quote:

---

Originally posted by Cedd:

... and could be thrown out on my ear by my current diocese very shortly.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mr. Rob:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Cedd:

... and could be thrown out on my ear by my current diocese very shortly.

---

Will you please explain why your diocese would do that instead of helping you with this situation?

*

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Raptor Eye:
Waiting is perhaps one of the most difficult callings Cedd. You've had affirmation that none of the applications you have made so far have been right, by the replies.

It might be that God has something else in mind now, like chaplaincy or missionary work etc. It might be that the right situation is not yet vacant. All there is to do is to keep waiting, watching and praying, and working toward the vision of your place in God's service.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Belle Ringer:
The "it has to be within a certain distance from London" is limiting partly because probably lots of people are looking for that same location range. Is there any way this can be softened without affecting your marriage?

I once turned down an offer because of "wrong location," I now regret that foolishness on my part, I now know I would have loved living in that location for a few (or more) years.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jengie Jon:
I think that you need to beware of thinking in such melodramatic terns. It does not mean the end of your ministry even if you have to use secular employment for a while. Janet Lees is a URC minister who seems to alternate between being a speech therapist and ministerial posts. That does not mean it is easy. I supported a friend while her husband commuted weekly by train in the year the train service almost collapsed while she waited for the right pastorate to appear. That year was tough on her and I would be lying if I said otherwise.

Jengie

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by EtymologicalEvangelical:

Might I suggest that your difficulties might be God's way of opening your eyes to the kind of painful and traumatic struggles most people have to go through in life (including many Christians)?

---

You may be right, thank you. As it happens I have no idea what other options are open to me because we are in tough times (as you know) and there is not much call for someone who may be seen as 'flakey'. But I certainly take your point that I do not have it as hard as many and, yes, perhaps this is God's way of showing me just that.
 

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Posted by Imersge Canfield (# 17431) on :
 
To me the prospect of loss of job and home in THREE weeks' time is dramatic. Who of us, faced with this would not feel in crisis ?

My thoughts for you and yours in this tough situation

[ 02. December 2012, 20:53: Message edited by: Imersge Canfield ]
 

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Posted by Doublethink (# 1984) on :
 
This seems more support than debate - so we will hand you over to the good folks in All Saints.

Doublethink
Purgatory Host
 

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Posted by Angloid (# 159) on :
 
My prayers (feeble as they are) are probably worth more than advice.

When you say you need to be within reach of London, does that mean central London? Are there no 'house for duty' posts in either London or Southwark dioceses, which would allow you to continue some sort of pastoral ministry while earning your keep at your old profession? I can understand that you might not be emotionally ready to support the church for free for a while yet, but you don't say whether you have your own house to live in if you went back to your old job; if not it might help meanwhile. Pete173 has made an important point, and you say you've served five years already.
 

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Posted by Cedd (# 8436) on :
 
Thank you Angloid and others.

In response to Bp Pete although I have gone beyond three years I am still in my title post and have not yet become an incumbent on common tenure. This diocese often has title posts of four years and I have gone beyond that because of the difficulties of finding a job. Therefore I don't think I can do the common tenure thing, as attractive as that sounds.

No, we don't have a house to move into and therefore we would be open to consider a house for duty in the right place, at least as a temporary measure.

Lots of in the Cedd household tonight and also a sleepless one. I know that lots of people have it worse a lot of the time but this is a personal toughie and I hope and pray that we can look back on this one day as a positive turning point because, right now, that is the best we can hope for. So, yes please, all prayers welcome.
 

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Posted by malik3000 (# 11437) on :
 
You and your family are in my prayers, Cedd
 

---

Posted by Belle Ringer (# 13379) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Cedd:

Lots of in the Cedd household tonight and also a sleepless one. I know that lots of people have it worse a lot of the time but this is a personal toughie... So, yes please, all prayers welcome.

---

Whether others "have it worse" is irrelevant. Your problems are real; all the tears and prayers that can help are appropriate.
 

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Posted by James the Confident (# 9678) on :
 
I have no words of advice, just support. You have your own mountain to climb and climb it you must. I too struggled in my ministry, working part time on a low wage while living on my own was difficult. I prayed a prayed for full time work but it was not to be. I was at my wits end when a full time job appeared which I secured--praise God.

It seems to me that sometimes God waits until every hope is dashed before he acts. Perhaps that is how he gets us to rely on him.

I have not lived in London for many years, it was expensive when I did, I guess it is much more so now. Could you get some part time employment while you follow your ministry dream?


 

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Posted by AberVicar (# 16451) on :
 
Without knowing you, I wouldn't know where to start offering advice - particularly not on such a public forum - but I would like to make a general comment that may be relevant.

Certainly in this part of the world, it will happen increasingly often that bishops/dioceses are not able to offer an automatic stipendiary post to clergy who need to move on, even at the end of a successful title post. Many clergy (including those in positions of hierarchical authority) will find it hard to come to terms with losing the perception that, once ordained, you have a 'job for life', and that the Church's responsibility to you includes the permanent long term provision of employment. It isn't ideal, but it's the way things are, and will continue to be. The hierarchy are going to be embarrassed by this, and will in some cases handle it badly, and the Church urgently needs to access top-notch HR advice in order to deal with helping clergy to move on - sometimes into secular employment or into forms of ministry they had not envisaged for themselves.

I realise this is not consolation for someone like Cedd who is caught in that uncomfortable place between reality and expectation, but it has to be faced up to at every level.

As for Cedd, you have asked for prayers, and that goes without saying.


 

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Posted by Angloid (# 159) on :
 
Just to add: it's a big blow to one's self-confidence when you keep getting rejected. But some of the most effective priests I have known are those who have apparently been written off by selection conferences, theological colleges, bishops, etc. Keep the faith, brother!
 

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Posted by Cedd (# 8436) on :
 
Thank you all for your words and kindness.


 

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Posted by Loveheart (# 12249) on :
 
No wisdom, but
 

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Posted by Sandemaniac (# 12829) on :
 
Whilst a different career path, it pretty much matches my situation. All I can do is wish you luck, and hope you have more inspiration than I've had. It's shit, but it's all I can offer.

AG
 

---

Posted by Bostonman (# 17108) on :
 
Sounds especially difficult given your success in your current post. I've always found Psalm 124 to be comforting...

"If the Lord himself had not been on our side, •
now may Israel say;
If the Lord had not been on our side, •
when enemies rose up against us;
Then would they have swallowed us alive •
when their anger burned against us;
Then would the waters have overwhelmed us
and the torrent gone over our soul; •
over our soul would have swept the raging waters."

Being above water still, even if barely, can be a sign.

I suspect that while your ministry in its current form may be ending, you will take your ministry—and the experiences you've had so far—forward with you into whatever your next role may be. It isn't wasted time.

Just adding more prayers.
 

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Posted by Cedd (# 8436) on :
 
Thank you all. The sad and interesting thing is that I have had ten times more support from the people on this board and from my Facebook friends then I have ever had from my diocese.

My wife is being increasingly clear that she wants out of the church, if we can. I think that the past year in particular has damaged her faith hugely - and I know that one can throw all sorts of theology and psychology at that but she is really hurting and beginning to wonder whether we have just been living a big delusion. It makes it very hard to go for clergy interviews knowing that my wife does not want us to take the job, even if offered.

Of course I have no idea how possible it is for me to get a job back in the 'real world' of work but I am beginning to think that that may be the only way that we are ever going to be able to put our lives back together.
 

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Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 
Cedd
 

---

Posted by Matt Black (# 2210) on :
 

 

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Posted by SvitlanaV2 (# 16967) on :
 
My former minister contemplated moving from the ministry to a chaplaincy job. Perhaps this would be a good compromise. If you want to work in Greater London there should be lots of openings.

(I was going to recommend that you consider working as a minister in another denomination, but I suspect this won't appeal to you.)

I hope it all works out for you.
 

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Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Cedd and Mrs Cedd

[ 04. December 2012, 09:59: Message edited by: daisydaisy ]
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
I can only add a
 

---

Posted by Pine Marten (# 11068) on :
 
Adding my prayers for Cedd and Mrs Cedd

I hope it all works out for you and your family.
 

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Posted by Adeodatus (# 4992) on :
 
Prayers ascending here for Cedd and the Cedd household.

Just a word about chaplaincy and secular jobs. I can only speak for healthcare chaplaincy, but I have to say it's not for everyone. The stresses are very different from parish ministry, but very real.

On the downside, if you go into an entry-level post in the NHS you'll be taking a serious pay cut for at least the first 3 or 4 years: you'll find yourself having to pay for your house, your pension, your council tax and utilities, and you'll lose a lot of your expenses. You'll be spending most of every working day with sick people, and many of the stories you become a part of will not have happy endings. You'll have no choice but to spend most of your time with non-Christians.

On the upside, when you go home at the end of the day you are home, and unless you're on call nobody will be phoning you at 2am. When they do, it'll be a healthcare professional and not a religious fruitcake. You'll have structures that apportion responsibility so that it doesn't all fall on you. It is somebody else's problem to see that the chapel roof doesn't leak. And you'll have no choice but to spend most of your time with non-Christians. (See what I did there? )

Secular job? It can be done. But it's amazing - and annoys me intensely - how carefully and completely the CofE de-skills its ordinands, so that once they're ordained they cease believing that they have any transferrable or employable skills. The Church does its damnedest (I choose the word carefully) to lead you to believe that for the rest of your life, only the Church will ever want to employ you. It's not true. Consult a careers adviser, and they'll show you what skills you have that are in demand.
 

---

Posted by Eutychus (# 3081) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Adeodatus:
Secular job? It can be done. But it's amazing - and annoys me intensely - how carefully and completely the CofE de-skills its ordinands, so that once they're ordained they cease believing that they have any transferrable or employable skills. (...) It's not true. Consult a careers adviser, and they'll show you what skills you have that are in demand.

---

I would heartily second this, albeit from abroad.

I left full-time ministry in dramatic circumstances and while I regret many aspects, following good careers advice I have thoroughly enjoyed having a 'real world' job with far more affirmation than I ever got from church hierarchies.

I understand the struggling with the issue of a vocation and I admit that eight years on, I haven't resolved that one myself yet. But I've enjoyed seeing more of the Kingdom outside the goldfish bowl of the Church.

I am also a (prison) chaplain though, the downside is that here it's non-stipendiary!


 

---

Posted by Cedd (# 8436) on :
 
I take on board everything said about hospital chaplaincy, and I can't say that I have ever felt that particular calling. Possibly prison chaplaincy and possibly university...

In terms of de-skilling of ordinands the good news is that I trained part-time whilst continuing to work full time in my profession and I have done one or two things during my curacy to help keep up my professional skills. I am meeting an old and trusted colleague tomorrow to discuss how possible it would be for me to return and it may even be the case that there will be a job there. If that were to happen, and it is by no means certain, then the way we feel at the moment I suspect that I would take the job and we would then set about finding a house and getting back into a 'normal' routine.

If all that happened then, after a six month break, I can imagine exploring an NSM role with a local church. So, provided we can get through the immediate stress of not actually knowing what is going to happen I can begin to imagine having a fruitful life and ministry outside this particular goldfish bowl. Now we just need to get there!
 

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Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Cedd:
I am meeting an old and trusted colleague tomorrow to discuss how possible it would be for me to return and it may even be the case that there will be a job there.

---

Best wishes for a good meeting.


 

---

Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 

 

---

Posted by no prophet (# 15560) on :
 
Completely different circumstances and situation, but both my wife and I lost our jobs with no prospects and preschool children 20+ years ago. We developed the understanding that "even idiots make a go of it in the world". So we tried to remain cheerful and not be idiots. There is no plan that this would happen to you, but plan now you must. You will land somewhere and make a go of it. It's cliché but if you have a spouse who loves you and other family, you will get through anything, DV.
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
In the part of the world where I live, there is more of a demand for chaplains than priests. While many positions are non-stipendiary, there are definitely paid chaplaincies for schools, prisons, police and emergency services and A grade sports clubs. The last seems to be a growing area - but it would probably only appeal if one had a strong love of the particular sport.

Surviving the church stuff, especially when you care deeply about her, is a wild surf ride; but making sure your marriage survives is far more important. She is hurt for she loves you, and hates seeing you treated this way.

May God give you wisdom and perseverance, and raise you up, even on the last day.
 

---

Posted by Qoheleth. (# 9265) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Ruudy (# 3939) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Dee. (# 5681) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Bostonman (# 17108) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Cedd:
I am meeting an old and trusted colleague tomorrow to discuss how possible it would be for me to return and it may even be the case that there will be a job there.

---

Please do let us know how it goes, either way!


 

---

Posted by womanspeak (# 15394) on :
 
Our thoughts are with you from the other side of the globe. We can only imagine the pressure which your family continues to experience in this Advent time. I hope your family can enjoy Christmas, regardless of uncertainty, and that God will lead your family to safe harbour.

Some years ago, with ankle-biters ( aussie pre-schoolers), I had three days to take up a position 3 hours from home. My hubby, while also working full time, managed magnificently during the week for two years. I made the most of it career-wise and did extra study during my lonely free time. When moving back to the family town proved totally impossible we bit the bullet and went bush together. We have had some amazing opportunities for personal, professional and ministry growth. But it does take two to agree to radical solutions.

I hope your solution becomes clearer.
 

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Posted by fletcher christian (# 13919) on :
 
Don't give up. I know thats much easier said than done. You have something of an uphill struggle I suspect, in being limited to a particular area. On a practical note - because you are limiting yourself to a particular area - be careful that you don't fall into the trap of 'real-world' job searching and end up applying for everything thats going. Be selective, but pay particular attention to any parish that actually calls you for interview or expresses an interest in your coming. I'm not quite sure how it works in the C of E, but if there are nominators, be very discerning. In many cases it is a sad fact that they don't represent the parish terribly well. Sometimes they can have their axe to grind, which is why they are in that position, and other times they might be there because nobody else wanted to do it or because they are retired and have the time to do it. Find out as much as you can about a parish outside of its profile and contact at the very least, two former incumbents/curates. If possible, arrive late for a service at a church you may be interested in, sit at the back and sneak out quietly before the end. Remember that it may not be a true reflection of a parish, but it should give you at least a rough idea of how they worship and what kind of a community they are.

If you haven't done so already, actively seek the support of your archdeacon and your Bishop and request regular meetings to hear what might be coming up in the diocese that they think would be suitable. But this comes with a word of caution too - don't be pushed into a parish that has been vacant for a while (possibly for good reason) that they just want filled.

If you are happy where you are, and there is work to be done, perhaps you could approach the diocese with the suggestion that you go NSM for a while in that parish and take on either a secular job of your choosing, or in the best situation, a diocesan post that needs filling. The danger here is that once you go NSM with a secular job, it might be very difficult to return to paid ministry and in the future parishes may look on you as a cheap form of Vicar/Rector.

Pray often, chat it over regularly with those that count, be active but not desperate and be sure of what you are looking for.
 

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Posted by The Weeder (# 11321) on :
 
I echo all the concern about your situation, and all the prayers for you, and for your wife.
Do have a look at Prison Chaplaincy. It suits down to earth people who have been through the mill. I have a freind who is really relishing the role.


 

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Posted by Rosa Winkel (# 11424) on :
 
I share concerns.

As someone who was employed for about three years I know it's a bastard time waiting.
 

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Posted by Cedd (# 8436) on :
 
Thank you all dear friends - your support means more than you can know. The process is still ongoing and whilst there is light in the darkness I think it is true to say that I (we) are in a bad place at the moment, both mentally and spiritually. Frankly I have no idea how I am going to do the next week of Christmas events. There is a possibility of both a church job and a professional job but I am so 'all over the place' I can hardly trust myself to make an informed decision. Crying at the drop of a hat and would like to do nothing more than sleep for a week. What a miserable sod I am at the moment!

Anyway, thank you, thank you, thank you.
 

---

Posted by Doublethink (# 1984) on :
 
FWIW My employment strategy to date has always been to apply in the area I consider my vocation and then take the first thing I am offered. It has worked thus far. Research shows agonising about a big decision doesn't improve the quality of the decision you ultimately take - so there is a lot to be said for going with your gut instinct.

In the position you describe, I'd probably just take the first church job offered - on the basis that you can continue to explore options from a secure base.

YMMV
 

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Posted by SyNoddy (# 17009) on :
 
Dear Cedd
for you and your family.
I have been following this thread and reading of your challenging circumstances with much sympathy.
I pray that you find 'strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow', enough at least to see you through to the New Year because in the words of Mr Micawber ' something will turn up'
 

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Posted by Imersge Canfield (# 17431) on :
 
I am a bit concerned for Cedd. Who has not been around for a week or more it seems to me.

i don't want to intrude - or neglect, at such a time.

Any thoughts from long term members here ?
 

---

Posted by Raptor Eye (# 16649) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Anselmina (# 3032) on :
 
Still thinking of you and yours Cedd. Don't feel you have to report to anyone here. You'll have much more important things to focus on! Just know that you're supported.
 

---

Posted by Angloid (# 159) on :
 

 

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Posted by shamwari (# 15556) on :
 
Prayers too.

I would have thought that, in ordaining someone, the Church accepts responsibility thereafter.

Certainly my denomination does.

I find it incredible that Cedd is in this position.
 

---

Posted by Imersge Canfield (# 17431) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by shamwari:
Prayers too.

I would have thought that, in ordaining someone, the Church accepts responsibility thereafter.

Certainly my denomination does.

I find it incredible that Cedd is in this position.

---

Thinking of Cedd.

i feel like you Shamwari for sure.
 

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Posted by Yam-pk (# 12791) on :
 
Ah, the Church of England - indisguishable from a ruthless secular company but for the 19th century dress...
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
I have just spent two years doing some vocational discerning in the Anglican church. One thing that has truly astounded me is that after training its workers thoroughly, and excellently, the church then seems to abandon them. Cedd is certainly not the only one suffering like this.

The way we treat our own is very telling.

No wonder Jesus wept.
 

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Posted by Robert Armin (# 182) on :
 
Banner Lady, that is very much my impression. I've known various clergy who have hit rough times, and no one in the system is concerned. They have been allowed to drift away, often full of bitterness and the Church they served faithfully. It seems to me that the CoE is not concerned about caring for its clergy.
 

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Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on :
 
It's not just the clergy. "Not only is your ministry role coming to an end as the new rector starts, but advice based on your knowledge and experience is unwelcome."
 

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Posted by Imersge Canfield (# 17431) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Anselmina:
Still thinking of you and yours Cedd. Don't feel you have to report to anyone here. You'll have much more important things to focus on! Just know that you're supported.

---

yea
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Cedd and family
 

---

Posted by Robert Armin (# 182) on :
 
And again
 

---

Posted by Imersge Canfield (# 17431) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
Cedd and family

---

Amen
 

---

Posted by Mary LA (# 17040) on :
 
Cedd and family
 

---

Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
And again:
 

---

Posted by Imersge Canfield (# 17431) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Wesley J (# 6075) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Imersge Canfield (# 17431) on :
 
hoping
 

---

Posted by Traveller (# 1943) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Imersge Canfield (# 17431) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Robert Armin:
Banner Lady, that is very much my impression. I've known various clergy who have hit rough times, and no one in the system is concerned. They have been allowed to drift away, often full of bitterness and the Church they served faithfully. It seems to me that the CoE is not concerned about caring for its clergy.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by geroff:
I can only find a link to an archived article on the Unite website, from Google - the current union website doesn't recognise 'faith worker' in its search engine.

---

AFAIK the faithworkers' branch is a sub-section of the 'not-for-profit' section which may itself be a sub-section. I'm a member because it applies to all faithworkers including voluntary workers such as Methodist Local Preachers and CofE Readers. My membership card is for 'General Workers.' There's a helpline number for faithworkers which will give the relevant details for anyone wanting to join.

Unite's faithworker section is very clued up about the Church's 'Dignity at Work' policy which appears to have been adopted by all dioceses but which is effectively ignored by many, including Ripon and Leeds whose diocesan was instrumental in producing the policy.
 

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Posted by seasick (# 48) on :
 
Cedd and family
 

---

Posted by Imersge Canfield (# 17431) on :
 
Cedd and family
 

---

Posted by Imersge Canfield (# 17431) on :
 
For you and yours at Epiphany-tide Cedd




[ 06. January 2013, 20:38: Message edited by: Imersge Canfield ]
 

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Posted by Cedd (# 8436) on :
 
Dear Friends and Shipmates,

I just wanted to let you know that I have just been offered and accepted a vicar's post in the next-door diocese. This was the last interview in my diary and was only confirmed a few days ago. In a way I have been slightly in denial about the situation because it has been so stressful for so long that I can't quite get my head around the fact that it is nearly over and that we are going somewhere that looks good.

I also went for a couple of interviews back in my secular career and one of the firms seemed very keen for me to go there in a fairly senior role. I have to say that I came extremely close to leaving the church entirely and, the sad thing is, that no one in my existing hierarchy would have cared much, I would just be a problem that had been solved. However I do think that God would have cared and, although it has been a struggle, I have managed to hang onto my sense of calling and vocation despite the disinterest of my diocese.

I also have to say that the support and prayers of everyone here has meant a huge amount to me. Again it has proved that there is more than mere disinterest in what happens next. I want to say a huge "thank you" to everyone here who has offered help and support and prayers. It has been very much appreciated throughout.

This has been a huge learning experience on many levels and it will probably take some time for all the lessons to be digested and appreciated. Most importantly I have learnt how easy it is to tie up one's faith in God with the structures of the church, and how the fallibility of the latter can damage the former. As a clergyman that is a huge responsibility, especially knowing how fallible I am. One for continued prayer.

Anyway, a thousand thank you's on every level. You have each done more than you can know.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Brilliant news, Cedd, thanks for the update.

Continuing to hold you and your family in the Light.
 

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Posted by Drifting Star (# 12799) on :
 
Congratulations. That's wonderful.

(Not been posting, but have been following & praying.)
 

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Posted by Jante (# 9163) on :
 
So pleased to heat this news Cedd.
Prayers now for you and your wife's healing as you move forward in God's service
Jante
 

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Posted by Angloid (# 159) on :
 
Good news! Take a good rest and don't rush into things.
 

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Posted by Anselmina (# 3032) on :
 
This is great news! I'm so glad for you and your family. Every blessing in the new place. I'm sure they will be very blessed indeed in having you for their vicar!
 

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Posted by The Rhythm Methodist (# 17064) on :
 
Excellent news!
 

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Posted by Caissa (# 16710) on :
 
Congratulations Cedd.
 

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Posted by mdijon (# 8520) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Cedd:
However I do think that God would have cared... I have learnt how easy it is to tie up one's faith in God with the structures of the church, and how the fallibility of the latter can damage the former.

---

It sounds like you have gained a series of powerful insights. I don't doubt that the experience will make you a deeper, wiser and more effective minister. Continued prayers for you...
 

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Posted by Imersge Canfield (# 17431) on :
 
Fantstic news ! Well done.

What a relief
 

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Posted by Pine Marten (# 11068) on :
 
Wonderful news, Cedd - continued prayers for you and your family.
 

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Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Cedd and family:

God's blessings continue to follow you all the days of your life.
 

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Posted by Rosa Gallica officinalis (# 3886) on :
 
Phew!!!
 

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Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 
Cedd
 

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Posted by Qoheleth. (# 9265) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Cedd:
... how easy it is to tie up one's faith in God with the structures of the church, and how the fallibility of the latter can damage the former.

---

This.

Excellent news! Thanks be to God!
 

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Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
Cedd, I am so pleased for you.
Like Driftingtar I have been following this thread prayerfully, but have not posted.
I am delighted that you have an appointment that seems to answer the requirements of you and your wife.
I'm sure you will be able to make use of this experience in your ministry, and hope that you will both come to see the dark times as a stepping stone to growth.
Blessings on you both.
 

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Posted by Nenya (# 16427) on :
 
This is great news.

Nen - another watcher and pray-er.
 

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Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 
This is good news

 

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Posted by Bene Gesserit (# 14718) on :
 
This is fantastic news!! I am genuinely thrilled for you and will be praying for you and your family as you move forwards into the role.

BG
 

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Posted by Eutychus (# 3081) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Qoheleth.:

quote:

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Originally posted by Cedd:
... how easy it is to tie up one's faith in God with the structures of the church, and how the fallibility of the latter can damage the former.

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This.

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In France in contracts of all sorts there are all kinds of phrases the signatories have to write out longhand, presumably with the intent that you take in their impact. Cedd's phrase should be required to be written out longhand on any sort of ministerial deed of engagement.

Every blessing for you in your move.

[ 08. January 2013, 19:17: Message edited by: Eutychus ]
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Cedd, that's great news, and I hope this work goes really well. You and your family.
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Dear Cedd - Yay! and Yay for God! May you use this experience to change things from the inside as you continue in your ministry. I wish my country had something similar to CECA - it sounds like a sensible thing to join to receive support, especially when one cannot rely on any but the ad hoc kind from within the C of E.

You would think that after 400 years of being church we'd be better at it, wouldn't you?


 

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Posted by Starbug (# 15917) on :
 
Fantastic news, Cedd! I pray for healing for you and your wife - I know how hard it can be to become disillusioned with church and want to leave.
 

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Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 
'May the Lord bless you and keep you all safe in the palm of his hand.'

Ced, like many others, I've been avidly following this discourse and hoping that you would update us with good news.

A friend of mine often makes the statement: 'God loves us, even when the church is being a total bastard'. The hard bit, as you much more eloquently said, is sorting out who is resposnible for what!
 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
Cedd, I'm very glad.

Moo
 

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Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Brilliant news Cedd - like a sapling bent by the wind may this strengthen you.
 

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Posted by Spike (# 36) on :
 
Fantastic news!!

quote:

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Originally posted by Cedd:
However I do think that God would have cared and, although it has been a struggle, I have managed to hang onto my sense of calling and vocation despite the disinterest of my diocese.

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Of course He cared, and still does which is why it's all worked out. Mind you, He does get a bit irritating when He strings you along like this, and I've told him that myself in the past

Prayers and thanksgiving for you, your family and your new congregation
 

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Posted by M. (# 3291) on :
 
Great news! From another shipmate who has been praying but not posting.

Give yourself time to heal - I know from experience it can take a while.

M.
 

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Posted by Robert Armin (# 182) on :
 
Delighted to hear this. May the Lord bless you and keep you (because the Church won't!).

quote:

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I have to say that I came extremely close to leaving the church entirely and, the sad thing is, that no one in my existing hierarchy would have cared much

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This is true in my experience, and I can see it in the lives of many I trained with.
 

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Posted by Cedd (# 8436) on :
 
Thank you, all - I feel very blessed by you...
 

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Posted by Raptor Eye (# 16649) on :
 
I add my congratulations and thank God for the answer to our prayers Cedd.
 

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Posted by justlooking (# 12079) on :
 
Glad to hear your good news Cedd.

Plus, what RA said.

for you
for RA
for anyone else experiencing the Church in its bastard mode.
 

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Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
Excellent news! Truly, may God heal the damage that has been done to you and your wife, and bless you as you take the next steps.
 

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Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on :
 
Good news! And I hope that the new post is everything you desire it to be.
 

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Posted by The Intrepid Mrs S (# 17002) on :
 
Another thing you have learned, Cedd, is that you still have value in the Outside World. That must be good for the ol' self-esteem!

Mrs. S, wishing you all the very best
 

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Posted by harmony hope (# 4070) on :
 
So very pleased for you
 

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