A STOURPORT woman has become a licensed lay minister enabling her to serve the parish.

Vikki Day was admitted to the office of Reader, alongside five others from parishes in the Diocese of Worcester, during a service conducted by The Bishop of Worcester Dr John Inge.

She is currently the Mission Developer for Stourport Deanery – a role which she will continue - but is now authorised to exercise a ministry of preaching and teaching after completing her two years’ training.

Vikki said: “As Mission Developer for Stourport Deanery, I see my role in its broadest sense as enabling people to be who God is calling them to be and to flourish in their mission and ministry wherever that may be.

“I look forward to being a licensed lay minister because it has and will continue to enable my ministry to develop as I contribute to the life of the Church: in developing relationships with people through leading worship and preaching as well as being a bridge between those who don’t come to Sunday worship and the Church.

“I really enjoyed the practical elements of my training such as learning to preach, lead & develop different types of worship and take Home Communion.

“It has been an enriching time; where I have encountered a deepening relationship with God and the people with whom I minister.”

Bishop John said: “Lay Ministers play a very important role in our churches, sharing their faith with others and serving them in God's name. I was delighted to be able to license these six people to this very important role.”