In the summer I was accepted onto a Foundation degree course at Lindisfarne College of Theology to study and train to be an Authorised Lay Minister of the Word - or ALMOW as it is catchily called. The role will enable me to give sermons, lead some services and teach at St Paul’s.

The course is very interesting with subjects such as Bible study, Introduction to Preaching, Spirituality and Discipleship and Introduction to Worship. There are opportunities to study New Testament Greek and Biblical Hebrew, which I am currently considering. There are also residential weekends throughout the year at Ushaw College and Emmaus Village.

It’s been good to get back to academic work after 30 years and surrounding myself with books. I’m looking forward to learning more about the Bible and Christianity and the opportunities it will give me to serve the parish.