Last Sunday, 10 September, Bishop Karen licensed new LWL's Philippa for Shaftsbury and James for the Bridport Team. Bishop Karen summarised LWL's as 'all about using our gifts for God’s glory'.
Philippa was prompted to consider training to become an LWL due to Covid and it's impact upon not only local communties, but also music.
She says "This rural community of good, kind, caring folk, many of whom have lived and worked here for generations, have a deep sense of place and belonging. Church life struggles with sparse attendance, arguably.... due to a sense of disconnectedness."
Phillipa states she was ignorant of the Rural Churches needs: "if people want to go to church to worship there are plenty of established churches who will make them welcome".
These people have a right to worship where they’ve always worshipped, where families and friends are buried; see out their lives within a familiar Christian structure, one that maintains a secure routine for regular worship and fellowship within their own territory – these are the churches they’ve worked for, prayed within, been married in, christened their children, given thanks for the harvest and funded for so much of their lives.
Phillipa says: "the lack of services worries me. It is reducing community opportunities for ‘connection through faith’- an inclusive, pastoral, nurturing faith, so vitally important. So, in faith and for my community, through the love and support given by those around me, I’ll strive to be part of the rural Ministry."
If you are interested in becoming an LWL see here.
