Sally has been the Archdeacon of Rural Mission since 2019. She is the Director of 'Growing in God in the Countryside', a six-year initiative jointly funded by the Church Commissioners and the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.
It's vision is to see 1,500 new people beginning to follow Jesus in the rural areas of Suffolk. An important part of the project was the beginning of the Suffolk Fresh Expressions Community, known as 'Lightwave' which will continue when the project funding ends.
Lightwave is about shining God's light in Suffolk. It is a Christian community, meeting in small groups, predominantly in rural areas and working closely with local parish churches. The name comes from the idea of light waves being the way in which light spreads into dark places. Lightwave is committed to shining the light of Jesus through Christian witness and practical service: Our groups are especially involved in combatting isolation and poverty, engage in youth work, care for creation and agricultural chaplaincy.
Lightwave is a Bishop's Mission Order under the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich in the Church of England. It aims to be Church for people who don't normally 'do church'. Lightwave is also a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Charity No 1193242). There is a a Board of Trustees known as the Lightwave Community Council which works in a similar way to a PCC in the Church of England. You can find out more at www.lightwave.community
"The best part of ministry as an archdeacon is the privilege of seeing people discover more of God’s love", says Sally. "Lightwave gives so many opportunities for people to discover faith for the first time and to discover and flourish in their God-given gifts. Being part of it is such a privilege".
Sally has a long-term passion for rural mission and is involved in a number of initiatives at a national level. Before moving to Suffolk, Sally was the team Rector of the Tas Valley Team Ministry, in the Norwich Diocese for 15 very happy years. For part of this time she was also the Facilitator of Fresh Expressions of Church. She is author of 'Mission Shaped and Rural' (CHP).
Sally is married to Chris. (They are both from Norfolk and met at school when she was 16) They have a grown-up son Matthew and a teenaged daughter Katie. In her spare time she enjoys time with family and friends, hosting treasure-hunt parties and is currently working on a new book 'Love-shaped Leadership'.
Email Sally about rural mission or call her on 07446 933129.