Two deacons ordained priest
Two deacons were ordained as priests at Willowfield Parish Church on Sunday 14th June.
Bishop Harold ordained Rev Adrian Green, curate assistant at Willowfield and Rev Gary McMurray, curate assistant at St Elizabeth's, Dundonald. The preacher at the service was Rev Craig Cooney from Shankill Parish, Lurgan.
Both Adrian and Gary were asked to reflect on their respective years as deacons and you can read their accounts below.
Reflections from Adrian Green
I was born in Belfast and grew up in Finaghy where I lived until I was 18. After school I joined the Royal Navy and served for eight years as a Seaman Officer and diver before leaving and taking up several roles in the Pharmaceutical Industry. Over time I came to realise that the gifts that God had given me could be used to equip others for his service and so began a period of discernment that lasted two years, culminating in me being selected for training at Trinity Theological College in Bristol.
I was ordained in June 2008 and then moved back to Belfast to serve as Curate at Willowfield Parish Church. I am married to Linda and have five children; Hannah, Joe, Sam, Ben and Mia.
My year as a Deacon has been many and varied but very rewarding. I have had the privilege of serving the community on the Cregagh estate by working alongside the parishioners' from the Church of the Pentecost and have taken on the responsibility of leading the Home Groups across both churches. As I look ahead to my future ministry my prayer is that God will work through me and my family to further the advancement of his kingdom rule here on earth.
Reflections from Gary McMurray
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I am married to Lynsey, and I've been settling into married life in Dundonald over the past year. Before entering College, I worked with the victims’ support group West Tyrone Voice, having graduated with a BA (Hons) in Politics from Queens University Belfast.
My first year in ordained ministry has been an exciting and challenging year. The challenges came with the first funeral, the first Baptism, the first Assembly, and many other firsts. While these were some of the things I would have worried about, God is faithful, and always gets me through!
I’ve enjoyed getting involved in the preaching and pastoral ministry in Dundonald, and have learnt so much from my colleagues, Tim and Mark. While college placements were useful, they were always short, and didn’t allow for the full opportunities to see parish life throughout the week, so it’s been good to set down roots and be completely involved in the one parish.
The centre of all ministry is God’s word, and this year has provided me with many opportunities to teach and share God’s word on Sundays and in smaller group settings, as well as in one-to-one meetings. It’s a great privilege to spend time studying the Bible and seeing God speak into my life and the lives of those around me.
Some particular highlights have been the new Young Adults’ group in partnership with Dundonald Presbyterian, our Open House evenings in February dealing with topical issues, and the development of St Elizabeth’s presence on the internet through the new sermon site.
I’m so thankful to the Lord for bringing us to Dundonald, and for the great welcome we’ve received from the whole church family. This past year has served as a good foundation for the coming years of ordained ministry.
‘Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honoured.’ (2 Thessalonians 3:1).