Congratulations to Elaine Shanks who was authorised today as Lay Minister of the Word to serve at St Paul's, Ryhope.

Lay Ministers of the Word are to lead worship, preach and teach so as to build up th eBody of Christ in faith and action.

Elaine has been studying all year and has put a huge amount of effort and dedication in to serving our church. It is a joy to see Elaine's ministry in Ryhope grow.

A prayer from the service at Durham Cathedral this morning:

Loving God,
whose Spirit stirs us to care and calls us into service.
We give thanks for the rich variety of ministries
which embody your compassion.
We praise your name
Because you have called women and men to serve you,
bestowing the needful gifts of grace.

Equip these your servants, we pray,
for the growth of your Kingdom.
Give them wisdom in listening and speaking,
compassion in their actions and humility in their ministries.
Make them channels of your love,
that many may come to know and trust you
through you Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.