Liturgical Farewell for Bishop and Mrs Poyntz

Lord and Lady Eames, Bishop Poyntz, Mrs Poyntz, Revd Louise Stewart, Canon John Mann 
Bishop Samuel Poyntz and his wife Noreen arrived in Malone Parish in 1987 when the Bishop was translated from Cork to Connor.  Following retirement in 1995 he and his wife continued to attend St John’s and play a very active part in the life of the Parish.  The 20 years that the Poyntz’s have been part of St John’s was recognised and celebrated by a special service and parish lunch on Sunday 14th October.  Bishop Poyntz preached and celebrated the Eucharist as well as choosing the hymns and other musical parts of the service, including organ voluntaries performed by Dr Donald Davison.  During his sermon, Bishop Poyntz, appealed to Church of Ireland people to value their godly heritage, as enshrined in the Book of Common Prayer, and remember that worship is an offering to God and should be ordered as such with care and attention. The Mission of the Church grows from its devotional heart..

At the end of the service one of St John’s young people, Katie Nicholas sang Rutter’s moving setting of “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”, thereby expressing the blessing of all present on Bishop Sam and Noreen as they leave the Parish.  Bishop Poyntz has long been a supporter of the young people, and some of those he led on a pilgrimage to Taize a number of years ago were present at the service.  There were also a number of retired clergy and their wives present, including Lord and Lady Eames, reflecting Bishop Sam’s long and dedicated ministry in which they shared.

Bishop & Mrs Poyntz with their daughter Stephanie and her family
Dr Donald Davison Canon Edgar Turner Lord Eames
At the lunch following the service, tributes were paid to Bishop Sam’s immense contribution to parish, diocese (including about 20 recent confirmation services!) and the wider Church, especially during difficult times.  The occasion was not without humour and a sense of celebration as Bishop and Mrs Poyntz move on to what they describe as “retirement phase two” in Dublin.  They will be greatly missed in Connor and especially in the Parish of Malone.

Bouquets were presented to Mrs Poyntz on behalf of the Parish and the Diocese