Over a year ago, when I stepped aside from West Church, Bangor, I received among many cards and presents wishing me well for the exciting journey ahead, a 'Moderator’s Box'. Beautifully crafted by one of our young people, 12-year-old Nathan McAleer, it contained 8 hand-written envelopes anticipating various events throughout my time in office.
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I must confess that when I first saw it and realised what it was, it brought tears to my eyes, because of the incredible amount of sensitive work that had gone into its preparation.
On opening each envelop, at various times of the year, I found a Scripture promise and a packet of sweets including, rather appropriately, some ‘Refreshers’ along with some ‘Love Hearts’.
To Nathan’s embarrassment, I asked him to join me on the platform of the Wednesday Night Celebration at last year’s General Assembly in front of a packed Assembly Hall, as I wanted to talk to him about his special gift and to publically thank him.
Here is a flavour of his incredible perception and insight:
On the day you leave West Church
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
On the opening night of the General Assembly as you speak for the first time as Moderator
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
On a day you may meet the Pope or other faith leader
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1)
On a day when you have to travel far away
“Don’t be afraid for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
On a day when you feel down
“Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
On a day when you remember the end of World War One
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
On a day when you are excited and looking forward
“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4)
On a day when you feel you have an important thing to say, but don’t know how it will be received
“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
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The year has turned full circle and Nathan’s final instruction is to store these verses away with other memories of my year as Moderator of the General Assembly.
I am deeply touched that one so young has such wisdom beyond his years. What an encouragement that hand-made box has been to me over these past twelve months!
Precious gift
As followers of Jesus Christ, it is a precious gift to be able to bless and affirm one another, speaking the truth in love. The Bible itself is full of promises for every day and season of our lives: when we travel and when we are at home; when we’re up and when we’re down; when we’re comfortable and when we need challenged; when we are empty and when we are full.
In 2 Corinthians 1:20 we are told “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ” – Amen to that!
Dr McMullen will officially hand over as Moderator following the formal nomination, election and installation of his successor, Rev Dr William Henry of Maze Presbyterian Church, at the Opening Night of this year’s General Assembly on 3 June. The service will take place in Assembly Buildings in Belfast and is open to the public. You can read Dr McMullen's reflections on his year in office here.
The Opening Night also will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Ulster 1341 Medium Wave from 7pm and will be live streamed via this website. You can also follow a live Twitter feed @pciassembly using the #PCIGA19. For details of the business before the General Assembly, click here.