A specially produced Diocese of Carlisle film celebrating Christian calling in Cumbria has been released in support of Vocations Sunday.

Shot over two days and produced and overseen by Digital Support Enabler, Rob Humphreys, the five-minute film draws on the faith stories of three people. Viewers meet newly ordained curate, the Rev Charlie Day, the Rev Hannah Wallace who was ordained in 2022 and Network Youth Church leader Emily Milburn.

The Rev Dr Raewynne Whiteley, the Diocesan Vocations Lead for Ministry Development, said: “We are delighted with the film and the strong narrative which runs through it which beautifully details how each of these three people have listened to how God was calling them to their specific ministries and faithfully stepped out.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to watch it whilst at the same considering how God may be nudging them to explore their calling too. There are so many wonderful God-given gifts to be harnessed across this wonderful county. We must we do all we can to support those Christian callings.”

Churches are being encouraged to play the film at services this weekend when Vocations Sunday will be marked nationally on Sunday 11 May, with a particular focus on helping to identify and nurture the gifts and callings of every member of the Church.

Rob Humphreys worked alongside independent film maker Seb Makin and led detailed interviews with each of the three people.

The Rev Charlie Day, who is a curate in the Binsey Mission Community to the north of Keswick, is filmed at St John’s in the Vale youth centre and in St Andrew’s Penrith while drone footage also captures him enjoying his past time of fell running.

In interview he explains: “I don’t feel like your stereotypical vicar. I’m a guy in my 30s who likes to run. So actually, there’s been a lot of work that God has been doing in me over the last couple of months showing me what my ordained minister looks like. For me it’s just being who I am, the person that God has called me to be.”

Penrith Network Youth Church leader Emily Milburn is filmed at the town’s Restore charity shop where she runs sessions with young people as well as at her family’s farm in Brough.

She explains: “I feel like God put me in this position for a reason; to kind of touch these young people’s lives but also so that they can touch mine. I think with young people these days, my experience has been that they think church is a building, that it’s outdated and that it is just five old people sitting in the pews. It’s been really incredible to change that perspective for them.”

Cameras also follow the Rev Hannah Wallace in the Kent Estuary Mission Community and at Arnside where she is serving her curacy.

“I remember sitting down one night and journalling,” she reveals. “I wrote to God that if becoming a vicar is something you really want me to do then you are going to have to give me a really big sign. Next morning I woke up, took the kids to a toddler’s group and then someone came and sat down next to me and said, ‘So weren’t you thinking about ordination, Hannah?’.”

The film has been uploaded to the Diocese of Carlisle’s YouTube channel as well as being shared on social media platforms. It has also been shared with Diocesan clergy and the Church of England’s national vocations team.

Rob Humphreys added: “The film has been beautifully shot and edited by film maker, Seb Makin, and offers compelling storytelling as to how these three faithful Christians are following God’s call. What also comes across so strongly is the positive impacts that they are all having on so many other people they are meeting through their respective ministries.”

Click below to view the film.

Ends

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications, on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.