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Following a competitive interview, Bishop Cherry is pleased to announce that Revd Lea Ryder has been appointed as the Ministry Area Leader for the Abergavenny Ministry Area.In making the announcement Bishop Cherry said, "Lea has been acting Ministry Area Leader for some time and, much to her surprise, came to feel that is the role God was calling her to. She brings an enthusiasm and passion for the gospel and a deep love for the churches and communities of the MA which was evident in her application and interview. Her vision for what the church could be and become is compelling and I look forward to working with her and the churches she serves in sharing the love of God with all who live and work in that part of our diocese."Lea began her ministry in Abergavenny just over three years ago after serving in Chepstow and before that Raglan Ministry Area. She has been fortunate to be part of the team as it became a MA and feels 'blessed' to work with such amazing people in the seven churches.She is currently the Rural Life Advisor for our Diocese and a member of the Diocesan Prayer and Spirituality group. She is also a chaplain to the Monmouth FCN group and a sports chaplain.Lea said: "It is an honour and privilege to be offered the role as Rural Dean and Ministry Area Leader in Abergavenny MA."Although I feel I have always been called to rural ministry, I do believe God has called me here to this time and place. I have always had a heart for Ministry Areas, and I passionately believe God has some amazing things in store for us as we strive to not only grow numerically but also spiritually."Lea has run her own business riding horses competitively for a living most of her life and still competes and rides horses for pleasure, more recently she has been given the nickname ‘the galloping vicar’.Along with husband Miles, Lea enjoys watching and supporting their son in his sporting pursuits, which includes playing rugby for Usk rugby club and representing Wales and borders in Tetrathlons, which is running, shooting, swimming and Cross-Country horse riding. As a family they value the time they spend together in God’s amazing creation, especially where they live.The licensing service for Lea will take place in St Mary’s Priory in Abergavenny on September 30th at 7.30pm and all are welcome to come and support Lea at that service and pray for her and the ministry area..