Revd Sam Johnston introduced as Minister–in–Charge in Comber
Bishop Harold has introduced Revd Sam Johnston as Minister–in–Charge in St Mary’s, Comber.
Sam comes to Comber Parish from Shankill, Lurgan, where he spent his deacon year and a further four years as curate. The rector of Shankill, Revd Mark Harvey, gave the address at the service which took place on Tuesday 3 September.
About Sam
Sam met his wife Gayle in Shankill. She had recently returned to Lurgan after a number of years studying and working in chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry in Scotland and Switzerland.
The pair have been married for three years, and both are excited to be joining the Comber community. They enjoy spending time in the kitchen and in the outdoors and are looking forward to exploring the coastline of Strangford Lough.
Comber is a move closer to home for Sam who is originally from Bangor. He grew up in Ballyholme Parish before studying Music and Sound Recording in England. After a few years working in the music industry, Sam returned to Ballyholme, where he served as the youth worker for two years.
“Shankill has been a great training ground – a large congregation of loving (and patient) people who have made my curacy a real blessing,” says Sam.
He continues: “Leading a parish will be a new challenge for me, and one that I am very much looking forward to.
”Christians have worshipped on the site of St Mary’s for many centuries, perhaps since the days of St Patrick. As I join with others, sharing the good news and the way of God’s Kingdom, I am excited to see how God’s work will continue to unfold in the parish and the town.”
