Institution of Revd. Ian Berry
Last Friday evening, 30th August, Revd. Ian Berry was instituted as the new Rector of the Virginia Group of Parishes (Billis, Killinkere, Lurgan (Virginia) and Munterconnaught. Parishioners, family and friends from across the Diocese and beyond crowed into Billis Parish Church for a service of celebration and welcome lead by Bishop Ferran Glenfield. It was a beautiful setting and a beautiful evening for the event.
The Old Testament reading was read by Lorna Bagnall and Revd. Ian’s daughter, Kate, read from Paul’s second letter to Timothy. The address at the institution was given by Revd. Chris Matchett from the Clondevaddock and Mevagh Group of Parishes in Donegal. He introduced Revd. Ian as a man of God’s word and someone who valued preaching. Preaching from 2 Timothy chapter 1 v 6-14, he reminded the congregation that we are the people of God who has saved us – a gospel people. He encouraged all present to hold on to the gospel, hold together in suffering for the gospel and hold out the good news of the gospel to others in these times.
The Act of Institution was then carried out by Bishop Ferran followed by the commissioning of the members of the Virginia Group of Parishes to love the Lord and serve others in the name of Christ. Following the commissioning, symbolic gifts of a Bible, water (representing baptism), the Book of Common Prayer, bread and wine, a key to the door of the church and a towel (reminding us that we are called to serve) were presented to Revd. Ian by Jennifer Shekleton, Laura Kennedy, Cherry Smith, Neville Bagnall and Johnny Johnston. Megan Woods represented the children of the parish.
After this, Gary Henry said a few words of welcome on behalf of the group of parishes. Revd. Mark Smith of the neighbouring Kildrumferton Group of Parishes welcomed Revd. Ian on behalf of the clergy of the Diocese and the Very Rev. Darragh Connolly P.P. from Killinkere parish spoke on behalf of the Catholic Church.
The warmth of the welcome from the parish, the Diocese and across the community was striking. We pray for Revd. Ian, his wife Gayle and his family as they serve the people of the Virginia Group with faith and love in Christ Jesus.
Revd. Ian Berry was born and grew up in Belfast and felt the call to ordained ministry at the young age of 17. A few years later he was selected for training in the Church of Ireland Theological College. Revd. Ian began his ministry life with a curacy in Bangor Abbey and then spent 22 years in the Monaghan Group of parishes in Clogher Diocese. He is married to Gayle and has three children.
