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:-
Alison Rowe
"Having lived in a vicarage for 37 years and facing my husband's retirement, I was seeking God’s will for my future. Three years later I am answering God’s call to lay ministry in my own right and look forward to serving in Christ church Downend. I also enjoy making links between Bristol Diocese and the church of Uganda and hope to be able to spread the word through my LLM role. I am grateful for a wonderful supportive family of three married daughters and 4 fabulous grandsons. I am challenged by the need to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to those outside the church. I've become all things to all men that by all possible means I might save some, 1 Corinthians 9 v 22 has always been my driving force!"
Karen Vermeersch
"I walked through the door of St Andrew’s Church in 2014 and ‘came home’. I was content following God in my daily ministry of caring for others. The call to Lay Ministry was a big surprise and I argued lengthily, ‘it’s not me’. Giving in was a gradual, reluctant process - until I found myself at discernment. The final letting go came with the simple question ‘Do you WANT to be a Licensed Lay Minister?’ I opened my mouth to say, ‘not really’ and, instead, out popped the word ‘Yes’. The journey became simpler then, and through it, I have learned much about myself and about God. I am still ‘me’, but not the same. I have been blessed with the support and encouragement of my husband Michael, family, friends, and Church family. This is not the end, but the beginning, and I’m excited to see where God leads next."
