AN EVESHAM husband and wife who were ordained together have reflected on their journey at a ‘later stage in life’.
Reverend Andy Green and Reverend Caroline Green entered the priesthood together at Worcester Cathedral during a service last month.
Both serve in the benefice of Evesham with Norton and Lenchwick, with Andy also involved serving at community hospitals in both Evesham and Pershore.
They were among nine candidates who have completed their first year and who are now able to preside at Holy Communion.
Caroline said the past year had been ‘illuminating’ and found through declaring her faith by service there were more opportunities to help support people.
“After writing sermons which include an occasional personal reference, people will also approach me after the service to share their own experiences,” she said.
“Retaining faith and worship in rural communities is very important to me, and although in an ideal world people would all travel to gather together, in truth they value their village communities and enjoy worship there.
“In our setting we have All Saints Evesham where we can experience a larger gathering and larger social events put on by the church, but we can also continue with our local rural services like rogation.
Andy added: “I feel excited and energised, especially having the opportunity to serve the local community who have given me so much support and encouragement in my learning and preparation.
“There will continue to be a lifetime of learning ahead and I pray that my ministry will continue to flourish and grow.
“This has all happened late in life for me, but I hope that my life experiences will be something that I can draw upon as I continue this priestly journey.”
Jayne Parker, who will be serving in the benefice of Pershore with Pinvin, Wick and Birlingham, was ordained as Deacon, entering her first year of training as a curate
“Every journey starts with a single step, but sometimes it can be hard to pin-point precisely which step directed to you to this path and which path has brought you to this particular place; much less to where the path may take you,” she said.
The ordination services were led by the Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge and the Bishop of Dudley, Martin Gorick.
