On Saturday 19 September, the Cathedral hosted a special day celebrating lay ministry across the Diocese, bringing together Readers, lay ministers and others involved in the life of the Church.
The day began with the Readers gathering in the Cathedral’s Ivor Gurney Hall. The seminar-style morning was led by Julia Hill from Bath & Wells Diocese, giving everyone an opportunity to reflect and discuss together.
Afterwards, over lunch, the Cloisters were filled with around 15 to 20 stalls showcasing the different areas of lay ministry across the Diocese. It was a chance to find out more about the different ways people serve, meet others involved in ministry and share ideas.
The day came together for the Lay Ministry Service in the Cathedral. The service celebrated the many different gifts and forms of service within the Church, with people sharing their experiences of lay ministry and reflecting on the ways God calls people to serve.
There was also a focus on new ministries. Bishop Rachel licensed the Reverend Dr Sarah Haden as Associate Discernment and Vocations Advisor and Dr Elli Wort as Collaborative Ministry Lead for Lifelong Learning. Three new Readers were also admitted and licensed, receiving their Bibles and blue scarves of office as they began their ministry. A Reader was also licensed to a new ministry within the Diocese.
The service also recognised those who had completed ministry pathways, giving thanks for their willingness to serve in the many ways that lay ministry takes place across the diocese. Alongside these new ministries, existing readers and licensed and locally commissioned lay ministers renewed their commitment to their ministry.
Photos
Here are some photographs from the day, including the stalls in the Cloisters and some of the key moments from the Lay Ministry Service.
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