DECEMBER 2023/ JANUARY 2024
2024 Calendar
Featuring scenes from across the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the calendar will be a useful addition to the home or office.
Only £5/€5 each (including postage) To order please visit: www.presbyterianireland.org/pcicalendar or call +44 (0)28 9041 7297
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CONTENTS | DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024
FEATURES
14 Hazelbank turns 50
Coleraine congregation celebrates special anniversary year
16 Confident in Christ at Christmas
The Moderator’s Christmas reflection
18 Starting from scratch
PCI’s 2023 World Development Appeal
22 So… this is Christmas The business of Christmas
24 Born free
Walking with God in a hectic world
36 Does everyone feel welcome at church? Welcoming newcomers on Sundays
38 Emerging leaders
PCI’s leadership development programme
40 Love in action
Starting from scratch p18
Introducing the Presbyterian Relief Fund
42 Bible storytelling
Witnessing through Bible stories
44 A family community
The story of Presbyterian witness in Balbriggan
46 Keeping watch over God’s flock
The work of the Presbyterian Children’s Society
Letters News In this month My story David Clarke Life lessons Mission Connect Norman Hamilton Reviews Life in PCI Ruth Sanderson
Cover illustration: Barry Falls Dec 2023/Jan 2024 No 854 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
So… this is Christmas p22
CONTRIBUTORS
REGULARS
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Born free p24
Ruth Sanderson lives in Scotland with her husband and two daughters. She is a freelance radio/television presenter and producer.
Katharine Hill is the UK director of Care for the Family. She is married to Richard and they have four grown-up children and seven grandchildren.
Andrew Dickson is the Congregational Life Development Officer for PCI. He lives in Whitehead with his wife Katherine and their two children, and is a member of Islandmagee.
Richard Kerr is convener of the Global Development committee and minister of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church.
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; Hazel Gilliland 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 December 2023/January 2024
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