Though the Intercultural Worshipping Communities project has officially come to an end, building Intercultural Communities remains a significant priority for the Diocese of Leicester. To support this, we have established an Intercultural Steering Group, appointed and commissioned Intercultural Champions in our churches, and launched an Intercultural Network open to anyone interested in this area of mission and ministry.
Around the diocese, services of confirmation during the last month have offered joyful opportunities for people to affirm their faith, share their stories, and take the next step in their journey with God.
Please pray for all those who have recently been baptised and confirmed in the diocese.
The children at All Saints Church of England Primary School in Coalville recently enjoyed a visit from Bishop Saju who stopped by to join their lunchtime club, ‘Shine Squad’, which meets weekly to learn about faith in a fun and interactive environment.
Four of our soon-to-be ordained Deacons were licensed as Lay Workers by Bishop Martyn on Wednesday 1 July during a morning service in the Chapel at Bishop’s Lodge.
From the young starting out on their journey of discipleship, to a reawakening of faith much later in life, the stories shared within our parishes as people come to confirmation are both joyful and inspiring.
The Revd Ali Simpson-Smith was licensed as Team Vicar in the Benefice of Oadby Great Glen during worship of welcome and commitment to shared ministry.
In an expression of the deepest commitment someone can give to God, Fay recently made her Life Vow for the Single Consecrated Life (SCL).
The licensing of Revd Steve Bailey as Assistant Archdeacon was held during Morning Prayer at Bishop’s Lodge. Steve’s commissioning took place in a service that included Jesus’ words to Martha (Luke 10.38-end) - a reminder, in a distracted and demanding age, that faithful ministry begins in attentiveness to Christ, and that leadership is rooted in presence, listening and prayer, not just busyness. Currently Team Rector in the Benefice of Oadby Great Glen, and remaining in post, Steve will be stepping down from his role as Area Dean of Gartree to carry out his Assistant Archdeacon duties.
Recent news in the diocese has brought some really encouraging stories to light, with a significant rise in baptisms and growing numbers of people coming to church, particularly from global majority heritage backgrounds. But this growth hasn’t happened overnight. It reflects years of intentional work through one of the diocese’s key priorities, Intercultural Communities and the Intercultural Worshipping Community Project.
