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Farewell reception for Hillsborough Rector and former Dean of Down, the Rev John Dinnen

Lord Eames pictured with former Dean of Down, the Very Rev John Dinnen at a farewell reception last Sunday morning (23rd December) marking Mr Dinnen's retirement from active ministry after 23 years of faithful ministry as Rector of the Parish Church of St Malachy, Hillsborough. The Very Rev John Dinnen bids farewell at a reception in the Downshire Centre last Sunday morning (23rd December).

Lord Eames pictured with former Dean of Down, the Very Rev John Dinnen at a farewell reception last Sunday morning (23rd December) marking Mr Dinnen's retirement from active ministry after 23 years of faithful ministry as Rector of the Parish Church of St Malachy, Hillsborough.

The Very Rev John Dinnen bids farewell at a reception in the Downshire Centre last Sunday morning (23rd December).

Over 600 people packed the Parish Church of St Malachy for the Children's Christmas Nativity last Sunday morning (23rd December) marking the retirement of the Very Rev John Dinnen. The former Dean of Down will retire from active ministry at the end of December after 23 years faithful service as Rector of Hillsborough.

The children opened the service as they rang out 'The First Noel' on hand bells after which Mr Dinnen welcomed the congregation and thanked all who took part. The organist, Phillip Elliott (who will also leave Hillsborough at the end of December) and the Children's Choir conducted by Ella Morrison led the worship of well-known carols including 'Come and join the celebration'. The children created a wonderful 'Christmas card' scene on stage as they presented the Christmas Nativity.

The special service was followed by a farewell reception for Mr and Mrs Dinnen. Following seasonal refreshments the curate, the Rev Simon Richardson led the fun and fellowship and paid tribute to Mr Dinnen who during his entire 40-year ministry 'focused on the Gospel and the good news of Jesus Christ'. The children's choir took on the role of the Von Trapp family as they gave their own special goodbye in the words of a well known song from the Sound of Music - 'So long, Farewell'. The senior choir followed as they sang a humorous goodbye entitled, 'John, Reverend John' after which a framed copy of the song was presented.

Jenny Williams showed a powerpoint presentation entitled 'A journey with John and Jane' which highlighted many of the memorable moments from their ministry at Hillsborough and also paid thanks for so many years of faithful service, building, teaching and encouraging deeper relationships with God.
 

At the Christmas Nativity in Hillsborough Parish Church last Sunday morning (23rd December) are L to R: Angela Ballentine (Rector's Churchwarden), the Very Rev John Dinnen, Mrs Jane Dinnen, the Rev Simon Richardson (Curate) and Elizabeth Bell (People's Churchwarden). Pictured after presenting gifts to the Very Rev John Dinnen and Mrs Jane Dinnen (seated) are L to R: (back row) Kenny Dougherty (Sexton), Angela Ballentine (Rector's Churchwarden), Elizabeth Bell (People's Churchwarden) and Robert Lucas (Select Vestry).

At the Christmas Nativity in Hillsborough Parish Church last Sunday morning (23rd December) are L to R: Angela Ballentine (Rector's Churchwarden), the Very Rev John Dinnen, Mrs Jane Dinnen, the Rev Simon Richardson (Curate) and Elizabeth Bell (People's Churchwarden).

Pictured after presenting gifts to the Very Rev John Dinnen and Mrs Jane Dinnen (seated) are L to R: (back row) Kenny Dougherty (Sexton), Angela Ballentine (Rector's Churchwarden), Elizabeth Bell (People's Churchwarden) and Robert Lucas (Select Vestry).

Speaking of behalf of the Select Vestry, Robert Lucas spoke of refurbishment and construction work carried out during Mr Dinnen's stewardship including the erection of new church halls. He went on to say that children and young people have played a major part in his ministry and spoke of the successful youth club formed. Robert also recollected many happy memories of sporting activities, church weekends and holidays. He concluded by thanking Mr and Mrs Dinnen for their friendliness and example and wished them well in retirement.

Churchwardens Angela Ballentine and Elizabeth Bell presented gifts to Mr and Mrs Dinnen on behalf of the congregation and Sarah Ballentine, who was one of the first children Mr Dinnen baptised when he came to Hillsborough, presented a floral arrangement. In an emotional response, Mr Dinnen thanked the congregation for the gifts. He went on to speak of his supportive wife and his family of which he was very proud and concluded by speaking of the great team at Hillsborough reminding them that Christ is the head of all things.

Mr Dinnen will preach his final sermon as rector of Hillsborough Parish at a Watchnight Service on New Years Eve at 11.30pm - a most appropriate time to mark a long and faithful ministry at this historic church. Mr and Mrs Dinnen look forward to enjoying their retirement in Seaford. 

24/12/2007