What's he like? The new Team Rector
What’s he like is probably the question that has been on your lips since it was announced that I am to be next Team Rector. You will need to make up your minds but I can tell you a little bit about myself
I was born in London and have lived the majority of my life in Bedfordshire or Hertfordshire. My second wife Jane and I live in Flitwick in Bedfordshire as I commute daily to London but I have had family connections with North Norfolk for over 20 years and, following my mother’s death last year, we now have a bungalow in Cromer. I have three married children and two grandsons who live in Newbury, Hemel Hemstead and Ipswich. Jane’s family live in Coventry
As well a being a priest I am a Chartered Accountant. Currently I work at the Archbishops’ Council in Westminster where I am responsible for the funding given to the theological colleges, courses, and individual ordinands. I am also the Secretary to the Ministry Council of the Archbishops’ Council which looks after the selection, training, and conditions of service for the Church’s ministers
I have served in team ministries in Dunstable and Hemel Hemstead. In my last parish, Southwick in West Sussex, I led a team of four clergy, two readers, and other lay ministers and was also the Rural Dean of Hove, one of the largest deaneries in the country. I continue to take services in Flitwick and neighbouring parishes
My faith has been enriched by a range of church tradition which has given me an understanding of the importance of liturgical celebration, of prayer in the daily Offices, and contemplative prayer, and a love of the Bible. I believe that we need to be open to the way that God speaks to us, challenges our certainties, and constantly calls us to take our part in His mission to the world by sharing our faith with our neighbours
In our leisure time, Jane and I enjoy walking our two dogs by the sea and enjoy visiting churches, National Trust and English Heritage properties. I like to listen to classical music, especially early church and organ music. I enjoy playing the large number of board games which I have collected over the years. I have also started to build a model railway which will have to be packed up whilst we move
Initially, we are going to live in South Beach Parade until a new ‘eco-friendly’ Rectory is built near to St Nicholas. I am sure that there will be many opportunities to welcome you to the Rectory in the years ahead. Jane and I are very much looking forward to moving to Great Yarmouth in November, to meeting more of you at the service of welcome and to sharing in the life of the Churches
Chris Terry
article from Great Yarmouth Parish Life and used with permission
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