On Sunday 29 June, 12 men and women within the Diocese of Winchester will be made deacons at Winchester Cathedral. Meet the ‘new revs’ who have followed God’s calling to ordination…
James Allen
Serving his curacy in: The Benefice of Bitterne Park
Hi, I’m James, and I am married to the wonderful Hannah, and we have a puppy called Toby.
I have been training at Trinity College Bristol for the past three years. Before then, I worked for four years at two Churches in Hertfordshire.
I am excited to join the Winchester Diocese, serving my Curacy at Ascension Church in Southampton.
I would very much appreciate prayers for Hannah and me to settle into Ascension and Southampton well, and to keep faithfully following God’s call into this new adventure.
Claire Bentham
Serving her curacy in: The Dever Benefice
My name is Claire, I am married to Ian and we have three children aged between 8 and 12. Prior to training for ordination I have worked as a political speechwriter and a teacher, as well as being a stay-at-home mum doing lots of voluntary work. I now live in the beautiful village of Micheldever, where I am Chair of Governors for the village school, and I am really excited about serving as Assistant Curate in the seven village churches of the Dever Benefice.
I first felt a clear call to ordination 9 years ago, but spent a few years trying to convince God that I wasn’t the right person for the job before accepting that I need to follow where God leads me. Learning to let go of my plans and trust in God’s call (I never thought I would serve in rural ministry!) has been a key part of my journey over the last few years. I love to be in control so this is definitely still a work in progress, and I would love your prayers that I can grow in faith and follow wherever God takes me.
Anthony Cross
Serving his curacy in: The Benefice of Michelmersh & Awbridge & Braishfield & Farley Chamberlayne & Timsbury
I’m originally from Worcestershire and will be licensed to the Benefices of Braishfield and Somborne with Ashley, where I have been an ordinand for the past two years and involved for the past three. I first moved to Hampshire 28 years ago when I came to study at what was then King Alfred’s College, Winchester. After two years on the community at Lee Abbey in Devon, I returned briefly to Winchester before moving to Sheffield to train as an Occupational Therapist. I met my wife in Sheffield and we moved back to Winchester in 2008. I worked in forensic mental health in high, medium and low security hospitals for several years prior to starting my training at Sarum College in Salisbury. My family and I have lived in Romsey for the last 10 years, and we are very happy to be staying in our family home for the duration of my curacy.
I have a love of books and music, as well as an interest in the progress of England’s cricket team. I’m a clergy child and have almost always been involved in churches wherever I have lived. I have always known that I have God’s call to ordained ministry on my life, but the right time has come only in the last few years. Throughout my professional life I had an interest in and passion for chaplaincy. This lead to a role as a multi-faith co-ordinator, ensuring that all patients had ways of meeting their spiritual needs. Leading services in secure settings was one of the major experiences that contributed to my ordination journey thus far. Recognising that my career in healthcare was at an end was tough, but was part of the process that has brought me to where I am today.
Thank you in advance for your prayers. My specific requests are: for a smooth transition as my role changes from ordinand to curate, that my family will be supported and upheld in my change of role and balancing the pressures on my time to be fully present with them, and for all in the benefice as we set out on the next stage of this journey.
Dan Gardner
Serving his curacy in: The Benefice of Basingstoke
My name is Dan Gardner. I’m married to Gina and we have two lovely little girls who keep us on our toes! Over the years I’ve had the privilege of serving in churches in Southampton and Norwich, most recently as an ordinand at St Wins in Totton. I’ve been involved in a range of church roles over the past 15 years, from youth work and worship leading to teaching and pastoral care, and even spent a season working for a church in North Chicago.
Before training for ordination, I worked as a classical musician and then in city finance. Through all of it, I’ve always sensed a call to church leadership. Gina and I have been involved in church planting along the way, and in recent years, I’ve studied at St Mellitus College, where I’ve been deeply formed theologically, spiritually, and personally. It’s been a life-changing three years and I’m excited to be stepping into curacy.
Please pray for our family as we move and begin this new chapter. In particular, that our girls settle well into their new school and with new childminders, and that we as a family would find deep friendships and a strong sense of belonging quickly. Pray too that I would serve with wisdom, humility, and joy as I begin ordained ministry.
Abielle Inegbenebho
Serving her curacy in: Lord’s Hill and Lord’s Wood Benefice
I first came to Southampton to study music, thinking I’d only be here for three years, but nine years later, I’m preparing for ordination and about to begin a Curacy at Lord’s Hill Church, a church planted from the one I’ve called home for the past seven years.
Throughout my training, it’s been a joy to serve as the Youth Pastor at Saint Mary’s Church, and I’m now excited to step into ministry at Lord’s Hill, joining in with both youth and wider church life, and playing my part in God’s mission and ministry there.
I’d really appreciate your prayers for protection, peace, and rest, especially in the lead up to ordination, and also for the first season of Curacy as I settle into this new chapter.
Paul Lambert
Serving his curacy in: The Benefice of Southampton St Denys Portswood
Hi, I’m Paul, and I’ve been based in Southampton since I moved here almost 30 years ago as a student. I met my wife while at Uni, and we now have two teenage children. Over these years, I attended various churches and denominations in Southampton. I’ve been attending St James by the Park church for the last few years, including as an ordinand, while also studying at Trinity College Bristol. I am a member of the Community of Hopeweavers, which is an important influence on my faith life.
Before I started training for ordination, I worked in the IT department for Hampshire County Council in various roles, before deciding to test a sense of calling to ordained ministry.
I’m looking forward to serving my curacy in St Denys Parish, in Southampton, and getting to know the community there, seeing how we as a family may be a blessing to them, and seeing how God is moving there.
I would welcome prayer as we move across Southampton and find new rhythms in this next stage of our lives.
Before you read further… DID YOU KNOW that the generous contributions of our parishes through the Common Mission Fund helps pay for the training of our ordinands? We are so grateful for the way churches give faithfully through the Common Mission Fund, serving and blessing countless people and communities beyond their own parish walls. To find out more about CMF, check out our Common Mission Fund page.
Serena Merritt
Serving her curacy in: The Benefice of Fawley
Hi, my name is Serena. I am married to Ed, and we live in a place called Holbury in the Waterside area. I have felt a call to ordained ministry for about 10 years and am excited to be going into my deacon year! In the lead up to training for ordination I have been involved in ministry. Predominantly, youth and children’s ministry as I completed my youth and community work with theology degree in 2013. In 2022 I felt God was asking me to use my gifts in a wider context and take on the role as a non-ordained associate minster with oversight of Community and Outreach work.
My experiences have made me passionate about inclusivity of all ages and kinds of people in the church. This is something I hope my future ministry will be shaped by. I am praying that God will use me to glorify Him; and draw people to Himself.
Suzanne Newcombe
Serving her curacy in: The North Hampshire Downs Benefice
I was a teacher for 30 years and after retiring from this role became a care worker and Assistant Chaplain in a special school. The move from teaching gave me the time to train as a Licensed Lay Minister, a call I had known for a long time.
In the North Hampshire Downs Benefice I have had a varied and joyful ministry as a Pastoral Care Minister and also leading and preaching in the 12 churches in the benefice. The skills I leant as a teacher and care worked have been invaluable in the new roles in my benefice. It was not long after I was licensed that I had a strong call to ordination, one I took time to respond to but the sense of calling would not go away and I had a great sense of peace when I responded to it.
As a deacon I will be working largely in the parishes of Weston Patrick and Herriard and ask for prayers for the congregations and communities in these villages. For myself I would like prayer for wisdom on setting priorities and developing relationships with people in the parishes. I also ask for prayer for my husband and daughter whose support strengthens me and encourages me every day.
Alex Sains
Serving her curacy in: The Avon Valley Benefice
I have had a busy career for over 35 years as a speech and language therapist, author and trainer, firstly working in the NHS and then running my own company. My work has always been centred around supporting children to develop communication and friendship skills and a healthy self-esteem. I am also a keen musician and writer.
I am married to Brian and we have three children and four grandchildren. I live in Fordingbridge, where I will also take up an assistant curate post.
My passions are unity and inclusion and I would like prayer for resilience for myself and my family as I navigate a new role in my community.
Emily Stewart
Serving her curacy in: The Benefice of Southampton, St Mary
I’ll be doing my Curacy as part of the team at Saint Mary’s Southampton where I’ve been training alongside doing an MA in Theology, Mission and Ministry, at St Mellitus.
Hospital and prison chaplaincy was a large part of how God called me to ministry – I’m excited for this to continue over the next few years alongside growing and celebrating the beautiful things that are happening at Saint Mary’s.
Any free time I’ll usually spend by the sea or in the New Forest.
Please pray for the big changes ahead and for all the learning that is to come!
Lisa Thomas
Serving her curacy in: Brockenhurst Benefice & Boldre and South Baddesley Benefice
My path to ministry has been described as being a slow burn! I didn’t have any blinding light, any sudden feeling that I had been called for ordination but looking back I can see the God was always ahead of me calling me and being patient and loving when I either didn’t hear or didn’t listen. I can remember about 7 years ago sitting in church listening to my vicar preaching and thinking ‘I couldn’t do that’. Looking back that was probably God calling me but I didn’t realise it. So how have I got to being on the eve of ordination? I think it is the people that God has surrounded me with, people who could see what I couldn’t – or maybe didn’t want to – that God was calling me to ministry and who encouraged me to be open to it and to explore it. And God has continued to be patient with me, especially during my first year of training when I seemed to constantly asking ‘Are you sure Lord’ I am very grateful for the support from the School of Mission during my training and of my Fellowship Group.
I am moving to another parish for my curacy so please could you pray for the transition to go well and that I will be able to balance my work and my ministry and be a blessing to them.
Bruce Viney
Serving his curacy in: The Benefice of Bournemouth, St Swithun
As an atheist of forty year’s standing I never would have imagined that one day I would be ordained in the Church of England! And yet I will be at the end of June. I first felt called to ordination nearly 8 years ago but at the time would have exceeded the upper age limit by the time I finished training. It was suggested I try for Licenced Lay Ministry, and I was licenced in London in 2021. However the call to ordination persisted – God doesn’t tend to let go.
I am very fortunate to have been offered an assistant curacy at my current church, St Swithun’s in Bournemouth, and my training minister will be the excellent Revd Tim Matthews. It is an exciting and vibrant church, and I am really looking forward to all the opportunities to serve that this new role will bring. I will be in self-supporting ministry and will be continuing to work as a financial crime consultant.
I am married to Chisenga and we have three adult daughters and three grandchildren. I love rugby (watching only these days sadly) and am happy to talk about Harlequins rugby club at any time! I’d like to offer a huge thank you to all the wonderful people who have helped me on my discernment journey including Tim, the diocese, and the tutors at Winchester School of Mission. Please pray for my family and me, that the Lord will find a way for me to balance work and service in the church.
New Priests
- Luke Augustyn
- Amy Bianchi
- Malcolm Bruce
- Yin-Yin Bull
- Sue Coleman
- Ruth Crosland
- Ani Davy
- Ann Devereux
- Keith Fox
- Helen Holley
- Vicky Semple
- Tim Taylor
- Georgi Thompson Leask
- Richard Turner
- Steve Williams
Have a look at the photos of these new priests being deaconed last year!
Sermon at Winchester Cathedral
Read Bishop Rhiannon’s sermon, which looks at 1 Samuel 3.1-10, Romans 12.1-13, and John 13.1-17, below:
Loving Gracious God, who sent your son Jesus not to be served but to serve, speak to us now in the name of Jesus Amen.
Good morning! It’s great to be with you in this beautiful cathedral for this fabulous occasion and I want to be one of the first to say how exciting it is to see so many of you here to cheer on our soon to be new deacons!
Today they are right at the start of their new journey as ordained ministers but before you can blink they’ll be fully fledged Vicars, Chaplains, Archdeacons, Bishops…Watch this space!
And before long their names will start appearing on the wooden boards in churches all around the place. Do you know the ones I mean? Big wooden boards that hang particularly in old churches and places like this with with a long list of clergy on them.
I confess that I find them fascinating and I love imagining what their lives were like! I found one of my favourite ones about 20 years ago when I found a Vicar half-way down the long list called the Revd Paschal Lamb! I don’t think his parents can have liked him much and he probably didn’t have a great time in school either but I can see he was definitely destined to be a Vicar.
Another of my favourites was on the board where my name used to appear too. I was the Vicar of Fulbourn, a lovely village just outside Cambridge, and around 600 years before me there was a vicar called William de Fulbourne.
Now, in my mind, you can’t get posher than being called William de Fulbourne. I’m convinced he had staff a couple of Ferraris and a yacht in the South of France.
Other interesting slightly more recent names which make me curious and smile
include:
- Father Churchyard- I quite like that one
- Fr Kitkat, I kid you not, interestingly he changed his surname later and gave all his five sons the surname ‘de Winton Kitkat’ as if that makes things better!
And lastly, the wonderfully titled Priest, probably not possible to beat, who was genuinely called Father Christmas! Well, whatever bizarre names they have: behind each name on each wooden board in each church there is an incredible story to be told: a story of ordinary people following Jesus’ call on their lives.
Tom Hollander, the actor who starred in the TV series ‘Rev’ said: ‘Stories about clergy are always being told because they’re at the heart of our society. Clergy touch all parts of the community and see life in all its extremity.’
Who else, after all, has the privilege today of being around when people want to get married, celebrate the birth of their little ones, when life gets difficult for people, when they’re ill and at the end of their lives?
Clergy are very much on the front line…whether as chaplains or in parishes their job is to serve the community and as such, they get the honour to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.
This Sunday morning we’re focusing particularly on what it means to be a deacon and I’d like to make two points: one about servanthood and one about mission.
First, deacons are called to be servants. Not in the sense that William de Fulbourne had servants but in the sense that everything an ordained person does is or should be about service – serving Christ and serving others.
The word ‘deacon’ literally means ‘servant’ and once you are ordained a deacon, you are always one. Once a deacon, always a deacon. This isn’t just a role for a fun gap year before becoming a priest.
Some of you might be thinking, well that doesn’t sound great, a whole life of service, but, on the contrary, because it is God we’re serving, it is the most humbling, amazing thing in the world, something which God truly honours… even when it is difficult and less than glamorous. On Tuesday (1 July) I’ll have been a deacon for 25 years and have not regretted a day!
One of the first servants of Jesus, St Paul, set some pretty ambitious goals for those who want to serve and follow Christ. Here’s some of what he said (we heard it earlier in a slightly different version):
- Let your love be genuine; don’t fake it
- Run for dear life from evil
- Hold on for dear life to good
- Be good friends who love deeply
- Practice playing second fiddle
- Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant.
- Don’t quit in hard times, pray all the harder
- Bless your enemies, no cursing under your breath
- Discover beauty in everyone
And so on… Wow! That is something and not easy…we kind of all need L plates on when we’re doing this…
Jesus showed, more than anyone else before or since, the essence of being a servant. We’re told that he didn’t come to be served but to serve (Mk 10.45) and I wonder if that is one of the many reasons that so many millions of people have chosen to follow him over the centuries and all around the world.
He had equal status with God but didn’t claim special privileges. Instead he led a selfless life: one day, for example, he was having supper with his friends, when he surprised them, took a towel, knelt in front of them and began to wash their dirty, dusty, weary feet, setting them and us an example forever of the attitude which he wants us to have towards others.
That is the attitude that all Christians are to have and deacons especially. For Jesus it ultimately led to death on a cross, which he allowed to happen as part of his continued service and love for us. For all Christians and for our deacons today, therefore we should be under no illusions: it can be costly to follow Jesus.
But it also led to resurrection and new life and so it does for us too. For Jesus death was not the end.
Secondly, as well as being servants, deacons are also people on a mission from God. These deacons are ordained today so that the people of God may be “better equipped to make Christ known.” That’s their mission, should they choose to accept it. To make Christ known and to help the rest of us to do the same.
They are to broadcast the good news about Jesus far and wide:
- How he loves each one of us,
- Offers us healing, a fresh start, eternal life
- How he particularly cares for the littlest, the lost, the last and the least, and deacons are to share this good news in word and deed, as agents of God; special agents.
These amazing individuals before us now have been on lots of adventures in their lives, we’ve read about some of these in the potted biographies we’ve been given. And I think they’ll agree that nothing beats being on a mission from God to the forgotten corners of the world, which is exactly what they’re called to do.
We have ? wonderful people before us today. I know that because I’ve just spent three days with them. They have already been on their adventure with God for some time so they know a bit of what they’re
letting themselves in for but boy, are they going to have some stories to tell when their names go up on some wooden or probably electronic boards one day.
Their names may not be as peculiar as the Revds Pascal Lamb and William de Fulbourne, Father Kitkat or Father Christmas but they are serving and loving exactly the same God and they’re on the same mission, just for a different generation.
Thinking about becoming a Priest?
If today, whatever age you are, you feel inspired by these folks up front, like I do, and part of you wonders if God might be calling you to get ordained and add a collar and a cassock to your wardrobe do talk to your local vicar come and talk to me and some of our vocations team at the end of the service (look out
for someone in a yellow t-shirt) and we’d love to tell you more about it and what steps you need to take to explore further. We’re going to be loitering right down here at the front at the end of the service.
Taking a step further?
Or perhaps you don’t think you’re being called to be collared but you would like to take another step in your faith, and deepen your service to God, that’s great too and we’d love to talk with you as well.
Becoming a Christian?
Thirdly, I’m wondering also if some of you here today, who wouldn’t readily call yourselves Christians, secretly know that God is on your case. Perhaps he might have been nudging you for a while, perhaps there’s just a tiny spark…? And now you know Father Christmas exists….! Well if that’s you, come and talk to us (we have a book we’d like to give you).
You don’t need to be an adult or someone who usually goes to church to explore. Once, famously, it happened to a young boy, named Samuel. He heard his name being called but he didn’t know it was God who was doing the calling. I think that’s often the case with us.
Samuel didn’t know much about God but God knew him and his name, just as He knows yours. The boy Samuel eventually responded to God and became one of the most amazing prophets of his age. So whatever your age or stage who knows what God might want to do with you? Exciting… I’m going to finish. Let’s pray:
Almighty God, maker of this astounding universe, and transformer of lives,
Thank you for these individuals ready to become
deacons in front of us now. Come by the power of your Holy Spirit
so that we will
say yes, with them, to whatever adventure you call us to.
In the name of Jesus. Amen
