Short reports
Connor institution
The Rev Andrew Sweeney was instituted as rector of the United Parish of Ballymoney, Finvoy and Rasharkin, Diocese of Connor, on Sunday February 19. Andrew was formerly Vicar of Cogges, South Leigh and North Leigh in the Diocese of Oxford. A native of Bangor, Co Down, he moved to work in England in 1989. He was ordained in 1996 after completing his training at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and served his first curacy in Bladon cum Woodstock. In 1999 he was appointed curate of St Patrick’s Coleraine, and he moved to Cogges, Oxford in 2002.
Andrew is married to Cathy and they have two sons, Ben and Joe.
The new rector said: “I am really looking forward to getting to know the people of the parish so they can trust me and know they are in safe hands and to hear from God and them what the plans are for the future development of the parish.”
He added: “It is my hope that we can really engage with the local community and make church known through our words and actions. There are so many people here serving God and making good things happen.”
Shadows on the journey
This is the title of the next lunchtime lecture to be given at St. Bartholomew’s Church, Stranmillis Road, Belfast. The lecture is given by the Bishop of Connor, the Right Revd. Alan Abernethy. In this lecture Bishop Alan revisits some of the themes of his recent book ‘Shadows on the Journey’, in which he recounts some of the shadows that have accompanied him on his own journey of faith. This enables him to give a frank appraisal of some of the challenges, difficulties and opportunities that face the modern church. His passion for mission is evident throughout, and St. Bartholomew’s rector Ron Elsdon expects that this will enthuse all the members of the audience. Everyone is welcome at this lecture, which commences at 1.10 p.m. on Tuesday March 6. It will include a time for questions. Light refreshments will also be available.
Seagoe’s Fairtrade Coffee Shop
Celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight 2012 (22 Feb 2012 — 05 Mar 2012) Seagoe Parish,Portadown, a Fairtrade Church, once again continues to support disadvantaged producers in developing countries. A parish spokesperson said“To celebrate this year, our fairtrade team have decided to run a coffee shop in the rotunda area of the Parish centre, where Fairtrade refreshments will be sold. Sunday morning services on 4th March will focus on how we as individuals and a church can reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves. Following the morning services fairly traded refreshments will be served in the Parish Centre. Our coffee shop will be open during the following times: Friday 2nd March from 9 am until 6 pm Saturday 3rd March from 9 am until 6 pm Come along and join us in response to poverty.”
Pastoral support for Connor clergy
The Diocese of Connor’s Pastoral Support for Clergy Team launched its new leaflet at a meeting the Continuing Education in Ministry group. The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy, endorsed the leaflet along with Archdeacons and members of the team.
Each clergy family in Connor has received a copy of the leaflet in the post, giving them information about the kind of support available to clergy and their spouses in the diocese. Laurie Randall of the Pastoral Support Team said: “We are keen to remind clergy that we are available to meet with them, on a confidential basis, to talk through the challenges faced within their ministry. “We hope to encourage good habits amongst clergy that help to maintain health and foster continued professional development. We recognise that ministry can be a tough and lonely experience on occasions and it is important that we care for the carers.” The team hopes that members of the clergy and their spouses will feel free to get in touch to arrange a chat as needed. Contact details are on the Connor diocesan website at www.connor.anglican.org. Team members are Laurie Randall, Canon Raymond Fox and the Rev Carol Harvey.
Vacancy for Diocesan Parish Development Officer
The Diocese of Connor wishes to recruit for a new full–time post of Diocesan Parish Development Officer. The focus of the role will be to provide support to parishes throughout the Diocese by advising on parish development / projects, facilitating training for leadership / team ministry and supporting strategic development throughout the Diocese.The job description and application form can be downloaded from the Connor Diocesan website www.connor.anglican.org or can be obtained by telephoning 028 9082 8830. The deadline for completed applications is 3pm on Monday, 5 March 2012. The Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons.