• 22 September 2020

Called to Reader ministry – Marion Wilcox

Bishop David commissioned three new Diocesan Readers at a service in Holywood Parish on Monday 22 September. 

Warmest congratulations to Marion Wilcox from Drumbeg Parish 

I see it as a privilege to become a Diocesan Lay Reader. Let me share a little about my faith journey to date. It was through the work of Scripture Union, that I came to know Jesus in April 1973 at the age of 13. I have helped with SU, Child Evangelism, Bible Club camps, Evangelism Explosion, Girl Crusaders and Alpha, enjoying opportunities to share the Gospel and to grow in my faith. 

A friend invited me to St Patrick’s Drumbeg and that was it! Revd Willie was a good teacher and pastor with a massive heart for people and mission. After a teaching career and many years in Education, I found an early ‘escape tunnel’ out of CCEA. At that time being 56 years of age, on my ‘Linked–In’ page I put “looking for a new challenge”.

In St Patrick’s, I do some pastoral visiting and was given the opportunity to regularly speak/preach. I enjoy the preparation and study of the Scriptures. During the Reader application process, I had doubts, but so many times ‘things’, or ‘circumstances’ eg my early retirement fell into place and I had a peace that this was the challenge that the Lord was leading me into. During the two year study at CITI and the Down and Dromore preaching course, I made good friends and the experience has blessed and encouraged me.

I have a desire to share my faith with others and to encourage Christians to put down deep roots in Jesus and not to miss out on all that God has for us – lives enriched and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Presently, I am enjoying a placement in St Andrew’s, Ballyhalbert. As a Diocesan Lay Reader I look forward to service in my own church and in the Down and Dromore Diocese. 

Watch the service on Facebook here.

Applications are open for the new Diocesan Reader Training Course. Find out more here.