Presbyterian Women, the organisation which supports the development and resourcing of ministry among women in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI), will hold its annual conference on Saturday, 16 May 2026. One of the largest gatherings of Christian women in Ireland, it will take place in PCI’s Assembly Buildings in central Belfast around the theme ‘Generation to Generation’.
“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,” said PCI’s Women’s Ministry and Presbyterian Women Development Officer, Pauline Kennedy.
“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.
“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.’“
Mrs Kennedy continued, “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.
Over the years upwards of 1,000 women attend the annual meeting. This year they will also hear from outgoing PW President, Linda Beattie, who worships in Joymount Presbyterian Church in Carrickfergus.
Talking about her year as president, Mrs Beattie said it had been a ‘privilege’ to serve as she had ‘thoroughly enjoyed it.’ Involving much travelling, Mrs Beattie visited 34 different PW groups, saying that, “each one was unique as they served God where he had placed them as women with a heart for ministry and mission within their church and their community.
“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.”
While Mrs Beattie said that there hadn’t been one particular highlight in her year of office, “as 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.”
The conference is from 10.30am to 1.45pm on Saturday, 16 May, and includes tea/coffee and scones. Costing £10 (or euro equivalent) it can be booked via www.presbyterianireland.org/events.
During the annual meeting the Special Home and Overseas projects will be unveiled. 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,” Mrs Beattie said.