Yesterday myself and ten others were licensed as Readers in Chichester Cathedral. "What's a Reader?" you might be wondering. I was given a card from some friends and one of them jokingly wrote: "Does this mean you've learnt to read at last?" What it actually means is that I am a member of the Anglican church who is not ordained as a Bishop, Priest or Deacon, who has felt called by God and been recommended by the church for training to lead worship, preach and teach within my local Parish. I joined with others from across the chichester Diocese for three years training, some of it studying together and at home and some based in local chuch contexts. It has been a great time of learning and preparation for our future ministries.
Yesterday was a really exciting day for all of us. Being licesnsed in the Cathedral was special because it becomes another event alongside all the many other new beginnings and occasions which have happened there. It is a magnificant building and centuries worth of prayer and worship have taken place within it's walls. We had all been there before during our residential weekends and many of us feel a special connection with the Cathedral.
The night before licensing felt a little like the night before my wedding - you know that the next day is going to be a "landmark" day within your life, to be marked by both solemnity and celebration; a day which signifies a new start.
My train journey from Crawley to Chichester was a chance for final thoughts, prayers and reflection before the licensing. And also for moments of panic as I needed to make a phone call and had to top up my credit but couldn't get a signal whilst on the train!
On arrival at the Cathedral we were directed to the Vicar's Hall where we were served welcome tea, coffee and biscuits before being asked to put our robes and blue Reader scarves on for photographs. It takes a while to get used to the robes and even the scarf feels heavy when you first put it on, but you soon start to "inhabit" them and after a while they start to feel comfortable and certainly in my case I did feel very much as if I belonged in them, or perhaps I should say they belong on me! The sun shone brightly down and we all struggled to not close our eyes for the photos.
Next we had a rehearsal in the Cathedral, where we found our seats and skimmed through the Order of Service. Then it was lunch time. Most of us were too excited and a little nervous to eat a lot, but the soup, rolls and chocolate brownies were delicious and would keep me going for the afternoon. We enjoyed catching up with each other and various others who were supporting us over the meal.
After lunch we put our robes back on and were led to the Bishops Chapel were we had to read out our Declarations of Assent, the Church's documents which have to be read and signed before we are licensed. They are to ensure that we will use only certains forms of service and stick to correct practices and proceedures as laid down by the church. They refer to historic formularies and I believe as much as anything they will ensure we won't for example start preaching that the world is going to end by Christmas or other wacky or obscure messages! That done, there were a few moments for quiet prayer and reflection before going into the Cathedral and getting ready for the proccession in which the Bishop, The Wardens for Readers, and various other Priests, Deacons and Readers all take part. Again, there was a similar feeling as at a wedding - the organ began playing and we all began singing the first hymn as we processed through the Cathedral, which was packed with people there to support us - families, friends and people from all our churches. It was overwhelming to see so many people there celebrating with us and we soon spotted people we knew, smiling and waving until we eventually arrived at the front of the Cathedral and took our seats for the licensing. The service itself was a moving occasion, with appropriate hymns, prayers and readings. There were serious moments as we answered the questions put to us by the Bishop during our Admission and Licensing and moments of joy and praise as we sung hyms and joined in prayer with hundreds of others present. We also shared in Eucharist (Holy Communion), the sharing of bread and wine in rememberance of Christ's death and resurrection. I enjoy watching people go up to receive communion - people of all ages, from all walks of life. Members of my own family, a special friend carefully carrying her baby grandaughter and friends from church among them. Babies and children are blessed, wine drank and bread eaten. More hymns were sung during the Eucharist, including one about God's calling for people to go out and share his love and serve those in need. The refrain: Here I am Lord. Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go Lord. If you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.
After final prayers, blessing and dismissal we processed out of the cathedral, singing the final hymn as we left. Outside we continued to sing, then gathered with Bishop Mark for another photograph (Note to self: Smile with mouth shut for photos in future!) After more informal photos with friends and families some of us continued our celebrations over drinks across the road before heading home after a truly amazing day.
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