You are invited to join us for a series of three webinars to give space to explore the age old question: “What is my calling?”
Hosted by the Colchester Episcopal Area team on Monday 1st, 8th and 15th November 2021 starting at 7.30pm and lasting 1.5 hours.
Each webinar has a unique emphasis which will allow you to explore the question from different angles and with the support of fellow Christians and guided by the Vocations Team.
Living through a global pandemic has caused many people to reflect on the purpose of life. If you are one of them, these webinars may be of interest to you.
The webinars are open to anyone over the age of 16, and at any stage of life and faith. Whether you are a “seasoned” Christian or new on the road, or whether you already know that you might want to become a priest or have no idea at all. Everyone is welcome.
Find out more about the content of the seminars below.
To reap the full benefits of the series, we strongly recommend you attend all three sessions.
In order to access the webinars you will need to register via Eventbrite.
Resources for prayerful reflection
Overview
Session 1 - My story
This webinar will allow you to reflect on your life story so far, facilitated by a member of the Vocations team. Participants will share their stories with each other and by telling the story itself, we will discern how God might already be speaking to you.
At the end of this webinar you will be equipped with a set of resources which you will allow you to find out:
- What does ministry look like within the Church of England (as a priest and as a lay person)? What roles are available?
- What does ministry look like in my everyday life, including the world of work?
- What does ministry look like for young people?
Session 2 - Researching
This part of the series will further flesh out your fact finding and will form the interactive part of your research. We will hear from guest speakers about how they have discovered their calling (or are still discerning it). This will be followed by a number of breakout sessions where you can find out more about the various opportunities for ministry by speaking to the people on the frontline in these fields.
Please note: Some breakout session will take place during the webinar and others will become available at different times of the week, depending on availability of speakers and participants.
Session 3 - Discerning
This final webinar gives us an opportunity to come together and discern and reflect on what you have learnt about yourself, and what you have heard from others and from God since the beginning of our series. The session will include a panel Q&A, 1:1 conversations with individual advisers and an act of worship as well as a blessing for your journey going forward.
If you have any questions, please contact Revd Ian Hilton (Area CMD Advisor)
Resources for prayerful reflection
The following videos come from Order of the Mustard Seed (24/7 prayer holy order) which consists of 4 one-hour sessions. It’s called “Pursuing God’s Will”.
Discernment Prayer, Sisters of Notra Dame
Walk with me, good and loving God, as I journey through life.
May I take Your hand and be led by Your Holy Spirit.
Fill me, inspire me, free me to respond generously to Your call.
For I believe You desire my deepest joy,
And it is only in Your company
That my soul will be satisfied
And my life will find its meaning and purpose. Amen
When God Calls - Sarah Hayward
Mary’s words, – Luke 1:38
All: I am the Lord’s servant; may it be to me as You have said
When your words call me, draw me, pierce me
When they delight me, comfort me, excite me
When they challenge me, encourage me and lead me on
All: I am the Lord’s servant; may it be to me as You have said
When your words trouble me, surprise me or overwhelm me;
When your call upon my life seems difficult, impossible, inconceivable
When I feel frightened, inadequate and uncertain
All: I am the Lord’s servant may it be to me as You have said
When your words confirm my heart’s desire
When they meet me in my time of need
When they defend me against the assault of the enemy
All: I am the Lord’s servant; may it be to me as You have said
When your words make no sense to me
When I call and hear no answer
When I don’t know what you have said
Even then,
All: I am the Lord’s servant; may it be to me as You have said
(Based upon Luke 1:28-38; Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17)
Sarah Hayward
This is a poem I wrote for myself when contemplating my vocation. Why not have a go at expressing your vocation and concerns about it in your own creative format?
Hymn: When I survey the wondrous cross - Isaac Watts
When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them through his blood.
See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.
Prayer of Charles De Foucauld
Father,I abandon myself into your hands;
do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me,
and in all your creatures -
I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul:
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord,
and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father.
Books
“Let your life speak: Listening to the voice of vocation” by Parker J. Palmer.
Courageous leadership – Bill Hybels
Calling and character – William H. Willimon (this book claims to be for clergy but is useful for lay ministry)
For more information please contact Ian Hilton
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