PEOPLE of faith from parishes across the Greater Dudley Deanery have been presented with certificates to mark the completion of their course to become Authorised Lay Ministers.

A total of 11 people were given their certificates by the Bishop of Dudley, Right Rev Martin Gorick, in a service at St Michael’s Church, Brierley Hill, which was planned and led by the candidates themselves.

The ALM worship leaders course was completed across eight sessions starting last October.

To find out more visit cofe-worcester.org.uk/alm

Jenny Houghton, from Christ Church in Quarry Bank, said: “It was a very interesting course and really good to chat together about faith as we learnt how services of worship were put together.

“I’ll be using what I’ve learnt as I lead our Café Church multigenerational, discussion-based service and am looking forward to working alongside the rest of the ministry team, particularly with children’s worship and developing a youth congregation.”

Helen Moren, from St Mary’s Church in Kingswinford, added: “We were given plenty of opportunities to develop our own thoughts and beliefs.

“As churchwarden I’ve had to step in and lead services from time to time when the leader has been unwell, so I put myself forward for this course following encouragement from other ALMs.

“I’m leading my first service later this month and am looking forward to being part of the team.”