Starting training for ordination in the CofE

[MrsTulip]

As promised new thread now based on training over the next three years.

Everyone's training is different and depends on various, personal factors. I'm training mixed mode so one day in college, 2 self study, 2 weekdays plus the Sunday in parish and a rest day. It works really well for me. I'm training for incumbent level and doing 3 years training as part of my training is doing a BA.

Booked some time off this week (F, Sa, Su) so did some baking yesterday, off to a girl guiding leaders event today and going out for lunch tomorrow.

So officially at the half way point of three years of theological college! Although there have been some big challenges and changes since Christmas, I'm still feeling this is the right path.
Had some family time this week whilst it's half term including an overnight stay in London with DS.
Strange to think that in 6 months time half of my formation group will be ordained.

Congratulations on your half way mark, Mrs Tulip. That's to be applauded.

So had to have a new placement and started it today. Was nice to be in the congregation after a few busy weeks, and everyone was very welcoming. Also need to start making plans for my short alternative placement over the summer term. Then after Easter we have our college residential week.

I've been quietly following with interest @MrsTulip, my own Dad did the training many years ago when I was little, so it's interesting to have an insight to what the training involved.

What kind of alternative placements can you do?

We can choose from a wide range of things including church plants, BMOs, chaplaincy (hospital, education, sport, airport, waterways, railways, prison). Some people who are in evangelical contexts for their permanent contextual placement spend time in a Anglo-Catholic context and vice-versa. Others who are deprived areas go to more affluent contexts and again vice-versa.
Last year I spent time in a church plant on socially deprived estate and whilst I don't think I will be a church planter I loved every second of it and would consider estates ministry in the future.

So had a couple of weeks to settle into new placement and get to know people, seems to be going well and I will deacon at tomorrows service (actually need to give alb a quick run through the wash and iron as it's not been worn in a while).

So how is this placement different from your sending church context and what are you hoping to learn? I went to a conservative church for a long placement which was really interesting. They didn’t allow me to do anything as I’m a woman but I learnt a lot. Then I was in a hospice for three months. Loved it. I hope your placement challenges and enriches you.

Thank you.
It's different in that one of the two churches is more Anglo-Catholic in its theology and that in addition to the incumbent we also have a retired priest with PTO and a non stipendery minister, plus a priest who is licensed to the parishes as missioner to the Farsi speaking community. I hope to learn more about occasional offices especially weddings and funerals as well as dealing with aging buildings/ grants for aging buildings.