Phil Medley – our new Deacon – writes:

I am really excited about coming to Newcastle and getting to know you all at Christ Church, Walker.

Just to let you know a little about myself:  I am originally from Bradford in Yorkshire. I studied theology at St John’s College Durham before training to be a teacher. I then moved to London where I worked as a youth worker, a secondary school teacher and then as a Pastoral Assistant for a Church in Westminster. Since 2008 I’ve been training at Trinity College, Bristol, from where I write this now.

I would describe myself as creative. I love painting though if you ever see one of my paintings you may wonder why! I enjoy going to the cinema regularly, going to see music concerts and long walks in the fresh air. My great passion (apart from Jesus of course) is drinking cups of tea, which I do a lot.

 I’ve been really privileged to work in different areas and experience different types of Churches in my life. God provides such wonderful diversity and colour to his world and every region provides something wonderful and offers a fresh perspective on God.  I had no idea a year ago that I would be moving to Newcastle but every time I came here to visit I was really made to feel welcome and at home and I knew this would be a great place to serve and where God is working in some amazing ways.

I know that I will have a lot to learn, so do be patient with me, and that every one of you has a great deal to teach me.  I hope that in time you will be able to learn from me as well. When I responded to God’s calling to serve him as a minister, it was because I really wanted to share God’s message of hope to people and serve them in any way I can. God has been amazing to me and my family over the years through good times and bad and it is both a great privilege and a daunting task to serve him in this way.  I realise though that we are all representatives of Christ with the task of being a community and sharing his love to our neighbours. This is a team effort, not just the task of people with dog collars, so I know that when I move to Walker I’ve come to join in with the ministry that is already taking place and to serve and help you in that ministry. 

I am looking forward to getting to know Newcastle more, to rekindle my love of Newcastle Brown Ale (in moderation), to visit St James’ Park and to see the great things God is already doing in this city.

Yours in Christ

          Phil

http://www.newcastle.anglican.org/mission-and-ministry/vocations-stories1.aspx