Vocation Champions

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

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, Associate Priest

St Andrew’s Church is neither low nor 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 – commuting to London) before becoming ordained as deacon and then priest on the Auxiliary Ordination Pathway (whilst working part-time – since Covid, mainly at home).  Despite all the busyness of working life, it was through the help of many friends and colleagues alongside me on my journey (which was full of ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ of vocational discernment over the years).  It is these experiences of combining work and ministry that I hope I can help others on their journey.  In full retirement now, I enjoy ministry as a part-time self-supporting minister, and I enjoy family stuff with my two grown-up daughters and their children (nine in all!).

The Revd Catriona Brinkley, Ixworth Deanery, Rector Badwell and Walsham

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.  I am 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, Hartismere & Hoxne, Rector North Suffolk Benefice

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, Thingoe Deanery, Associate Priest Lark Valley and North Bury Benefice

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 studied through the diocesan Auxiliary Ordination Pathway. 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.

The Revd Elizabeth Livey, Colneys Deanery,  Associate Priest, Christ Church, Felixstowe

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, Associate Priest,  Christ Church, Felixstowe

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, Diocesan Learning Development Manager

As an ex Headteacher, education and 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.

Mark Cresswell, Rector, 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.