Special service in Dondas - Saturday 21st September 2024

L’église Saint Martin, Dondas (47470)

Called Together: Licensing of Lay Ministers, Commissioning of an Area Dean

A service to celebrate the ministry of all God’s people in the Diocese in Europe

Dondas was chosen because it was central to the area of SW France. We welcomed Readers and members of the chaplaincies from Poitou Charentes, Pau (John Errey), Midi Pyrenees & Aude, Biarritz and our own Nellie Salvi and Patrick Sturges from Aquitaine whose licenses were being renewed.

In addition, our own PTO priest Rev’d Paul Willis was being commissioned as our new Area Dean.

It was a privilege to welcome Bishop Robert and Archdeacon Peter Hooper.

As our service booklet said:
‘As the beloved of God, all are called to be ministers of his grace, in the places we inhabit and among the people we encounter. As churches we share a calling to worship God, to love one another and to reveal the Kingdom of God. Some are called to specific roles that are discerned, equipped, and authorised by the church, these are licensed as Lay Readers. The gifts offered by Readers are as varied as they are themselves and their ministries may look very different, but they hold a few characteristics in common, they:

  • Offer spiritual leadership

  • Enable mission

  • Deepen faith in others

Each Reader responded to seven questions asked them by the Bishop. I include them here because I think we could all consider them ourselves:

1. Do you believe that God is calling you to this ministry?
2. Will you be faithful in leading the people of God in worship and mission?
3. Will you be diligent in prayer, in reading Holy Scripture, and in all studies that will deepen your faith and fit you to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel?
4. Will you endeavour to fashion your life according to the way of Christ?
5. Will you promote unity, peace and love in the Church and in the world, and especially among those whom you serve?
6. Will you be watchful yet caring, trusting yet ready to question so that our churches may be places of safety for all.
7. Will you work closely with your colleagues in ministry and encourage the gifts of others?

The service ended with all of us present being commissioned by Bishop Robert. He began: ‘As disciples of Christ in the Diocese in Europe, we are called to be ‘Shaped by God in our lives and communities’ and to seek the growth of the Kingdom by increasing numbers of disciples; deepening our own discipleship and enabling others to grow in theirs; and in loving service of the world.’
We then responded to his questions such as, ‘Will you proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ?’ and it ended with +Robert praying for us.

We had gathered at 12.30 for a picnic lunch and after the service there was a vin d’honneur with a huge range of delicious canapés. And it DIDN’T rain..

Our thanks also to David Warner-Howard who accompanied our hymns.

– Rev’d Angela Marshall