My move into Elder Ministry

I first looked at moving into Elder Ministry during the year (May 2022) that I relinquished my position as Church Warden of 6+ years at my previous parish of Trimley St Mary and Trimley St Martin. I had made a conscious decision to take a year out and see where God wanted me to go on my faith journey.

After 38 years living in Trimley St Mary, Helen and I had decided to move to Stowmarket to be nearer our daughter, Son in Law and Grand Daughter. Having just moved in May 2023, I found that Revd Paul (at that time - rector of Walton & Trimley) was also moving to the Benefice of Haughley, Wetherden and Stowupland. Revd Paul and I had been having a few discussions about Eldership and that I was feeling as though I was being gently steered into that direction by God.

Revd Paul and some of my colleagues from Trimley and Stowupland parishes agreed that I should explore this in greater depth, which I have done. After receiving approval from all 3 PCC’s in our Benefice, I commenced my Basic training with a group from Needham Market in the Autumn of 2024 under the guidance/supervision of the Rector - Revd Tracey James, as well as attending various courses being run within the Diocese, and here I am, on the first step of a new direction of my faith journey.

Commissioning is usually done by the Diocesan or Suffragan Bishop, or more commonly, the Archdeacon and is usually at the main Sunday service in the parish church. Due to clergy constraints, my Commissioning has been done this morning, together with my 6 colleagues, by the Archdeacon of Sudbury – Dr David Jenkins at St John’s church, Needham Market.

My training supervision will transfer from Revd Tracey to our new incumbent – Revd Andy Buttress once he had his Institution and Induction service for the Benefice in October.

To begin with, I will be following the Liturgical (Leading Worship) path but will gradually move into Pastoral care as my experience grows and the communities get to know me, and I get to know them.

I am really looking forward to being an integral member of the Ministry team for the Benefice and working closely with all.

With God’s blessings

Andrew – Lay Elder