New LPAs in the benefice

Congratulations to Toni and John who have completed their Lay Pastoral Assistant training and were commissioned, along with  LPAs from other benefices, at Pimperne church yesterday evening. They were supported by family and friends from the benefice.

'A Lay Pastoral Assistant is trained and authorised to engage in pastoral ministry on behalf of the local church, working as part of a team of clergy and laity. Each individual's ministry will vary according to their gifts and skills and according to the local situation. Some will be involved in visiting the sick or housebound, in hospital or at home, others will exercise their ministry through supporting the bereaved or through visiting baptism families. In all cases, however, the ministry of an LPA calls for a loving and compassionate heart and a willingness to listen to and support those in need. This is a weighty task which those who are called to this ministry can only fulfil by the grace and mercy of God and with the prayers and support of all God's faithful people.'

From the LPA Commissioning Service