Kenyan Woman in Boston makes History in the Anglican Church of America
By Sam Mwaura/Samrack Media
Licensing of Irene and Jacob as Lay Leaders at St Stephens Church Lowell,Massachusetts
“You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.” (Woodrow Wilson)
There was joy and excitement in a well packed Church,St Stephens Lowell, as Irene Kamau was Licensed to be the first female Lay Leader in the history of the American Anglican Church.
Irene Kamau was licensed together with Jacob Opiyo in a ceremony presided over by Bishop Rt. Rev. John A. Herzog,Bishop Peter Roberts and Ven Samuel Kimohu (Vicar St Stephens Church Lowell)
Irene Kamau becomes the first Licenced Woman Lay Leader of St.Stephen Church Lowell in Massachusetts since 1996 when the Church was started in Acton,Massachusetts.
Many hear the call to serve but are not necessarily called to the ordained ministry.Some lay leaders focus on worship,others on pastoral care,Youth,Adult education, volunteer coordination, and leading weddings and memorials.
Celebrations were in order too,as Mr Jacob Opiyo Gor became the first Kenyan Luo to be licenced at St Stephens Church.
We are a home away from home for all who want to come and worship the Lord freely. We now have a mix of English,Kiswahili and Kikuyu Services.
For these lay leaders who desire to take their commitment and service to the next level.This is a huge commitment when an indiividual or People are willing to step up and take on long-term,vital roles of leadership in their local congregations.
During the well attended Church service,80 Membership certificates were issued to the Ladies of Faith and 55 members of Fathers Union,15 people were cornfirmed and had their first Holy Communion and 123 People pertook Holy communion.
There was ample of Kenyan Food for all who attended the Worship Service and gathered together for fellowship at the Church Hall.
Rev.Peter Kiama Vicar of St Johns Leceister delivered the sermon of the day.
Other Ministers present during the colorful occasion were Rev.Dr. Mwaniki,Pastor Naomi,( Rev, Mwaniki’s wife) Rev. Dorcas Karanja, Rev. Ngarama,Pastor Joseph Njuguna ,Bishop Peter Robert of Long Island NY,Ven. Samuel Kimohu(Vicar Incharge St Stephens)and Bishop John A. Herzog who presided the Ceremony.
The newly licensed Lay Leader Irene Kamau,thanked the most high God for his faithfullness in her life,being the first woman to be licensed as a Lay Leader at St.Stephen’s Church Lowell.She prays that doors open for others who are ready and willing to be used of God.
” Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established, believe in His prophets and you will prosper” 2 Chronicles 1: 20
Our God does not use the qualified,but takes anyone who is unqualified and makes them qualified.I am a testimony of this,He did it for me, just be available and God will take you to a higher level.
IFC Victory Bible Center, thanks for your training.Last but not list is to My home Church,St. Stephen’s Church Lowell,God’s face shine on you all.
Thank you all for your Love,Prayers and Support.
Sister Irene K.
More Information on Service Listing and Events at St Stephens Church Lowell
http://www.ststephenslowell.com/
COMMUNICATIONS DESK ST STEPHENS CHURCH LOWELL
