NOVEMBER 2018
Making better AFTER THE FLOOD Resilience in Faughanvale
memories
A JOURNEY OF REMEMBRANCE 100 years since the end of WW1
HOSPITALITY AND HOPE Moderator’s trip to Jordan
Your Legacy Of Hope And Care
- a gift in your Will to Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke
A gift in your Will to NICHS could not only help your loved ones, but leave a legacy of hope for generations to come. In Northern Ireland almost half of all adult deaths are caused by chest, heart and stroke illnesses. NICHS are working to change this through funding research and caring for those who are affected by devastating health conditions every day. A gift to us in your Will could be invested in critical local
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For a leaflet or further information on leaving a legacy to NICHS, please call us on: 028 9032 0184, or write to NICHS Gifts in Wills, 21 Dublin Road, Belfast, BT2 7HB
Please visit our website to see how our Medical Research Programme has already supported groundbreaking projects and is committed to many more over the coming years. www.nichs.org.uk
Charity Reg No. NIC103593 NICHS_legacy AD_Pres Herald.indd 1
20/04/2016 21:49
CONTENTS | NOVEMBER 2018
FEATURES 16 A journey of remembrance 100 years since the end of WW1
18 After the flood
Resilience in Faughanvale
20 Mobilising congregational prayer New resources and ideas
31 Hospitality and hope Moderator’s trip to Jordan
34 Squaring up to the past PCI’s response to the Troubles
36 Bible, church and same-sex attraction Reflection from Stephen Williams
A journey of remembrance p16
REGULARS 4 5 8 9 13 14 23 38 40 41 44 45
Letters News In this month… As I see it Life lessons My story Mission Connect Reviews Arthur Clarke Life in PCI Crossword Betsy Cameron
Hospitality and hope p31
CONTRIBUTORS Professor Stephen Williams is emeritus professor of Systematic Theology at Union Theological College and honorary professor of Theology at Queen’s University. Suzanne Hamilton is senior communications assistant for the Herald. She attends Ballyholme Presbyterian in Bangor, is married to Steven and has
Rev Mark Donald is minister of First Garvagh Presbyterian Church and chaplain to Second Battalion Royal Irish Regiment (Reserves).
Rev Tony Davidson is minister of First Armagh Presbyterian and a member of PCI’s Dealing with the Past task group.
twin boys.
Cover photo: Jamie Trimble November 2018 No. 816 £1.00 (€1.20) 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
Bible, church and same-sex attraction p36
Editor: Sarah Harding Subscriptions and Advertising: Lisa Skinner; Suzanne Hamilton; Philip Alcorn Design and Layout: Edward Connolly Printing: Nicholson and Bass Ltd.
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 articles do not necessarily contain the official views of the Church, which can be laid down only by the General Assembly. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply endorsement of the goods or services. The Editor reserves the right to decline any advertisement or letter without assigning any reason. Letters may be edited for publication. No correspondence can be entered into regarding non-publication of advertisements or letters.
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is a Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104483); Registered Charity in Republic of Ireland (20015695).
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NEWS | PCI
News River House wins again For the second year in a row, River House – PCI’s residential home for older people in Newcastle, County Down – has won first place for the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust region at the Northern Ireland Amenity Council’s Best Kept Health and Social Care Facility Awards. The annual Amenity Council awards recognise the staff and residents of healthcare facilities who showcase their dedication and pride in their workplace or residential care homes by improving their surroundings. Speaking after the awards ceremony, Linda Wray, PCI’s Residential and Supported Services Manager, said, “The Council for Social Witness, our residents and staff in River House are delighted with this award, especially as it comes as we look forward to celebrating our 30th anniversary later this year. River House is one of five residential care homes for older people run by the Church. The purpose-built home opened in 1988 and offers care and support in a Christian environment for 29 residents and enjoys a quiet coastal setting between the sea and the Mourne Mountains. The River House gardens are enjoyed by residents, their families and staff all year round with an additional feature introduced this year – chickens. The two birds, named Ruby and Penny, arrived in July and live in the garden. “The chickens have been a great addition to the River House community as they have an intrinsic therapeutic value. The residents, supported by the staff, look after them which encourages increased
Stitches in time
PCI’s River House Residential Care Home was voted the best kept health and social care facility in the South Eastern Health and Social Care region in this year’s Northern Ireland Amenity Council awards. Pictured at the presentation are: Rev Nigel Reid (convener of the Older People Services Committee), Hazel Dawson (River House activities coordinator), Mike Powell (handyperson), Jackie Campbell (resident), Stephanie Moore-Archer (acting home manager), Molly Montgomery (resident) and Linda Wray (CSW Residential and Supported Services Manager).
mobility and activity,” Mrs Wray said. Two other PCI residential care homes, Trinity House in Garvagh and Corkey House in Belfast, were both highly commended at the awards.
2018 Recognition Awards
Care home and support managers, along with PCI staff, launching the 2018 Recognition Awards at Assembly Buildings in Belfast.
Rev Dr Bill Shaw, Director of 174 Trust, and PCI Moderator, Dr Charles McMullen, pictured with Patricia McAuley as she unveiled a stunning piece of art ‘Stitches in Time’, which commemorates the life of Duncairn Presbyterian Church (1862-1994). The ceremony coincided with Good Relations Week and the International Day of Peace.
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Do you know someone, or a team of people, who are making an absolutely outstanding contribution in the area of social witness? Well, if you do, now is the time to celebrate their contribution to the life of PCI and the community in the 2018 Recognition Awards. To honour the contributions made by staff and volunteers in our churches, PCI’s homes and support units, the Council for Social Witness (CSW) has launched its third Recognition Awards and is asking for nominations for outstanding individuals, or teams, as they reach out to others in a practical way. Encouraging people to nominate, Lindsay Conway, CSW Secretary said, “Our Church has hundreds of ‘unsung heroes’ – people who up and down the country give tirelessly of themselves to make life a bit more tolerable and a little happier for hundreds, if not thousands of people.” The 12 categories for staff and volunteers, nomination guidelines, and a nomination form can be downloaded at www.presbyterianireland.org/recognitionawards Nominations must be submitted by 30 November. The awards will be presented by the Moderator, Dr Charles McMullen, at a special reception and buffet lunch in Assembly Buildings, Belfast on 14 December. So get nominating!
Find out more on www.presbyterianireland.org
Events
DIARY DATES November
My Place
Emerge Leadership Development Course Emerge is a one-off, short-term training programme offered to emerging leaders within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Spread over four dates, the aim is to gather together a group of leaders and invest in them through high quality training and shared experiences. This is an opportunity for emerging leaders in their 20s or 30s and in a current leadership role within their congregation, for example, as a relatively new elder, congregational committee member or a youth leader. Participants will be part of a learning community in which they will join others on a journey involving: practical teaching on leadership; group discussion; personal reflection; Bible teaching; practical examples; and mentoring opportunities. The next course will commence in February 2019 and run to June 2019. The first three sessions will be in two locations, Magherafelt and Belfast, followed by an overnight residential which brings both groups together. The deadline for registration is 18 January 2019. See www.presbyterianireland.org/ emerge for more details.
The organ in contemporary praise An event aimed at creatively harnessing organ music into more contemporary praise will be held in the New Year. Taking place in Killead Presbyterian Church on Saturday 26 January from 10.30am-12.30pm, the event will offer some hands-on examples and practical ideas for extending your congregation’s repertoire of praise. Further details soon.
Ballydown Presbyterian will host My Place on Thursday 22 November, from 7.30-9pm. My Place is an event exploring ways of including children with special additional needs in worship and children’s ministry. The evening features a mixture of Bible teaching, insights from parents and practical suggestions from those working in the field of special education. This event is for ministers, leaders and all members of congregations. For more information visit www.presbyterianireland.org/myplace
Road trip
Hill Street Presbyterian, Lurgan – Tuesday 13
Taking Care refresher training
First Carrickfergus – Wednesday 21
My Place
Ballydown Presbyterian, Banbridge – Thursday 22
Taking Care foundation training
Third Portglenone Presbyterian – Monday 26
Road Trip The next Road Trip event takes place in Hill Street, Lurgan on 13 November, from 7-10pm. This is a training event for Sunday school teachers, youth and children’s ministry leaders, elders, ministers and parents. Those at the event can attend two of the following seminars: Sunday morning children’s ministry; Growing young leaders; Building blocks for lasting faith; Schools’ ministry; Developing mentoring in your congregations; and Familyfriendly youth ministry. For further information visit www.presbyterianireland.org/ roadtrip
Family Holiday Next year’s PCI Family Holiday takes place at Castlewellan Castle in Co Down between 23-26 April. The holiday offers a great opportunity for families of all shapes and sizes to enjoy a mix of relaxation, fun activities and time together with God. Booking is now open, and the advice is to book early to avoid disappointment. Further information at: www.presbyterianireland.org/ familyholiday
Hard pressed, not crushed – A window on Christian identity in the Middle East Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Thursday 29 Second Limavady – Thursday 29 Lowe Memorial – Friday 30
January 2019 The organ in contemporary praise event Killead Presbyterian – Friday 26
Hard pressed, not crushed Three events this month will give an insight into Christian identity in the Middle East. Entitled ‘Hard pressed, not crushed’, the events at Assembly Buildings, Second Limavady and Lowe Memorial will feature Rev Prof Yohanna Katanacho and PCI Moderator, Dr Charles McMullen. Professor Katanacho is a Palestinian/Israeli evangelical leader who is academic dean of Nazareth Evangelical College and professor of Biblical Studies at Bethlehem Bible College. He has written a number of books, including The Land of Christ: A Palestinian cry and Praying through the Psalms. Dr McMullen will reflect on his moderatorial theme ‘Building relationships’, especially through the experiences he and his wife Barbara shared during their visit to Jordan this year. He will share insights he gained through the stories of Christians seeking to affirm their identity and faith in challenging contexts. Assembly Buildings in Belfast will host a conference on Thursday 29 November, from 9.30am-1pm, while evening events will take place at Second Limavady on Thursday 29 November and Lowe Memorial in Finaghy on Friday 30 November. Both the evening events will run from 7.30-9pm. While the conference, which includes lunch, is free of charge, pre-booking is essential. No pre-booking is required for the evening events.
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CONGREGATIONAL STORY
Just after the flood: George and Gladys McElhatton with Dr Noble McNeely and Lindsay Blair.
Gladys McElhatton in her home one year on.
After the flood
T
hree churches in the northwest are bringing hope to a community devastated by flooding. On 22 August 2017 over 60% of the rainfall expected for the entire month fell in just nine hours, causing damage to roads and bridges, and flooding businesses and homes. The small village of Eglinton was one of the areas affected, with stories of people trapped in their homes and others having to be rescued from their cars as rivers broke their banks, adding to the deluge. As well as businesses, around 140 homes were flooded, including those of 38 families connected to Faughanvale Presbyterian Church. In the face of such devastation, the three main churches in the area – Faughanvale Presbyterian, St Canice’s Church of Ireland and Star of the Sea/Faughanvale RC – have been working together to support the local community. Rev Lindsay Blair, minister of Faughanvale Presbyterian, explains, “The three main churches in the village came together to try to help people as best we could.” He says they visited those affected to give support and “to see if there was any practical assistance that we could give to them”. Lindsay adds, “In each of the churches we had an appeal and there was money
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raised in order to give people some immediate help and assistance.” The help given was not just in the short-term though. Working as ‘Churches Together in Eglinton’, they organised a series of events to fundraise and to raise spirits. A village tent service in a marquee beside St Canice’s Church hall in the month following the flooding was an opportunity to pray for those affected by the flooding and hear stories of hope and encouragement. Dr Noble McNeely, in his capacity as PCI Moderator, visited with his wife, Florence, to give their support to those worst affected. They also met councillors and representatives of local groups, services and agencies who gave assistance in the aftermath of the flooding at a meeting in Eglinton Community Hall. The three churches again joined forces in November 2017 to provide a free meal and gifts for those worst affected by the flooding, while a cookery demonstration and auction in April raised over £3000 for the village flood fund. “There were a number of opportunities when we brought people together, just
…over 60% of the rainfall expected for the entire month fell in just nine hours.
Suzanne Hamilton reports on a story of resilience and hope at Faughanvale Presbyterian Church, following the devastating floods of summer 2017.
because we felt that was important. Some people felt very lonely and cut off and there’s been a lot of fear and concern in people’s minds. The fear about this happening again also is a big thing for people. We’ve been trying to support people as best we can,” explains Lindsay. In the latest event, the resilience of the local community was celebrated at a community fun day held on the first anniversary of the flooding. Face painting, refreshments, bouncy castles and music were provided in the grounds of the rectory for all the community, with Lindsay explaining that they wanted to provide something positive so people wouldn’t be sitting in their homes thinking of what had happened the year before. The fun day was also attended by Noble and his wife, who earlier that day caught up with how work has progressed at the homes and businesses of those they visited last November. Among those they visited were Gladys and George McElhatton. While they are now back in their house and are in the process of trying to make it feel like a home again, the events of 22 August 2017 are still traumatic for the couple. Out when the flooding started, Gladys could only look on as a torrent of water raced down her street. “I was worried about the dog, which I’d locked in the kennel because of the storm…I thought
There were plenty of smiles at the fun day. Photos by Jamie Trimble.
my dog was going to be drowned. I didn’t know how deep the water was. I could see from where I was standing that the water was right up above my porch.” The water rose to 41/2 feet in the house and 6 feet in the garage, causing extensive damage to the ground floor. Losing photographs and personal items proved the most painful for Gladys. “I lost my daughter’s wedding album, which nearly finished me. I cried for nearly a week,” she explains. Gladys and George had to move out of the village while work was being carried out on their home. “I hated every minute of it. I had to part from my dog – which was very hard – for six months because where we were going wouldn’t allow pets. ” They eventually were able to move back into their home at the beginning of March. Since she has been home, Gladys has found it hard adjusting. The flooding has brought big changes as her youngest son, Gareth, decided not to move back into the family home. Then there are the small things as well, such as going to cupboards looking for things, forgetting they are no longer there. Monica and Norman Moore live in a different part of Eglinton, but they too ended up moving out due to damage caused by the flooding. They stayed at a relative’s house in Maydown, three miles away, while work on the ground floor Norman and Monica Moore with Rev Lindsay Blair (left) and Dr Noble McNeely (right)
We were helpless…We just had to watch it coming in and destroying everything. took place. All their floors had to be removed, and whilst they moved in at the beginning of February, there is still some work to be completed. “Even now it’s not a home. It’s a house at the minute, but we will get there – it takes time,” says Monica. Like Gladys, she says she finds herself looking for something, only to discover it’s no longer there – it was destroyed in the flood. Audrey Kinnear says the loss of photographs and personal possessions was the most devastating thing for her brother-in-law, David, when his home was flooded. “It broke his heart when it happened. Everything was destroyed…I was able to give him photographs…if I hadn’t have had them then he would’ve had nothing.” Other members of Faughanvale Presbyterian, Stephanie Nelis and her parents, Albert and Ann McLaughlin, were also affected. Stephanie was able to live in the upstairs of her house while work was being carried out downstairs, but Albert and Ann’s one-storey house was “completely wrecked”. “We just had to leave that night…
It was just awful. We were helpless, we couldn’t do anything about it. We just had to watch it coming in and destroying everything,” says Ann. She lived in a caravan for a couple of weeks, but then was able to rent a friend’s house. She moved back into her home in January, but the last bit of work has just been completed. Ann says it was particularly difficult being out of her home at Christmas, but that her church family has been great during their ordeal. Like many others who have endured a traumatic year, rebuilding their lives after the flooding, Stephanie, Albert and Ann took the opportunity to mark 22 August 2018 in a different way – by attending the fun day. The fortitude of the residents of Eglinton was evident amongst the happy faces at the fun day. This was apt as, according to Lindsay, the event was not only the opportunity to bring the entire community together to yet again show support for those affected, it was also a celebration of their resilience. “We have been seeking to put across the message that through all the suffering and pain that people have been through, hope is to be found in the Lord and his good news to us in Jesus Christ. The psalmist says ‘Put your hope in God’ (Psalm 42:5). That’s what we want people to know and we have sought to share this together,” says Lindsay.
Audrey Kinnear with her granddaughter Coleen Attwood.
Albert and Ann McLaughlin with their daughter Stephanie Nelis.
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