SMR's new Associate Vicar

Laura Verrall-Kelly

Hullo, I’m Laura!

I am so excited about coming to join the St Mary Redcliffe family as Assistant Vicar. I have been in the South Bristol Deanery for a few years now, completing my Curacy at St Martin’s Knowle and then spending 8 months as Curate in Charge at St Luke’s Brislington. I love South Bristol, it’s diversity and life excite me and I am thankful to God that I am able to stay around.

A little about me… I am married to Jack and we have been married for 5 years and been together a decade now. I have been part of various church communities since I was 8 years old when we started going to church because my Dad sadly passed away. Although I have had seasons where I haven’t been as involved in church, I have always felt and been convinced by God’s steadfast love- even when I haven’t given it a place in my life. I studied Youth and Community Development at Demontfort Uni in Leicester and this was always what I wanted to do, work with teenagers and be involved in community- the Vicar thing was a bit of shock! But I think this describes me best, I’m someone who has always loved people, working with and being with people and trying to ensure all feel included are passions of mine. I feel motivated to be involved with the local community and so I am excited to get to know the Redcliffe area better.

I never know what to say when someone asks for an interesting fact about me... I enjoy being with friends, seeing family and taking time to explore- either local areas or abroad. I also enjoy trying new beers and love a cold IPA chatting with friends- if you fancy joining me in this then please do say!

Jack and I are so excited for this new chapter with you all. The journey we will go on together and the things we will learn from each other. I know in time we will get to know you all and the wider community. I love that God describes Church as ‘family’- meaning we laugh together, cry together, win together and lose together. I am excited to discover what it means to be family in Redcliffe, knowing that God is with us and guides us.

With love and prayers,

Laura

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