Team Cove

PARISH OF COVE

Meet the Team

Here are the details for some of our PCC Members, Clergy, Wardens and Ordinands Team.
Gemma Foster

Gemma Foster

Rector

Gemma is married to J and they have 3 young children and a cat. Gemma moved to Farnborough in 2019 and is excited about what God is doing here. Gemma has been in church leadership for 19 years and is passionate about people getting to know God and growing as disciples. She is rarely found without a coffee in her hand and in her down time you will find her trying to do something creative or upcycling in her home or garden.

Phil and Anne Richardson

Phil and Anne Richardson

Associate Rectors

Phil and Anne have been married since 2007 and have a daughter called Ella and 2 cats. They have worked for the Church since before they were married, initially leading International Student work then FORM, a gap-year discipleship course for young adults at St Johns Westwood Church in Coventry. Phil then moved on to lead the lively Church plant “St Andy’s” where he served his curacy, also working with St Andrews, Eastern Green. Anne became the Church Together in Tile Hill Development Officer, helping to start a Job Club and Make Lunch Club and supporting community outreach before serving her curacy at St James Styvechale and St Mary’s Leamington Spa. We are so excited to move to back down south and be part of the amazing things God is doing in Cove. Anne likes baking, reading, art & craft. Phil likes football, running and videogames. We love people and love Jesus!

Gordon Thomas

Gordon Thomas

Clergy

Gordon is married to Marion with two adult children, Matthew (married to Beata) & Kerry, plus two young grandchildren, Oscar and Amelia. They’re his passions!

Well, one or two more: the church in Cove where they moved and have worshipped since 1970. As a retired priest able to minister, he loves meeting new people who are dipping their toes into God’s water, and playing his part in witnessing to the new and full life that Jesus brings. Gordon is involved in leading our mid-week communion services.

He also passionately believes that God loves his world, creation – and people. The call to justice and mercy in all life: racial, social, economic and environmental is fundamental God’s gospel (good news) perfectly seen in Jesus. And he enjoys walking, gardening, books, films and devouring the news – but not computers!

Martin James

Martin James

Clergy

Martin is married to Jean and is a member of clergy within the parish – although retired, he is involved in the ministry of the parish and is involved in leading our mid-week communion services.

Stephen Mourant

Stephen Mourant

Clergy

Stephen is married to Julia, and father of three grown-up daughters –Jo, Chloe and Jess, father-in-law to Jess’ husband Jon and grandpa to two lively grandsons William and Arthur.

He retired from full-time ministry in September 2021 – having served in different places since ordination in 1983, latterly as associate rector of nine country parishes near Basingstoke, where he was lead for marriage preparation and administration, is passionate about explaining the faith to anyone who wants to know more, loves singing, praying and has a large collection of jokes and funny stories…

He was born in Jersey and is proud of his Island heritage, traceable back to at least 1500. He has “Permission to Officiate” in both Guildford and Winchester dioceses, and brings a wealth of experience in many fields of ministry. Julia, his wife, is also ordained and works full time at Sarum College, Salisbury as Programme leader for the Sarum Course in Spiritual Direction and Tutor in Spiritual Formation and Biblical Studies.

Debi Rawlings

Debi Rawlings

Children’s, Schools and Families Worker

Tony Andrews

Tony Andrews

Warden

I am married to Claire and we both attend Christ Church, Cove. We have two daughters Katie and Emily, who are in their 20’s. I work as a Project and Office Manager for record UK and I am based locally in Farnborough.

I became a Christian about 22 years ago and used to worship at Southwood Church until the merger with St. Christopher’s to form Christ Church, a move which I have found to be very positive.

I have recently become one of the Wardens for the Parish and look forward to the exciting times that God has in mind for this Parish in the future.

Andrew Hyde

Andrew Hyde

Warden and Area Lead for Operations

I am Andrew, married to Joanna. We moved to Southwood from London in 1992 and joined Southwood Church when it started up in 1993. I greatly enjoy being involved in music, preaching and service leadership as well as occasional children’s work.

After working for Tetra Pak for 30 years, I retired in January 2020 and have never been busier!

I took on the role of Operations in April and have joined the Finance Team. I have realised, in both roles, just how well God has prepared me for serving the parish and am enjoying this as much as I did my working career, or my cycling, music and DIY.

Penny Pidd

Penny Pidd

Assistant Church Warden

Penny has been worshipping in Cove Parish for 15 years. She has helped run children’s work at St John’s for 10 years. She enjoys singing in the choir whenever she can and loves singing in the musical productions. She has recently taken on the role of Assistant Church Warden and is also serving on the PCC.

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