A new Church Army Evangelist serving ministries in the diocese has been commissioned at a service recently.
Anjela Jones, from St John’s Dewsbury Moor, was commissioned as a Church Army Evangelist during the Church Army's Admission and Commissioning Service at Sheffield Cathedral on Saturday, July 11.
Anjela, who is employed by her parish as the leader of Destination 211, was among candidates admitted and commissioned during a uplifting and inspiring service.
Destination 211 is a pioneering bus ministry serving council estates in Dewsbury, Huddersfield and Seacroft, Leeds.
Through her work as a children’s and families worker Anjela and her team build relationships with local families through arts and crafts activities, games, community engagement and sharing the Christian faith.
Representing the Diocese of Leeds at the service was the Revd Canon Sean Robertshaw, Director of Vocations, who joined family, friends and supporters in celebrating Angela’s commissioning.
Revd Sean said: "It was a real joy to attend this year's Admission and Commissioning Service at Sheffield Cathedral and to support Anjela as she begins this next stage of her ministry.
“The cathedral was filled with encouragement, prayer and thanksgiving, and it was wonderful to see such strong support for all those being commissioned."
The leader and preacher was the Rt Revd Saju Muthalaly, Bishop of Loughborough, who offered a reflection on Christian discipleship and evangelism based John’s account of Jesus calling his first disciples.
Bishop Saju reminded candidates to think deeply about their identity, encouraging them to ask the question: "Who are you?"
He reminded candidates that God's call is ultimately an invitation to become more like Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in Jesus' footsteps and participate in God's mission in the world.
As Anjela begins this new chapter of ministry, the Diocese of Leeds gives thanks for her vocation and the transformative work of Destination 211 among children, young people and families across West Yorkshire.
Please continue to pray for Anjela as she grows in her ministry as a Church Army Evangelist, sharing the love of Christ and helping others encounter Jesus in their communities.
Anjela's journey is one example of the many ways in which God calls people to serve.
Whether through lay ministry, evangelism, chaplaincy, licensed ministry, ordained ministry or pioneering new forms of mission, the Diocese of Leeds is committed to helping people discern where God may be leading them.
If you are wondering whether God might be calling you to a particular ministry, or would simply value a conversation about vocation and discipleship, we would be delighted to hear from you.
To explore your calling, please contact the Diocese of Leeds Vocations Team, who can offer guidance, prayer and support as you discern the next step in your journey of faith.
You can find more about them here.