About Us > Church Leadership

Priest in Charge - Revd Philip Hawthorn

Before ministry I had a very varied working life – beginning with a degree in Computer Science and ending with being a writer/producer at CBeebies, the BBC's pre-school channel. In between, I have been an actor, in radio and television as presenter, director and writer, the corporate face of Vauxhall, songwriter and mime. But I am now in the right place, I love being a priest. It was a growing sense of vocation that just seemed to get more substantial at each stage. When I presided at my first Eucharist I have never felt so in the right place.

We moved out of London in 2002 to a village near Wells, and not long after I went forward for selection to the ministry. I trained at Cuddesdon, near Oxford, for two years, then three years ago began my curacy in Hardington Vale, a single parish of six villages on the way from Bath to Frome. I have had a great time there, training with an inspirational and creative priest, Nigel Done.

I had just started to think about possibly looking for a job when I saw the advert for this one. It seemed too good to be true, especially the "inexhaustible sense of humour" requirement. Again, each stage of the process gave us a deepening sense of rightness. It's hard leaving Rode where we've put down roots, but there's so much to look forward to in Bath. Jonathan did a great job in getting the two churches to the stage they're at, and I feel excited at being with you in the next part of our stories.

I have always been drawn to working with children and young families, as well as the more established church membership. I have enjoyed close relationships with all three schools in my current parish and, having met Pete Mountstephen, have great hopes for being the living bridge between church and school, and all the possibilities that offers.

When Lizzie and I came for the informal day we were looking for signs of community. For me church is about what happens between people, and community is essential. That's how the body of Christ is made visible in the world. We got a sense of both vibrant and caring city and rural communities, and this was a major draw.

I have a love of vegetable gardening, and am looking forward to extending that to borders, shrubs and climbers in the wonderful rectory garden. I am very fond of cycling, tennis and badminton; I play a bit of golf. I support Watford Football Club. Lizzie and I love food and cooking, walking and the arts. It would take another page to describe everything the rest are into, so I'll leave you to find out as you get to know us.

I hope this gives you an idea of what you're about to receive. Jesus said that he came to bring life, and life to the full. I am passionate about being open to the possibilities of this fullness offered in Christ, whose Spirit is a living presence to tranform us — individually and as a church family — into the best we can be. That's our journey and our joy.

Grace and Peace,

Philip

Other members of our ministry team

The Reverend Alastair Davies is part of our ministry team which he combines with his role as Senior Chaplain at the Royal United Hospital NHS Trust, Bath. Alastair previously served for 18 years with the Royal Air Force Chaplaincy Service.

Richard Brooke is a Licensed Reader.

Also linked with our church through the North Bath Local Ministry Group are the Reverend Angela Townshend, Parish Priest of Christ Church, Julian Road and the Reverend Professor Cliff Burrows OBE who assists Antony in his role at Christ Church.

Churchwardens

Our churchwardens John Greenwood and Mary Greenwood , are members of our congregation and they play an invaluable role in the management, maintenance and ministry of the church. They are assisted by a team of deputy churchwardens: Pat Brocklebank; Christian Duckworth; Mike King; Rick Meopham; Karl Stringer.

Parochial Church Councils

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Stephen's Church comprise the clergy and churchwardens of the parish, together with a number of elected representatives of the laity.

School Governors

Our School Governors are elected by the PCC (see above) and govern our church school, St Stephen's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School in its work.
Mrs Judy Palmer is the Chair of Governors.
Our headteacher is Mr Pete Mountstephen.

Hello from Philip!

It is a privilege to be Parish Priest of St Stephen's and St Mary's. I'm now in my third year, and really enjoying being here along with Lizzie, and our children Peter (Bath College), Annie (St Greg's) and Ted (St Stephen's). We have Ellie and Billy, too, who have now left home. We also have a lovely black lab, India, four chickens and, during the Spring and Summer, two pigs in the garden.

We have been focussing on what it is to gather on Sunday to worship God. Opening ourselves to learning about being community, and being open to all God will do in and through us. We are now looking too at being 'sent', taking the love of God out of those big white doors and into Bath and the world. 'God has no other hands but our hands to do the work of God, no other heart but our heart to beat for justice, peace and compassion in our world'.