Recent news
Welcome!
We are very excited to welcome two new members to our staff team: Ursula and Roger Simpson.
Ursula writes:
"It was actually Martha (your curate!) and Tom (our oldest son!) who, when they heard that James was considering another member for the staff team, said to us, 'This might suit you...' and when I read the 'job spec', I thought, 'Indeed it might!'
We've been hearing about the Chipping Norton Benefice - from 'Passion for Life' (in which our daughter and son-in-law took part) to watching how Tom and Martha have both found a spiritual home to settle, flourish and contribute in. And this is our hope too!
Roger has led churches in Edinburgh, Vancouver and York. He's now working as Archbishop Sentamu's Evangelist to the Northern Province. In all these churches I was involved in developing small groups and training leaders. I was ordained when our children were older and have recently stepped down from being Priest-in-Charge of an inner city church in York. I'm looking forward to getting to know the diversity of people across the Benefice and helping strengthen the small groups and life of discipleship at the heart of the churches."
And Roger's hopes?
"I'm looking forward to supporting Ursula as well as seeing what opportunities there are for mission and evangelism locally. I will continue being involved in missions in the North."
Everyone has questions about what life is all about. We believe that everyone should have a chance to share those questions, explore the Christian faith and give their point of view.
Alpha is a place where you can ask those questions in an honest, friendly and open environment.
So many people in our community feel the weight of debt, and we are passionate about helping to release anyone we can from a life sentence of debt and poverty. At St Mary's we are working with Christians Against Poverty to bring good news, hope and freedom. If you need support, we'd love to hear from you.