Who is who at Overend?

Rev David Alford - our church minister
David has pastoral responsibility for Overend Methodist Mission. He is in his first ministry having just left Theology College and is very enthusiastic about doing God's work in this place.

David has lived on the Walsall/West Bromwich border, Dudley and Wednesbury so he is no stranger to the Black Country being Black Country born and bred. David is married to Diane and they have a daughter, Elizabeth. Hobbies include music, reading and watching sport. As for the vision of church, David believes in a church where all are welcome and enjoy its life.

Church Stewards
The Stewards meet together regularly to discuss with the Minister the organization of the Church. The Stewards help the minister run the church.  They will pray with the Preacher before the service.  They may advise the congregation of any changes in the notices, they help to serve Holy Communion, welcome people into the church and count the collection .  

There are, of course, other people beside the Steward that look after the administration, finance and upkeep of the church building. In addition there are Circuit Stewards appointed from each Church so that problems which concern the whole area can be discussed.  The appointment of a new Minister is discussed at the Circuit Meeting before he or she is invited.

Our Stewards are:

Betty Corey	Pat Withers
Angus Alston	Phil Hofstander
Stella Smith

Local Preachers Local Preachers come from all walks of life.  Their role is crucial to Methodism.  When John Wesley began to preach around the country,  he encouraged the local people to become Disciples for Jesus in their own communities by organizing services and preaching.  Local preachers continue this tradition.   When a member feels that he or she could serve in this way, he or she undergoes several years, in their spare time, studying the Bible, following a course and then taking part in services.  Before they become accredited preachers they have exams to take and have to Preach before the Superintendent of the Circuit as well as Circuit Stewards.   Local preachers give of they time voluntarily, each week preaching in a different Church in the Circuit.  It means that Methodist Congregations are likely to hear each week a completely different style of preaching and personal views. Our local Preachers are: -
Margaret Bradley	Jill Martin
Pat Withers	Shirley Hollingsworth
church office holders:
Keith Bradley Team Member	John Woodhouse Property Secretary
Deborah Westwood Sunday School Secretary	Janet Jones World Church Secretary
Jan Brennan 'Safeguarding' coordinator NB: see our Safeguarding policy here	Nicki Bainbridge Hymnal Coordinator
Margaret Bradley Social Responsibility	Christine Homer NCH Secretary
Sarah Bennett Guides Leader	Mrs A Bache Brownies Leader
Sandra Callard Rainbows Leader	Frank Chater Connexional Link Officer