Eight volunteers licensed as lay ministers across region

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 06:00 · Archive

Eight volunteers have been licensed as lay ministers by the Diocese of Bristol to serve communities across the region.

Eight volunteers have been licensed as lay ministers by the Diocese of Bristol following a ceremony at Bristol Cathedral on Saturday, October 10. The Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Acting Bishop of Bristol and Bishop of Swindon, admitted and licensed the eight individuals during the service.

Licensed Lay Ministers are trained and licensed by the Diocese to teach, support mission and provide leadership within church communities. They serve under the authority of a parish priest and are involved in a variety of ministries. The eight licensed are John Bordiss, Claire Hayward, Lynsey-Ruth McDonagh, Hosea Njoroge (known as Tony), Ana Nsi Nchama, Laura Thomas, Ricarda Todd and Mary Bell.

The group will serve in a wide range of roles, including supporting rural and farming communities, chaplaincy in a nursing home, launching new community initiatives, pastoral work, evangelism and community engagement.

John Bordiss said: 'After years in farming and in service with the Royal Navy and the police, I've learned a lot about myself and others through these experiences. As I drew closer to the end of my secular work and into my retirement, I felt a strong calling towards Licensed Lay Ministry; it felt like the most natural thing to do, like coming home and being where I belong. I hope to focus my ministry on supporting rural and farming communities, offering a helping hand to those facing life's challenges, and sharing the comforting message of hope found in God's word.'

Lynsey-Ruth McDonagh will serve as a chaplain at MHA Hartcliffe Nursing Home. Ms McDonagh said: 'Ever since I stepped into chaplaincy, it's felt a natural fit.'

Eight volunteers licensed as lay ministers across region — Image: Swindon Advertiser

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Eight volunteers licensed as lay ministers across regionEight volunteers have been licensed as lay ministers to serve communities across the regionSwindon Advertiser · 14 Oct, 05:00
Eight volunteers licensed as lay ministers across regionEight volunteers have been licensed as lay ministers to serve communities across the regionWiltshire Times · 14 Oct, 05:00
Eight volunteers licensed as lay ministers across regionEight volunteers have been licensed as lay ministers to serve communities across the regionGazette & Herald · 14 Oct, 05:00
Eight volunteers licensed as lay ministers across regionEight volunteers have been licensed as lay ministers to serve communities across the regionThis Is Wiltshire · 14 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Diocese of Bristol · Bristol Cathedral · Neil Warwick · John Bordiss · Lynsey-Ruth McDonagh · MHA Hartcliffe Nursing Home

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