A seminar with a difference, perhaps, was held in the Minor Hall of Church House, Belfast, last Tuesday. Organised by the Presbyterian Residential Trust (PRT), the theme was "Debate of the Age - Your Say in the Future."
The aim was to challenge the perceptions of older people about their role in society today. A belief is that a growing older population together with a corresponding decline in Western birth rates will have important consequences for all. The belief that effects can be predicted and policies agreed to manage the long-term implications of an increasingly ageing society prompted "Debate of the Age".
The seminar was attended by senior members of the church and residents of the PRT. It was debated that "This house believes that age discrimination exists for people over the age of 50 in paid employment" and "That this house believes that the media devalue older people". Issues discussed were the future of health and social care; paying for age; built environment; and public transport.
Commenting favourably on "Debate of the Age", Ms Linda Wray, Presbyterian residential services manager, said: "We find that many older people believe that they are marginalised when it comes to making decisions in society today. This `Debate of the Age' gives them an opportunity to air their views and hopefully make others listen.
"As a vast majority of young people can expect to live much longer today, it is imperative that they heed the concerns of older people while they have a chance."
The PRT is today responsible for the maintenance and care of seven homes north and south in Ireland, including a 30-bed care centre in Dublin.
An eight-member delegation from the Church of the Brethren in the Czech Republic is presently visiting Ireland for a period of 10 days from August 7th on the invitation of the Rev John Kirkpatrick and the congregation of Portrush.
Irish Presbyterians have for some years had relationships with members and ministers of the comparatively small Church of the Brethren as part of an initiative of the Presbyterian Church's Overseas Board. Most recently a pastor trained in the Presbyterian Union Theological College, Belfast.
The Church of the Brethren was founded last century when itinerant American missionaries were part of a Czech revival movement. In practice and worship this church approximates to the orthodox Presbyterian churches in western Europe and the US.
The delegation will visit Donegal and Dublin. Meeting with them is encouraged and will give an opportunity to hear of life and work in a post-communist society.
Separated from Slovakia in 1993, the Czech Republic has a population of over 10 million. Religion is mainly Roman Catholic. It is one of the wealthiest of the old eastern bloc states. However, a communist legacy hinders economic growth, for the increase of which today it looks to Austria and Germany especially.
The Presbyterian Church is in search of a director of evangelism. The appointment is for five years. Applicants must be ministers or communicant members of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland or of other churches within the World Alliance of Reformed Churches.
Candidates must be prepared to subscribe to the Westminster Confession of Faith in the terms of the General Assembly's formula, and to demonstrate good relationship skills.
The precise job description and application form are available from the Secretary, the Board of Evangelism, Church House, Fisherwick Place, Belfast. Applications should be returned by 24th September.
Watch and Pray - daily devotions for PWA and YWG-199-200 is highly commended for use by all. It came about when the executive committee of the Presbyterian Women's Association, considering how best to mark the onset of the millennium, was presented with five ideas, the progeny of a small group.
A booklet to encourage daily devotion was agreed to be the most personal, and it was determined to give a copy to each member of the PWA-YWG in appreciation of their unstinting service to the work of the church.
Here for each day of the month is a short meditation on a text, a reflective prayer, a quotation from a hymn or poem, and some general prayer topics. Its daily use must inspire personal life and that of the church at home and abroad.