Dear Friends
On Sunday 15th October at morning services in the benefice I made the following announcement:
I am delighted to announce that following interview and with the agreement of Bishop John and the Parish Representatives, The Revd Greg Roberts currently Rector of the Ford Group in Hereford Diocese has been offered and has accepted the invitation to become Associate Priest in the Tove Benefice.
The appointment of Greg is subject to the normal Church of England legal and administrative procedures. The licensing date is to be confirmed.
Bishop John and Archdeacon Richard are very grateful to all who helped with the preparation of the profile, all the arrangements for the interview and for the continuing and encouraging ministry of the parishes in the service of Christ.
Greg will live at the diocesan property in Hazel Crescent, Towcester and will have responsibilities for Greens Norton and Bradden PCCs, as well as sharing oversight and leadership for specific areas of ministry across our benefice.
In addition to the above, Revd Angela is due to complete her curacy at Easter 2024 and then she and Chris will be looking for her first incumbency. As a benefice we have become familiar with this pattern of curates being with us for 3 or 4 years training and then moving on to pastures new.
Therefore, in anticipation of Angela moving on, I have been asked, and agreed, to train another curate from summer 2024. So today, I also announce that Nigel Clent and his wife Jayne will be moving into the benefice in summer 2024, ahead of Nigel's ordination as deacon at Peterborough Cathedral in July. Nigel is currently study part time at Trinity College Bristol and Jayne is starting 3 years training with the diocese to be a Licensed Reader. Their current church is St Mary's Wollaston, near Wellingborough. Nigel and Jane will be living at the Rectory in Greens Norton, which is also a diocesan property.
For those who are interested in what both Greg and Nigel look like their photos are below.
Please pray: for Greg as he completes his ministry in the Hereford Diocese and as he prepares to move and to work in the Tove Benefice; for Angela and Chris during this period of transition and change as they seek to discern their future ministry; for Nigel and Jayne as Nigel completes his ordination training and as they prepare to move house; and for myself and the Ministry Team as we change and regroup over the coming months.
Blessings
Revd Paula Challen
Rector, Tove Benefice
Revd Greg Roberts was licensed as Associate Priest early 2024.
Nigel Clent became Assistant Curate after his ordination as Deacon at Peterborough Cathedral on Sunday 17th July 2024
