Years of loyal service to parishes, schools, diocese and charities were recognised last night when six medals were presented during a special service of evensong at Lichfield Cathedral with a further two to be presented at later occasions.
The Medal is awarded to laypeople who have made a particularly valuable contribution to our Christian life together. In his History of the English Church and People, the eighth century monastic historian St Bede describes the charge that St Chad gave to his followers shortly before his death: their lives were to be characterized by 'watching, prayer, and good works'. These words, which are printed on the Medal, describe us all in our Christian journey here in St Chad's Diocese of Lichfield.
In the service, Bishop Michael said...
In all, eight lay people are being awarded St Chad Medals this year. The citations for each are as follows:
Pete Bate
Pete has been Lichfield Diocesan Director of Communications since 2016. He has shown consistent wisdom, imagination and courage in helping churches, clergy and bishops to express themselves in ways that connect well with people; his calmness and patience has always been exemplary. He is infomed by deep Christian convictions and lives by the values of the Kingdom. Pete has served as the 'Living in Love and Faith' champion, drawing Christians of differing convictions and backgrounds into fruitful conversations about sensitive matters; he has done this with great grace and gentleness.
Angela Bernard
Angela is a churchwarden at the Church of the Good Shepherd, West Bromwich and has played a leading role in steering the church through a very difficult phase of its life, namely facing church closure across a five-year period of vacancy. She has demonstrated sensitivity and generosity of spirit to the different parties involved and enabled church members to both express themselves and remain steadfast in their worship and prayer life. Following the relinquishing of her work in the law, she is now exploring lay ministry training.
Ruth Bull
Ruth Bull has offered a ministry of hospitality at St Thomas Doxey for 15 years, offering welcome and catering on a voluntary basis to events including Bishop’s Council, Vocation and Training and days. Her welcome, affection and care has touched hundreds of people from across the diocese at key points in their lives and learning. Ruth would like to acknowledge the support of many volunteers, particularly Jean Jesson. She has done this alongside serving as a licensed reader.
Claire Crackett
Claire is St Andrew’s PCC, Stanton-upon-Hine Heath, Lay Chair, St Chad’s bookkeeper (both Shrewsbury Episcopal Area) and supports churches registering with the Charity Commission. She is treasurer, safeguarding trustee and IT volunteer for both Shrewsbury Homes for All and A4U (disability charity which runs Shropshire Autism Hub), a parish councillor, member of Telford Fostering Panel and chairs education appeals and exclusion reviews. As a Deputy Lieutenant, she leads planning for Shropshire Lieutenancy services working with both Hereford and Lichfield Dioceses.
Pete Harris
Pete has set up and administers the St Chad Network, which brings together parishes and schools and other institutions which bear Chad’s name. He has made contact not only with parishes in the UK, many of whom he has visited, but across the world, thus putting Lichfield Cathedral on the international map. He serves the Cathedral tirelessly as a guide and welcomer, and has also been instrumental in helping our ‘At Home in Lichfield’ family from Syria settle in.
Roger Marsh
Roger has worked with the diocese as an assessor for the past 11 years and as their chair for the last eight. It is a task he has grown into over the years; being involved with the introduction of two Parish Share/Common Fund formula revisions, Roger has built up a wealth of knowledge which he’s employed for the wellbeing of parishes and their missional resources. Roger is also the assistant lay chair of Penkridge Deanery and treasurer of Codsall PCC.
Andrew Shufflebotham
Andrew has been highly active in lay leadership in St Lawrence Church, Biddulph. Alongside this he has been, and remains, very active in supporting missional activities both in Kenya, via a strong church link with St Paul’s Church, Syongila, and in Stoke-on-Trent, particularly through supporting Sanctus and its food pantry. Andrew demonstrates a commitment to humble Christian service in every aspect of his life, encouraging, supporting, and serving others. He is inspirational in the way that he follows Jesus.
Mithra Tonking
Mithra is Lichfield Diocese’s longest-serving member of diocesan staff, having joined the Registry in 1982. Understanding of ecclesiastical law and meticulous record keeping led to a stint with DMPC and her creating our earliest digital database as well as archiving all kinds of valuable paper parish and diocesan records in the vaults of St Mary’s House, Staffordshire Record Office and her somewhat quicker grey matter. Her knowledge of mapping across the parishes knows all boundaries and her generosity in sharing her knowledge makes every encounter a delight.
Photo: Recipients of the St Chad Medal - (l-r) Mithra Tonking, Claire Crackett, Pete Harris; Bishop Michael; Angela Bernard, Roger Marsh, Ruth Bull. Pete Bate and Andrew Shufflebotham will receive their medals on another occasion.