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Rev Patsy Holdsworth ordained as the new minister of
Ballinderry and Kilwarlin

Ministers of the British Province including Moravian Bishop the Rt Rev John McOwat, pictured at the Service of Ordination in Kilwarlin Moravian Church on Friday 19th October with L to R: Rev Patsy Holdsworth, Rev Paul Holdsworth and Rev Jan Mullin (third from right).

Ministers of the British Province including Moravian Bishop the Rt Rev John McOwat, pictured at the Service of Ordination in Kilwarlin Moravian Church on Friday 19th October with L to R: Rev Patsy Holdsworth, Rev Paul Holdsworth and Rev Jan Mullin (third from right).

The Rev Patricia Ann (Patsy) Holdsworth was ordained as Deacon by the Rt Rev John McOwat, Moravian Bishop of the British Province, at a Service of Ordination in Kilwarlin Moravian Church on Friday 19th October. Sr Holdsworth succeeds her husband, the Rev Paul Holdsworth, who has been called to serve the Cliftonville and University Road Moravian Churches in Belfast.

The Ballinderry/Kilwarlin unit was separated in 1971 due to a reduction of ministers in the Irish District; Ballinderry was linked with Cliftonville on the Oldpark Road, Belfast, and Kilwarlin with University Road, Belfast. After a number of changes over the 36 years, the congregations have again been linked and in addition to her appointment as the new minister at Kilwarlin, Sr Holdsworth will also continue her ministry at Ballinderry.

Sr Esther Law presided at the organ and led the praise which included 'The Doxology for the Ordination of a Moravian Deacon', 'All my hope on God is founded' (chosen by Sr Holdsworth), ' Lord, you give the great commission' and the recessional hymn was 'Walk, walk, walk in the light'. The reader was the Rev Paul Holdsworth and during the service 'The liturgy for the Ordination of a Moravian Deacon' was used.

In her address, the Rev Jan Mullin (Gracehill), Patsy's supervising minister at Ballinderry reminded Patsy that a year ago at her Service of Introduction at Ballinderry she said, 'Surrounded by the warmth and fellowship of this congregation I look forward to seeing you grow in your ministry as you confirm your calling and serve the people of God in the way God has chosen for you'. Sr Mullin went on to say that it has been a pleasure to watch Patsy grow in her ministry, and paid tribute to the Ballinderry congregation for all the love and support they have given her and looked forward to seeing that doubled now as she receives the same love and support from her new charge at Kilwarlin as well.

'Ministry requires you to be all things to all people' Sr Mullin said and explained that 'Above all, in the bad times as well as in the good times, there's the knowledge that because God has given you this calling he will give you the spiritual tools and strength to fulfil it'. She concluded by saying, 'So, Patsy - keep the faith - be strong - continue in the work to which God has called you, the work of leading Christ's people, the work for which He's empowered you through His spirit'.

Following her ordination, the new minister spoke of her delight at being appointed as minister of Kilwarlin in succession to her husband. She went on to speak of the great honour, which has been placed upon her as she takes on this responsibility, in addition to her ministry at Ballinderry. In conclusion, Sr Holdsworth said that she looked forward to working with both congregations and the challenges this would bring.

Afterwards a delightful supper was served in the church hall allowing the congregation and friends to congratulate their newly ordained minister.

The Rev Patsy Holdsworth pictured with her parents Neil and Margaret Saville and sisters Susan Bull and Hilary Yanew (right). The photo was taken at her service of ordination in Kilwarlin Moravian Church on Friday 19th October.

About the Rev Patsy Holdsworth
Patsy is the youngest daughter of Neil and Margaret Saville from Dewsbury, Yorkshire. Her parents and sisters Hilary Yaniw and Susan Bull live in England. The family attend Wellhouse Moravian Church. After her early education at Whitcliff Mount Secondary School, Patsy attended Liverpool Polytechnic where she studied art and textiles and later attended Middlesex University where she obtained a degree in theology. She married Paul in August 1995 and the couple moved to Northern Ireland in October 2004 after Paul received and accepted a call to serve Kilwarlin and University Road Churches. At the same time Patsy took up her duties as a Lay Preacher in the Irish District. At a Service of Introduction in September 2006 she was welcomed as Student Minister at Ballinderry Moravian Church in succession to the Rev Eckhard Buchholz, who retired in June 2006. Pasty successfully completed her training for the ministry at Ballinderry under the supervision of the Rev Jan Mullin, Minister of Gracehill.

21/10/2007