The Church of Ireland Youth Department’s Next Steps Fund exists to encourage more and more young people – and current youth leaders – to undertake third level professional qualifications and development within the wider youth ministry sector.

Our aim is to support many young people and adults with a significant impact on the youth ministry and wider ministry across the Church of Ireland.  The next closing date for applications is Monday, 31st March.

“CIYD’s Next Steps programme has had a number of very grateful recipients thus far and we would love to see more – this is why the fund exists,” National Youth Officer Simon Henry says.

Vocational training and development in youth ministry is so essential and its impact on the Church can last for generations to come.

Could this Next Steps programme benefit you or someone you know? We would love to see more and more people undertake professional qualifications and development in youth ministry and this support available could encourage those who otherwise would feel challenged in the current financial climate.

Please forward the following link, which includes application forms, to those who you think may benefit from this funding opportunity and share widely: https://ciyd.org/2024/03/26/next-steps-2024-25

Over 3,000 people killed and 400,000 displaced in upsurge in fighting

 Disturbed by the horrific news reports coming out of Eastern Congo, CMS Ireland has been connecting often with its partners there in recent weeks.  Bishop Martin Gordon of Goma Diocese fled over the border with his family in the first few days of the conflict, when Goma was under fire. And in recent days Bishop Bahati, of Bukavu Diocese, has also been forced to flee with his family. Those left behind, including CMSI partners in Kindu and North Kivu Dioceses, are living in fear of the progress of rebels towards their areas, and are already impacted by food shortages and restricted movement.

As a first-line response, CMSI held an emergency Zoom prayer event in collaboration with other mission agencies primarily involved in DRC. Both the Archbishop of Congo, the Most Revd Georges Titre Ande, and the Bishop of Goma gave their understanding of the situation on the ground, and presented points for prayer and action. You can find out more about the situation in Eastern DRC from the information they shared in the following article: https://www.cmsireland.org/single-post/where-shall-our-help-come-from

CMSI hopes to inspire many to pray and give financial support for the church in Goma, Bukavu, Butembo and Kindu Dioceses, because it is our beleaguered brothers and sisters who must be the lights of hope amongst the chaos and distress.

Please pray for people of peace to come to places of influence in the nations involved.  If you would like to give to the CMSI DRC Emergency Appeal, you can do so at the following link:  https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/15485

A gift towards the emergency fund will enable the church in Eastern DRC to meet the needs of those who are coming in desperation asking for help with food and other household essentials. Each diocese will prioritise the most vulnerable families first, and CMSI will continue to send any funds which are given in response to this emergency appeal.

The General Council of the South American Mission Society (SAMS) Ireland wishes to appoint a Mission Director. We are looking for someone who has experience of mission and evangelism and is:

• enthusiastic and creative
• gifted in Church leadership
• an effective communicator
• a committed team player

The SAMS Ireland office is located in Lurgan, County Armagh, and the role of Mission Director has a salary linked to the rate paid to a Church of Ireland Rector.

SAMS Ireland is a registered charity and a member of SAMS International. SAMS Ireland works in partnership with the Anglican Church in South America, focusing on the proclamation of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and the growth of the Church throughout the world, but primarily in South America, Spain & Portugal.

More information about the work of SAMS Ireland can be found on our website
www.samsireland.com

The closing date for applications is noon on Tuesday 4th March 2025.

For further information and an Application Pack please contact:

Rev Peter Jones
Chairperson of SAMS Ireland 1 Woodford Manor, Newtownabbey,
Co. Antrim.
BT36 6FF

[email protected]

DKEA warmly congratulates Simon and Jennifer Bullock from Annagh Social Farm, Derrylin, Co. Fermanagh who have been awarded funding from the 2024 Black Santa Appeal. It was with great excitement that the Bullock’s attended the Good Samaritan service at Belfast Cathedral this Sunday 2nd February to accept their donation from the appeal.

This year was the 48th annual Black Santa Appeal, where the Dean of Belfast Cathedral, together with the Canons and clergy of the Cathedral sit-out on the steps of St Anne’s Cathedral to raise money in support of Christian Aid and other small charities in Northern Ireland.

The funds which Simon and Jennifer Bullock have been awarded will go towards ongoing restoration works to Annagh House and Barns Aughnacloy, Co. Tyrone. When restored these buildings will provide supported living/ respite facilities for those with a learning disability.