We are delighted that several people from across the diocese will be licensed by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol as Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMS) at Bristol Cathedral tomorrow, Saturday 8 October at 10.30am at Bristol Cathedral. Everyone is welcome to attend.
LLMs have been trained and authorised to teach the faith, offer Christian leadership, and enable mission. They live out their faith in communities, churches and workplaces. The Church of England recognises them as ‘theologically educated lay people who can lead worship, preach, teach, work in mission and evangelism and do pastoral care’.
Please read their personal stories below:-
Helen Aberdeen
"I grew up in the Presbyterian church in Northern Ireland where I attended church until my mid-teens, before drifting away for a while. I came to a deeper personal faith in Christ at university during a student mission. I attended Christ Church Clifton before moving to St Matthews, Cotham, where I have been a member for over 30 years, and where I am very much looking forward to serving God. My call to ministry began as a small voice some years ago – a voice which has grown louder as I have moved along the training road. I am married to David. We have 2 grown up children and a new and much doted on grandson! In my day job, I work in the School of Education at Bristol University where I train student teachers of modern languages. When not working, I enjoy keeping fit, frequenting coffee shops, and spending time with my cat – I am passionate about animals."
Elizabeth Martin
"Born in Scotland, I spent my early years in Lagos (Nigeria) and Kiambu (Kenya), coming to the UK to secondary school in Bournemouth. Since school I have worked as a State Registered Nurse, in overseas mission administration, publishing promotions and marketing, before moving to Wiltshire in August, 1990 to work for Bible Society. I am married to David, and have two grown-up step-children who live with their children (five, four and nearly two) in Yorkshire and Swindon. I have worshipped at St Mary's Purton for the past 30 years and have a passion for making the Scriptures accessible and credible to the Bible-curious, -conflicted and -cultural (i.e. those on the fringes of our church life)."
