What does ministry look like where you are? Does it look the same as it did five years ago? In Bath and Wells we have been encouraging the bubbling up…
What does ministry look like where you are? Does it look the same as it did five years ago? In Bath and Wells we have been encouraging the bubbling up of a variety of ministries – lay and ordained – as we seek to release the gifts of all and, in the process, help to give life to the Church.
Suse Osmond, Vicar of St Mary’s Bridgwater says, “Everybody has a gift to bring to their church and when people are encouraged to use those gifts that’s when church works best. There are a million and one things that I am not gifted with and welcome those with the gifts to support me – we all need others to support us.”
In St Mary’s, Suse has been challenging the perception that only the vicar can lead worship by encouraging others in small ways; asking others to lead Café Church worship, think of creative ways to pray, or a develop a theme for a particular service. Those blessed with other gifts are also recognised including café volunteers, who offer pastoral care not just a hot drink, and a church member with a passion for positive mental health who is being encouraged to explore ways the church can offer a combination of mental health and spiritual support.
Says Revd Suse, “We can be nervous about starting something new as we feel we don’t have enough to people but I have found that if you step out in faith the support can come. In times of crisis, for example when we wanted to support Ukrainian refugees, the community has heard our story and stepped in to help. We have also found volunteers on websites such as Spark Somerset. One volunteer, who ended up joining our congregation, has since volunteered her gifts to become our new PCC Secretary.”
Want to encourage a conversation about what church looks like where you are? Find the resources at bathandwells.org.uk/enabling-ministries
A group of angel statues with links to kings, queens, Sir Christopher Wren and Westminster Abbey are being celebrated by a Somerset church community, two centuries after they first arrived in Somerset.
The group of 17th centaury angel statues with links to kings, queens, Sir Christopher Wren and Westminster Abbey arrived in Somerset two centuries ago.
Members of Holy Trinity Hamp in Bridgwater welcome the BBC to their church for the forthcoming harvest edition of Songs of Praise.
We’re delighted to welcome Anne Futcher, who is joining the diocese as our new Social Action Voluntary Adviser.
The Chew Valley Nature Photography Festival brought photographers, conservationists and local residents together to celebrate the biodiversity of the area and reflect on the call to care for God’s creation.
It is with great sadness that we share the news that our much-loved colleague and friend, the Revd Ana Lawrence, Rector of Street with Walton and Compton Dundon, has died.
Across the country and throughout our diocese farmers are struggling to deal with the effects of the intense heat, lack of rainfall and the outbreak of the disease, bluetongue.
The service in Porlock highlighted the story of community, forgiveness and reconciliation.
The arrival of the Bride at a recent wedding at Holy Cross, Mark caused a something of stir both locally and in the national and even international press.
Tony O'Mara, who has overcome his own 40-year addiction, has been nominated for the BBC award for his work supporting others in the place that helped him change his life.