Sample Letters for Lay Licensing

or, my actual letters as the case may be.


Lay Eucharistic Minister and Lay Reader

In accordance with the Licensed Lay Ministries Manual, I am applying for a license to perform both Lay Eucharistic Ministry and Lay Reader Ministry at St. David of Wales Episcopal Church, Portland, OR.

I have trained for these ministries under Father John Nesbitt, the rector at St. David’s for the last year and a half. Soon after becoming a member of the parish church, I answered a call for an acolyte to assist Father John with the Holy Eucharist. Because of my great joy in the act of bringing the congregation together in the act of worship, Father John expanded my studies and offered me more responsibilities as a Lay Reader. I have led a Wednesday Evening Prayer service for 10 months. Included in my training for Lay Reading is a course of study through the Metro East Convocation for the ministry of Lay Preaching.

I have become comfortable and confident of my abilities to perform this ministry with the decorum and spirit necessary to serve the Lord in such an honored position. I feel a great passion for the performance of Eucharist and am uplifted in my ability to enhance the entire congregation’s experience of communion in Christ.


Lay Preaching Letter of Request

In accordance with the Licensed Lay Ministries Manual, I am applying for a Lay Preaching license to preach at St. David of Wales Episcopal Church, Portland, OR.

I have attended the Metro-East School of Ministry's Lay Preaching School. I graduated this spring and have further trained for this ministry under Father John Nesbitt, the rector at St. David’s in the following months by preaching one or two sermons a month. I am an active member of the ministry team at St. David's. I serve as an Eucharistic Minister and Lay Reader; leading Morning Prayer services on occasional Sunday's when Fr. Nesbitt is out of town.

I have become comfortable and confident of my abilities to perform this ministry with the decorum and spirit necessary to serve the Lord in such an honored position. I believe that my own efforts as a lay member of the church, willing to expose my own struggle with the Scriptures, enhances that effort in the other members of the congregation.