Deacon Carys Woodley
Ordination Service

The Sunday of the Conference week has to be one of the most important parts of conference in its entirety. It is on this Sunday and this Sunday alone when Ministers and Deacons are ordained into the Methodist Church in this country. This Sunday is the culmination of years of study by prospective Ministers and Deacons following that call by God to go out and minister to people. And when we think of ministering to people the Diaconal Order is there at the forefront working with people who need to feel Gods presence especially in difficult times.

Of course for us in this circuit it was an especially proud moment when Deacon Carys was ordained on Sunday 3rd July 2011 at Linacre Methodist Mission just outside of Bootle (near Liverpool). Members of the circuit travelled over to Bootle by bus on the Sunday to support Carys at this very special time in her calling. Along with Carys there were 7 other female Deacons to be ordained and one male Deacon who had come to this country from South Africa and was being received into full membership of the Diaconal Order

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Carys being presented with her bible by the retiring Vice President of Conference Mr. David Walton

The service was conducted by Revd Alison Tomlin who retires as President of Conference this year and the preacher was our own retiring Chair of District Revd Dr David Perry. The first two bible readings in the service were read in two languages each. The first which was from Isaiah was read first in the Welsh language and then in English. The second from 1st Corinthians was read in Portuguese by Revd Eduardo Conde who was the representative of the world church before being read in English. This reminds us that the Methodist church is a worldwide church and we are just a small part of the world church. The address by Revrd Dr David was aimed primarily at the ordinands and outlined just how much need there is for their calling in the towns and cities of this island. Much of what was said in the address though was just as relevant to all those who take Christ into their lives and offer that life to Christ. We too are called to minister to those around us.

Carys being presented with her badge by Sue Culver the Warden of the Diaconal

The service concluded with Holy Communion which was taken by all the 600 plus congregation. It was so moving to be present when Carys was ordained and how Carys looked so calm and confident throughout the service I will never know. Following all the picture taking we were treated to a typical Methodist buffet with tea before returning back to the circuit.

We all congratulate Cary on her ordination and we all pray that as the Revd Dr David said in his address she may feel that small breath of the Holy Spirit helping and guiding her in her work where ever it may take her in the future.

 

Deacon Carys Woodley and Rev. Enid Knowles after the service at Bootle

 

Taken from the Circuit Magazine (The Bridge)