The benefice of Holy Trinity Yeovil with St Mary Magdalene Barwick marked 60 years of combined ministry between two of their licensed lay readers earlier this month.
The benefice of Holy Trinity Yeovil with St Mary Magdalene Barwick marked 60 years of combined ministry between two of their licensed lay readers earlier this month.
Howard Gorringe has served in a range of licensed ministry roles across five countries over the last 40 years and in his current benefice for just over 20 years, with the focus of his ministry at Holy Trinity, Yeovil. Howard explored becoming a ‘Reader Emeritus’ at one stage but when he discovered that meant you were not longer active in ministry he dismissed the possibility! Howard’s preaching has continued to develop over the years and he is warmly appreciated by the congregations of both churches.
Sally McConnell was licensed as a reader in 2006, marking 20 years of active ministry and has served entirely in the benefice with a focus on the village of Barwick (and Stoford) where she is resident and acts, in some respects, as a focal minister meeting with the people of the community and undertaking home communions and pastoral engagements. Sally’s service to others has made her a popular member of both the church and village and she is a blessing to everyone.
Vicar, Rev’d Dan Crouch said, “The ministry of our lay colleagues is the building block on which all ministry is built. Both Howard and Sally operate across our benefice which is a tremendous example to others. To have 60 years of ministry experience alongside myself as incumbent and also for the learning of our curate is a gift not only in the sharing of the practical components of ministry and mission but also in terms of wisdom, local knowledge, preaching skill and versatility and servanthood. Howard and Sally have been a gift to me since I arrived here and I appreciate collaborating with them.”
Howard and Sally were presented – as a surprise – with an engraved jade glass ornament and a personalised pen and the congregations enjoyed cake and bubbly to mark the moment and to share their appreciation.
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