Self-supporting ministers

Self-Supporting Ministers (SSMs) in the diocese are assisted in their ministry by a team of clergy officers, one for each archdeaconry. SSM clergy officers are individuals who understand and support SSM ministry, meet regularly together with a member of the bishop’s staff to discuss matters of common concern and interest and link with the national Church on wider issues.

Getting support

The SSM Officers also provide the following support:

  • Advice for SSM ministers and curates in each episcopal area concerning SSM ministry;
  • Advice for incumbents and SSM ministers on the preparation of Ministry Agreements beyond curacy;
  • Opportunities for meeting together;
  • Occasional events for training and support.

SSM Officers
 

Buckingham
The Revd Margot Suter

Margot liaises, supports and encourages the ministry of SSMs representing their views and needs to senior staff. Her role includes liaising with other Area officers and promoting the availability of pastoral care of SSMs and encouraging SSM vocation. Margot is an Associate Priest at St Mary and All Saints Church, Beaconsfield.

Email

07779 803 519

Berkshire
The Revd Janice MacDonaldSelf-supporting ministry officer Berkshire

Janice provides a link with diocesan and national SSM networks for SSMs in the local parishes Whilst the role is advisory in both directions, supporting SSMs is a key factor. Janice currently serves part-time in the North Newbury Benefice with a particular focus on St Mary’s, Speen; in her spare time she can be found at her son’s cricket club drinking tea and cheering them on.

Email

01635 901370

Dorchester
The Revd Marian NeedhamSelf-supporting ministry officer Dorchester

Marian liaises with SSMs and with senior Diocesan staff and providing information, encouragement and support to both SSM and House for Duty clergy in Dorchester Archdeaconry. Marian was ordained in Chester Diocese serving there as an SSM before moving to an HfD post in Oxford Diocese.  Now retired, she is part of the clergy team in the parish of Kidlington and Hampton Poyle, and enjoys keeping up her musical interests singing in a London choir.

Email

07714 661 102

Oxford
The Revd Mike RaynerSelf-supporting ministry officer Oxford

Mike runs running regular learning events, supporting SSMs (plus SSMs in training including curates), represents the views and needs of SSMs to senior staff, and works alongside the diocese’s vocations team to inform and encourage potential SSMs. In the rest of his life Mike is an Associate Minister at St Matthew’s Church in Oxford and a Professor of Population Health at the University of Oxford working on issues related to the healthiness and sustainability of foods, diets and food systems.

Email

01865 289 244

Diocesan Adviser
The Revd Gill Lovell

Email

07391 416089

Bishop's Staff member for SSM Ministry
The Revd Canon Chris Bull

Associate Archdeacon - Buckinghamshire

07481 343 440

 

More information about SSM ministry nationally can be found at the National Network of SSM Officers and Advisers

Page last updated: Tuesday 25th July 2023 3:35 PM
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