Called to Diocesan Reader ministry - Margaret Holland
Margaret Holland is one of eight Diocesan Readers commissioned by Bishop David on Thursday 27 March in St Columbanus, Ballyholme. A parishioner of Donaghcloney, Margaret shares her account of being called, trained, and sent into this new area of service.
My faith journey began when I was baptised as an infant in Immanuel Parish Church in North Belfast, and it was here that I first attended Sunday School and Church. As I reflect on my past, I realise that I have had a very privileged upbringing because I grew up when going to Church, Sunday School, Holiday Bible Clubs, Scripture Union, and Christian-led uniformed organisations was the norm. Donaghacloney Parish has been my spiritual home for the past thirty years.
I came to faith in Jesus in my youth and over the years I have served in various roles including Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Visiting, Prayer Ministry, House Group Leader, Select Vestry, and Synod. I have always been passionate about mission, particularly the persecuted church and have had the added privilege of being part of several teams, visiting various countries across the Arab speaking world.
In the year following retirement I was searching for more in my relationship with God and at one event I went for prayer and explained that while my working life was over, I did not want my spiritual life to be over. Following prayer, I was asked to prayerfully consider the role of Lay Reader. I was completely baffled as this was not something I had ever thought about. Two weeks later I was approached again and asked the same question. Following prayer and discussion with my rector I applied, leaving the outcome in God’s hands.
Returning to study has had its challenges, but it has been a privilege to meet and study with people from across Ireland at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute. The support and encouragement from my peers on the course, my church family and my rector has surpassed my expectations, enabling me to actually complete this course.
Central to every aspect of the course and everything we do in our Christian life is God’s Word. This is where we personally encounter the living God and how we stay scripturally refreshed. As it says in Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double- edged sword, it penetrates even soul and spirit, joints and marrow: it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
I am indebted to so many people including the lecturers at CITI but a special thank you to Revd Willie Nixon for his passionate teaching and Brandy continually choregraphing everything in the background.
I am looking forward to serving in my new role, assisting in the ministry of our church through preaching, teaching, leading and pastorally serving, proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Congratulations to Margaret and everyone who completed the course!
Paddy Marshall (Willowfield)
Thomas Proctor (Ballywalter)
Joy Ruddell (Moira)
Michelle Savage (Ballyholme)
James Simpson (Bangor Primacy)
Joshua Thornbury (Seagoe)
Mark Wells (Ballyholme)
Find more about becoming a Diocesan Reader in our Training section HERE.
