I have been overwhelmed by the goodwill I experienced in the lead up to my being licensed as reader; I had rather imagined I might slip into position without anyone noticing until, at least, they realised it was a new face and voice looking down and talking from the pulpit. I was wrong, and, of course should have known that I would be. So many of you have said you were praying and thinking of me; if all who said they would have come to the licensing service itself, had they been able to, I might have been embarrassed at such an overpowering presence. I am very grateful for the almost tangible support of those who did make it – a very respectable but not excessive number. They will have to vouch for the fact that I was properly “done” (real doubters can see my certificate, when I have got it back; I managed to leave it behind. It was a good bunfight afterwards) I don’t want to name individuals but must mention two. Stephen has been a constant and practical inspiration and I am very grateful to him. It was Alan Goodison’s original suggestion that I train as Reader; knowing that he thought I could do it has boosted my confidence when it flagged.
Thank you all. Please continue to pray for me, and forgive me if I don’t quite live up to expectations! I shall be doing my best.