This month we welcome Claire Horton who joins us as the Deanery and Parish Development Adviser for Bath Archdeaconry and Magnificat Advocate. Claire joins us from Salisbury Diocese where she was a Rural Field Officer in the Rural Hope Team and Assistant Diocesan Vocations Coordinator. Claire is also a Reader.
In her new role with Bath and Wells Claire will accompany benefices as they discern their vision and mission, especially through periods of change, and will work closely with the Archdeacons, particularly the Archdeacon of Bath, to support benefices in vacancy. Claire also has a particular focus supporting the work of mission and ministry in Magnificat parishes. Claire will work alongside colleagues in the Deanery and Parish Support Team and the wider support services.
Claire says she is “really looking forward to getting to know people and see where God is already working; to listen to their stories and explore ways of making God’s love known in relevant and practical ways. It’s on my heart to help build community and I love encouraging people to join in!”
“During covid times I found that a lot of my role was often pastoral, supporting incumbents and teams during difficult times. I think in these times of change this is something I will also bring to my new role. I can be a listening ear and encourager.”
Julia Hill, Head of Deanery and Parish Support says, “We are delighted to welcome Claire to the team. We held the interviews in a Magnificat Parish in the Bath Archdeaconry with a group from the parish playing a valuable part in the process of discernment. There is no doubt that Claire will bring great skill and faithfulness to our team, with a great desire to serve God through her support of churches across the diocese.”
In her spare time Claire enjoys gardening, music and films.