Rector: Reverend Canon Kathryn Windslow, BTh, MPhil
My journey in ministry began back in 1978 when as a teenager growing up in Horsham I felt called by God to be a priest. At the time no women were ordained but I was lucky to be encouraged in my journey by my wise parish priest. I read theology at La Sainte Union College in Southampton and then spent a year going through the discernment process as a Chichester diocesan candidate. In 1984 I began my ministry training at Lincoln Theological College. I finished in 1986 and began my curacy as a Deaconess in the parish of Littlehampton and Wick. In 1987 I was one of the first women to be ordained Deacon, and therefore to have the title ‘Reverend’. There were not a lot of job opportunities in the diocese at the time, so in 1989 I moved to Lincolnshire to be Deacon (later Priest) in Charge of Scotton with Northorpe. I stayed there for 8 years until I was appointed Principal of the diocese of Lincoln’s Ministry Training Scheme. I held this post for 5 years until I was licensed as Rector of the parish of Graffoe in December 2002. Graffoe Parish is a united parish consisting of 6 villages, each with its own church. I am also currently Assistant Rural Dean and the Bishop of Lincoln’s Advisor for Women in Ministry. In 2009 I was made a Canon of Lincoln Cathedral, with the prebendal stall of Dunham – my seat in the picture above. In Lincoln canons wear a ‘lady blue’ cassock, which will be coming with me!
So now my journey takes me back to the diocese where it all began, and to the parish of Storrington. I am very much looking forward to this new chapter and to working with you all in whatever adventures God has in store for us. My mum, Valerie, lives in the Rectory with me, along with my two black Labradors, Rubi and Cally. The dogs enjoy the garden and love being nearer to the seaside. They also love being nearer to my 10 year old niece, Rosie, who lives with her parents, Adrian (my younger brother) and his wife Vicki, in Worthing.
I hope that these few words give you a brief insight into your new Rector and I really look forward to getting to know you and your community in the months and years to come.
Yours in Christ
Kathryn
Associate Vicar at St Mary’s Church, Storrington: Revd. Rupert Toovey BA (Hons), FSA, FRICS, FRSA
“You can journey far by remaining in the same place. I’ve lived in Storrington and worshipped at St Mary’s for most of my life. My Dad would take me and my brother Ben to the 8 o’clock BCP Holy Communion from when I was nine years old. Ben and I were often Servers at the 10 o’clock service of Holy Communion when the whole family came. Teresa, my wife, and I brought our girls up as part of this community. As an Oblate in the Order of St Benedict I understand the importance of stability, of remaining in the same place, and bear witness to God’s grace in shaping and forming me through my relationships with the people at St Mary’s over many years and generations.
My calling to ministry came later in life. I was ordained Deacon in 2010 and Priested at St Mary’s in 2011. And now, once again, I find myself rooted and sent from St Mary’s, Storrington. It is from this ancient Christian place that I am sent to exercise workplace ministry amongst the networks of people I serve as a full-time auctioneer and valuer of art and antiques. Waiting on invitation I take sacrament, prayer and blessing out into the world, meeting and serving people where they are, often at profound moments of change in their lives. I celebrate and affirm calling and vocation in the everyday. Work can be holy and in God’s purpose. I am blessed to serve others both as Priest and Auctioneer in the wholeness of my life.
Permission to Officiate
Please contact via the Church Office (742888)
Revd. Charles Hadley MA
Revd. Jaquie Peal
Revd. John Peal
Church Wardens
Christine Tuson Michael Taylor
Other Offices
Hon Treasurer: David Rice
Hon PCC Secretary: Val Rice
Parish Secretary: Vivien Stuart
Electoral Roll Officer: Rosemary Humphreys
Director of Music: Stephen Bloxham
Assistant Organist: Ian Miles
Church@4: Jackie Lee
Verger: Michael Taylor
Sacristy Team: JohnTaylor, Michael Taylor and Stella Hastings
Captain of Bellringers: John Taylor
Recorder: Alison Hammond
Gift Aid: Ann Emerson
Parish Visiting Team: Revd Canon Kathryn Windslow
Sidesperson Co-ordinator: David Rice
Readers Co-ordinator: Sam Ward
Church Flowers: Susanne Carter
Charities Secretary:
Safeguarding Officer: Jackie Lee
Christian Aid co-ordinator: VACANT
Eco Church: Christine Tuson