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Lay
Readers Discuss God’s Mission for God’s World
Sixty Lay Readers of the Diocese of Montreal gathered at the
Church of St. Andrew and St. Mark in Dorval on Saturday,
November 10th for a day of study and reflection led by
Bishop Barry Clarke. From every corner of the diocese, the
Lay Readers traveled to participate in discussion and
questions, fellowship and support, as our bishop addressed
with us the theme, “God’s Mission for God’s World.”
In time set aside for personal reflection and discussion in
small groups, the Lay Readers were challenged to explain how
people in our communities see our church, what are the
symbols and images of our culture and how our churches are
making appropriate use of these symbols. We were asked,
“What are God’s mission priorities for the church in the
21st century? How should the Church be a manifestation of
God’s Kingdom and serve as Christ did?”
At 2 pm, a number of diocesan clergy joined the Lay Readers
for an open forum. These individuals spoke of the ways in
which Lay Readers are a valued resource in support of the
ministry in their areas. The role of a Lay Reader can differ
greatly from leading a service in multi-point parishes,
visiting those people who are isolated by distance from
their church, to serving as one of a team of Lay Readers in
a large city church.
One question that struck a chord with all those present is
the place of Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer in our church
life. Retired Archdeacon Gordon Guy suggested that there
needs to be, at every level of the church, among clergy, Lay
Readers, and parishioners, a dialogue with regard to the
theological implications around why we want to have Morning
Prayer or why we want to have the Eucharist. While the
Anglican tradition embraces the use of both the Holy
Eucharist and the Service of Morning Prayer, also known as
the Daily Office, the Eucharist has, in recent history, been
accepted as the Chief Service of the Day. Now with declining
numbers and the shortage of full-time priests, congregations
are shifting to more frequent use of Morning Prayer. Lay
Readers are frequently employed to lead these services and
would certainly welcome a dialogue on this important matter.
Lay Readers shared stories of personal experiences which
raised questions for future training opportunities. “What do
I do when a priest is expected for a Eucharist, and is very
late, or doesn’t turn up?” All Lay Readers are invited to
participate in Saturday Training Courses, once a month,
beginning on January 26th, 2008, at the Montreal Diocesan
Theological College, when priests and scholars have been
invited to offer training to Lay Readers. Detailed
information will be available in the coming weeks from the
Rev. Canon Tim Smart, Director of Lay Education
(514-849-4437).
The Study Day concluded with a Commissioning Service in the
context an Evensong sung by the choir of St. Andrew and St.
Mark, directed by William Hutton, assisted by organist Dr.
Bruce Wheatcroft and conductor, Richard Hague. Service music
included a setting of the Preces and Responses by Andrew
Carter, and the Faux Bourdon Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis by
17th century composer John Ellis. All present sang a feast
of hymns chosen for the occasion. The Rev. Karen Chalk
delivered a sermon on the theme of the Sower, reminding us
of our ministry to carry the Good News to the world.
Several of Bishop Barry’s teachings have planted seeds for
ongoing thought and prayer. “We are called to be a
missionary church.” “The work of ministry requires prayer
and risk-taking and new ways of doing things.” “How do we
live out the context of the Trinity in our daily life? We
are called to welcome others, not to judge.” “It is not easy
to lead a Christian life today.”
A spirit of joy permeated the entire day of worship and
learning. At the reception in the church hall, following the
service, the Lay Readers with their family and friends
expressed gratitude for the generous hospitality of the
people of St. Andrew and St. Mark. |
