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We are fortunate to have three Readers and a team of Pastoral Assistants in the parish. The following paragraphs provide a brief insight into the background of the various duties and ministry that they each provide.

Readers
All Readers have to attend a three year course and if successful, are licensed to a Parish. They can officiate at services such as Mattins and Evensong in other parishes if there is special need or an interregnum when they stand in for the clergy vacancy, and they are also licensed to take funerals. They do not receive any salary but may be paid travelling expenses as necessary.
Here in Cranleigh we have three Readers - Mrs Edna Bond, Dr Colin Connolly and
Mrs Ros Prowse.
They attend Clergy Meetings and are placed on the rota for preaching and officiating at services in the St Nicolas Church. They are also ex-officio members of the Parochial Church Council.
Each of the Readers has his or her own special responsibilities.
Ros Prowse has responsibility for the Healing services and for the Monthly Healing Groups. She also leads prayer groups in the Church 10.30 a.m. every Thursday Morning.
Edna Bond leads the Bible study Groups who meet twice a week. She also has a special ministry in Longfield Care Home.
In addition to these responsibilities:
They are licensed to take Home Communion to the Sick and to the housebound.
They also take School assemblies as and when required.
They are involved in Pastoral visiting where needed.
They are available for confidential prayer when asked.
They are available for Bereavement follow up with Families.
The Reader Ministry in Cranleigh is therefore very fulfilling and very important to the mission work in the Church.

Pastoral Assistants
The team of Pastroral Assistants have been trained and licensed by Guildford Diocese to work in the parish to help lighten the load of the clergy and to support anyone with a heavy heart. Any of the following situations may benefit from the training and experience of a Pastoral Assistant who act in confidence with the clergy.

Baptism Visits:
A Pastoral Assistant leads a team of "Baptism Visitors" who give support and encouragement to the parents before and following the Christening, until the child reaches Sunday School age.

Hospital Visiting and Care For The Elderly:
Many who are sick or lonely known to the Pastoral Assistants receive visits in hospital or at home to brighten their lives a little.

Bereavement Visiting:
Pastoral Assistants have had specific training on the importance of "Just Listening".  Many who are recently bereaved find support in a casual visit by someone with true empathy.

Other Situations:
Pastoral Assistants offer a sympathetic ear and will advise on the appropriate resources available when required.