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Who's Who at St. Gabriel's Parish Church |
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Who's who at St. Gabriel's
The Vicar: Rev Arthur Botham
Arthur has been Vicar of St. Gabriel's since 2005
and is a member of the Basingstoke clergy team.
He has forged links with other groups of churches in
Basingstoke and is particularly concerned to bring
Jesus into the lives of the people living in Popley
Lay Reader: Mrs. Shelagh Kavanagh
I’m Shelagh Kavanagh, Reader at St Gabriel’s and part of the leadership team here.
Reader? What exactly is a Reader? Don’t most of us read?
That’s the question most people ask, including me originally, but being a Reader in the Anglican church actually means completing three years of study and training to become a Lay Minister, able to then preach and teach, along with other responsibilities. For me, it is a delight and a blessing to be able to be involved in these things. I also run one of the House Groups at St. Gabriel's.
I am married to Jeremiah and have three daughters, all married now, 6 grandchildren (the number of whom is growing!) and work part-time as an administrator at St Michael’s Church in town.
I began the Reader training later in life and am excited that God can still use us or change our lives at any age; we are never too old or too young. I look forward to developing and learning more in this ministry and would encourage anyone who feels God is prompting them in any way, even if it’s just to find out more about Jesus and who he is, to take that first step out in faith and see where he leads.
Who knows what exciting times could be ahead?
Visiting Lay Reader: Mr. Ian Coster
Hello, my name is Ian Coster. In 2006 I was licensed as a Reader to the Odiham Deanery. My home church is St. John’s, Hartley Wintney, where Arthur was curate for three years.
In 2010 I received an additional license to serve in the Basingstoke Deanery, which means I can help Arthur and his team at St Gabriel’s with leading services and preaching, something I really enjoy and look forward to.
I would thoroughly recommend St Gabriel’s to you; it’s a growing community and a place where you will receive a very warm welcome and friendly smile. I hope to see you there one Sunday.
Church Warden: Mrs. Mary Herbert
Hi, my name is Mary Herbert, and I've been worshipping at St Gabriel's since 1974
with a small break in the 1980's.I was married to Fred for 50 years, who sadly passed away in 2006; we have three children one son and two daughters; both are married.
I've four grandchildren three boys and one girl, they are now in their late teens or early twenty's.
I became church warden just over 3 years ago and can serve for a period of 6 years.
It is a real privilege to serve St Gabriel's. I just love my work as Church Warden, but could never do it without the love and prayers and support of St Gabriel's congregation.I have a really good working relationship with our vicar Arthur; God has really blessed me in all I do.
As Church Warden, I am the representative of the Bishop in the Parish. As part of my role, I am always available to hear the voice of parishoners, to answer questions and hear points of view. I am also responsible for the upkeep of the Church and grounds.
I am the point of reference for Visiting Clergy, especially when the Vicar is on holiday.
If you feel that you have a calling to serve God in any way at St. Gabriel's, please either email me at my address on the Contact Us page or telephone me. If you would rather speak face to face, please catch me after a service!
DCC Members:
Clare Fowkes Secretary
Marion Davies Treasurer
Kelvin Lewington
Alfie Long
Jeremy Jackman Buildings Manager
Sheelagh Cooper
Maggie Johnson Parish Administrator/ Hall Manager
Jonathan Pain
Rebecca Pain
©St.Gabriel's Popley 2011
