The licensing of a new Chaplain is an exciting occasion. It is usually the fulfilment of many months of vision building, discernment and planning worked out between the chaplaincy and the diocese. The picture below shows The Reverend Dr. John Tomlinson symbolically receiving a key to the church building as part of his installation as Chaplain of Christ Church Lausanne on Saturday April 20th:

At this time of the year, many lay people are also being elected or sworn in to new responsibilities. Our Annual Meetings are choosing churchwardens and Council members, and at the first meeting of a new Council a Council Secretary and Treasurer are chosen. Finding good and appropriate people to be church officers is a crucial part of the life of a Chaplaincy. These voluntary roles are becoming increasingly demanding as levels of regulation increase. I am immensely grateful to those who give of their time and expertise in fulfilling these responsibilities. 

The first meeting of a new Chaplaincy Council is a good time to think about equipping and training its members. Councils uniquely combine involvement and care for members, doing things reasonably professionally, and giving glory to God. Not everyone will have been on a body like this before, and not everyone will understand the particularly Anglican relationship between a Chaplain and his/her Council. Do encourage people to read: A very brief guide to a well-run Chaplaincy Council. More help can be found in ‘PCC Tonight’ by James Lawrence. And if you need help or get into any difficulty don’t hesitate to be in touch with your friendly local Area Dean or Archdeacon. 

Heavenly Father, 

We pray for your blessing on our clergy and chaplaincy councils over this coming year. 

Guide their discussions and help them make wise decisions. 

Strengthen and inspire those who lead, whether lay or ordained. 

And may your love be evident in all our working together. 

In Jesus name. 

Amen.