Every year, the diocese offers a group of young adults the opportunity to test God’s calling on their lives. The Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) provides experience of practical ministry, while developing character and theological understanding as part of a supporting community.
At the beginning of the summer, three of our MES students, Fernando, Nicole and Paulinho, spent time with St Andrew’s Church in Countesthorpe, supporting them with a mission week - a series of events run by the church to meet and serve members of the community.
The week was planned and led by a team from the church, including Assistant Curate Revd Cameron Wiltshire-Plant.
“We enjoyed a great week, getting out and about in the parish, having conversations and offering prayer, knocking on some doors and approaching people in the village centre,” explains Revd Cameron.
“We had several good conversations and were blessed by the opportunity to offer prayer and share the life of the local church with new people.”
On the Thursday evening, the church held a service of Christian healing, inviting people beyond the church family to attend and be prayed for.
“It was a great joy to be able to pray for a variety of requests, mostly for church folk but with a couple of visitors thrown in, too,” says Revd Cameron. “The MES students’ experience of offering prayer ministry during their year came in great use. They were a real encouragement to the small prayer team at our church.”
The week closed with a free community fun day on the Saturday, with attractions including a BBQ, bouncy castles, music and ice cream, amongst lots of other fun activities. Despite a summer downpour, lots of people braved the rain and enjoyed the day.
“The MES students worked incredibly hard setting up, packing down, stewarding the event, and hosting a prayer tent where many good conversations took place,” says Revd Cameron. “The students were a great blessing to us, and it was wonderful to engage in mutual learning with them!”
The MES students had the chance to join in with some of St Andrew’s regular ministries such as their befriending group for older people and the toddler group, Little Friends. The team also helped lead parts of a traditional midweek Holy Communion service.
All these opportunities were novel to the students and, along with the close connection the church has with the wider parish, helped them to see and understand the context of semi-rural parish ministry.
Reflecting on his experience, Fernando said: “The mission week was very special. I enjoyed all the activities, but some were more challenging than others, like going door to door inviting people to the week’s events. One of the things that touched me the most was seeing so many older people involved in the church activities. Retired people serving the church so actively was truly inspiring. The hospitality people showed us was also really great. It was definitely a special week.”
Paulinho agreed, adding: “The mission week was so good. It was a privilege to be part of such a vibrant community. One particular highlight was visiting Little Friends and meeting the parents and toddlers.”
Nicole said: “Being able to experience a more traditional Anglican Church than I am used to allowed me to experience God in a different way. The community of Countesthorpe was really uplifting, it was an honour to serve along them and learn what it means to love one another. It was amazing to see so many turn up for the healing service and trust in God as healer.”
For James Norris, who helps oversee some of the MES students, the week was a great success. “I was delighted to be able to see churches from different parts of Leicester working together to share the good news of Jesus and serve the community,” he said.
Could your church offer a placement and give an MES student the chance to realise their calling whilst sharing their gifts with your worshiping community? Get in touch with Matt.Long@LeicesterCofE.org to find out more.
The Ministry Experience Scheme runs from early September to mid-July. Click here for more information.
Some of our MES students participate as part of the New Wine Discipleship Year (NWDY) programme. Contact James Norris to learn more - jnorris@htl.church