Discerning the way forward
In 2018, Ashley Hobbs came to Norwich to explore God’s call on her life.

She lived in a city flat with three others who’d also responded to the invitation from this diocese to join the Ministry Experience Scheme. She’d initially assumed it was only for those explicitly exploring ordination but “God made it clear that this was one of the paths on my journey”.
Three years later, she looks back on a rich, influential year which taught her many things. From living with others, Ash learnt about human complexity; being offered a taster of many forms of ministry gave her the confidence to think bigger about how “I might share God’s good news”; the theological modules on offer quickened her eagerness to learn and deepened her faith. “Despite some difficult moments,” she reflects, “the year opened my mind and helped me discern God’s call to work with children and young people.”
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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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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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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.
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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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