Meet Our Team

Rachael leads the church in all aspects of community life (prayer, worship, teaching, pastoral care, serving the wider community, vision etc.) and as a priest she also has a particular ministry in the sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism.  Rachael was appointed specifically to start up a new church in Chopwell, and has dreamed of leading an alternative, outdoor church-based around food and children for years.

Mandy is a passionate advocate for the excluded, overlooked, underestimated and undervalued, ensuring that we as a church remain awake and accountable to these issues. She is our link with the Inclusive Church Network, and a font of knowledge on neurodiversity issues. Mandy is involved with a lot of day to day running of MCC, often leading us in worship and prayer, as well as home educating her four children and training in equine therapy.

Simeon brings his passion for the Bible and decades of experiences with Christian communities to Home Group. As a carpenter he also meets many of our practical needs and offers much sage advice in Engine Room. Simeon is one of MCC's original founders.

Tom previously co-led MCC and now has overall oversight as Rachael's supervisor. Tom helps with Youth Group, is a regular on Fridays, Explore and  Feast days. Tom is an accomplished ice skater and pilot (of actual planes) but his greatest passion is the games he brings to youth group.

James was previously the Eco Church champion at another church so felt called to help MCC on our eco journey. James's special interest is food so he is also an enthusiastic part of the food team. When he's not focusing on helping us care for the environment and the food we eat, he is exploring the rich contemplative tradition within Christianity, which he's hoping will develop into some core MCC practices.

Becca leads our children and adults through beautifully told, interactive stories and asks us great questions to help us explore their meaning.

With her science background, Amy is ideally placed to advise MCC about species surveys and other conservation work. She has experience working with children exploring creation care, and will be helping our community progress with our Eco Church awards. Brian was inspired to join the food team when he heard we try to source our vegetarian food ethically and we want to develop links with local food charities and farmers, part of his former job with an A Rocha community in Canada! Brian is passionate about helping with our Pilgrimage ministry and as a former graphic designer is contributing to the work of our Communications Team.

Catie is a deeply committed eco warrior, passionate about ethical living. She helps encourage and educate us as a church to live out this important value. Catie also serves on Engine Room and when not at church, she works for a charity.

Former British Army officer Dickie ensures our community is the very safest place it can be, enabling our most vulnerable people to flourish. Dickie also serves on Engine Room and is our point of contact with Forestry England (in whose woods we meet).

Our Sacristan Sam looks after our chalices, wine, cross and basically everything we need for Holy Communion. 

Rachael helps to maintain the website and newsletter. Outside of church life she works for a women's support service.

Local musician Katherine is helping us find our voice and our musical style as a church. An experienced singing teacher with an interest in a capella, Katherine is leading a community singing group with hopes of helping us write our own songs.

Engine Room, our leadership team, is the powerhouse of the church. It’s what fuels MCC and helps us step out into the unknown to serve God with faith and commitment, on this wild journey of growing a church out of nothing. Positions are vacant - God might be calling you to join in the work!