On Saturday 5 September, a breadth of lay ministry was celebrated and honoured at Coventry Cathedral during our annual Celebration of Lay Ministry service.
The service began with the transfer of a Reader to the Diocese of Coventry and the relicensing of Licensed Lay Ministers (Readers) who were recommitting themselves to their ministry. The congregation then celebrated those who have completed Pathways, a programme designed to help people explore and deepen their ministries. Each of them has given generously of their time and energy, both in completing the Pathways programme and in serving their local churches.
Bishop Sophie gave the address, affirming the vital importance of lay ministry and the many ways in which lay people contribute to the life and mission of the Church.
The service also provided an opportunity to give thanks to Jo King, the outgoing Warden of Readers, for her ministry and service. Bishop Sophie welcomed and commissioned Fiona Trewick as the new Warden of Readers.
In the weeks leading up to the service, churches across the diocese were invited to nominate lay people from their congregations who had made a significant contribution to the life of their church. During the service, those nominated were called by name and then everyone was invited to offer themselves afresh to God in their ministry.
The celebration continued after the service, with refreshments and an opportunity for everyone to meet, chat and enjoy fellowship together in the Cathedral nave.
Fiona Trewick, Bishop Sophie and Jo King
It was a joyful occasion, celebrating the diverse gifts, dedication and commitment of lay people across the Diocese of Coventry and giving thanks for all that they bring to the life of the Church.
If you are involved in church leadership, do be thinking about who you might nominate to be celebrated at the service next year.