Vocation Champions

The Revd Susan Allison, Ipswich Deanery- Waterfront Churches, Ipswich, Priest in Charge

Having served my curacy in the a thriving town church of Mildenhall, I have recently been made Priest in Charge of the Waterfront Churches benefice in Ipswich.  Prior to ordination I was a Reader in the Benefice of Exning with St Philip and St Etheldreda for 15 years, and before that a Reader at Barton Mills. I am so appreciative of all the people who have guided me along my journey of faith, who have encouraged, supported and challenged me in so many ways. I am inspired to support others as they seek God’s direction wherever that may lead. I am married, love reading, being creative and have learnt that stillness is amazing!

The Revd Rowland Bareham, Sudbury Deanery – St Andrew’s Church in Great Cornard, Assistant Curate 

St Andrew’s Church is neither low or high church (but ‘middle of the road’).  To give you an idea of my background, I was a licensed Reader for over 10 years (whilst working full-time in the civil service – London) before becoming ordained as deacon and then priest on the Auxiliary Ordination Pathway (am now into semi-retirement, working part-time).  I encountered the help of many along my journey (full of ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ of vocational discernment over the years) and I hope to pass on my experiences and help others along with their journey.  I enjoy family stuff with my two grown-up daughters and their children (nine in all!).

The Revd Catriona Brinkley, Ixworth Deanery, Blackbourne Team Ministry, Assistant Curate 

Before I was ordained I worked in primary schools in Bury St Edmunds and previous to that I owned and ran my own shop. I really appreciated being able to talk to a wide variety of people during my discernment and I think it is important that people can talk to people who have been on similar journeys. Supporting people to discern their vocations is hugely important to me. I have previously worshipped in the Cathedral and my children were involved in the choir there. Since starting my training I have been on placement in rural multi-parish benefices where the congregation and ministry are very varied and different to a town church. I am married and have three older children at college and university and two dogs which means we enjoy plenty of walks in our beautiful countryside.

The Revd Helen Grover, Lavenham Deanery, Cockfield Benefice, Assistant Curate 

Before ordination I worked as a Parish Administrator and Pastoral Assistant in the Diocese of Chelmsford. I am very grateful for all the support and encouragement I have been given on my journey so far. I am married with four grown up children and four granddaughters. 

I enjoy reading, walking and spending time with my family and friends.

The Revd Sarah Gull, Assistant Curate at St Mary’s, Bury St Edmunds, Thingoe Deanery 

I spent most of my career in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, working at the West Suffolk Hospital for many years. I am an emeritus Fellow of Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge. I am truly amazed to be serving as an Assistant Curate, having studied through the diocesan Auxiliary Ordination Pathway. I look after the church garden. I am particularly interested in interactions with the community, and also spend time engaging with environmental issues, and enjoy art, icon-writing and weaving.

The Revd Emma Hagger, Ipswich Deanery, Ipswich All Hallows, Priest in Charge

Emma was ordained in 2021 and is now priest-in-charge of All Hallows Church, Ipswich. Her call to ordination came as something of a surprise to Emma, and throughout the discernment process she was grateful to those around her who encouraged, listened, and helped her on her way to recognising what God was calling her to do. Emma hopes she can offer that same encouragement and listening ear to others as they discern and step forward in faith.

Mrs Ann Leitch, Strategic Programme Manager, Suffolk Diocese

Ann is an experienced mentor and coach.  For over two decades she has led multi-million pound businesses and chaired Christian charities. She is passionate about individuals being released in their gifting and the call of God on their life.  Ann has mentored young adults on the Evangelical Alliance Public Leadership programme, and co-hosts retreats for people who are at crossroads in their life. She is part of the 24-7 prayer movement.

The Revd Elizabeth Livey,  Colneys Deanery, Christ Church, Felixstowe, Assistant Curate 

Founded in 1989 initially as a church plant, Christ Church is a lively, urban, ecumenical Anglican Church in the evangelical / charismatic tradition. As a Self-Supporting Minister, I continue to work part time in a local GP surgery. I’ve been widely involved in a variety of lay ministries including leading worship and prayer ministry at Christ Church. I’m a team leader and management team member of Felixstowe Town Pastors,  a prayer encourager for Festival Pastors (Latitude). The church has a mission (Matt 28:19-20) and I am passionate about encouraging individuals with their own particular callings and giftings to join in with God’s purposes. I am married to Revd Peter, and enjoy walking, reading, music, theatre, BSL, and time with friends & family.

The Revd Peter Livey, Colneys Deanery, Christ Church, Felixstowe, Assistant Curate 

Founded in 1989 initially as a church plant, Christ Church is a lively, urban, ecumenical Anglican Church in the evangelical / charismatic tradition. The church is also a member of Churches Together in Felixstowe, the Evangelical Alliance and the New Wine Network. As a Self-Supporting Minister I work as Managing Director for a container shipping company in London.  I’m Director of Town Pastors, and have a heart for outreach and growth. I love to help others explore and grow in their faith and discover their ministry shape and how they can participate in God’s mission.I am married to Revd Liz, and enjoy walking, reading, cooking and when time permits, kayaking, and the theatre / cinema.

The Revd Lauren Moore, South Hartismere Benefice, Hartismere and Hoxne Deanery, Assistant Curate 

South Hartismere is a multi-parish rural benefice with eight churches and 11 communities. I am a self supporting minister with a full time job as a Headteacher in a church primary school. Vocational support and enabling others is really important to me, and I particularly feel that it is important that those considering an SSM vocation alongside secular employment should have the opportunity to discuss and explore this with others who have experience of it. This has been a bit of a missing link for me a various times along the way, despite every best intention of those in support roles as typically, those helping us discern our vocation tend not to be self supporting or working in secular employment.

I am married with four children, all now teenagers and beyond. In my spare time (!) I love to read and draw. I also enjoy music; my first career before teaching was as a classical musician.

The Revd Rob Parker-McGee SR, Sudbury Deanery - Rector of The Box River Benefice 

The Box River Benefice is a group of five rural churches. Previously, I have been Vicar of a large civic town centre/urban church in South London and a group of two largish villages on the edge of Kettering. I did my curacy in a group of urban churches on the edge of Walverhampton. Before ordination, I worked as a Risk Advisor to a University and on the factory floor of an Animal Feed Mill. I grew up in the Fens near Newmarket and I am married to Sarah, have two grown-up children, two dogs and a few chickens. I have some wonderful memories of individuals who accompanied me on my vocational journey (and continue to) and I have also met some fabulous people in my various roles journeying with others. It has always been a great privilege to walk with others through their discernment of vocational journey. I love playing sport, especially football, golf, and an occasional game of cricket. I also enjoy working in the garden, the natural world and reading. I try to appreciate life. 

The Revd Melanie Takac, Assistant Curate in the Horringer Benefice, Thingoe Deanery 

The Horringer Benefice is a rural, multi-church benefice with a 'middle of the road' tradition. Before Ordination Mel worked as a lay pioneer and as a Verger, but has a background in professional performing arts and teaching. Trying to discern a possible change of career or direction in life can be a confusing, difficult and long-winded process, and Mel would like to help and support those going through this process to discern what God is saying to them. She is married and enjoys hiking, dancing, exercise generally and is also a big nerd who loves to play computer games. Mel also has a particular passion for encouraging those who may be neurodivergent to hear the call of God in their lives. 

Mrs Sue Todd, Deputy Diocesan Director of Education (DDDE) for the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich

I worked as a Headteacher of a large multi-cultural church school for 10 years. Since January 2021 I've been DDDE and love working with the Education Team supporting our 87 church schools. It is also very interesting and rewarding being part of the wider Diocesan Team. 

I am a Bishop's Advisor and feel privileged to have conversations with people as they explore what God may be calling them to do. In all these roles, I feel blessed to have met, and continue to meet, so many wonderful people of all ages. 

I enjoy spending time with my ever-increasing family, reading and going out for breakfast as a treat. I am a wheelchair user. 

Jane Sheat, Diocesan Director of Education

Jane leads the education team which supports church schools throughout Suffolk. She worked in HR before joining the diocese in 2010. Jane enjoys working with headteachers and governors and mentoring others. Jane is a modern linguist and enjoys hillwalking (in spite of living in Suffolk!) If anyone would like an informal chat, Jane is very happy to help.

Mark Cresswell, Associate Vicar, Carlford Benefice

Prior to being called to ministry Mark worked for a multinational company in marketing and IT management roles across Europe. He firstly became a Reader in St Albans diocese and then at the same time as moving to Suffolk he felt called to ordination through the Auxiliary pathway. Mark now serves in a rural benefice near Woodbridge in a part-time capacity as well as spending time as a sailing instructor and landscape photographer. Having experienced these different facets of ministry Mark would be very happy to help others to discern their own calling.