Parish People
Priest-in-Charge: The Revd Canon Andrew Sewell
The new Area Dean for Maidstone and Priest-in-Charge for St Paul's, The Revd Andrew Sewell was officially
welcomed by the Bishop of Dover at a special service on July 15th. Mr Sewell, who has served as the Vicar of Otham and Langley for nine years, was described by the Bishop as 'a talented and experienced Priest'. During the sermon, the Bishop explained how the whole community must work together: "This is not just a new beginning for Andrew. This service is about all of us recommitting ourselves to build God's kingdom together." Following the licensing and installation, a number of local people publicly welcomed Mr Sewell, including Mrs Jenny Turner the Sunday Club leader and Revd David Jones, Chair of Churches Together in Maidstone. The Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Eric Hotson also welcomed Andrew saying: "On behalf of the borough and county I offer you a hearty welcome and congratulations." Mr Sewell expressed his pleasure at his new appointment, commenting: "Thank you so much for the welcome my family and I have received. I am thrilled and delighted to be here and I am looking forward to serving the community." Revd Andrew Sewell, 49, is married to Jools. They have three daughters, Rachel, Charlotte and Hannah, all of whom attended the service.
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 children's time' for mums and toddlers. Jean was promoted to Associate Priest in 2009 by Bishop Stephen. Jean is retiring and will be leaving St Paul's in March to spend more time with her husband.
Assistant Curate: Revd Eileen Lander
Originally from St Luke’s, where she served as Churchwarden and Pastoral Assistant, Eileen joined us at St Paul’s in October 2008 for the last year of her training. She was ordained Deacon in July 2009. Eileen is keen to see the church grow and actively involved in outreach initiatives. She is enthusiastic about building relationships with, and serving the community. She was Priested at St Paul's on Sunday 4 July.
Married to Bob, she has three children and three granddaughters. She enjoys reading, cycling (in fine weather!) and messing about with art and craft.
Assistant Curate: Revd Ian Parrish
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.
Reader: Mrs Katy Carter
Katy, a teaching assistant at a Church of England infant school in Maidstone, who was a PCC treasurer, member of the Ministry Leadership Team, and Sunday school leader, was licensed Reader at Canterbury Cathedral on Sunday 16 July 2010.
Katy, a keen walker and classical music enthusiast, is looking forward to her new role as Reader: "As I continue on my journey of faith I look forward to sharing that journey with others in the teaching and preaching role of a Reader and perhaps helping others to recognise God's call on their lives."
Katy lives in Maidstone with her husband. They have two grown up children.
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.
ALM Worship Leader : Gwyn McPherson
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 Anne Gillespie, 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.
