My ordination story: Deacon Vicky Welsh
09 July 2024
Vicky Welsh, a newly ordained Deacon from the Central Sussex United Area of The Methodist Church and The United Reformed Church, shares her ordination story.
It was overwhelming to hear the congregation shout ‘They are worthy!’ at the Ordination Service, especially as many of those people had known me since childhood.
"My roots are as a lay worker, and I will not forget those roots. I do not see ordination as a ‘step-up’, as all ministry is co-dependent, but as a stream of ministry which I now sense I cannot live my particular discipleship without. A life-long-emphasis on service and ‘prayer without ceasing’*, gives me the focus I need to listen to God in all situations. I give thanks to God for their blessings, and to the people who continually prompted ‘Just be yourself!"
It was overwhelming to hear the congregation shout ‘They are worthy!’ at the Ordination Service, especially as many of those people had known me since childhood.
Equally overwhelming, was the quiet placing of the Order’s cross over my head as a symbol of full membership of the Methodist Diaconal Order, whilst being welcomed into Full Connexion. Both these acceptances will, I know, bring life-long blessings and accountability.
*Prayer without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 16-18) is part of the MDO Rule of Life