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Who are we

The People

Ultimately the church is really the people. There might be a local church building, or nine in the case of Stroud. There might be a paid clergy, or three in the case of Stroud. With or without these, the church is the people.

As parish churches, the people is everyone living in and around Stroud. These are your parish churches and you are welcome however and whenever. Whether you come every week, Christmas and Easter or just the occasional wedding and funeral. These are your churches and you are welcome.

The Clergy

Rev’d James Turk

James is our Team Rector

In December 2024, I became Team Rector for the Stroud Team Ministry, having originally joined as Team Vicar in early 2022. It continues to be a joy and a privilege to serve in this beautiful town, which has long held a special place in our hearts. Both Sarah and I have deep roots in nearby Gloucester, and Stroud’s creativity, community spirit, and stunning surroundings make it a truly special place to call home.

Before entering full-time ministry, I served as a self-supporting minister in Gloucester while working full-time at a local engineering firm as a Drawing Office Programmer. I cherished the opportunity to live out my priesthood both in church and the workplace, and that grounding in the everyday lives of others continues to shape my ministry today.

As Team Rector, I lead a group of clergy and lay leaders serving nine churches across Stroud and the surrounding area. I count it a real privilege to work as part of a team, and I’m passionate about helping the church to be a place of welcome, worship, service and hope in our communities.

Sarah and I recently celbrated 30  wonderful years of marriage, and our family includes our two incredible sons, Oliver and Josh, as well as our lively Cockapoo, Bentley.

Favourite place to be on a day off: Out cycling somewhere scenic, ideally finishing up with a pint of local ale in a good pub.

Something that brings me joy: Making music. I love playing keyboards and guitar in the band I’m part of — it’s always a joy to create something together.

Normal day off: Fridays
01453 708513

Rev’d Simon Howell

Simon is our Team Pioneer

Ruth and I met at school(!) and have been married now for 35 years and are very proud of our boys as they emerge as adults in the world: Matthew (in the Emergency Services in Bristol), Gabriel (an actor in London) and Noah (recently left sixth-form in Stroud). Ruth is now a deputy head of a primary school, and over the years, we have lived and worked in Hong Kong, Cambridge, London, Bristol and now the most beautiful of them all: Stroud!

I have been the Pioneer Minister here since 2014 with a particular vocation to live & work alongside the extensive ‘spiritual but not religious’ community in Stroud, understanding day-by-day what churches that exist in the middle of their community may look like – and hence immersed in that process. Examples of the outworking of this can be found here and here. I am also a Team Vicar engaged in, for example, life-events, LMTs, graveyards and safeguarding and, alongside this, am occupied in the development of projects that have a particular eco-spiritual focus such as this and this. Additionally, I am Inter Faith Adviser to the Diocese and love playing in the 11-piece multi-faith, dance & meditation band from Stroud, The Raga Babas!

Favourite place to be on a day off: Walking our dog in The Heavens, enjoying the vibrant expressions of whatever season it is, with our extended wider family is always an excellent day.

Something that brings me joy: Watching live theatre and music with family and friends.

Normal day off: Usual day off is Saturday.
01453350387

Rev’d Mathew Page

Matthew is one of our self-supporting ministers, so a volunteer. He brings his strategic thinking and experience to our leadership team and can be found taking services on a Sunday morning.

I have worked in the Stroud Team since the very beginning, prior to this I served my curacy in the parishes of Cainscross and Selsley.

I enjoy a dual vocation to mental health nursing and ministry. This means that while I am a Priest all day every day, I earn my living in the NHS and am physically involved in ministry in the Stroud Team at specific times.

In my day job I am the Chief Operating Officer running Mental Health Services across the Avon and Wiltshire area, during the last two years as the incident commander for COVID-19 I have needed to concentrate most of my efforts on my NHS duties.

However I am always exploring the ways of relating mental health and spiritual wellbeing. In the small amounts of time I have to myself I like to make things, whether its cooking or woodwork, I like to reflect on the meaning and purpose we can / do put into things.

Favourite Place to be on a day off: With my two sons on the western most point of Pembrokeshire watching the seals, porpoises, peregrines and migratory birds arriving and departing.

Something that brings me joy: Being with the people I love and being amazed at the wonder of creation.

Jodie Calcutt

Jodie is our Team Coordinator. A senior member of the team who brings strategic organisation and administration skills. Jodie typically works part time

I live in Middleyard with my husband Chris and young children Annabel and Oscar – who keep me busy!

My background is in Human Resource Management, and I have spent the past 15 years in this field. I have a passion for supporting the church in welcoming our local families, and for helping the 9 churches to work together collaboratively & enthusiastically. As Team Manager, I  manage our ChurchSuite database, coordinate meetings/reporting,  and support team collaboration across our churches. In my Bookings role, I am a  point of contact for all of our halls & churches’ event bookings, dealing with customers and supporting the churches in generating revenue & community links.

Favourite place to be on a day off: meeting up with friends and family, preferably by water or somewhere with lovely food.

Something that brings me joy: cuddles with my amazing children!

Normal day off: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
01453 708511

Rev Coral Francis

Coral is our Team Vicar
Normal day off: Friday

Safeguarding

Our safeguarding team can be contacted on this email address: [email protected]

For more helpful information see our safeguarding page >>

Safeguarding

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Getting in touch

Open Vicarage Instructions

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Dial 020 3956 9054

When requested enter the PIN: 426 239 892#

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Communion during this time

In these unprecedented times, we are working hard to find imaginative solutions in a landscape that has been rapidly changing. Sometimes we get things right, and sometimes we miss the mark. I apologise that this has been the case regarding communion.

For those of you who have received wafers in a parcel, we would ask that you either consume them, or put them somewhere safe to bring back once we are able to be together again.

We are going to be sending out a new order of service for use during this time as either a simple service of the word or, on occasion, to help us to share an Agape meal together.

I Have Spotted an Error on the Team Calendar