Pen portraits

Rev Paul Norrington

My name is Paul and I have been the Rector (vicar) at Christ Church for nearly 10 years. There are four lovely women in my life: my wife Glyn, daughters Rachel and Emma and our Cocker Spaniel called Millie. Outnumbered on every side but they are just the best.

I have been a Christian for 40 years and more but have always recognized that I am on a journey with God through Jesus, growing in a relationship with him, discovering new things and seeking to live the fullness of life he offers me, my family and all whom I love and care for. Together, my wife and I share a desire to make God known to everyone and see the transforming love of Jesus touching our community.

I love the church and although being a vicar can be challenging at times, I believe God has always been faithful. My favourite verse from the bible is ‘The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. ’1 Thessalonians 5.24. I can say that this has been true for me through all situations, happy, sad or difficult times in life and I long for everyone to share in such an amazing promise.

I enjoy cooking and together my wife and I love entertaining friends, getting out discovering local haunts especially where there is a pub lunch involved. Holidays would not be the same if we were far from the sea – I just love watching and spending time in it!

The picture says it all! I love good coffee and believe we serve great fairly traded coffee at Christ Church but if tea is your favourite – no problem. I hope to meet you soon and promise a very warm welcome here.

Glyn Norrington

Hi I’m Glyn and I am looking forward to meeting you at Christ Church. I am married to Paul, the Rector, and we have two daughters. Rachel lives and works in Leeds and Emma is studying Graphic design in Colchester. We are good mates and I love them to bits.

I cherish my faith and just think it’s amazing that God loves us so much all the time. Prayer and worship are key for me and I enjoy meeting with other Christians outside of Sunday worship. Naturally church life keeps me busy but I am also privileged to work as a Street Pastor, a time to make friends and hopefully make a difference by being on the streets. I also work as a Reflexologist, which is very rewarding.

Time out is important and I enjoy country walks with Paul who, to my relief, is great with a map. We also try our hand at gardening on occasion; well at least I don’t pull out the flowers anymore instead of the weeds. I enjoy a good movie and love sharing a meal with friends. Other spare time will find me with a book in hand, practising the piano or just chilling with my family.

Rev Jackie Sams – Curate

Hi, I’m Jackie and I came to Christ Church as Assistant Curate in July 2010 with my husband John who is also actively involved.
I still get excited by being in relationship with God the Father through Jesus, even though I first came to know this friendship in my teens. I like to find reflective and creative ways to express God’s love, and I am privileged to find that my interests of reading, writing or speech and drama are often part of my work. I enjoy working with adults and children and enjoy a variety of experiences meeting with folks in the Church and in the community and look forward to chatting to different people.
I also enjoy times visiting or being visited by our children and their families- 5 grandchildren so far. It’s a bit of a squeeze when we 13 all get together- but we have regular visits with each family too plus times with my dad.
In between John and I try to take time to chill out by ourselves or with friends, watching films, taking walks, trips or days out enjoying the countryside or places of interest and going for meals with friends.

Clive Joyce

Hi, I’m Clive. I’ve been a member of this church community for more than 50 years and was licensed as a Reader in this Parish in 1991.
I’m fortunate to have four generations of immediate family in the local area. I enjoy spending time with them all. My wife, Toni, shares my interest in exploring new destinations for holidays and short breaks and also in music. We both enjoy singing; I have been in choirs since my schooldays and am a member of the University of Essex choir, other local groups with whom I sing on an ad-hoc basis, and am an occasional guest with the Royal Choral Society. I also enjoy most sports, mainly as a spectator these days! I’m an avid follower of Colchester United and attend as many of their matches as I can.
My desire is for everyone to feel really well supported within the church family as they nurture their faith, being provided with opportunities to further and be encouraged in individual journeys, whatever stage of life and circumstances are being experienced. I value the time I spend facilitating one of our established home groups and, amongst other things outside of the parish set-up, co-ordinating the activities of a group that ‘walks alongside’ a community of Catholic Sisters.
I’m an accountant currently working within the Healthcare sector.

Sara Humphreys

Sara is one of the Readers at Christ Church, licensed in 2011 so still new to our ministry team although a member of our congregation for over ten years. A Colchester person, Sara lived in Birmingham for many years and joined Christ Church on moving back to be nearer the family. She works part time, and has two children in their final (we hope!) stages of education. Her husband, Nigel, works as a local solicitor and is a member of the Church family. Sara has been a part of Christ Church’s children’s work over the years, and enjoys learning with both the younger and older members of the church family.

Liz Bird – Administrator

Hi
I’m Liz and I have been employed here at Christ Church as the Parish Administrator since March 2006. My work here is full of variety from Administration tasks, accounts, producing publicity materials to processing the bookings for the Joint Council.
I am married to David and we have a westie called Barney who keeps us on our toes. We worship at Plume Avenue URC where we are both members and I am a non-serving elder. I am a National Accredited Lay Preacher with the URC and regularly lead and preach at services both at Plume Avenue and other local churches. I love being involved in creative worship using the different arts and lead one of the worship groups on the piano and singing. I have been involved with leading the Girls’ Brigade company at Plume Avenue for the past 30 years. I currently serve on the URC General Assembly Committee for Learning and Education.
I love spending time with David, Barney and family. My hobbies include cooking, being creative in sewing, knitting, card making and anything “crafty”. Music is a great love of mine. When we get the opportunity I enjoy the theatre (especially West End Musicals), eating out and our holidays.
I am passionate that everyone should have the opportunity to come to know and love our Lord. I believe that through prayer, word and deeds we need to share God’s love, grace and mercy.
The picture is of Barney who is our Parish Admin. Assistant and helps me with many tasks (or not as the case may be)!