New vicar appointed
We are delighted to announce that, in consultation with the Team Rector, parish representatives and Patron, the Bishop of Southwark has appointed the Revd Jen Houghton to be Team Vicar of St Paul’s Hook, in the Tolworth, Hook and Surbiton Team, subject to the usual legal formalities.
Jen’s appointment follows informal meetings with the Team Rector, PCC representatives and a formal interview with the Team Patronage Board. Prior to this there was a consultation with the PCC.
Jen was ordained in Southwark Diocese in 2022, and is serving her curacy at St Andrew’s Church in Ham. She completed her theological training at St Mellitus College, and her Church placement during training was at St Matthew’s in Surbiton. Prior to ordination, Jen had a career in the charity sector for nearly 20 years working in fundraising, marketing and volunteer management.
Jen is married to Pete and they have three children: Daniel (15), Sophie (13) and Jess (10). The whole family will be worshipping at St Paul’s, and are looking forward to being involved in Church life.
Jen says she is delighted to be appointed as Team Vicar, and is excited to start in the role: She says, “I am so impressed with how St Paul’s is ‘being Church’ together and serving the local community during the vacancy. I can’t wait to work with you all to build the Kingdom and serve God faithfully in this place. I have been praying for you all – reflecting, in particular, on Paul’s words at the beginning of Philippians – and you will continue to be in my prayers over the coming months”.
The intention is that Jen and the family will continue living in their own property in Surbiton which is only a short drive from St Paul’s. This does, of course, mean that the purchase of a new vicarage does not need to be rushed and that the right vicarage for St Paul’s can be identified and secured. Jen’s appointment does not in any way alter the commitment to buy a new vicarage.
Jen is committed to remaining in her curacy in Ham while her incumbent is on sabbatical. It is anticipated, therefore, that Jen will be licensed at St Paul’s at the start of October.