It is a privilege to be a Licensed Lay Minister in the Diocese of Rochester and a member of All Saints’ Orpington Ministry Team. Initially an authorised Pastoral Assistant, I went on to be Licensed by the Bishop, as an LLM, to dual ministry: to Parish Ministry and to Hospital Chaplaincy in King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, based at the PRUH and Orpington.
The role of an LLM can vary according to training, choice and aptitude. As an LLM, I primarily exercise the office of a Reader in the Church of England, so have permission from the Bishop to read Morning and Evening Prayer; take part in the service of Holy Communion and assist at the administration; take the Sacrament to the sick and housebound; publish the banns of marriage; to preach and teach and to conduct Services of the Word and to visit and pray with the sick. From February 2016 I have also been authorised, by the Bishop of Rochester, to undertake funeral and burial services.
Since joining All Saints’ church in 1996, it has been a delight to have served, alongside others in the life of the church, as a PCC member; PCC Secretary; Deanery Synod Representative; and Deputy Parish Administrator. Subsequent to my Authorisation and Licensing I have had the privilege of overseeing a monthly Bereavement Group, delivering an annual Marriage Course, occasional short courses and ‘Quiet’ days.
I have been blessed over the years by experiencing different church traditions – Evangelical, Charismatic, Anglo-Catholic and Broad Church – and appreciate what each has to offer. Prior to joining All Saints’ Church, I was a Rector’s wife in Kent. With a background in teaching and formerly a Learning Advisor in the Diocese, I am currently a Tutor for the Diocesan LLM Module in Chaplaincy.
All Saints', The Parish Church of Orpington 