On Sunday it was a joy to host the diocesan service of Celebration of Reader ministry with Admission and Licensing of six new Readers to serve in parishes across the Diocese of St Albans. Readers are lay people who are trained, and licensed by the Bishop, to preach and teach, enable mission and lead in church and society.

During the service Tom Otley a Reader at St Paul’s Bedford gave a sermon reflecting on Reader ministry and Gillian Kern and Bill Webb offered their reflections on Reader ministry as a Prison Chaplain and as someone about to be licensed. The six new Readers all led elements of the service as they were admitted and licensed as Readers by the Rt Revd Dr Jane Mainwaring, Bishop of Hertford. The Cathedral Choir sang for the service for the first time in recent years.

As a celebration of Reader ministry, Readers gathered in support from all around the diocese and renewed their commitment to ministry, and then there was the opportunity to thank those who have stepped down from active Reader ministry in recent years as part of the service. Those who had reflected on Reader ministry paid tribute to those who had supported them with their experience along the way so it was fitting to see that represented at this service of celebration.

The newly licensed Readers are:

Sumitra Donaldson-Small Leagrave, St Luke

Barbara Doye Wheathampstead, St Helen and St Peter

Adrian Groves Hitchin and St Paul’s Walden Team Ministry, St Mark

Dawn Kerridge Potton with Sutton and Cockayne Hatley, St Mary, All Saints and St John the Baptist

Simon Trundle Watford, St Luke

Bill Webb Ouzel Valley Team Ministry, All Saints Leighton Buzzard