DEACONS who will serve in parishes across Worcester and Malvern were among those ordained during a service at Worcester Cathedral.
These candidates have been part of a new training pathway aimed at those who see their vocation as being non-stipendiary (voluntary) ministers to churches in their local area.
All those being ordained have already been involved in some kind of lay ministry within their parish. They were nominated by their incumbents to be part of the two-year training scheme and are currently at the start of their second year of this.
They will continue training while also working in their parishes as a curate.
The ordination services were led by the Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge and candidates were ordained by the Bishop of Dudley, Martin Gorick. The Archdeacon of Worcester, Robert Jones, preached having led a quiet day for the candidates ahead of their ordination.
Mike Bunclark, to serve in the Worcester Southeast Team, Jen Jones, to serve in the benefice of Teme Valley South and Sally Knowles, to serve in the Worcestershire West Rural Team Ministry were among those ordained on the day.
Mike has lived and worshipped in St Martin’s on London Road for nearly 30 years and served as a PCC member, churchwarden, Deanery Synod rep and Lay Chair of the Deanery.
“When I approached retirement, I began to explore what else God may be calling me to do. After some initial discernment, I embarked on the Reader Training Course,” he said.
Bishop John said: “This is a very exciting time in the life of the diocese of Worcester when we ordain more people as deacon on one occasion than has happened for a long time – possibly ever.
“Those to be ordained, who have worked very hard in preparation, will be a great blessing to the church and to the world and I pray for God’s rich blessing on their future ministry.”
