I’ve been exploring the edges of church for many years, including through my work with the Arkbus before joining Flourish and with the Methodist Church in Bath. I enjoy noticing sparks of God’s action in different places and finding creative ways to join in. I also love supporting and nurturing people across the Circuit who are exploring their own edges, helping them discover how God might be drawing them to their next step.

My role is to share news and stories from across the Circuit through our Mailchimp newsletter, Facebook page, website, booklets, and other channels — helping us all stay connected with one another and with the wider world.

I’m passionate about building clear and creative communication that celebrates the life and mission of our churches. If you have news, events, or updates to share, please get in touch — I’d love to hear from you!

Outside of work, I enjoy spending days out with my family, reading, and solving jigsaw puzzles.

My role covers payroll, assessments, expenses, invoices, manse costs, connexional funds and a whole lot more. I’ve been administering the finances for the Circuit since it first began in 2008 so if you have a query, I can probably help you. When I’m not at work I am with my partner and 2 young children, usually getting covered in mud on an adventure of some kind.

My job is challenging and varied, it includes a variety of one off pieces of work that call on my knowledge and skills to help churches and projects. 

In my ministry, I am committed to supporting our congregations, nurturing discipleship, and helping our churches grow as communities of welcome, worship, and service. I feel privileged to walk alongside people in their faith journeys and to serve the wider community through pastoral care, worship, and collaborative ministry.

I am passionate about building up the circuit and its churches by deepening faith in Jesus, strengthening what is small, and encouraging life-giving connections. In my leisure time, I enjoy reading, writing, meeting people, politics, and travelling.

Also, Pioneer encourager in the Circuit- enabling traditional churches to identify new opportunities both in and around their contexts and to understand how both traditional and pioneering can flourish. I am part of the Flourish Framework which governs and supports all the pioneers in the Circuit.

I love walking, swimming, reading and Strictly! I am passionate for all to know they are welcome and loved by God whose arms are open wide! I long for all to know they are made in God’s image- how amazing is that! I love preaching, sharing, teaching, pioneering, leading, coming alongside and working alongside others. My key areas for reading and the areas of theology I am most interested in are: evangelism, discipleship, pioneering, heritage and also the theology of death, which we perhaps don’t talk about enough.

My involvement with the life of the Methodist Church began when I joined The Boys’ Brigade aged 9 and has continued since then with increasing involvement, leading to me moving to the area in 2019 to begin ordained ministry.

My real passion in ministry is connecting the church with the local community which has led me to ministry both within the Methodist Church and the British Army.

I really believe that the church should be a welcoming and inclusive place where all feel welcome and are able to share in the grace of God which is given to the world through Jesus.

A place where through our words and actions, in the breaking of bread and the sharing of God’s word, people can come to know more about the God who loves us and wants us to love them.

The Revd. Leigh A Maydew CF.

I’m often involved in leading all-age worship and helping with mission initiatives.

I’m a musician by background, and I spent 10 years in Cambodia working in overseas mission, teaching music and engaging in other community projects.

I also have responsibility for property throughout the District, and am encouraged by the wide diversity of churches I meet.

I serve 3 very different churches in 4 locations in the north-west of Bristol. Horfield is a large and busy church which inclusively welcomes all members of the local community. Bishopston is a small, but faithful congregation further along Gloucester Road. Shirehampton actively supports a community hub where many local people come to seek help and advice. St Peter’s at Pilning is a Methodist and Anglican Ecumenical Church and has an associated primary school.

Outside of ministry, I am interested in family history, Nordic walking and growing bonsai trees.

For me, every individual is important – faith is all about relationships.
I came to ordination after working in health care, social housing, and teaching, discovering that God can use every experience in new ways. I’d describe myself as enthusiastic, independent, and a good listener.
A verse that inspires me is Isaiah 43:1-2: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” It reminds me that God is with us through life’s challenges.
I’d like the wider community see our churches as places of welcome and hospitality, as well as for spirituality and faith.
For fun, I’m currently sewing a patchwork quilt inspired by different brick patterns — it gives me time to think and reflect!

My ordained ministry brought me back to Bristol for a second time to serve as a presbyter (minister), where my initial appointment covered a a group of churches in the N & NW of the city and across the border in South Gloucestershire. I am now privileged to have oversight of two inner city churches: Parkway in the multicultural area of St Werburghs, and Victoria Methodist ‘Vic’ in Clifton. I’m inspired by the variety of my current responsibilities, which open up opportunities to share the message of God’s love for all, whatever our background or circumstances, and to put it into practice.

Alongside the tasks of ministry, I enjoy running around the streets and open spaces of Bristol, try to escape for the occasional offshore sailing trip and I love walking in the countryside and mountains.

My work focuses on supporting people’s well-being, personal growth, and spiritual development through the Flourish resources and the activities.

I am passionate about helping individuals recognise their strengths, explore their gifts, and find supportive spaces where they can thrive. Through Flourish, I help develop tools, events, and reflective practices that encourage people to grow in confidence and faith.