Back to porridge
Sometimes September can feel more like the start of a new year than January. Whether it is beginning a new school or university year, or launching into a fresh church calendar of activities, it is a busy time. For the parents of school-age children, the organisation of new uniforms and stationery (as well as making sure that absolutely everything is named!) can be a stressful task. For some, the high level of cost involved can take this stress to new levels.
One congregation seeking to help those struggling to afford the new school year is St James’ in Ballymoney. A dedicated team from the church has recently started an initiative to offer used items of school wear to those who need them. Tracey Nicholl explains that central to this project is outreach and mission: “At St James’ we pray that…we will reflect God’s glory and love.”
If you have children, grandchildren or even teenagers in your congregation heading off to university for the first time, it is well worth reading Rev Mairisine Stanfield’s article on the dark side of university sports. Although a grim read about the initiations often inflicted, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers ahead. Mairisine is sure that at the heart of the issue is identity, saying, “Young people need to be taught about the truth of who they are and whose they are.”
Moderator, Dr William Henry, in describing a recent mission trip to Kenya, applauds the passion and energy of the young people who accompanied him. “Here are young adults who hunger and thirst after God and crave to be part of a world where he is all in all.” He encourages congregations and ministers to get alongside young people and help ignite their passion for God and mission.
The new Youth and Children’s Project is all about the importance of teaching and nurturing young people. Focusing on the work of Derek and Jane French in Spain, the project will support the publication of resources in Spanish, which will greatly help families and churches there to disciple children. Ruth Bromley explains more and provides an update on past projects.
For those of you who might feel drained already by the school preparations, I encourage you to take a moment to read Betsy Cameron’s column, in which she highlights the ups and downs of family and school life with a wonderful anecdote that is sure to put a smile on your face. And whether this month signifies for you lots of change, or none, I pray you will know God’s peace and blessing as you venture into all that September brings.
The Presbyterian Herald is the official magazine of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. It provides a forum for debate and discussion on a wide range of topics and aims to challenge and encourage Presbyterians, as well as inform them about what the wider Church is involved in. It has a readership in excess of 25,000 and is distributed throughout Ireland.
To find out more go to www.presbyterianireland.org/herald