Peace and Grace to you all this New Year! I pray you had a blessed Christmas surrounded by friends and family. I want to introduce myself. My name is Raini Newman, and I am the Lay Servant Ministries Coordinator, and I am here for you all to ask any questions about Lay Servant/Lay Speaker ministries.
Over the next few months, the committee will share the process of becoming a Certified Lay Servant/Lay Speaker. Next month, we will post the location and classes for our District Lay Training Day, scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026.
We will be offering the Basic Course, Leading Prayer, and UMC Polity. We will also be having a wild card class! More information will follow in the coming weeks. Taking these are important to Pastors and the Laity. I know for myself, I grow deeper in my relationship with God and in United Methodism. These classes are for all ages!
In the coming months, I will go over what it means and what it doesn’t mean to be a Certified Lay Servant/Lay Speaker. Also, I will be interviewing some Certified Lay Servants/Lay Speakers and Pastors about why Certified Lay Servants/Lay Speakers are essential. Until next month, God Bless You All!
Raini Newman
Lay Servant Ministries Coordinator