This Saturday, Readers from across the diocese gathered in Wells for the Annual Readers’ Day. Following a morning at Flourish House, a Service of Admission, Licensing, Welcome, and Renewal of Commitment of Readers took place at Wells Cathedral.
Bishop Michael, who led the service said, “Readers bring so much to their ministry. They speak into the life of the Church from the contexts in which God has placed them in the world – in communities and workplaces, families and neighbourhoods. All Readers have undertaken extensive training and so they speak into our common lives as expert lay theologians. The significance of Reader ministry within our Church is reflected in their receiving the Bishop’s licence and commission to serve within our diocese.
“All our Readers, both those being licensed today as well as those who are already in ministry, have spent lots of time praying, learning, studying the scriptures and connecting the Gospel to their rich experiences of life and human relationships. They have much to teach us.”
It was a joyful day as seven new Readers were commissioned at the cathedral, and four were welcomed to the diocese, surrounded by the love, prayers, and support of their families, friends, and parish communities.
The day was not only a day of celebration of Reader Ministry, but also a time for all Readers in Bath and Wells to reaffirm their commitment to serve God through their ministry. Speaking after the service Simon Hill, Warden of Readers and Archdeacon of Taunton said, “Readers play a vital part in church and community life across Somerset and are a key part of shared local ministry. Many parishes and chaplaincies benefit from the ministry of Readers through their pastoral care, leading of worship, being teachers of the faith and enablers of mission.
"The day was a chance for Readers to give thanks for the life of Chris Stock who has played such a key role in developing Reader ministry in Bath and Wells as Archdeaconry Warden for Wells. It was fitting that it was Chris who had suggested the speaker and preacher for the day. Saturday was a day of celebration, and it was a real joy to see the joy on the faces of those licensed and welcomed as they came forward to be greeted by Bishop Michael in the service. Prayers for each of them and all Readers that they may in their different ministries carry the hope of Christ into the world.”
The study morning at Flourish House, led by Rt Revd John Lomas, Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, focused on sustaining spiritual life within ministry. Bishop John spoke about how the mission of the Church is carried forward when we pray, are present in our communities, and proclaim our faith, allowing others to see something of the love of God through our words actions and engagement.
Preaching later at the Cathedral, Bishop John encouraged Readers in their ministry and reflected on the words of theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar: “What you are is God’s gift to you; what you become is your gift to God.”
Readers’ Day offers valuable time for fellowship, reflection, and encouragement. It is a chance for Readers to come together, to share experiences, learn from one another, and celebrate the ministry they share in God’s service.
We give thanks for all our Readers and for their faithful ministry across the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
The candidates admitted and licensed as Readers
- Joanna Mary Birkett Wells St Thomas with Horrington
- Judith Denise Craig Beckington with Standerwick with Berkley with Rodden with Lullington with Orchardleigh, and Saint Katharine’s, Woodlands
- Esther Ruth Edwards Staplegrove with Norton Fitzwarren
- Ruth Mary Grinter Aller High Ham with Low Ham and Huish Episcopi cum Langport and the Benefice of Curry Rivel with Fivehead and Swell and the Parish of Drayton the Levels Arc Benefice
- Rosemary Susan McCormick Frome St John
- Alan Harold Reeves Merriott with Hinton St George, Dinnington and Lopen and the Parishes of Haselbury Plucknett and North Perrott
- John Stuart Wynne Quantock Towers
Readers, previously ministering in other dioceses, formally welcomed to the diocese
- Nigel Robinson Bennett Wulfric Benefice
- Paul Fricker Quantock Towers
- Frances O’Donohoe East Harptree with West Harptree and Hinton Blewett, and the Benefice of Blagdon with Compton Martin and Ubley
- Brian Paul Whitehead Wrington with Butcombe and Burrington
For more information about lay ministry vocations in Bath and Wells, please see the Reader pages of the diocesan website. If you feel a calling to Reader ministry do speak to your incumbent or to one of the Reader contacts on the diocesan website.
