'Within the life of the Church, some are called to minister to the local Christian community, offering their gifts to Support the people of God in their service to the world. Today we celebrate those who are called to serve God's servant people, acknowledging the gifts God has given them and affirming their calling to minister in his Church by commissioning them.'

It was with these words that Bishop Philip began a deeply moving service in the cathedral where Marion and 70 other people from across the Diocese were commissioned and licensed to serve their local churches and communities in different ways. 

For Marion it was a commission to share the gospel of Jesus Christ beyond walls and barriers, and we have captured that in the establishing her role as being 'Outreach Pastor' for St Denys, with the purpose of 'ensuring that in our groups that aim to enrich communities, people can make connections between their life and Jesus, and see the appeal of growing as friends and followers of him.'

Through her leadership of Friday's 'Community Food Project' and Wednesday's 'Kettles On' and her involved in other groups such as Coffee & Cake, Creation, Oasis and Messy Church, Marion has been already living this bridge building role. The service on Sunday, and the commission of the Bishop both affirms and develops this.

But it also invites us to support and pray for Marion. There were two questions asked of the church community on Saturday, and Sue and I answered for all of us. I finish the blog with an echo of these questions, and an invitation for you to pray & support Marion too.

Brothers and sisters, these women and men have been called and equipped to serve in the church.

Will you continue to pray for them and their work?
We will

Will you work with them and encourage them to use their gifts and to develop their ministry?
We will

We welcome you among us as ministers of the gospel
We welcome you.