Surrey Chapel Deacons
Surrey Chapel currently has 8 deacons. The post of 'Deacon' is
described in part by this extract from Surrey Chapel's constitution:
"Deacons are appointed to serve the Church through taking
particular responsibility for designated practical, administrative,
pastoral and other similar functions."
David Rimmer
David is the church secretary. David writes: “I have been referred to by Pastor Tom as his ‘barrage balloon’. I think this means that I attract all the day-to-day flack that could normally be dealt with by the Pastors to the detriment of their ministry. Understandably I prefer to use the Acts 6 definition for the work I do. I have been married to Alison for 30 years, she works in the Young Church team and we have two grown-up sons, Christopher and Stuart, who are both committed Christians.”
(written January 2009)
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Gill Blake
Gill was appointed as a deacon when she was
coordinating the Young Church team. She has recently retired
from this role, coinciding with her retirement from her post as head
teacher in a local school. Currently she and the elders are
reviewing how best to draw on her experience and gifts in her future
service within the church. Gill is also involved in the church
music, playing the oboe. She has the misfortune of being a
lifelong supporter of Tottenham Hotspur. (updated August 2011)
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Norman Comfort
Norman is the Church Treasurer, heads up the Treasury
team and is a key member of the Church Management Team. Norman comes
from a background in business, having run his own company
manufacturing specialist electronic components, and brings
invaluable knowledge and experience in employment practice and
financial matters to his work for the church. He took a leading role
in establishing the legal basis of the church as a charity and is a
Trustee of the Surrey Chapel Trust. Norman is married to Pat; they
have one son, who, in line with a family tradition, is also called
Norman. (written February 2009)
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Brian Norman
Brian is the deacon with responsibility for
overseeing the maintenance of the church property. He is also a
member of the Church Management Team Brian is recently retired from
his work as estimating director for a building firm. He and his
wife, Pat, have two daughters and three grand-daughters. (written
February 2009)
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Jackie Garnett
Jackie and her husband Tony lead Surrey Seniors and,
as deacons and members of the Pastoral Support Group, have
particular responsibility for visiting and practical care of the
older church members. Jackie is also a member of the church Visiting
Team and liaises with the visiting co-ordinator as to when visits
should take place and to whom. Jackie and Tony have two daughters
and two teenage grandsons. (written February 2009)
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Tony Garnett
Tony and his wife Jackie lead Surrey Seniors and, as
deacons and members of the Pastoral Support Group, have particular
responsibility for visiting and practical care of the older church
members. Before retirement, Tony was a Fellow of the Institute of
Chartered Secretaries and Administrators and worked as Financial
Director for a group of companies, operating wholesale and retail
outlets supplying automotive parts and accessories to trade and
retail customers from branches throughout England. (written February 2009)
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Heather Jones
Heather, together with Catherine Anstey, is a
Pastoral Care Deacon. She and Catherine are the point of reference
for any pastoral care problems, and will direct these to appropriate
members of the Pastoral Care team. Heather also co-ordinates visits
to those unable to attend church both long term and short term. She
is a trained counsellor and supports and mentors people with
pastoral problems within the church family. Heather is married to
Chris and has two daughters and two grandchildren. (written July 2010)
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Catherine Anstey
Catherine, along with Heather Jones, is a Pastoral
Care Deacon. She and Heather are the point of reference for any
pastoral care problems, and will direct these to appropriate members
of the Pastoral Care team. Catherine is also an accredited
counsellor, working both at Surrey Chapel and also with the Norwich
based Centre for Christian Care and Counselling. She also supports
and mentors people within the church family. Catherine is married to
Paddy and has two grown up children. (written August 2010)
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