Rt Rev Sarah Groves is set to retire as Minister of Gracehill Moravian Church near Ballymena after nearly 14 years serving in the picturesque village.
Alongside her late husband, Chris, Sarah arrived in area in August 2011 having served at various Moravian Churches and settlements on the UK mainland in the years beforehand.
The couple quickly adjusted to life in one of our province’s most tranquil spots.
“I have got so many memories from my time in Gracehill”, declared a smiling Sarah.
“It is a very joyful Church; there have been Bible Studies with lots of laughs and great times of fellowship.”
Sarah went on to reveal how the Palm Sunday services at Gracehill have been a great source of joy to everyone involved. She said: “We sing the traditional Hosanna Anthem before following Pheobe the donkey round the square as we remember how the crowds followed Jesus into Jerusalem. The Easter services include time at God’s Acre (the burial ground) where we remember our loved ones in the Lord and we recall the resurrection of Jesus, which will enable the resurrection of those who we have lost.”
School assemblies at Gracehill Primary School have also been ‘such fun’ for Sarah. The same is true of helping to put together creations for the village’s annual Scarecrow Festival, which is an important fundraiser for the settlement.
Bishop Sarah was also keen to reflect on the importance of the attainment of World Heritage status at Gracehill. She said: “In addition to the benefits to the wider communities in the shape of increased tourism, achieving World Heritage status also offers Moravians an opportunity to explain our approach to Christianity.”
The Gloucestershire native continued: “A lot of theology is written in books, but in Gracehill, Moravian theology texts are written in stone and you can see it in the layout of the village. The Church is at the centre with the square at the front providing a quiet space for reflection. Our burial ground is direct alignment with the Church. The plan of the village shows the Moravian values of equality for men and women in terms of faith, education, and the need for good housing and medical care.”
On a personal level, Sarah enjoyed seeing her daughter, Deborah, married in Gracehill Moravian Church and been privileged to baptise two of her grandchildren there. Sadly, she lost her husband, Chris, to cancer in April 2023. In common with Sarah, Chris loved living in Gracehill and was equally adored by everyone there: “Everyone in the community was so good to us. Illness doesn’t bypass Christians; we must bear these things like everyone else. However, the warmth and generosity of the fellowship at Gracehill during a very challenging personal time is a testament and tribute to them”, says Sarah.
In addition to her parish work, Sarah has also served as a Bishop within the wider Moravian Church since 2018. This is a role she will continue in retirement alongside the presidency of the Irish Council of Churches.
In between times, Sarah is looking forward to a time of rest from Pastoral ministry and a spot of gardening!
Find out more about Gracehill Moravian Church on their website.
