Elinor Noble - Lay Reader at St Mary the Virgin, Beighton
How long have you been at St Mary's?
I have been a Lay Reader at St Mary the Virgin since I was licensed in 2000. I have been attending St Mary's since 1998 when I moved to Beighton.
What is a Lay Reader and how did you become one?
As a Lay Reader, I am licensed by the Bishop of Sheffield to preach, lead services, and assist the church in mission and ministry. In order to become a Lay Reader, I undertook three years of training which included learning about pastoral skills, gaining biblical and church history knowledge, plus practical preaching skills and experiences. I continue to undertake ongoing learning and development.
Being 'Lay' means that I am not ordained/of the clergy, so unlike our Priest-in-Charge, Daniel, I cannot lead marriage, baptisms or Holy Communion services. As a Lay Reader I am licensed to lead funerals, but this is currently not part of my ministry.
What is your role/what do you do at St Mary's?
I currently co-lead our Rejoice@10 service, twice monthly, which includes prayers, a talk and a mix of contempory and traditional hymns. I enjoy being involved in school visits with our local schools, plus I take a lead on our church communications including our Facebook page and the website. I facilitate Bible and Breakfast which happens 3rd Saturday of each month, and is open to all who are interested in exploring the Bible.
Why did you want to be a Lay Reader?
I've been going to church all my life, and have always enjoyed being part of a multi-generational family community. I felt called (in my 20's) to be a Lay Reader, to have the privilege of sharing and communicating with others about my faith as a Christian with people of all ages, both in the church and the wider community.
Tell us a little bit more about yourself...
I work full time at the University of Sheffield, as a Project Administrator. I am married to Richard, who also attends St Mary's, and we have 2 grown up children. I enjoy films (particularly musicals, and a bit of sci-fi!) and reading novels to relax.
What steps would someone take if they were interested in Licensed Lay Ministries?
You would need to talk to us at St Mary's first, as we would support you through the training course called Foundations which the Diocese of Sheffield provide. Foundations Course in the Diocese of Sheffield.- please contact us at beightonchurch@hotmail.com.
For more general information about the different kinds of Lay Ministries in the Church of England: Licensed and Authorised Lay Ministries