A service of celebration for Authorised Lay Ministers (ALMs) was held at the Cathedral on Saturday 24 January. 29 people from across the Diocese received a certificate from Bishop Martin to mark the completion of their courses, which equip them for specific roles in their parishes.
This year’s ALMs have been trained to become children and youth work ministers, worship leaders or New Worshipping Community (NWC) ministers through the Myriad pathway. As ALMs they will work alongside ordained clergy and licensed lay ministers as part of the ministry teams in their individual parishes.
Representatives from each cohort took part in this joyous service including members of two New Worshipping Communities. "Members of Create, a NWC
at St Mary’s, Kempsey which uses the Arts as a way of bringing people together, led the prayers, while the leaders of Activity church from St John’s, Greenlands in Redditch which brings families to God through crafts, stories and music, taught the congregation one of the songs they sing there, with its associated actions.
Archdeacon Nikki Groarke gave the sermon at the service. She said:
“As I look out at you all this afternoon, I see an abundance of potential. In this cathedral there are masses of gifts… In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul makes it clear that the role of those with clearly identified gifts is to use them in their different forms to help everyone else discover theirs. Then, Paul says, the church will be built up and united, knowing Jesus fully, and being filled to live life maturely and confidently to the full.
As you are authorised today to lead in worship in both traditional and new settings, and to invest in children and young people, this will be part of your calling. Not only to use your gifts, but to identify and encourage gifts in others…I am certain that when we are all working towards that individually, the church as a whole will reach its potential and flourish.”
Chris Day from Worcestershire Severn parishes who completed the course led by Rector Tim Williams to become a Worship Leader said: “I found the course really helpful. It definitely gave me a clearer understanding of how to go about leading worship, and also some pointers as to where to look for further materials.”
Vicky Whitehouse from Malvern, who undertook the Myriad New Worshipping Communities training said: “I found the course really informative and it was brilliant to meet up with others on the same journey. I found the modules around making disciples, prayer and teamwork the most helpful. It was also great to look at the relationship between the church and our community. Although the course has ended, we’re planning to continue to meet up and support each other.”
Kay Mason who leads Create NWC and also completed the Myriad pathway added: “Although I’d already started my ministry, I found the course filled in the gaps for me and gave me a firm foundation to build on. It was also great to no longer be alone but become part of a supportive community.”
Mark Hambling from St Anne's Bewdley, who did the children and youth work training course led by Diocesan Lead Simon Hill said: “It was an absolutely fantastic course! Simon explained it all so well, we’re very sorry to see him go. Today’s service has been majestic and I’m fairly new to faith, so I’ve found completing this first course amazing!”
While Phil Tricklebank who took part in the course to become a Worship Leader in Alvechurch and Beoley parish said: “Gail’s a phenomenal tutor and made it such a joy. There was no pressure, it was a lovely way of learning, and I really enjoyed the course. I feel lifted and encouraged and the camaraderie with the other students was great too. We’ve all become good friends!”
