I Will Send You Out To Fish For People

Reflections on Calling, Saying Goodbye to Liz, and the Journeys that Shape Us In this episode from the Parish of Great Yarmouth, Team Rector Reverend Simon Ward and Team Vicar Reverend Richard sit down with Curate Reverend Liz for her very last podcast before she heads off to her next ministry calling in Norwich. The team reflects on the concept of "calling" through the lens of Matthew’s Gospel, sharing what they each left behind to answer God's call—from teaching and international higher education to diocesan work. They also break down the unique roles of deacons and priests in the Church of England and look back on some of the major highlights of Liz’s time in Great Yarmouth, including the spectacular 8-meter-tall Willow Angel Festival and the Festival of the Sea. Important Dates & Announcements: • Sunday, August 2nd: Join the parish to say farewell to Liz. • 10:30 AM: Farewell Eucharist at the Minster (all are welcome). • 6:00 PM: Ecumenical Service on the seafront. • 7:00 PM: Farewell party at St. Paul's. • Sunday, August 23rd: Liz’s installation service as Team Vicar at Christ Church New Catton in Norwich. The parish is organising a bus for those who wish to attend (£10 donation requested). Please get in touch with the parish office to secure a spot. Absent this week: Reverend Jessica, who is away on a training course in Leeds. Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction to the Team 00:54 – Reading from Matthew's Gospel: The Calling of the First Disciples 02:08 – Reflecting on What It Means to "Leave Behind the Nets" 03:22 – Liz’s Journey: From Diocesan Work and COVID to Ordination 04:54 – Richard’s Journey: From Higher Education in Warsaw to Ministry 06:33 – Simon’s Journey: From Teaching to 25 Years of Priesthood 07:56 – Understanding the Orders of Ministry: Deacons, Service, and the Liturgy 10:55 – The Distinctive Diaconate and the Liturgical Role of Deacons 13:00 – Moving from Deacon to Priest: Preparing for the First Eucharist 16:04 – Richard's Ordination Story: Covid Restrictions and Huge Celebrations 17:41 – Reflecting on Liz's Highlights: The Spectacular 8-Meter Willow Angel Festival 21:28 – The Festival of the Sea and Making Lasting Parish Memories 22:20 – The Realities of Ministry: Facing Personal Grief and Family Loss While Serving Others 25:12 – How Music and Hymns Connect Us to Our Memories 26:15 – Farewell Notices for Liz: August 2nd Services and Celebration Party 27:14 – Details for Liz’s Installation in Norwich and Booking the Parish Bus 28:43 – Closing Prayer and Wrap-Up