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 Towcester Church of England Primary School and Sponne School as well as Chaplain to South Northants Council (SNC). 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 2 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.
Angela Hammett
t: 01327 358852 e: tovecurate@gmail.com
Assistant Curate
I am your curate. This means that I am recently ordained and completing my training. My time is divided between serving in the benefice and studying. Since all of our six children are now adults, my husband Chris and I just share our home with a couple of cats. We are fortunate to live in the Rectory in Greens Norton.
Chris Hammett
Reader
I am a Reader, and part of the team that supports the clergy. I hold a Bishop's licence to preach and lead services when required. As a retired chartered accountant I also provide financial support to the Benefice. I am married to Rev'd Angela and live in Greens Norton.
Claire Reetz
t: 07813 404061 e:tovefamilies@gmail.com
Children and Families Worker
I am the Children and Families Worker for the Benefice. I live in Towcester with my husband and three children. My role is to welcome and encourage children and their families in faith in a variety of ways. I enjoy working within the Church and also as a part of the wider community. I run two toddler groups (one in Greens Norton and one in Towcester) each week and also work alongside our two Primary Schools in a variety of ways such as leading Collective Worship and supporting learning. I am part of the Peterborough Diocese Gen2 team and am currently studying for a diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission at CMS in Oxford.
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.
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
