20 Years Celebrating Lay Talent

Bishop Mary was delighted to attend the 20th annual service of thanksgiving and celebration of the lay ministry teams in the Taff Wenallt Ministry Area.

Established in the Taff Wenallt area in 2004, Lay Pastoral Visiting ministry involves activities such as visiting elderly, sick or housebound people.

In her sermon during the service on Sunday 4th February in St Thomas' Church, Bishop Mary acknowledged and thanked the lay teams on their flexibility during Covid when they switched from in-person care to contact by telephone and online.

Bishop Mary said that during Covid, “Your faithfulness, your imagination and your passion to bring the love of Christ to those who feel alone is a wonderful sign of witness and discipleship in action.”

Cath Lawley and Pauline Page train invited members of the congregation to become LVPs.

Pauline said, “The best thing about training people is their enthusiasm.”

Cath added, “They are wonderful. They are so joyful and it’s so lovely to know that they are going to get out there and do what we have been doing and sit with people. The biggest thing is to give someone who is in their house on their own day in day out, an hour to talk. That’s a lovely way to know we can help these people.”

This year they were pleased to commission three new members to the LPV and Lay Liturgical teams: Jane Gill, John Evans and Sarah Edwards.

Sarah said, “I was surprised to be asked but as the training has gone on, I have got more and more into it. It’s a bit daunting but I am not doing it for me, I am doing it for other people. The training has taught me a lot personally. I am very grateful for this opportunity. I feel confident now I can go out encouraged by the team.”

In the Taff Wenallt Ministry Area, the liturgical team are working hard to broaden services and worship experiences helping more and more find ways to pray and to connect with God finding ways to pray that speak to the reality of peoples lives.

Bishop Mary said, “Through quiet days, through reflections, through prayer services and worship, you bring life and invigoration to spirituality, and I want to thank you for your hard work and your creativity. What we celebrate tonight is those who have not allowed apathy or uncertainty to prevent Gods work being done.”

Ministry Area Leader Rev’d John Davies said, “Everyone’s ministry in the church is important and it’s so important to celebrate those volunteers that are willing to give their time and their gifts to God’s Church.”