Four applicants from around the diocese had been through a thorough process of investigating their calling with a Vocations Adviser, conversations with their Vicar and Reader Sub-Warden, completing application forms and supplying references. Normally we then gather them together for a day of interviews, group work and worship, but this year we had to do things differently.
Selection Secretary Revd Lynn Chapman, assisted by Reader John Ash, gathered all the candidates (together with the Warden of Readers) on Zoom to start the day with worship and introductions, before spending time with each candidate in turn. Milee Brambleby, David Humphreys, Lorraine Light and Margaret Ojelade all rose to the occasion and were delighted to be recommended at the end of the day to begin Reader Training in the summer.
Milee worships at Hellesdon Parish Church and works as an independent workplace mediator. “I’ve talked with some amazing Readers and Clergy during the journey so far and I’m looking forward to the exploration and learning that is to come.”
“I very much enjoyed and appreciated the selection process,” said Dave, a delivery driver with an interest in photography who worships at St Stephen’s Norwich. “I found it most helpful as it enabled me, with the help the team, to focus upon what I felt God was doing in my life.”
Lorraine lives in Lowestoft where she works for Community Action Suffolk and has been a foster carer specialising in supporting young parents and their babies. “I am thrilled about the prospect of sharing my journey through Reader training with the other learners, my incumbent Rev Helen Chandler and the people of Kirkley.”
“I’m really happy and excited that I have been selected for reader training,” said Margaret who works in hospital administration and worships at the Church in the Woottons. “And I’m so grateful for the support I have been given by my church, friends and family during this process.”
Reader Training is carried out over two years in partnership with the Eastern Region Ministry Course, and involves weekly seminars based in Norwich or online, along with formation groups and special study days. It usually begins with a week-long residential summer school in August, but we might have to find ways of making that happen online this year. We are determined that this virus will not stop us from training and resourcing the Readers of the future!
Is God calling you to Licensed Lay Ministry?
If you think you may be interested in finding out more about Reader ministry, have a look at our website: donstg.wpengine.com/training/readers/becoming-a-reader/ and talk to others in your church community, including your vicar.