A WINCHESTER suburban church has recruited two new members of staff to work with children.

Ellie Payne, 25, joins St Barnabas Church in Weeke as a full-time youth worker.

Recognising that St Barnabas is an outward looking church keen to nurture children and young people, Ellie said: “Having worked across several denominations I have come to appreciate a wide and diverse expression of worship which is apparent at St Barnabas. I feel I will be able to bring new expressions of worship for each child and young person to encounter God in their own way."

Sarah Drakes, 40, joins as a part-time children’s ministry co-ordinator and has moved to Winchester from Chelmsford.

She said: “I have experience of networking, communicating and working with people across the community through my work with churches and in my support work. In both my last church posts, I have visited many community locations including schools and Sure Start centres and have also worked with schools to deliver assemblies and facilitating class church visits. I look forward to being able to do the same at St Barnabas.”

Revd Ed Dines, who became priest-in-charge last July, welcomed both Ellie and Sarah to their new posts this week.

He said: “We are excited by the growth in people coming to church at St Barnabas and feel that these two new positions are vital to support both our existing congregation and people in our wider community.

“Employing youth and children’s workers is a new venture for this church which has a long history of nuture and care for the people of Weeke, Harestock and Teg Down.

"With King' Barton (Barton Farm) also becoming part of our parish in the future, we hope to be able to encourage many more people to join us.”