St Mary the Virgin, Old Town, Eastbourne (Chichester Diocese)
I felt called to serve as a Distinctive Deacon in the local community in which I was born and grew up, enabling me offer local knowledge of the demographics and needs.
Every day is different and I love the variety – every day is a school day, whether it be visiting the sick with communion, partaking in our Stitchers craft group, offering a listening ear at our Thursday coffee morning or leading a parish ramble in our beautiful countryside. Being a dog lover, I enjoy planning and leading an annual service of blessing of pets. Other services I plan and execute include those in Care Homes or our local hospital.
Although emotionally draining I find taking funerals and officiating at interments a great privilege and opportunity to express the love of God for not only the deceased but the bereaved.
The Sunday morning Eucharist finds me at the door of the church meeting and greeting, and after, enjoying coffee and chat, introducing newcomers to each other or expounding our community resources.
Above all, my liturgical role within the Eucharist remains my prime raison d’etre as I proclaim the gospel at the root of our faith, alongside the presiding priest.
All this adds up to be my way of heralding the Kingdom of God whilst supporting the Vicar in encouraging every parishioner and faith seeker by creating ‘space’ for them to reach their own potential in Christ.