Rev Jonathan Boyd reflects on seven and a half years of ministry in Ballygawley
Rev. Jonathan Boyd is preparing to say goodbye to the congregations of Ballygawley and Ballyreagh Presbyterian Churches
AFTER almost seven and a half years serving as minister of Ballygawley and Ballyreagh Presbyterian Churches, Rev. Jonathan Boyd is preparing to say goodbye to the congregations and the wider community that have become such an important part of his family’s life.
Reflecting on his time in the area, Rev. Boyd believes the famous song title “Time to say Goodbye” is an apt phrase as he prepares to take up a new ministry at Castledawson and Curran Presbyterian Churches.
However, he says the decision to move is not about career progression or greater financial reward, but rather a matter of answering God’s call.
“For many when they see ministers moving, they think it is about career progression, greater pay, etc. However, for myself ministry is much more a question of God’s call. What do I mean? Really, I believe God has called me to move or as the Apostle Paul speaks of ‘a great door for effective work has opened to me’ (1 Corinthians 16:9).”
Although looking forward to the new challenge, Rev. Boyd admits that the move comes with mixed emotions, particularly after the many experiences and challenges shared with the congregations over the years.
His time in Ballygawley and Ballyreagh included navigating the difficulties of the global pandemic and lockdowns, which arrived just a few months after his appointment.
Despite those challenges, he says the memories, friendships and connections made during his time in the community will remain special.
“I will truly miss many people in Ballygawley and the surrounding areas. Ballygawley has been a huge part of our lives, our two youngest children were born here, and we have been blessed with good friendships, plenty of good cups of coffee and buns, of course.”
As the family prepares to move to Castledawson in the not-too-distant future, Rev. Boyd says they will take with them lasting memories of the people and places that have shaped their lives over the past seven and a half years.
“While we will be moving to Castledawson in the not-too-distant future to take up the work that God has called us to, we do so with the indelible mark of wee places called Ballygawley and Ballyreagh and their people in our hearts.”
And while “Time to say Goodbye” may have seemed the perfect phrase to describe this next chapter, Rev. Boyd believes there is perhaps a more fitting expression.
“So even though I said, ‘time to say goodbye’ was an apt phrase, maybe I should say, as the French do, ‘Au Revoir’ (Until we meet again).”
He concluded by offering his prayers and best wishes to the congregations and the wider community, saying: “Praying God’s richest blessings on this little part of Mid Ulster.”