CHRIST CHURCH - Key Persons
Anne is the other member of our office admin team. She and Julie look after all the bookings and preparation for baptisms and weddings.
Visitors are welcome to make appointments any Friday between 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm to book weddings, christenings or any other enquiry. Julie and Anne will be there to deal with your questions. office@christchurchgravesned.com
Job Titles:
- Parish Safeguarding Officer / Lead Recruiter
I trained on a residential course at Lincoln Theological College between 1977 and 1980 and served my first curacy as a stipendiary deaconess in the parish of St Paulinus, Crayford. In 1984 I moved to the parish of Holy Family, Gravesend with St Margaret, Ifield and whilst there I was ordained as a deacon in 1987. Another move took place in 1993 when I was licensed as a non-stipendiary curate to St Aidan, Gravesend, and in 1994 I was one of the first women to be ordained as a priest. In March 2006 I was licensed as an Honorary Curate to this parish with which I have had links through the East Gravesend Group and Gravesend Deanery since 1984.
I was enrolled as a member of the Mothers' Union in 1981 and have served on Branch Committees and as Enrolling Member/ Branch Leader, between 2004-2007 I was a Trustee for Rochester Diocese. I served from 2019-2022 as Chaplain for Julia Jameson former President of Rochester Diocesan Mothers' Union. I am currently chair of Christ Church's Mothers' Union committee.
In 2015/16 Councillor Michael Wenban a member of Christ Church was elected Mayor of Gravesham and I was appointed as Mayors Chaplain. In May 2019 Councillor Gurdip Ram Bungar was elected as Mayor and I served as his Chaplain until May 2020 and then for Councillor John Caller during his time as Mayor. I also served as Mayors Chaplain for Councillor Lyn Milner from 2021/2022.
I am currently Chaplain to the Royal Marines Association, Gravesend; the Merchant Navy Association, Gravesend; the Gravesham Borough Council Workplace Chaplain; Maritime Volunteer Service, Gravesend and Medway Units and Gravesham and Ebbsfleet branch of the Royal British Legion.
Rosemary has been a Reader in Christ Church since 1999, having trained with Sheila. She became a member of the congregation in 1968 when she moved with her family from Meopham. Her father, Claude Fox, was also a Reader in Christ Church so she in continuing a fine family tradition.She has now retired after working in Christ Church Pre-school for over 20 years but she hasn't lost touch with the children because she brings them into church once a fortnight before the 10am service on a Wednesday to sing songs and say, "Thank you" prayers. She also leads our monthly First Steps service, for Pre-school children and their carers. And what fun they all have! Rosemary continues to be a familiar face at our All Age services, our Hot Cross Bun service on Good Friday and our Crib service on Christmas Eve. There is a naughty little sheep that often keeps her company though she has to keep a close eye on him to make sure that he isn't being too naughty!
Sheila has worshipped at ChristChurch since moving to Gravesend in 1978. She trained with Rosemary Austin, was admitted as a Reader in Rochester Cathedral and licensed to ChristChurch in 1999.
As a member of the PCC, Sheila helps with bazaars and fetes, the music group and God's Gang on a Sunday morning. She takes Home Communions, and prepares children to be admitted to Holy Communion. She is a member of The Mothers' union, loves gardening (though her garden might not make this immediately obvious!), visiting especially RHS gardens, enjoys all kinds of music, especially choral, and when she makes time, sewing.