Called Together: Celebrating Lay Ministry

On Saturday, 17th October, the Cathedral brought together the different lay ministries of the diocese in a service of celebration. New Readers were licensed, Pastoral Assistants, Evangelists and Children’s workers renewed their vows and the life of the living church was celebrated. The overarching theme is that of all being sent out to minister, and returning to the ‘common centre’ in order to be renewed for the work God has called us to do, and the people he has called us to be, as part of His mission to the world.
 
A congregation of over 400 heard the Rt Revd Gordon Murcell, Bishop of Stafford, speak of us being called to be Evangelists, Ambassadors and Failures, the themes of the readings from Acts 2, 1 Timothy 1 and Genesis 45.
 
As we gathered the organ was played by Daniel Illiffe, son of Alison, who has been learning with Jonathon Gregory for the last few months, and very good he was too!
After the service ‘Brass Wind and Fire’ played to the assembled crowd.
 
Those admitted as Readers and licensed are:
Vivienne Froggatt, The Ascension Team
Alison Illiffe, Kibworth with Smeeton Westerby and Saddington
Janet Harding, The Fenn Lanes Group
Ann Ling, Leire with Ashby Parva and Dunton Bassett and Claybrook cum Wibtoft and Frolesworrth
Rosemary Nicholls, Markfield, Thornton, Bagworth, Stanton under Bardon, and Copt Oak
Sheila Langley, Syston Team
Patricia Jeannine Underwood Ashby de la Zouch, Breedon on the Hill and Coleorton
John Harrison, Sileby Cossington and Seagrave
Ann Flower, Kibworth with Smeeton Westerby and Saddington