Set for a new ministry (From Worcester News)

Set for a new ministry

6:20pm Saturday 6th October 2012 in News

WORSHIPPERS at St Wulstan’s Church, Warndon, Worcester, are gearing up to welcome a new vicar.

The Reverend Christine Turpin will take over at the city church on November 26 after serving in churches across the Bredon Hill area for the past three years. The 48 year old, who hails from the Black Country, worked as a hospital pharmacist for more than 20 years before responding to a calling into the Christian ministry.

She studied at theological college in Cambridge for two years before taking up her post as assistant curate to the Bredon Hill Group of Parishes.

Reflecting on her time working around the villages, Rev Turpin said: “There are four parishes around the hill and I’ve been working in all 14 churches. It’s made me quite adaptable so that’s been good, but the down side is that you are spread a bit thinly.

“It’s been a joy. It’s just a wonderful area. It’s very beautiful. Every time I travel round the hill it’s different.”

Rev Turpin, who is single, is already looking forward to beginning her ministry in Warndon.

St Wulstan’s has been without a vicar for more than a year after Rev Dominic Melville moved on last year.

With between 50 to 60 people in an average Sunday congregation, Rev Turpin said it would be a bigger church than she was used to, but it would hopefully allow her be more focussed.

“It’s exciting, but it will be a challenge as there’s more responsibility as a vicar.

“There will be fewer congregations to look after, but hopefully that will allow me to get to know a smaller group of people better. The church in Warndon has a positive feel and it feels like a cared-for community.”

Rev Turpin’s final service will be a service of evensong at St Giles’ Church, Bredon, on Sunday, October 21, at 6pm.