Our Staff

Who's Who?

Minister: Jeremy Oakley

Jeremy Oakley has served as Vicar of Penn Fields since May 2002.

He has always lived and worked in the Midlands, and following a career in business he began his work in the Church of England in the mid 1990’s, about eleven years after discovering that everyone, including him, is loved by Father God.

Outreach Co-ordinator: Julie Oakley

For many years I have served God wholeheartedly in many capacities.

I enjoy being where the action is, making things happen and having fun!

As Outreach Co-ordinator I love seeing the penny drop when people come to faith and lives being changed as they grow. Trying to get a balance in life is always challenging, but never dull.

Church Warden: David Taylor

I became a Christian about 23 years ago, whilst commuting with a Christian neighbour and friend when working in London. As my philosophy of life has developed I have become more concerned about the social and practical outcome of my faith, although my spiritual life is still important. I love going to church, even as the warden: the opportunity to meet God, friends and strangers is too good to miss.

Pastoral Care Minister: Viv Skidmore

My name is Viv Skidmore and in September I was licensed as a Pastoral Care Minister for St Philip's.
I have been a member of the church for many years, and involved in a number of different areas, most recently I have had a particular calling towards pastoral ministry amongst the families of our church and community.

I also took on the role as church warden earlier this year, with a strong emphasis on”looking out for" the families of our two congregations as well as serving the church and  supporting our vicar and leadership team.

Working with the church carer and toddler group, Busy Bees, I have become increasingly aware that our society places huge pressures on family and individual lives and so we all need support and care at some time or another.

I am married to Mark and we have 3 sons. I also work part time at a local special school, working with amazing children.

Lay Reader with a calling to evangelism: Andrea Beech

Andrea Beech is a married, part-time accountant with a young family, she has  recently been licensed as a Lay Reader and is primarily based at St Philip’s Church. Andrea regularly leads and preaches at Sunday services and is involved in other church activities. Her passion is to help others come to faith.

Lay Reader: Janine Wright

I am a newly-licensed lay reader and particularly enjoy leading services that enable people to have a relevant spiritual encounter with God. I also have a desire to help people (including myself) mature in their faith through a deeper engagement with scripture.

During the week I am a primary school teacher with responsibility for science and enjoy bringing creativity into both school and church life.

The second biggest passion in my life, after God, is shoes!!

Church Administration: Elaine Holt

Elaine Holt, the administrator in the Parish Office, is a good first point of call for anyone booking a wedding or baptism, searching for a relative’s grave at St Philip’s or if you have a general query.  If  Elaine can’t help you, she’ll find someone who can!  Ring her on (01902) 341943

Children’s Pioneer Minister: Post currently vacant

Chair of the Committee: Howard Wright

I am the Chair of the committee and have a keen interest in working with the youth in the church (11-15 year olds) and I help lead Pathfinders.

This is helped (I think!) by the fact that I am a secondary school teacher and enjoy seeing young people achieve their full potential. In my spare time I enjoy looking after, with my wife, our three young children. Life is never dull!!

Children’s Ministry Co-ordinator: Julie Lewis

I am married to Mark and have two daughters and a grandson. I was brought up in a Christian family and have gone to church in Penn Fields since I was a child. I committed my life to Christ in my mid-teens and my faith has continued to grow since then.

Music Group Leader: Kath Kinghorn

Although I’m not from round these parts originally (I’m a real Lancashire Lass!), my family and I have lived in Wolverhampton for some time now.

I first encountered God at a Holiday Bible Club when I was 7 years old, and even at such a young age I knew that God was real and important in all areas of my life. I still believe that today, several years later!  

My husband, David, and sons, Joel and Josh, enjoy music of all kinds. We love sharing our passion for music in Church worship at St. Philip’s.

Pastoral Care Co-ordinator: Alison Taylor

Born in Hastings, educated in Durham, married in High Wycombe, settled in Wombourne (1992), even though the language baffled me!
I taught French and Music, but gave up paid work to be fully available to serve God.

Hobbies include singing, playing the piano, walking in the countryside, and meeting and eating with family and friends.

Youth Worker: Post currently vacant

Assistant Curate: Deb Watkin

I was ordained in September of 2008 as an Ordained Local Minister. I also work full time as a teacher in a local primary school.

I enjoy listening to music, and, in dry weather, walking in the countryside simply absorbing the peace and tranquillity of being with God in the midst of creation; both activities give me chance to unwind from the non-stop activity of an early years classroom.

My passion is sharing God’s love in action with His children from nought to ninety and beyond!

For further information please contact the Penn Fields Parish office:

Tel: 01902-341943

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