By Rev’d Graeme Holdsworth
We had a wonderful day at Durham Cathedral with the Bishop of Durham, to celebrate and authorise Paula MacLeod in her new role as “Licensed Lay Minister” for the Church of England parish of Stanhope, Frosterley and Rookhope. This is the new name for a long standing ministry formerly known as “Reader”. Bishop Rick welcomed us and explained what is expected of Licensed Lay Ministers:
My sisters and brothers, God has brought us into the fellowship of the universal Church. As members together of his body, Christ calls us to minister in his name and, according to our gifts, to be instruments of his love in the world. Licensed Lay Ministers are to lead public worship, to preach and teach the word of God, to assist at the Eucharist, to share in pastoral and evangelistic work and to co-operate in the leadership of their parishes/ They enable the Church to grow into maturity as the Body of Christ.
Paula joins the ministry team here in the Upper Weardale Benefice; we are all delighted to welcome her and work alongside her as she explores and continues to discover God’s love for her, and the way in which His blessings may overflow from her into the world around us.
We prayed for all the new Licensed Lay Ministers…
“Wise God, whose Spirit brings truth into the world and invites us to share that word, we give thanks for the rich variety of ministries which express your truth. We praise your name because you have called women and men to bear witness for you, bestowing the needful gifts of grace. Equip these your servants, we pray, as Licensed Lay Ministers, for the growth of your Kingdom. Give them wisdom in speaking, insight in teaching, faith in the leading of worship, and humility in their ministries. Make them channels of your truth, that many may come to know and trust you through your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.”
