Ridley Hall, Cambridge

About 'SPICE'

It takes two or three years to prepare an Ordinand for ministry... it takes just as long to prepare the Ordinand's spouse

As soon as that letter pops through the letter-box with its life-changing 'yes' from the selection conference, the Ordinand can begin dreaming of dog-collared days, preaching sermons to packed churches and bringing multitudes to faith. The spouse's dreams may be somewhat different.

Whether we welcome it or whether we dread it, all spouses need time to come to terms with this crazy new path that our partners have been called to tread. Many of us have to uproot our whole lives to come to Ridley, leaving our homes, jobs, friends and family behind. We arrive, at the start of term, with a mixture of emotions as the excitement of the new is frequently clouded by the bewilderment of change; and with the prospect of more uprooting still to come in two or three years' time.

Friendship and Support

Spice is a group of Ordinands' wives and husbands which meets in College twice-weekly to talk, pray, offer each other support and friendship. There is also a weekly bible study and many of the group meet together in prayer triplets. We are also involved in College events, including the beginners' and leavers' parties; the Open Day and special events during Holy Week. There are also children's activities throughout the year - sports days,craft events, family lunches and all-age communions. There is an open invitation, too, for spouses to attend lectures as they can or wish. The Ordinands provide a crèche during the main College communion service on Thursdays so that spouses with children are free to attend.

Spice continues to evolve as each year brings new spouses to Ridley with fresh ideas. A new tradition has been an annual weekend retreat for ourselves which has been very enjoyable.. In 2005, for the first time, we prepared and led the worship at one of the Thursday College Communion services.

God calls us all in many ways to serve Him - spouses as well as Ordinands. It is both a challenge and a joy, but we are not asked to do it on our own.

Spice is one way in which God provides us with a safe place to explore our new calling, and some firm friendships to help us along the way.

Spice welcomes all partners of ordinands studying at Ridley. At the moment, it is mainly a group of wives, but we would be thrilled to have more husbands, girlfriends and boyfriends involved. Fellowship is a main 'ingredient' of our meetings, but on most occasions, we also study a (bible) theme, listen to a speaker or share our own testimonies. Sometimes we go out for drinks or watch a film together. The main purpose of the group is to support one another and to offer ways to get more involved in the Ridley community.

Spice meets on Monday evenings between 8 and 10 pm and on Thursday mornings from 10 until 11.45 am (usually in the Common room at Ridley). These meetings have become precious times for all of us, and give us the chance to share our experiences with one another. Through bible study and prayer, fun and fellowship, not to mention chocolate and wine, we have found in each other a huge resource, not only for support, but also for learning more of God and his plans for us.

Spouses are invited to attend lectures and join in with meals and College Communion. During these 'normal' College Communion services (Thursday from 6 - 7.15 pm) a crèche is run for the children whose parents would both like to join in. Throughout the year, mostly during school holidays, there are good family moments at Ridley as well, which include the all-age communion services and meals afterwards. Spice, college communion and the family-oriented services enable us to feel part of the vibrant community that Ridley is and also gives us a chance to reflect and prepare for what lies ahead. Read Spice Views + Comments where current and former 'Spice' share some of their experiences.