Readers from all corners of the Diocese of Bath and Wells gathered in Wells on Saturday for Annual Readers' Day. The morning was spent at Flourish House for ministerial development, after which attended the Readers’ Service at Wells Cathedral.
Bishop Ruth led the service. Welcoming the Readers she said, “Readers bring a great deal to their ministry. They speak into the life of the Church from the contexts in which God has placed them into the world – in communities and workplaces, families and neighbourhoods.
"The significance of Reader ministry within our Church is reflected in their receiving the Bishop’s licence and commission to serve within our Diocese. Each Reader has a unique role and lives out their vocation in their context. Today we give thanks for each and every Reader across Somerset.”
During the Admission, Licensing and Rededication of Readers Service, six new readers were licensed, and we welcomed a further six Readers who have moved to Bath and Wells from other parts of the country.
The candidates for admission and licensing as Readers and the benefice in which they will serve are:
Christy Casley – Cam Vale Benefice
Mike Cooke – Yatton Moor
David Hughes – Bleadon and Bournville
Clare Phillips Watchet and Williton
Ian Stobart – Ilminster and Whitelackington
Ian Stocker Banwell and Congresbury with Hewish, Puxton and West Wick
Those that have been licensed to their benefices and are ministering there already who were formally welcomed to the dicocese:
Heather Bunting - Weston-super-Mare St Paul
Ruth Day - Chew Valley East
Jacqueline Guy – The Link Benefice
Edward Kennedy – Batheaston with St Catherine and Bathford
Barbara Priest – Charlton Musgrove with Cucklington and Stoke Trister
Edd Reeve – Street with Walton and Compton Dundon
You can read out more about our some of those licenced on Saturday.
See all the photos from the service at Wells Cathedral on the Bath and Wells Facebook page.