Irish news digest

Photo above – God in Creation – Bennevanagh, County Londonderry

3K Door–to–door in Castlederg

He’s only gone and done it. The Rector of Derg and Termonamongan, the Rev Peter Ferguson, has completed his ‘Door–to–Door’ marathon – praying as he ran – in the process raising more than £3,000 for parish projects. He was accompanied throughout the last half of the 26.2 mile run through the ‘Red River Valley’ by Derg parishioner Geoffrey Sproule.

Peter was applauded through the rectory gates by parishioners who’d gathered to support him. One of them, Audrey Robinson, said “Aw, Peter, I just want to give you a hug,” although she restricted herself to joining in the three cheers for the rector.

Minutes after the run, the long distance rector planned to do his stretches, have a shower and then look forward to dinner. “I’ll just do a 10 mile run tomorrow,” he quipped – at least we think he was joking.

Major prize for book on The Catholic Church and the Northern Ireland Troubles

The 2020 British Association of Irish Studies book prize has been awarded to Maggie Scull for her book The Catholic Church and the Northern Ireland Troubles, 1968–1998 (OUP). Scull “uses the Troubles as a case study to evaluate the role of the Catholic Church in mediating conflict”. Her book was praised by the judges for being “a formidably impressive study backed up with extraordinary archival research and conceptual ambition”. Scull is a modern historian whose work explores religious institutions, secularisation, political violence, sectarianism, and peace, and currently teaches at Syracuse University, London. She was previously an IRC postdoctoral scholar at NUI Galway, Ireland.

Rev Dr Murphy retires from Cuningham Memorial Presbyterian, Cullybackey

The Cuningham ministers – recently retired Rev Dr David Murphy on right.

Rev Dr David Murphy and his wife, Helen have just retired after 22 years at Cuningham Memorial Presbyterian Church in Cullybackey, near Ballymena.

The couple arrived with their children Alan and Christine on the last Friday of June 1998 and began their ministry the following Sunday.

Asked to recall some of the highlights of his two decades plus in Cullybackey, the Cookstown native is quick to reflect on a Millennium Mission that took place in 2000.
He remembers: “We were really, really blessed as a congregation at that time because a number of people came to faith in Christ as their Saviour. On almost a daily basis for around two or three weeks in March and into April of that year we were seeing people come to faith. That was a highlight of our ministry. Since then, there has been a steady number of people coming to faith in Christ and all of those have been highlights.”

David’s interest in overseas mission

Supporting overseas mission has also been a major feature of David and Helen’s years at ‘the Cuningham.’

In 2002, both they and the wider congregation took a young Hungarian Bible student, Agnes Baranyi into their fellowship and their heart.

David said: “Agnes came and stayed with us for about four months that year as part of her training and as a congregation we have kept in touch with Agnes. She is now married with two sons and her husband is a Pastor in the Ukraine.”
“Agnes is fondly remembered here, and we still support her work in the Ukraine both financially and prayerfully so that has been a highlight too. When she graduated from Bible College some members of the congregation travelled over to share the day with her and when she got married, a few of us went to her wedding. In fact, she and her husband returned to Cullybackey for their honeymoon! Not many people can say that”, he smiled.

David preached for the last time at Cuningham Memorial Presbyterian Church on Sunday 10th May 2020.

He and Helen have now moved to Portstewart although they also hope to spend more time with Alan, Christine, and the grandchildren who all still live locally. David has no plans in terms of future ministry at present but is open to seeing what develops.
[[] http://www.cuninghammemorial.org.uk/ ]

Reflection for Rogationtide today

Today, Saturday 16th May 2020 Bishop Michael Burrows’ audio–visual reflection for Rogationtide will be live from 1pm on [ www.cashel.anglican.org ]

Mission centre for Newry

Revd Capt Scott McDonald has been appointed as Incumbent of the Grouped Parishes of St Patrick and St Mary, in Newry. The Rt Revd David McClay, Bishop of Down and Dromore made the announcement this week.
It follows a long vacancy in the Church of Ireland Parish that includes both St Patrick’s Church, High Street and St Mary’s Church, John Mitchel Place. The bishop also announced that the Diocese of Down and Dromore has entered into a partnership with Church Army to establish a Centre of Mission in Newry which Mr McDonald will lead. Another worker will be appointed to work under him as soon as possible.

Points for prayer

Pray for those who work for peace and freedom throughout the world, that their efforts will bring an end to injustice and oppression

Give thanks for the many people who are using this time to volunteer in their local communities, asking that their simple acts of kindness would continue to make a big difference in the lives of the most vulnerable

Pray for decision makers at all levels of government as they receive advice from specialists, interpret data and shape policy that they would be wise in their decision-making and clear in their communication to others.

Pray particularly for governments on our own island and across the world as they navigate the fine lines of easing lockdown measures at the right pace, asking for God’s wisdom in judging the balances required.