The ministry team of St Peter’s Church in Yateley reflects a vibrant mix of spiritual guidance, community leadership, and pastoral care. Each member contributes a unique set of gifts and responsibilities to serve both the congregation and the wider community. With a focus on faith, fellowship, and outreach, the team ensures the church remains a welcoming and spiritually nourishing place for all.
Core Ministry Leaders
Rector – Rev. David Williams
- Spiritual Leadership: Provides overall vision and direction for the church’s mission and worship.
- Teaching Role: Delivers sermons and leads Bible studies, reinforcing Christian principles.
- Pastoral Oversight: Offers spiritual support, counselling, and guidance to members.
- Community Engagement: Maintains connections with local schools, organisations, and civic groups.
Associate Vicar – Rev. Lucy Hayward
- Youth Ministry Focus: Guides and mentors the younger members of the congregation.
- Service Coordination: Helps in planning and leading contemporary and traditional services.
- Women’s Fellowship Support: Organises events and prayer groups for women of the church.
- Home Visitations: Visits elderly and home-bound members to offer prayer and companionship.
Licensed Lay Minister – Peter Clarkson
- Lay Preaching: Regularly delivers sermons and leads non-sacramental worship.
- Bible Teaching: Conducts study sessions and discipleship programs.
- Bereavement Ministry: Supports families during funerals and through grief.
- Outreach Work: Involved in mission initiatives and community-based evangelism.
Children and Families Pastor – Emily Benson
- Sunday School Management: Coordinates lessons and activities for young children.
- Family Events: Plans seasonal gatherings such as Easter egg hunts and Christmas nativity.
- Safeguarding Lead: Ensures policies are followed to protect children and vulnerable individuals.
- Parental Support: Hosts discussion groups and faith-based parenting workshops.
Worship and Music Coordinator – James Reeve
- Music Ministry Oversight: Leads the music team, including choir and instrumentalists.
- Worship Planning: Works with clergy to shape thematic worship experiences.
- Youth Band Leadership: Mentors teenagers in music and worship participation.
- Technical Integration: Oversees sound, lighting, and digital systems during services.
Pastoral Support and Admin Team
Parish Administrator – Sarah Lowe
- Office Management: Organises schedules, manages communication, and supports events.
- Church Records: Maintains baptisms, marriages, funerals, and attendance registers.
- Facilities Oversight: Coordinates the use and upkeep of church buildings.
- Volunteer Support: Assists ministry leads in volunteer coordination and training.
Pastoral Care Coordinator – John Mason
- Visitation Team Leader: Trains and dispatches church members for home visits.
- Prayer Chain Management: Oversees prayer requests and ensures prompt communication.
- Hospital Ministry: Provides spiritual care and prayer at local health centres.
- Follow-Up Services: Contacts newcomers and absentees to offer support and care.
Communications Officer – Rachel Tompkins
- Digital Outreach: Manages social media, newsletter, and website content.
- Event Promotion: Designs flyers, banners, and announcements for services and outreach.
- Media Ministry: Captures photos, videos, and testimonies for digital storytelling.
- Brand Identity: Maintains consistent visual and messaging tone across platforms.
Support Teams and Specialized Ministry Roles
Additional Ministry Roles at St Peter’s Yateley
| Role | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Youth Leaders | Facilitate youth group meetings, organize retreats, and offer mentorship to teens. |
| Prayer Ministry Team | Hosts prayer evenings, intercedes during services, and provides prayer support. |
| Welcome Team | Greets attendees, provides information, and ensures a hospitable church environment. |
| Hospitality Team | Prepares refreshments for gatherings and coordinates meal trains for families in need. |
| Finance Committee | Oversees budgets, fundraising initiatives, and stewardship campaigns. |
| Safeguarding Officer | Maintains child protection compliance and provides training to all church workers. |
| Small Group Leaders | Hosts Bible study groups, promotes fellowship, and offers spiritual mentoring. |
| Property & Maintenance Team | Manages building repairs, gardens, and facility upkeep. |
Volunteer Contributions
- Active Participation: Dozens of volunteers assist in every area of church life, from tech support to Sunday school.
- Inclusive Involvement: Retirees, professionals, students, and parents all contribute time and talents.
- Training Programs: Regular workshops prepare volunteers for prayer ministry, youth work, and safeguarding.
- Rotational Roles: Duties such as reading scriptures or welcoming guests are shared among congregation members.
Unique Initiatives Led by the Team
Community Pantry and Food Bank
- Weekly Distribution: Supplies non-perishable items and fresh food to struggling families.
- Partnership Model: Collaborates with local shops, farms, and supermarkets.
- Holiday Hampers: Special packs delivered during Christmas, Easter, and school breaks.
Inter-Church Ecumenical Partnerships
- Joint Services: Participates in united services with nearby Anglican, Methodist, and Baptist churches.
- Shared Causes: Supports campaigns for homelessness, mental health awareness, and refugee relief.
- Prayer Walks: Organised across the town in partnership with local Christian fellowships.
Creative Arts and Worship Expressions
- Drama and Puppetry: Featured during children’s services and outreach events.
- Seasonal Performances: Hosts Christmas plays, Easter pageants, and Harvest celebrations.
- Visual Prayer Stations: Interactive spaces created for quiet reflection and creative engagement.
Training and Spiritual Growth Opportunities
Courses Offered by the Ministry Team
| Program Name | Purpose | Target Group |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha Course | Introduces basic beliefs of Christianity. | Newcomers and seekers |
| Foundations of Faith | Explores scripture, prayer, and spiritual disciplines. | New believers |
| Leadership Pathways | Develops skills for future small group or ministry leaders. | Emerging lay leaders |
| Marriage Preparation | Equips engaged couples for Christian marriage. | Engaged partners |
| Bereavement Journey | Supports those dealing with loss through guided sessions. | Grieving individuals |
Inclusive and Diverse Approach
- Age Diversity: Ministry members range from experienced elders to energetic young leaders.
- Gender Balance: Both men and women serve in leadership roles, reflecting inclusiveness.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Resources and worship occasionally include elements from global Christianity.
- Disability Awareness: Church facilities are accessible, and services often include Makaton and BSL.
Vision for the Future
- Discipleship Expansion: Plans to increase small group participation and faith-sharing activities.
- Digital Innovation: Use of online platforms to reach the unchurched and digitally connected generations.
- Youth Empowerment: More leadership roles to be offered to teens and young adults.
- Green Church Initiative: Focus on sustainability, recycling, and energy-conscious buildings.
Closing Reflections
The ministry team at St Peter’s Yateley embodies a spirit of service, leadership, and compassion. Through collaboration, training, and a deep-rooted faith, the team not only guides the spiritual direction of the congregation but also shapes its outreach to the wider world. With every role grounded in mission and care, the church continues to thrive as a beacon of hope and hospitality.