First Focal Ministers Commissioned In Special Service

Welcoming those who answered the call

We joyfully celebrated the commissioning of the very first Focal Ministers in the Diocese of Lincoln with a heartwarming ceremony held at Edward King House in Lincoln on Saturday 18 January.

It marks a significant milestone for fresh thinking around ministry in our Diocese, as we welcomed dedicated individuals who have answered the call to serve and support their church communities in light of ‘Time To Change Together’.

A special ceremony

The ceremony was presided over by Bishop Stephen, who spoke about the importance of Focal Ministry in fostering spiritual growth and bringing the community together. He said the service was particularly momentuous because these candidates would be pioneers in this new form of ministry in the Diocese.

The new Focal Minsters were blessed and commissioned to their roles, which means they are ready to embark on their journey of service.

“Bless our sisters and brothers, who have responded to the needs of our parishes, and wish to offer their gifts and themselves as Focal Ministers…”

Attendees included the Suffragan Bishops of Grimsby and Grantham as well as Oversight Ministers where the Focal Ministers will be commissioned. They enjoyed a time of prayer, a spot of feasting, uplifting hymns, and a great sense of unity.

Hugh Jones, Warden of the College of St Hugh, read the prayers during the service and announced each candidates name along with where they would be commissioned. A full list of names and locations can be found at the end of this story.

Congratulations!

Our congratulations go to the newly commissioned Focal Ministers. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a memorable and meaningful occasion.

May their ministry be blessed with wisdom and guided by compassion, bringing light and hope to all they serve.

Learn more about Focal Ministry

This booklet briefly outlines what a Focal Minister is, the signs of a Focal Minister, the journey of becoming a Focal Minister, and more.

List of newly commissioned Focal Ministers

Ministry Candidate: Penny Birks
Oversight Minister: Reverend Paul Wilson (Incumbent & Rural Dean)
To Serve at: St Andrew’s, Epworth (Epworth Group)

Ministry Candidate: Jane Chard
Oversight Minister: Reverend Lorna Brabin-Smith (Rural Dean)
To Serve at: St Thomas, Heighington (Washingborough) – Chapel of Ease

Ministry Candidate: Julia Clark
Oversight Minister: Reverend Jenny Camm (Incumbent)
To Serve at: St Hugh’s, Old Brumby

Ministry Candidate: Dawn Enser
Oversight Minister: Reverend Lee Gabel (Incumbent)
To Serve at: All Saints, Elsham

Focal Ministry Candidate: David Thomas Hedges (Tom)
Oversight Minister: Reverend Canon Chris Lilley (Rural Dean and Partnership Dean)
To Serve at: St Mary, Hogsthorpe

Ministry Candidate: Christine Job
Oversight Minister: Reverend Julie Donne (Rural Dean)
To Serve at: St Nicholas, Great Coates

Focal Ministry Candidate: Fiona Lightfoot
Oversight Minister: Reverend Christopher Harrington (Incumbent)
To Serve at: St Andrew’s, Helpringham

Ministry Candidate: Josie Moreton
Oversight Minister: Reverend Jacqueline Bell (Incumbent)
To Serve at: St John the Evangelist, Bracebridge Heath

Ministry Candidate: David Smith
Oversight Minister: Reverend Paul Carey-Slater (Incumbent)
To Serve at: St Mary Magdalene, Gedney (Mid-Elloe Group)

Ministry Candidate: Lynne Smith
Oversight Minister: Reverend Kath Pickering (Incumbent)
To Serve at: Old Clee and Christ Church (Clee Benefice)

Ministry Candidate: Sandra Smith
Oversight Minister: Reverend Liz Brown (Incumbent & Rural Dean)
To Serve at:  All Saints, Goxhill

Ministry Candidate: Tina Tabrah
Oversight Minister: Reverend Paul Wilson (Incumbent & Rural Dean)
To Serve at: All Saints, Belton (Epworth Group)

Ministry Candidate: Paul Arnold
Oversight Minister: Reverend Alistair Ward (Incumbent)
To Serve at: St John, Holbeach Fen (Elloe Stone Parishes)

Focal Ministry Candidate: Andrew Jonathan Deller
Oversight Minister: Reverend Lorna Brabin-Smith (Rural Dean and Partnership Dean)
To Serve at: Withamside Parishes

Ministry Candidate: Martin Joy
Oversight Minister: Reverend Peter Collins (Incumbent)
To Serve at: St Hugh’s, Hykeham (Hykeham Benefice)

Ministry Candidate:  John Mainwaring
Oversight Minister: Reverend Paul Wilson (Incumbent & Rural Dean)
To Serve at: St Mary’s, West Butterwick (Epworth Group)

Ministry Candidate: Allison Thomas
Oversight Minister: Reverend Lee Gabel (Incumbent)
To Serve at: St Barnabas, Barnetby (Brocklesby Park, Croxton & North Wolds

Ministry Candidate: Douglas Drakard
Oversight Minister: Reverend David Sweeting
To Serve at: St Laurence, Surfleet (Glen Group)

Ministry Candidate:Mike Eyre
Oversight Minister: Reverend Canon Sudharshan Savarnanthan (Incumbent)
To Serve at: St Mary’s, Frampton

Ministry Candidate:  Julia Hepburn
Oversight Minister: Canon Dr Hugh Jones (Incumbent)
To Serve at:  St Mary Magdalen, Lincoln

Ministry Candidate: Kevin Wheeler
Oversight Minister: Reverend Paul Carey-Slater (Incumbent)
To Serve at: St Matthew, Sutton Bridge (Mid-Elloe Group)

Ministry Candidate: John Whitbread
Oversight Minister: Reverend Christine Goldsmith (Incumbent)
To Serve at: St Bartholomew’s, Keelby (Wolds Gateway)

Ministry Candidate: Martyn Whitehouse
Oversight Minister: Reverend Jenny Camm
To Serve at: St George, Crosby

Ministry Candidate: Sally Wilson
Oversight Minister: Reverend David Sweeting on behalf of Canon Carolyn Bailey (Rural Dean)
To Serve at: St John, Weston Hills (Cowbit)

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