Presbyterian Women announces theme for annual conference

With preparations in their final stages, PCI’s Women’s Ministry and Presbyterian Women Development Officer, Pauline Kennedy is looking forward to the much anticipated event,

“Much of what Presbyterian Women does happens in the 450 local groups that are spread across our local congregations throughout Ireland. So, when women from the groups come together for the annual conference, it is always a special moment in the PW calendar, which I am very much looking forward to.

“As an organisation we are committed to supporting the development and resourcing of ministry among women in PCI, enabling, equipping and encouraging women of all ages to become disciples of Christ. Our annual women’s conference is, however, open to all women, as we come together to worship, focus on God’s word, and celebrate what he is doing in our lives and through his church."

Talking about his year’s theme for the conference, Mrs Kennedy continued,

“It is also a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to what God has planned for the year ahead, and this year our theme is taken from Psalm 79:13, which says, ‘Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation, we will proclaim your praise.’ Our focus won’t just be on the younger generation, but the older generation too, which is a growing part of society. We will think biblically about the God of the generations and how we can be women who play our part in his story as we seek to pass on faith in our chaotic world. As we prepare for our conference, we come expectant to encounter him afresh and take his blessing back to our local churches and communities.”

“To help us focus on our theme, we have Jo Frost as our guest speaker. Jo is the newly appointed Executive Director at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, and before that she had served for the past eight years as the Director of Communications and Engagement at the Evangelical Alliance. I am really looking forward to hearing what she has to say,” Mrs Kennedy said.

Talking about the projects, Mrs Beattie said,

“The projects are not just about raising money for ‘good causes’, they say so much about who we are and why we do what we do. Last year our home project supported work being undertaken in Sligo Presbyterian Church through their Haven multi-cultural outreach ministry. Our overseas project focused on Ukraine and supporting PCI’s partner, the Hungarian Reformed Church in Transcarpathia, and their Crisis Centre in Berehove, in the west of the country. It supports families fleeing from other parts of Ukraine that have been more affected by the Russian invasion and ensuing war. It was a privilege see its work first hand last year.”

“While it has been humbling to see the dedication and commitment from group leaders and committees and the women themselves, it has also been a privilege to have been president. I have thoroughly enjoyed it, but I certainly could not have done it on my own strength as I have felt God’s presence with me every step of the way. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported me prayerfully and practically this year, as it has been so appreciated.”

“The whole year has been amazing. It has been the most challenging, inspiring and privileged time. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to spend time talking with the women in their individual congregations and seeing how God has been ever-present with them this year. My prayer is that they would continue to feel God’s presence, guiding and leading them to serve him where he has placed them.”

During the annual meeting Mrs Beattie will hand over the presidency to Libby Russell, of Ballycarry PW.

“As I come to the end of my year in office, I would like to wish Libby God’s richest blessing as she enters her term as president. I hope that I can be the listening ear and coffee-confidant that she has been to me this year. I know God will strengthen and encourage her and that she will be a blessing to everyone she meets.”