New Rector for St Margaret, Chipstead

Revd Hannah Gordon has joined St Margaret, Chipstead, as its new Rector. During a service on 30 May, the congregation welcomed Bishop Rosemarie and Revd Moira Astin, Archdeacon of Reigate, and Revd Martin Colton, Area Dean of Reigate, who led the service.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Councillor Eddy Humphries, and his consort were also in attendance and the Mayor made a short speech to welcome Revd Hannah to her incumbency.

Deborah Mathews, Parish and Financial Administrator at St Margaret said, “Hannah’s previous parish was ‘The Good Shepherd’ in Carshalton and we were extremely pleased to see some of them joining us on this very special occasion.

“It was a joyous occasion and the church was at full capacity, with representatives from local parish organisations, clergy from Reigate Deanery, Hannah’s friends and family, and also members of her new parish from Chipstead and the surrounding areas. “We are all very much looking forward to Hannah’s ministry here among us.”

Lead for Farsi ministry licensed at Christ Church, Gipsy Hill

Revd Emma Lowth, Associate Vicar at Christ Church, Gipsy Hill was licensed on 7 June. Revd Emma leads on Farsi ministry, supporting Iranian asylum seekers and the Farsi-speaking community through their Christian faith journey. Farsi is the main language spoken in Iran.