Meet the St Matthew's Leadership Team

Revd Richard Young
Vicar

I have been Vicar of St Matthew's since 2007 and love being here.  

At the heart of who we are at St Matthew’s is our mission statement:

•Loving God •  Loving our Community

 This summarises our desires as a church: to worship and serve God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – in all we do, and to make a practical difference for the people of Yiewsley as we reach out with God’s love.

It’s the responsibility of the Church Leadership Team to work out how to make that vision a reality, and my role to lead the team in that process.   That needs lots of prayer, and the gift of discernment that comes from the Holy Spirit.

Secondly, it’s the responsibility of the  Leadership Team to develop and nurture lay ministry and leadership across St Matthew’s.  That's because Christian ministry and leadership is the responsibility of all Christians, not just those of us who sometimes wear our collars the wrong way round!  

And lastly, I see my role as supporting and encouraging the rest of the team listed below, by helping them to grow in confidence in their walk with Christ and as Christian leaders.

 Revd Urmila Kurkalang
 Curate

Urmila was ordained as a Deacon at St Paul's Cathedral on 3rd July 2021 and has now joined St Matthew's as our curate for the next 3 years.

 “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10 If there’s one verse that captures what I have experienced of God’s goodness and grace, and His desire for your life and mine … it’s this.

 From my humble beginnings in my little hometown Pune to the doors in my life that opened or closed according to His Will and thankfully(!) not mine, it is His design that brought me here to the UK in 2004 despite my own misgivings. The love of Jesus and His love for people drew me into the world of Social Work … and after 20 years as a Social Worker, He called me out to this vocation of ordained ministry. I believe it is His special plan that brought Samara, Jonas and me to the warm and life-giving community here at St Matthew’s. As we seek His face and continue this exciting journey of faith, hope and love together;          I know ‘that He who began the good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus,’ according to His Perfect Will.’ Amen.

 Eve Abe, Licensed Lay Minister and  Team Leader responsible for Nurture

Azeb Yirgalem
Team Leader responsible for Pastoral & Social Care and Safeguarding Officer

Laura Simpson
 Youth Work Apprentice

 

Tim Beale, Church Warden

Chritine Olum, Church Warden

Heather Werrell
Team Leader responsible for Children & Young People

Sheila Congram, Team Leader responsible for Facilities

 

Louise Young
Team Leader responsible for Outreach