September 2024
The theme, “the stories we tell” was perfect for Formation journeys as I feel most of the discernment process had involved telling your own story and looking at how it fit with God’s story and the theme of the summer school flowed well from this process.
The sessions were great for getting to know each other and for creating a sense of community and belonging, especially the session with Sef which led to laughter together and the session where the teachers told their stories as it quickly helped you feel like you know them and their vulnerability makes it easier for us to be vulnerable and open with them in the future.
The session with Alison looking at power and the stories that are not told was also very impactful and has made me think about my role pastorally and in terms of social justice. I have reflected on Worship in my submitted theological reflection where I found myself wrestling with a definition of worship and surprised by where it happens.
I came away from the summer school feeling changed already and could clearly see that God had me in the right place for my training and had gone ahead with attention to detail. I had some amazing conversations and connections with my fellow Ordinands, and I am excited for what is to come. I found the week exhausting as it was all so new and long days.
I personally would have benefitted from a little more time to reflect and just be, but I realise time is precious on such weeks. The food was outstanding, and I put weight on! I do still have quite a lot of questions about aspects of the course, but I know who to ask, I just need time now to get on with all of it.
Claire Morrish is a first-year ordinand from Bath & Wells Diocese.
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This reflection is the third in a series of posts about Summer School 2024. This residential week held in late August is an annual gathering for ordination students to come together for prayer, learning, reflection and formation ahead of the academic year.
Read previous posts by Lindsey Crowhurst and Mike Dyne
Read the Reflection by Sarum College Principal James Woodward
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