Celebration of Lay Ministries 2024
This year's celebration takes place at 2pm on 22 June at St Paul's Church in Weston-super-Mare
The theme for this year's celebration is, ‘harmony’.
Recognising that each of us has a distinctive voice, a unique contribution to make to our church and community, in the service we will affirm how each person is valued for who they are and what they bring.
Together we will listen to the voice of Mary, the mother of Jesus, through The Magnificat, the Dwelling in the Word Bible passage for this year. During the service will hear people of all ages, in new ministries, as well as those who have exercised a ministry over several years. They will share with us how there is a beautiful harmony when people work together in unity. And we will have the opportunity to join our voices together through word and song in a creative way and see what harmony we can produce.
Bishop Michael will be also be joining the celebration to affirm and bless all those in ministry.
Celebrating lay ministries in Bath and Wells
Each year, as a diocese, we come together to celebrate all that lay people give to the life of the church and to their community. The Celebration of Lay Ministries is an opportunity to give thanks for their gifts and ministries, acknowledging the ways we witness God moving and working among us.
Together with the celebration service there are stalls showcasing the breadth of ministry within the diocese and the work of Christian organisations locally. There will also be information on courses and pathways for different ministries. It is a fantastic opportunity to see what you might get involved with or be inspired by.
Jill Perrett, Developing Ministries Adviser for Bath and Wells
"For some, this will be a new venture, through a course, others will be affirmed in their existing role or ministry. Everyone is valued. On the day we'll hear people’s stories of how God has been working in their lives, and through the different displays and stalls you can discover a wide range of ministries. This year we have launched the Lay Ministries pathway. It will be the first time that the Celebration of Lay Ministry will be able to hear how some have recognised a ministry through this route. Come and join the celebration! It’s for everyone! "
Below is a video snapshot of the 2023 celebrations and some thoughts shared with us on the day from those who took part in the celebration at St James's Church in Taunton.
- "I enjoyed meeting people - some from before and some new and the stories from real people doing things in the diocese (and the cake!)"
- "It was a great success - Well done!"
- "Thank you and the team for the well organised and helpful Celebration of Lay Ministries. This was my first visit and I will definitely return next year and bring others with me."
For futher information contact Jill Perrett or Charmain Gilmour email training@bathwells.anglican.org
Downloads
Download the poster for this year's celebration