Celebrating Lay Ministry in the Diocese of Connor
On St Matthew's Day (Sunday 21st September), Belfast Cathedral hosted Parish and Diocesan Lay Readers from across the Diocese of Connor, who were invited by our Bishop to a special service of Holy Communion in thanksgiving for their ministries. It was a joyful occasion, intended to recognise and encourage the vocations of the lay people who play vital supporting roles in leading worship.
The Rt Revd George Davison preached from Matthew 9:9-13, noting how the calling of God comes to all sorts of people engaged in all kinds of work and vocations, and gave his heartfelt thanks to those present for the ways in which they enable and enrich worship in their parishes and across the Diocese. The Bishop then led the Readers in an act of recommitment to their ministries.
The service was a Choral Eucharist sung by our choir, who gave their stunning debut performance of David Briggs' Truro Eucharist and his setting of God be in my head as the motet.
The Revd Peter Jones (Director of Vocations) and Canon Amanda Adams (Warden of Readers) both took part in leading the service, which was hosted by the Revd Cameron Mack (Curate) in the absence of Dean Forde (who was travelling to Kenya and Burundi with Christian Aid Ireland).
A full report with a picture gallery can be found on the Connor website:
Service in Celebration of Lay Ministry in Connor Diocese | The Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor