The Ministry Team
Vicar
The Vicar has overall responsibility for the worship, pastoral care, teaching, and mission of the church, and works with the ministry team to nurture the life of the parish.
Rev Colin Fairweather (he/him)
Colin was born and bred in Sidcup, just down the road. Before God called him into ordained ministry, he worked as an English teacher in a sixth-form college in East London. His curacy and first incumbency were in the Diocese of Chelmsford, in Braintree and then around Stansted Airport. Colin failed his driving test ten times when he was a curate, so he now rides a motorbike (with L plates).
Lay Ministers
Lay Ministers lead worship and preach, have pastoral roles in the church and/or external pastoral roles such as chaplaincy.
Vic Twine (he/him)
Vic is a Reader so he leads services and preaches. He co-leads our toddler group, and manages our hall bookings. He represents us as a member of the Diocesan Synod. Beyond St. Mary’s Vic is a chaplain to the local ambulance service and a governor at St. George’s school. Prior to retirement he was a biomedical scientist.
Lesley Gould (she/her)
Lesley is a Reader and leads services, preaches and takes funerals. She is also PCC secretary and co-leads the toddler group. In other ministry Lesley is a chaplain at the local Ellenor hospice. Her professional background was in hospitality, something we hope we do well at St. Mary’s.
Martin Sewell (he/him)
Martin is a Reader who leads services, preaches and plays in our music group. He was previously on the national General Synod, and brings his considerable wisdom and experience as a former safeguarding lawyer to St. Mary’s and to many others across the Church of England.
Ellen Couzens (she/her)
Ellen is a Licensed Lay Minister who leads services, preaches and takes funerals. She also represents us at the Diocesan Synod. Outside of St. Mary’s she is Senior Chaplain to the ambulance service in Medway, represents the Diocese of Rochester as Lead Safeguarding Trustee to Kent Workplace Mission, and is a chaplain and Lay Canon on the Chapter of Rochester Cathedral. Professionally she works with prisoners and their families, and is a qualified lawyer and experienced home educator.
Church Wardens
Wardens are the annually elected representatives of the church membership. They look after the buildings and day to day running of the church.
Janet Twine (she/her)
Janet is one of the two church wardens. She is a strong manager of the church, good with detail, and leads on maintaining the premises. Janet also sings in the music group. Outside of this role Janet works for the National Trust as a volunteer ranger, and before retirement was a biomedical scientist.
Iain Kitchener (he/him)
Iain is one of the two church wardens. He is St Mary’s lead musician, represents the church on the Diocesan Synod, and leads the children’s holiday club. Outside of church Iain is a Head of School at a local university.
Pastoral Assistant
PAs visit those who are unable to attend in person or who need support, prayer or other pastoral assistance.
Julie Bowen (she/her)
As a pastoral assistant Julie has many years of experience in visiting those who need support, she also has a strong ministry of prayer. Her professional background was in nursing and geriatric care.
Parish Visitor
Parish visitors visit those who would benefit from additional support or a home visit, and those who cannot get to church.
Sue Glover (she/her)
Sue’s ministry involves prayer and working alongside people in our community. She is a bereavement counsellor, and member of the governing body of 2 local church schools. In her past work Sue was a secondary teacher and leader.
Safeguarding Team
These colleagues ensure we are all up to date on safeguarding training and requirements, and have the best practice in place to ensure that the way we do things keeps people in our church community as safe as possible.
Vikki Couzens (she/her) and Ellen Couzens (she/her)
As the Parish Safeguarding Officers Vikki and Ellen can be contacted by anyone with concerns. (Please visit the safeguarding page for details) They ensure volunteers have a DBS and safeguarding training and they keep up to date on these issues to ensure we maintain best practices and policies. Vikki is also our DBS lead and brings considerable professional admin skills, and Ellen brings safeguarding and legal experience.
Vikki Couzens (she/her)
As the DBS lead Vikki carries out the process of checking the information and submitting applications for a DBS certificate. These are required for many of the roles within the church. Professionally, Vikki is a legal secretary and also has a background in event planning.
Treasurer
Our treasurer ensures we are properly budgeting and looking after our financial resources.
Nicki Smith (she/her)
Nicki is a professional accountant outside of her role with St. Mary’s. She maintains a record of expenditure and income, prepares the budget with the PCC, and ensures we are compliant with financial requirements.