At our 10am online service this morning, I was delighted to announce that Judith Brooks will be joining us at St Matthew’s as a Curate in training.
Judith will be a self supporting minister giving of her time voluntarily here at St Matthew’s.
It is a strange time to be setting out in ministry. Judith will be licensed as a lay worker by Bishop Christopher next Saturday and then will be ordained as Deacon some time in September.
Please pray for her in the days ahead and I know that as circumstances permit, you will welcome her into our church family.
Fr Andrew
Judith writes:
I am delighted to be serving my curacy at St Matthew’s.
I have a long association with Redhill through my work as Head of Children’s services at YMCA Redhill.
My husband Adam and I have lived in South Croydon since our marriage in 1997.
We have two children: Tom 14 and Lizzie 10
I grew up in Orpington, studied English at Swansea University and following a couple of months volunteering with the Iona Community, I felt called to work with young people. I completed a Post graduate diploma in Youth and Community work and worked for a number of years in youth clubs in South London and with young volunteers in Kent.
I then moved into higher education and taught management and youth work.
In 2018 I returned to direct management of services in YMCA Surrey.
I enjoy poetry and prose, have a passion for film and theatre. I love swimming and holidaying in Cornwall and the Scilly Isles.
I have had a life long involvement in the Church of England, worshipping, helping with youth work and singing in the choir.
I felt a strong call to ministry whilst visiting a garden centre of all places and this has refused to go away, and here I am looking forward to being with you all