Brenda Wickes – Lay Reader email

Well what a journey this has been.  I was licensed as a Lay Reader at Lichfield Cathedral on Sunday 2^nd September 2007.  That was the most amazing experience.  I would put it third in my most wonderful moment, after marrying my husband and giving birth to my children, it was even more special because my husband, son and daughters were there to share it with me.

But my journey to that goal started way back in September 2002, when I started the Bishops Certificate, not knowing at the time where it would lead.  That course gave me a hunger to know more and want to go further with my training.  After completing the Bishops Certificate I then went to an evaluation conference where I was accepted for training in the Local Ministry.  My training started in September 2005 and finished in July this year.

During my training many things have happened, I watched my Dad die of cancer in November 2003 and in April 2004 I was healed of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibremyalgre both diseases although not life threatening are very painful and debilitating.  I have also had many issues, which had to be addressed before I could fully realise my calling.

When I think of the journey I have travelled one thing I know for sure is that Jesus was with me every step of the way.  He guided me, encouraged me, and most of all He lifted me when I needed it. I have grown in my knowledge and in my self-confidence, and am very excited about my future ministry.  I would like to thank the clergy team who have supported and encouraged, guided and prayed for me over this time, not forgetting all my friends at St Matthews who have been fantastic, with their prayer support and encouragement.

My husband Alan has been the best of all, telling me I could when I thought I couldn’t do something, proof reading my essays and listening for hours as I practiced my sermons when I had to preach. 

If someone had told me when I started training back in 2002 that I would be a Lay Reader in 2007, I would have laughed. Then when He healed me that was like a springboard sending me forward, isn’t our Lord amazing? Jesus knew His plans for me and as He has slowly revealed them I have been delight to go where He guided me, and still will, although I am hoping He is in no hurry.  I really want to enjoy this part of my ministry and use it well to serve my friends and family at home and at church.  I am also looking forward to taking up my role as a member of the Pastoral Care Team and visiting my friends at Highview and Gorway House and others who find it difficult to get to Church.