New minister ordained and installed at Sloan Street

ANDREW Faulkner, previously assistant minister of Hill Street Presbyterian Church, Lurgan, was ordained and installed as the new minister of Sloan Street Presbyterian Church on Wednesday April 18.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Apr 2012, 09:52 BST

The former Fort Hill College teacher succeeds the Rev John Keefe, who retired in January 2011. The Service of Ordination and Installation was conducted by a commission of the Presbytery of Dromore and the act of Installation was conducted by the Rev Andrew Thompson (Moderator) and the Rev John Davey (Clerk).

The Moderator prayed that the new minister would be enabled by God to be a strong leader, a wise counsellor, an understanding friend and a clear and consistent example to all; and that in the days ahead he will have the encouragement of seeing lost souls brought to faith in Jesus Christ and followers of Jesus, strengthened in their love and commitment.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Rev David Knox, minister of Harmony Hill, read the Scripture lesson and the Rev Howard Gilpin, minister of Moira Presbyterian, preached the sermon. In a challenging charge to the new minister and the congregation, the Rev William Henry, Convenor of the Vacancy, spoke of the need to recognise the 12” difference between the head and the heart and with real ‘passion’, don’t be content with second best and ensure that this is not just a ‘good’ church - but a ‘great’ church. The praise was led by the church’s music group under the direction of Valerie Wiggam; the hymns included, ‘Jesus paid it all’ and ‘I will offer up my life’. The church choir sang the anthem, ‘All to us’. An offering was taken for the Students’ Bursary Fund.

The service was followed by a reception and supper in the church hall. Welcoming their new minister and his family, Dr Brian Craig, Clerk of Session, said “We are delighted to welcome Andrew, Jessica, David, Beth and Charis into our fellowship. The call to Andrew was clear and unambiguous and together with him we look forward in anticipation to what God has planned. It is our prayer that God will richly bless his ministry in this congregation and in this community.”

Addressing his new congregation for the first time, Mr Faulkner said: “It has been incredible to experience the definite leading of God to the congregation of Sloan Street and immensely encouraging to begin to get to know the people here who have a great love for Jesus and the surrounding area. I have no doubt that God will continue to use Sloan Street to reach people and enrich them with the great good news of the gospel.”

The Rev Andrew Faulkner the new minister of Sloan Street Presbyterian Church will commence his ministry at morning worship in Sloan Street on Sunday April 22 at 11.30am.