The Layreader as Missioner

On Saturday, May 28, 115 -- yes, you read correctly, that's one hundred and fifteen -- layreaders from our diocese met at St. Philip's Church in Moncton. We gathered, at the request Bishop Claude Miller and invitation of the Rev. John Cathcart. The overwhelming response was a clear indication of the hunger that layreaders in our diocese have for direction, support and communication with our bishop.In the morning session Bishop Claude shared the story of how he came to be a layreader through an invitation of his then rector, Canon Jim Irvine. He spoke of how he was drawn into a relationship with God. He also offered a prepared a teaching based on Bishop Graham Cray's book, *Mission-Shaped Church*. We heard that "mission is God giving of himself in human form as Jesus Christ and the Spirit" and that "mission is the heart of God."  We also heard that there is mission because "God loves his people" and that "real ministry is at the parish level." We were reminded that prayer and worship are the structure upon which we build the Church of God and that the foundation of our mission as layreaders is prayer.

We began the afternoon in mall groups discussing questions designed by the bishop and  Mr. Cathcart to facilitate the updating of the Layreader's Handbook and plan future events. A lively plenary session followed. In an atmosphere of trust and mutual concern some obvious disparities in many areas of ministry in our diocese were identified.The Bishop began the day with the comment "If there were not layreaders in our diocese we would need to invent them." When we departed from St. Phillips we were secure in the knowledge that we are valued in our ministry and that our fellowship had been blessed.For many it was the end of a very long day that had begun hours before the 9:30 a.m. registration. Those who lived so far away they had to travel on Friday evening faced the long drive home renewed and inspired.