New Vicar for North Tawton Benefice

New Vicar for North Tawton, Bondleigh, Sampford Courtenay and Honeychurch

My name is Revd Nick Weldon and we shall be moving into the Rectory in North Tawton on 20th July and are really looking forward to meeting you soon. I will be licensed as Priest in Charge (Team Vicar Designate) of the North Tawton Benefice on Monday 25th July at St Peter’s Church, at 7.30pm.

A bit about me

Nick (34)…born into a Christian family, son of a Naval Chaplain, lived in Devon more than anywhere else. I was at school in Bath and then read Geography at Bristol. My Christian faith really grew whilst I was a student, and after graduating, I went to work as a Ministry Assistant at Christ Church Clifton. It was there I met Jane. I then became a church youth worker at St James’ Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire during which time we were married (in November 2003) and I was selected for ordination. We then had three years in North London whilst I was training for ministry at Oak Hill Theological College, and we have spent the last fours years in Gloucestershire where I have served as Curate in Moreton-in-Marsh and the surrounding villages – a rural benefice much like North Tawton. Things I like to do; spending time with family, skiing, hill-walking, watching England play rugby and most other sports, going to rock concerts.

I’ll let the others say something now

Jane (32)…born into a Christian family, lived in various places during my childhood including Gabon (West Africa), Solihull and Cape Town before settling in Guildford. I completed my schooling in Guildford and then read medicine at Bristol University. I went to the same church as Nick in Bristol, and once we were married, I competed my training in hospitals in Buckinghamshire and in North London. I qualified as a GP in 2008 and have enjoyed working part-time since having children. Almost all of my time now is taken up looking after our two gorgeous children and joining Nick in gospel ministry as much as I can. Things I like to do; spending time with my children especially when my husband is around(!), enjoying nice food and wine, and hot sunny beaches.

Samuel (2)…I am a lively chatterbox and wake early! I love all forms of farm machinery but my favourite are blue tractors.

I also love going to church and singing songs like “Our God is a great big God” and we always talk to Jesus before I go to bed. I have already seen my new house and my bedroom.

The garden is really big and I’m looking forward to inviting my new friends to come and play in it. I am going to miss my friends here, but I can’t wait to make new ones in Devon. Mummy tells me that I will be going to the Preschool in North Tawton, something called Little Fishes, which sounds fun, and I really liked the sound of the soft play day at the Baby and Toddler Group.

Emily (5 months)…I have just learnt to laugh and can nearly roll over. My Mummy likes to dress me in pink and I like looking pretty and cute and smiling lots. I am looking forward to moving to Devon because when I get there I am going to be allowed to eat solid food! I would like to join Little Fishes and the Baby and Toddler Group and make some new little friends. I hope I meet some nice people who might be able to look after me in the evening sometimes so that Mummy and Daddy can do things about Jesus. Sometimes when people look after me here they don’t go out to do things about Jesus. They go out to have their tea instead.

Revd Nick Weldon and Dr Jane Weldon GP

I hope you now have a bit more of an idea who we are. We are really looking forward to moving soon, getting our home organised over the summer, having some holiday and starting in earnest towards the end of August. In the meantime, if you are passing please do drop into the Rectory – we would love to meet you.

I will leave the last word to our Saviour whom we love and whom we come to the Benefice to serve and to proclaim. Jesus said, “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15) We come to Devon convinced that Jesus and his message are true and good news in a world that need it and needs him, even if many don’t realise it. We are passionate to share that good news with as many people as we can whether you go to church regularly or not. So whether it is regular services, Bible study groups, children’s work, Christian basics courses, pastoral visiting, baptisms, weddings, funerals, or just bumping into you around the place, we come eager to serve you with the gospel of Christ.

Revd Nick Weldon

Team Vicar North Tawton Benefice

Contact Revd Nick Weldon

The Licensing Service is to take place on Monday 25th July 2011 at St Peter’s Church, North Tawton, commencing at 7.30pm. The Revd Nick Weldon will be licensed as Priest in Charge and Team Vicar designate of North Tawton, Bondleigh, Sampford Courtenay and Honeychurch. The Rt Revd Michael Langrish, Bishop of Exeter, will officiate. Afterwards, there will be a reception for Revd Nick Weldon and his family at North Tawton Town Hall. All are warmly invited to attend the service and reception.

Roundabout magazine July 2011