Revd Ken McGrath becomes rector of Gilnahirk
Monday 31 March and a very happy evening in St Dorothea's, Gilnahirk, as the church regained its full parochial status and Revd Ken McGrath was instituted as rector having served almost three years as Bishop’s Curate.
Ken was baptised, raised and confirmed in the parish making this a particularly special occasion.
In his welcome and introduction, Bishop David invited the congregation to celebrate the achievements of the last few years and to look ahead to the future:
“As we celebrate your full parochial status and institute Ken as rector you know even better than I how much of that has been due to Ken’s leadership and the hard work of you as a congregation. So, this is an evening for thanksgiving, for celebration and an evening to acknowledge that there are different gifts which have been pulled together to bring this church to this point, and to launch you for the next stage of mission and ministry here."
The preacher at the service was Revd Uel Marrs, Global Director of Mission for the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and a longtime friend from the McGraths’ time in Kenya.
Speaking from Exodus, Uel drew a parallel between Moses and ourselves. As God responds to Israel’s cry for help, he takes Moses’ very ordinary shepherd’s staff and steps in with his presence, power and provision to make extraordinary things happen.
He reminded us that as Christians, we have the Son of God in our hearts. He is our light in the days of opportunity and in the days of darkness. His presence goes before us lighting the way ahead.
Uel encouraged us in these days to take hold of the Son of God himself and allow him to take who we are and the gifts we give him in service of the kingdom of God.
Ken said of his appointment:
“It is very special to become rector of the parish where I was baptised and confirmed. However, this evening reflects the hard work and commitment of so many people, especially the Select Vestry. There is still much to do, but with God’s help, I trust that the parish will continue to be renewed and be a blessing to the whole Gilnahirk community.”
