All Saints Aston-cum-Aughton

Happy New Year!

2016 will be an exciting year for our family as we move from our vicarage in Sheffield to Aston Rectory. I’m very much looking forward to taking up the role of Rector after Easter. In addition to ministering to this Benefice with its three churches of Aston, Swallownest and Ulley, I will be Area Dean of Laughton Deanery- offering support and encouragement to the wider family of Anglican churches in this area.

So a bit about me – I’m Frances, married to Steve, who works as a senior lawyer for Sheffield City Council, and Mum to Grace and Dominic, who are now away at university studying Russian (Grace) and Politics (Dominic). Finding our nest emptied of children, Steve and I console ourselves with our camper van and enjoy letting it take us to wild places to explore on foot or by bike.

I’ve been ordained for twelve years, and have ministered in both the suburbs of west Sheffield and a council estate in the north of the city – one of the great things about parish ministry is the variety it offers. Parish ministry is all about getting to know the local area, finding out what makes it tick, and ministering in a way that responds to the needs and concerns of local people. The good news of God’s love to us in Jesus Christ is always the same – the challenge is to find the way of living it and expressing it that works for this unique context. Steve and I are looking forward to getting to know this community. It’s clear there’s lots going on to find out about!

I’ve been a Christian all my life. In my younger days I worshipped at Baptist and Methodist churches and so ecumenism – sharing with and learning from Christians of different denominations – is close to my heart. I’m looking forward to working with the other churches in Aston Churches Together.

Before I was ordained I worked as a social worker specialising in mental health, and that experience shapes my approach to ministry. I believe all of us have times when we struggle and feel vulnerable, and being available to listen and be there with people is a part of priestly ministry that I especially treasure. One of my roles in the Diocese is as Bishop’s Adviser in Pastoral Care – helping clergy in need of additional support to access confidential professional help.

What I love about ministry is that there’s so much to celebrate. Celebration means music, and I love music- making, both singing and playing. I enjoy trying to find the words to tell people what I know about the wonder of God’s grace to us in Jesus, but mostly find that music says it better that I can!

Every blessing for the new year, and I look forward to meeting you after Easter.

Frances