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Source: (consider it)
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Thread: Whom shall we send? The Vocations Thread
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Jante
Shipmate
# 9163
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Posted
I was going to post this in the Curate Support thread but it seems to have got lost in Oblivion so instead I'll post here. Actually this is probably a better place as its where I started the journey!
Today I leave Holy Hogwarts! I can't believe how emotional I feel at leaving college and being sent out into the world. I've learnt so much at college and made some great friends. Now we scatter to start as curates in the life we have all felt called to. Our vocation to ordained ministry has been validated and soon we will be ordained.
Thank you to all who have supported and prayed for me on this thread over the years since I started posting- back in about 2005 I think.
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My blog http://vicarfactorycalling.blogspot.com/
Posts: 535 | From: deepest derbyshire | Registered: Mar 2005
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Masha
Shipmate
# 10098
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Posted
Yay! Congratulations Jante!
Must be hard to leave but there will be brilliant things in the next place too. ![[Yipee]](graemlins/spin.gif)
I went to see the DDO. She's happy to take me through so I've officially started the process again. Looking at college Sept 2013, if I get through.
Posts: 308 | Registered: Aug 2005
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Anselmina
Ship's barmaid
# 3032
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Posted
Jante, congratulations and enjoy the celebrations! God bless.
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Irish dogs needing homes! http://www.dogactionwelfaregroup.ie/ Greyhounds and Lurchers are shipped over to England for rehoming too!
Posts: 10002 | From: Scotland the Brave | Registered: Jul 2002
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Laxton's Superba
Shipmate
# 228
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Posted
Congratulations Jante. Those years has flown by, haven't they. I wish you well for the future.
I came back from the BAP yesterday, and boy, am I exhausted. It was so intense, but supportive, and there was a really powerful sense of God's presence. I have no idea what will happen as a result of the BAP, and I suppose that it is part of the come-down that today I have felt really low and thought of all the things I could have said, and obsessed about the things I did say.
Everyone I met was lovely, though, and I enjoyed the experience, a real once-in-a-lifetime event.
(I think it's going to be a "no" though).
Posts: 187 | From: I wish I knew | Registered: May 2001
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St Everild
Shipmate
# 3626
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Posted
The day-after thing (obsessing about what you didn't say but wish you had, what you did say but wish you hadn't...) is perfectly normal for the day after a BAP.
It is a good idea to plan something to look forward to for the weekend after a BAP, so that there is something else to think about.
The rest is in the hands of God, the selectors and your Bishop...
Posts: 1782 | From: Bethnei | Registered: Dec 2002
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Ahleal V
Shipmate
# 8404
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Laxton's Superba:
I am confused by the importance of the pub thing though - I never go to pubs, don't drink alcohol, don't like the atmosphere. But I might manage a token lemonade one night, if it is important to show the ability to make small talk etc.
I went to the selection place that didn't have a pub, but did have a little self-service bar. However, I only went there for about 10 mins one evening. If there were selectors down there, I didn't hear about it.
To be honest, I spent so much time eating tea and cake on the BAP, and socialised with gusto during mealtimes, that in the downtime I did have, I stayed in my room, read a book, listened to my iPod - and ate 1kg of chocolate.
And - I got through the BAP and nothing was said regarding my non-attendence at the bar.
AV
[ 10. June 2012, 07:14: Message edited by: Ahleal V ]
Posts: 499 | From: English Spires | Registered: Aug 2004
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Niminypiminy
Shipmate
# 15489
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Posted
Congratulations Jante! Hope your move goes smoothly, and prayers for you as you start this new stage of your life.
And prayers for you, too, LS, as you wait for the result of your BAP.
![[Votive]](graemlins/votive.gif)
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Lives of the Saints: songs by The Unequal Struggle
http://www.theunequalstruggle.com/
Posts: 776 | From: Edge of the Fens | Registered: Feb 2010
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Poppy
Ship's dancing cat
# 2000
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Posted
We are moving to the new house at the end of this week and I should probably be tidying another cupboard rather than posting here ![[Ultra confused]](graemlins/confused2.gif)
Much as I've loved theological college I'm really looking forward to starting life as a curate.
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At the still point of the turning world - there the dance is...
Posts: 1406 | From: mostly on the edge | Registered: Dec 2001
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Laxton's Superba
Shipmate
# 228
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Posted
News from the BAP - well, it was a No - the Bishop rang me earlier on. I can't say I am surprised. I feel a bit disappointed, but in a way let off the hook. My DDO is away at the moment so I won't know what is in the advisers' report for a while (but I can guess!).
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, they were much appreciated. Who knows what lies ahead, some other fantastic opportunity to serve the kingdom may be just around the corner.
Prayers and to all those still on the discernment path.
Posts: 187 | From: I wish I knew | Registered: May 2001
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aig
Shipmate
# 429
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Posted
prayers for you LS, that must have been very difficult news to hear.
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That's not how we do it here.......
Posts: 464 | From: the middle bit at the bottom slightly to the right | Registered: Jun 2001
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Bagpuss
Magical saggy cloth cat
# 2925
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Posted
Prayers for you Laxton - have been there - and also moved on and come out of the other side - for me it was a second BAP and I aqm due to be deaconed shortly. But I recollect the feelings very well still. Prayers that you may discern which way to go forward however it turns out for you xx
Posts: 473 | Registered: Jun 2002
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Laxton's Superba
Shipmate
# 228
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Posted
Thanks everyone.
Initially I threw my toys out the pram and decided that was it, but now I really want to do it again and prove that my call is genuine, realistic and all the rest. DDO has advised a period of thought and reflection but is happy to go through it with me again.
Bagpuss how long between BAPs for you?
Posts: 187 | From: I wish I knew | Registered: May 2001
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Albertus
Shipmate
# 13356
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Posted
Twenty-odd years ago I went to ABM (as it then was) and was turned down with a report that I thought and still think was monstrously unfair and rather patronising. If it had been less so I would probably have just accepted it and walked away, but I was so cross I was determined to not to. In the end I didn't go back, but the things that I did to keep pursuing what I thought was my vocation to the ministry changed my life in all sorts of ways (including meeting Mrs A) and led me to where I am now- which on the whole I'm pretty happy with.
So keep on at it. Even if you don't end up where you now think you should be, you may end up somewhere else which turns out to be the right place for you.
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My beard is a testament to my masculinity and virility, and demonstrates that I am a real man. Trouble is, bits of quiche sometimes get caught in it.
Posts: 6498 | From: Y Sowth | Registered: Jan 2008
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Niminypiminy
Shipmate
# 15489
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Posted
LS prayers for you as you think about beginning the whole process again. I pray that your feet will guide you towards the path that leads to the place where God wants you to be.
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Lives of the Saints: songs by The Unequal Struggle
http://www.theunequalstruggle.com/
Posts: 776 | From: Edge of the Fens | Registered: Feb 2010
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Pomona
Shipmate
# 17175
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Posted
Hi all
Currently feeling nudged/poked towards the priesthood (Anglican) and feeling very Jonahish about it all. I suffer from major clinical depression and at the moment am really wondering why God would choose me for this when I just don't feel capable - but then the worse life feels for me, the more excited and passionate I get about mission and evangelism. No matter how bad things are while I am in a relationship with God, the more I cannot imagine being without Him and the more I need to show Him to others. Things like Godly Play and Street Churches really appeal for me, so I am considering the possibility of Pioneer Ministry or chaplaincy in a mental health or challenging educational (like a residential school for repeatedly expelled students) setting (I have had a lot of problems with homelessness and staying in education as well as the mental health issues).
I am off to university in Northampton in September to study Politics, and will hopefully finally get a degree (I'm 23)! At the moment I haven't told anyone in an official capacity about what I think might be a calling, as at present I am temporarily living with my parents until university, and as I am planning on moving to Northampton full-time I figured it was better to wait until then. However, what I should do...I'm not really sure of. Should I just concentrate on getting better and university, while attending a church but not thinking about ministry? I have been looking at projects in Northampton (like the Street Church) that I would like to get involved with.
Any help or advice would be welcomed! The more I learn about the priesthood and what's involved and how much feels impossible, the more mixing the priesthood and depression feels incredibly risky - although I suppose that seeing the priesthood as a challenging and difficult role is better than seeing it as an easy life working one day a week ![[Biased]](wink.gif)
[ 22. June 2012, 07:35: Message edited by: Jade Constable ]
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Consider the work of God: Who is able to straighten what he has bent? [Ecclesiastes 7:13]
Posts: 5319 | From: UK | Registered: Jun 2012
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Panda
Shipmate
# 2951
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Posted
Whatever study you're doing now, training for ministry would mean more study at the end of it, even if it's only a year (but at your age it would probably be more - sorry!). The selectors at a conference would want to see that you are capable of completing your degree, seeing through what you have chosen, that sort of thing, before sending you off on any more study.
I suggest, as you say, that you concentrate on getting well and go to university, but don't dump the idea of ministry too far away. Get involved with a church (you'll have to show evidence of belonging somewhere for a good length of time) and whatever it offers; get to know people and let them get to know you. You'll begin to see what ministry would mean for you as you go along.
Selectors will also want to see that you have an objective view of any mental health issues, not pretending they don't exist or that they're long gone, but that you have them under control, and you have some support for yourself in this area.
Good luck!
Posts: 1637 | From: North Wales | Registered: Jun 2002
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Jengie jon
Semper Reformanda
# 273
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Posted
Jade
You also need to be aware that an Evangelist/Mission vocation is not the same as one to be a Vicar. It is not necessarily either/or, it can be both/and, but if someone came to me all fired up around mission and did not seem interested in proclamation, sacraments and pastoral care, I would be asking what type of vocation they had, rather than whether they had one or not.
Jengie
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"To violate a persons ability to distinguish fact from fantasy is the epistemological equivalent of rape." Noretta Koertge
Back to my blog
Posts: 20894 | From: city of steel, butterflies and rainbows | Registered: May 2001
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Bagpuss
Magical saggy cloth cat
# 2925
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Laxton's Superba:
Thanks everyone.
Initially I threw my toys out the pram and decided that was it, but now I really want to do it again and prove that my call is genuine, realistic and all the rest. DDO has advised a period of thought and reflection but is happy to go through it with me again.
Bagpuss how long between BAPs for you?
It was 12 months for me at my Bishop's request - feel free to PM me if you want a chat.
Posts: 473 | Registered: Jun 2002
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Bagpuss
Magical saggy cloth cat
# 2925
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Posted
Well I am not sure where the last 2 years training went let alone the 10+ years of complicated vocational journey and discernment!
But tomorrow I depart for my ordination retreat and God and bishop willingmy deaconing this Saturday.
Thanks for the prayers and support that you have contributed. Some of you have played a significant part in my journey - you know who you are!
Bagpuss x
Posts: 473 | Registered: Jun 2002
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Panda
Shipmate
# 2951
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Bagpuss:
Well I am not sure where the last 2 years training went let alone the 10+ years of complicated vocational journey and discernment!
But tomorrow I depart for my ordination retreat and God and bishop willing my deaconing this Saturday.
Thanks for the prayers and support that you have contributed. Some of you have played a significant part in my journey - you know who you are!
Bagpuss x
And me!
Am I ready? I'm packed - is that the same thing? Not sure if there's any more room in my head beyond making sure things are in place for me being away, and for the weekend. I feel that if I can just be where I should be when I should be, I will have to rely on the Holy Spirit for the rest.
for all ordinations this weekend.
Posts: 1637 | From: North Wales | Registered: Jun 2002
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Adam.
Like as the
# 4991
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Posted
You're not meant to be a good seminarian when you start. You'll pretty much have that down by the time ordination rolls around!
Talking of things rolling around, I'm finally approaching my last year of initial formation. Clearly, my superiors don't think I have enough to keep me off the streets as, in addition to finishing my last year of the MDiv, I'll be moving in to my community's undergraduate seminary to serve as assistant director there.
I'm definitely excited about it (it'll be a nice gradual transition between seminary and full-time ministry), but I'm not sure you can really be ready for these kind of things until you're in the midst of them. I'm glad I've had some placements that have been helpful preparation for this, and I have a lot of trust in my supervisor, which is key.
This coming year I'll petition for perpetual vows and, god willing, profess those at the end of summer '13, be ordained a deacon and then be shipped off for my first ordained assignment (being ordained priest Easter '14). Quite what and where that will be will be a task of community discernment for the coming year. I don't expect to have a clue where that might be until the new year, and I probably won't know for sure till after Easter. I'm much more OK with that not knowing than I would have been before all this began. Partly growth in patience, but mainly trust in community decision making and ability to live obedience (which involves both responding to and contributing to decisions).
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Ave Crux, Spes Unica!
Preaching blog
Posts: 8164 | From: Notre Dame, IN | Registered: Sep 2003
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Chorister
Completely Frocked
# 473
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Posted
(This temporary position might be attractive to someone with a few months to kill before clergy training or a permanent post, so am copying it over from the Job Support thread.)
If anyone is needing something to do with their time for a few months while waiting for something more permanent to come up, I've come across a gem of a position that I'd love to do myself if I was actively looking at the moment. I stayed here in the summer and it's a great place for people who love books - a residential library.
There are also 'Chapel and Chaplaincy opportunities' if you click on the appropriate link from the same page.
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Retired, sitting back and watching others for a change.
Posts: 34626 | From: Cream Tealand | Registered: Jun 2001
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kingsfold
Shipmate
# 1726
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Posted
for all those of you being ordained this coming weekend
Posts: 4473 | From: land of the wee midgie | Registered: Nov 2001
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Nunc Dimittis
Seamstress of Sound
# 848
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Chorister:
(This temporary position might be attractive to someone with a few months to kill before clergy training or a permanent post, so am copying it over from the Job Support thread.)
If anyone is needing something to do with their time for a few months while waiting for something more permanent to come up, I've come across a gem of a position that I'd love to do myself if I was actively looking at the moment. I stayed here in the summer and it's a great place for people who love books - a residential library.
There are also 'Chapel and Chaplaincy opportunities' if you click on the appropriate link from the same page.
![[Smile]](smile.gif) I am going as chaplain there in August 2013. Can't wait.
Posts: 9515 | From: Delta Quadrant | Registered: Jul 2001
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Chorister
Completely Frocked
# 473
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Posted
Enjoy, Nunc! It's a great place.
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Retired, sitting back and watching others for a change.
Posts: 34626 | From: Cream Tealand | Registered: Jun 2001
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Adam.
Like as the
# 4991
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Panda:
And me!
Am I ready? I'm packed - is that the same thing?
Panda... oops, I misread this when I replied a few days ago: you're approaching diaconate, not starting seminary! Prayers for you, Bagpuss and all, and thank you for your commitment to servant leadership in the church!
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Ave Crux, Spes Unica!
Preaching blog
Posts: 8164 | From: Notre Dame, IN | Registered: Sep 2003
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Jenn.
Shipmate
# 5239
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Posted
Just had my medical. All cleared now so I can concentrate on getting ready for college! So so excited now
Posts: 2282 | From: England | Registered: Nov 2003
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Masha
Shipmate
# 10098
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Posted
Congratulations to all newly ordained people!
Especially Jante, as I was there for that one. You won't have noticed me as you had better things on your mind but I was the red haired steward on the main doors! Looking chilly in a summer dress... fool that I am.
It was a lovely service ad it was brilliant to be there to see the beginning of ordained life for so many.
Yay! Congrats to all!
Ed to add: Also yay for Jenn! Good luck.
Masha
[ 01. July 2012, 15:42: Message edited by: Masha ]
Posts: 308 | Registered: Aug 2005
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geroff
Shipmate
# 3882
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Posted
Masha
I was there too - you probably gave me a hymn sheet. And of course there was another shipmate carrying the mace as well.
Congratulations Jante.
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"The first principle in science is to invent something nice to look at and then decide what it can do." Rowland Emett 1906-1990
Posts: 1172 | From: Montgomeryshire, Wales | Registered: Jan 2003
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Jante
Shipmate
# 9163
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Posted
Thank you Geroff and Masha- I 'll admit to not seeing either of you- but then with tears in my eyes it was difficult to see anything!! It was a wonderful day and I'm not sure I'm back on firm ground even now!
![[Angel]](graemlins/angel.gif)
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My blog http://vicarfactorycalling.blogspot.com/
Posts: 535 | From: deepest derbyshire | Registered: Mar 2005
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Bagpuss
Magical saggy cloth cat
# 2925
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Posted
Likewise - despite being back at work today I am still on a massive high - cannot find the words to describe how I felt during the service
Posts: 473 | Registered: Jun 2002
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Bookworm
Shipmate
# 11575
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Bagpuss:
Likewise - despite being back at work today I am still on a massive high - cannot find the words to describe how I felt during the service
You probably never will! You'll spend the rest of your days living into and understanding the sacrament that is ordination. And the wonder and the grace of it.
But it's worth putting down a few words of some sort in a journal, and adding a copy of the service if you have one, and photos... making a metaphorical pile of stones to mark the place, to be able to go back and remember and give thanks.
Giving thanks for all who are in times of transition and new beginnings.
Posts: 74 | From: by the heater | Registered: Jun 2006
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St Everild
Shipmate
# 3626
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Posted
Wise advice Bookworm - I wish I had been given it 10 years ago.
(But I do have photos, a DVD etc, just not the thoughts that go along with them...)
Posts: 1782 | From: Bethnei | Registered: Dec 2002
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Evensong
Shipmate
# 14696
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Posted
St Paul's Cathedral (on Facebook ) released a bunch of lovely photoes today of people being deaconed. Was that any of you lot?
Looked awesome.
Posts: 9481 | From: Australia | Registered: Apr 2009
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Bagpuss
Magical saggy cloth cat
# 2925
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Posted
Not me at St Paul's - we do have pics on our diocesan website though.
Great idea re the journal - I have jotted down some things last night as there were a few very poignant moments that I don't wnat to forget. Along with a list of presents, those I was ordained with etc. Lots of little bits
Posts: 473 | Registered: Jun 2002
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Bagpuss
Magical saggy cloth cat
# 2925
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Posted
I can't find the curacy support thread - on a search it says it doesn't exist anymore!
Anyway - today I did my first baptism which was utterly lovely - a really special moment - just wanted to share
Posts: 473 | Registered: Jun 2002
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hatless
Shipmate
# 3365
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Posted
It's all change in the hatless family. My wife was ordained a few weeks ago, and begins her first pastorate in September. This Sunday is my last after nearly 31 years as a minister in pastoral charge. I will be a hospital chaplain in the town we are moving to.
Change, adventure, work, partnership. It feels like we're choosing life.
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My crazy theology in novel form
Posts: 4531 | From: Stinkers | Registered: Sep 2002
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Latchkey Kid
Shipmate
# 12444
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Posted
The oral exam yesterday completed my requirements for the Certificate in Chaplaincy.
Now I have to find out where to use it.
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'You must never give way for an answer. An answer is always the stretch of road that's behind you. Only a question can point the way forward.'
Mika; in Hello? Is Anybody There?, Jostein Gaardner
Posts: 2592 | From: The wizardest little town in Oz | Registered: Mar 2007
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Lothlorien
Ship's Grandma
# 4927
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Latchkey Kid:
The oral exam yesterday completed my requirements for the Certificate in Chaplaincy.
Now I have to find out where to use it.
Places like RFS, your marine rescue stuff or similar?
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Buy a bale. Help our Aussie rural communities and farmers. Another great cause needing support The High Country Patrol.
Posts: 9745 | From: girt by sea | Registered: Aug 2003
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geroff
Shipmate
# 3882
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Posted
I have just started a new curacy support thread called "Off we go..."
I hope it doesn't fall into Oblivion too quickly...
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"The first principle in science is to invent something nice to look at and then decide what it can do." Rowland Emett 1906-1990
Posts: 1172 | From: Montgomeryshire, Wales | Registered: Jan 2003
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Laxton's Superba
Shipmate
# 228
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Posted
Bumping this up so it doesn't disappear.... I know it's a long one, but it is so handy to have all the pages, as our journey together. Please can it be kept, or at least a link to it, and its predecessor, which is also of much value, in any new thread that is set up to replace it? Thanks very much.
For all those on the discernment road,
I've had the summer off too much post-BAP dissection but will be returning to the fray next week with another trip to the DDO.
Posts: 187 | From: I wish I knew | Registered: May 2001
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Welease Woderwick
Sister Incubus Nightmare
# 10424
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Posted
I can't see any problem if you want to place links in this or any new thread to old threads on the same subject.
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I give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.
Fancy a break in South India?
Accessible Homestay Guesthouse in Central Kerala, contact me for details
What part of Matt. 7:1 don't you understand?
Posts: 48139 | From: 1st on the right, straight on 'til morning | Registered: Sep 2005
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Pia
Shipmate
# 17277
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Posted
OK. So I'm writing this, and I still don't know yet if I'm actually going to press 'post' at the end...
How do you know the difference between a vocation and a completely bonkers bee in your bonnet? I think I've got a bad case of the latter, since even if I could be sure that this was 'a God thing' (rather than an 'all in my head' thing) there's no way that I could pursue it: I'm divorced and remarried; my husband is an atheist who has problems even with the fact that I go to church on Sunday let alone anything more; I am our main breadwinner; I have a full-time and demanding job and kids...
I know all those things to be the case, but the thought doesn't go away. And here's the really mad thing: I grew up going to church, lost my faith in my teens (as one does) and found it again a few years ago... but even during my long agnostic period I always felt (not always as in 'every day', but on different occasions throughout that period) that I should have been a priest (maybe 'if things had been different' or something). So now I'm back 'in the fold', as it were, the feeling has just multiplied (now it really is every blinking day, whether I like it or not).
I know that I probably just need to find some kind of alternative channel for those energies, by volunteering to help in some other way, but at the moment I'm kind of paralysed by the notion that that's not what I really want. (See... I wrote 'What I want', whereas surely it should be about what God wants... I'm pretty sure that's Pride, or something...)
If I press 'post' (the jury's still out at this stage) I guess I will be doing so in the hope of a reality check... Tell me that I am being silly, and that there are a thousand other ways in which I can serve God... I already know that I am, and there are. ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
(I'm now hovering over 'Add reply'. I have been there for some time... again ![[Help]](graemlins/help.gif) )
Posts: 151 | Registered: Aug 2012
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Jenn.
Shipmate
# 5239
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Posted
Pia, this might not be what you want to hear, but it might be that this feeling won't go away until you have acknowledged it properly and maybe even explored it. Is there any way you could do that? I understand the position with your husband must be very difficult, but would talking to your vicar/priest be something you could consider? Could you sound your husband out about this?
Posts: 2282 | From: England | Registered: Nov 2003
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St Everild
Shipmate
# 3626
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Posted
PErhaps this feeling needs Decent Christian Burial...go and talk to your husband and your priest ... but be prepared to be surprised in the direction that you may be being called. Remember that nothing is impossible with God.
Every blessing and enjoy the journey.
Posts: 1782 | From: Bethnei | Registered: Dec 2002
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Laxton's Superba
Shipmate
# 228
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Posted
I'm glad you posted, Pia. I hope you find courage to take this further. It is awfully scary to start with but as the wise (wo)man said, nothing is impossible with God, and God is certainly a God of surprises, worth taking risks for. I'm kind of in the middle of the process, but I have found that the process itself can be revelatory, not necessarily as a means to an end of funny collar stuff, but as part of your spiritual journey. Hang in there, baby steps, and keep posting. Thinking of you
Posts: 187 | From: I wish I knew | Registered: May 2001
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Pia
Shipmate
# 17277
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Posted
Thank you to all who replied.
The thought of talking to anyone about this in 'real life' makes me quake. It was hard enough to write it down...
And yet I feel better for having done so. And the fact that you took the time to read and reply means a huge amount to me.
Posts: 151 | Registered: Aug 2012
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