January 6, 2009

(no reply to this letter)

January 6, 2009

Assisting Bishop ---

11800 SW Military Lane

Portland, OR 97219

Dear Bishop ---,

I am applying for a renewal of my lay licensing. I am still performing these duties and privileges for my parish even though I am in seminary at this time. Each of these licenses – as a Eucharistic Minister, Lay Preacher and Lay Reader, are integral to my ministry in the St. David of Wales community.

As a Eucharistic Minister, I pass the chalice during communion and accompany the rector on visitations. I am deeply honored to be called by our Lord to nurture the communal bonds of affection in our parish in this way. The benefits to my own spiritual growth are multitude.

I am particularly moved in my calling as a Lay Preacher. This gift is truly of God’s own making and the discerning of community that He shares through me is born out of the actions of community in mission and ministry.

I have made use of my license in Lay Reading to offer prayer services and liturgical formation in our congregations many times in the past. Among my proudest uses of this ministry have been to offer Morning Prayer in conjunction with supply priests while our own rector offered his expertise in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. I have also used my training in this ministry to assist in creating liturgies for use in the Sudanese Christian Fellowship that meets in our parish. I hope to stand ready to offer these services when I am able during my seminary formation as well.

The opportunity to explore my call to priesthood through these ministries is a gift that was granted and supported by my parish. The ability to continue to do so, even though I am in school, is a gift to them in return.

Humbly,

Heather Lee

St. David of Wales Episcopal Church

Epiphany 2009