On Saturday 14 September, people from across the Diocese gathered together at Durham Cathedral to celebrate those called to exercise lay ministry within our Diocese. Four people were admitted and licensed as Licensed Lay Ministers, seven people were authorised as Lay Pastoral Ministers, four people were authorised as Lay Ministers of the Word and eight people were authorised as Lay Children's Ministers. Bishop Sarah led the service and the very Revd Dr Philip Plyming preached.
Those who were admitted as a Licensed Lay Minister:
Peter Jeynes - Chester-le-Street
Joanne Martin - Newbottle, St. Matthew
James Masters - Bishop Auckland
Jonathan Ward - Escomb and Witton Park and Etherley, St. Cuthbert, Hamsterley and Witton-le-Wear
Those who have completed their training as a Lay Pastoral Minister:
Christine Blakey - Cleadon Park, St. Mark and St Cuthbert and Harton, St. Peter
Geoff Chilton - Darlington, St. Matthew and St. Luke
Allison Cunliffe - Heighington, St. Michael
Rob Foster - Easington Colliery, The Ascension
Deborah Humphreys - Spennymoor and Whitworth
Carol Richardson - Darlington, St. Matthew and St. Luke
Julie Simpson - Spennymoor and Whitworth
Those who have completed their training as a Lay Minister of the Word:
Tom Deakin - Gainford and Winston, Staindrop, Ingleton and GATHER Church (God's Tent in Teesdale)
Richard Ellis-Hawley - Harelaw and Annfield Plain
Sue McGinn - Ryton, Holy Cross and Winlaton, St. Paul
Simon Wilkinson - Herrington, Penshaw, Shiney Row and Burnmoor
Those who have completed their training as a Lay Children's Minister:
Adam Brodie - Horsley Hill, St. Lawrence the Martyr
Barbara Davis - Haughton-le-Skerne, St. Andrew and Sadberge, St. Andrew
Paula Harrison - Gainford, St. Mary, Winston St. Andrew, Staindrop St. Mary, Ingleton St. John the Evangelist
Jenni Little - Bishopwearmouth, St. Gabriel
Joanne McDonald - Bishopwearmouth, St. Gabriel
Nichola Rayson - Hillside (Lobley Hill and Marley Hill)
Alex Walker - Neville's Cross, St. John
Karen Wesson - Hurworth, All Saints
All photos taken on the day can be found on our Flickr page.