 |
 |
News
New minister formally introduced to Parish of Magheraculmoney, Ardess
Taking part in the Service of Introduction for Revd Mark Loney at Ardess.
Revd Mark Loney was formally welcomed as the new minister of Magheraculmoney Parish, Ardess, near Kesh on Thursday night.
A Service of Introduction was held for Revd Loney as the Diocesan Curate serving in the Parish of Magheraculmoney.
The Service of Introduction was led by the Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd Dr. Ian Ellis, assisted by the Archdeacon of Clogher, the Venerable Paul Thompson. Other clergy taking part included Canon John McClenaghan, Diocesan Registrar and Bishop’s Chaplain, Revd Sampson Ajuka.
Revd Mark Loney is introduced to his parishioners at Ardess by the Bishop of Clogher.
Hymns during the service included; “Praise to the Lord,” “King of Kings, majesty,” “Be still for the presence of the Lord”, “What gift of grace is Jesus, my redeemer,” and “To God be the glory.” The organist was Mr. Glenn Moore.
The sermon was preached by Revd Catherine Simpson, Rector of Glencraig, Diocese of Down.
Revd Loney was appointed to the Parish of Magheraculmoney after serving as Rector of Dungiven and Bovevagh parishes in the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe. He is married to Jo and they have two children, Reuben aged 16 and Jemimah aged 14.
Mr William Ross speaking on behalf of Dungivan and Bovevagh parishes.
Following his education at Dungannon Royal School he attended the University of Central Lancashire (Preston) where he graduated with a BSc Hons in Business French and Management Science. He met Jo at the University Christian Union. He worked for BT Government and Corporate Accounts and later with the Inland Revenue Tax Credits Team, both in Preston.
Revd Loney attended the Church of Ireland Theological College and Trinity in Dublin from 2000-2003 and he served his curacy in the parishes of Larne and Inver with Glynn and Raloo in Connor Diocese from 2003-2006.
He was appointed Rector of Ahoghill and Portglenone from 2006 to late 2011 and then took up a position of Vicar of Panshanger Church, Welwyn Garden City (Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Free Church LEP) in St Alban's Diocese from 2012-2015 where he had oversight of development of a Christians Against Poverty Debt Centre managed by the church and supported across several denominations.
Revd Loney returned to Northern Ireland in 2015 following his appointment as Rector of Dungiven and Bovevagh parishes in the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe.
He has wide experience in primary and secondary school governorships both in Northern Ireland and England.
Revd Mark and Jo are both musical, Jo plays the trumpet and Mark plays the piano. They are both singers.
At a tea reception in Ardess hall following the service, there were speakers from Revd Mark’s former parishes and from Ardess chaired by Archdeacon Paul Thompson.
Mr William Ross, a former MP and speaking on behalf of the parishioners of Dungiven and Bovevagh Parishes said the Loney family would be missed for their contribution to church life over the past 10 years.
Revd Mark was welcomed by Mr. Robert Thompson, from Ardess, who said the congregation were excited with his appointment.
The evening was closed by Bishop Ian Ellis, who wished the new minister well in the years ahead.
Mr Robert Thompson speaking on behalf of the parishioners at Ardess.
Revd Mark Loney speaking to his new congregation.