An introductory letter from Rathmell’s new vicar, Julie Clarkson

Hello

Let me introduce myself. I’m Julie and I’m the (recently licensed) Priest-in-Charge at Settle, Giggleswick, Rathmell with Wigglesworth. Although I will be living in Settle itself, I’m so thrilled to be part of your community and am looking forward to meeting you all. So, let me tell you a little more about myself:

I’m married to Chris and we have two grown-up children, Stacey and Paul. We have also been blessed with five grandchildren, Elizabeth (19), Olivia (13), Noah (10), Joseph (10) and Oscar (9).

Never having attended church as a child, I came to faith as a young mum when I brought my children for baptism. If I’m honest, I didn’t really intend to attend church regularly but God had other ideas. He does that!  I began worshipping regularly at St. David’s in Beeston, Leeds which sadly closed at the end of 2016. It was the lovely, warm, faithful people of St. David’s who showed me what the love of God was really about and it was at St. David’s where I met Jesus for the first time. (Ask me about the cross on my stoles sometime!)

I immersed myself in church life and was licensed as a Reader in 2002. I juggled my ministry with my family, friends and my full-time role as a trainer for a well-known mobile telecommunications company. I even managed to fit in the part-time study necessary to complete a degree in theology. I loved every moment.

So, it came as a bit of a shock to me when I realised that perhaps I was being called to ordained ministry. I had quite a battle with God about it! I began talking to other people about it and it seemed that I was the last to know! So, here I am, having served three years as a curate in Barnoldswick and Bracewell and now licensed to your parish.  

I’m so excited about being part of the great things that God is doing in the churches and the community and it is my prayer that we may grow his kingdom together.

Here’s a photograph of Chris and myself. So, if you spot us, please do stop us to say hello.

With every blessing,

Julie

Julie.clarkson@leeds.anglican.org