Jonathan Fleury, Melissa Drinkwater and Peter Owen have moved into a vicarage in Dudley for a year to gain an understanding of what being a vicar might involve as they explore a call to ordination.
Melissa Drinkwater is originally from West Sussex, but has recently graduated from Regent’s Theological College in Malvern. She is working alongside the Revd David Hoskin in Brierley Hill. She said: “I’d like to clarify my calling to see whether becoming an Anglican Vicar is where God wants me to be. I’ve already experienced so much and hope I can be a real help in the parish as well as provide prayerful encouragement.”
Jonathan Fleury was attending St Peter’s Church in Inkberrow before being placed with the Revd Mike Rutter in Netherton. He said: “This will be a great opportunity to gain practical experience and really test my vocation. I also hope that I can help in the parish by bringing a newcomer’s perspective on some of the things they’ve been doing.”
Originally from Hertfordshire, Peter Owen has also recently graduated from Regent’s College and is working with the Revd Tom Atfield as part of the Dudley Team. He said: “I’m looking forward to working with churches with different expressions of worship to those I am used to and learning from them and from Tom.”
Melissa, Jonathan and Peter all pray together daily and are undertaking some theological and ministerial study at the Queen’s Foundation in Birmingham as well as through the Diocesan Growing Leaders course. They spend four days a week in their parishes, where they shadow the clergy and have an opportunity to gain a range of experiences.
Please pray for Melissa, Jonathan and Peter and for the parishes in which they are placed.
Stourport Deanery – Rural Dean: Mark Turner; Lay Chair: Andrew Quinn
