On Sunday 9th July, Bishop Matthew Porter led a special service to celebrate Reader Ministry in the diocese. During the service, Barbara Adeuja was licensed as a Reader, in the presence of friends, family, and many supporters from the Benefice of Harpurhey, Christchurch and Collyhurst, The Saviour.
The Revd Neil Elliott attended as Barbara's sponsor.
Readers are lay people who have been trained for ministry and licensed by the bishop to lead worship and assist in the pastoral, evangelistic, and liturgical work of the Church in the parish or area where they are licensed.
Readers are called to serve the Church of God and to work together with clergy and other ministers. They preach and teach the word of God, assist at the Eucharist and encourage others to nurture their own gifts.
During the service, Bishop Matthew gave thanks for all Readers and entitled four - Christine Hardy, (Benefice of Prestwich, St Margaret), Tom Hennell (Benefice of Withington, St Paul), Ann Tattersall, (Benefice of Chadderton, St Matthew and St Luke), and Susan Winstanley, (Benefice of Blackley, St Peter) as Reader Emeritus. Tom was unable to attend the service.
Sheila Radford, Licensed Reader and Reader Chaplain for the Archdeaconry of Salford, preached the sermon and Revd Tracy Marshall led the intercessions. Barbara, Sheila and Revd Tracy had just returned from a retreat at Whalley Abbey to prepare for the the licensing service.
Accepting the title of Reader, Barbara told us, "As a Reader in Training, I had the opportunity to study the scriptures more deeply and have great discussions with other committed Christians which has helped me become more grounded on God's word. The journey is one that calls for total dedication but I have had great support from my mentors, the church, my life group, other Readers and ministers in training. I feel confident to venture into the world of Christ's ministry and excited to be a facilitator of God's word as a teacher."
The service was a joyful event, with so many families, friends and supporters in attendance. More photos are available on our Flickr account.
