Visionary founders, inspiring staff

Published on: 22 August 2022

All are welcome at 3.30pm on 25 September at a special service in the Cathedral to mark the 250th anniversary of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Who knows how many hundreds have served as hospital chaplains during that time?

One of the current chaplains is Canon Darren Thornton. When pandemic struck, the university chaplaincy where he ministered closed overnight, so he offered himself as a hospital bank chaplain instead and, having worked in mental health chaplaincy years before, felt immediately at home. When a fulltime post came up, he applied, encouraged by colleagues who saw with clarity that God was calling Darren to join them. He loves it, deeply fulfilled in the task of bringing hope to the bedsides of the sick and dying. “It’s a privilege to bring something of God into desperate situations,” he says. “And it’s a great place to work – those doctors and nurses are miracle workers!”


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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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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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