meet the team

Rev. Chris Painter (Rector)

Chris trained for ministry at Cranmer Hall in Durham. He was ordained and served his curacy in the Salisbury diocese. He has since served in the Dioceses of Chester, Manchester and Truro and also worked as a technical writer in industry. Before moving to north Devon, Chris was the Rector of the Tamar Valley Benefice in Cornwall. There he resourced regular and varied worship, developed lay leadership, oversaw a significant building project and a number of re-orderings, grew links with schools and enabled people to grow and develop their faith.

Chris’ priority in ministry is to build a community of disciples equipped to go and share the Good News of Jesus, witnessing to his power and presence by word and action.

Chris’ hobbies include weight training, surfing, kayaking and running. He is passionate about music and enjoys singing, playing the recorder and composing. Chris is interested in both ancient history and emerging technologies. He also enjoys country walking with his wife Andrea.

Rev. james moore (Assistant curate)

Gillian Ashcroft

(Children, youth and families ministry Lead)

Jo Formby

(Administrator)

Jo has been an administrator and bookkeeper for around 10 years with a variety of organisations, particularly in the charitable sector. In 2023, she graduated from The Open University with a BSC Hons in Psychology. Jo lives in Fremington with her husband, Hugo, their two young children and their dog, Luna.

Rev. Brenda Jacobs

(Minister with Permission to Officiate)

Brenda worked in the voluntary sector and then as a Primary school teacher. She was ordained in Hereford in 2009, served in Herefordshire and then in Devon in the Hartland Coast Mission Community until 2018. She lives in Fremington with her husband Paul and Mabel their beloved golden retriever. They have 6 adult children and 6 young grandchildren. Family gatherings are great fun!!

Rev. Steve Painting

(Minister with Permission to Officiate)

After working for 20 years as an NHS Physiotherapist, Steve was ordained in 2003. He has served most of his ministry in North Devon, in the parishes of Heanton, Marwood, and West Down and as chaplain with the Lee Abbey Community in Lynton. Now retired, Steve currently lives in Fremington with his wife, Claire. They have three adult children and four grandchildren.

Graham Prosser

(Licensed Local Minister)

Graham and Gerald are both Licensed Local Ministers which means that they have studied and been licensed by the Bishop to volunteer within the church's ministry.

Graham's ministry involves Intercessions, leading worship, assisting with Children's work and being involved with the PCC.

Gerald Lush

(Licensed Local Minister)

churchwardens

John McKee (Fremington)

Vicky Freer (Fremington)

Glenis Woolacott (Instow)

Jane Bunclark (Instow)

July Grigg (Westleigh)

Roger Levick (Westleigh)

Roger is also a Worship Leader who is trained to lead services.

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