'I am delighted to welcome two new priests in Wyre Forest' - Churches in Kidderminster to get new lay readers to help families

Tony Bill, serving in Kidderminster East, and Sue Cousins, serving in Kidderminster West were were among six new lay ministers admitted to the office of reader on Saturday in Worcester Cathedral. 

The Bishop of Dudley the Rt Rev Martin Gorick, a former chaplain to the Royal Shakespeare Company, conducted the licensing service which will allow the recruits to look after residents in the parishes they have been called to serve.

Ms Cousins  says: "My vicar suggested considering becoming a lay reader and as I’ve always wanted to explore ministry, this seemed like the right opportunity at the right time. I’m proud to have completed the course and it has given me more confidence to talk about my faith with others. It will be a privilege to work alongside and support the experienced clergy team in Kidderminster West.

Mr Bill says: "For a long time I have felt God nudging me. Becoming a Licensed Lay Minister feels a very daunting undertaking and very humbling. My career was as a teacher and I worked with children with special needs for over 20 years. I’m now exploring funeral ministry as I think that will be a good fit with my skills."

Readers are trained and licensed lay ministers in the Church of England who offer a ministry of preaching and teaching in parishes that is complementary to ordained ministry. All those being licensed have completed two years of training through the Queen’s Foundation in Birmingham. 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.

Mr Gorick adds: “Lay Ministers play a very important role in our churches, sharing their faith with others and serving them in God's name. My father was a Lay Minister, so I grew up knowing how valuable that lay voice is as God’s word is opened and explored in our worship and lived out in daily life. I was delighted to be able to license and welcome these six people to this very important role.”