WARM GOREY WELCOME FOR REV CHERYL
THE CONGREGATION at Gorey Methodist Church welcomed their new minister to town as she held her first service at the church in the Market Square on Sunday.
Rev Cheryl Patterson, who is a native of Belfast, was given a warm welcome to Gorey by the parishioners.
The 35-year-old has just finished her training for ordained ministry in Edgehill Theological College in Belfast, and she is now serving as a probationary minister for two years before she is ordained.
Before entering theological college, Cheryl studied at university in Scotland, before working as a youth pastor for the Methodist Church in north Belfast for seven years.
She moved to Gorey last Thursday, and this is her first time living south of the border.
She replaces Rev Steven Foster, who has moved to minister in north Fermanagh after a happy five years in Gorey.
‘I hope to continue Steven’s good work,’ said Cheryl. ‘It’s early days, but hopefully there will be a smooth transition, and that I can continue the great work that has been done in Gorey.’
She said that Rev Foster has been very supportive in helping her prepare to take over the ministry in Gorey.
Sunday’s 10.30 a.m. service was very well attended by locals, and several summer visitors, and they used the opportunity of the traditional cup of tea in the Methodist Hall after the service to meet the new minister.
‘I was very warmly welcomed,’ said Cheryl. ‘It was really lovely.’
She will use the coming weeks and months to get to know her new role, her new town, and her new congregation.
During his time in Gorey, Rev Foster was very involved in youth activities and set up the Empire Youth Group.
Before he left, Rev Foster was honoured by the members of the Gorey Municipal District committee, who made a presentation to him to thank him for his contribution to the town and district during his time in the area.