In 2014, Revd Paul Tabraham and his family joined us in Eastbourne, beginning a ministry that has deeply shaped our church community. Paul arrived with his wife Claire and their two boys, Matt and Evan, starting his first appointment as a probationer for Greenfield & Central Methodist Churches.
Over the years, Paul’s ministry has been rewarding and full of challenges. During this time, the four churches came together as one, and our new church building was developed, now known as Emmanuel Church Eastbourne. We are very grateful for the faithful service and leadership that Paul and his family have shared with the Emmanuel community. His care, guidance, and friendship have touched so many of us, and he will be greatly missed.
Later on this year Paul will be taking up a new role as Superintendent Minister in Guildford, where he will be moving with his family. We wish them every blessing as they begin this new chapter.
As we look ahead, we are pleased to share the following letter from our new minister, Jonathan, who will be joining us with his family in September.
A note of introduction from Rev. Jonathan Gaylord:
Hello Emmanuel!
I first applied to come and serve with the Methodist Church in Britain a full year ago and God has used the combined effort and discernment of a lot of people to bring us together. I am very excited to meet you all and work together for the glory of God!
I am in my 12th year of ministry as an Elder in the United Methodist Church, serving my current congregation in Yadkinville, North Carolina for the last 8 years. The core of my ministry has been to encourage transformational relationships with Christ. By accepting Christ’s grace and orienting our lives around it, I fully believe that we find a hope that transcends everything the world offers us! As the church we are called to share the hope of Christ with everyone we meet, even using words when necessary.
I grew up in the United Methodist Church in Florida as the son of a United Methodist Minister. I am the oldest of 8 children, and six of my brothers and sister are adopted. I enjoy camping, hiking, playing Gaelic football, reading, learning new things, and collecting hobbies. I am married to Keri and we have two amazing and rascally little boys, Henry & Leo.
Keri grew up in north Florida with a reasonable number of siblings (1). She is a psychotherapist working primarily with parents seeking to break generational cycles. She enjoys reading, knitting, walking/hiking/running, clean sheets, and open windows.
Henry loves reading, learning about robots and engineering, and consuming facts and stories. Henry has spent the last year learning to rock climb (which he loves) and to play piano (which he does not).
Leo loves Legos, crafts, and the idea of having a pet cat. Leo is looking forward to starting school and learning to read, because he is tired of copying down words for people to read to him.
I look forward to getting to know each of you and all that God has prepared for us!
Grace & Peace,
Jonathan Gaylord
Please keep Jonathan and his family in your prayers as they prepare to join us in September.