Parish People
Priest-in-Charge: Revd Canon Arthur J Houston
 Arthur was born in Northern Ireland 50 years ago, married to Claire, with two grown up sons. He studied and worked in the horticultural industry and subsequently studied theology. He worked for several years in South America in social and economic development specialising in horticultural projects. In the UK he has been involved in both the business and voluntary sectors through horticultural enterprises.
After studying theology and ordination he served in a variety of parishes both in Kent and Ireland. In 1999 he was appointed Vicar of Holy Trinity Parish, a large Margate parish with a variety of social needs, and also Area Dean of Thanet representing over 26 churches across Thanet, and on the leadership team of the Diocese of Canterbury.
Since coming to Kent he has been instrumental in establishing Trinity Community Resource Centre, which currently accommodates 1500 users per week, a major building expansion now under way. Other Kent commitments are board member of Church In Society which is involved in a wide variety of regeneration projects throughout Kent, a board member of Surestart Millmead, chairman of Thanet Festival of Hope, a hugely successful Thanet festival drawing over 50 churches together over a 9 day period with over 20,000 local people attending festival events, and voluntary sector representative on Thanet LSP for 3 years.
Arthur enjoys family life, gardening, walking, travelling, property development, and making things happen, and he is absolutely committed to working for the improvement of our community in Maidstone.
Assistant Curate: The Revd Jean Mayhew
Jean joined us in July 2005 following her ordination to the diaconate and was ordained Priest in July 2006. Jean lives near Goudhurst and works in the parish on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and three out of five Sundays. Jean is married to Patrick and enjoys her large family. Jean has responsibility in the parish for running our monthly 'children's time' for mums and toddlers.
Assistant Priest (Retired): The Revd Susan Austin
Sue retired to Maidstone in 2006 and helps out in the parish on an occasional basis in her retirement. Sue is married to Ralph. Sue has prime responsibility for baptisms and weddings during the interregnum.
Reader: Mrs Maureen Thomas
Maureen has been licensed as a Reader for over ten years. She oversees parish visiting to the elderly, as well as leading a weekly service of Morning Prayer each Saturday. Maureen is married to Robert. Spare time for her means church flower arranging, looking after her family, scouting, assisting at a drop-in club, cooking parish lunches and walking her dog.
Pastoral Assistant : Jenny Clifton
Jenny co-ordinates our healing team, organises our prayer life and leads regular church quiet days. Jenny also is willing to take communion to the homes of parishioners if they are unable to get to church. Jenny is married to Chris, has two cats and enjoys looking after the local RSPCA clinic.
The Ministry Leadership Team
   
A formal Ministry leadership Team has been in existence at St Paul's since 2000. It comprises four members of the congregation: Hazel Howard, Gwyn McPherson, Mark Turner and Katy Carter. The MLT are active in church life, organising social events, leading worship, undertaking pastoral care, participating in prayer ministry and running groups.
Our Churchwardens and PCC
Our Churchwardens, Mark Turner and Gwyn McPherson, and the Parochial Church Council oversee the practical and financial side of Church life. They represent a cross section of the congregation and meet together every other month.
|