“She is worthy!”

At 3:00pm on Sunday 27th June, Revd Vida Foday, probationer Minister in the Farnham and Alton Methodist Circuit was ordained in Portsmouth where the annual Methodist Conference was in session. Vida, who has pastoral responsibility for three Methodist Churches (Farnham South Street, Rowledge and Upper Hale) was ordained along with her contemporaries who studied at Wesley House Cambridge before entering Circuit life.

 

The service (one of many being held that day) took place in Portsmouth’s Anglican Cathedral. The current President of the Methodist Conference, Revd Alison Tomlin, presided over the service with other representatives of the Methodist Church, both from this country and abroad, also participating.

 

It was a magnificent and moving occasion and Vida was well supported by members of her congregation and the Methodist Circuit, along with her family and friends.

  

The Ordinands were introduced one by one to the congregation and to the question “Do you believe and trust that they are, by God’s grace, worthy to be ordained?” – those present with one voice affirmed “they are worthy”.

  

Following the ordinations, the whole congregation shared in the act of Holy Communion and thereby brought the service to a fitting close, before everyone met outside in the Cathedral grounds for photographs and an opportunity to congratulate those they came to support.

 

Revd Keith Underhill, Superintendent Minister of the Farnham and Alton Circuit noted that for Vida and those she trained with, “the service marked a significant landmark in their lives and their journey with God. For they had heard God’s call, responded to it and offered themselves in God’s service.” He went on to say, “That we are very fortunate to have Vida with us in the life of the Circuit as she exercises her ministry not only within our churches but also in the wider community.”