Diocesan Warden of Readers appointed

We are delighted to announce that Helen Millard has been appointed Diocesan Warden of Readers.

Helen is part of the St Illtyd Ministry Area and has been a Reader for 12 years, bringing a wealth of experience to the role.

Bishop Cherry said: “I am very grateful to Helen for accepting this role, part of which will be to promote and support Lay Licensed Ministry across the diocese and to work with the Diocesan Director of Ministry and others to help nurture vocations to LLM/Reader ministry.”

Helen works as a Teaching Assistant at the local special needs school where she is never afraid to share her faith with those who ask. Worshipping all her life in Christ Church, Ebbw Vale, Helen has served as a Sunday School teacher, youth worker, run confirmation courses, lead worship, run bible studies and during lockdown, kept the congregation together when in an interregnum.

She said: “I am privileged to accept the role of Warden of Readers/LLM’s and am looking forward to supporting my colleagues to fulfil their ministry in the changing church of today. I look forward to meeting you all and encouraging you in your vocation as Licenced Lay Ministers/Readers.”

Helen was licenced as a Reader on the 6th July 2012 and during her 12 years has had the privilege to take-up the Chaplaincy to the Air Training Cadets and the local branch of the Royal British Legion. This has allowed her to play an important role in the local community by leading services at the cenotaph and in church for important milestones in the history of the area. She is actively involved with the work of Churches Together and has lead worship in other denominations within the town.

In her spare time, Helen enjoys music, going to the theatre, watching TV and bellringing where she supports the new ringers on their journey at one of the best towers in the UK.