Revd Helen Rengert – Vicar
Hi, I am Helen, your Vicar. I enjoy being with and for people. I will walk alongside you and pray for you. I will lead as God encourages me to, with fun, creativity and enthusiasm. I am a new monastic companion of the Northumbria Community and am trained in Capacitar empowerment practices for well-being.
During my sabbatical in March 2024, while walking along the beach near Amble, I had a conversation with God — actually, more of a plea. “I want — no, I need” (we had a short debate about this!) “to live by the sea.” It was a cry for the wild ocean, wide sands and wonder-filled skies. It was a heart-and-soul recognition of where I feel most alive in nature: by the sea.
On reflection, I realised that all my sabbatical places had been near or by the sea. I explored Celtic and indigenous theology, the significance of waterways and waterholes symbolised in ancient designs, and the importance of storytelling around a fire. The seascapes spoke to me: large, eternal and spacious. Horizons that invite us to dream of what lies beyond — out there, mysterious and unknown.
And now, over a year later, here I am, beginning the adventure of parish life by the sea — with lots of beach, plenty of visitors, and a place where people live and make their home. God heard, and God is faithful and good.
So I will be with you, for you and alongside you as we open ourselves to God and open ourselves to all. You may sometimes find me in the sea, on the sea or simply walking along the beach!
Blessed beyond words, I hope to be a true blessing here with you. It is going to be fun, adventurous and sacramental.
Anyone for breakfast on the beach?
Revd Penny Brinkley
Penny is the Assistant Priest in the Parish and serves as Chaplain to the Royal British Legion in Felixstowe. She is also the Diocesan Chaplain to the Deaf Community and is a fluent user of sign language.
Alongside her parish ministry, Penny serves as a Spiritual Director to St Edmund’s and Ipswich Cursillo, accompanying and supporting others as they explore and deepen their faith and spiritual lives.
Revd Catherine Bond
Catherine is a PTO in the Parish and is actively involved in the Growing Deeper programme. She leads a Bible study group and retreat days, as well as occasionally preaching and presiding at church services.
Together with Jane, Catherine has established Lark Rise Retreats under the auspices of the Parish, organising retreat days throughout the year. She is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where people can step aside from the busyness of everyday life, find rest and encounter God.
Catherine has completed the Ignatian Exercises in Daily Life and is a trained Ignatian spiritual director, accompanying several people on their spiritual journeys. She also has a deep appreciation for Celtic spirituality and is a member of the Community of Aidan and Hilda.
Revd Jane Pearse
Jane was ordained in 2009 and has recently been given permission to serve once again, this time in the Parish of Felixstowe. She is passionate about helping people deepen their relationship with God and explore and develop their spirituality through home groups, retreats and pilgrimages.
A trained spiritual director, Jane has a particular appreciation for Celtic Christian spirituality and is a trustee of the Othona Community. Under the auspices of the Parish of Felixstowe, she has worked with Catherine and Penny to establish Lark Rise Retreats, offering retreat days and opportunities for local people to pause, reflect and deepen their spiritual journey.
Revd Philip Young
Revd Philip Young is an Anglican priest who leads Messy Church at St John’s, helping people of all ages explore faith in creative, welcoming and accessible ways.
Alongside his ministry, Philip is a freelance writer and editor, with a passion for words, stories and the ways in which they can help us connect more deeply with ourselves, one another and God.
His approach to faith and life might perhaps best be summed up in the words: “Hello you, this is love speaking.”
Charlotte Meara – Parish Administrator
Charlotte is the Parish Administrator and is here to help with all things administration across the parish.
She is a mum to three daughters, and together they enjoy being part of Messy Church. Charlotte very much enjoys her role within the parish and feels privileged to be part of the church community. Through her work and involvement in parish life, she continues to grow deeper in her Christian faith journey.
Liss Coates – Community Engagement Officer
Liss is a dedicated and much-loved member of our church community, whose passion is helping people feel welcomed, supported and connected.
As Pitstop Coordinator, Parish Pantry Coordinator and St John’s Community Engagement Officer, Liss wears many hats — and somehow always manages to find time for one more! She is at the heart of so many of our community projects, bringing energy, compassion and plenty of enthusiasm to everything she does.
Whether she’s coordinating Pitstop, helping to provide support through the Parish Pantry, connecting with local people and organisations, or simply making sure someone feels welcome, Liss has a real gift for bringing people together.
She is passionate about making our churches places where everyone feels they belong, and she is always looking for new ways to support and strengthen our local community.
A true jack of all trades (and definitely far more than a master of none!), Liss is one of those people who quietly gets things done — with a huge heart, a lot of dedication and usually a good laugh along the way.
We’re incredibly grateful for all that Liss does for our churches and our wider community