Five new Licensed Lay Ministers (Readers) have been licensed to serve in parishes across Devon during a service of welcome and celebration at Exeter Cathedral.
Barbara Hemsley, Stacey James, Pete Simmons, Nicola Thorne and Sally Watson were supported by friends, family and members of their church communities as they took vows and were given their signature blue scarves, which are worn by LLMs when they lead worship.
The service was led by the Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison. Earlier in the day he led a teaching morning for all LLMs in the diocese in which he set out his vision for their ministry. He said “I want LLMs to be such followers of Jesus in their public ministry, such beacons of light, such flavours of salt, such expansive influence of yeast, that they truly attract and motivate the followership of Jesus and enable God to be possible for people who for one reason or another may not think God is possible.”
LLMs are licensed by the bishop
He also thanked LLMs for their “faithfulness, courage and solidarity.”
Dr David Harewood, an LLM from Paignton, gave the sermon at the service, and said “We have gathered today not just to give thanks but to celebrate a calling. God has been at work in each person’s life. Through prayer, worship, study, encouragement, doubt and uncertainty, God calls each of us.”
The new LLMs trained at Spiritus Theological College, based in Devon and Cornwall. Most of them had previously done the Foundations course – which is the first step theology course anyone who is interested in going deeper in discipleship in the Diocese of Exeter is invited to do.
Nicola Thorne, who comes from a farming family in North Devon, said after the service “I’m feeling very emotional, very excited and very happy. I did the Foundations course and learned a lot on it and felt that God was calling me to do more.
“I’m a farmer’s wife, so I’m out in a nature a lot and feel that God is around me. I felt that I wanted to serve my community. I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into rural ministry – going to visit farmers that might not be coming to church, but I know that they are wanting some Christian input.”
Pete and Stacey say they can’t wait to get stuck in to their new roles
Pete Simmons is based in Plymouth and works in sales for a skincare company. He commented “It’s been an amazing journey. Through Spiritus college I have been able to study hard and get all the training that I need. I’m looking forward to community and parish life – helping to share the Eucharist and the Gospel and be good news.”
The new lay ministers will work alongside their parish priests and other lay workers in their mission communities.
“Being given my blue scarf in the service by my vicar was amazing,” said Stacey James, who is based in the Exmouth area. “He’s seen me through training over the last year and I would not be here without him, so that was special.
“I’m looking forward to preaching and hopefully doing funeral ministry, but really I’m up for anything.”
It takes two years to train to be a Licensed Lay Minister. You can find more information here.