Building Together in Galway, Ireland

Ray and Rebecca Clancy.

An update from Ed O’Mara, Lead Pastor of Chiesa Grazia Sovrana di Torino, Italy and SGC Area Leader for Europe…

For 25 years, Calvary Church has been proclaiming the gospel to the needy city of Galway, Ireland. In July 2000, Ray and Rebecca Clancy and their children relocated from Southern California to the west coast of Ireland to plant a church in the city. Since 2000, many things have changed in Galway. The once monolithically Irish city has diversified, modernized, and grown incredibly. During this time, Ray also grew in his appreciation for the doctrines of Grace and began developing a friendship with Sovereign Grace, and in particular with Ron Boomsma, who was then serving the Sovereign Grace church in Pasadena. Through this friendship, Ray and Rebecca received care and became much more closely associated with SGC, attending conferences and accessing our materials to serve their church.

The result of these changes and the Clancy’s friendship with SGC is a church that embodies the culture and values of Sovereign Grace. The church is filled with a diverse mix of people of different ages from various countries and backgrounds. Yet, the thing that stands out to me every time I visit is their love for one another and their commitment to serve one another. The leaders of the church have consistently led the people to the foot of the cross and this has formed a church family that celebrates and applies the gospel!

As time has progressed, Ray and his leaders decided to pursue a formal relationship with Sovereign Grace. I have been working closely with Ray and another leader (Stephanus Meiring, married to LuAnne) for about 2 years. During this time we have focused on what it means to be part of Sovereign Grace. We have studied the Statement of Faith and our shared values and virtues. We have looked at our polity and how this will function in Europe and what part each local church will play. Most of all, we have built a close relationship and have cared for one another and encouraged one another.

Most recently, Ray and his leadership team signed on to become a Candidate Church in recognition of pursuing full partnership. In June, I visited the church for 4 days. During this time we focused on the ordination process and the particulars of the Book of Church order. I was also privileged to meet with their men’s group and to observe, first hand, how Calvary is passionate about living together in the good of the gospel. I also had the opportunity to meet with several leaders, to enjoy fellowship with the broader church family, and to preach the word on Sunday.

Stephanus & LuAnne Meiring

Looking ahead Ray and Stephanus have begun studying for their ordination tests. Our hope is that, as these men complete their ordinations, we continue to strengthen our relational connection not only with Ray and his team, but with the entire church as they become full partners in SGC. We also look forward to continuing to build SGC in Europe and see Calvary Church of Galway as a key component to what the Lord is doing among our European churches.

While there is much I could write to commend this church and its leaders, the highest encouragement I can give is what I feel most appropriately describes Calvary Church: they are gospel-people! It is an honor to be building together with them in Europe and an honor to be bringing them into our family of churches! If you find yourself in western Ireland, certainly do touristy things… but make time to encounter Jesus with this wonderful church!