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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Staff Update: Rebecca Horry, Commercial Manager

By rebecca.horry • March 13, 2026

As the new season begins, it feels full of potential as new life appears around us and the days grow longer. Spring brings a natural sense of renewal, and it feels like a particularly special time in the life of our church. I’m delighted that our building will be hosting several events that explore the story and meaning of Easter in different ways. One highlight will be hosting Riding Lights Theatre Company presenting Night Falls, a new Passion play by Paul Birch, offering a powerful retelling of the Easter story. We hope it will be meaningful for both members of our congregation and visitors who join us. We are also looking forward to a screening from the Exhibition on Screen series exploring Easter in Art, reflecting on how artists across the centuries have interpreted the Passion and Resurrection. Our church shop continues to welcome visitors and regulars alike. Alongside cards, books, and gifts, I’m pleased to share that we have recently brought a new book supplier on board, helping us widen our range of titles for both children and adults exploring faith and the heritage of the church. I’ve also been delighted to help recruit several new volunteers to help run church tours, and we hope this will allow us to expand our tour offer and share the story of the church with even more visitors. If you see them in the church please help welcome them to the team. Behind the scenes, we continue working to welcome concerts and other events into the church. Our beautiful space lends itself wonderfully to music, and these events not only bring people together but also help support the care and future of the building. Over the coming months, we look forward to hosting a range of concerts and cultural events, welcoming audiences from across the local area and beyond. If you know of choirs, ensembles, or promoters looking for a distinctive venue, please do point them in our direction. Thank you to everyone who supports these activities by volunteering, attending events, shopping in the shop, or spreading the word. Recca Horry , Commercial Manager 13.03.2026