Our Lay Readers
A Lay Reader is a person who reads the lessons and assists the priest during the services. In our diocese, apart from the reading of lessons, Lay Readers are licenced by the Diocesan Bishop to read the services of the Church such as Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and the Burial office.
Learn more about Dr Banks
Dr Oluwakemi Linda Banks
From my childhood years I have been concerned about the spiritual and psychological growth of persons and have therefore chosen to be engaged in occupations that enhance that development. This has led to my involvement in the work of the church from my youth to adulthood as a member of the AYPA, choir and church women's group (ACWA) and being an organist, Sunday school teacher, lay reader and Chalice administrator to involvement in the ecumenical movement as a member of the Continuation Committee and presently President of the Caribbean Conference of churches (CCC).
My vision statement which I declared at a conference in Atlanta Georgia in 1987 is "I am the possibility of universal transformation through spiritual leadership in a world manifesting the beauty and the glory of the creator" . I believe that God has created each individual to serve him by being change agents to bring persons into a closer relationship with Him.
In my personal life persons have challenged me about my support of the "underdog" and my daily celebration of my African heritage. However, my professions as a clinical psychologist, Human resource development consultant, communication specialist and educator have provided me with the sacred privilege to minister to the needs of those who are psychologically and spiritually wounded by their present life experiences and the historical experiences of the enslavement process.
In the wider community I have also reached out to prepare children to create a better world by founding a school based on the concept of "Omololu" a Yoruba word for child of God. This means that, as children are a gift from God and are the summit of our aspirations, it is our God-given responsibility to nurture them so that they would see themselves as they are "supreme gifts of God's creation".
My chosen and given names: Oluwakemi - "God is blessing me" Mildred- "Gentle Counsellor" Linda - "God is protecting me"and the name of my only child - a daughter - Olufunmike - "God has given me this to take care of" are a constant reminder that I owe everything to God.
I therefore view serving God in the church as a lay reader and Chalice administrator as the epitome of my service in His vineyard and I feel privileged that God has chosen me for these awesome responsibilities.
Lindon Hodge
Lindon’s involvement in church life has been on several fronts. He received the Sacrament of Holy Confirmation on December 1981 and then became an Altar Server. Thirteen years later, in 1994, he became a licensed Lay Reader and Chalice Administrator and has been serving in these capacities ever since.
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In terms of involvement in youth work, Lindon was a member of the First Anguilla Scout Troop and became a Scout Leader in 1985, a position that he still holds. He was also a committed member of the Anglican Young People Association (A.Y.P.A.) during the period 1991 to 2004, and served in multiple roles over the years.
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His inspiration came from his mother, Mrs. Donice M. Hodge, who was a Lay Reader (deceased – 19th October 1985). He is convinced that the foundation for active involvement in church was laid when he attended Sunday school and became an Altar Server. He is extremely grateful for the support he received from his dad, Mr. Joseph N. Hodge, retired Organist in the Anglican Church, his brothers, sister, family, friends and members of the Clergy.
Ingrid Lake
Ingrid has been actively involved in the church since she was a teenager. Her active involvement has been influenced by the motto of the Anglican Young People’s Association (AYPA): For Christ and the Church. It was this organization that motivated her to give of her time, talent and treasure and made a significant contribution to her development as a young person.
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She has not deviated from the motto and continues to serve this parish in several capacities. She is a Sunday school teacher, a catechist, a member of the Mothers’ Union and is presently a member of the Vestry and the Parish’s Treasurer. She notes that active involvement has increased her biblical knowledge, provided opportunities for spiritual enhancement and enabled her to gain a better understanding of the parish, diocese and provincial regulations.
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