Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matt 5:3At the beginning of November, we remember those loved ones that we have lost, recently and in the past. We pray for those who are sad or distressed, in their loss. We also remember those who have lost in other ways, lost pets, lost homes, lost financial security, lost marriages to divorce. We pray for God’s comfort and presence.Remembrance Sunday gives us time to remember in a different way. We pray for the ongoing wars in the world, for the refugees, the starving, the disabled. We pray for peace, not just the cessation of fighting, but lasting and loving peace.The Sunday designated Christ the King, gives us pause to pray about those places and peoples who haven’t yet realised that Jesus is Lord, praying for all who work among the poor and neglected, offering not just physical help but the chance to hear the Gospel.At the Toy Service, we gather gifts for children in North Liverpool and Bootle, who are unlikely to receive any Christmas presents, because of their parent’s circumstances. We pray blessings on each toy and each voucher, asking God to help each child, in his or her need.Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ Matt 19:14
Mark has been appointed Warden of Readers for the Diocese of Liverpool.Here is the account of his interview.‘I want to see reader ministry continue to be resourced and flourish in the coming years’What inspired you to take on the role of Warden of Readers?The Readers themselves! My father had a huge influence on my life, and he was a reader at the church in which I grew up, I still use one of his talks regularly in my own preaching. And I couldn’t imagine Parish ministry over the last 26 years outside of the context of a ministry team in which readers play a full part, bringing their own gifts and creativity to the table.I know how much their distinctive and prayerful ministry is appreciated; connecting God’s story to the home and workplace not just on a Sunday, but in a myriad of ways: from a brilliantly delivered session on an Alpha Course to taking Communion to a nursing home where we now have a regular congregation of twenty to facilitating a Bereavement Course.Can you tell us about your background and how it has prepared you for this position?During my time in Toxteth, I was asked to care for the Deanery Chapter of Readers by Bishop David. This was a role I enjoyed; providing support, and encouragement and acting as an advocate when needed. More recently I got to know quite a few Readers as a tutor on the old All Saints Mission and Ministry Course and I love hearing about their progress when I bump into them.What are your main responsibilities as the Warden of Readers, and how do you plan to balance them with your other duties?To ensure that Reader ministry has a voice in Liverpool Diocese, so, as well as helping to facilitate the annual Diocesan Programme for Readers, I’m hoping I’ll be able to visit local Reader Chapters in their deaneries in the coming months. I’m planning to give half a day a week to the task.What is your long-term vision for Reader Ministry within the Diocese?To see Reader Ministry continue to be resourced and flourish in the coming years; fully integrated into our planning and thinking for ‘Fit for Mission’, with Readers who can humbly but boldly teach the faith, living out the Diocesan Rule of Life and encouraging others to do so, and to see such ministry truly valued by the Diocese and local church.Book now for the Reader Study DayThere will be a Reader Study Day on the 24th November. Book your tickets on Eventbrite using the link below. Walk Through the New Testament Tickets | EventbritePosted in Diocese News, Directions, Lifecall
