Judith Stoddart

Hi, my name is Judith and I am currently serving in the York Circuit as a City Centre Deacon. A Deacon is a Methodist Minister like a Presbyter, but our ordination promises focus on witness and service. A Presbyter is ordained into a ministry of word and sacrament. Deacons are also members of a Religious Order. (See

I was born in Neston, Cheshire but grew up in the North East of England where my mum and sisters still live. I have three children; Henry, Isabel and Christopher. We also have two Golden Retrievers, Moses and Aslan who are a big part of our family too.

As a child I worshipped at an Anglican church with my parents until my teenage years when I drifted away. I came to faith in my mid twenties which is when I returned to church. My late husband worshipped at a Methodist church, so I went along with him one Sunday and immediately felt at home.

I worked in the insurance industry for twenty years before sensing God was calling me to something else. This was initially as a youth and family worker in a Methodist church, followed by a surprising, compelling call into Diaconal Ministry.

My passion is walking alongside people, particularly those on the margins of society and I feel privileged and blessed to be ministering in the York Circuit.

Judith is based in the city centre and works with:
Central Methodist Church
Southlands Methodist Church