, Senior Citizen groups, Friendship & Craft Circles, home groups, Mums & Tots, etc, etc, etc. We do care!”

Of course, these are great initiatives and caring vehicles but, permit me to be provocative here…events and programmes don’t necessarily mean that meaningful fellowship (or life in the body of Christ) is being experienced and shared. In its absence, real caring, as our Lord wills it, cannot be realised.

Real caring happens when we recognise two things:

1. It’s not the meetings that are important, but the quality of the relationships we share in them.

2. We are a people who share in the same journey, knowing and growing in Jesus together. When we truly care for

jeSUS DiDn’t taLk abOUt ‘ChURCh’ aS being a PLaCe tO gO, bUt a way OF Living in ReLatiOnShiP with him anD OtheRS FOR OUR mUtUaL beneFit anD SUPPORt.

Amanda Cooper, DeaconessNew Row, Coleraine

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It’s that time of the year when we are ready to start the new session; having reflected at the end of the last session on what didn’t work and what, to our surprise, was a great success.

We are thankful for the aims of PW to keep us on track and remind us that we are here to encourage each other as disciples of Christ, to mature in our walk with Him, to deepen our fellowship together and to keep looking outward to mission overseas and reaching out to women ‘on our doorstep’.

door and handed one to every woman in the congregation - five attended the first meeting!

We are still a relatively small group made up of all ages – young singles, mums, working women, grannies - with many nationalities; Indian, Kenyan, Lithuanian, Latvian and South African as well as Irish – so the challenge is how to plan a programme that will have something for everyone.

For many years the PWA, as it was, had been a faithful group of women who met once a month on a Monday morning for fellowship and to plan things such as the Annual Sale and the Harvest Supper. But we realised, that if we continued meeting in the morning, there was always going to be a limit to the number who could come, especially as so many women are now working. In 2009 we took the decision to move to a Monday evening meeting. We planned and printed a programme and on Sunday morning we stood at the

DROgheDagROUP FOCUS

Construction of church building in progress

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To stimulate our own faith we had a workshop on The Quiet Time. We also had an evening entitled A Good Read, an idea borrowed from Donagheady PW. We read Helen Roseveare’s latest book Enough - very short and inexpensive so no excuses! Then we came together and shared what we had learned from it, the spin-off being a monthly Book Club open to the whole congregation. We are always looking for ways to reach out and engage with those not attached to church or who are just ‘looking in’ on Sundays. We try to plan at least one event that would be of practical interest to many. One of our own members, Marlien, who is a GP, gave a talk on women’s health. Joe and Janet Campbell led a seminar entitled Marriage Matters, to which we invited the men, luring them with the promise of supper and, to our surprise, over forty came along. We’ve also had talks and videos on various aspects of Christian parenting.

We are quite isolated from other groups which makes it more difficult to invite speakers, but that can be a good thing as frequently we have to go ‘DIY’ which often works really well. Our mission focus this year was ‘India’ to fit in with the PW project. We looked at the life of missionary Amy Carmichael from Millisle through a DVD and quiz. Some of our Indian women dressed in their beautiful saris and provided a supper of authentic Indian food - delicious!

The past two years ended on a high note and, incidentally, a painless and extremely enjoyable way to raise money for the PW project - a pot-luck banquet. There was a wonderful array of food, a team game and a short epilogue. Everyone paid their 10 euro and we raised 200 euro for PW Mission Fund! Easy!

Our numbers are still relatively small but we can just about squeeze into a living room. We are looking forward to the move to our new church home with a large meeting room and kitchen facilities giving space to expand and scope for doing so much more. It would be lovely one day to be able to host our own women’s conference here in Drogheda!

So we are thankful to God for the growing warmth of fellowship among the women, which makes it a pleasure to be part of our PW and draws others in.

We also very much appreciate being part of the wider fellowship and are grateful to PW for adopting our building project as part of this year’s Special Project.

Sandra Woodside

During a My Story evening, members shared their Christian experience or simply mentioned a Bible verse, a hymn or book that had meant a lot to them. These turned out to be very inspiring nights.

Another challenge was how to encourage a sense of fellowship when we are all so different and only meet once a month. We have started to produce a monthly news-sheet, an idea which came from Newmills PW. It focuses on a chosen topic, gives details of upcoming events, personal news such as babies born or people in hospital as well as prayer topics for each other. We sometimes commit to pray for the person sitting beside us during the following month. It is a great ministry and brings us closer to each other.

As a result of a house-group study in Galatians thinking about how to ‘carry one another’s burdens’, we drew up a list of names and phone numbers of those willing to help in a time of need – visiting home or hospital, providing meals, giving practical help when a mum is unwell, etc. It was lovely to see that move into action when unforeseen crises arose during the year.

We value links with the wider church through conferences – 22 women travelled to Kilkeel for the Newry LINK Day Conference in March and a car-load enjoyed a day out to Belfast, taking in the PW rally with Michele Guinness – it was lovely to sing along with the Assembly Hall packed with other women!

SO we aRe thankFUL tO gOD FOR the gROwing waRmth OF FeLLOwShiP amOng the wOmen.

SPeCiaL PROjeCt 2012/13Drogheda Presbyterian ChurchThe new church building has six small and separate classrooms for Sunday School. PW hopes to provide a substantial donation towards the constructing and fitting out of these rooms.

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Ingredients1 medium sized onion, chopped500 grams minced meatSunflower oil to braise the onion and mince1 thick slice soft bread 125 mls milk2 eggs1 dessertspoon medium curry powder1 tablespoon sugar1 teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon pepper¾ teaspoon turmeric15 mls white vinegar or lemon juice60 grams pitted raisins2 bay leaves25 grams mango or sweet chutney

MethodChop the onions and fry in a small amount of sunflower oil until golden colour. Add the mince and brown.Soak the bread in the milk, drain most of the milk out of the bread again and keep to the side. Mash the bread with a fork.Mix all the ingredients except remaining milk, 1 egg and the bay leaves.Spoon the mixture into a casserole dish and gently smooth out with a fork, (do not press it down into the dish).Add bay leaves with the stems visible so that they may be easily removed before serving.Pre-heat the oven to 180ºC or Gas mark 4.Bake without covering for 45 minutes.Beat remaining egg and milk and pour over the casserole 30 mins before it has to come out of oven.

Marlien MienieSouth Africa

Ingredients4 boneless, skinless, chicken breast fillets, about 450g/1lb350 grams prepared stir-fry vegetables600 grams straight-to-wok noodles (2 packs)100 grams stir-fry sauce (black bean, sweet and sour or Thai soy sauce)1 large onion and 2 cloves garlic2 teaspoons oil or olive oil½ teaspoon light soy sauce½ teaspoon dark soy sauce¼ teaspoon sugar

MethodCut the chicken into strips and marinate with light and dark soy sauce, sugar and a little oil.

Clean and wash the vegetables, cut the onion, then stir-fry the garlic and onion in hot oil until brown, then add and brown the chicken.

Add the noodles and vegetables and mix, then pour in the sauce and mix again.

Cover and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and add salt if you wish.

Sofia RamezPhilippines

bObOtieaSian ChiCken nOODLeS

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Ingredients1 tin peaches1 carton creamDark brown muscovado sugar

MethodDrain peaches and place in a shallow heat-resistant dish.Whip cream and spread over fruit. Sprinkle over a layer of brown sugar.Place under a hot grill until sugar bubbles and caramelises to a crispy topping.Delicious with other fruit such as raspberries.

Sandra Woodside Drogheda

Ingredients1 cup plain flour1 cup of icing sugar1 cup ground nuts2 teaspoons baking powder½ cup oil ½ cup milk2 eggsRaisins (optional)

MethodMix together flour, sugar, nuts and baking powder. Add the oil, milk and eggs. Stir in raisins if required.Spread the mixture into a large tin which has been greased and floured.Preheat oven to 160-180ºC/Gas mark 3-4. Bake 30-40 minutes.If desired top with chocolate icing and chopped nuts.

Julia HejlovaCzech Republic

PeaCh bRULeenUt SLiCeS

RECIPES FRoM DRoGHEDA PW’S TASTE AND SEE RECIPE Book

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eveRyDay evangeLiSm - teLLing yOUR StORy

it’S abOUt a LOving gOD, UtteRLy ReSCUing anD Renewing PeOPLe, thROUgh a wORLD Changing hiStORiCaL event, the CROSS OF ChRiSt.

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I have two young daughters who are starting to watch movies. As a movie fan myself, I have enjoyed introducing them to some of the classics. They love Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. Near the end, as Prince Philip (the fictional one!) battles the evil witch, our three year old Annie always calls out, “What’s going to happen?” She’s on the edge of her seat, cheering as the prince battles to rescue his true love! She’s excited and delighted by this tale of romance and rescue!

Stories like this captivate people of all ages, in every generation. People love a good tale of heroics, redemption and romance. The latest blockbuster movie, TV shows and classic novels often contain such adventure.

The Gospel is a love and rescue story, so good it seems too good to be true. Maybe if we looked upon the Gospel like this, we would be more eager to share it with others. When Jesus is your Saviour, you are part of a cosmic love and rescue epic. Listen to the Bible:

“But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” (Titus 3:4-5).

We might have many opportunities to share the Gospel, but taking them will depend on us opening our mouths to speak the Good News. One of the big reasons we don’t speak out is that we’re not sure what to say. How do we tell the Good News? Remember, it’s all about telling a good story, your story, God’s story.

Growing up in the church, I felt that my testimony was poor in comparison to some of the powerful testimonies that I’d heard of people saved from drink, drugs and violence. Mine seemed…boring, but the Gospel is not simply about how we are, somehow, improved by God. It’s about a loving God, utterly rescuing and renewing people, through a world changing historical event, the cross of Christ. The Gospel is a story worth sharing.

Little PicturesLittle pictures are important too. We look at photos in purses and wallets, and now on mobile phones, to help tell others about our family, often revealing part of the bigger picture of our lives in the process. The big Bible picture is helpful in understanding, appreciating and telling the Good News but it’s good to have some little picture stories too.

As well as looking at the whole story of the Bible, it is helpful to take someone to a particular verse or passage of the Bible that explains the Gospel clearly for you. I had been a Christian for many years, but things became crystal clear whilst reading the book of Ephesians. Chapter 2 in particular was key to my understanding of the Gospel. Here are some verses that I love sharing with others:

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins...But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions —it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5).

When I read these verses with people, I am reminded of how I felt the first time I read them - that no matter how alive I feel, how successful I might become, or how friendly I am to other people, I am spiritually dead because of my sins. This strikes me afresh every time I read these words and I’m always ready to hear the Good News that follows. They are words of love and rescue; words that remind me of God’s love, mercy and power and of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection that rescued me and gives me life.

Rev Dave Clawson

The Big PictureIt is really helpful to grasp the big picture of the Bible and the Gospel, so let’s think of the love and rescue story of the Bible in four parts:

Creation: We were made in God’s image to reflect His glory and to love God and others.

Creation gives us identity and tells us why everything exists.

Rebellion: We rebelled against God’s perfect rule, which led to conflict, slavery and judgement.

Rebellion tells us why the world is the way it is.

Redemption: God restored His rule by sending His Son who paid the price of our judgement on the cross.

Redemption tells us that our greatest need is the forgiveness that Jesus brings.

Restoration: God will re-create this broken world when Jesus returns and makes all things new.

Restoration gives us great hope that the world will be made new in Christ.

Knowing these four parts helps us to understand the world around us and share our story with others. As you think about these, you can see how they help us make sense of the world and our place in it.

Asking yourself questions can help you shape and tell your own Gospel story;

• Do you remember what you thought your greatest problem was before you realised it was sin?

• When did you realise God’s love for you?

• How does the hope of the new creation and eternity with Jesus help you day to day?

• How might you feel if you were without hope?

the gOSPeL iS a LOve anD ReSCUe StORy, SO gOOD it SeemS tOO gOOD tO be tRUe.

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SUPPoRTING LoCAL

AND GLoBAL MISSIoN

FUnDRaiSing iDeaS

FOR gROUP FUnDS

anD Pw miSSiOn FUnD

If you have a novel way of fund raising let us [email protected]


On Saturday 31st March 2012 almost 300 women from the PW Groups within the Presbytery of Newry gathered with women from Drogheda PW, Church of Ireland and Methodist Church for their bi-annual Ladies Day Conference in Mourne Presbyterian Church. This was the culmination of much planning and preparation by the LINK Planning Committee.

In November 2010 the Committee had met to begin planning the Conference. After some deliberation it was agreed that the title should be Daughters of the King based on 1 John 3:1: “How great is the Love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are!”

Catherine Campbell accepted our invitation to be the main speaker. She is originally from Belfast and now lives in Coleraine with her husband, Philip, who is a Congregational minister. She is the author of several books.

We were delighted when Rev Albert Baxter, Jill Harshaw, Rosemary Spiers and Heather Williamson agreed to be our seminar speakers, making the line-up complete.

Seminar 2How to Grow Through Life’s Trials was led by Jill Harshaw, a lecturer in Belfast Bible College, who referred to her own life’s experiences.

Seminar 3Psalms was led by Rev Albert Baxter, the minister of First Portglenone Presbyterian Church, who re-awakened a love for the Psalms.

Seminar 4God’s Standards In a Changing World was led by Dr Heather Williamson, who gave a challenge to live without compromise in a secular world.

Then it was time for a lovely lunch of soup and sandwiches followed by tea/coffee and shortbread provided by local caterers.

After lunch everyone had time to take a walk or browse the bookstall where there was also an opportunity to purchase a signed copy of Catherine’s book, God Knows Your Name.

The afternoon session began with the seminar leaders forming a panel to answer both serious and humorous questions. Everyone enjoyed the light hearted banter and getting to know all the speakers. This was followed by a time of praise before Catherine spoke again.

Then there was just time for a final cup of tea and scone before leaving for home, spiritually refreshed and stimulated, to apply the truths that had been shared.

Annette McIntyre

The women arrived in Kilkeel on a beautiful spring Saturday morning to be greeted and provided with name badges for the day. Tea and scones were served and enjoyed by all.Everyone then moved into the church building for a time of praise led by a group of musicians and singers directed by Sandra McCurdy.

This worship time was based on the Psalms and included well known and contemporary music.

Under the heading of Daughters of the King, Catherine directed the listeners’ thoughts to how we are adopted into the family of God:

- How we are loved by the Father- How precious we are to Him- How we are forgiven- The open access to Him- The future inheritance we can have

All too soon the session had ended and the women split into four seminar groups to hear their chosen speaker.

Seminar 1Ideas on Connecting with Unchurched Ladies was led by Rosemary Spiers, deaconess from First Antrim Presbyterian Church, who, from her own thoughts and experiences, provided ideas to consider.

NEWRy LINk DAy CoNFERENCE

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Board of Mission in Ireland - Panel on HealingMinisters, Hospital Chaplains, Pastoral Workers, Divine Healing

Agents and Prayer Group Members are invited to attend a morning seminar:

“The Mystery of Suffering & the Practice of Prayer”Wednesday 17th October 2012, 9.45am – 1.00pm

Assembly Buildings, Fisherwick Place, BelfastSpeaker: Dr Keith Warrington (Vice-Principal/Director of

Doctoral Studies, Regents Theological College in England)

The event is free, but it is essential to indicate your intention to attend by informing Mandy Higgins (BMI)

Tel: 028 9032 2284, Email: [email protected] or Jim Campbell (Organiser) Tel: 028 9070 9113,

Email: [email protected]

PW Annual Meetings Some words to describe ‘light’ are ‘effective’, ‘transparent’ and ‘dazzling’. Michele’s talks at the PW Annual Meetings and seminar were all of these and much more. Personally, I found it a stimulating and fresh challenge, bringing the theme of Jesus as Light Of The World right up to date for living in today’s 21st century. We should share hospitality readily with family, friends and neighbours in our day to day evangelism. ‘Do it naturally, as Jesus taught’ was the lasting impression I have taken away and I am trying to put this profound but simple strategy into sharing His light with all those with whom I make contact. Doreen Draffin

What a privilege to be a member of PW!I had the joy of being at the General Assembly to hear the PW report. Yes, I say joy, because as I sat and listened, I felt how wonderful it is for us, as women, to have the opportunity to come together, in our individual congregations to enjoy fellowship. We have such a band of godly women at the ‘roots’ of PW, whose sincere objective is to glorify God in all they plan.

The reports given by Valerie Tweedie and Caroline Hawthorne were so encouraging and the facts and figures of how PW is able to help in different spheres of our Church was so uplifting that the response from the House after the report spoke volumes of how God is using our organisation in the building of His Kingdom. Yes I say again, what a privilege is ours, to be part of PW and I wish that even more women would come and join with us. I especially encourage younger women, perhaps with fresh ideas, to come and get involved in their congregation’s group.Betty Kennedy

JewelleryMy thanks to everyone who sent in jewellery for Orphan Care in Livingstonia, Malawi. I was overwhelmed by the generosity and unprepared for the vast amount of jewellery that arrived in PW Office. I have sent four boxes already and two more are waiting to be despatched shortly. With the help of several members of my group we sold some of the jewellery at the Annual Meetings and more to several organisations in our own church in Glengormley. To date we have raised £1,300 which has also been sent to Livingstonia. In an email recently Una Brownlie wrote, “It was a great idea to sell some in Northern Ireland. We continue to sell in the craft shop, so having boxes coming from time to time is good and keeps renewing our stocks. Many, many thanks for your love, support and prayers.”Dorothy Marshall

Presbyterian WomenPresbyterian Women we represent.Reaching out in love is our aim and intent.Everyone within has something she can do;Serving Christ, keeping His salvation in view,Bringing care, help, healing, love and peace.You and I have been called to share God’s salvation and grace,Taking the Good News of forgiveness that’s free,Enabling others to go to areas beyond you and me,Reaching the lonely, the lost and the sad,Including the helpless and even the bad!All, Christ included when He died on the tree.Now He commissions you and me within PW.Women we are, and well we knowOthers out there need this Good News to know.Many are dying without Christ today;Each of us has a duty His call to obey.Now let us all unite and say,“We will serve Him, come what may.”Olive Boreland

enCOURaging One anOtheR

I had a wonderful relationship with my granny and benefited so much from her wisdom, knowledge and sense of humour! Congregations can benefit from a united women’s ministry where younger and older women can learn from each other and share life together!

Charlotte Stevenson, Communications & Development Officer for PW, and I are available to speak to ministers and women’s groups as congregations seek to develop women’s ministry through PW.

As I visit congregations I can see that there are different types of groups – some who seem content to just meet the needs of the women in it’s own congregation and others who focus entirely on the wider mission of the Church. While each is good in their own right we need to encourage a balanced outlook. We have got to be concerned with the women in our congregation and think of ways to reach out in our community but we have also got to have the bigger picture in mind as we continue to pray for and financially support the mission of our Church. I believe we can have both and I have seen many groups who do this well.

When congregations have a number of women’s groups it can cause division – we have seen this happen and it is one of the reasons why we amalgamated PWA and YWG in 2008.

CaROLine ShaReS…FROm heR RePORt tO the geneRaL aSSembLy

we CannOt UnDeReStimate OR UnDeR vaLUe the POweRFUL PRayeRS OF many Pw membeRS FOR the miSSiOn OF the ChURCh anD theiR FaithFUL FinanCiaL COntRibUtiOn tO it.

When I think of PW I think of lots of women coming together in various Presbyterian churches throughout Ireland encouraging each other in their faith journey and reaching out to women in their congregations and community. I also think of groups of women meeting together to pray for the mission of our Church which is a very important part of our work. Our history is supporting the mission of the Church and we cannot underestimate or under value the powerful prayers of many PW members for the mission of the Church and their faithful financial contribution to it.

This past year has been a huge encouragement to Central Committee and to me personally. We are beginning to see the many changes that have been put in place centrally, take shape in lots of groups. The removal of the membership fee in September has opened up much needed opportunities for groups to show women they are valued for themselves rather than contributing £3. However, many of these women are now contributing to the PW Mission Fund which supports our work – so far we have not seen a reduction in our giving which is such an encouragement to us.

There are many thriving groups seeking to encourage women to become disciples of Christ but we cannot deny that some have been more resistant to the changes we believe God has wanted us to make and it is our hope and our prayer that these groups move forward with us.

27

The full PW report given to the General Assembly by Valerie

Tweedie and Caroline is available on PW Website:

www.presbyterianireland.org/pw

28


newS & eventS

Upper Cumber PW 50th Anniversary Dinner.

Donagheady PW at their 60th Anniversary Celebrations with the founder of the group, Rev John Hume, accompanied by his wife. Also present were friends from other congregations and the singing group ‘Justified’.

Helen’s Bay PW Breakfast.L-R Mary McAuley, Anne Kirk, Maureen Morrison, Oonagh Moore, PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott (Guest Speaker), Pat Bullick, Edna Cobain and Sylvia Thompson.

Trinity Boardmills PW 50th Anniversary Celebrations.L-R Margaret McKee, Angela Patterson (Leader) and Florence Johnston cutting the cake.

First Armagh PW present a cheque for £2400 to Tracey Muldoon, Regional Marketing Officer, Southern Area Hospice. The money was raised in memory of their former Secretary Audrey Blemings, at a recent concert with Portadown Male Voice Choir.

First Derry PW members and Rev David Latimer who led the service at Torre del Mar Church, Spain during their recent visit, pictured with Rev Jacqueline Hartsmith-Foy.

29


Ballylennon and St Johnston PW 70th Anniversary.

Clough and Seaforde PW organised a day of fun for their congregations to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on Saturday 2nd June. A very enjoyable day was brought to a close by a short service of thanksgiving and worship.

Congratulations to the happy couple. Joanne McCourt (Probationary Deaconess) married Robert Dunlop in Loanends Presbyterian Church on Friday 1st June 2012.

Woodvale PW 100th Anniversary Celebrations with past and present members.

Lecumpher PW with a quilt made by members of the congregation in 1903, consisting of 780 alternate red and white squares, each one bearing a sewn signature. A contribution of half a crown (12.5p) was given for each name and a total of almost £100 was raised which was quite a tidy sum at that time.

Myroe PW held an outreach evening Wedding Dresses through the Ages. Over 40 dresses from 1958-2011 were modelled and some members managed to fit into their own dresses! There were also wedding albums, wedding shoes and other memorabilia on display. The evening closed with an epilogue and supper.

St John’s Newtownbreda PW Service.L-R Lorna Gray (Outgoing Leader), Phyllis Spence (Speaker), and Joan Henderson (Incoming Leader).

Photograph by Clive Wasson

30

The silver pieces and white shells on Nabiki’s head-dress tinkled softly as she shook with fear. In the quietness of the early morning she had been briefly left alone in her mud house. Very soon the women would come and remove her head-dress to shave her head in preparation for her Maasai wedding later that day.

Just four weeks ago she had undergone ‘the cut’ – the removal of all her external genitalia, a procedure known as Female Genital Mutilation. Normally girls undergoing this would be given a year to recover before being married, but Nabiki’s family were poor and, to survive, they needed the dowry they would receive for her.

Once the celebrations were over she would live in her new husband’s village, far away from her home and family. The man she was about to marry already had five wives and was 60 years old.

Nabiki was twelve.

PHOTOGRAPH AND NAME CHANGED TO PROTECT IDENTITY

She started to run – as fast as she could – through the bush. Soon the villagers would chase after her, but she managed to make it to the mission. Mary came towards her, arms outstretched to hug the sobbing child. Nabiki could hardly get the words out, “I don’t want to get married today…”

Quickly grasping the situation, Mary called for the gates to be locked. “Don’t worry, you’re safe now. No-one can harm you.” Gently she helped the trembling girl into the house. As they sat close together on the sofa in the schoolroom, uproar began at the gate. Nabiki’s mother had arrived demanding to see her daughter.

In the quietness of the house, Mary looked directly into young eyes full of fear. “Do you want to see your mother?”

Reluctantly, Nabiki nodded. How could she refuse to see her own mother?

NABIkI

31


The rest of Nabiki’s story can be found in the book, Journey Of Hope. In June 2011, my husband, Brian, and I set out on a trip through Malawi and Kenya. Having previously worked in theological education in Kenya for eight years we were interested to return to Africa and, in particular, to meet local people who had faced specific challenges in their lives. We discovered one person after another confronted by difficult and sometimes tragic circumstances, unbowed by their situation, strong in faith, and determined, with God’s help, to create a better future for their family and community.

The story of our journey runs alongside the life journeys of those we met on our travels. For both them and us, hope emerges as the theme, as together we look beyond present circumstances to see God working out His plan through His people.

Jean Gibson

“It’s not true, she won’t kill herself,” Mary tried to comfort the distraught child. “She is just trying to manipulate you to go back home.”

Even if she did not carry out her suicide threat, Nabiki knew her mother would be beaten by her father when she returned home without her. The mother was always to blame if a child misbehaved. Was she right in bringing all this trouble on everyone? She sat on the sofa and continued to cry as she thought about her family. She loved her mother so much and yet her mother was trying to force her into this situation. The pain she felt at being cut off from her family and her home was almost too much to bear.

As she grew calmer, she realised that Mary was still there, available to comfort her.

“What do you want to do?” Mary asked her.

“I want to go to school where my cousins are. When I get there, I’ll be safe and I can try to forget about it. I know I’m safe in here, but my family are just outside the gates.”

As she had guessed, her father had also come to the compound by this stage. She knew the men from the village could become violent very quickly. Gary, however, having been through this many times before, seemed to have the situation under control. Mary explained that Gary had already contacted the District Children’s Office, the local Child Protection Agency in the main town of Narok, to alert them to the incident. They were on her side and would sort out the situation with her family.

Mary helped her out of the rags in which she had arrived so that she could wash and get dressed in clothes from a supply kept for such occasions. As Nabiki sat down to lunch with the family, admiring her new clothes, she felt peace settling like a soft blanket over her bruised spirit. She felt protected and cared for. So much had happened in one morning, it all felt unreal, but perhaps Gary would be able to sort it out; perhaps things would work out alright in the end.

As her mother stormed into the house with baby Simel tied to her back, Nabiki shrank back into the sofa, afraid of what was coming.

“What are you thinking? Are you trying to shame your whole family? Everything is prepared for the wedding. We cannot afford to cancel it now. Your husband will be embarrassed. How can we face the rest of the clan? Have you no shame?”

As her mother launched into a diatribe against her, Nabiki curled up and sobbed gently.

“Crying is not going to help you. If you insist on your own way and refuse to come with me, I am going to leave here now and kill myself because I can’t face the shame of what you are doing. How will you feel then? I will be dead and you will have to get married anyway.”

Upset by all the shouting, little Simel began to cry. It was the final straw for Nabiki, torn between love for her mother and brother and fears for her own safety. She did not want to be separated from her family, but if she went with them now her husband would take her away from them later.

“Please get mum to leave,” she cried to Mary.

“Enough,” Mary stood up to confront the angry woman. “You are abusing the child and it cannot be allowed. You will have to leave.” Shouting and threatening, Nabiki’s mother was escorted from the compound, leaving a weeping Nabiki behind.

we LOOk beyOnD PReSent CiRCUmStanCeS tO See gOD wORking OUt hiS PLan thROUgh hiS PeOPLe.

jOURney OF hOPe

RRP £8.99

Available from the Mission Overseas Office, Assembly Buildings for £8.00 plus postage and packaging costs. Proceeds from sales of this book will go to support the work of Presbyterian Mission Overseas.

32

So far, in these articles, we have looked at the reliability of the ancient manuscripts and the testimony of the Bible writers. Here I want us to think about ourselves as ‘consumers’ of the Bible text, and the impact of the Holy Spirit as He seeks to reveal Himself to us through Scripture.

One of the remarkable things about the Bible is that even the most familiar passage has the potential to leap off the page at any time. Our senses can become dulled as we encounter familiar readings in church or in our own home.

over every character as it was committed to parchment, resulting in a concentrated and usually profound style of writing that requires much teasing out. Major incidents are often described in a handful of verses:

• The crossing of the Jordan by the entire Israelite company – just 4 verses (Joshua 3:14-17);

• The killing of Goliath and the Philistines – 14 verses (1 Samuel 17:41-54);

• Elijah’s personal encounter with God – 10 verses (1 Kings 19:9-18)

How can it be that, when we least expect it, the ‘penny drops’ and we suddenly find ourselves immersed in a fresh experience?

I recall vividly during my school examinations, the steady stream of people going up to get extra writing paper because they had filled the book that they had been given. Not me! I chewed over every word and was conscious that my book was still half empty when the call came to put down our pens. So, in a way, I can identify with the Bible writers who strained

Can we tRUSt the bibLe?

33


I found myself pausing at the certainty of the final word, finding comfort, if any were needed, that none of us travels life’s journey alone. It is this capacity for God’s Word to speak to us, at a higher level to which no other writing can aspire, that is so special and so reassuring.

In these days, even for many church-going people, the Bible is full of untapped resources and treasure. If we are to avail of the divine help that is there for all of us, we need to approach Scripture in quiet, in reverence and…in expectation that, through the presence of the Holy Spirit, we can experience something special.

Can we depend on the Bible? Yes we can! But…only if we regularly rest on its Spirit-filled power and inspiration!

Next time, we will consider how lives that have been changed by the Bible can prove life-changing for others.

John DohertyBible Society in Northern Ireland

We share David’s apprehension when Saul chooses his cave as a public toilet, and the tension as Elijah clings to the rock while God passes by. The Bible has this exciting capacity to transport us into the very dust of the event that is being chronicled. But why do these words encourage us as Christians while leaving others completely cold?

Reading is an activity that occupies us on so many levels: while our eyes scan the page, our critical faculties analyse the message and assess its meaning and impact. And yet, if we read Scripture with an open heart, something special happens. Unseen, the Holy Spirit illuminates the page or adds power to the voice on the CD. We should not be surprised at this. God’s Word is no ordinary text. It requires us to live as though our very lives depend on it and are driven by it. God uses the Bible to speak to us at a personal level, especially at those moments when we most need to hear His reassurance.

Some time ago, I was reading the 23rd Psalm at a church service. The words were going to be so familiar to the congregation that I had decided to read it in the Contemporary English Version, rather than in the beautiful words of the King James translation. I came to verse 4: “I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and Your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe.”

The New Testament writers are similarly economical, with Mark’s Gospel proceeding at a breathless pace. So it comes as a surprise when John devotes an entire chapter to the healing of ‘the man born blind’ (John 9). The detailed account of the healing and of the authorities’ subsequent interrogations provides us with a ringside seat as the story unfolds.

It is the Bible’s variety of style and content that is so special.

gOD’S wORD iS nO ORDinaRy text. it ReqUiReS US tO Live aS thOUgh OUR veRy LiveS DePenD On it anD aRe DRiven by it. gOD USeS the bibLe tO SPeak tO US at a PeRSOnaL LeveL, eSPeCiaLLy at thOSe mOmentS when we mOSt neeD tO heaR hiS ReaSSURanCe.

The Board of Mission Overseas has commended the following Specialist Service Agencies for

the prayerful and financial support of local congregations: The Bible Society in Northern Ireland, FEBA Radio, National Bible Society of

Ireland, SAT-7, and Wycliffe Bible Translators.

34

OveRSeaS newS

CeLebRatiOn OF gLObaL miSSiOn

bOOkS avaiLabLe FROm the miSSiOn OveRSeaS OFFiCe

Pw SPeCiaL PROjeCt 2012/13

PeRSOnneL newS


The Mission Overseas Office,

Presbyterian Church in Ireland,

Assembly Buildings, 2-10 Fisherwick Place,

Belfast, BT1 6DW.

Tel: 028 9032 2284

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.pcimissionoverseas.org

The Board of Mission Overseas will be holding Celebration of Global Mission evenings in the autumn, including one in Assembly Buildings, Belfast on Tuesday 23rd October 2012 at 7.30pm. For further details: www.pcimissionoverseas.org/events or contact the Mission Overseas Office.

Derek & Jane French are based in Bilbao in Northern Spain with Grupos Bíblicos Unídos (GBU). Their work principally involves evangelism among students and the discipling of Christian students. Derek is also involved in writing and translating Bible resources. PW’s donation will support the Staff Worker Fund and will go towards their Resources Project. This project aims to provide study materials on every book of the Bible.

Adam McCormick, a member of Greenwell Street Presbyterian Church in Newtownards, is hoping to leave for Malawi in the autumn to serve for one year.

Going under BMO’s ‘Ignite’ programme, Adam will be based in Mzuzu, where he will assist the Synod of Livingstonia in the field of Communication and Information Technology. His task will be to provide Synod staff with training in computer maintenance, to install anti-virus and security software, and to develop appropriate inventory systems for each Synod Department.

Peter and Valerie Lockwood and family arrived in Nepal in July and are settling into life in Kathmandu. Peter and Valerie are spending their first few months learning Nepali, aiming to build on the language they have already acquired from previous service in Nepal. Peter will then take up the post of Programme Advisor with United Mission to Nepal (UMN) and Valerie a part-time post, teaching English and Business Studies, in the secondary level at Kathmandu International Study Centre (KISC).

Volker and JinHyeog Glissmann and family arrived in Ireland in August and will be engaged in deputation in September and early October.

Linda Roulston will be doing some deputation speaking in early September.

Derek Roulston plans to return to Ireland in late October to undertake some other deputation engagements.

Eddie and Mary Dorrans plan to return to Kenya in the autumn to begin work with WHEAT Foundation International on the construction of Nanyuki Girls’ Secondary School, near Timau. The secondary school age girls currently meet in the primary school and the growing number of students means that a separate building is required.

Neil Kennedy is due in Ireland in mid-October for a few weeks of deputation speaking.

Ron and Hilary McCartney are hoping to return to teaching at Foreman Christian College in Lahore in Pakistan this autumn.

Journey Of HopeBy Jean GibsonRRP £8.99£8 (+P&P)(See page 30)

No Dragons Here and Other Stories from Ireland and Malawi By Roberta MooreRRP £7.99£7.50 (+P&P)

Frederick, The Life of My Missionary Grandfather in Manchuria By Mark O’NeillRRP £22£14 (+P&P)

volker & jinhyeog glissmannHome Assignment

james & heather CochraneApartado 183EC olhão8700-910olhãoAlgarvePoRTUGAL

PARTNER CHURCH MISSIoN PERSoNNEL

MISSIoN PERSoNNELnaomi keefec/o Mission overseas office

barry & elyse mcCroskeryHome Assignment

Stephen & angelina CowanPCEA TuumPo Box 13Baragoivia Maralal 20601kENyA

eddie & mary Dorransc/o Mission overseas office

naomi & thomas LeremorePo Box 23450-00100Nairobi (GPo)kENyA

gary & mary ReidPo Box 846-20500NarokkENyA

Christopher & nivedita benjamin214 Grasmere AvenueSouth kentonMiddlesexHA9 8TWENGLAND

Derek & Linda RoulstonPo Box 64Timau 10406kENyA

Una brownliePo Box 5LivingstoniaMALAWI

Diane CusickPo Box 112MzuzuMALAWI

neil & Sara kennedyPo Box 31245ChichiriBlantyreMALAWI

Robin & helen quinnPo Box 6 Ekwendeni MALAWI

edwin & anne kibathi80 Barley LaneIlfordEssexIG3 8XNENGLAND

matt williamsPo Box 6EkwendeniMALAWI

joe & janet Campbellc/o Mission overseas office

Peter & valerie LockwoodUMNPo Box 126kathmanduNepal

Ron & hilary mcCartneyc/o Mission overseas office

Csaba & ilona veresStr Intre Lacuri 43Cluj NapocaJud ClujRoMANIA

Derek & jane FrenchCalle Mendibile ostekoa 12, 2-A48940 LeioaSPAIN

johnny & Lyn DowdsPo Box 5LivingstoniaMALAWI

jacki hartsmith-Foy3.1.4 El PenoncilloTorrox Costa 29793MalagaSPAIN

Information included in Overseas News is supplied by the Mission Overseas Office. While it is correct at the time of writing, which is normally some weeks before publication, readers should be aware that some details may subsequently change. Up-to-date news and information are available online at: www.pcimissionoverseas.org

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maLawi

nePaL

nePaL

PakiStan

PORtUgaL

ROmania

SPain

SPainengLanDengLanD

kenya

kenya

kenya

kenya

inDOneSia

kenya

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E A fresh new design

E Expanded to cover 52 weeks

E Keeping Presbyterians up to date with the global work of our Church

E Specific and relevant prayer points for the whole year

The new look

Prayer Handbook is now available

To order a copy contact your Congregational Agent or the Communications Office on (028) 9032 2284

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