People from across the Diocese have received a certificate from Bishop Martin, marking the completion of a course designed to help them relate their Christian faith to their own life and locality.
The groups took the Bishop’s Certificate course over 12 months with the support of local tutors. It covered subjects such as Christian faith and the Creeds, the Old and New Testaments, Pentecost and the Holy Spirit, discipleship and living as Christians with people of other faiths.
Bishop Martin also presented certificates to people who had completed the course to become an Authorised Lay Minister in leading worship.
During the presentation, Bishop Martin reflected on a reading from the book of Hebrews. He said: “Your journey as Christians is a marathon, not a sprint and at times you will need to have perseverance. I pray that God will bless you in that journey, wherever it takes you.”
Rosalie Bullock is a member of Holy Trinity and St Matthew in Ronkswood and was part of the Worcester Bishop’s Certificate course. She said: “It was a wonderful course, much more than a usual bible study group! It was an exploration of so many things linked to the Christian faith, including other religions. I particularly enjoyed learning about Pentecost. Our group was a lovely set of people which all gelled really well – I’m now looking to do the ALM Worship leader’s course.”
Jane Fisher worships at Holy Trinity in Amblecote and was part of the Bishop’s Certificate course in Dudley. She said: “It was interesting and very thought provoking. I was a little bit apprehensive because I hadn’t done any studying for years, but the course leaders were brilliant and I made new friends. I would recommend doing the course to anyone – I looked forward to it each week and was very sad when it ended.”
Penny Gordon is a Churchwarden at St Mary’s Church in Wick. She received her certificate after completing the Bishop’s Certificate course in Worcester and said: “It was hugely informative and interesting, and throughout the course there was lots of laughter and shared ideas. I had previously completed the ALM Worship Leaders course and had wanted to find a way to continue to explore where God might be calling me. I’ve now started on the Auxiliary Pathway to become an ordained Minister, which I don’t think I’d be doing if I hadn’t completed the ALM and Bishop’s Certificate courses.”
Jeremy Cox from the Longdon and Berrow Benefices received his certificate after completing the course to become an Authorised Lay Worship Leader. He said: “I have been involved in church for a long time, and this seemed like a good opportunity to have some training and recognition for my role. It was a well-run course in a friendly environment, with the chance to chat to other people. I already lead family worship and informal evening services, and the course helped deepen my thinking when I am putting worship together.”
Congratulations to all those who received their Bishop’s Certificate or had completed the ALM Worship Leader course.
