New Lay Ministers in the diocese

10 candidates were admitted as Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) in the Diocese of Oxford by the Rt Revd Colin Fletcher, Bishop of Dorchester, at a service at Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday 4 November. Read about them below.

There are now 334 LLMs in active ministry in the Diocese and 25 more in training. Their ministry is varied, innovative and exciting. Their traditional role of ‘preaching, teaching, and assisting the Incumbent’ remains core, but has now also blossomed into chaplaincies of all kinds in the local community:- in hospitals, prisons, schools, care homes , the fire and Rescue Service - even as a Mayor's Chaplain.

Janice Allerston
I am a recently retired widow, with a grown-up married daughter and a 3 year old grandson.  I will be Licensed to the parish of St Birinus and St John in High Wycombe, where I have been an active member for the past 27 years. I have a special interest in pastoral work, especially with the elderly.  I have recently set up a team to co-ordinate this work, including leading services in local sheltered accommodation. I am also regularly involved in our Alpha course - and look forward to increasing my service to my church.

David Bendor-Samuel
I am married to Sarah and have a son, Jonathan and a daughter, Lois. I will be based at St Andrew's, North Oxford, and will also have the privilege of helping out in the parish of Holton. I view both opportunities with a mixture of joyful anticipation and 'first day at school' nervousness.  One of the deepest joys in my life is the fact that we are called to be lifelong learners; disciples, apprentices of Jesus.  In my time with both parishes I hope to be able to communicate a little of the wonderful nature of that exciting journey.

Ruth Edy
My husband and I have lived in Witney with our two daughters since 1979, working at The Henry Box School – where I teach Latin and a little Greek – and worshipping at St Bartholomew's, Ducklington, where my husband Bob has been house-for-duty priest in charge since 1999.  Being Licensed as an LLM will mean that I can contribute more confidently and meaningfully in both these areas and also in the wider community.

Val Evans
I have been worshipping and engaging  in different aspects of ministry at St Francis of Assisi, Terriers, High Wycombe since 1963.  I am glad that, when I am Licensed as an LLM, I shall be able to do better what I already love doing - namely preaching, pastoral care, leading groups and  assisting  my Incumbent in the growth of the congregation.  I also help the hospital chaplaincy team which I find hugely satisfying and challenging.

Glenys Newman
Having been a Chemistry teacher for many years and been active in my parish - St Mary's Wendover and St Michael's Halton - in a number of roles since my 'retirement', I am looking forward to being more involved as an LLM.  There is a lot going on and yet much more still to do. It will be a real challenge.  I feel drawn particularly to work of a pastoral nature, especially amongst the older members of the congregation.

Anthony Peabody
I come to this ministry after 35 years as a forensic scientist; 35 years of combat between the sometimes good and the downright bad.  Sulhamstead is a vibrant rural parish, with many opportunities and challenges, including the effects of creeping urbanisation and an aging (but multi-talented) congregation. I enjoy teaching house groups, and developing a chaplaincy at the nearby police training college.

Carole Perkins
I have lived in Maidenhead with my husband and two children since 1981, and worship in the parish of St Mary's White Waltham with Shottesbrooke where I have always been an active member in many areas of parish life.  I now look forward to the challenge of taking up more 'official' duties as an LLM. It is hard to say at this point where my ministry will be focussed though, as we are keenly moving towards a 'mission' based stance and all the challenges that this will bring, I know I shall finds myself busy and involved on all fronts - so there are exciting times ahead.

Meg Terry
I belong to the parish of Cherbury and Gainsfield and I have completed my training for LLM through Ripon College, Cuddesdon - for which I am hugely grateful.  The thing that surprised me most about the training was the way it grounded me in a new appreciation for my own spirituality and awareness of my dependence on God through the discipline of prayer. Now I look forward to using this in serving the Lord and spreading his Gospel in the community.

Ian Wallace
Monica and I live in Streatley , having moved from Reading three years ago.  We have three sons and a daughter and nine grandchildren. I spent about 25 years working in agricultural development in East Africa and Fiji, and later worked for Tearfund for 5 years. I then lectured at the University of Reading from 1995 to 2002.  I am to be Licensed to the Parish of St Mary's, Streatley and the United Benefice of Goring and South Stoke. Since becoming a Christian 50 years ago, my life has been one of great learning and adventure; I am excited at the prospect of more of both, serving as an LLM during my advancing years.

Julie Willis
My ministry as an LLM will be based at the church on Fairford Leys, an Ecumenical church at the heart of a new housing development on the outskirts of Aylesbury, and part of the Aylesbury Team. I have been on placement at Fairford Leys for the last two years - there is huge potential there and new things are about to happen as a result of our recent review.

If you are interested in knowing more about these opportunities and feel that this ministry might be for you - contact the Diocesan LLM Adviser on 01865 556456, or at Diocesan Church House on 01865 208277, or email  Jo Coney


Meg Heywood to be Ordained

Meg Heywood will be ordained  deacon by the the Rt Revd Colin Fletcher, Bishop of Dorchester at a service in St Clement’s Church Oxford on Sunday 7th January at 4pm. Meg will be a part-time curate at St Clement's, Oxford and a chaplain to the Oxford Ministry Course. For the past twenty years she has been involved in parish ministry and bringing up a family of four. She is married to David, who recently joined the staff at Ripon College Cuddesdon.