Last Saturday, around 100 people met for the annual conference of Authorised Lay Ministers (ALMs). ALMs are key lay leaders in local churches specialising in various areas of ministry.
The programme for the day was inspired by a quote from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry which says:
“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work. But rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”
The day reflected this quote by giving time and space to connect with God through experiencing different styles of worship. These included Taizé worship and a Eucharistic service within the Anglo-Catholic tradition.
ALMs also spent time in deanery groups to discuss the opportunities for local support and fellowship together. We thank the Area Deans, Lay Chairs, Deanery Transformation Support Officers and Man Dio Growing Faith Workers who attended this session's conference.
The feedback from those attending was so positive, here are just a few of the comments on what the ALMS will take away from the day:
"Fabulous day from start to finish. Trying different worship styles was fantastic and having the opportunity to meet ALMs on my doorstep who I might not of otherwise have met. The main thing that will stay with me is the quote ‘If you want to build a ship don’t drum up people to collect wood or don’t assign them tasks or work. But rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea’ - I will never forget these words - so powerful."
"How wonderful it is to get together and worship together. Our deanery group suggested that we need to meet up more than once year hope we can."
"Trust in God, I was spirituality refreshed 
"
"A sense of Community and fantastic worship. It was great!"
New ALMs complete their training in July and the conference provides a good opportunity to meet with others ahead of their authorisation service in September. Would you like to become an Authorised Lay Minister, more information is available here.