Around the dioceses – Retirement, Appointments, Organ scholarships; Ecumenical conference; Mission experience
Rector of Drumbeg retires
Revd Raymond Devenney preached his final sermon as the rector of Drumbeg (Down & Dromore) at morning worship in St Patrick’s Church on Sunday 26 February. The magnificent historic church was packed to capacity for the service. Organist, Ross Morrow, together with the parish choir led the congregational praise that aptly included, ‘Lord for the years your love has kept and guided’. The choir sang the anthem medley: Handel’s “Zadok the Priest” (excerpt), and Vivaldi’s “Gloria”.
In his final sermon, Mr Devenney gave thanks for the wonderful time he and his wife Kathy have spent at Drumbeg, where both of them were very happy. He also thanked the parishioners, family, friends, clerical colleagues and his wife Kathy for the help and support he had received during his ministry at Drumbeg, saying, “It was all very much appreciated”.
After stating that ‘the church must change’ and ‘the church must not change’, he explained that we must embrace change – it is part of our life and part of our Christian journey saying that Christ came to bring abundant life and the church is there to change lives. After emphasising the need always to be faithful to the Christian message which like our Lord is “yesterday, today and forever” the same; he concluded by giving thanks to almighty God and to the parishioners for the privilege of being part of the church’s ministry in the Parish of Drumbeg in its lovely setting in the Lagan Valley.
During Holy Communion, Mr Devenney was assisted by Canon John Bell, former rector of Holy Trinity, Drumbo and the Rev Robert McKee, former Non– Subscribing Presbyterian Church Moderator and former minister of Killinchy.
At the conclusion of the service, several presentations were made: Mrs Betty McClean (People’s Churchwarden, pictured right) presented a gift to Mr Devenney on behalf of the parishioners; Olivia McAteer and Jenna Foyle presented a gift to Mrs Kathy Devenney on behalf of the Sunday School; and Mrs Margaret Hegarty presented a gift on behalf of the Drumbeg Residents Association.
Following the presentations, Basil McCrea MLA, wished the Drumbeg rector a happy retirement. Commending him for over eleven years of ministry at Drumbeg, Mr McCrea said, “The Revd Ray Devenney is an inspirational man who has served Drumbeg wonderfully. Your retirement is well deserved and I want to wish you well. This service is well attended which is a credit to your leadership and guidance over the years. You have done fantastic work bringing all faiths together for special services at the church and I look forward to seeing your successor carrying on this great work.”
Lunch was served afterwards in the church hall providing the opportunity for parishioners and friends to say farewell to their rector of 12 years.
Mr Devenney has served 41 years in the ministry, of which the last 37 were in the Diocese of Down & Dromore. He was ordained in 1970 and served curacies in Ballymena (Diocese of Connor), where he met his wife Kathy, and in Ballyholme (Down & Dromore) before becoming rector of Killinchy with Kilmood and Tullynakill in 1981. In September 2000 he became incumbent of Drumbeg and will retire on 29th February. He and Kathy have two sons, Paul and Chris. Outside of the ministry he had many sporting interests. He is a former Irish Chess Champion, got his ‘colours’ for Fencing at Trinity, and enjoyed playing squash.
Appointments in Connor Diocese
Two new appointments have been made in Connor Diocese. The Rev Trevor Cleland, Incumbent of the Parish of Upper Falls, Belfast, has been appointed as Incumbent of Ballinderry. The date for the Institution has yet to be confirmed. The Rev Mark Niblock, Curate Assistant of the Parish of Agherton, has been appointed as Priest–in–Charge of the Parish of Rathcoole. A Service of Introduction will take place on a date to be arranged.
Applications invited for organ scholarships
Applications are open for an organ scholarship with the Down and Dromore and Connor Organ Scholarship Management Board.
The scholarships are intended to train musicians in the service of the church, in the Anglican tradition both at the organ and in leading a choir. Tuition in choral training is an integral part of the course.
No previous experience is necessary but applicants should be proficient on the keyboard to approximately grade five piano or equivalent. There are no lower or upper age limits and candidates who have previously been unsuccessful are welcome to re–apply.
The Board’s tutors are Dr Donald Davison, St John’s, Malone; Mr Michael McCracken, Down Cathedral; Mr Ian Mills, St Columb’s Cathedral, Londonderry; and Mr Philip Stopford, at St Molua’s, Stormont. Lessons will generally be given in these churches.
The Board usually awards six scholarships annually, dividing them between the two dioceses. Scholarships are tenable for three years, subject to a satisfactory assessment at the end of each of the first two years. Tuition is delivered fortnightly, free of charge, by one of the tutors and a certificate is awarded on completion of the course.
Application forms are available from rectors or from Church of Ireland House, Donegall Street, Belfast. Completed forms should be submitted to St Molua’s Rectory, 3 Rosepark, Belfast, BT5 7RG, no later than Friday March 23.
Limerick’s Oak House ecumenical conference
This conference was organised by the Oak House Christian Fellowship to mark the retirement of its two founder members, Claire Besnyoe and Brigid O’Higgins and had the theme of “A Journey of Faith and Hope” Sessions were led by Dr. Nóirín Ní Riain and Dr. Salters Sterling, both outstanding speakers, each giving their individual perspective on a “Journey of Faith and Hope”.
Dr. Ní Riain is an international musician and singer of renown in addition to being a mother and having a Doctorate in Theology from the Univesity of Limerick. She has recently published her doctrinal thesis ‘Theosony’ (the sound of God) to add to her collection of books and CDs recorded with the Monks of Glenstal Abbey.
Dr. Sterling was conferred with a doctorate by the Dublin Institute of Technology in 2002 for his major contribution to Irish society through his work in education, and through his involvement in many areas of benefit to the public. A former Academic Secretary of Trinity College and Secretary of Tallaght Hospital, he is currently Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the Irish School of Ecumenics Trust.
The Roman Catholic Bishop of Clonfert, Bishop John Kirby was also be in attendance and both bishops took part in the closing act of worship.
Experience Exchange Exploration Weekend
USPG is holding an exploration weekend for its Experience Exchange programme on March 9 and 10.
Experience Exchange is a programme run jointly by USPG and the Methodist Church, which gives people the opportunity to spend six to 12 months gaining insights into global mission and growing in understanding of the church and culture of another country.
The programme has been placing volunteers, who must be a minimum age of 18 but there is no upper age limit, in more than 60 countries worldwide for over 40 years.
No special skills are necessary, but if you have skills you would like to use, that will be taken into account in the allocation of a placement. Previous volunteers have taught in schools; worked on agriculture; building or health programmes; helped in vocation and rehabilitation institutions, assisted in administration or with children’s and youth work, according to the needs of the placement and the local church.
Placements, which can be anywhere in the world, are personally tailored for each volunteer, taking into account preferences, background, skills and availability. USPG does not normally send groups or teams, but has occasionally placed couples. To date the organisation has placed volunteers in Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean, South America and Europe. Placements are for six to 12 months.
This is a self–financing programme and volunteers usually have to raise approximately £2,500/€3,000 to cover airfares, health insurance, some living costs, training and preparation. The total cost varies from placement to placement.
The exploration weekend takes place in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute, Dublin, from 5.00 pm on Friday March 9 until 5.00 pm on Saturday March 10. To find out more contact Linda Chambers at uspg@ireland.anglican.org or (086) 8586337.