November 1 was a joyful occasion as Muna Khoury and Michael Bergen were commissioned as newly licensed lay readers for three years, and Carol Blair’s licence was renewed for another three years. Together with lay readers from across the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton, they gathered at All Saints’ Anglican Cathedral to be commissioned by Bishop Stephen London. It was a wonderful opportunity to worship, pray, and celebrate this shared ministry with people from across our diocese.
Lay readers are members of the congregation who are recognized by their parish, then trained and licensed by the diocese to help lead worship. They share their gifts through reading Scripture, leading prayers, preaching, and leading Morning and Evening Prayer, according to the needs of their parish. Serving alongside clergy and fellow parishioners, they take an active part in the worship and ministry of the church.
Here at Immanuel, Carol, Muna, and Michael will lead Morning Prayer, preach, and lead services of Holy Communion using the reserved sacrament.