Vocations Course

Vocation Course

Vocation, Vocation, Vocation:Called to be, called to follow, called to serve

Introduction

Welcome to a Lent Course in five parts. It has been prepared to invite Christians in Derby Diocese to focus on a ‘Year of Vocations’ following on from the focus on Mission in 2010, and the launch of Mission Action Planning during 2011 for most parishes.

In this course you will explore the theme ‘Vocation, vocation, vocation’ and reveal God’s threefold call on us as human beings, as individual disciples, and as the Body of Christ sharing in the mission and ministry of God.

Small groups are invited to reflect together and explore God’s call on their lives. The group that has prepared this material hope that you will enjoy exploring some of the themes, and that you will carefully select material from each week to suit the particular group you are working alongside.

Icons at the side of the page help you know the purpose of that section; and to identify the different options quickly.

Options include:Bible Study

You might choose to follow a Scripturally based study, or

read some of the introduction, and then have an open discussion.

Film selection

Each week a film is recommended, and so your group might watch some or all of that, and then discuss the film in the light of the theme of the week.

Additional options

Experienced leaders may also add ice breakers, personal testimonies, or music into the session, depending on preference, time and how well the group know each other.

Further study and preparation

Some groups will want to do some preparation before the next session, or commit to further detailed study by individuals with feedback at the beginning of the next session. You may therefore find the section ‘Some more things to do’ helpful prompts.

Activities

If you decide to do activities, make sure there is time to feedback and discuss the implications with people, and offer appropriate support.

So you can see that this Lent Course is flexible and open, not prescriptive or highly structured. As a leader you need to consider the knowledge base of the members of your group, which will help you decide which material to use.

Each week the material offered follows the same pattern of:

A quotation

• An introduction,

An exploration of the week’s topic.

A section to take you deeper, either in the group or at home.

Bible study

Prayer and worship suggestions for the beginning or end of

the course.

A film suggestion for watching in a group, at another time, or for course participants.

Vocation, Vocation, Vocation:Called to be, called to follow, called to serve

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More Information

In week two’s session there are links to find material to assist participants in identifying courses and support available within the Diocese to equip them for particular ministry. Website links have been given for individual research as appropriate, guided by your vicar or other suitable minister.

Lent Course Leaders training

During February 2012 there will be events across Derbyshire to assist Lent Group Leaders to get the best from this material, and to see how they might tailor the material to their own situations. Details, of these will be available on the Diocesan website.

AcknowledgementsThanks are given to the small editorial team working with Rev’d Canon Geraldine Pond.

Contents

Week One: Dust and Ashes, Called to be fully human.

Week Two: Body of Christ, Called to follow Christ

Week Three: Not Me, Called to respond

Week Four: Yes You: Called to Life in Christ

Week Five: One Next Step, Called to Step Forward

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Prayer and worship suggestions

Prayers you may find appropriate have been listed in each week’s material. Feel free to include such elements as sung worship and open prayer if appropriate, but also allow space for the group to listen to God in silence or with some reflective music playing. A candle could be lit and placed centrally. One or more of the suggested prayers could be read aloud, and the prayer time might end with The Grace:

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christand the love of Godand the fellowship of the Holy Spiritbe with us all evermoreAmen

More prayer and worship resources are available on the internet, for example at: www.vocationsunday.orgHere is a prayer which you could use at the beginning of each meeting (alongside the Lord’s Prayer, say) or in addition to any of the prayer suggestions:

Almighty and everlasting God,by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified:hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people,that in their vocation and ministrythey may serve you in holiness and truthto the glory of your name;through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,who is alive and reigns with you,in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever. Common Worship collect for an Ember Day

The following prayer has been selected to be said at all Derby Diocese confirmation services in 2012 to support Vocation Year.

Eternal GodStir up in us the gifts of your Spirit for the service of your gospel, that we – so blessed by your grace - may discern your call in our lives and respond courageously and obediently, bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit in ministries of rich variety. Take us and use us, to love and serve others in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.

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IntroductionThere is a sense in which every person is a part of ‘God’s people’. We can see this if we look at Genesis chapter 1, which contains an account of God creating the world. The story reaches a climax in verses 27: ‘God created human beings in his own image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.’ (Genesis 1.27:REB)

Exploration

In what sense might human beings be said to be made in the image of God?

Each of us is a complex person

You could say that we live in three worlds:

1.The Outer World of our surroundings.

2.The Go-Between World of our senses.

3.The Inner World of thought and emotions or feelings.

1. The Outer World

If God has made us in his image, then we should be able to learn a certain amount about God from what he has made – i.e. from each other and ourselves.

What have we learnt from stories of people in the Bible e.g. Ruth and Naomi or Peter?

But we are God’s People; the Church, is a group of individuals, of persons, reacting and relating to one another. What do we usually mean when we use the expression ‘The People of God’? To whom does it refer in 1 Peter 2.10?

God made each human being with a spiritual potential. The more we become aware of ourselves in a sensitive and understanding way, the more we shall become aware of and understand God; becoming what he meant us to be, loving God and loving our neighbour as ourself.

2. The Go-Between World of Body and Senses

We relate to the outer world through our senses; for example in worship.

While in one way it is true to say that we do not know God through our senses – we do not see God with our eyes, touch God with our hands – it is equally true to say that we have no other way of knowing God except through the body he has made us. The worshipof God, which is what we are made for, is through our senses.

3. The Inner World

The inner world is the world of our thoughts and emotions or feelings. The Spirit within us also influences and guides us though not everyone listens and acknowledges this.

Week One: Dust and Ashes, Called to be fully human

‘The Glory of God is a human being fully alive’.

Irenaeus, Second Century AD

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Photograph from freedigitalfoto.com

The Effects of our Feelings

Feelings themselves may not be positive or negative, but they can clearly have positive and negative effects on us. David’s love of God and of Saul led him to acts of generosity (e.g. 1 Sam 24.1-7), but a moment of lust led to a series of sinful acts (see 2 Sam 11).

What kind of things affect the way we feel? Because the past affects our feelings, it also has an effect on our relationships. Think of some major events that have stirred your life and talk to other group members about it. How did this affect your relationship with God?

Going deeper

You may like to prepare a short act of worship for the next week, which uses the senses.

A Mandala Prayer ExperienceAs a seperate download from the Diocesan website Vocations page we have offered a prayer resource that involves four functions of Thinking, Feeling, Intution and Sensing, as expressions of how we relate to God. You might like to build the Mandala and use this in your small group or in the wider church. Alternatively you coud use it individually by reading the prayers and looking at the illustrations. Building the Mandala ensures that our

senses are involved in worship, for example, if you used a herb plant it could be touched and smelled.

Bible Study

Read the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John 4. Notice which barriers Jesus broke down between himself and the woman. How did Jesus gain the woman’s trust?

Some more things to do – Find examples in Scripture of Jesus’ emotion – Jesus wept, Jesus on the cross, Jesus getting cross (Luke 19:45-46, John 11:35, Mark 9:19, Mark 10:21, 1 Cor 2:3, Gal 5:12 , Eph 4:26).

How can these biblical references help?

a) in dealing with your own emotions

b) in relating to the people of the Bible

c) in your relationship with God.

Some Scripture to study In the New Testament (Luke 10.38-42, John 3.1-15 Luke 19.1-10, John 4.5-26),

What makes a human being?Read Psalm 8 and think about the privilege and responsibility of being a human being.

Read Exodus 25-30 to see how God gave the Israelites detailed instructions for setting

up a place of worship in which all of the bodily senses would be satisfied. What senses do you regularly use in worship? Which ones are not used, or not much used, but might be helpful?

Distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures. The DVD is available to buy from online and high street retailers.

Prayer and worship suggestions

Almighty God,you have made us for yourself,and our hearts are restlesstill they find their rest in you;so lead us by your Spiritthat in this life we may live to your gloryand in the life to come enjoy you for ever;through Jesus Christ our Lord who is alive with you and the Holy Spirit,one God now and for ever.Amen.

New Zealand Prayer Book (based on a prayer by St. Augustine of Hippo)

Film suggestionLittle Miss Sunshine

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Week Two: Body of Christ, Called to follow Christ

‘Will you come and follow me if I but call your name? Will you go where you don’t

know and never be the same?….Will you let My life be grown in youAnd you in Me?’

Graham Maule & John Bell ©1987 WGRG Iona Community

IntroductionPeople are all the same, yet each person is unique. We saw in week one that we are God’s people because God made us. We noticed the Bible’s teaching that God made every human being in his image. Something in us is like God, and is still like God however marked and scarred.

God made us in his image; but different. He also became ‘like us’ in Jesus. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews says of Jesus ‘Ours is not a high priest unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who has been tested in every way as we are, only without sinning’. Hebrews 4:14-15.

For those of us who have been baptised, blessed by the Holy Spirit, the imperative and expectation is to follow Jesus, to be the voice of Christ in our everyday life to other people in the places we are. The

sacrament of confirmation strengthens us in this calling.

Exploration

Can you thank God for the person you are, as well as for the person he wants you to be? Discuss in your group after reflecting for a while, perhaps during the playing of some music.

Our Christian faith gives us each the possibility of being a distinctive voice in every situation.

Think of the different settings you find yourself in. What part do you play? Might you be a Christian voice in that group?

VocationWe often think of the clergy as people who are called; they are the people who ‘have a vocation’. However it is clear from the New Testament that each one of us is a person

called and chosen by God to be a part of the body of Christ; the Church. Writing to the whole Church at Corinth Paul said ‘God is faithful by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord’ (Corinthians 1 or 1:9). In 1 Peter we find ‘Once you were no people but now you are God’s people.’ (1 Peter 2:10. See also Romans 9:24-25; Eph 1:4; Col 3:12; 1 Thess 1:4; 1 Cor 1:26-29; 2 Thess 2:13; 2 Tim 1:9 and many more)

People are not just called to be clergy. They are called to do other things for Christ as well.

Reflection - What do you think God might be calling you to do or to be? What might you see God’s call in other people (optional activity). You may want to share that with the group.

Varieties of MinistryThere are many things that people can helpfully do in their local church. Within the Church some roles are only exercised by those who have been ‘given authority’, for example with a licence e.g. reader, or by admission to office e.g. warden, or by ordination. In these latter cases not only does a person have to be called by God to that role, but others have to agree, offer training and resources, and authorise it.

• What things may every Christian do? (more on this next week)

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• What are Readers licensed and authorised to do?

• What are Authorised Lay Ministers authorised to do?

The diocesan website has information about lay ministry supported by training www.derby.anglican.org

• What are deacons and priests and bishops called to do?

Discussion- What practical difference does being authorised make?

Bible Study

Within any group some people seem to have more authority than other peo-ple. Where does their authority come from? The centurion in

Capernaum recognised Jesus as someone who was under authority and had authority (Luke 7:1-10). Under whose authority was Jesus? (see Luke 4:5-8; 5:20-24; John 5:26-27, 43; 8:18). To whom did Jesus give authority? (see Matthew 28:18; John 20:21-23)

When we look at Jesus it seems quite simple. He had authority because it was given by the Father, and he in turn gave authority to his disciples. When we look at the Church we know it is less simple. Ideally Christ is the head of the Church, and every member has a full part to play. But the reality is far more complex.

See Matt 20:28; Heb 12. Reflect on the implication of authority in biblical terms; is it more about responsibility and

service than about privilege and power?

When a vicar is licensed by the bishop in a parish the following words are used;‘receive the cure of souls which is both yours and mine’. How else in the Church is authority shared? How did Jesus model sharing ministry?

Jesus and usIn terms of authority, relationship is what brings that authority to life. What kind of relationship did Jesus see himself as having with his followers? Look up the following references to discover some of the words he used to describe it: Mark 3:31-35; John 13:13-16; 15:14-16; 20:17. Which of these words feels most appropriate to your own relationship with Jesus?

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Going deeper

Ordained Deacon and PriestRead the service for the ordination of priests. What does the service tell you about what priests are to be and do?

www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship/texts/ordinal.aspx

www.callwaiting.org.uk

Writing to the whole Church at Corinth Paul said ‘God is faithful by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord’ (1 Corinthians 1 :9). In 1 Peter we find ‘Once you were no people but now you are God’s people’ (1 Peter 2:10 see also Romans 9:24-25; Eph 1:4; Col 3:12; 1 Thess 1:4; 1 Cor 1:26-29; 2 Thess 2:13; 2 Tim 1:9 and many more)

Activity

If you have time as a preparation for next week you could explore gifts. You could write the gifts of other people in your group on a post-it note and offer it to them.

Film Suggestion

Big Fish (Distributed by Columbia Pictures) or Fellowship of the Ring (Distributed by New Line Cinema). Both DVD’s are available to buy from online and high street retailers.

Prayers and worship suggestions

All highest and glorious God,Cast your light into the darkness of my heart. Grant me right faith, firm hope, perfect charity, profound humility, With wisdom and perception, O Lord, so that I may always and everywhere Seek to know and do what is truly your holy will, through Jesus Christ our Lord.AmenSt Francis of Assisi (1181–1226)

Almighty God,you have entrusted to your Churcha share in the ministry of your Son our great high priest:inspire by your Holy Spirit the hearts of manyto offer themselves for the ministry of your Church,that strengthened by his power,they may work for the increase of your kingdomand set forward the eternal praise of your name;through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,who is alive and reigns with you,in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.Common Worship collect for an Ember Day

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Exploration

There are many examples in the Bible of people who were given particular gifts by God which they themselves did not at first recognise. How often do we think other people are called to be ‘holy’ or how often do we feel other people’s callings are more important than our own.

Can you think of the different gifts that are evident in your church?

Talk in your group about the different gifts in the local church. The numbered list might help you.

The Church as a BodyIn 1 Corinthians 1 Paul wrote about God’s gifts to the Church, and the Church as the Body of Christ. Paul emphasises the

1. To preach th

e gospel to all

2. To serve tho

se in need

3. To build up fell

owship among

Christian

4. To prepare pe

ople for eternal

life

5. To speak out ag

ainst injustice

and evil

6. To worship God

7. To work for the conver

sion of

individuals to Christ

8. To heal the s

ick

9. To teach the

faith to Christian

s

10. To help peo

ple live and witness a

s

Christians in the

ir daily life

11. To work for a b

etter society

12. To be a sign

of God’s reconciling

love for the world

13. To satisfy p

eople’s religiou

s instincts

and needs

14. To comfort an

d support those

who

feel inadequate

15. To administer

the sacraments

Week Three: Not Me, Called to respond

‘Here I am, Lord, Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if you lead me, I will hold your people in my heart.’I the Lord of sea and Sky.

Daniel L Schutte © Daniel L Schutte and New Dawn Music

IntroductionEvery person is uniquely created by God, each of us formed in the image of God with gifts. However, we often struggle to even realise God calls us personally.

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variety of the Holy Spirit’s gifts, the fact that they come from a single source, and their common purposes: i.e. the good of the whole community. This common good is served by the contribution that each different type of person, inspired by the Spirit, can make to the life of the whole Church. Just as a living organism depends on the proper functioning of not merely some but all of its parts, so does the Church. It cannot possibly thrive if it considers some members as all-important to its well being, and others as non-essential!

It is our relationship with God that invites us to respond

The word ‘Abba’, ‘Daddy’, occurs 3 times in the new Testament. Once it is used by Jesus in prayer (Mark 14.36). Twice it is used by Paul to describe the relationship of a Christian to God.

What words do you use in prayer to describe God? Do you think that this affects what gifts you bring to the church?

Bible Study:

What part do you currently play in your church? Are there other roles God might be calling you to fill? Our instinct may be to say ‘Not me Lord, ask someone else!’

Look up the following references to find how God called these people to be

prophets, and what the response was in each case: Amos 7.14-15 and 3.8; Isaiah 6.1-9; Jeremiah 1.4-10.

Each of these prophets stressed different aspects of God’s character and his demands. Look up the following verses to find out one thing that each one taught about God. Amos 5.21-24; Isaiah 6.9 again; Jeremiah 6.1-6.To find out, look up Mark 1.14-15; Matthew 4.17 & 23.Look again at 1 Cor 12.22-27. What do you think these verses are saying to you or me in the Church today

Father, I abandon myself into your hands. Do with me whatever you will. Whatever you may do I thank you. I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me and all your creatures. I wish no more than this, O Lord.Into your hands I commend my soul. I offer it to you with all the love of my heart. For I love you Lord and so need to give myself,Surrender myself into your hands without reserve and with boundless confidence for you are my Father. Amen

Source: CofE “Call Waiting” vocations web site

Film suggestion

Good Will Hunting Distributed by Miramax Films. The DVD is available to buy from a number of online and high street retailers.

Father of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace, and opened the gate of glory. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us, so we and all your children shall be free, and the whole earth live to praise your name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Common Worship

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Prayer and Worship suggestions

Introduction

We have thought about how God revealed himself to his people. We saw that God is creator, to be worshipped and obeyed; that he is holy, just and loving, and can be known intimately, even though we may not feel worthy of this. God wants us to grow to be like him, and he sent Jesus. The purpose of Jesus’ life and death was to bridge the gap between ordinary human beings and God. Our relationship with Christ is the key.

Exploration

‘We shall be like him.’ So promised the writer of 1 John (3.2), but our experience is that we constantly fail to live up to this calling. We do not constantly live in an intimate relationship with God. Not being or doing what God wants us to be and do is sin, a state which Paul says we are all in (Rom 3.23)

Have you ever experienced a sense of being alienated from God or from other people? What did it feel like?

How did you deal with it?

Look up Ephesians 2.13-16 and Colossians 1.21-22. What do both these passages say that Jesus has done?

‘Reconcile’ is a word which is used in daily life. In which everyday situations do people need to be reconciled? Think of another word instead of ‘reconcile’.

To whom does the Ephesians passage say Jesus has reconciled us?

When you want to describe what God has done for you in Jesus, what words do you use?

When have you experienced reconciliation in other situations? How did you feel?

Bible Study

Why did Jesus die?

Christian tradition and understanding have a number of ways of answering that question; they are known as theories of atonement. All that any of the theories does is

illuminate some aspect of this complex truth. What mattersmore than the theories is that through his life, death and resurrection, Jesus made us one with God.

‘We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ … But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us … we were reconciled to God through the death of his son … saved by his life … through whom we have now received reconciliation’Rom 5.1-11

In all the theories of the atone-ment the death of Jesus is central. The apostles believed that Jesus’ death was no ac-cident of fate. According to the Gospel writers Jesus taught that his death was part of God’s plan (see Mark 9.30-32: 10.45; John 10.11-18). For us to become reconciled with God he became incarnate, lived a human life, suffered, died, and finally triumphed over death.

Spiritual Gifts The Holy Spirit enables people who believe to do all sorts of things they never would have thought they were capable of.

Look at 1 Corinthians 12 again. The body of Christ is given a variety of gifts by the Holy Spirit for the good of the whole community. These gifts are given by God. There are varieties of gifts’ (verse 4). The Greek word for gifts here is ‘charismata’ meaning ‘free gifts’ not those earned or deserved.

Week Four Yes You: Called to Life in Christ

‘Our hearts are restless until we find rest in you’.

St Augustine in his book Confessions

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‘There are varieties of serving’ (verse 5). These gifts are for the benefit of others, not to make us feel good.

‘There are varieties of abilities/working/activities’ (verse 6). The Greek word used here means ‘bursts of energy or power’.

Look at the gifts listed in vs 8-10.

What are they and how can they be seen in the Church today?

These gifts are given to strengthen the whole Church. There is no suggestion that anyone has all of these gifts; ‘to one is given …, to another …, to another …’ (1 Cor 12.8-10). And important though these gifts are Paul reminds his readers that the truly

lasting qualities are faith, hope, love, and the greatest gift of all is love.

So what gifts have you been given?

Other lists of virtues that Christians show in their lives can be found in 2 Cor 6.6; Eph 4.2; 5.9; Col 3.12-15.

The Holy Spirit in the Christian’s life Through looking at or singing the hymns below you might explore the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian and the life of the Church. We often sing hymns without thinking about the words; your group might like to use this as a study option.

Our blest Redeemer, ere he breathed …Come Down O Love divine …Breathe on me breath of God-Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire …Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me …O thou who camest from above …

Going Deeper

Jesus and the Father. Read Jesus’ ‘High Priestly Prayer’ in John 17, and see what it tells you about the relationship between Jesus and the Father.

The Church is the body of Christ, the people of God. It is God’s Church, and its head is Jesus Christ, through whose death and resurrection we

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O Christ, the master carpenterwho, at the last, through wood and nails,purchased our whole salvation,wield well your tools in the workshop of your world,so that we, who come rough-hewn to your bench,may here be fashioned to a truer beauty of your hand.We ask it for your own name’s sake.Amen

Source: Wild Goose Worship Group

Lord, You call us to be story-tellers: planting your explosive news into our defended lives; locating us in the script of your human history.

You call us to be trailblazers: living in your future that we receive only as gift; subverting the fixed, fated world of low horizons.

You call us to be weavers: tracing, stretching, connecting the knotted threads; gathering up unravelling, disconnected lives.

You call us to be fools – for Christ’s sake: bearing life’s absurdities and incongruities; puncturing our seriousness and grandiosity.

You call us to be hosts: welcomers of the sacred, intimate, transfiguring; lavish celebrants of our communities and homecomings.

You call us to be poets: artists and illuminators of inner space; naming, invoking, heralding your ineffable presence.

You call us to be gardeners: sowers, cultivators, nurturers of fragile lives; benefactors of your gratuitous harvest. You call us to be conductors celebrating polyphony, coaxing symphony; orchestrating the praise of your inhabited creation;

Lord, you lavish gifts on all whom you call. Strengthen and sustain us and all ministers of your Church, that in the range and diversity of our vocation, we may be catalysts of your kingdom in the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Roger Spiller (1944– ) found on the “Call Waiting” web site

are reconciled to God and to one another. The Church is enabled to continue and grow through the Holy Spirit.

What can you learn about the Holy Spirit from studying the Communion Service?

Film Suggestion

Erin Brokovich.Distributed by Universal Studios. The DVD is available to buy from a number of online and high street retailers.

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IntroductionWe are the people of God, the Church, which exists to worship and obey God. A way of looking at the Church which emphasises its dynamic nature is to think of our Christian community as being on pilgrimage. As individuals and as a Church, we are on the move, a journey with God back to God. This last session reflects on some themes from the earlier weeks. Perhaps since the topics were first discussed you have new insights to share with the group?

Exploration

Throughout the ages people have joined in on this journey with God, working to pass their faith on to people around them. We call this mis-sion. Mission is an activity of God. The God of the Bible is a sending God, he sends mes-sengers, prophets and leaders to his people. Finally he sends his Son to bring in the Kingdom. The challenge is for each of us to

engage with this mission today.

An evangelist went into a prison and told the chaplain he was there to bring Christ to the prisoners. The chaplain replied ‘He’s already here!’How do you respond to that?

MinistryMinistry simply means service and a minister is ‘one who serves’. Service is part of the mission of the Church. Jesus’ ministry was a seeking ministry and Jesus is our example of how to minister. Unlike John the Baptist Jesus did not stay in the wilderness and wait for people to come to him; he went to people.

Ministry and the ChurchHow shall we respond?Ministry is the task and vo-cation of the whole Church. (Remember 1 Cor 12). Paul uses the analogy of the body where each part, no matter how humble, contributes to the well being of the whole. Paul does not insist on the rights of many, but on their duties. Today the church has clergy and congregations and every person has a role to play.

Laity – the People of God.In the New Testament every believer had been given appropriate gifts of the Spirit for use in ministry. In recent times the importance of the laity and lay ministry within the Church is being rediscovered.

Has the Church gone round in a big circle? Are we getting back to being nearer to the New Testament Church? Is this a good thing?

VocationVocation means ‘calling’. We have already seen that every Christian has a vocation. We are all called by God, chosen to be his people. What is God calling you to do?

Myself – my VocationAs well as our Christian calling to be saints each of us has our own unique calling; to be the person God created us to be, doing what God has for us to do. The sphere in which we mainly exercise that individual calling may be our place of work, a voluntary society, the neighbourhood, our home, the Church, etc. How do we find out what our calling is as individuals?

1. Listen to the Inner World. The people whom we normally call saints listen to God speak-ing to them through the inner world of their feelings. They took the time (sometimes by choice, sometimes forced on

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Week Five One Next Step Called to step forward

‘Christian congregations need to be missionary congregations not simply concerned with the needs of the faithful’

Bishop Jack Nicholls

them) to be still and to hear what their deepest feelings were telling them. It can take many years before a person hears what God is telling them, but if a call is really from God, he will keep on calling.

2. Listen to the Outer World. We often hear God through the outer world. Part of the call of the Old Testament prophets came to them through what they saw (e.g. Jer 1.11-14).

Calling also comes through other people; David knew God was calling him because Samuel told him so (see 1 Sam 16.11-13). In the early Church the members used to call someone to be a priest; often that person was very reluctant. In that situation the

call came more through the outer world than through the inner voice.

3. Inner and Outer Worlds.If God is calling me to become a vegetarian it may be enough to listen to the inner voice. If he is calling me to become a local councillor it is necessary for other people to recognise my calling! For most offices in the Church the ‘inner call’ and the ‘outer call’ need to be in accord. This is as true for a Churchwarden or youth leader as it is for a Reader or a priest.

A Calling in the Church?Did you start the course believing God was calling you to a particular office in the Church? Do you feel the same

way now? Find someone you trust to talk it over with.

Are you beginning to feel that God is calling you to a role in the Church? Try your idea out on someone else; the whole group if you are brave enough. If it needs taking further, the Vicar is almost certainly the next person to talk to. He/she will know if it is appropiate to refer you to a vocations ad-viser.

A Calling in the World? What is God calling you to do, be, or say, in the wider world of work, or the local community? Do other people know that you are a Christian? Where do you find support and encouragement for the role God is calling you to fill?

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Going deeper

Think of some of the characteristics of the ministry of Jesus. E.g. where did he preach and teach? How did he do it? To what sort of people? To what numbers of people?

List the things you do in church?

Do you want to try other things? Would training help?

Discuss in your Group the different vocations the people in your group hear being called to. What support is there for such vocations in your church, parish, Ministry and Mission Area or deanery, in your Diocese, or in the wider community?

Bible Study

The Growth of the Early ChurchLook up some if not all of the verses from Acts listed below: Acts 2:1-14; 10 especially v34; 8:24ff; 16:25-35; 11:1-18. What do these passages tell us about the growth of the ear-ly Church? What were some of the factors that brought about that growth?

The characteristics of Jesus’ ministryHere are some of the refer-ences to help remind you; Mark 1:21-27,39; 2:2; 4:1-2; 9:33-37; 10:17-23; Luke 7:36-50; 10:38-42; John 4:5-26.

How does the Church of today reflect the characteristics of Jesus’ ministry?

Film Suggestion

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café. Distributed by Universal Pictures. The DVD is available to buy at a number of online and high street retailers.

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Father, I know you love me and have plans for me.But sometimes I am overwhelmed by the thought of my future.

Show me how to walk forward one day at a time.

May I take heart while I search openly, learn all about the choices, listen to others for advice, and pay attention to my own feelings.

By doing these things, may I hear your call to live a life that will let me love as only I can, and allow me to serve others with the special gifts you have given me.

I ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Charles de Foucauld (1858–1916)

To be read reflectively:

Christ has no body but yours,No hands, no feet on earth but yours,Yours are the eyes with which he looksCompassion on this world,Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,Yours are the eyes, you are his body.Christ has no body now but yours,No hands, no feet on earth but yours,Yours are the eyes with which he lookscompassion on this world.Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)


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And finally, a poem/prayer you may like to use at some point. For example you might like to give this as a gift at the end of the course.From Spoken Worship (Zondervan 2007), by Gerard Kelly

Fit Me In Somewhere

Fit me in somewherein this giant jigsaw, God,

somewhere in this work of artyou’re working,

select a space my shape can filland with a puzzle maker’s skill

let my contours find their fit without contortion.

Teach me which patch I am, God,in the cosmic quilt you’re quilting.

Show me where my square of selfhood is of use.Let the colourful complexities

of the pattern that is mefind their purpose in the placement that you choose.

Show me my position, God,in this group photograph.

Stand me where you want me to stand.Put me next to who you will.

Make me stand, for good or ill,precisely in the place your plan demands.

Tell me what I am, God,in this body you are building;

a tongue to taste, a nerve to serve, an ear to hear.

Give me graceto not be, gracefully,

the parts I am not called to beand to play with elegance

the roles I’m given.

Fit me in somewherein this giant jigsaw, God,

somewhere in this work of art you’re working.Weave your wondrous tapestry

until the twisted, tangled threads of me,surrendered to your artistry,

form an image that is beautiful to see.

To request a printed copy of the Vocations course to be collected from Church House or posted to your address, please contact Sharron Howarth at Church House 01332 388243 There will be an administrative charge for this service.

Documents

Vocations Course