It was a double service celebration in the Launde Deanery Minster Community recently as the Revd Crystal McAllister was licensed into the parishes and commissioned in her role as Oversight Minister.
On Advent Sunday, at St Thomas a Becket Church in Skeffington, Crystal was legally licensed during a service of welcome and commitment to shared ministry.
Joined by family, friends, diocesan colleagues and those who have journeyed with her and prayed for her along the way, Crystal was also surrounded by members of the church congregations from across the deanery.
As Rector, Crystal is now part of the ministry team across the Coplow Benefice and Priest in Charge of The Gaulby Group; The Whatborough Group; Hallaton and Allexton with Horninghold, Slawston, Tugby and East Norton; The Langtons and Shangton; and Welham, Glooston, Cranoe and Stonton Wyville.
The following evening, parishioners once again gathered for a joyful service of welcome and commissioning for the Revd Crystal in the role of Launde Deanery Minster Community Oversight Minister.
Having moved across the diocese from her Ordained Pioneer Minister position in the Framland Deanery, friends from Crystal’s curacy church in Hoby, including Jo Perry, together with Steve Millington, organised a band of six to ring the bells to celebrate the service at St Michael and All Angels Church in Hallaton.
Bishop Saju led the commissioning, with Crystal receiving the traditional symbols of Christian ministry from her ministry team colleagues, lay ministers, and members of the church communities with whom she will work in partnership. She was also given a camping chair as a sign of her ‘Oversight Ministry’ for the whole of the Launde Minster Community.
During the service, Bishop Saju spoke movingly on ‘Three Kings, three Kingdoms but one true King, Jesus’, whilst burning incense as a symbol of our prayers rising to God. He also interviewed Crystal so people could get to know her a bit more.
Reflecting on her new role, Revd Crystal said: “I long for a church where the next generation inherits not exhaustion but hope — a community rooted and grounded in prayer, learning to dwell, discern, and explore together.
“I am excited about moving forward, together with those in the Launde Minster Community, as we seek to form communities of hope, where we travel together in faith, waiting, stopping, and listening for the Spirit’s guidance.
“Jesus always said, 'Follow me'; he didn't ask, 'What can I do for you today?’ In that obedience, my heart has always been to connect those outside the church walls with those within, asking not only how to fix or reform and encourage the ‘new’, but how to live and sing the Lord’s song in this place.”
