Lorraine Jones

Up until about 5 years ago, I was a qualified management accountant and have worked for local confectionery companies, among other places. The highlight of my accounting career was seeing Creme Eggs being made!

Then God had other ideas and I became the Family Ministry Worker at Haxby and Wigginton Methodist, my local Church. I am involved in many forms of ministry there; Young Church, children's self-esteem courses, Open the Book in schools, all age worship, setting up a school uniform bank, to name but a few. I also have close links to the Forest of Galtres Anglican and Methodist Primary School in Shipton by Beningborough.

The role has recently been broadened to encompass the role of local pastor. I am looking forward enormously to seeing what God has planned for the local Church and Community, particularly in light of the incredibly difficult year we have all faced. Having been through what has been an exhausting year of constant change, we will all have to navigate together yet more change, within the Church, our communities and society, for all sorts of different reasons. Working out what this means for the Church is something we'll discover together. Just one example of these changes will be about our response to the climate crisis; it something God has definitely put on my heart and I look forward to working with many people in exploring how we can be 'Eco Churches'.

I love working with the Circuit Children, Youth and Families Team. Like me, the whole team is committed to seeing young people grow in self-esteem and faith and making sure their voice is heard. We all have different passions and skills which works so well when planning our ministry together. I feel blessed and privileged to work alongside a passionate and dedicated team of children and youth workers, volunteers and amazing young people too.

When I'm not working, I enjoy meeting with friends and spending time with my husband, Mark, and my children. Lockdown unleashed a newfound love of gardening, which is so good for my mental health. I also love Zumba and all things Strictly Come Dancing!

I am also still quite partial to a Creme Egg...

Lorraine Jones works as Circuit Children and Families Worker, Families and is a Local Pastor at Haxby.