How do you feel about joining the team at Minchinhampton?
Extremely excited and very privileged
Do you have any connections to the area?
Not specifically but I love living in the Cotswolds.
What drew you to becoming a curate?
I was a member of the United Church of Canada and worked with them as a nurse and missionary for two years on an Indian Reservation in remote British Columbia immediately after finishing my nurse training. As you can see I have had a prolonged calling and the Lord has been patiently waiting for me to respond. When I retired I thought I would take life easy but my calling to ministry to serve Christ became overwhelming as I wanted to share the good news with others who as yet did not know our Lord. I would say I am a liberal catholic but there is a bit of a conservative evangelical side of me as well. I am very interested in exploring ways of being church and providing informal worship and spiritually for those who are unchurched.
What particular skills do you feel you bring?
Life experiences as a professional in a caring profession as a midwife. I have training in psychology and also mental health. I am a good listener. I have taught counselling skills, communication skills, and bereavement training to health care professionals. I am an experienced teacher and manager and enjoy working in a team. I am also experienced in enabling others. I have a good sense of humour and plenty of enthusiasm.
Tell us a bit about your background
I am a Canadian but have lived in England since 1974. My grandparents were originally from Sunderland. I am disabled with osteoarthritis and have mobility issues, so cannot walk far, or stand for long periods and steps are a problem and stairs are out of the question. Saying this nothing deters me getting out and about. I drive and use a mobility scooter. I am very independent and you will soon realize when I need help and I will get to know you well enough to ask. It has been difficult for me as my brain keeps saying you can do it and my joints don’t respond but I have come to do things in new ways and every day I look forward to a new challenge.
My professional background was a nurse, midwife and teacher. When I retired I was Head of Department for Midwifery & Women’s Health in a London University.
I live with Glynnis my friend and Registered carer who acts as my backup as she offers hospitality on my behalf in church ministry. My mother also lives with us during the winter months as she avoids the snow in Canada.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
Joining and sharing in a lively, deeply committed worshipping community where church and Christ’s love are at the centre as well as prayer, worship, pastoral care.
How long have you been studying to become a curate?
I have studied at WEMTC (West of England Ministerial Training Course) at the University of Gloucestershire for the past 3 years. The emphasis of the course is on training for ministry and so a significant part of the course involves placements, formation and competency skills. WEMTC is exceptionally good at priestly formation always commencing our weekly evening with worship lead by students. The sense of community fellowship has been really important and during our three years we have completed 18 weekends away and had a week away at Easter School each year to strengthen that sense of community.
How did you find the study?
I really enjoyed the studying and found it extremely rewarding and challenging and now that I have only one assignment left to do, I can say I even enjoyed writing them, even if I did have some very very late nights.
Any hobbies or interests?
For relaxation I enjoy reading, listening to Classical music, and gardening which has been a challenge as I have learned how to garden sitting on my mobility scooter!
How can we support you in your new role?
I am very much looking forward to getting to know you all and sharing opportunities for growth together. I would greatly value your help and encouragement in supporting me in my priestly formation.
