Over two years ago the benefice welcomed part-time Rector, John Madinda, with his wife, Marleen, and their 2 children Cornelie and Ruel to the parish.

John works for the Pilgrim Benefice on Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday with Tuesday and Wednesday being devoted to his continued study.  

John and his family came to us from Tanzania, where John was principal of St Philip's Theological College in Kongwa. Their children have had many transitions over the last two years; from Tanzania to England; from one school to another; from one exam board to another; from primary school to high school and now in, September, Cornelie is leaving  to go to university.  Marleen has a part time job and has made the house a home.

Now after more than two years in the post John and the family feel that they have learned a lot, but there are still many more aspects of ministry life to learn. The Benefice recently has formed a Team with Long Stratton and the process of working this out is ongoing.  

John says, ‘I have found this post, being my first incumbency, a significant learning curve, but my family and I have been overwhelmed by the invaluable support given to us by the team readers, churchwardens and members of the PCC and congregation as well as the support received from my colleague Revd Heather, the diocesan office and the bishops’.

Our focus is to work in faith, labour in love and endure in hope (Thessalonians 1:2-3).

If you would like to become involved please contact a member of our team below :-

Team Rector : Reverend Heather Wilcox : 01508 530238

Team Vicar  : Reverend John Madinda : 01953 789240

Reader : Margaret Thorburn : 01953 788171

Reader : Margaret Smith : 01953 789168

Churchwarden :             Anthea Brown : 01953 789386

Churchwarden :             Christine Brundle : 01953 789328

Lay Chairman  &

Heath & Safety Rep;     Peter Francis : 01953 789595

Secretary :                     Margaret Smith : 01953 789168

Treasurer :                     Pat Graham ; 01953 860294

Tower Captain & Key

Holder :                          Reg Love 01953 860310

Electoral Roll Officer :   Jan Barsby : 01953 788055

Village Hall Rep :          Sylvia Briggs : 01953 789764

Magazine Rep :             Doris Davis : 01953 789600

Fabic Committee :         Reg Love : 01953 789310

                                     Joan Hocking : 01953 860291

                                     Pat Graham : 01953 860294

School Rep :                 Neil Parsons :

Member :                      Gerry Kibblewhite

                                     Jessica Brown