New Diocesan Lay Reader commissioned at All Saints’ Clooney

Parishioners and friends of All Saints’ Clooney gathered in church on Sunday 15th November 2024 to see one of their own members, Bobby Keys, commissioned as a Diocesan Lay Reader by Rt Rev Andrew Forster, at a service led by the parish’s recently ordained Curate, Rev Mel Niblock.

Bobby has been a lifelong member of All Saints’ Church where he already fulfils many roles. He sits on the Select Vestry, leads the Monday Morning Bible Study, oversees the Confirmation Class and also sings with the choir.

Bobby’s wife, Tanya, looked on proudly as her husband was commissioned by Bishop Andrew.

In his sermon, the Bishop suggested that many of those present might have been wondering what a Diocesan Lay Reader was. “A Lay Reader’s somebody who has authority within the diocese to lead services and to preach God’s word,” Bishop Andrew said, “and those of us who know Bobby well will know how well-fitted he is as someone to lead services and to preach the word of God.”

Bishop Andrew said a number of people in church this morning had been blessed by the Bible studies that Bobby had led, blessed by his spiritual wisdom and by his biblical knowledge. “We know, Bobby, that what happens next – as this ministry opens out for you – is that more and more people will be blessed by your wisdom, by your kindness, by your spiritual perception and by your wisdom in passing on the word of God. So, thank you for responding to the call of God to this important role.

“And thank you – the family of God in All Saints’ Clooney – for nurturing Bobby to that role, for helping him see this role as something that God has called him to. This is a good day, and a really important day for Bobby, for this parish and for the whole diocese.”

The Old Testament and Gospel readings at today’s service were delivered by Parish Reader George Keys and music was provided by the All Saints choir.

After the service, many members of the congregation enjoyed lunch a short distance away from the church, in the All Saints’ Centre, where a celebratory cake was cut to mark the occasion.