PEARL CLUSTER 

CHURCHES

The Pearl Cluster of Churches covers a large geographical area, encompassing seven Churches and thirteen worshipping congregations. 

It comprises of St Andrews Ashingdon, All Saints South Fambridge, St Nicholas Canewdon, St Peters Paglesham, St Andrews Rochford, St Nicholas Great Wakering and All Saints Barling Magna.

The primary purpose of the Cluster is to call, recognise, equip, and release God’s people into mission so as to build God’s Kingdom and not personal empires. 

This understanding confirms in us that God has already poured into his church the necessary gifts, not simply for sustainability but for growth, both numerically and spiritually.:

Our passion is Jesus.

Our aspiration is to be a transforming presence in every community

Our resources are faithful people

“We chose the name “Pearl Cluster of Churches” because each parish location has a historic connection with oyster fishing and of course remembering that our faith in Jesus and the kingdom of God are a pearl of great price. The main driving ambition and purpose of the Cluster is “Mission” in both our vocation and life.

We are the three Incumbents in the Pearl Cluster of Churches. 

We rotate between all the church buildings, delighting as we bring ministry in the difference and diversity of tradition, and meeting along the way folks in different contexts. 

We are glad you have found us, please do not hesitate to get in touch with any of us, or anyone on the Clergy team, or of course any of the wardens of the churches. If we don't have the answer straight away we can signpost you to the person who does. Our prayer is that as you discover a little bit about us you will feel free to come and join us, we look forward to meeting you.

Each church has its own page, click on the link on the church drop down menu to find out more.

Hello, my name is Sharon Guest. I was ordained in 2012 in Chelmsford Cathedral and came to these parishes in January 2019. I am also involved with Cursillo and am the National Spiritual Director. I find great joy in encouraging people to develop their own spirituality on their journey of faith.

If you would like to learn more about Cursillo click here to be directed to Chelmsford Diocese Cursillo, or here for the National Cursillo website.

I'm also a tutor on the Course in Christian Studies, if you would like to learn more about this course please click here 

Hi, my name is Kim Lepley, and I have been in these parishes since 2015.

I have been ordained since 2012 in Chelmsford Cathedral. Working within the Church of England is a huge joy and both myself and John have found a home within the parishes that we live and minister in.

In my wider role I'm the Deanery Vocations advisor, Wellbeing Advocate for Clergy, and on the team of Chaplain's at the Diocesan House of Retreat. I'm also a tutor on the Course in Christian Studies, if you would like more information about this course please click here and on the leadership team for Cursillo. if you would like to know more about Cursillo please click here.

Hi, my name is Ernie Guest, I was ordained in 2002 in Chelmsford Cathedral and have served in a variety of parishes over the years.

I have a passion for evangelism and seeing people come to faith.

Alongside my parish responsibilities, I have been involved in vocations for over 15 years and work with the diocesan team as the area ordination advisor for Southend Archdeaconry.

I'm also on the leadership team for Chelmsford Cursillo, if you would like more information on Cursillo please click here and a tutor on the Course in Christian Studies, if you would like to learn more about this course please click here

I'm also a member of the  Diocesan Synod.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Reverend Sharon Guest has been appointed as the vicar of St Osyth and Great Bentley and Priest in Charge of Weeley St Andrew w Little Clacton St James.


Sharon has confirmed her last service here with us in the Pearl Cluster will be at the United service on the 29th December at St Nicholas Great Wakering starting at 10.30am followed by a bring and share lunch in the church hall'

Sharons licensing service into the Priory Parishes will take place on the evening of the 21st January 2025 in the church of St Peter and St Paul in St Osyth, starting at 7.30pm, all are very welcome.

Please continue to pray for Sharon, the Pearl Cluster as we prepare to say farewell, and the Priory team as they anticipate Sharons arrival.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Reverend Hayley Hobbs has been appointed as the Vicar of Eye, Newborough and Thorney Parishes in the Diocese of Peterborough.

Hayley will be instituted and Inducted at a date to be agreed in 2025 so those details will follow.

Please pray for Hayley as she prepares to take up her first post, the parishes in the Pearl Cluster as we prepare to say farewell and the parishes of Eye, Newborough and Thorney as they anticipate and prepare for Hayley's arrival

We in the Pearl Cluster of Churches are committed to ensuring that all the Parish Churches are a safe place for all. 

All PCC's have adopted the Church of England's policy on a Safer Church for Children and vulnerable adults.

Please visit our Safeguarding page by clicking here or using the tab above for further information and links to documents, helpful agencies and telephone numbers.