Message from our Curate Revd Holly Newton

Holly writes with an message about her return to work and the months ahead

It has been wonderful to return to ministry in the White Horse Team and I have been enjoying catching up with people and seeing you all at services. I have now been back at work for a few weeks and am beginning to settle into my new working pattern, so wanted to give everyone an update and some information on what my working activities and patterns will be.

As most of you will know, I have returned to ministry on a part-time unpaid basis and am working around 15 hours per week. For the majority of the time I will be working from home on a project which has been agreed with the IME team in the Diocese and with Rebecca. This project will be to research and write on the topic of the theology of disability and accessibility, and how this can be applied in our practice. This work will be used to create some training and teaching materials which it is hoped may be of benefit to the parish, benefice and wider diocese.

I will also be attending team meetings and worship planning meetings when I am able to. I will of course continue to be involved in leading worship, presiding and preaching as part of the team. I aim to attend Tea, Cake and Company sessions whenever possible to support the sessions and be available for people to talk. Although I will be stepping back from attending and running events, I will continue to support the children’s ministry team in their meetings and planning.

Aside from Sunday services, my normal working hours will be Mon-Thurs mornings. These will be the times when I will be available to answer emails, phone calls and messages. If you contact me outside of these times please be aware that there may be a delay in my response, but I will get back to you as soon as I’m able to within these working hours.

Thank you for your patience and continuing support as I navigate my return and settle into this new way of working. I look forward to continuing to catch up with everyone. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to come and find me when you see me at services, or send me an email, and I’ll be happy to chat.

With many thanks, Holly

An interview with Holly Newton regarding her return to work in 2024