Licensed to Minister

Not only were the largest number of Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) for some years admitted and licensed,  but most of the LLMs and their supporting ministers were able to gather in person  for the annual service at the Cathedral.

Bishop Karen, who officiated at a service of Choral Evensong, said:

"It is fantastic to see the increase in individuals being called to be Licensed Lay Ministers. Those licensed recently bring a wide range of experience to the life of the Diocese, and ministry experience back out into all they are engaged with in the world.

"As leaders in church and society, teachers of faith and enablers of mission they can help all of us make connections inside and outside our churches.

"It was a joy to licence new LLMs."

Canon Judy Anderson, Associate Warden of LLMs, said:

"It was wonderful to be back in the Cathedral in person for our annual service, and to have the opportunity to stand together as a body to renew our commitment to the ministry to which we are called.

"Several LLMs who are still unable to travel joined us online, so that even those who were not physically present were with us for this significant occasion. Our thanks to the Cathedral for their hospitality."

There are photos by Judy Anderson here

And a gallery by Ash Mills here.

Claire Horton, from Bradford Deanery, preached a thought-provoking sermon to remind our LLMs of their vocation and wide-ranging ministry.

Claire said:

"There has been a real sense of people seeking to connect with their spirituality during this time of pandemic. Asking big questions, seeking something new, exploring faith in a new way. Covid, devastating and destructive, has also been a catalyst, creating new opportunities to make known God’s love in our communities.

"As we emerge into a new light – one that beams with hope – how can we begin to build on what we are witnessing around us? How can we use our buildings in creative and welcoming ways... or do things differently? It’s been amazing to see church flourishing in the open air, too, with wild and outdoor churches putting down experimental and tentative roots. New ways to make connections in the community.

"Sustained by God’s spiritual living waters, we can make a difference. What new thing can we do? Who are the new people we can be alongside, nurture and encourage? God is encouraging us to do a new thing where, refreshed by God’s everlasting Spirit, all are invited to participate.

"Jesus brings, through his ministry and mission, in the words of scholar Walter Brueggemann, a radical newness to the world. This implies being daring, being bold. Trusting God in the journey."

Read the whole text here.

Six new LLMs now begin their ministry in parishes spread throughout the Diocese. At the service, Jan-Rebecca Brown was licensed to Cranborne with Boveridge, Edmondsham, Wimborne St Giles and Woodlands, Steven Colby to Marden Vale, Paul Eaton to Corfe Mullen, Mark Harrison to Devizes St John and St Mary, Barbara Priest to Stour Vale, and Matthew Stone to Harnham St George and All Saints.

On Facebook, Mark Harrison was welcomed as a new LLM by Curate Gerry Lynch, and ShaftesburyCofE posted:

"On Saturday 18th September our Team Administrator, Barbara, was licensed as an LLM at Salisbury Cathedral. A big thank you to all who have kindly sent cards and messages of support and also to those who watched via the livestream. Here she is in the lovely autumn sunshine!"

And on Twitter, Harnham Parish excitedly shared a picture and announced Matthew Stone's licensing:

"We're overjoyed to have Matthew Stone's licencing as LLM at Salisbury Cathedral... There will be a special service at All Saints on Sunday at 6.30pm to welcome him."

Natalie Tanswell is the first Channel Islands LLM to complete her training in Salisbury. Presented by her Incumbent, husband Stuart, she was admitted to the Office of LLM at the service, and will be licensed to the parish of St Michel du Valle by the Dean of Guernsey at a special service on the island at the beginning of October.

Bishop Karen said:

" I was particularly pleased, on behalf of Bishop Trevor, to admit Natalie which symbolically further heightens anticipation of a positive future relationship with the Channel Islands."

Natalie reflected: 

"It was such a lovely service and I feel proud to wear the blue scarf!"

In addition, Alan Fryer has transferred to Salisbury from another diocese and was licensed to Wimborne St John.

Bishop Karen said:

"It is fantastic to see the increase in individuals being called to be Licensed Lay Ministers. Those licensed recently bring a wide range of experience to the life of the Diocese, and ministry experience back out into all they are engaged with in the world.

"As leaders in church and society, teachers of faith and enablers of mission they can help all of us make connections inside and outside our churches.

"It was a joy to licence new LLMs and I was particularly pleased, on behalf of Bishop Trevor, to admit Natalie which symbolically further heightens anticipation of a positive future relationship with the Channel Islands."