We were delighted to welcome hundreds of friends and family into St Edmundsbury Cathedral last Sunday for Called Together, our special annual celebration of Licensed Lay Ministry. This year we licensed those who have completed their training including:
- Readers: Christine Bryer, Kesgrave with Little Bealings and Playford, Jonathan De Bernhardt Wood, Ipswich St Mary le Tower, Ingrid Morelli, Acton and Great Waldingfield, Philippa (Pip) Smith, Wickham Market with Pettistree, Robert Whiting, BSE St Mary with St Peter District Church, George Woodward, Ipswich St Margaret, David Yaroslaw, Rushmere.
- Children’s & Families' Ministry: Clare Ayres, The Benefice of Beccles with Worlingham, North Cove and Barnby. Paul Byrne, Ipswich St Mary Stoke, Karen Dowsing, Ipswich St Helen, Holy Trinity, & St Clement with St Luke, Kelly Petch, The Blackbourne Team, Nathan Thomas, Bungay | Lightwave.
- Evangelists: Jayne Jones, The Two Rivers Benefice, Julia Theulings, The Benefice of Beccles with Worlingham, North Cove and Barnby
- Pioneers: Sheila Pipe, Four Rivers.
In addition, the following were welcomed during the service:
- Children’s and Families’ Ministers: Pauline Milsted, The Blyth Valley Team, Emma Richards, Ipswich St Peter, Stoke Park
- Youth Minister: Emma Elwis, Ipswich St Thomas.
Finally, the following was licensed and welcomed from another diocese during the service:
- Reader: Helen Jackson, Sole Bay.
We were also joined by existing licensed lay ministers from across the Diocese and we thank them for their ministry. Offering an opportunity for us to come together and renew our commitment to serve in the whole variety of Licensed Ministries and celebrate the gifts God has given to us as we share in his mission.
The service was led by Bishop Graeme. The Revd Canon Sharon Coburn, Diocesan Director of Mission and Ministry, preached and she said, “It is a joy to see so many people licensed for lay ministry in our diocese. During the service, three of those being licensed were interviewed and it was so exciting to hear their story of how God is calling and equipping them to serve him in our parishes”
Those who have entered our authorised Lay Ministry roles complete specific training pathways that offers volunteers the opportunity to get accreditation for the work they do in our diocese. These lay ministries serve the ministry and mission of the whole church as our volunteers work collaboratively with others to carry out a broad remit in our local parishes. To find out more about our vocations please visit: Explore your Christian calling - Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.
Photography by Owen Chad Cox