APRIL 2026
THE DARK VALLEY
Being better at bereavement care
CONSIDERING LAMENT
Psalms to process the Troubles
A GROWING HUNGER FOR THE BIBLE Assessing rising Bible sales
Making & Growing Disciples of Jesus
Ministry Apprentice (Summer 2026 Start) We are looking for someone to join the ministry team for a one year full-time role, with the possibility of a further year*. This role is ideal for anyone who would like to gain experience in preaching, pastoral care, leadership and discipleship. The successful candidate will also attend Cornhill, Belfast for theological training.
Technology That Supports Your Mission. Connect Tech Services provides professional AV and networking solutions for churches from sound, lighting, and visuals to hearing assistance and WiFi.
For more information, please contact standrewspci@gmail.com or visit www.standrewsbelfast.com/apprentice
We deliver reliable technology and seamless support, so your church can focus on its mission.
Closing date: 12/6/26 with interviews to be held the week beginning 22/6/26 *The opportunity for a further year will be dependent on agreement with Kirk Session. The role includes a six-month probationary period.
A4poster.pdf
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22/01/2026
Creativity in Christ
at First Derry Presbyterian Church Upper Magazine Street, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6PH
Sunday 7th June - Friday 19th June 2026
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T: 028 9691 8892 W: www.connecttechservices.co.uk E: info@connecttechservices.co.uk
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Patchwork Quilt Exhibition
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Contact us today!
Sundays 2 - 5pm Mon - Wed 10.30 - 5pm Thursdays 10.30 - 8pm Saturdays 10.30 - 6pm
By Sandra Weir of Hollow Oak Quilts Refreshments will be available in the Church Hall - to book a table please ring : 07459 489510 In support of First Derry Presbyterian Church Charity NIC105641 and One Mission Society Charity SC042930
JAMES DICKSON BOOKS Call us now to sell your books At James Dickson Books, we buy and sell fine Christian literature and theology, from rare Bibles and antiquarian works to modern evangelical classics. We're especially interested in: Puritan and Reformation writings, Scottish Covenanting and Presbyterian history, Antiquarian and rare theological books, early and rare editions of the Bible, commentaries, sermons, and church history. Entire libraries or individual quality items. Tel.: 01236 827978 Email: info@jamesdicksonbooks.com Shop online now where you can browse thousands of rare and out-of-print Christian titles: www.jamesdicksonbooks.com
CONTENTS | APRIL 2026
FEATURES
14 Joy in singing God’s praise Dementia care in Moira
16 Special General Assembly 2026
Review of February’s business meeting
20 The full light of his Lordship A reflection for Easter
22 Serving God in the autumn of life Faith in retirement
30 The dark valley
Being better at bereavement care
33 Considering lament
Psalms to process the Troubles
36 25 years in Kenya
The Reids reflect on their time overseas
38 A growing hunger for the Bible
Serving God in the autumn of life p22
Assessing the rise in Bible sales
REGULARS
4 5 6 7 8 9 13 24 40 42 46
Letters Culture Watch Apostles’ Creed News Life lessons My story Reflections Mission articles Reviews Life in PCI In this month
Considering lament p33
A growing hunger for the Bible p38
CONTRIBUTORS Robert Irwin is an elder in First Portadown Presbyterian and former editor of FarmWeek newspaper.
Rev Corrina Heron is a chaplain with the Northern Trust, the Belfast Trust, and Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. She also serves as a pastoral associate at Newtownbreda PC.
Rev Karen Campbell is a Presbyterian minister without charge and General Secretary of the Irish Council of Churches.
Mark Wells serves with the Bible Society Northern Ireland, visiting churches to share their fundraising work in Bible translation and distribution.
Cover image: Barry Falls April 2026 No. 877 £2.20/€2.60 Published by: The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, Belfast BT1 6DW. T: +44 (0)28 9032 2284 E: herald@presbyterianireland.org W: www.presbyterianireland.org
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; Leah Jones does not imply endorsement of the goods or services. Advertising will not be Design and Layout: included if the product or service is deemed to be in conflict with the Church’s Edward Connolly official views, or if it is inappropriate for a church magazine. It is not Herald policy Printing: to include any editorial content along with adverts. The editor reserves the right W & G Baird Ltd to decline any advertisement or letter without assigning any reason. Letters may be edited for publication. No correspondence can be entered into regarding nonpublication of advertisements or letters.
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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 2026
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