On Saturday, we celebrated the ministry of Bath and Wells Readers at the annual Readers’ Day. Nearly 100 Readers spent the morning gathered together at Flourish House. Bishop Michael led them through a study of Corinthians and the body of Christ, considering the role of a Reader in the life of the church and in their communities.
At the end of the morning Bishop Michael made a presentation to Robin Lodge, who is standing down as Archdeaconry Warden of Readers for Taunton Archdeaconry, and thanked him for his ministry over the last half dozen years.
Paying tribute to Robin, Simon Hill, Diocesan Warden of Readers said: “Robin has made an enormous, positive impact on the life of Reader ministry in Bath and Wells over a number of years. He has played his part in developing policies, working with candidates for Reader ministry and pastorally supporting Readers during his time as Archdeaconry Warden. We shall miss his contribution enormously.”
In the afternoon everyone joined a service of celebration for the Admission, Licensing and Renewal of Commitment of Readers at Wells Cathedral. During the service, Bishop Michael licensed three new Readers who have finished their training through Saum College. The three new Readers will serve in parishes across the diocese: Patricia Lindley (Ilminster and Whitelackington), Tracey Richbell (Wellington and West Buckland) and Christopher Varley (Coker Ridge).
Bishop Michael 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.”
As part of the service all Readers prayed:
God our Father,
we offer our lives to do your work
in your Church and in the world.
Help us by your Holy Spirit
to hear more clearly your call to deeper commitment
to your service,
and give us grace to respond with gladness;
for the glory of Christ our Lord. Amen
Having renewed their commitment to serve as Readers at the end of the service the sun shone and Readers congregated outside the west door of the cathedral.
