Becoming aware
In 2016 Blessing Chishanu, having grown up in Zimbabwe and studied theology in Namibia, had a call to serve the church in Lowestoft.

Coming to England required finding a place to belong and getting to grips with cultural differences in the church. Blessing has found the African philosophy of “ubuntu” and its relationship to our Christian witness helpful. “Ubuntu” is an ethic that gives high regard to the relationship between the collective and the individual. The individual exists in the context of the collective.
Blessing says, “I may not understand everyone’s language nor have a palate for your foods, but I do know when I’m truly loved. As we journey together on the basis of a love hewn in Christ for the other, then the rest will naturally fall in place. Finding home for ‘communities of difference’ often has to do with finding communities where the Love of Christ is tangibly discerned.”
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The calling of a Warden
Ian Newton is the sole Churchwarden of St Andrew’s Field Dalling, part of a multi-parish benefice in rural North Norfolk.
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A journey of ‘becoming’
The calling to Licensed Lay Ministry in the Church of England is a distinctive one.
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A space to wrestle and belong
By lunchtime on the day we meet, the Revd Jack Branford has already had his regular meeting with the Headmaster, taught a Year 10 RE lesson and visited the bereaved family with whom he’s planning the funeral of a parent.
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Hospitality and home
“Jesus’ invitation of relationship is based on a metaphor of hospitality,” says Anna Lloyd, quoting Revelation 3:20: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person.”
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It’s never too late…
“Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised," reflects Elizabeth Hargest who was commissioned as an Authorised Worship Assistant (AWA) just last year, “because leading worship is in my DNA.”
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“Oh God, where are we going today?”
Licensed Lay Worker Carrie Sant’s calling begins by seeking to offer her days to God and to be available where a need is revealed, then stepping out in faith, asking God to lead in filling the gap.
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Discerning the way forward
In 2018, Ashley Hobbs came to Norwich to explore God’s call on her life.
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Walking with those in grief
“I didn’t feel called to work for TimeNorfolk,” says Lindsey Nettleton, “It felt more of a timely push through an open door!
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Called to creation care
Eleven-year-old Madeleine Humphries from Norwich has always been interested in protecting nature.
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Integrate Youth for Christ work in Thetford Academy
Steph’s story started locally with voluntary work and developed to charity work, alongside a group of churches in primary schools and high schools in Norfolk.
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