PEARL CLUSTER 

CHURCHES


ANNOUNCEMENT

Reverend Sharon Guest has been appointed as the vicar of

St Osyth and Great Bentley and Priest in Charge of Weeley St Andrew w Little Clacton St James.

No date has yet been set for Sharon’s licensing, however we will keep you informed.


Sharon says”

“I will of course miss the people of the parishes where I have been ministering and I will miss my colleagues Kim, Hayley, Gary and Ernie and the wardens and lay people who I also minister alongside.”


Please do pray for Sharon as she prepares to join the Priory Parishes, for them as they prepare to receive her, and the Pearl Cluster as we prepare to say farewell and thank you.

ALPHA COURSE

There will be an Alpha Course in St Andrews Rochford from the 11th September 2024 at 7pm, beginning with a light supper. Please click here to be taken to St Andrews page for directions

Please let us know if you wish to come along.

The Pearl Cluster of Churches covers a large geographical area, encompassing seven Churches and thirteen worshipping congregations. 

It comprises of St Andrews Ashingdon, All Saints South Fambridge, St Nicholas Canewdon, St Peters Paglesham, St Andrews Rochford, St Nicholas Great Wakering and All Saints Barling Magna.

The primary purpose of the Cluster is to call, recognise, equip, and release God’s people into mission so as to build God’s Kingdom and not personal empires. 

This understanding confirms in us that God has already poured into his church the necessary gifts, not simply for sustainability but for growth, both numerically and spiritually.:

Our passion is Jesus.

Our aspiration is to be a transforming presence in every community

Our resources are faithful people

“We chose the name “Pearl Cluster of Churches” because each parish location has a historic connection with oyster fishing and of course remembering that our faith in Jesus and the kingdom of God are a pearl of great price. The main driving ambition and purpose of the Cluster is “Mission” in both our vocation and life.

We are the three Incumbents in the Pearl Cluster of Churches. 

We rotate between all the church buildings, delighting as we bring ministry in the difference and diversity of tradition, and meeting along the way folks in different contexts. 

We are glad you have found us, please do not hesitate to get in touch with any of us, or anyone on the Clergy team, or of course any of the wardens of the churches. If we don't have the answer straight away we can signpost you to the person who does. Our prayer is that as you discover a little bit about us you will feel free to come and join us, we look forward to meeting you.

Each church has its own page, click on the link on the church drop down menu to find out more.

Hello, my name is Sharon Guest. I was ordained in 2012 in Chelmsford Cathedral and came to these parishes in January 2019. I am also involved with Cursillo and am the National Spiritual Director. I find great joy in encouraging people to develop their own spirituality on their journey of faith.

If you would like to learn more about Cursillo click here to be directed to Chelmsford Diocese Cursillo, or here for the National Cursillo website.

I'm also a tutor on the Course in Christian Studies, if you would like to learn more about this course please click here 

Hi, my name is Kim Lepley, and I have been in these parishes since 2015.

I have been ordained since 2012 in Chelmsford Cathedral. Working within the Church of England is a huge joy and both myself and John have found a home within the parishes that we live and minister in.

In my wider role I'm the Deanery Vocations advisor, Wellbeing Advocate for Clergy, and on the team of Chaplain's at the Diocesan House of Retreat. I'm also a tutor on the Course in Christian Studies, if you would like more information about this course please click here and on the leadership team for Cursillo. if you would like to know more about Cursillo please click here.

Hi, my name is Ernie Guest, I was ordained in 2002 in Chelmsford Cathedral and have served in a variety of parishes over the years.

I have a passion for evangelism and seeing people come to faith.

Alongside my parish responsibilities, I have been involved in vocations for over 15 years and work with the diocesan team as the area ordination advisor for Southend Archdeaconry.

I'm also on the leadership team for Chelmsford Cursillo, if you would like more information on Cursillo please click here and a tutor on the Course in Christian Studies, if you would like to learn more about this course please click here

I'm also a member of the  Diocesan Synod.

We in the Pearl Cluster of Churches are committed to ensuring that all the Parish Churches are a safe place for all. 

All PCC's have adopted the Church of England's policy on a Safer Church for Children and vulnerable adults.

Please visit our Safeguarding page by clicking here or using the tab above for further information and links to documents, helpful agencies and telephone numbers.