Date: 30 January 2023
A Surrey vicar has been led by God to nearly double his workload.
The Revd Tom Darwent was licensed as Priest in Charge of Heatherside church on Sunday, while retaining his current position as Vicar of nearby St Paul’s Camberley.
“Forty five years ago, Heatherside was a church plant by St Paul’s. But it’s been without its own minister since September 2021. I felt led by God to approach the diocese and offer to partner the two churches together again,” says Tom.
Later in the year St Paul’s incoming curate will be based in Heatherside and the two parishes will share her ministry and skills.
“Many members of St Paul’s congregation live in Heatherside,” says Tom. “We have the opportunity of the two churches working together to evangelise the area. Because of the crossover we will have a bigger base of people to call upon,” he says.
Tom believes that the investment in leadership offers a real potential to grow the church. The team will have an increased emphasis on children’s and family ministry, to reach the many young families in the area. The team also plan to get involved with the local primary and junior schools in Heatherside.
“We will be developing a fresh energetic vision for Heatherside church and growing the volunteer team. That will be supported by a stewardship campaign to generate greater resources,” he says. An important part of the new vision is working hard to form new relationships between the wider community, the church and the new clergy team.”