Foundations in Christian Ministry Course ...
... and how I came to be there
(an article by Judith Oakes)
I could tell you about the structure of the FiCM Course, the range of subjects and how the Study Days are planned, but you would probably find the website more informative https://swmtc.commonawards.org/. I could tell you about the interesting people I’ve met on the course, but those I find interesting, you may not. I could give you an account of one of the Study Days, but Lesley did that brilliantly - Jesus is for Life, not just for Christmas - in an autumn edition of the Parish Magazine. So, I thought I would tell you how and why I decided – or was led - to apply for the course.
A Seedlings group, of which I am a member, meets every other week in Church House, South Tawton. We have studied and discussed, amongst other things, a series of books which explore texts that have been particularly significant to Christians, for example The Lord’s Prayer, The Beatitudes, The Commandments. This activity confirmed I knew a little but not enough, and there was much more I wanted to discover and understand about the Christian Faith. Other members of Seedlings had completed the FiCM Course and found it helpful; after avoiding the commitment for some time, I made the decision to apply.
Rather too close for comfort to the closing date I discussed applying for the course with Revd Paul and he agreed to support my application as did another Referee. I expected the Application Form to be fairly routine, but in addition to the usual questions some were surprisingly thought-provoking, and this was followed through at the Interview.
Fortunately I was accepted and have not been disappointed. One of the recommended books I’m reading is about Celtic Christianity. I have learnt that Celtic Christians cared for and had a positive view of nature, they celebrated the goodness and beauty of God’s Creation in their daily lives, valued community and the importance of mission, learning, art and poetry – all relevant to the needs and concerns of our lives today.
Judith Oakes