Greetings in Christ! We are Angela and Edison, and we are delighted to be serving as a curates at St Edmund and St Mary’s Church, Ingatestone, and across our five-parish benefice. We would like to introduce ourselves and thank you for the warm welcome we have received. On Sunday 13 September 2026, we were ordained as deacons at Chelmsford Cathedral by the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani. It was a deeply joyful and prayerful occasion as we made our promises before God and the Church. That evening, we joined the benefice for a welcome service at St Edmund and St Mary’s. We are grateful to everyone who supported us through their presence, prayers and kind messages. Originally from Tamil Nadu, India, our Christian roots are in the Church of South India. Our journey has brought us into the life of the Church of England, where we have continued to grow in faith and respond to God’s call to ministry. We trained at St Mellitus College in London, learning through theological study, prayer and practical experience in parish life. We bring with us a love of worship, Scripture and prayer, and a desire to share the hope of Christ with others. We are a husband-and-wife team, sharing a curacy under the guidance of our Training Incumbent, the Revd Canon Lee Francis-Dehqani. Our ministry takes us across Ingatestone, Fryerning, Margaretting, Mountnessing and Buttsbury. As new curates, we are here both to serve and to learn. Each church and village has its own history and character, and we look forward to hearing your stories and discovering what matters to you. For us, ministry begins with listening and building relationships. We hope to walk alongside people in the ordinary moments of life, as well as at times of celebration, change and sorrow. We look forward to sharing in worship, supporting families, meeting people in our schools and villages, and caring for those who feel lonely or are going through difficult times. We want our churches to be places where people feel welcome and can explore faith, ask questions and find companionship. Whether you have worshipped here for many years, have recently moved to the area, or are simply wondering about coming to church, we would love to meet you. Please do introduce yourself when you see us at a service or around the village. Thank you for welcoming us into this community. Please keep us in your prayers as we begin this new chapter. We look forward to getting to know you and serving alongside you in the love of Christ. With every blessing,Angela and Edison