Lay Ministers from across Dudley and Wyre Forest praised at special service of celebration
It was a day to celebrate the achievements of a group of people who have taken another step in their faith journey.
A service of celebration for Authorised Lay Ministers (ALM) from across Worcestershire and Dudley was held at Worcester Cathedral on Saturday.
29 people from across the Diocese received a certificate from the Bishop of Dudley, Rt. Rev. Martin Gorick, to mark the completion of their courses, which equip them for specific roles in their parishes.
The Diocese of Worcester said this year’s ALMs have been trained to become children and youth work ministers, worship leaders or New Worshipping Community ministers through the Myriad pathway.
As ALMs, they will work alongside ordained clergy and licensed lay ministers as part of the ministry teams in their individual parishes.
Archdeacon Nikki Groarke gave the sermon at the service. She said: “As I look out at you all this afternoon, I see an abundance of potential.
"In this cathedral there are masses of gifts… In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul makes it clear that the role of those with clearly identified gifts is to use them in their different forms to help everyone else discover theirs.
"Then, Paul says, the church will be built up and united, knowing Jesus fully, and being filled to live life maturely and confidently to the full.
"As you are authorised today to lead in worship in both traditional and new settings, and to invest in children and young people, this will be part of your calling.
"Not only to use your gifts, but to identify and encourage gifts in others…I am certain that when we are all working towards that individually, the church as a whole will reach its potential and flourish.”
Mark Hambling from St Anne’s Church in Bewdley did the children and youth work training course led by Diocesan Lead Simon Hill.
He said: “It was an absolutely fantastic course and Simon explained it all so well, so we’re very sorry to see him go.
"Today’s service has been majestic and I’m fairly new to faith, so I’ve found completing this first course amazing.”
