Rural priest takes over new role in Southwell area

A rural clergywoman has taken on a new co-ordination role for the Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham as the new Area Dean of Southwell.

The Revd Susan Spencer, Priest-in-Charge of Rolleston with Fiskerton, Morton and Upton is taking over the role of Area Dean from the Revd Mark Tanner, which she will manage alongside her parish responsibilities.

She said: “I'm looking forward to working with the clergy and lay people of the deanery as we discern where God is calling us to focus our energies at this time. I'm particularly interested in how the church cares for the older people in its communities as well as others who may be feeling isolated or alone, and I hope that we may share examples of best practice as we support one another in God's continuing ministry.”

After taking a Diploma course in Secretarial and Business Studies, Sue initially became a medical secretary and later worked for 14 years for the Sports Council (East Midland Region) in West Bridgford.  She was ordained in  1990, after studying on the East Midlands Ministry Training Course

(EMMTEC). She served as a deacon in Cotgrave Parish before being priested in 1994 and becoming a curate. She moved to her current post in Rolleston in 1998.

Sue is a member of Diocesan Synod and was involved in setting up the Bishop's Certificate Course, which has now evolved to become the Diocesan Certificate – for lay people working and ministering in the church and local community. She is also now a tutor on the Diocesan Certificate Course. She was appointed as the Assistant Warden of Readers for the diocese in 1998.

Sue is married to Joe and her hobbies include dog walking, boating, embroidery and music.

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