Meet Richard Haynes

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Here's a quick intro in Richard's own words.....

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I am Birmingham born and have lived for most of my life on the other side of town in the Black Country, although after marrying Ruth in 2011 I moved to Worcester where we have lived since.  I came to faith in my early 20’s after being suddenly compelled to pray, read the Bible and go to Church: a none-too-subtle calling from God from quite out of the blue! I did all three although walking into my parish church of St Hilda’s Warley Woods was the final, and bravest, step.

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Since then, my travels as a disciple have involved becoming a Lay Reader; and then in 2018 quitting in my career in the plant hire industry as a branch manager to take on employment at St Hilda’s as a Lay Pastoral Minister. This role very soon became a ministry much wider than was originally imagined; these last few years have given me a deeper understanding and experience of parish ministry. This coincided with a call to be ordained, so alongside working at St Hilda's I studied part-time at Queens. I was ordained in Birminham Cathedral in June 2023 and started work in Shirley Parish the following Sunday.

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Ruth and I share a passion for sport, cycling and Strictly Come Dancing!  We volunteer together in the community and Ruth also works for the Church as the support officer for the Warley and Edgbaston deanery.  She is great singer – I am not!

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As a person passionate about the role and place of a Parish Church, the opportunity to serve in a large, busy and vibrant Church community and Parish like Shirley is truly exciting. 

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If you want to say hello, do look me up on Facebook (should you use that) and send me a friend’s request.  And most importantly, please do keep us in your prayers.

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Every blessing

Richard and Ruth

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