Next Director Appointed

A new Director to succeed Barry Hutchinson has been appointed by the Northern Synod.

She is the Revd Rachel Poolman, who is currently serving as Area President of the Cumbria Area of the North Western Synod. She is also one of the chaplains of the Moderators of General Assembly.

Rachel spent three days on Holy Island in November, which gave her opportunity to meet with members of the local community and with members of the St Cuthbert's Centre management team. After a formal meeting with the appointing group just before Christmas, a call to the post was issued and accepted.

In her own words...

Following my ordination in 1985, my ministry has seen me moving ever further north, from inner London, to outer London, to Northamptonshire, to Cumbria and now to Holy Island.  Along the way, I have enjoyed stints in three local churches, time as a Synod Training Officer, and, since 2006, a countywide leadership role.

It is immensely exciting to have the opportunity at the St Cuthbert’s Centre to be in a location steeped in prayer, and (a particular bonus for me) surrounded by sea.  The vision of those who worked to create this special place is breath-taking; the faithful and imaginative development of that vision by Barry, and others, is inspiring.

I look forward to playing my part in seeing what God has in store for the next stage of the journey.

Barry's retirement is due in July (with farewell events in the diary for the 23rd), and it is anticipated that Rachel's ministry will begin towards the end of the summer.

The announcement of the new appointment is made subject to the granting of the usual concurrences that are involved in the movement of URC ministers.

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