This Saturday Readers from across the diocese come together in Wells for Annual Readers’ Day. Following a morning at Flourish House, a Service of Admission, Licensing, and Rededication of Readers will take place at Wells Cathedral. It is not only an important day for ministerial development and celebration of Reader Ministry, but also a time when all Readers reaffirm their commitment to serve God through their ministry.
Chris Stock, Warden of Readers for the Wells Archdeaconry and the Ivelchester Deanery and a Reader in the Ham Hill Villages Benefice, says, “Readers, are doing all that they can to spread God’s word, serving as best as they are able in an enormous variety of ways, ministering from the very young, to those in middle age, to those of 4 score years and beyond..
”It is that sense of determination that pervades Reader ministry across the diocese, that determination to serve Jesus Christ as trained and licensed theologians in the wide variety of different ways that Readers are called to do.”
Some of those who will be licensed as Readers at this years’ service in Wells Cathedral, have shared their calling and journey to become a Reader.
Clare Phillips
Clare relocated to Watchet and Williton, in the west of the diocese from Salisbury diocese where she had begun her readership. Clare says, “Having been a Christian for all of my life and having been involved in a variety of roles within the church, I am very excited after two years of study at Sarum college to be setting out on this new adventure as a Reader. The past two years have undeniably been challenging, but also stimulating and most rewarding. I have certainly gained immeasurably in my understanding of church history and theology, but more than that I have grown in my awareness of how God’s love is at work in our communities and how he is calling us all to join in.
“I know this is just the beginning of my journey and trust that it will be the start of a fruitful ministry in which I continue to develop my own discipleship and be part of helping others come to know God too. I would encourage anyone who has a heart to serve and feels God’s call, to explore Reader training. You never know what great plans God has for you!”
David Hughes
David moved to the diocese a little over four years ago, but is already an active member of his church community in Bleadon, Locking Deanery, where he will be Reader. He was formerly a civil servant with the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
He says of his calling to become a Reader, “The decision to apply to be a Reader did not come readily until I began to hear how much a previous Reader in our parish had contributed to the ministry here. The more I explored, the more I realised that I had skills and interests that could contribute to furthering God’s work even beyond what I had been doing for around 20 years in the lay leading of worship. It has been humbling to receive so much support in this endeavour: I’ve even been forgiven by my fellow railway modellers for being licensed on the day of our annual national show!”
Ian Stocker
Ian served for 30 years as a Sergeant with Avon and Somerset police, until he retired from the force in 2020. 
Ian and his wife, Sonya work together in their café business. The café is run with a discreet Christian approach, and Ian and Sonya take time and listen to peoples' concerns and life stories. Ian says, “It is actually a great privilege, often surprising, and will, I hope, continue as part of my overall local ministry.”
Ian says he, “decided to train for readership after much thought and discernment, both mine and that of others. There was no particular light bulb moment where it all became clear, more a quiet gradual progression in faith through the years of church attendance and worship, through reading and prayer, and onto leading homegroups, daily blogs and a Rule of Life Group.
“I intend my reader ministry to be collaborative, trying to walk alongside people sharing their faith by encouragement, rather than walking in front or behind them. The Gospel we are called to take out is very simple, love one another, and be good disciples in a world that often skews these messages. I pray all of this will help fulfill my own favourite piece of scripture, Micah 6:8, where our Lord sets out his action plan for us - What does the Lord require of you. To act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Amen to that.”
Mike Cooke
Mike worked in the technology of semiconductor device manufacturing. He lives in Yatton, in the middle of the Yatton Moor team of churches. He says, “I am grateful for the thorough training provided by Sarum college and the diocese and hope to be putting it to good use.”
Chris Stock gives thanks for all those who are already serving as Readers in our diocese and for those who will soon become new Readers, “Bath and Wells’ Readers continue to do so much for all those who live in the diocese, both church members and the wider community, marching forward in Christ, with God-given inspiration and determination.
“May God bless them as they minster.”