NEW lay ministers for Worcester and Malvern were among the appointments made during a ceremony at Worcester Cathedral.
Julie Berrow, who will serve in the parish of St Barnabas with Christchurch in Worcester, was among those admitted to the office of Reader during the service conducted by Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev Dr John Inge.
She was joined by Cary Taylor-Stokes who will serve at Worcester’s St Wulstan’s Church and Richard Weatherill who will serve at Great Malvern Priory.
Readers are trained and licensed lay ministers in the Church of England authorised in particular to exercise a ministry of preaching and teaching.
They undergo a two-year training course which ends with the award of a Certificate in Higher Education by the University of Durham before being admitted to the role.
After being licensed they carry out a wide range of tasks within their parishes and beyond, especially helping others to reflect on their faith and how it relates to their daily lives.
Philippa Heenan, who will serve at Harvington Church in Evesham, was also admitted and licensed.
“Looking back, I think I always wanted to train for ministry, but without being sure what it might look like,” Julie said.
“I was encouraged to apply for the LLM course, probably sooner than I would have done left to my own devices, and I am so glad I did.
“Now, having enjoyed the challenges and opportunities of training, I look forward to preaching, pastoral work, funeral ministry and discovering God’s plan for me as my journey continues.”
Cary said: “I was brought up as a Catholic but stopped attending as a teenager and only returned to faith in my 20s, since then worshipping in different churches in Worcester.
“I have loved the two years of study – it’s been intense, but completely transformative and I’m now looking forward to putting some of what I’ve learnt into practice.”
Richard added: “I’ve been involved in the church for most of my life, mainly though choral singing, but it wasn’t until 2016 that I first thought seriously about Reader ministry.
“I’ve enjoyed wonderful support from everyone at the Priory during my training and I’m looking forward to developing my ministry, both there and in the wider Deanery.
“Perhaps God has finally got me where he wants me – but I’m sure he’ll still have some surprises in store!”
Bishop John said: “Lay Ministers play a very important role in our churches, sharing their faith with others and serving them in God’s name. I was delighted to be able to license these four people to this very important role.”
