The Diocese of Carlisle - Readers / Licensed Lay Ministers

Readers / Licensed Lay Ministers

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Timetable of Events 2012/13

Tuesday 19th June 2012
Readers Board Meeting 7.15pm Rydal Hall
31 August - 2 September 2012
National Readers Conference, The Hayes Conference Centre. Booking forms can be downloaded from http://www.readers.cofe.anglican.org
Saturday 15 September 2012
Readers Quiet Day 'A God's Eye View', led by Chris Freeman. Carver URC Church (next to The Windermere Centre), Lake Road, Windermere. Cost £20 per person to include lunch. Book with Julie Batchelor: 01229 588361 or julie.batchelor@yahoo.co.uk.
Thursday 11 October 2012
Readers Board Meeting 7.15pm Rydal Hall
Saturday 20th October 2012
Annual Reader Service 2.30pm Cartmel Priory, with Bishop James
Saturday 11 May 2013
John Todd Memorial Lecture & AGM
Saturday 19th October 2013
Annual Reader Service at Carlisle Cathedral

This month's profile: Bryan Gray

In which parishes do you exercise your Reader Ministry? The Cross Fell Group of eight parishes centred on Langwathby in the Eden valley.

How long have you been a Reader? Thirty years this year.

How long have you lived in Carlisle Diocese? We have owned a converted Methodist chapel for eight years and moved here permanently two years ago

What is your 'day job'? This is a difficult one as I have several! I am Chairman of Westmorland which owns the motorway services at Tebay on the M6 and the Rheged Centre near Penrith. I am Pro Chancellor of Lancaster University; Chairman of Lowther Castle and Gardens Trust, Churches Trust for Cumbria, Cumbria County History Trust and a member of the Lake District National Park Authority.

What did your training involve? A friend and I trained at the same time and became Readers on the same day back in 1982. There were courses and essays but the main training was 'on the job' in a rural parish with four churches.

How have you continued your training and development? I have been lucky to work with and be supported by some wonderful clergy. I have also benefitted from many friends who are involved in different ministries.

How do you exercise your Reader Ministry? I enjoy being a member of the team of six who support our vicar by taking services, leading study groups and being involved in all aspects of parish life. I also try and let my ministry shine through my various jobs. As the photo shows, when I was Chairman of MediaCityUK in Salford I hosted a visit from two Archbishops and the Bishop of Manchester.

What has been/is the most rewarding part of Reader Ministry for you? I enjoy being part of a team of people with different talents all trying to do our best to tell the good news.

What advice would you give to those considering Reader ministry? We all have God-given talents. I believe that God wanted us to discover our own special gift and share it with others. It may need someone to help us realise what our gift is so talk to Readers about their special ministry

What are your hobbies? I have a lifelong interest in railways so I am delighted to be on the board of the National Railway Museum. I just enjoy living in Cumbria with so many things to do, walks to enjoy and places to visit.

Here is a selection of photographs from the past few years

LCTP Training Weekend April 2012

Readers Conference January 2012

Licensing Service 2007

Licensing Service 2008

Licensing Service 2009

Licensing Service 2010

Licensing Service 2011

Training Weekend at Rydal 2012

What is a Reader?

Not just someone who reads the Bible in church! 'Reader' is a historical term, in it's present form the office of Reader began in 1866. Today there are over 10,000 active Readers across the Church of England - more than the number of full-time clergy. They are a major, valuable and vital resource within Christ's Church.

In Carlisle Diocese Readers are called Licensed Lay Ministers. Readers (Licensed Lay Ministers) are lay people called by God, theologically trained, and licensed by their Bishop. They exercise this voluntary lay ministry alongside their job and everyday life. They lead worship, preach and teach about Jesus and the Christian faith and also encourage effective pastoral care and evangelistic ministry.

This is a tremendously exciting and fulfilling ministry. A Reader serves within the team of clergy and ministers in the parish and in the deanery. A Reader often wears robes and a blue scarf if it is the tradition of their church.

What does a Reader do?

Traditionally a Reader may be involved with preaching, teaching, leading worship, assisting at Holy Communion, and pastoral work. However this list is not exhaustive, and Readers may also be involved in many other activities such as leading housegroups, teaching in various contexts, baptism, confirmation and marriege preparation, school assemblies, ecumenical work, visiting, bereavement care, hospital and prison chaplaincy. They may also be additionally authorised (after a period of further training) by the Bishop to officiate at funerals or lead public worship with Communion by Extension. Some Readers exercise pioneer ministries, such as planting new congregations, and creating vital bridges between the church and their workplace or community.

Is God calling you?

If you long to serve God more fully, this role could be the way forward for you. To become a Reader you must be: a baptised, confirmed and regular communicant member of the Church of England; keen to communicate your Christian faith; willing to train for this ministry.

What next?

Firstly, discuss your vocation with your Vicar/Minister to explore your calling, discuss your ideas and feelings with your family, friends, other members of your church fellowship, and if possible with a Reader. You will need the support and agreement of your Vicar and your PCC to proceed. For further information, speak to Revd Peter Vivash, Warden of Readers, or Mrs Julie Batchelor, Assistant Warden of Readers.

Warden of Readers

Revd Peter Vivash - Diocesan Warden of Readers Thornthwaite Vicarage, Braithwaite, Keswick, CA12 5RY Tel: 017687 78243 Email: peter.vivash@dsl.pipex.com

The Warden of Readers is responsible for the selection and training of readers; for the encouragement of readers in their pastoral and liturgical ministries; and for their continuing education and training.