Welcome Mark and Carolyn

September sees the beginning of the Methodist year, and what a marvellous first Sunday it was too! Ashley and Market Drayton Methodist Churches joined together at Market Drayton for the Welcome Service of our new Superintendent Minister, Rev. Mark Lawrence, and his wife Carolyn. The service was led by Rev. Helen Kirk, Chair of the Chester & Stoke District, and we were also joined by both Ecumenical and Civic representatives from the local community. During the service Mark and Carolyn were welcomed officially by Rev. Helen Kirk, Margaret Maxwell (Circuit Steward), Cllr Roy Aldcroft (Mayor) and Rev. Catherine McBride (St. Mary’s), and by the congregation over coffee after the service. It was so beautiful to see the Church full, and so beautiful to see people singing praises to God together which for some was the first time in such a long time, as it is only recently that we have been able to begin singing together again. To Mark and Carolyn – on Sunday, we declared that we are ready for this, whatever God has in store for us, and we are excited to get to know you both and move forwards as a church and a circuit with you.

Message from Mark:

“Greetings! My name is Mark Lawrence and I am the minister here at Ashley Methodist Church as well as at Market Drayton. I am married to Carolyn and we are very much a team, working in leadership together. We have two married daughters, three gorgeous grandchildren and two cats! We both have a passion for the great commission of Jesus in Matthew 28:20, and seek to share the love of Jesus as well as to help people to grow in their faith wherever they are on their Christian journey. In my spare time I enjoy running, cycling and am a transport enthusiast especially railways and aviation. I also have a bus drivers’ licence. Together with Carolyn, we enjoy taking time out walking and relaxing with family and friends over a good meal! If you have any questions or want to know more about the Jesus and the amazing church here, do get in touch.”