THREE people from across Berkshire have been confirmed as deacons in the Church of England at a special ceremony held in Oxford last month.
Following their ordination, the trio will go on to minister in Anglican churches in the Diocese of Oxford.
The service was led by the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, and saw a total of 20 people ordained 20 people to the diaconate at Christ Church in Oxford, and follows up to three years of training.
Family and friends of the ordination candidates gathered at the Cathedral in their numbers to celebrate the occasion.
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The new deacons heard sermons from the Archdeacon of Dorchester, the Venerable David Tyler and the Associate Archdeacon of Berkshire, the Revd Canon Liz Jackson.
The Ven Tyler said to them in his sermon: “We are so grateful that you have been faithful to God, that you have responded to his call. As you begin your ordained ministry, as you are ordained deacons, serve publicly where you need to, and serve privately whenever you have the opportunity. And at all times, serve faithfully.”
Dr Croft said: “It is a joy to welcome this group of dedicated and gifted people who have followed God’s call to ordained ministry. We are blessed to have each of them serving in the Diocese of Oxford. I pray for God’s guidance as they begin their ministry and share the good news and love of Christ to communities across the Thames Valley.”
The three from Berkshire are Rachel Jeremiah, Adam Wingrove, and Amy Sykes.
Ms Jeremiah said her call to ordained ministry and interest in theology began in earnest while conducting musicological research into Russian Orthodox chant.
She is married to Mike, has three children and a cat, Dorothy. Her curacy will be served at Pangbourne with Tidmarsh and Sulham.
Mr Wingrove says he became a Christian as a teenager and felt called into the priesthood.
He moved to Bristol with his wife Emma and their two children to study at Trinity College. Away from the Church, he enjoys gaming, baking, and gardening.
He will serve his curacy at All Saints Church, Dedworth.
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Ms Sykes is a keen golfer has been working with children and young people, particularly as a social worker and foster carer.
She says her ordination is a surprise development She will now serve her curacy at St Michael’s Church in Tilehurst.
