The journey towards ordination has been, for me, both a roller–coaster, and a reminder of the goodness and grace of God. I came to faith at 16, in a local youth group, in Oxford, the town in which I grew up. I remember the anxiety of the first time I read in church, or led prayers. I knew I wanted to be in ministry, but I imagined a ministry where I could be behind the scenes, not at the front. I studied theology, and fielded questions about any plans I had to get ordained. I had no such plans.
I’m sure many people think they could never step into this vocation. I felt so for a long time. I worked at several other jobs. None of them felt right. But something in my heart was stirring, and, with the support of my husband, I began an internship at a London church. It felt like coming home. I discovered skills I never knew I had, and enjoyed every aspect of the work.
God has a role for each one of us in building his kingdom, and it is a delight to finally feel I have found that role for myself. Or rather, God has found me, and led me to the right place, at the right time.
I loved Zion Church, where I undertook my deacon internship. I loved the people, and the work. I was so welcomed by the community there, and impressed by their commitment to each other, and the Church. Since my ordination, I have had a powerful sense of the immense privilege it is to be ministering to the body of Christ. I hope that sense of privilege never leaves me. I know it won’t always be easy, but I really feel right now that I have the best calling in the world.
While it was with sadness that I said goodbye to the friends I had made at Zion, I’m thrilled to be starting a curacy at St Patrick’s, Greystones. Everything about this curacy feels right, and I can see God’s hand at work in bringing it about. Canon David Mungavin leads a wonderful community here, and I already have a sense that God has great things in store for this church in the time ahead. It is a joy to be a part of that for the coming years.