Who am I?

As we get to know one another, I thought it might be helpful to share a little about where I’ve come from and who I am.

• I am Sarah (although I also answer to Saspers or Sadie).
• I am a late ’70s baby (and I might have a rather big birthday next year…).
• I was, and still am, fiercely loved by my parents, Margaret and Michael (My mum died a few years ago from dementia. I miss her every day, and I always will).
• I haven’t always known and loved God (but He has always known and loved me).
• My journey of faith has been slow, sometimes messy, and full of questions, joys, and challenges (I’ve been through many Alpha courses – first as a punter and later as a leader).
• I’m both an extrovert and an introvert. I can be loud or quiet. I love silliness and laughter, and I’m not afraid to cry or admit when I’m not okay (I’ve never been very good at fitting neatly into a box).
• Before I knew God, I thought I was doing just fine on my own. But as I’ve spent time getting to know God, listening for His voice, and being surrounded by people who love and serve Him, I’ve discovered how much I need His selfless love and forgiveness. Without God at the centre of our lives, it’s so easy to turn in on ourselves (One Bibe verse that has become precious to me is: ‘I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” – Song of Songs 6:3)

What am I excited about joining St Stephens Norwich

• Love all. Serve all. (Mark 10:43-45)
  Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. These words were at the heart of my ordination stole and continue to shape my ministry.
• Trust God – He’s in control.
  Ministry isn’t about having all the answers. As Archbishop Stephen Cottrell reminds us in his book On Priesthood, we are called to be faithful, not in control, joining in with what God is already doing.
• We are the Body of Christ.
  As we all have unique gifts, we all have a unique part to play in building and shaping God’s Kingdom. Together, we can share Christ’s love with one another and our community.
• Called to serve.
  As your Curate, I’m here to serve God by serving you, the congregation of St Stephen’s, and everyone beyond our beautiful glass doors.
• Radical hospitality: Open doors, open hands, open hearts
  Walking into a church for the first time can be daunting. One wise person once told me, “Our job is to help people cross the threshold.” May we be a church where everyone is welcomed with the same generous love that Jesus showed throughout His ministry, living out the words of Romans 15:7: ‘Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God’

I’m so excited about the journey ahead. If you’d like to know anything else about me, please do come and say hello. In the meantime, let’s, as a church, boldly go where no one has gone before (yes – I really do love Star Trek!).