The Annual World Development Appeal at Christmas is commended to all congregations. Proceeds will go towards a two-year campaign, "Let my people go - to be free from hunger - to be healthy - to be free to learn".
The title is suggested by the story in the book of Exodus of Moses leading the Hebrew people out of slavery in Egypt. Proceeds of the campaign will support 12 primary healthcare projects in the developing world.
The appeal has raised £400,000 each year. But a former convenor of the appeal has presented the church this year with the challenge of contributing "a million pounds for the millennium".
It has been estimated that 1.3 billion people worldwide still live in what is virtually slavery, "trapped by poverty and injustice". Many diseases like measles, whooping cough, polio, diphtheria, and TB - killers amongst the poor - could be easily cured. But heavily indebted governments are often unable to provide even safe, clean water and sanitation. Projects in Nicaragua, India, Tanzania and Uganda, amongst others, will receive aid from the campaign.
A Presbyterian minister, the Rev Steve Stockman, has joined the ranks of those prepared to have all their hair shaved off their heads for a good cause. MrStockman's effort is to raise £3,000 for a building in a "habitat for humanity housing development" in Cape Town, South Africa. Young Irish Presbyterians will go out to help with the building for three weeks next summer.
The shaving was to happen at a recent TGI Christmas youth celebration at Church House, Belfast - but only if the necessary £3,000 turned up.
Mr Stockman is the dean of residences at Derryvolgie, Belfast. He has been described as "a long-haired troubadour and occasional Presbyterian minister". On Sunday evenings he has presented Rhythm And Soul, an award-winning show on Radio Ulster.
The annual Carols by Candlelight service will be held in the Howth Presbyterian Church at 4 p.m. on December 19th. The Rev Dr Trevor Morrow will conduct the service. Instrumental, seasonal music and solos will be provided by members of the congregation. All are welcome.
On Thursday, December 23rd, a community service of carols and readings will be held in Adelaide Road Presbyterian Church from 11.30 p.m. Business people in the area are cordially invited.
A service for Christmas Day will be held in the Malahide Church at 10 a.m. The Rev Dr William O'Neill will conduct the service and preach. All are welcome.
A studio service entitled "People in Harmony" will be televised on Christmas Day at 10.10 a.m. by RTE. Members of Sligo Presbyterian Church with choirs from Portadown and Drumcree Colleges will lead the praise. The chaplain of the US Senate, the Rev Lloyd John Ogilvie, and the Moderator of the General Assembly, the Rt Rev John Lockington, will take part in a service conducted by the Rev Alan Mitchell of Sligo.
A service for St Stephen's Day will be broadcast by RTE from Greystones at the usual morning time. The Rev James Carson will conduct the service.
On Friday, December 31st, from 4-5 p.m. a service described as "The last light service" will be held in Adelaide Road. All are welcome.
On Sunday, January 2nd, at 3 p.m. "Morning has broken", an ecumenical celebration in words, music and movement to greet the new millennium, will be televised by RTE from the National Concert Hall. The Rev Dr Trevor Morrow will take part. Admission is free by ticket only. Tickets may be requested from the Jubilee Office, Tel 8788177.