Latest News From The Parish
Here is a quick round up of some of the latest news. You can find more details elsewhere on the site.
New Vicar news:
As most of you are aware, we are soon to welcome our new Vicar, Rev’d Susan Atkinson-Jones and her husband Byron to the Parish. Please see below a little introduction from them. Rev Susan’s Installation Service will be held at 7.30pm, Thursday 12th December at St Mary’s. This will be followed by light refreshments in the Church Centre. Her first Sunday Service will be a United Holy Communion Service on 15th December, 10.00am at St Mary’s, followed by a Parish Lunch in the Church Centre. We hope lots of you will be able to attend.
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Hello, from Susan and Byron
Well as you already know my name is Susan. I come originally from Acton, West London. Upon leaving school I worked as a library assistant in the very busy Ealing Central Library for over 7 years.
In 1990 I decided to study for an extra ‘A’ level. So, with the help of the curate in the parish I attended, I passed and gained entry to university in Cardiff, to study Theology.
In the first few months at college I joined a voluntary organisation, where I met Byron. We were engaged a year later and married in August 1992. I graduated in 1993 and Byron continued his studies in Computer Science at
the University of Glamorgan until 1996.
Byron is the director Xiotex Studios, a game development studio he founded in 2007. He is also a director of a games industry charity called GamesAid that provides much needed funding for a wide range of Children’s charities. He teaches game development for Nextgen Skills Academy and the Prince’s trust. Byron has also done Stand-up comedy at the Comedy Store in London. He loves Cats and Dogs but couldn’t manage a whole one.
(In case you haven’t guessed, Byron wrote the above paragraph – you’ll get used to his sense of humour) I was ordained in Llandaff Cathedral (Deacon 1998, Priest 1999) and served as Assistant Curate in the parish of Bargoed and Deri with Brithdir.
I moved back to London in 2005 to take up the position of Team Vicar in the Sanderstead Team Ministry.
In Sanderstead I am particularly responsible for St Antony’s, Hamsey Green and St Edmund’s, Riddlesdown. Both are dual purpose buildings and prior to my arrival in Sanderstead each had their own Team Vicar. They now
have a close relationship working together in mission and ministry while retaining their own identities in the communities they serve.
I enjoy many aspects of ministry, particularly the opportunity to get to know, and be known, by the local communities, schools etc. On days off in the summer you will probably find me in the local theme parks as I love riding rollercoaster’s; Nemesis, Stealth and Tidal Wave being my favourites for those of you familiar with Thorpe Park. Byron and I are looking forward to joining you all later in the year so that we may get to know each other and work together to share the good news of Jesus love for all.
With prayers and all best wishes
Susan and Byron
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Toddler Group - St Martin’s
As some of you will be aware, we sadly said farewell to our Toddler Group in July at St Mary’s. Thank you very much to Sue Bridger and Helen Spence for organising and running our Sparks Toddler Club.
There is a Toddler Club at St Martin’s of Tours Church, Chelsfield. The group runs every Tuesday morning during
term time, 10.30am-12 noon, £2 per baby/child. They welcome expectant mums, new parents, grandparents, carers, child-minders, everyone is welcome! The group is run by a team of friendly volunteers from the Church and Chelsfield village. The session offers an hour of free play, with refreshments, followed by singing with action songs and percussion instruments. Each week there is a different craft activity and playdough available, plus the usual toys. Carers should support their little ones in sharing, taking turns and making new friends.
No need to book a place, just turn up.
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