Dear friends,
It is a delight to introduce myself to you as the newly-appointed Associate Priest of Amberley, Avening and Cherington. I currently minister in a group of rural churches in Herefordshire, where I’ve served as Assistant Curate since 2021, and take up my post when I’m licensed at Amberley Church at 7.30pm on Tuesday 16th July.
I originally hail from the depths of the West Country, having grown up in rural South Somerset before spending two years each in Falmouth and Durham, where I trained for ministry. My faith was nurtured in my village’s parish church, where my involvement began by attending a Holiday Club and grew until, eventually, it was where I first heard God calling me to be a priest. After university, I spent two years further discerning this call as a participant on the Ministry Experience Scheme in the Diocese of Truro before my training at Cranmer Hall commenced in 2019. As you can tell from the date, it wasn’t long before COVID appeared on the scene and my time at theological college was somewhat interrupted. Nevertheless, some good came out of my time there, mostly meeting and entering into a Civil Partnership with my partner, Jo. She – along with our dogs, Bertie and Bella, and our four rabbits – will be making the move to Gloucestershire with me.
I’ve always had a deep love for the Eucharist – the coming together of a community to share in Holy Communion – but during my time in ministry I’ve discovered that my passion extends to worship in all forms, from Pet Services to Evensong to Wild Church. (I have my life-long links with Girlguiding to thank for the latter!) For me, ministry is all about enabling a community to know and respond to the love of God. This means getting stuck in with acts of service that demonstrate Jesus’ servant heart (like keeping the churchyard volunteers well-stocked with hot drinks and cake), enabling community gatherings, and bringing that community together to worship God, in whatever form that takes. All dog-friendly, of course, as Bertie and Bella like to tag along! Naturally, my life involves more than ministry (especially as I’ll be working part-time) so when I’m at home, you’re most likely to find me in the garden, or curled up in a comfy chair knitting, reading a book, or planning my next DIY project or caravan trip. I also enjoy walking so I’m keen to explore the local area on foot once I’ve arrived.
Jo and I are excited to make the move to Amberley and get to know the people of Avening and Cherington, and Minchinhampton and Box, too. Please bear with me as I get to know the many new people and places; I’m sure there will be some bumps along the way, but I am looking forward to journeying with you in this new season for us all.
Every blessing
Natalie
Revd. Natalie Jennings