A new chapter for St Clement’s
St Clement’s began an exciting new chapter on Thursday 29 October with the introduction of Revd Ross Munro (OLM) as Local Church Minister for the parish. The service also marked the coming together of The Gathering and St Clement’s as one church family, to be known as St Clement’s.
The Revd Clive Atkinson, Rector of Willowfield Parish and Curate-in-Charge of St Clement’s, welcomed the congregation. Following Ross’s presentation by the Area Dean, Canon Bill Press, Archdeacon Jim Cheshire commissioned him for his new role.
Proclaiming the Gospel, serving with humility, revealing God’s glory
The address was given by the Revd Jonny Campbell Smyth, a close friend of Ross and Rector of the United Parish of Ballynure and Ballyeaston (Ballyclare).
Preaching from Ephesians 3:7–12, Jonny highlighted three key challenges for ministry.
First, to proclaim the Gospel faithfully, keeping Jesus Christ and the message of salvation at the heart of preaching and parish life.
Second, to serve with humility and gratitude for God’s grace. Paul’s transformation from persecutor to servant reminds us that ministry is God’s calling, not a path to status. Prayer and dependence on God and a humble heart are essential foundations for effective ministry.
Third, to keep the Church’s wider mission in view, with minister and congregation demonstrating Christ’s love through service, welcome, forgiveness and compassion.
Jonny urged the congregation to pray for and support Ross, participate in mission and trust God’s purposes. He reminded them that ministry’s true measure is faithfulness to the Gospel and helping others encounter Jesus Christ.
A new chapter
Under the new arrangement the congregations will share leadership, governance, finances, ministry and vision and celebrate their distinct but complementary strengths.
Ross commented:
“I was reminded this week, through Psalm 133, of the rewards of getting this merger right.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”
“This merger is massive for all of us. When, and not if, we get this right, what a witness it will be to the glory of God and His leading! It will be a positive example for the wider Church to follow.
“I believe that, through this union, we’re going to get a taste of what heaven will be like. A foretaste of heaven, as it were, as we join together with our new family under the banner of Jesus.
“Finally, it will energise our ministries as programmes take on different shapes, revitalising us all. As God pours out the oil of His Spirit, He will bestow on us His blessing, even life forevermore (Psalm 133).”
