Many congratulations to Helen on the 30th anniversary of her ordination as a priest. It is traditional at such milestones to give thanks for past ministry and to pray for God's blessing on the ministry that lies ahead.
Helen was ordained priest in Bristol Cathedral on 12 March 1994. In the photo above taken during the service that day, it appears that the then Bishop of Bristol is resting his prayerbook on Helen's head! This was both a big day for Helen personally but also an historic occasion as this was the very first time that women were ordained to the priesthood in the Church of England.
Since then Helen has served in a priest in many contexts: parish ministry in inner-city Bristol and suburban Croydon; theological education at St Paul's College, Limuru, Kenya; student chaplaincy at Kings College, London; chaplaincy at a resdential home for elderly people in Penrith, Cumbria; and of course for the last five years, with great joy, as Chaplain here at St Ursula's in Bern. An important strand of her ministry has always been to encourage people to deepen their life of prayer, through leading retreats, offering spiritual direction, and also through some writing.
Here is a prayer that was said at Helen's ordination. We can say this prayer ourselves as we ask for God's continuing blessing on Helen's ministry, and for the flourishing of our community at St Ursula's as we all offer ourselves in God's service.
Almighty and everlasting God,
by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church
is governed and sanctified:
hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people,
that in their vocation and ministry
they may serve you in holiness and truth
to the glory of your name;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.