New members of the clergy ordained

Ten men and women joined the Diocese of Winchester’s team of clergy on Sunday 30th June as they were ordained deacons at Winchester Cathedral by the Bishop of Winchester, the Right Reverend Tim Dakin.

The three women and seven men, ranging in age from 25 to 56, have come from a variety of backgrounds. Between them, they have worked in a wide range of sectors, including medicine and the music industry.

The Bishop ordained the new deacons following two or three years of training. As servant-leaders, deacons take on the responsibility of serving their communities and reaching out to those in need. The new deacons will serve parishes across Hampshire and East Dorset.

Right Reverend Tim Dakin said: “It is a great privilege to ordain those whom god has called to serve the world and the Church.”

Alongside these new deacons, eight priests were also ordained.

Liz Stuart (St Matthew, Winchester), Sam Scott (St Mary, Andover), Sera Rumble (St Denys, Southampton), Matthew Renshaw (Thornhill), Craig Philbrick (North Stoneham and Bassett), Bishop Tim, Nathan Leigh (St Mary, Southampton), Jill Kells (Bursledon), Tom Etherton (Pastrow), Tim Dennis (Winklebury and Worting), and Matt Bianchi (Hartley Wintney)