Licensed Lay Ministers from across the Diocese gathered at Holland House this weekend for a chance to learn together, support one another and socialise.
The theme for the weekend was ‘Teachers of the Faith’ with the Readers exploring various aspects of what it means to be a teacher of the faith in today’s church and society.
Through sessions led the Wardens of Readers and members of the Mission and Ministry team, those present looked at what it means to be a church that encourages growth in faith, learning and vocations. There was also a roundtable discussion where the Readers were able to learn from one another’s wisdom and experience, and on Sunday, the group was joined by Bishop Hugh.
Sue Draper, LLM in Kidderminster Ismere, said:
“It’s been a lovely weekend. It’s always great to come away, be with colleagues, to have input and discussion and to learn from each other.”
Charles Morgan in the Halas Team in Halesowen, said:
“It’s been fabulous. We’ve had a chance to talk about the good things and the challenges in our ministry, and it’s been good to have the chance to support each other. The input has also been really stimulating.”
Bishop Hugh led a session on Sunday morning which explored what it meant to be a Reader and some of the challenges LLMs currently face as key leaders in a changing church. Bishop Hugh said:
“Readers our essential to the life of the church. They are community theologians who preach, teach and enable everyday faith. Trained and rooted in the wisdom of church, they are based in their communities and are called to be communicators and teachers. They have a really important role in helping people grow in their faith in order to go out and change the world.”
Bishop Hugh also spoke about the fact that we are called to be a church that is faithful, hopeful and loving. One that listens and that loves our neighbour. Following his session, he preached and presided at a Eucharist with the Readers before joining them for a final dinner together.
Sue Copsey, LLM at Great Malvern Priory said:
“It was a very empowering weekend. It was great to get to know everybody better and to be held as part of this special community of people.”
If you are interested in exploring Reader Ministry, find out more here.
