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.”

Her father was a priest and her grandfather a bishop and she’d wondered in the past about licensed lay or even ordained ministry, but family commitments were always the stronger call. Newly aware of AWA ministry, however, the call came again. More strongly.
A youthful 79, full of energy and enthusiasm, Elizabeth now regularly leads weekday Morning Prayer (pictured) as well as Sunday Services of the Word across the North Walsham benefice. She is part of the Lay Chalice Assistant team, oversees a weekly hour of silent prayer and takes the reserved Sacrament to people in their homes. “That was such a humbling step,” she says, “and part of what I love most about this role – making simple connections between God’s Word and people’s everyday lives.”
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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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“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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