The Bishop of Rochester is delighted to announce that the Revd Emma Wylie is to be appointed the new Associate Minister (part time) for the Benefice of Crockham Hill and Westerham, with a plan to be licensed at St Mary’s Westerham, on 23 February 2026, with a Welcome Eucharist at Holy Trinity Crockham Hill on the following Sunday. Emma was ordained in the Chelmsford Diocese and has served in rural and urban parishes in Essex and East London. She says “Having spent many of my formative years in Kent I am excited to sense God’s call to return as a priest, in rural ministry. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to journey with the people of Crockham Hill and Westerham in discerning what God might be calling us to in this newly united Benefice. As Associate Minister I am looking forward to working with the other ministers and laity as we share life and ministry together, listening to God, the people and one another - hopefully over plentiful cups of tea! I look forward to meeting you all soon.” Archdeacon Nick Cornell warmly welcomes this appointment and looks forward to working with Emma in the Tonbridge Archdeaconry.We are also delighted to announce that Jess Spickernell, our Ordinand, will be ordained Deacon in Rochester Cathedral on 27th June 2026, and will serve her curacy at Christ Church, Tunbridge Wells. Her final Sunday in the Benefice will probably be in early May. Jess has been a real blessing to us in the short time she’s been here, and we’re confident that she will be a blessing in her new role, too, as she continues her journey towards priesthood. Please remember to pray for Jess and Emma in the weeks and months ahead, asking for God’s support, comfort and wisdom as they navigate the exciting but sometimes stressful process of preparing to finish their current ministries and move to new homes, roles and churches.
