Karen...

[TomUK]

How did it go? :confused: :confused:

[karen freeinchristman]

:scratch: For some reason, this thread caught my attention...


Thanks for asking, Tom. I have to say, I feel like a slightly different person after the selection conference. It was a pretty intense 48 hours of soul searching, in an atmosphere of lovingly supportive complete vulnerability! Needless to say, I was absolutely knackered by the end of it. I don't think any of us candidates slept properly either night!

It was held at a retreat house, one of those old creaky big English places with uncomfortable beds and communal toilets/showers. It was really kind of nice, actually, and the staircase was really quite elegant; every time I came down the stairs, I felt like I was in an old film and should have had a long, sweeping gown on. :)

15 candidates in all; 6 men and 9 women. From all over the UK (Scotland to Cornwall). Age range: 25-65? 6 'Bishops advisors' - 4 men (3 ordained and 1 lay), and 2 women (one ordained and one lay). Very nice people, and they really tried to help us feel relaxed.

The advisors had long before received all of our sponsoring papers, and also a piece of writing we had to do on mission and evangelism, so they knew ahead of time what things they wanted to ask us to help complete the picure of who we are.
First we had to complete a 'personal inventory', and then we each had to do a 5-minute presentation followed by leading a discussion about the presentation, a 'pastoral letter' (regarding a really serious, but fictitious issue), and one-on-one interviews with three advisors. Apart from that, there was worship, and meals (pretty good food,too). The advisors stay behind for another day to complete our reports to send to our bishops. We will hear within two weeks whether we are recommended for ordination training or not. :prayer:

I came away from it feeling pretty good about having shown the advisors my real self, and that is the most important thing. I had a real sense that they were looking at us in terms of who we are, rather than what we know. :)

[TomUK]

I've heard they are certainly tough!

I pleased it went well. My prayers remain with you over the next couple of weeks.

May whatever is decided be according to God's will. :crossrc:

[karen freeinchristman]

I've heard they are certainly tough!

I pleased it went well. My prayers remain with you over the next couple of weeks.

May whatever is decided be according to God's will. :crossrc:

Thank you so much, Tom. :)

[SirTimothy]

55 would have to be the oldest for candidate. I know because our last locum priest had to wax eloquent towards his bishop in order to be ordained at 57.

Timothy

[karen freeinchristman]

55 would have to be the oldest for candidate. I know because our last locum priest had to wax eloquent towards his bishop in order to be ordained at 57.

Timothy

There were definitely at least 4 people that were over 55. Perhaps they all waxed eloquently to their bishops! :)

[SirTimothy]

Or maybe they've changed the rules... :) Certainly my priest argued that Abraham was well over 55 when he moved to the Promised Land... He waited til 90+ to have a kid, after all!

Timothy (I don't think I could cope with having a child when I'm 90)

[karen freeinchristman]

(I don't think I could cope with having a child when I'm 90)

Me, neither!

[ContraMundum]

It's tough, vulnerable, challenging and most of all, very capable of raising the spirit.

All the best!

[higgs2]

It's tough, vulnerable, challenging and most of all, very capable of raising the spirit.

All the best!
ordination, or having a child after 90? :P

[ContraMundum]

ordination, or having a child after 90? :P

Being male, I have no way to compare the two. But of the two, I think if one possibly could, having a child at 90 would be safer and far less stressful, because at least children bring joy.

;)

[SirTimothy]

ordination, or having a child after 90? :P

I was going to ask that but didn't have the guts.

[artrx]

ordination, or having a child after 90? :P

lol^_^

Karen, it sounds like an emotionally draining process but you seem to have come through with confidence. My prayers are with you. I'd love to have your perspective and thoughtfulness in the priesthood.:prayer:

[junegillam]

Wow, wahoo, whoopee, why not, and whew! (as Tom Robbins wrote)

What a rich experience of love! And of being known for who you are--seems sublime. What a gracious gift from the advisors--what a calling they must have heard.

xooxoxox
june

[junegillam]

Being male, I have no way to compare the two. But of the two, I think if one possibly could, having a child at 90 would be safer and far less stressful, because at least children bring joy.

;)
hmmmm... I hope ordination would bring joy, too, yes?

though both children and ordination at what ever age most likely bring a mixture of joy and other feelings--not sure of if/when one starts at over 90 though!

good to hear of older folks starting out on new vocation/callings after 55 and especially good to realize what a role model Abraham was *:)

june g

[ContraMundum]

hmmmm... I hope ordination would bring joy, too, yes?

For about a week....

..you might feel special or important at church (which is quite humbling, actually) but at home you still have to do the dishes, change babies and you're still the same guy who can't watch football unless the time and tide are right that you were before the guy in the funny hat laid hands on you.

[junegillam]

For about a week....

..you might feel special or important at church (which is quite humbling, actually) but at home you still have to do the dishes, change babies and you're still the same guy who can't watch football unless the time and tide are right that you were before the guy in the funny hat laid hands on you.
but being joyful in the humdrum tasks of what can be considered a calling from God, whether at home or in church or both, that seems to me allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us up as a Light for God, yes?

Part of my ministry is to help my husband dry and bandage his ulcerated toe right now--a huge challenge to me, but at times I am filled with Grace and can serve him with joy in a sort of mystery like the footwashing on Maundy Thursday.

Hope it's ok to have a discussion on this; is this bordering on debate or what? Please let me know if my comments are out of place here.

june g

[karen freeinchristman]

but being joyful in the humdrum tasks of what can be considered a calling from God, whether at home or in church or both, that seems to me allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us up as a Light for God, yes?

Yes! :)

To be honest, Contra's comments surprised me a bit, too, but who knows, he probably is just displaying his sometimes quirky outlook and sense of humour!

One thing about posting around here, June (aka Mom), is that people have distinctive personalities that we get to know over time, and when someone is new, they can often get things misunderstood because of this! :D



Part of my ministry is to help my husband dry and bandage his ulcerated toe right now--a huge challenge to me, but at times I am filled with Grace and can serve him with joy in a sort of mystery like the footwashing on Maundy Thursday.
There is definitely a joy in serving God by serving others. :thumbsup: Maybe Contra needs a retreat or something? :sorry:

Hope it's ok to have a discussion on this; is this bordering on debate or what? Please let me know if my comments are out of place here.
It's OK in my book! :)

[pmcleanj]

Hope it's ok to have a discussion on this; is this bordering on debate or what? Please let me know if my comments are out of place here.

june g
Lass, you are allowed to debate here. You have that funky little grey cross-and-circle thing beside your name.

Just don't get too obstreperous, 'kay?;)

Tries to imagine an obstreperous june gillam, and fails.

[junegillam]

Lass, you are allowed to debate here. You have that funky little grey cross-and-circle thing beside your name.

Just don't get too obstreperous, 'kay?;)

Tries to imagine an obstreperous june gillam, and fails.

LOL, how fun to be allowed but not too loud, then *:)

and the little grey cross-and-circle thing--guess we are known for our diverse views and love of debate--or what?

contra, maybe prefers to offer a contra-view point?

I'm wondering why some of us have our age by our little "person" and others don't? guess it is an option...

bye for now; we are watching the new King Kong--very long movie--this should be in the ale house, though...

june
aka
karen's
mom