The Collar: George Herbert I struck the board, and cry’d, No more   The Collar: George Herbert   I struck the board, and cry’d, No more. I will abroad. What? shall I ever sigh and pine? My lines and life are free; free as the rode, Loose as the winde, as large as store. Shall I be still in suit? Have I no harvest but a thorn To let me bloud, and not restore What I have lost with cordiall fruit?

Sure there was wine Before my sighs did drie it: there was corn Before my tears did drown it. Is the yeare onely lost to me? Have I no bayes to crown it? No flowers, no garlands gay? all blasted? All wasted? Not so, my heart: but there is fruit, And thou hast hands.

Recover all thy sigh-blown age On double pleasures: leave thy cold dispute Of what is fit and not. Forsake thy cage, Thy rope of sands, Which pettie thoughts have made, and made to thee Good cable, to enforce and draw, And be thy law, While thou didst wink and wouldst not see. Away; take heed: I will abroad.

Call in thy deaths head there: tie up thy fears Call in thy deaths head there: tie up thy fears. He that forbears To suit and serve his need, Deserves his load. But as I rav’d and grew more fierce and wilde At every word, Me thoughts I heard one calling, Child! And I reply’d, My Lord.

Silent reflection

Lord of all vocations, by your Spirit, you call and equip women and men to be ministers of your Gospel, in word and deed. We pray for a fresh movement of your Spirit today, to raise up those you are calling. Come place in the hearts of your people a new desire to serve, and a new fire to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Give to us eyes to see those you are calling, and give to the called courage to follow, that they may find their true vocation in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Let us dedicate ourselves to live out the calling God has placed upon our lives and to seek, discern and encourage his calling in others.  

For faithful ministers of your Gospel, past, present and future, We give you thanks and praise. For Bishops, Priests and Deacons, bearing witness to your love, We give you thanks and praise. For the witness of your church as a community of grace, We give you thanks and praise. For prophetic voices, speaking truth and challenging injustice, We give you thanks and praise.

For the future of your church and its people, We ask your blessing Lord On those you are calling to minister in your name, We ask your blessing Lord On ourselves, as we seek to walk with others in discernment, We ask your blessing Lord On those who will lead your church into the future, We ask your blessing Lord

Mark 1:14-18 read by Rev’d Kechi Onwuke deacon at St James Enfield Highway   14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” 16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.

Silent reflection

In those you bring into our path Open our eyes to see your calling In the surprising and unexpected Open our eyes to see your calling In those who are different from us Open our eyes to see your calling In all your people Open our eyes to see your calling

Please stand as the Call to Action cards are offered to God Lord, We commit ourselves to seek your calling in others; to discern vocation; to nurture gifts; to encourage and support. We pray for a new blessing for your church in this diocese and across our land, as hearts are stirred and people respond to your call. Come Holy Spirit, renew your people, and fill us with new hope as we seek to build your kingdom on earth and rejoice in the promise of eternal life; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

May God the Father, who whispers his presence in the wonder of creation, open your ears to hear his call. May God the Son, the great shepherd who calls his sheep by name, make you ready to respond to his voice. May God the Holy Spirit, who prepares his people for works of service, fill and equip you for his calling. And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and upon his church, now and always. Amen