01.10.2018
Commissioning of Rathmines Readers Makes Diocesan History
Three new Diocesan Readers were commissioned by Archbishop Michael Jackson in Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday evening (September 29). In what is believed to be a first in Dublin & Glendalough, Ruth Gyves, Scott Evans and Scott Hill all come from the same parish – Holy Trinity, Rathmines.
The three newly commissioned Readers have trained over a two year period for Lay Ministry. Archbishop Jackson said that while they all emanated from the same parish the work there would radiate out to the rest of the diocese. He also paid tribute to long standing Holy Trinity Diocesan Reader, Edward Lewis, who has served in Lay Ministry for 53 years.
The service was led by another Diocesan Reader, Alan Rhodes and the cathedral was filled with family and friends from Holy Trinity, Rathmines and beyond. A large number of Diocesan Readers also attended to welcome their three new colleagues.
The sermon was preached by the Diocesan Director of Lay Ministry, the Revd John Tanner, who reflected on the ministry to which every baptised person is called. He said ministry was a privilege but it could also bring ridicule.
Referring to the first reading [1 Thessalonians 2: 1–9] Mr Tanner said that Paul had to defend his Gospel ministry and his own character. He suggested that those bringing the Gospel message continued to be subject to personal attach today.
Examining the motives of Paul’s ministry, the preacher said they were intentional but did not come without cost and added that Paul needed courage to convey his message – he had been beaten and mistreated in Philippi but continued to preach the Gospel. He described Paul’s manner of ministry as relational and he shared not only the Gospel with the people but lived with them also. His life was open, honest and accountable.
Mr Tanner said this had a lesson for the church of today. “We are called to live lives above reproach. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been entrusted to us… God is calling us as Christians to walk together and work together in a relationship which will lead to spiritual growth,” he said.
