Adrian is a son of the West Riding. He was born in Keighley and educated at Bradford Grammar School and at St. Catharine’s College, Cambridge. As a first career he worked in social housing both in London & Yorkshire. After twelve years, a career change took him into financial services, working throughout the North of England. It was in his third year at University that he had a distinct conversion experience. The call to full time Christian ministry came later, founded on more than 20 years committed church involvement in many different roles, including that of house group leader and of churchwarden. He and Alison met when they were working in central London and married in Bristol in 1980. They have two daughters, Laura (24) and Julia (21): Laura has recently started a career job working for Manchester University, and Julia is in her final year of an Early Years teaching degree at Sheffield Hallam University. Until their move to Bridlington in September 2009, Alison was the Volunteer Co-ordinator for a York charity for the blind and partially sighted. Adrian says, “In order to relax I turn first to the visual arts, writing poetry and walking, along with a catholic taste in music, from Sibelius to Supertramp.”
The Priory church welcomed Adrian as its new Rector at a magnificent service of Institution and Induction on 12th October 2009. In his first Pastoral Letter, Adrian expressed his grateful thanks to the many people who played their part in marking this start of a new chapter in the Christian ministry of the Priory Church. He went on to comment, “I am in no doubt of the weighty task that lies ahead and all the more needful of the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit for that reason. But the weight would be unbearable were it not for each and every one of you: faithful members of the Christian community focussed on the Priory parish church. Christian ministry was never intended to be the preserve of a professional clergy with the laity cast solely in a supporting role. From its very inception the church is envisaged as the body of Christ here on earth with each and every member of the body playing its part. This means that each and every individual who is on the journey of faith in God in Christ, however fragile that might feel to you, has a vital part to play in the healthy functioning of Christ’s body, the Church.”
Lord God, we pray for the parish and its people:
That the ministry and witness of the Priory church may be accessible to all, without fear or favour.
That our worship may speak of your abiding love and forgiveness.
That our nurture of the Christian faith may captivate and attract.
That our outreach into the community may be sensitive and needful.
That our prayers may bring peace to all who live and work in the parish.
And all this in partnership with Christian churches together.
Amen
Rev. Kesari Godfrey became Assistant Curate at the Bridlington Priory Church in July 2007; he prefers to be known as "Godfrey". Godfrey gained a B.Sc. in Chemistry before switching to theology. He gained a B.D. from United Theological College, Bangalore, then spent a year studying at Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey, one of the most prestigious colleges in the U.S.A. Since arriving in Bridlington, he has been awarded a Ph.D. for his thesis on the Atonement which he prepared for 3 years at the University of Birmingham. He was licensed by Bishop Sentamu to assist at St. George's Church, Edgbaston where he was active as a preacher and teacher. Godfrey is here with his wife Pradhma, and Emy and Evans.
Jeanette has been an active member of the Bridlington Priory Church for the last 34 Years. She has been a Junior Church Leader, a Sides Person, Church Youth Fellowship Association leader working with young people, PCC member, Choir member, and is a trained Reader. Jeanette (Dip. HE. Theol. & Min) was ordained deacon June 2008 after completing three years on the North East Oecumenical Course (NEOC) while working full time in Education. Jeanette is a non stipendiary Minister in Secular Employment and serves the Priory as an Assistant Curate. Her paid employment is as Senior Learning Tutor, Managing a team of Tutors at Headlands School. Jeanette is engaged to Alastair Patterson, and has two grown up children. Her daughter Jayne is married to Dave, and Lindy is Assistant Head Zoo Keeper at Sewerby Park. A recent addition to the family is an adopted retired Greyhound called Merlin.