We are continuing the series of stories celebrating our soon-to-be Reverends as we head towards the ordination weekend on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June. Today's story comes from Jane Jones.
How was Jane called?
My journey to ordination has been a little convoluted. I was brought up in an Anglican family, and explored my faith more deeply when I moved away from home to study, and afterwards while volunteering at a rural mission hospital in North India.
Several years working in London followed, including a memorable trip to Taizé with a church group, which resulted in hosting a return group of international Taizé pilgrims at a London meeting.
I met my husband while working for the British Council and we set off on postings abroad for over 15 years, moving frequently as a family. We became involved in local Anglican congregations in North Africa and the Gulf. Looking back, I realise how these places brought stability and friendship to a rather disjointed and challenging way of life.
I became particularly involved as a Lay Leader in Doha where the Anglican congregation met in our children’s school gym. Every week, the wall bars and ropes were tied up and the portable altar and rows of chairs came out. The Friday congregation was truly international and inclusive, with hospitality dispensed liberally after the service. I have learned the value of welcome and hospitality in every church community.
On return to the UK, I trained as a Lay Reader on the Diocese of Guildford’s Local Ministry Programme, which was deeply rewarding and formational. I will always value my years of lay ministry, which gave me a firm foundation to explore a calling to ordination. After completing the Camino walk (over several stages) in northern Spain, I realised there was another path to pursue which led to my ordination journey and a busy year at Sarum College.
My advice to anyone considering the pull of vocation is: it’s never too late!
I lift up my eyes to the hills,
From where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.Psalm 121:1