As of 1st September Heather Simmons is our minister at the Fishermen’s Chapel. Heather writes:
Hello! I am the new minister for The Fishermen’s Chapel. For those who have been journeying with me, you will know that I had my Welcome Service at my other church, Highlands Methodist. It was absolutely fabulous – we filled the church with people from the Methodist circuit, district, our choirs, and family and friends; it was truly joyous. A huge thank you to you all who prepared for the service and attended.
For those who don’t know me ~ I have a beautiful 17 year old daughter Georgia Baker who has just started 6th form and I am married to Dave Cooke who is a professional musician. We live in Southend city centre with my sister’s family and our rescue dog Bessie, who is the head of the household.
I have been a professional jazz singer and double bass player for 30 years, and I will continue to do that part-time as well as my ministry. In my role in the Methodist Church I will have pastoral responsibility for 2 churches, and I will begin developing the role of Chaplain to musicians in this area.
My passions are spending time with family and friends, live music/theatre/comedy/arts, cinema and walking in nature. I love good food and I am a vegetarian.
My personal faith is deeply rooted in the doctrine of Methodism which speaks out for: social justice, that all are welcome, the importance of music, a non-hierarchical structure and so much more. I am excited about being able to conduct same-sex marriages and hope that everyone will feel a warm and inclusive welcome in our churches. I am keen to involve myself and our church communities in working together with other denominations and inter-faith groups.
I also love to laugh, particularly at myself!
I look forward to serving my church family and the Leigh community. Get in touch and let me know what we can do to be the church that you need in 2023.
God bless you all,
Rev Hev x
Reverend Heather Simmons
Probationer Presbyter
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It was wonderful to have so many people at the official welcome service for Heather on Monday (4 September) at Highlands Methodist Church, where we were joined by the District Chair, Rev Dr David Chapman. There are some photos below – sorry about the poor image quality.
Good morning! I am very excited to be starting at The Fishermen’s Chapel as the new minister. Before, I say anything else though – a HUGE thank you to our most amazing minister Rev’d Pete Moorhouse who has been a truly fabulous minister. Pete is not leaving us completely as he is Superintendent, but is handing on to me to serve you lovely people. Pete will now be looking after other churches and of course the whole circuit, so we will continue to see him, thankfully. So I begin by inviting you to join me on Sunday morning at 9.30am for our Holy Communion service – all welcome
