More than 70 people gathered for the second diocesan volunteers’ celebration in Salisbury, held at the Bishop’s house.
44 volunteers had been nominated by their PCCs and others for awards. Many were nominated for long service in posts including churchwarden and organist, others for supporting the life of the church and its community in many different ways, without holding formal roles.
Bishop Stephen signed the certificates received from parishes and told all those present: “I was genuinely moved – they are absolutely fantastic. When I look round at what you do and have done and some of you for many. many years, sacrificially ... we might be in a period of great change but the dedication you offer because of your faith means that the Church is alive and well.
“The diocese is all of us – all of us together in Dorset and Wiltshire and the Channel Islands. Thank you for being fantastic volunteers. You do that because of our faith in Jesus Christ, and that is what Makes Jesus Known, your volunteering.”
Among those nominated was Clair Eaton from Branksome, Poole who was 12 when she first met Bishop Stephen, who was priest in her parish for nine years. She now runs the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers groups, supports the work of the Friends, rings the bells and sings – or as she said “whatever needs doing really!”
The volunteer celebration events are being hosted by each of the three Bishops and the final event will be hosted by Bishop Karen in Lyme Regis later this month.
The Diocese of Salisbury hopes to run regular celebrations for volunteers going forward.
Bishop Stephen ended by telling those who had been nominated for their service: “In the life of our nation and the life of our world you are needed more than ever before. In a world that seems not to love itself, and in leaders which seem not to love the world, you are the kind of leaders that we need. Thank you for being a blessing.”
Watch our highlights reel below. More photos are available on our Facebook page.