CAPTION: The new Licensed Lay Ministers will be working in a variety of voluntary roles at churches across Devon
New Lay Ministers Licensed to Serve with Joy at Exeter Cathedral
Friends and family gathered from across Devon to celebrate the licensing of eight new lay ministers (LLMs) at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 5 October.
LLMs work in a voluntary role within Mission Communities. Their remit is broad, and includes preaching, teaching, supporting clergy and leading a variety of outreach and ministry activities.
The new LLMs spent three years training for their roles at the South West Ministry Training Course.
Jude Fortune will be serving as an LLM in Torquay
The annual licensing service was led by the Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt. Rev’d James Grier.
It was attended by LLMs from across the Diocese of Exeter and during the service there was an opportunity for them to renew their ministry vows.
The sermon was given by Lesley Phillips-Cannon, a former nurse who has been an LLM for 11 years in the Alphington Mission Community.
She said “Serving as an LLM gives me the same kind of joy I get from looking after my grandchildren, I’m tried afterwards but happy as well, it is a deep joy.”
As well as the new LLMs, Anne Foster was licensed to serve in Swimbridge, West Buckland, Landkey and East Buckland, after moving to Devon from another diocese.
The new LLMs have spent three years training, supported by their families
Bishop James said “Our Licensed Lay Ministers provide wonderful and essential ministry across Devon. It is always a delight to welcome and license new lay ministers. Alongside the new LLMs, existing LLMs renewed their commitment to their ministry.”
Before the licensing service, the LLMs attended a study morning led by the Rev’d David Runcorn. During the event four LLMs who are believed to be the longest-serving in the diocese were presented with gifts. They are Anthony Banbury and Lionel Holmes (both have been LLMs for 54 years), and Phil Baker (46 years) and Will Hulse (45 years).
The new LLMs are:
Olive Bush
Okehampton, Inwardleigh, Belstone, Sourton, Bridestowe, Bratton Clovelly, Germansweek, Lydford, Hatherleigh, Northlew with Ashbury, Exbourne, Meeth and Jacobstowe
William West is licensed to serve in the Ashburton and Moorland Mission Community
Jennifer Coats
Ilfracombe, Lee, Woolacombe, Bittadon and Mortehoe
Jude Fortune
Upton (St Mary Mags)
Karen Griffiths
Bickleigh (Robborough) and Shaugh Prior
Elizabeth Langdon
Hemyock with Culm Davy, Clayhodon and Culmstock
Hannah Cross, the LLM Officer, presents the four most long-standing LLMs with thank you gifts
Piers Langdon
Hemyock with Culm Davy, Clayhodon and Culmstock
Richard Orr
Dawlish with Holcombe, Cofton and Starcross
William West
Ashburton, Bickington, Buckland-in-the-Moor, Holne, Huccaby, Ilsington, Leusdon, Postbridge and Widecombe-in-the-Moor
