Sara Commissioned as a Lay Pastoral Assistant

A hugely important day for Sara today.  I woke this morning feeling much better than yesterday after a relatively good night's sleep.  There still appeared to be a lot of last minute things to do today for tonight's service and several phone calls were made sorting out things like the candles, food, hymns, readings etc.  I am delighted to say that in all came good in the end with a marvellous service at St. Mary's Church, West Dean tonight.  The church was absolutely packed and it was delightful to see all the residents from Morning Star present as well as so many other LPAs from the Team.  It was a superb service led by Alan the Archdeacon with the Rural Dean preaching. I was immensely proud of Sara as she received her Certificate of Commission from the Archdeacon - the first official certificate from the church since her Communion.  I know she will discharge her new ministry with great dedication and sense of vocation.  The hymn, "I Lord of Sea and Sky" was absolutely lovely - a very fine hymn used at most ordination and licensing services.  After the service there were refreshments at the back of the church.  The Archdeacon pledged a donation to Sara's Calendar - a great acknowledgement of the church's approval of this worthy cause.  Sara, Sophie and Alan read the scriptures beautifully and led the intercessions well too, lighting candles as each one was concluded.  One of the loveliest services I have ever attended.  Back home we cracked open a bottle of champagne to celebrate the beginning of her new ministry.