NOVEMBER 2023
Shining a light in Omagh
A LIGHT ON A HILL
Story of First Omagh Presbyterian
ARMY LIFE
Reflection on Remembrance
WOMEN IN MINISTRY 50th anniversary for PCI
Presbyterian Church in Ireland
2024 Calendar Featuring scenes from across the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the calendar will be a useful addition to the home or office. With two months on view, specially selected Scripture verses are also displayed alongside.
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CONTENTS | NOVEMBER 2023
FEATURES 12 150 years of meeting needs Anniversary for the Society for the Orphans and Children of Ministers and Missionaries
14 A light on a hill
First Omagh Presbyterian
18 Army life
Reflections from a PCI army chaplain
20 Growing good leadership Servant-hearted approach needed
32 Women in ministry 50th anniversary
36 Forced scamming
A fast growing form of modern slavery
38 The history of Presbyterians in Pittsburgh
Army life p18
Tracing Ulster connections in the States
REGULARS 5 7 8 9 13 23 31 40 42 47
News Life lessons In this month My story Norman Hamilton Mission Connect Ruth Sanderson Reviews Life in PCI David Clarke
Growing good leadership p20
50 years of women as ministers p32
CONTRIBUTORS Deborah Sloan is a member of Orangefield. She has four teenage daughters and has recently left a career in academia to pursue her lifelong dream of being a writer.
Dermot Parsons is Secretary to PCI’s Council for Social Witness and a member of West Presbyterian Church, Bangor.
Ben McMechan is the Northern Lead for International Justice Mission (IJM). He is married to Lauren, where they serve at Carnmoney Church.
Billy Kennedy is a senior News Letter journalist and a member of Tandragee Presbyterian Church.
Cover photo: Evie Simpson by Jamie Trimble November 2023 No. 853 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; 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 November 2023
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