There are over 100 Readers within the Diocese of Sheffield, the vast majority of whom are in active service in almost every Mission Area.
The Reader Support Team
Reader ministry in the Diocese is supervised by the Director of Mission and Ministry (Toby Hole), the three Assistant Wardens of Readers (Peter Rainford, Beryl Adamson and Giles Morrison) and the Executive Committee of the Readers’ Association.
The executive committee meets four times a year and oversees the work of Readers in the Diocese, arranges OMD and pastoral care and advises the Bishop on matters relating to Readers.
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The Readers Association AGM takes place in the first week of June every year. At the AGM five-year licences and Permissions to Officiate (PTOs) are renewed and long-service certificates are handed out.
Readers Association
The committee:
- Organises the work of Readers in the Diocese
- Promotes continuing ministerial development
- Ensures on-going pastoral care for Readers
- Offers the Bishop and the Board of Ministry and Mission advice on any matters relating to Readers
- Assists in the training and induction of new Readers and Readers in training
- Meets four times a year
The AGM of the Association normally takes place in June.
The members of the Committee are:
- Chair: Tina Powell-Wiffen
- Secretary: Ro Willoughby
- Treasurer: Jeremy Johnson
- Assistant Wardens: Beryl Adamson, Giles Morrison and Peter Rainford
- Jonathan Foster
- Steve Ellis
- Patrick White
- Chris Hall
- Derek Barraclough
Support from your Oversight Minister
When you become a reader you should complete a ministry agreement with your Oversight Minister. This should specify, amongst other things, how often you should meet together for supervision. This may depend on how much ministry you undertake in the church. For Readers who are preaching regularly and undertaking other forms of ministry in the church and community, a good rule of thumb might be to meet with your Oversight Minister every four to eight weeks. Ministry Agreement Form
Assistant Wardens
The role of Assistant Warden of Readers is shared between Peter Rainford (Rotherham), Beryl Adamson (Doncaster) and Giles Morrison (Sheffield). The three assistant wardens meet with the Director of Mission and Ministry regularly to discuss matters such as pastoral care, administration and training. The assistant wardens are responsible for arranging the AGM and the three-yearly reviews. They are also a point of contact for concerns by Readers and will do all they can to give helpful advice and a listening ear.