Over 100 Authorised Lay Ministers (ALM) and special guests gathered last Saturday for the annual ALM Summer Conference.
The day began with pastries and strawberries before launching in to a fantastic time of live worship led by a guest band. ALMs then split in to deanery groups to spend some quality time with their Area Deans, Lay Chairs and Man Dio Growing Faith Deanery Enablers to learn more about each other’s roles and the support available to encourage and equip one another.
In the afternoon there was a choice of workshops which saw the building come alive with the vibrant sounds of African drumming and gospel singing, with everyone working up an appetite for their well-earned reward of lunch… including cake!
In a tangible contrast to the previous sessions, the day ended with a silent eucharist led by Revd Helen Scanlan, Area Dean of Manchester North and East. This was a powerful and moving experience to share together and an apt way to bring a close to another wonderful day of celebration, fellowship and fun.
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