ST Stephen’s Church in Tye Green has a new curate, Revd Sophie Weller, who was formally ordained as a Deacon at Chelmsford Cathedral last Saturday 11th September.

Sophie has been a regular visitor to St Stephen’s over the last few months and on Sunday gave her first lively sermon to the congregation.

Having established herself at St Stephen’s, Sophie is keen to introduce herself to the wider community, in particular, those in the Tye Green and Netteswell parish that she is now serving.

So, in Sophie’s own words:

Dear Tye Green and Netteswell Community,

My name is Revd Sophie Weller and I am so privileged to have become Curate at St Stephen’s Church working alongside Revd Darren McKindoe and the leadership team.

I was recently Ordained at Chelmsford Cathedral after 3 years of study at St Mellitus College. I am gradually getting to know the area and very much hoping that I will get to know people within the church and wider community as I settle into my new role. With all the turmoil that we have been living through during this last year or so due to Covid, to connect to listen and to encourage is very much in my heart. I come to you from All Saints Church in Woodford where I was the Director of Children’s work for about 17 years. I am married to Damien and we have a son named William who is 10 years old and has Autism.

My role as Curate is to pray for the church and the wider community, to preach and to build up those within the church, and to care for those in the community who need to know God’s love.

Things you need to know about me:
• I’m 47 – just in case you try to guess (I know I look too young!!!)
• I am very much a nature lover and enjoy feeding and watching the birds.
• I come from a musical family and enjoy singing
• I have a mischievous sense of humour, which I apologize for in advance!

My faith journey began in my hometown of Cambridge having become a Christian when I was about 10 years old.

Leaving school, I trained for two years in Social Care and then went overseas to Romania where I worked with both the elderly in a Humanitarian Aid project and in a hospital for Children with Tuberculosis.

I did a year’s youth work on my return and then got my degree at what was the London Bible College, Northwood where I majored in Children’s and Youth work and in Music and Worship. Before coming to Essex and All Saints, I worked in a community at Lee Abbey in Devon in their kitchen (which I was not so gifted at) and then heading up their Youth and Children’s team.

Wherever I have been and wherever I have worked, people have always been at the heart of what I do.
Whilst we are not going to be living in Harlow due to my son’s needs and schooling, my office will be based at the vicarage. If you see me around and recognize my face – do come and say hello and introduce yourself. I am looking forward to meeting you.

Many Blessings from Revd Sophie Weller