Rev. Ann Varker

METHODIST MINISTER MOVING

After seven years in the Aylesbury Vale, Reverend Ann Varker is moving back to her native Devon. She is currently responsible for the Methodist churches at Princes Risborough, Weedon,  Wingrave and Whitchurch, where a packed farewell Circuit service was held on Sunday night, July 18th.

Paying tribute to Ann, Superintendent Minister Rev. David Jenkins said, “We have many reasons to be grateful for Ann’s ministry. On her arrival here, she unexpectedly had to take up the reins of Acting Superintendent and steered the newly enlarged Circuit in its first year. She has also contributed to the District Strategy Committee and to Bucks Churches Together. As a direct result of her working with other denominations, North Marston is now an ecumenical church with the local Anglicans and Weedon Methodists are moving in a similar direction with the Anglicans in Hardwick.” 

David Jenkins also spoke of Ann’s “passion for Fresh Expressions or new ways of being church.” As Circuit Enabler, Ann had played a lead role in encouraging other Christian churches to work together on the new housing developments at Buckingham Park and Berryfields. As he presented a gift to Ann on behalf of all the Circuit churches, he said, “We all have a large debt of gratitude to Ann and also to her husband Julian and Becky and Hannah.” 

Opening the service Rev. Varker said “I believe that my ministry is all about enabling others to use their talents.” This was exemplified by the rest of the service being taken by Worship Leaders from across the Circuit that Ann had been involved in training and by the mothers that now run the Stepping Stones mother and toddler group that Ann founded at Whitchurch. 

In moving back to Crediton in Devon to be near her mother and her husband’s parents, Ann is on familiar territory. “My grandfather was a local preacher there and my father candidated for the Methodist ministry from there. So I’ll be the family’s third generation preacher in the Exeter Circuit.”