The Diocese of Bristol is pleased to share that the Rev'd Fran Youings has been licensed as Interim Priest-in-Charge of North West Swindon and Lydiard Millicent.
Revd Fran was licensed by The Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Acting Bishop of Bristol and Bishop of Swindon, at All Saints, Lydiard Millicent on Thursday 19th March.
Fran spent much of her working life before ordination serving as a church youth minister. In 2017 she began training for ordained ministry at St Mellitus College in Plymouth. Following her training, she served her curacy at St Swithin’s Church, Walcot, in Bath.
In 2022, Fran joined Grace Church, Bath as Associate Minister. Grace Church is a church plant with a vision to reach sporting communities across the city with the good news of Christ, as well as families and young people for whom an afternoon service is more accessible.
There have been many highlights during her time at Grace Church, particularly seeing the church family grow and the homegroup network develop alongside it. Other memorable moments include the annual baptism services and Carols at the Rec, another annual event where around 2,000 people gather at Bath Rugby’s ground to sing carols together and hear the good news of Jesus’ birth.
Speaking about her new role, Fran said:
“I am delighted to be joining the All Saints’ Church family and the wider community of Lydiard Millicent as their Vicar. I’m really looking forward to getting to know people, hearing their stories, and becoming part of village life.
My hope is that All Saints’ will continue to be a place where everyone feels welcome—whether they are exploring faith for the first time, curious about Jesus, or have been following him for many years. I’m especially looking forward to walking alongside those who are asking questions, while also encouraging and supporting those who long to grow deeper in their faith and relationship with him.
I’m very aware that I will need God’s help in this new role, but it is a real privilege to be called to serve him in this place, and I’m excited to see all that God will do in the life of the church and the community in the years ahead.”
Bishop Neil said:
“Fran brings years of experience of ordained ministry and work with young people, helping people discover Christ's love. One of Fran’s gifts in ministry is story telling – helping the Bible come alive in today’s world - I pray for her flourishing as she shares the life changing story of Christ in North West Swindon and Lydiard Millicent.”
We give thanks for Fran and pray for her flourishing in the coming months as he serves and shares the love of God in North West Swindon and Lydiard Millicent.