Born in Norwich, the Revd Karen Gower was ordained in the city in June. She tells us about her vocation in the latest edition of the diocese Prayer Diary.
However, her journey to becoming a deacon in her home cathedral took her via New Zealand (and elsewhere in Australasia, plus Europe, the Middle East and North America.)
Karen was just seven when she left Norfolk for New Zealand, where she grew up and began her working life.
Now she is back in Norfolk, and serving as a curate in Dersingham.
“The challenge to consider the priesthood came as a bit of a surprise, but as I began to explore that idea and that potential call, and began the discernment process it became very clear that, yes, that was what God was asking me to do and I realised that this was how God was directing me to serve his church here,” said Karen.
She said she had always been involved with church homegroups, choirs, outreach and eventually overseas missions and as she explored a more formal role ‘It seemed a natural continuation of my life-long ‘yes’ to God, even though at the time I didn’t expect it to lead to ordination – that came a little later!”
After jobs in insurance and church admin, and then overseas missions, she returned to Britain and bought a house in Norfolk with a friend in 2012. “Norfolk is where God opened a door and led us to,” said Karen.
“Through my faith journey I have seen the evidence of Proverbs 16:9 worked out in my life – we make our plans, but God directs our steps. As I explored the opportunity to serve in Dersingham, I saw God confirming my steps here over and over and felt an agreement in my heart that it was the right place to come.
“I feel very humbled and honoured to be part of the diocese where my faith journey started and I’m very excited to be starting my curacy in the Dersingham benefice.
“I’ve been so blessed by the warm welcome I’ve received, in the church and the community. I’m looking forward to seeing how God is already working here and participate in seeing his Kingdom flourish.“
