Warmest of wishes to the new Bishop Elect of Aberdeen and Orkney, the Very Rev Bob Gillies. Bob was my rector when I was exploring my vocation. He is one of the people without whom, I very certainly would not have been a priest.
Here is how our first conversation began:
Me: Er, excuse me, I think I would like to talk to you about being a priest. I think God is calling me to be one.
Bob: Oh, how interesting. Are you a member of the church?
Me: Well, no, actually.
Bob: Are you a member of my congregation?
Me: Well, not as such.
Bob: Have you been baptised?
Me: Oh yes, when I was 18 in a large tank of water. Very baptised.
Bob: Confirmed?
Me: No.
Bob: Well, we will begin there…
You too? Different rector… really similar story.