40 new clergy are to be installed across churches in the Diocese of London, following their ordination as deacons at three different services – St Paul’s Cathedral and St Andrew’s Holborn on Saturday 28 June and St James, Clerkenwell on Monday 30 June.
The office of deacon is typically an important milestone on the journey towards becoming a priest, usually following two to three years of preparation and study.
The newly ordained deacons will begin their ministry across 38 churches within the Diocese of London, where they will support their communities through worship leadership, teaching, and pastoral care.
The Bishop of London, the Rt Hon Rt Revd Dame Sarah Mullaly, said:
“It is always deeply encouraging to witness a steady wave of new clergy each year, eager to serve God in a ministry setting.
“This latest group of deacons reflects both the diversity and unity of the Church -spanning a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and expressions of faith, yet united under a shared banner of hope.
“I pray that each of them will be a blessing to the churches and communities they will serve across the Diocese of London.”
Edmonton
Matt Lanstone – new Curate at Christ Church, Cockfosters – said:
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to begin putting into practice the things I have learned during my three years at theological college. Pastoral ministry has been a highlight of my time at college, and I pray I can be the Lord’s ‘hands and feet’ with gentleness, humility and respect.
“My wife and I have lived almost our entire lives in the area in which we will be serving, and have deep ties here, with family, friends and the church family I have been part of since I became a Christian in my mid-30s. It is so special being able to serve the church family who have been such a blessing to me over the past 18 years.”
Jenny Erber – new Curate at St Christopher’s, Hanwell – said:
“What makes this curacy particularly special is the opportunity that I get to live and minister on an estate and low-income areas – where I feel God has called me. As someone who has grown up on an estate myself and have had the opportunity of serving in a new church-plant on a social-housing estate, I know firsthand these places have untapped potential and untold stories.”
Willesden
Joe Grogan – new Curate at St Martin’s, Ruislip – said:
“I’m thrilled to be ordained and to begin my ministry at St Martin’s in Ruislip. I look forward to joining the church family there – praying, worshipping, and walking together as we seek God. As St Augustine said, ‘To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek Him the greatest adventure; to find Him, the greatest human achievement.’”
Kensington
Joy Beauchamp – new Curate at St Mary with St Alban, Kensington, said:
“London is such a colourful, vibrant place in which to live and minister. There are so many people in this wonderful city desperate to find a deeper sense of meaning and purpose, brimming with curiosity about God and longing to enter into more fulfilling relationships.
“That’s why I am looking forward both to being a part of the worshiping community, but also meeting all those who live and work in the local area, for example including all the shopkeepers, publicans and restaurant owners in the local area.
“I want all those who come through our doors to experience some of the joy, wonder and delight that come with delving deeper”.
A full list of ordinands can be found here.