About Us
The Revd Jonathan Kester, Priest-in-Charge
Fr Jonathan Kester was licensed as Priest in Charge of Emmanuel by the Bishop of Edmonton on 10 October 2008. Having been raised in Sussex, he read theology at Exeter University, before becoming a pastoral assistant and youth worker at the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban. This was followed by training and formation for ordination at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield, being ordained in St Alban’s Abbey in 1993 to serve as curate of St Mary’s, Cheshunt. In 1996 he moved to the Diocese of London to be Chaplain to the Bishop of Edmonton, also serving as Media Adviser and Press Officer for the Edmonton Episcopal Area and as honorary Curate of St Mary Magdalene’s, Munster Square.
In 2000 he moved to the Diocese of Chelmsford to serve as Vicar of St Mary’s, Ilford, a diverse and multi-cultural parish in the London Borough of Redbridge. Having spent eight and a half years as Vicar of St Mary’s, Fr Jonathan was appointed Priest in Charge of Emmanuel and began his ministry here on 10 October 2008.
Fr Jonathan has had a life-long interest in music of all kinds and is particularly interested in how music and liturgy connect us with the inclusive love and generous heart of God. He is interested in Christian education and for many years has enjoyed a ministry with a close connection with schools. He is looking forward to the close relationship which exists with our church school and to working to develop even closer links between church and school. He believes in a "ministry of hospitality", with parish and community social events, and has stressed the importance of visiting within the parish.
In his spare time he enjoys theatre and cinema, music of all kinds and travel and is also undertaking the London Diocesan Course in Spiritual Direction
Emma Smith, Ordinand & Reader
Emma was licensed as Reader to the parish on 23 September 2006. As a Reader, she is able to preach, to be involved in teaching and preparation for baptism and confirmation, and to conduct funerals.
Emma has also been accepted for training for the ordained ministry, and is currently studying three days a week on the Mixed Mode course at Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire, for an MA in Ministry.
“Readers are called to serve the Church of God and to work with its members in building up the Body of Christ. They are to preach the word of God and to teach the Christian faith in the places to which they are licensed, and assist the priest under whom they serve in leading the worship of the people… It is their general duty to do such pastoral work as is entrusted to them.”
are Lydia Parker and Jeremy Smith. They are responsible for the maintenance of the Church's buildings as well as their pastoral role to the congregation and to the Parish Priest. Both are members of the PCC.
is Jude Chin, also a member of the PCC. He is responsible for setting up and controlling the church's finances, providing budgets and explaining the financial situation to the PCC and congregation. He explains about giving and deals with gift aid, covenants and any other financial matters. Diana Maltzer assists him as Bookkeeper helped by Mary Shepherd.
to the PCC is William Davis. He is responsible for the administration of the PCC, making sure that notices of meetings are given out in time, agendas are made available and displayed so that members of the congregation can advise the PCC of their views and for adequate minutes of the meetings themselves. William is, also, Head Server (see below).
are Matthew Shirley and William Davis (see above). Please contact them if you would like to become a server and join the rota of servers. They will explain what you need to know and arrange training and for you to be licensed by the Bishop. Servers assist the parish priest during the services.
Mark Denza, Organist
Mark is organist and director of music at two Hampstead churches: Emmanuel, West End Green, and St. Mary’s, Holly Place, where his arrangements have become part of the musical fabric. His work as an organ accompanist has encompassed a prodigious assortment of instruments throughout London: he has given solo and duet recitals, and played in orchestral works such as the Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony.
Director of Music is Alyson Denza She is Cantor for Emmanuel and always keen to recruit new singers.
Alyson is, also, the Parish Magazine Editor. Contact her with any articles or items for inclusion in the newsletter. Email is preferred.
» Click here for further information on Music at Emmanuel
Website Designer/Editor and Photographer
s Sukey Parnell. Sukey is, also, a member of the PCC, the choir and representative to the Deanery Synod (see below).
The Sunday School Co-ordinators
are Nishi Shirley and Carrie Reiners. Contact them if you wish to know more about the Sunday School which is open to children of school-going age. Carrie is, also, the Electoral Roll Officer (see below).
The Children's Advocate is Carole Amobi. Contact her on any matter relating to children.
Parents and Toddlers Group Co-Cordinator i
s Anne Clarke. Anne is, also, one of the governors of Emmanuel School. For more information please email her or look on the noticeboard at the church.
is Carrie Reiners, contact her to join the Church's Electoral Roll. All baptised regular worshippers over 16 who are members of the Church of England or a church in communion with it may join. You can then vote at and attend the annual APCM and be considered for the PCC.
»Click here to see further information.
Representatives to the Deanery Synod
are Richard Stamp, Sukey Parnell (see above) and William Davis (see above).
John Ward is an ex-officio member of the PCC since his recent election to the House of Laity of the General Synod of the Church of the
England.
Members of the Parochial Church Council:
The vicar, the churchwardens, the Deanery Synod representatives, and the following elected members: Alyson Denza, Jude Chin, Anne Clarke, William Davis, Sukey Parnell, Nishi Shirley, Carrie Reiners, Susan Redward, Diana Malzer, Casey Hammett and Richard Stamp.
