Christian Aid plans to greatly increase fund-raising activity this year especially during the week from May 11-17th. Publicity materials have been sent out to teachers in day and Sunday schools inclusive of the informative and challenging pamphlet, We can all be heroes.
This features the work of a Christian Aid partner, Abbu Amsha, head of the Young Men's Christian Association outside Bethlehem. Though arrested and shelled, he works sacrificially and tirelessly for those born disabled or injured in the violence in Israeli/Palestinian territories.
Posters are available for church notice boards and wayside pulpits. A worship handbook and order of service for Sunday May 11th is available.
Four possible ways for people to become involved are suggested. House-to-house collections will be made in the areas of Dundrum, Celbridge, Bray and Killiney but collections in other areas is not precluded. Women are encouraged to run or walk in Ladies Mini Marathon on June 2nd when they can be members of the Christian Aid "Running Water Team". A bread and cheese or soup lunch may be held in churches during May or June. Women are encouraged to host a coffee morning at home or in the workplace.
Any seeking resource materials or wishing to take part in or organise activities may contact the Christian Aid Office, 17 Clanwilliam Terrace, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2. Note that the telephone and fax number is (01) 611 0801 and not as in the telephone directory.
Christian Aid wishes to be actively involved in efforts to change unfair trade rules. Supporters are asked to join in a public lobby of the Dáil on Wednesday, May 14th, when government ministers and TDs will be asked how they stand on trade policy making; does policy promote poverty reduction, gender equality and environ- mental protection? A flyer called Tip the Scales for Trade Justice is available at the above address.
The general secretary of Christian Aid (Ireland) is Ms Margaret Boden, wife of the Rev Derek Boden, sometime minister of Adelaide Road, Dublin.
The World Alliance of Reformed Churches, in a strongly worded statement, condemned the war against Iraq as "embarked on without even the cover of United Nations authority"; moreover it was "immoral, illegal and to use the traditional term, a sin". It condemned "unreservedly this war of aggression . . . and the unilateral and imperialistic mentality that lies behind it".
"No nation", it said, "however powerful it may act on the world stage, does as it pleases". The alliance is the oldest international Protestant confessional body.
It grew out of co-operation prompted by revivals and missionary movements of the 19th century. It was the outcome of a meeting held in the English Presbyterian College in London in July 1875. It emerged, with Irish Presbyterians prominent among the founding members, as "The Alliance of Reformed Churches throughout the world holding the Presbyterian system".
An investment in the Presbyterian Mutual Society may "help your church, your neighbour and yourself", claims Mr Colin Ferguson, its director. Membership is open to all members of the Presbyterian church for investments and loans.
They may borrow on flexible terms, at attractive rates, with easy access and no penalties for withdrawal. Loans are available at a reduced rate of interest for congregations contemplating building projects.
In the last financial year ended March 31st, a return of 5 per cent gross was paid out on all investments. Those interested may contact the Presbyterian Mutual Society , Church House, Fisherwick Place, Belfast, BT1 6DW, phone (028) 903 22284.
Appropriately Mr Robert Archibald, treasurer of Ervey Presbyterian church, Cavan, was presented by Mrs Olive Gibson with Cavan Crystal recently in recognition of 25 years' service. In attendance were Rev Alan Martin (minister emeritus, Abbey), Mr James Fraser and the congregation.
Rob Lacey, a "translator of the Bible into theatrical stories", in The Street Bible, Zondervan, £8.99, has provided the reader with the most prodigious, astonishing rendering of the Bible in recent times. Take a couple of examples from Old and New Testaments: OT Proverbs 15v16: "It's better to have debts outstanding and respect for God than to be loaded but worried stiff about looking after it all".
Here is Lacey's version of the resurrected Jesus meeting Mary Magdalene. NT John 20v17-18: "Jesus backs off, 'Don't grab on me. I've not yet gone up to my Dad. Go for men, tell the guys I'm going back up to my Dad and your Dad, to my God and your God'. Mary Mag tells the rest of the squad, 'I've seen Jesus!!!'. She garbles out all the things he said to her".
Critics regard this "as bringing the word of God to life for those who have never read any version of the Bible before and providing fresh insight for those who have read it a thousand times". A US professor of New Testament language and literature, Dr David Trobisch, who read the rendering in instalments over the years of its preparation, "found its interpretation acceptable on scholarly grounds with little to correct and much to praise".