Salisbury Diocese has long had a tradition of celebrating lay ministry, part of which has been through holding a service once every three years to mark the recommissioning of our local pastoral and worship assistants. During the pandemic the service did not happen, and recommissioning took place as an administrative process, marked by local services where this was felt to be appropriate.
Emerging from the pandemic the date of 29 April 2023 was reserved in the Cathedral diary, in the hope that some kind of service celebrating lay ministry would once again take place. However, as parishes throughout the diocese will be aware, it is important to pause and think carefully before resuming a pre-pandemic activity – why do we do it and what do we hope to achieve? Is it still appropriate? Does it still further the Kingdom of God?
As we work to discern our vision and strategy at this time the importance of collaborative ministry, clergy and lay people working together, has become increasingly clear. It therefore feels right to rethink how we can celebrate the ministry of the whole people of God, locally around our larger churches, and in and around our Cathedral.
More will be forthcoming from our vision and strategy working groups soon, but in the meantime we continue to give thanks for the ministry offered by so many; everywhere, and every day. There will be no central gathering on the 29th April, but you are welcome to use the time to plan how you will celebrate and affirm the offerings of God’s people in your team, in your locality, in the year ahead.
Karen Hutchinson, our Lay Ministry Development Officer, welcomes invitations to speak at services or events and is always willing to engage with benefices regarding their ministry development opportunities and challenges. Contact her via email at karen.hutchinson@salisbury.anglican.org