19 people received a certificate from Bishop John on Sunday to mark the completion of their courses to become Authorised Lay Ministers (ALMs). The special service at the Cathedral was a…
Authorised lay ministers train over a year to be equipped for specific roles in the parish. This year’s ALMs have been in trained in either evangelism, pastoral work or as worship leaders. They will work alongside ordained clergy and licensed lay ministers as part of the ministry teams in their individual parishes.
During the service, the Revd Dr Michael Brierley, Director of Formation at Cuddesdon Theological College and former Canon Precentor at Worcester Cathedral, gave an address to the newly authorised ministers. He said:
“This evening is a celebration of lay ministry! It is the vocation of everyone to be their fullest selves in Jesus and this evening we celebrate those who have taken the most wonderful step to be the best evangelist, pastoral worker or worship leader that God has called them to be. But we should remember that ALMs and all other forms of vocation and calling in the church are there to support and enable others to fulfil their core ministry. May God bless you richly as you do this. If you continue to put Christ at the centre of everything, it will be a joy for you.”
4 people recieved certificates having completed their training as ALM Evangelists.
7 people recieved certificates having completed their training as ALM Pastoral Workers.
8 people recieved certificates having completed their training as ALM worship leaders.
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Is there someone you know whom you would like to encourage to think about ALM Ministry? The next course will begin in September 2022. Encourage them to start thinking now. More information about ALM Ministry can be found on this page of the diocesan website.
There weill be an online evening to explore ALM ministry on 4 November, 2021 with the Course Leader, Doug Chaplin. Book tickets via Eventbrite.
At the recent Clergy Conference, the diocesan stewardship team launched a Boomerang offering, to help activate generosity across the Diocese. Each person was given a £5 note to take home, pray with and see what act of generosity God was calling them towards. We also asked them to share their stories of how the money was used.
Many of our churches hosted ‘light parties’ at the end of October as a popular alternative to Halloween. Some of our renewal churches hosted the biggest celebrations.
Our diocese has been awarded £3.6 million to continue to support churches as part of phase two of our programme to ensure our churches are healthy and sustainable for the future.
Kelly Gordon is a member of Wordsley Parish in Greater Dudley Deanery. She has recently been selected as one of only three people in the UK to be part of the Leaders Europe programme within the Obama Foundation.
St Peter’s CE Academy and St Peter’s Church in the Saltway Team have been awarded a silver Church and School Partnership Award recognising the close relationship between the church, school and local community.
This year’s Church of England Advent and Christmas theme focuses on the first and greatest Christmas gift of all: the gift of God being born as one of us in Jesus Christ.
An article from Archdeacon Mark for December editions of parish magazines.
The Muslim-Christian dialogue group in Lye, Stourbridge, arranged a litter pick on 31 October to clear up two local streets.
A new singing group for children will launch at St Peter’s Centre at Pedmore Church on 15 November, 10 years after Singing Angels originally began at St Andrew’s Church on the Straits.
Bishop Hugh visited Cropthorne with Charlton C of E First School on 3 November to share in their collective worship and meet with the children.
