Whatever contributions come from social welfare or other agencies north and south in support of the aged and infirm, an annual supplement is necessary for a number of people.
The directors of the old age fund, the women's fund and the indigent ladies' fund connected to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland report that there were 144 beneficiaries in 2000.
They disbursed over £81,000 sterling. A special gift of £140 was sent to every beneficiary just before Christmas. The directors say they responded to various human problems brought to their notice and these were met with once-off donations which seemed to meet cases of urgent financial need.
They greatly appreciated the support of this "vital aspect of the church's outreach" either by gifts or bequests. They assure all that monies are spent carefully and remind ministers in congregations that they may seek help from these funds for those with valid needs.
The old age fund was established by the church's general assembly and governed by its constitution in October 1906, with revision in the 1960s. It exists to provide aid for the aged and infirm, male and female members of the church.
The indigent ladies' fund and the presbyterian women's fund appeared in 1911. Since then, there has ensued legally new schemes of administration and the incorporation of new trusts. The Presbyterian women's fund is for the benefit of indigent women, and the indigent ladies' fund is for the benefit of indigent women in the Republic of Ireland only.
Any believing themselves to qualify for assistance from these funds may apply to the Secretary, Mr Clive Knox, Church House, Belfast, BTI 6DW.
For over two years material has been developed and piloted by groups at the All Souls Anglican Church, Langham Place, London. The result is a course described as "Christianity Explored".
The curate at All Souls, Rico Tice, was involved in this development.
"Christianity Explored" comprises a handbook, a leader's guide, a study guide and audio cassettes. A promotional tour is already in process throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland with venues in the latter at Dublin, Derry, Enniskillen and Belfast.
Directors, the Rev Harold Boyce, and Dr Dessie Alexander, of the Presbyterian Board of Evangelism, and the Christian training centre respectively support "Christianity Explored". "Christianity Explored" is different, Dr Alexander says. "It allows for full study of one whole gospel portrait of Jesus's life, leaving readers in no doubt as to the identity and purpose of Christ and his mission."
The church liaison officer, Christian Aid Ireland, reports their attempts to accelerate the Action Request Postcards (ARPC) project.
These are supplied and encouraged to be sent quickly to the Italian Embassy, bearing in mind that the influential G8 summit so far as debt relief for poorest countries is concerned, will be held under Italian aegis at Genoa in July.
ARPCs have been in such demand that second and third printings have been necessary. A good supply is now to hand at Christian Aid, Christ Church, Rathgar Road, Dublin 6.
Applications for these can be made by telephoning 014966184. Ministers are asked to make supplies of these available at the churches.
Notice of 25 years' ministry by the Rev Kenneth Newell at Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, Belfast, affords a chance to mention continuing influential work of reconciliation, in part initiated by him in sectarianridden parts of the city. Some 20 years ago, Rev Newell formed a friendship with Father Gerry Reynolds, a parish priest of Clonard, Belfast, resulting in the formation of a Fitzroy-Clonard group with Protestants and Catholics undertaking Bible study, especially in relation to the Troubles, and a growth of community and dissipation of sectarianism in areas.
As well, Rev Newell, with Father Alex Reid, developed influential contacts with both republican and loyalist paramilitaries at a time when this was seen as unacceptable by many and risky.
This Fitzroy-Clonard relationship was recognised in the award of the Pax Christi Peace Prize in 1999. The openness encouraged at Fitzroy, Belfast, led to such as Lord Molyneaux, Mr Ken Maginnis, Mr Mark Durkan, Mr John Hume, Prof Monica Williams and others being invited to address the congregation. Rev Newell believes "feeling the pain of the community and responding is at the heart of the Gospel message".