The Reverend Mark Nelson has been appointed as Priest in Charge of Holy Trinity, Margate by the Bishop of Dover. Mark is currently Associate Vicar at SAINT, a group of churches in East London.The appointment was announced to the congregation of Holy Trinity Margate on Sunday 4 February via a video message where Mark and his wife Jenna introduced themselves to the church. He said: “Our family are delighted to have been invited by the Bishop of Dover to partner with the Diocese of Canterbury and the church in an exciting new chapter in the story of God for the area. We are really looking forward to moving to Margate in the summer, and to join in with all that God is doing in the years ahead.”The introductory video included BSL interpretation to ensure all members of the church could find out about news of the Mark in a way that is accessible to them. Holy Trinity Margate has an active deaf community which is served by a BSL interpreter during Sunday services, a Deaf Café twice a month, and a member of the deaf community providing BSL lessons. Mark’s appointment has been made possible through the Diocese of Canterbury making an application to the Church of England’s Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Fund. This significant grant is designed to enable the revitalisation and growth of the church in Margate.Subject to a successful outcome to this funding request Holy Trinity Margate will become a Resourcing Church, promoting and supporting not only its own ministry but the mission and ministry of other churches in Margate. Further plans will unfold over the coming months in partnership with the PCCs (parochial church councils) of the local churches and in the light of the outcome of the funding request.Sally Posnett, Church Community Services Manager reflected on the atmosphere of the Holy Trinity family having ‘met’ Mark via video: “I can’t begin to say how excited we all are to welcome Mark, Jenna and the family later this year.”The Archdeacon of Canterbury, the Venerable Dr Will Adam said: “Mark is not just good news for the Holy Trinity family but for the whole of Margate. He has the vision and enthusiasm to see the churches in the area reach their full potential and be of benefit to the whole community in which they serve. It’s heartening to know that the congregation matches his enthusiasm for any new opportunities he will bring.”
Mike Jarvis, Churchwarden, receiving the Margate Mayor’s Award for Community Space on behalf of Holy Trinity Margate. Cllr, Rob Yates, Mayor of Margate said ‘As Mayor of Margate, it gives me so much joy to be associated with the numerous community groups who are the heart of our Town. It has been my pleasure and privilege to personally thank these groups, a lot of whom work with out the recognition they deserve.’ Pop in the church office to see the award!
The Bishop of Rochester, in consultation with the Patron, is pleased to announce that <b>The Revd Clifford Brian Stocking</b> is to be the next Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Cliffe with Cooling.For the past six years Clifford has been Vicar of Holy Trinity, Margate, a significant church within Canterbury Diocese, and prior to that he was a Team Vicar within Ely Diocese. However Rochester Diocese is well known to him as he grew up within our boundaries and lived in the Medway Towns for many years before moving to Hadlow to serve his curacy. He has family still living in Medway and we are delighted he is returning 'home'.Clifford is passionate about sharing God's love and guiding others on their personal, spiritual journeys. His engagement with community is very important to him, and he is looking forward to getting out and about and getting to know people, schools and businesses in the parish.Clifford is married to Cathy (who works for a Kent-based company as a medical secretary and coordinator for private consultants) and they have two adult children and three grandchildren living in Hoo and Rainham. Before ordination he was a train driver. He is a keen musician, playing double bass, piano and guitar, and also enjoys art pursuits as a way of relaxing. A date for his licensing is yet to be confirmed with the Bishop's Office, but you will be kept updated as and when. In the meantime, please pray for Clifford and Cathy as they prepare to move after Easter and Clifford begins his new ministry amongst us."
