APRIL 2023
SILENT GRACE AT WORK
Moderator’s Easter message
25 YEARS ON…
Reflecting on the Good Friday Agreement
150 YEARS OF THE GAMBLE LIBRARY
Special anniversary at Union
Family
Festival 2023
Extending the family of the church to others
Saturday 13 May 1.30–4pm
Crawfordsburn Scout Activity Centre
Limited Space – Book Now To find out more and book scan the QR code or go to www.presbyterianireland.org/ familyfestival
Family Festival is a new event for
families with children aged 0–11 years to come and enjoy a fun afternoon of: • outdoor activities – archery, orienteering, grass sledging, climbing wall, assault course for under 8s • crafts • games This event is part of an initiative aimed at helping congregations to further contact and strengthen links with parents and children connected with ministries such as kids’ clubs, uniformed organisations and toddlers groups etc. but who are not members and don’t regularly attend church. Why not take this opportunity to bring a group and deepen relationships while having fun together?
CONTENTS | APRIL 2023
FEATURES 14 Going greener
Orangefield takes steps towards creation care
16 Silent grace at work Moderator’s Easter reflection
18 150 years of the Gamble Library
Anniversary at Union Theological College
31 25 years on…
Reflecting on the Good Friday Agreement
38 Beyond skimming the surface on baptism
New PCI resources on infant baptism
REGULARS 4 6 8 9 10 12 13 23 40 42 46 47
150 years of the Gamble library p18
Letters News In this month Life lessons Council news Norman Hamilton As I see it Mission Connect Reviews Life in PCI David Clarke Ruth Sanderson
25 years on… p31
Beyond skimming the surface on baptism p38
CONTRIBUTORS Joy Conkey is librarian of the Gamble Library, Union Theological College and is a member of First Portadown Presbyterian Church.
Rev David Thompson is Secretary of the Council of Congregational Life and Witness and chaplain to Glentoran Football Club.
Deborah Ford is an elder at Orangefield Presbyterian Church, where she’s involved in mission and teaching ministries.
Ruth Sanderson lives in Scotland with her husband and two daughters. She is a freelance radio/television presenter and producer.
Cover illustration by Barry Falls April 2023 No. 847 Published by: The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, Belfast BT1 6DW. T: +44 (0)28 9032 2284 E: herald@presbyterianireland.org W: www.presbyterianireland.org
Editor: Sarah Harding
The views expressed in the features, news reports, letters and book reviews of this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor. Editorial comment and signed Subscriptions and Advertising: articles do not necessarily contain the official views of the Church, which can only be laid down only by the General Assembly. Acceptance of advertisements Edward Connolly; does not imply endorsement of the goods or services. Advertising will not be Elaine Huddleston included if the product or service is deemed to be in conflict with the Church’s Design and Layout: official views, or if it is inappropriate for a church magazine. It is not Herald policy Edward Connolly to include any editorial content along with adverts. The editor reserves the right Printing: to decline any advertisement or letter without assigning any reason. Letters may W & G Baird Ltd be edited for publication. No correspondence can be entered into regarding nonpublication of advertisements or letters.
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The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is a registered charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104483); registered charity in Republic of Ireland (20015695).
Herald April 2023
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