In a move that is set to bring new energy and vision to the Diocese of Norwich, Helen Grogutt has been appointed as the Bishop’s Adviser for Licensed Lay Ministry. This new role is a significant one, as Helen will be responsible for supporting, guiding, and encouraging Licensed Lay Ministers across the diocese. As a Licensed Lay Minister herself, Helen is no stranger to the demands and rewards of this vital ministry. She has been serving in this role in the parishes of St Giles, St George Tombland, and St George Colegate in Norwich, as well as being a chaplain at Norwich Cathedral. With her wealth of experience and passion for ministry, Bishop Graham is grateful to have her on board, and is confident that she will bring a new level of enthusiasm and dedication to the role.
Helen’s journey into ministry is a fascinating one. After spending 35 years as a primary school teacher, she felt a calling from God to serve in a different way. She took early retirement and began to explore ways in which she could use her gifts and talents to serve the church and the community. In 2019, she was licensed as a Lay Minister, and has been serving in various roles ever since. One of the highlights of her week is the community coffee morning she helps run at St Giles, where she loves nothing more than feeding people and listening to their stories. For Helen, this is what ministry is all about – building relationships, showing love and care, and being a presence in the community. As she takes on her new role, she is excited to get to know, support, and encourage other Licensed Lay Ministers across the diocese, and to promote and increase vocations to this richly rewarding ministry.
As a seasoned educator and minister, Helen brings a unique set of skills and perspectives to her new role. She is passionate about encouraging vocations and providing quality training for Licensed Lay Ministers, and is looking forward to working closely with Richard Lamey and other members of staff at Diocesan House to explore new models of ministry as part of the vision strategy. Helen sees Licensed Lay Ministry as a vital part of the Church’s work, and is committed to supporting and resourcing those who are serving in this way. With her broad background in a range of church contexts, and her experience as an LLM since 2019, she is well-equipped to take on the challenges and opportunities of this new role. Before taking up her new duties in September, Helen will be working in a summer camp in the USA, and visiting her son and family in Boston – a well-deserved break before embarking on this exciting new chapter in her ministry.
As Helen prepares to take on her new role, she follows in the footsteps of Alan Cossey, who has been serving as the Bishop’s Adviser for Licensed Lay Ministry until now. Bishop Graham has thanked Alan for his faithful and dedicated service, and the Revd Richard Lamey, Director of Mission and Ministry for the Diocese of Norwich, has also expressed his gratitude for Alan’s excellent work and “determined focus on safeguarding.” Alan has laid firm foundations for Helen to build on, and Richard is looking forward to working closely with her as they support Licensed Lay Ministers across the diocese and encourage more people into this exciting and vital ministry. With Helen’s appointment, the Diocese of Norwich is gaining a talented and dedicated minister who is passionate about supporting and resourcing Licensed Lay Ministers, and promoting this vital ministry in the life of the Church.
Helen’s appointment is a significant one, not just for the Diocese of Norwich, but for the wider Church as well. As the Church seeks to reach out and serve its communities in new and innovative ways, the role of Licensed Lay Ministers is becoming increasingly important. These ministers are the “front line” of the Church’s mission, serving in parishes, communities, and other contexts, and bringing the love and presence of Christ to those around them. By supporting and resourcing these ministers, Helen will be playing a vital role in the Church’s mission and ministry, and helping to build a stronger, more vibrant Church for the future. As she takes on her new role, Helen is excited to work with Licensed Lay Ministers across the diocese, to encourage and support them, and to promote this richly rewarding ministry to others.
In conclusion, Helen Grogutt’s appointment as the Bishop’s Adviser for Licensed Lay Ministry is a exciting and significant development for the Diocese of Norwich. With her wealth of experience, passion for ministry, and commitment to supporting and resourcing Licensed Lay Ministers, Helen is the ideal person to take on this role. As she begins her new duties in September, she will be building on the firm foundations laid by Alan Cossey, and working closely with Richard Lamey and other members of staff to promote and support this vital ministry. With her broad background, her experience as an LLM, and her passion for ministry, Helen is well-equipped to take on the challenges and opportunities of this new role, and to make a real difference in the lives of Licensed Lay Ministers and the communities they serve. As she looks to the future, Helen is excited to see what God has in store, and to play her part in building a stronger, more vibrant Church for the future.
