Staff Update: Parish Administrator
In June I stepped away from my role as the life events coordinator at SMR to focus on my work as a self-employed doula: supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal season. I had the privilege of meeting some wonderful people, and had the opportunity to develop a growing network of Christian Birth workers nationwide. However, as many of you who have been self-employed will know, maintaining a steady income was difficult. So, over Christmas, when St Mary Redcliffe found itself without an Administrator, I was glad to return to help with carol service printing and monitoring the parish office inbox. I originally thought it would be temporary, but church admin seems to have a way of drawing me back in, and I am still here- now approaching Easter! I am really enjoying working alongside the SMR staff team again.
I am also in my second year of curacy at St Francis Ashton and St Michael’s Windmill Hill, exploring a pathway as a Distinctive Deacon. (If you are interested in what one of those is- please get in touch and I can explain further!)
Being back at SMR prompted reflection on the connections between my roles as Administrator, Deacon and Doula. Each is rooted in service, attentiveness, and accompaniment, and each requires presence at the thresholds. I strongly believe it is important to be welcoming and compassionate in this role, as many people contacting the church do so feeling as though they are on the ‘outside’ and don’t belong here.
I look forward to seeing what God will do in this new season for SMR, and how I might play my part in that too.
If you would like to get in touch, please contact me via the Parish Office or come and say hello when you are passing by.
Rev Helena Whitwell
26.02.2026
