By Isle of Wight Observer
Two new clergy will help lead a project to revitalise Church of England churches in Ryde.
The Rev Heath Monaghan will become team rector for the five Ryde parishes, and the Rev Olly Mitchelmore will be team vicar with responsibility for new congregations. They join the Rev David Morgan, who was appointed team vicar for traditional worship in September.
The team appointed by the Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Jonathan Frost, will lead a staff and congregation in a five-year project which includes starting new services for contemporary worship, and working with current congregations to engage with and serve the local community.
The project aims to attract 300 new worshippers to All Saints, with different styles of services including a new, contemporary service, a Café Church, a traditional Eucharist and a network of young interns.
Heath, who was ordained in 2021, founded and led Aspire Ryde. He said: “I had the privilege of serving as a curate for a year in Bembridge, alongside helping to grow a pioneering house church in Ryde.
“It became clear that God was working in All Saints, Ryde, to create a more contemporary congregation that complements the existing traditional style. And I was grateful that the social capital and networking I’d done when I was at Aspire Ryde meant this project has been warmly received by the community. It has turned these parishes, with their incredible history, into hope-filled organisations that are ready to take the next step in serving their community.”
The Rev Olly Mitchelmore, and his wife, Rebekah, will come to Ryde from London, where he is a curate.
Heath will be licensed by Bishop Jonathan on January 14 at All Saints’ Church, with Olly Mitchelmore licensed on April 24.
