There has been much to celebrate at St Denys Church in Evington, with their recent Harvest Festival, alongside the commissioning of Kimberley Tyler as a Locally Authorised Minister.
The special service, earlier this month, was not only an opportunity to give thanks to God for creation and the calling of Kimberley, but also saw the church filled with many new people witnessing the faith journey of their friend.
Those new faces included someone who had joined Kimberley on an Alpha course 20 years ago, another she volunteers alongside at a local baby loss charity, and somebody who Kimberley affectionately calls ‘college dad’, as he helped to encourage and support her whilst studying on the Peter Stream at St Mellitus College.
Led by the Revd Sharon Plant, the service on Sunday 12 October saw Kimberley commissioned as a Locally Authorised Minister at St Denys, with the support of her church family.
Kimberley is currently exploring a call to ordained ministry, and admits it has taken her some time to finally realise that God calls all kinds of people.
“I don’t come from a family who attend church, but at the age of 20 I felt something was missing from my life,” she explains.
“I did an Alpha course and what I call God’s relentless nagging has got me to a place of exploring ordination.
“When I was put forward by Bishop Saju, he reminded me to be me - because God’s calling me as I am,” she says.
''Looking back to the start of my faith I never thought you would ever see me in a cassock alb – it’s certainly taking some getting used to!'”
Kimberley's robes were kindly gifted to her by her friends at St Denys. Aware that Kimberley’s favorite colour is pink, the robes were customised with a pastel pink lining.
She also received a special edition of a New Testament Bible, especially helpful for her future studies, and a Christian necklace.
After the service a harvest lunch was shared by many. A huge thank you was offered to those who prepared the lunch, washed up and cleared away afterwards.
Many thanks were also given to the local schools and all who brought goods along to the service, which have been donated to the food bank at Wesley Hall in Evington.
While supporting ministry in her local congregation, Kimberley is also gaining experience that will support her future journey in faith.
“I feel called to so many areas of ministry,” she explains. “Anything that allows me to show God’s love to others - so it could be working with the local schools, sitting with bereaved families, or reaching out to those who don't yet know Jesus. I love the variety and that no two days are ever the same.”
The vocation to live out our faith in the whole of life is the calling of all Christians. A way in which we can do this more formally - without extensive training or the desire to go on to ordination - is by becoming a Local Authorised Minister.
Following your calling and sharing your gifts might lead you to become a pastoral visitor or pioneer, a children and youth volunteer, or worship leader. All these lay roles are recognised, equipped, celebrated, and authorised locally. Find out more here.