Birds flying high in golden white and grey clouds like a mountain range against a blue sky. There is a white heart shaped cloud standing above them.

Day 89 of my Sabbatical.

Love is above all. God is love.

We spiritually soar in a life of relationship with the one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We know mystery.

My calling was reaffirmed at the Chrism Eucharist in the cathedral, through live-stream.

#layministry #blessings #faith #CofE

A path in woodland, the trees green and beautiful. Shafts of sunlight are shining through the trees, and the way ahead is lit up - but then it goes around a bend to the left, beyond which we cannot know until we reach it.

Day 88 of my Sabbatical.

There are only two more days to go. God has shown me the way and I think the way forward is clear, but who knows?

God alone knows.

I love and trust in him.

Service to God is sacrificial, and yet what God does is for our sake.

#layministry #faith #hope #wellbeing

A single celandine flower shining in the sun, its yellow beauty standing out against the green leaves and grass around it.

Day 87 of my Sabbatical.

We can make a difference to the lives of other people with a warm word or a genuine smile.

Being open to the love of God helps us to shine more brightly.

Whatever our surroundings, we can show God to the world.

#wellbeing #mindfulness #faith #hope #layministry

Day 83 of my Sabbatical.

I was reminded of a poem I wrote many years ago: Into the Unknown.

In another week I will return to my home church, but it will be different. I am going into the unknown.

I suppose we are always in such a position as we never know what will happen.

#layministry #faith

A bright pink rose-like camellia flower, nearly fully open, with lots of pink buds on the bush alongside it. Behind it is a garden fence.

Day 81 of my 90 day Sabbatical.

It’s nearly time to get back into harness.

Today was treat day as Sundays are excluded from Lenten fasting. I have a rosy glow of contentment. It has been a good day in many ways. I’m making the most of the last 9 days.

#wellbeing #faith #hope #love #layministry

A blue sky with streaks of colour, pinks and whites and greys, above a horizon of bare trees.

Day 75 of my 90 day Sabbatical.

The blue sky of the future is being coloured in.

From tomorrow the diary will begin to be filled in post-Sabbatical.

With thanks and praise to God.

#layministry #churchofengland #Anglican #faith #trust #hope

New leaves on a shrub in shades of red and yellow, shining in the sun.

Day 69 of my Sabbatical.

A lovely spring day which was invigorating.

New life inspires the spirit.

Preparing now for day 90, and Easter.

 #wellbeing  #mindfulness  #faith #hope #love #layministry

Purple Chionodoxa flowers shining in the sun, growing out of shingle next to concrete paving slabs.

Day 66 of my Sabbatical.

A training day at the cathedral, thinking about God’s creation.

However impossible the environment, the little things we do will make a difference.

It was so good to catch up with familiar faces too.

#layministry #faith #hope #love #wellbeing

The first magnolia blossom about to burst on the tree, with pink petals in view underneath the sheath that has been protecting it while it grew. The backdrop is a clear blue sky.

Day 64 of my Sabbatical.

A few more weeks and the flower of the future that has been forming will be revealed.

#layministry #Anglican #spiritualiyt #faith #hope #love #wellbeing #mindfulness #Lent

A wooden carving from the church in Trimingham, Norfolk depicting various scenes and people from the gospels with Jesus at the centre.

Day 42 of my Sabbatical.

The pilgrimage for the remainder of my Sabbatical began today as I watched ’The Way’ with people from another benefice, in advance of a Lent course.

I remain open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in accordance with God’s will, through Jesus Christ.

#LayMinistry #faith

New leaf buds forming on the branches of a shrub.

Day 32 of my sabbatical.

A new month, looking forward:

To spring, my favourite season;

To working through my cmd and setting goals for the next three years;

To Ash Wednesday, when I will be ashed and take communion for the first time since the sabbatical began.

#layministry #faith #hope #love

White blossom and fresh green leaves as well as brambles in front of a high stone wall.

Day 28 of my sabbatical.

I spent some time putting together my CMD (continuing ministerial development) review, starting to work out which ideas I need to take forward, and which tasks I am entangled with.

#layministry #faith #hope #love #mindfulness #reflection

A group of hollyhocks, with a bee entering one of the flowers.

Day 27 of my sabbatical.

A decision making day. I still have something to offer in ministry, and while recognising that this will be less than before, I will continue for as long as I am able to serve.

#layministry #trust #faith #hope #love #Church

Church of England: Hug a hoodie, or a Reader! National hoodie for LLMs released by the Central Readers’ Council

“The prayer of those taking the step to launch the hoodies nationally is that they will contribute to making Licensed Lay Ministry / Reader Ministry more visible across the church and nation.” #layministry

A joy to preach at evensong this evening at a sunny St Leonard’s Streatham. Beautiful music and fun to be with Canon Anna as always.
@anormanwalker.bsky.social
‘Let us, then…sing a new song to the Lord, not because we understand everything, but because we trust in the One who does.’
#layministry

Lovely morning at St Luke’s Woodside, preaching on the theme of vocations. Lovely to finally meet @jean_yearwood in the flesh! Great conversations afterwards over coffee. Exciting to speak to those considering lay vocations. #layministry

Mary’s Titles: Biblical reflections on the titles of Mary in the Litany of Loreto Buy Mary’s Titles: Biblical reflections on the titles of Mary in the Litany of Loreto by Bryson, Elizabeth G. (ISBN: 9781664260047) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.

10 December. Feast of Our Lady of Loreto.

An apposite moment to remind you, dear friends and followers, of the book by our parishioner, Licenced Lay Minister, and Anna Chaplain, Elizabeth Bryson.
(Available from other bookshops too!)
#LayMinistry

amzn.eu/d/36d8jbs

Cooking up some pioneering in Padstow - Truro Diocese With the first pioneer lay minister recently licensed in the diocese, it seemed a good time to shine a light on the many people leading the way in pioneering across […]

Cooking up some pioneering in Padstow. trurodiocese.org.uk/2024/11/cook... #pioneering #layministry #with+For @hughnel.bsky.social