Over three Sundays in May the District held four Testimony Services for our five Probationers who have been recommended to be received into full connexion and ordained at Methodist Conference on Sunday 29th June 2025.
Sunday 4th May we were at Marple Methodist Church in the United Stockport Circuit for the Testimony Service for Deacon Judith Laycock and Revd Sincere Makunde. The guest preacher was Revd Dr Barbara Glasson, Past President of the Conference and Tutor at The Queen’s Foundation, and the service was supported by a wonderful choir from the Zimbabwean fellowship.
Deacon Judith Laycock with her parents Revd Keith and Eleanor Richardson, and Revd Sincere Makunde with the Zimbabwean choir
On Sunday 11th May, there was a Testimony Service at Ulverston Methodist Church, for Revd Hayley Edmondson, from the South Lakes Circuit and the South West Cumbria United Area Circuit, at which Revd Dr Nicola Price-Tebbutt, District Probationers’ Secretary, preached.
Revd Hayley Edmondson and those who took part in her Testimony Service
Also on 11th May, in the afternoon, a Testimony Service was held at Hope Farm Methodist Church, in the Wirral Circuit, for Revd Ruth Dowson. Revd Noel Sharp, Circuit Superintendent, was the preacher.
Revd Ruth Dowson with others who took part in the Testimony Service
And on Sunday 18th May, the Testimony Service for Revd Sarah Hooks was held at Harwood Methodist Church in the Bolton Circuit. Revd Leslie Newton, Chair of the Yorkshire North and East District preached.
Revd Sarah Hooks and some of those who took part in Sarah’s Testimony Service
We wish to thank all who hosted and participated in these wonderful services of celebration, and for the refreshments provided at each. The services were all supported by friends and family, as well as by local members and those drawn more widely from across their Circuits and the District.
We offer thanks, also, to all who contributed to the offerings for the Connexional Ministerial Training Fund held at each service. The total raised across the four services was £1,514.70. Thank you!
We pray, now, for Judith, Sincere, Hayley, Ruth and Sarah as they go forward at the end of the month, as recommended, to be received into full connexion at the Conference this year in Telford, and ordained in various surrounding churches.
To God be the glory!
Revd Phil Gough, District Secretary for Ministry and Vocations