Father Christian's Introduction
It is a real joy to have been appointed as the new Associate Vicar of St Mary Abbots, and I am very much looking forward to getting to know you all as we share together in the life, worship, and mission of the church in Kensington.
Before I was ordained, I served as an assistant pastor focusing on outreach and support for people experiencing homelessness. I continued to pursue my vocation within the Church of England as a pastoral assistant at St Martin-in-the-Fields, London, working with refugees and asylum seekers. During that time, I became part of the Nazareth Community, a new monastic community in the heart of the city, and was encouraged to train for ordination.
After training at Ripon College Cuddesdon, I served my curacy in the Woodbridge Benefice in North Wiltshire, in the Diocese of Bristol, ministering across six rural parishes and working closely with three church schools. Over the past year, as Curate-in-Charge, I have been especially grateful for the opportunity to grow in the practicalities of parish life, and to help lead and encourage our churches in reaching out more deeply into their local communities. Alongside parish ministry, I have served as a UKME Chaplain in the Diocese of Bristol, supporting those from minority ethnic backgrounds who are discerning a call to ministry. It has been a privilege to walk alongside people in this way and see their confidence and vocation grow.
As I return to ministry in a city context, I am especially looking forward to joining in the life of St Mary Abbots - sharing in its rich worship, becoming part of its warm and inclusive community, and supporting its outreach across the wider parish. I am excited to help nurture and support the life of St Mary Abbots and its school and the wider community. My wife, Janina, and our two children, Cassian and Caiah, are very much looking forward to meeting you all and beginning this new chapter together.
As our Blessed Mother said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour."
With every blessing,
Fr Christian
Before I was ordained, I served as an assistant pastor focusing on outreach and support for people experiencing homelessness. I continued to pursue my vocation within the Church of England as a pastoral assistant at St Martin-in-the-Fields, London, working with refugees and asylum seekers. During that time, I became part of the Nazareth Community, a new monastic community in the heart of the city, and was encouraged to train for ordination.
After training at Ripon College Cuddesdon, I served my curacy in the Woodbridge Benefice in North Wiltshire, in the Diocese of Bristol, ministering across six rural parishes and working closely with three church schools. Over the past year, as Curate-in-Charge, I have been especially grateful for the opportunity to grow in the practicalities of parish life, and to help lead and encourage our churches in reaching out more deeply into their local communities. Alongside parish ministry, I have served as a UKME Chaplain in the Diocese of Bristol, supporting those from minority ethnic backgrounds who are discerning a call to ministry. It has been a privilege to walk alongside people in this way and see their confidence and vocation grow.
As I return to ministry in a city context, I am especially looking forward to joining in the life of St Mary Abbots - sharing in its rich worship, becoming part of its warm and inclusive community, and supporting its outreach across the wider parish. I am excited to help nurture and support the life of St Mary Abbots and its school and the wider community. My wife, Janina, and our two children, Cassian and Caiah, are very much looking forward to meeting you all and beginning this new chapter together.
As our Blessed Mother said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour."
With every blessing,
Fr Christian
Father Tim's farewell message
I’m not always the quickest to process change. It often takes time for reality to catch up with me. Even as I write this, it still hasn’t quite sunk in that this Sunday will be my last at St Mary Abbots. I still have a couple of sermons to finish, so I’m still in St Mary Abbots mode.
That said, while I may not naturally look ahead to what’s next, I have had the chance to reflect on my time here in Kensington. When I do, three words come to mind: kindness, fun, and challenge.
I didn’t really know what to expect from St Mary Abbots. When I was still in Yorkshire and mentioned to my training incumbent that I was thinking of applying, he read the advert and remarked that they were “looking for some grit in the oyster!” You can probably imagine what he meant. And yes, I found a beautiful, impressive building, exceptionally well run, standing prominently on a busy central London high street. But what I hadn’t anticipated was the depth of community and kindness within it.
I have had the privilege of working alongside two priests who work tirelessly because they genuinely love what they do and the people they serve. I’ve been part of a staff team that supports one another and takes real pride in their work. I’ve come to know a congregation that is warm, faithful, and deeply committed to both church and community. I never expected people not to be kind, but I have been genuinely struck by the consistency of that kindness—the friendliness, the generosity of spirit, and the strong sense of belonging that shapes life here. There is something very special about that.
It has also been so much fun—much of that thanks to the number of young people connected to the church. Having a school on site creates a dynamic I hadn’t fully anticipated. I didn’t realise quite how much joy it would bring. Building relationships with children, parents, and teachers and staff has been a huge gift. Leading weekly collective worship and Mass, and more recently running football club, has been a particular highlight. The children are a gift to the church. I’ve loved hearing their wonderfully daft stories and sharing in their silly humour, but also having those surprisingly profound conversations about life and faith. It’s been a joy to walk through the area during the week and bump into families, to feel that the church’s life spills naturally out into the community. That closeness is rare, and I will miss it very much.
Finally, I described my time here as challenging—and I mean that in the best possible way. Not because I haven’t enjoyed it, but because I hadn’t anticipated the particular needs of this parish. Kensington may have a reputation for being well-heeled, and in many ways that’s true. But it is also a busy part of central London, with all the complexity that brings. Because the church is open every day—warm, welcoming, and safe—we regularly meet people in crisis. Staff, clergy, and volunteers encounter individuals with complex and sometimes overwhelming needs. Responding to that has been stretching. It has required patience, wisdom, and collaboration. Yet it has also been a privilege: building relationships with those who are struggling, and working alongside charities and organisations better equipped to walk with them. Those encounters have shaped me deeply.
I want to finish simply by saying thank you. St Mary Abbots will always be a special place for me. I leave feeling that I am a better priest—and, I hope, a better person—for having shared this time with you. Please keep in touch.
Blessings, Tim
That said, while I may not naturally look ahead to what’s next, I have had the chance to reflect on my time here in Kensington. When I do, three words come to mind: kindness, fun, and challenge.
I didn’t really know what to expect from St Mary Abbots. When I was still in Yorkshire and mentioned to my training incumbent that I was thinking of applying, he read the advert and remarked that they were “looking for some grit in the oyster!” You can probably imagine what he meant. And yes, I found a beautiful, impressive building, exceptionally well run, standing prominently on a busy central London high street. But what I hadn’t anticipated was the depth of community and kindness within it.
I have had the privilege of working alongside two priests who work tirelessly because they genuinely love what they do and the people they serve. I’ve been part of a staff team that supports one another and takes real pride in their work. I’ve come to know a congregation that is warm, faithful, and deeply committed to both church and community. I never expected people not to be kind, but I have been genuinely struck by the consistency of that kindness—the friendliness, the generosity of spirit, and the strong sense of belonging that shapes life here. There is something very special about that.
It has also been so much fun—much of that thanks to the number of young people connected to the church. Having a school on site creates a dynamic I hadn’t fully anticipated. I didn’t realise quite how much joy it would bring. Building relationships with children, parents, and teachers and staff has been a huge gift. Leading weekly collective worship and Mass, and more recently running football club, has been a particular highlight. The children are a gift to the church. I’ve loved hearing their wonderfully daft stories and sharing in their silly humour, but also having those surprisingly profound conversations about life and faith. It’s been a joy to walk through the area during the week and bump into families, to feel that the church’s life spills naturally out into the community. That closeness is rare, and I will miss it very much.
Finally, I described my time here as challenging—and I mean that in the best possible way. Not because I haven’t enjoyed it, but because I hadn’t anticipated the particular needs of this parish. Kensington may have a reputation for being well-heeled, and in many ways that’s true. But it is also a busy part of central London, with all the complexity that brings. Because the church is open every day—warm, welcoming, and safe—we regularly meet people in crisis. Staff, clergy, and volunteers encounter individuals with complex and sometimes overwhelming needs. Responding to that has been stretching. It has required patience, wisdom, and collaboration. Yet it has also been a privilege: building relationships with those who are struggling, and working alongside charities and organisations better equipped to walk with them. Those encounters have shaped me deeply.
I want to finish simply by saying thank you. St Mary Abbots will always be a special place for me. I leave feeling that I am a better priest—and, I hope, a better person—for having shared this time with you. Please keep in touch.
Blessings, Tim
A flying visit from Father Christopher
We were delighted to see Father Christopher, our former Associate Vicar, last week and he has sent the following message:
“Hello to you all from Minnesota! On a very brief flying visit last week en route to a funeral in Somerset, I was really touched to hear of the prayers you have been offering for my parish here in St Paul and for the people of both our cities (we live in Minneapolis, and the cities merge together, hence the collective term ’Twin Cities’). As you will have seen in the news, things have been really tough here for the last few weeks, and people at my church have been stepping up to take food to people who are too scared to leave their home and to offer lifts to people who need to get to work, but are afraid to drive themselves in case they are stopped. Things have eased a little now, but there is still a tense atmosphere. The incredible sense of community which has been in evidence is giving great hope, but so is the wider sense of community through prayer with the church in other places.”
Our thoughts are with him and his parishioners.
“Hello to you all from Minnesota! On a very brief flying visit last week en route to a funeral in Somerset, I was really touched to hear of the prayers you have been offering for my parish here in St Paul and for the people of both our cities (we live in Minneapolis, and the cities merge together, hence the collective term ’Twin Cities’). As you will have seen in the news, things have been really tough here for the last few weeks, and people at my church have been stepping up to take food to people who are too scared to leave their home and to offer lifts to people who need to get to work, but are afraid to drive themselves in case they are stopped. Things have eased a little now, but there is still a tense atmosphere. The incredible sense of community which has been in evidence is giving great hope, but so is the wider sense of community through prayer with the church in other places.”
Our thoughts are with him and his parishioners.
Postcard from Lancashire
Dear friends at St Mary Abbots
Inspired by Fr Christopher’s postcard from Minnesota, I wanted to write with a little update of our news too! We’ve now been in Warton for just over 3 months, and are so happy that God has called us to this place. It’s an absolutely stunning place to live, and the active, rural lifestyle suits us all very well. It’s amazing to be able to head up the mountain or to the beach after school or between services on a Sunday. We have been amazed how quickly we have felt part of the community here – even though it’s very different to Kensington, in the villages there is a similar sense of people knowing one other and caring for each other. I meet a huge number of people whilst I’m out and about with the children or the dog, or when I’m running or cycling, and everyone always has time for a chat. My new car – an Electric Mini Cooper in Racing Green – has also been a talking point!
I’m the Vicar of a Benefice of 3 rural churches, each very different, but each with a very committed congregation who keep everything going. I don’t have any paid support staff, but I work alongside a Licensed Lay Minister who is fantastic, and have the support of 3 retired clergy and another NSM priest. Easter as a new incumbent was always going to be a challenge, but I was so moved by a wonderful journey through Holy Week across the 3 churches – everyone came together as a Benefice family and so we marked Maundy Thursday at St Oswald’s, Good Friday at St Mary’s, and the Holy Saturday Vigil at St John’s before the usual Sunday pattern of worship across each Church. When I walked into St Oswald’s on Easter Sunday I could not believe how beautiful the church looked – an incredible group of people had spent all day decorating each window with beautiful floral displays commemorating departed members of the church family.
I have a lot to learn here but am very well supported by parishioners and the wider Diocese. As a first time incumbent I am part of a 2 year learning community, and have a mentor for 5 years. Both of my Bishops have been exceptional in the pastoral care they have offered to me and the family as we have made the move here. I have had to learn a lot about churchyards as we have 3 active ones, and lots of visitors to the graves and memorials.
Tragically my exceptional warden at St Oswald’s, Alison Semple, was diagnosed with terminal cancer the week after we arrived, and she died a month later. It was a devastating loss. It has been a huge challenge not having a warden, but I now have people interested in standing for election at our Annual meeting and I am confident that God will call the right team together.
Already there have been a number of changes and I am thrilled that since my arrival the PCC have agreed to admit baptised children to communion, and to commit wholeheartedly to a Net Zero ambition. We now have a thriving Eco Group which is drawing together many people from outside the church as well, and we have been busy fundraising for a fantastic Eco Church lighting project at St Mary’s – last week I ran the Manchester Marathon and have so far raised £1700 of our £2500 target.
Here is a picture of me meeting a new addition to the fold in lambing season! We would love to hear news from St Mary Abbots, and would also be delighted to receive visitors to the area if anyone is passing.
Much love from Mother Alice
Inspired by Fr Christopher’s postcard from Minnesota, I wanted to write with a little update of our news too! We’ve now been in Warton for just over 3 months, and are so happy that God has called us to this place. It’s an absolutely stunning place to live, and the active, rural lifestyle suits us all very well. It’s amazing to be able to head up the mountain or to the beach after school or between services on a Sunday. We have been amazed how quickly we have felt part of the community here – even though it’s very different to Kensington, in the villages there is a similar sense of people knowing one other and caring for each other. I meet a huge number of people whilst I’m out and about with the children or the dog, or when I’m running or cycling, and everyone always has time for a chat. My new car – an Electric Mini Cooper in Racing Green – has also been a talking point!
I’m the Vicar of a Benefice of 3 rural churches, each very different, but each with a very committed congregation who keep everything going. I don’t have any paid support staff, but I work alongside a Licensed Lay Minister who is fantastic, and have the support of 3 retired clergy and another NSM priest. Easter as a new incumbent was always going to be a challenge, but I was so moved by a wonderful journey through Holy Week across the 3 churches – everyone came together as a Benefice family and so we marked Maundy Thursday at St Oswald’s, Good Friday at St Mary’s, and the Holy Saturday Vigil at St John’s before the usual Sunday pattern of worship across each Church. When I walked into St Oswald’s on Easter Sunday I could not believe how beautiful the church looked – an incredible group of people had spent all day decorating each window with beautiful floral displays commemorating departed members of the church family.
I have a lot to learn here but am very well supported by parishioners and the wider Diocese. As a first time incumbent I am part of a 2 year learning community, and have a mentor for 5 years. Both of my Bishops have been exceptional in the pastoral care they have offered to me and the family as we have made the move here. I have had to learn a lot about churchyards as we have 3 active ones, and lots of visitors to the graves and memorials.
Tragically my exceptional warden at St Oswald’s, Alison Semple, was diagnosed with terminal cancer the week after we arrived, and she died a month later. It was a devastating loss. It has been a huge challenge not having a warden, but I now have people interested in standing for election at our Annual meeting and I am confident that God will call the right team together.
Already there have been a number of changes and I am thrilled that since my arrival the PCC have agreed to admit baptised children to communion, and to commit wholeheartedly to a Net Zero ambition. We now have a thriving Eco Group which is drawing together many people from outside the church as well, and we have been busy fundraising for a fantastic Eco Church lighting project at St Mary’s – last week I ran the Manchester Marathon and have so far raised £1700 of our £2500 target.
Here is a picture of me meeting a new addition to the fold in lambing season! We would love to hear news from St Mary Abbots, and would also be delighted to receive visitors to the area if anyone is passing.
Much love from Mother Alice
Postcard from Minnesota
Dear Friends,
It’s now about six months since I left St Mary Abbots, which feels like a good time to send you an update. We have settled into our lovely new apartment near the Mississippi here in Minneapolis (unlike in England, it’s not normal here to get accommodation next to the church). Cuthbert and I commute on the bus over the river to my parish in St Paul, the state capital.
My new church, St Matthew’s, has a similar number of parishioners to SMA, though far fewer visitors. It is in a lovely suburb near the university here, and so has lots of academics living nearby, along with quite an artistic community: artists, composers, poets and others. Aside from getting used to the additional responsibilities of being an incumbent (which has given me a fresh insight into the pressures Mother Emma is under!), I am loving getting to know this wonderful, fascinating community as I meet up with as many people as I can one-to-one. They have also been hugely supportive in helping me settle in, cooking for us, sending furniture while we waited for ours, and just generally being very encouraging.
Thank you once again for everything you taught me in my time at St Mary Abbots, and for your friendship and your prayers. You all stay in mine, and I hope to visit at some point before too long.
With much love,
Fr. Christopher
It’s now about six months since I left St Mary Abbots, which feels like a good time to send you an update. We have settled into our lovely new apartment near the Mississippi here in Minneapolis (unlike in England, it’s not normal here to get accommodation next to the church). Cuthbert and I commute on the bus over the river to my parish in St Paul, the state capital.
My new church, St Matthew’s, has a similar number of parishioners to SMA, though far fewer visitors. It is in a lovely suburb near the university here, and so has lots of academics living nearby, along with quite an artistic community: artists, composers, poets and others. Aside from getting used to the additional responsibilities of being an incumbent (which has given me a fresh insight into the pressures Mother Emma is under!), I am loving getting to know this wonderful, fascinating community as I meet up with as many people as I can one-to-one. They have also been hugely supportive in helping me settle in, cooking for us, sending furniture while we waited for ours, and just generally being very encouraging.
Thank you once again for everything you taught me in my time at St Mary Abbots, and for your friendship and your prayers. You all stay in mine, and I hope to visit at some point before too long.
With much love,
Fr. Christopher
Father Gillean's Sermon
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On Sunday 24th September 2023, Fr Gillean Craig, Vicar of the Parish from 2002 - 2018, marked the fifth anniversary of his retirement from Kensington by preaching at our 11.15 service of Choral Matins.
Fr Gillean joined everyone for coffee in between the Eucharist and Matins and Martina supplied activities for older children to do in the pews during Matins so families who knew Fr Gillean during his time here could attend the later service. | ||
