The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is delighted to announce that the Revd Canon Elaine Jones has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of Pucklechurch and Abson, Wick with Doynton and Dyrham in the Kingswood and South Gloucestershire Deanery.
Elaine and her family originate from Bootle, located just a few miles outside of Liverpool city centre. Prior to her ordination Elaine studied occupational psychology and worked as a social researcher carrying out consultation on behalf of local authorities.
Ordained in 2010 in Liverpool Cathedral, Elaine has ministered in multi-cultural parishes in Toxteth and Wavertree, where she has held the role of Area Dean, for the past seven years.
Alongside her role as Area Dean, she is also the healing advisor for the Diocese of Liverpool and has been developing this ministry with a focus on churches becoming healing communities.
Bishop Viv said: “As a Liverpool ordinand myself and knowing that it is almost the best diocese in the Church of England, I’m delighted to welcome Elaine to the Diocese of Bristol with her wealth of knowledge from her work in Liverpool. Her ministry as healing advisor in Liverpool has focussed on building resilience and community healing. Coupled with her previous career as a local authority social researcher, Elaine will bring significant skills to the Diocese to help us better support our communities.”
Elaine is due to begin in her new post as Priest-in-Charge of Pucklechurch and Abson, Wick with Doynton and Dyrham in February 2024.
Elaine said: “The warm welcome I received from the parish representatives of Pucklechurch, Abson, Wick, Doynton and Dyrham has really helped as my husband Rob and I prepare for our move to the Diocese of Bristol.
“It was encouraging to hear and see the many connections the churches have in the parishes - not least through the schools, summer and autumn fetes, the village market and Dyrham House and Park.
"We value all the prayers that have brought us this far and pray it will be a season of blessings for the churches and parishes as we to join you.”