St Augustine's with St Luke's is a large, mainly residential parish very similar to the Benefice of St Paul's, and her ministry there will certainly have given her the breadth of experience which can be put to good use here. She is passionate about ensuring everyone she comes into contact with feels listened to and nurtured, enabling them to grow and flourish in their own spiritual journey, and this includes connecting with those outside the immediate church family and in the local community. She is looking forward to building on the excellent outreach initiatives already in place at St Paul's and finding new ways to reach out to parishioners, particularly those who feel lonely and isolated.

Rachel trained at St Augustine's College of Theology, and before ordination had a career of almost thirty years in Occupational Therapy. As a Senior Occupational Therapist working for Bromley Council, she specialised in the Complex Care Team for severely disabled clients. 

Rachel is married to Adam, who currently works in Occupational Therapy for Bromley Council, and they have four children aged from 16 to 27. A date for Rachel's licensing is awaited from the Bishop's Office, but it is hoped she and the family will move to the parish in late May with her licensing taking place a few weeks after that. You will, of course, be kept informed as and when dates are known.

Please pray for Rachel, Adam and the family as they plan to move to Beckenham, and for Rachel as she prepares for her new ministry amongst us.