A bittersweet farewell at Movilla
Sunday 23 June was a bittersweet day at Movilla Abbey Church as they said farewell to Revd Michael Spence after 10 fruitful years of ministry in Newtownards.
Movilla Abbey is one of three Anglican/Methodist Covenant Congregations in the Diocese. The two formerly separate congregations united as one in October 2021, under the leadership of Revd Alan Peek, and Revd Michael Spence, who have both been at Movilla since 2014.
The church has seen significant growth in the last 18 months with several new people coming to faith and being baptised, over 20 new members and a rapidly growing youthwork. Last Sunday was the end of a hugely significant chapter, and the beginning of another as Michaell moved on to lead Glengormley Methodist Church from the beginning of July.
Alan will continue to lead Movilla in the dual role of Anglican and Methodist minister. He said:
“It was a wonderful send off for Michael. We were joined by Revd Dr John Alderdice, who was Methodist minister here 2003-09 and is the new MCI President. He preached on the theme 'For the transformation of the world', which he used to encourage us to continue to pursue God’s transforming work among us, and in the community as we share the Good News of Jesus.
“In his farewell message, Michael shared how he was asked by someone how he felt, leaving Movilla when things were really getting going, telling us that he replied, “I feel brilliant leaving at a time like this. If you’re going to move on, now is the sort of time you want to move on. The church is healthy and growing because people are continuing to say yes to Jesus and his leading.”
Alan told the congregation that although Michael would be sorely missed, and he personally would miss his partnership, for Movilla there were better things ahead than anything left behind, because our most significant partnership has been with God. He said that if we continue to seek His kingdom first, then actually the good things we’ve seen God do, are only just beginning.
“We commend Michael and his family – wife Nicki, and children Benjamin and Lily to everyone to pray for them as they move to follow God’s call to Glengormley Methodist.”
Pictured above: Revd Dr John Alderdice, Revd Michael Spence and Revd Alan Peek