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.”

“I have always felt called to cultivate safe and loving spaces of hospitality. Growing up in vicarages, I loved seeing the impact sharing our home had on people. From a cup of tea, to offering individuals a place to stay for a season, joining in with God’s heart for hospitality has been something which has become second nature. It is why we so enjoyed helping create spaces like The Sanctuary and The Mitre in Norwich, and why our recent decision to invite a displaced Ukrainian family to come and live with us, was an easy one. My prayer is that together we will know what it is ‘to dwell in the house of the Lord forever’ (Psalm 23).”
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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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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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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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