Penny Gordon ordained Deacon in Wick

Penny Gordon was ordained Deacon on Sunday 27 September by the Bishop of Dudley, Martin Gorick in a special service at St Mary’s Church in Wick, Pershore.

Penny has been part of a training pathway aimed at those who see their vocation as being non-stipendiary (voluntary) ministers to churches in their local area. She was nominated by the vicar of her parish to be part of the Auxiliary Pathway training scheme and has just begun her second year of this training, which she will continue  while also working in her parish as a curate.

This was the first time that an ordination had been held in Wick Church, making it a very special occasion. Bishop Martin preached on what it means to be a Deacon during the service. He said:

“Christ is the pattern for our calling as deacons – it says in Philippians that ‘he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave’. As deacons, we are servants of God, and I know Penny will see moments of God’s glory throughout her work. We open our hands and receive God’s love through word, sacrament and prayer and then go out and love others in his name. I’m delighted to ordain Penny to this calling and pray that God will bless her and this church as you work together to be Kingdom People in this place.”

Reflecting on her journey to ordination, Penny said:

“I am overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude to be ordained at my home church of St Mary’s in Wick near Pershore. The congregation has been so supportive and it is wonderful that this service was at their own parish church, with Bishop Martin, the Abbey choir and organist, and so many family and friends.

“My faith journey started as a child, but my parents were not religious and attendance at church by was for high days and holy days. My calling from God started with the soul-igniting confirmation course run by our wonderful incumbent Claire Lording in 2018, followed by being appointed as a churchwarden. As well as the usual busyness in that post, I found myself called upon to lead a couple of services at short notice when the rota preacher was not available. I hadn’t realised this was part of the job for a churchwarden! But it definitely gave me the taste for taking it further, so I qualified as an Authorised Lay Minister (worship leader) and started leading occasional Services which I enjoyed enormously and which seemed to be well received by the congregation. Seeking more knowledge and understanding of the teachings of the Bible, I took the Bishop’s Certificate course with Margaret Mandrell which I would recommend to anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge and discuss the Bible.

By then I knew that I felt called to be more than an ALM, and the Auxiliary Pathway to part-time ministry for older candidates was quite literally a gift from heaven. I have enjoyed every minute of the course and the studies, and I feel blessed to be approved by the Bishop for ordination. I will give of my best in the knowledge that I am supported by the Holy Spirit and rejoice in my new role as God’s servant.”

See all the photos from Penny’s ordination: