Our Team.

The Bible describes church as like a human body, with many different parts working together to make the whole body flourish and grow. We all have a ‘ministry’ and a part to play - with our many different gifts and personalities!

As part of this church-wide team, we have a team of leaders who serve us through being entrusted with pastoral oversight of the church. They’re here to help!

robin ham vicar priest st pauls grace church barrow in furness sq

Rev Robin Ham

Lead Minister

I arrived in Barrow ten years ago and helped plant Grace Church Barrow in 2017. After the two churches merged, I was appointed to lead St Paul’s in 2020. I’m married to Zoe and our children love being part of the community at St Paul’s. I love opening the Bible with people and helping people see the difference a relationship with Jesus makes. In my spare time, I help coach my son’s football team and dream about sleep.

Elaine Bates cannon vicar priest st pauls grace church barrow in furness

Canon Elaine Bates

Associate Minister

I first came to St Paul’s over 30 years ago! I’m married to Martin and we now have three grandchildren. As well as being based at St Paul’s, I am involved in helping train church leaders across Cumbria. I love how St Paul’s is a place where people get to know God and others better - and where we help each other discover, develop and use our God-given gifts.

sarah richardson curate vicar priest st pauls grace church barrow in furness sq

Rev Sarah Richardson

Associate Minister/Pioneer Minister for Newbarns

I’m originally from near Ormskirk, in Lancashire. I first came to Barrow and St Paul’s on a year-long placement at the hospital here as part of my doctor training, and ultimately I decided to stay! I work as a local GP in Furness three days a week, but was ordained as a minister in 2021 and now serve with a special remit as we work towards planting a new church community in the Newbarns area of Barrow. There are many parallels between the two roles in terms of caring for and nurturing people, but I love seeing God’s Spirit work in people’s lives as they discover God’s love for us in Jesus Christ!

Mike Derry st pauls grace church barrow in furness sq

Mike Derry

Church Warden

I retired and moved, in June 2021, from Hawkshead Hill, where my wife Patsy and I ran a B&B, to live in Leece. A priority for us was to find a church to attend in, or around, Barrow. Whilst looking for a pharmacy on Google Maps I stumbled across a link to a church plant in Roose, which in turn, led me to the St Paul’s website. We decided to go to 10.00 am Sunday service that week and were absolutely bowled over by the warmth of the welcome we received. It was clear that this was special place and now has become our spiritual ‘home’. To be involved and engaged with the work God is doing here is both exciting and a real privilege.

Fiona Giebel church warden st pauls church barrow in furness cumbria

Fiona Geibel

Church Warden

Having moved to Barrow in 2021, I very quickly settled in to the St Paul's church family. I love all the different ages of people at St Paul’s and how we help each other to know Jesus better. I enjoy working as the librarian at Walney School, which combines my joy of reading and my care of young people, as well as it being the perfect location for walks on the beach. My husband and I are very thankful to live in Barrow, a place with beautiful scenery and beautiful people.

jackie dower church warden st pauls grace church barrow in furness sq

Jackie Dower

Deputy Church Warden

I starting coming along to St Paul’s in 1998 and following an Alpha Course was then confirmed. This was a time of pure joy and I grew closer to God. Since retirement, I feel blessed to play a part in the life of God’s church. Being a church-warden is varied and can be demanding, but it’s a privilege to serve God’s people and see God at work.

derek pearce church warden st pauls grace church barrow in furness sq

Derek Pearce

Deputy Warden

I am a family man and have been at St Paul’s for around 32 years. Over that time there have been many changes - clergy bringing their own ways of doing things, church family comings and goings - but for all that, for me it has been not only the house of God but my home.  The ‘work’ I do is a pleasure and I am honoured to be able to do what I can and hope to be in a position to continue for many years to come.

sheila-pearce

Sheila Pearce

Administrator

We came to St. Paul’s when our children were little and have always felt at home.  Going back over the years I have been a choir member/leader and worked with the children and young people. I became the Church Administrator in 2006, a job I love especially for the one-to-one contact with people. I am also a Local Lay Minister involved in pastoral care, as people’s welfare is important to me.

Tracy Graham Safeguarding Officer St Pauls Church Barrow

Tracy Graham

Safeguarding Officer

I am married with two grown-up sons and I work as a receptionist locally. I have been at St Paul's since 2017. As Church Safeguarding Officer, it’s my privilege to play a part in ensuring our church community is a safe place for children, young people and vulnerable adults. My other passions include Rugby Union, Football & Formula 1!

We have three Local Lay Ministers: Sheila Pearce, Debbie Gardner & Julia Burns. We also have a PCC (Parochial Church Council) who are an elected body of church members and clergy who meet throughout the year in their capacity as Trustees.

We also work closely together with Barrow Network Youth Church and our Barrow Pioneer Enabler/Community Pastor, Opa Geibel.