Ministry Team
The Rev'd Paula Challen
t: 01327 350459 e: rector.tovebenefice@gmail.com
Rector
I have been the Rector of the Benefice since September 2019. The role of rector, means that I am in charge / responsible for the leadership and ministry across our five churches. I work collaboratively with my Ministry Team and Parochial Church Council (PCC) members on setting the vision for our parishes that will see us bless our communities. I was ordained in 2014 and served my curacy here in the Benefice, under the previous rector Fr Ben Phillips. I am a school governor at both Greens Norton Church of England Primary School and Sponne School . I am a feoffee (an ancient title for a trustee) of the Sponne and Bickerstaffe Charity, which runs the Moorfields Alms Houses, as well as trustee for both Towcester Combined Charity and Richard Hick’s Charity. I am married and we have three children, two chickens and 1 guinea pigs. We live in the Vicarage in Towcester, which is next to St Lawrence Church. When not busy in the parishes I enjoy spending time with my family and during the winter skiing mainly in French Alps. Very occasionally I might be spotted playing cornet in the local brass band or singing with our benefice choir.
The Rev'd Greg Roberts
e:TheRevdGregRoberts@outlook.com
Associate Priest
Greg spent 20 years as a physics teacher becoming Head of Science before training for ordination at Ripon College Cuddesdon. Ordained in 2010 Greg served his curacy at St. Peter and St Paul’s Church in Kettering and was then vicar of All Saints’ Church Peterborough for seven years. Greg arrived in Towcester after having served a group of 6 churches that spanned the English/ Welsh border. Greg hopes that our churches will grow in knowledge and love of Jesus Christ and continue to witness through worship, service and friendship.
The Rev'd Nigel Clent
e: tovecurate@gmail.com
Assistant Curate
The Rev'd Lulu Pelly
Retired Clergy
Lulu has lived in the local area for over 30 years, she was formerly the Assistant Priest in the benefice and since retirement continues to support the Minsitry Team. She reguarly helps out with service and funerals. Lulu has a very strong pastoral heart and is a real asset to our team. Lulu loves walking and skiing and can often be found alogn the canals with her two labradors.
Jane Jakes
Reader
I was licened as a Reader in October 2024. I am part of a team that leads Family Worship in the Benefice as well as preaching and leading other services when required.
Jane Small
Lay Pastoral Minister
I am a Lay Pastoral Minister for the Benefice since 2006 working mainly in Greens Norton. My role is to visit the elderly, sick or bereaved members of the community, taking Holy Communion to the housebound as required. In conjunction with the clergy I take services at Duncote/The Lakes Care Home. At the other end of the age scale I enjoy helping with the Greens Norton toddler group and Messy Church. For a number of years I have acted as Chaplain/Support Staff to the diocesan training of lay ministers. I have lived in Greens Norton since 1998 when my husband was relocated to the area and feel really blessed to live in such a congenial community.
Jaki Howard
Lay Pastoral Minsiter
I was relicensed as a Lay Pastoral Minister in the benefice in October 23. I lead worship via zoom, and assist with prayers, family praise and other services as needed. I also work as an Agency Nurse conducting ad hoc clinics. I live in Greens Norton village with my husband Graham, a very young energetic dog and our fickle cat.
Sarah Barnett
Children and Families Leader
I am Sarah, the newly appointed Children and Families Leader in the benefice starting September 2024. My role will involves maintaining and further developing strong and lasting links between families, schools and the church. I will take school assemblies (Collective Worship), be involved in Family Worship and leading existing groups. As well as looking at new initiatives and opportunities that would a line with the Church of England Growing Faith Foundation.
I moved to Towcester in 2006, where I still live with my husband Rob and our two children. When I'm not working, you might spot me riding my bike around the beautiful countryside.
I am sure you will see me around and about in church services and at events, please do say hello and introduce yourself.
Benefice Office: Chantry House 88 Watling Street Towcester NN12 6BT
Open: 9:30 am to 12.00 noon and 12:30 pm until 2:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
t: 01327 350459 e: tovebeneficeoffice@gmail.com
Benefice Office
Sara and Michelle
