Hello St Martin’s!

I am thrilled to finally be able to introduce myself to you all, and I look forward to getting to know each of you over the next few years as we spend time worshiping and praying together. I am delighted to be coming to Knowle for my curacy and I am excited to discover what life and ministry look like in this new place. A little about me…

I have lived in south Bristol, with my wife Abbey for nearly ten years, where we have worked with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) and then in various pubs and restaurants before I began training for ordination at Trinity College. We love Bristol with all its music, art and festivals and we are glad we landed south of the river. I enjoy cycling and watching football, although being from Southampton I now face the dilemma of my local team playing my home team since they have joined City in the championship. I also love cooking, gardening and growing vegetables – our last church was even based around a community garden where we worshiped God through growing and caring for local green spaces.

My spiritual journey has been full of adventure but also all the usual ups and downs of life. I have spent time in various communities and church styles including Bristol Cathedral and St Francis, Ashton Gate where I came to love liturgical services. I believe there is such richness in the Anglican spiritual tradition and I look forward to seeing how we can worship together in new ways that are infused with this richness.

I really hope that as we get to know one another we can walk together on this winding path of faith and life, sharing our doubts and our assurances alike.

See you all after my ordination in July!

Phil Manning