The world is a busy place. Whether it’s the speed of news flying at you, the amount of things you have to fit into 24 hours (whether you have kids to negotiate or not!) or just the way everyone needs something now, it’s exhausting.
Our lives at church can be no different and it can be hard to find the time, or the energy to stop and think about anything, let alone our ‘calling’. We all have one. Even serving coffee is one.
This Easter we’re not only trying to slow down and stop to remember God’s amazing love for us but Bishop Michael is also offering us an amazing opportunity to slow down, take stock and join in the adventure, the journey, the strategy of the diocese – to grow our faith and love our communities ‘following Christ in the footsteps of St Chad’. For many this may feel like ‘yet one more thing’ to ‘do’ or find time for – and that would be an understandable response. In reality however this isn’t what the strategy is – it’s an amazing opportunity for us to stand together and move forward for a common purpose.
It’s one of those ‘we’re stronger together’ moments.
We won’t all move forward in the same way – we’re all different and unique and can bring amazing talents, opinions and gifts to the diocese.
For some of us this is totally overwhelming – ‘I don’t have anything special to offer’, ‘I’m too tired to think about this’ or ‘I have too much to do’. This is where Chad Foundations can help. Chad Foundations can offer the chance to slow down and have chance to actually think about what we think! To ask ourselves what we believe and why. Chad Foundations can give you the space to reflect on what you are good at, what you are passionate about and maybe how you can use these things to help God and others.
It might sound crazy to take on a nine-month course to find space; and it is a commitment. You will need to find time, and for some that might mean stopping something you currently do, or stepping back from a church position for a little bit. Sometimes though, we have to stop to move forward.
We would love to see you at Chad Foundations. The next course starts in September and applications are open now. If you want to know more please check out www.lichfield.anglican.org/chad-foundations
Helen Scheven works as part of the diocese’s Vocations & Training team, helping those interested in lay ministries including Chad Foundations and Reader Training. Contact her at helen.scheven@lichfield.anglican.org or visit the team’s website at lichfield.anglican.org/vocations-and-training.