Staff

 

Revd Gareth Higgs • Lead Minister

Gareth is Superintendent Minister of the Mission Circuit with primary responsibility for Central Hall and leading the staff team across the circuit. Gareth is also currently engaged in a part-time PhD in the area of church growth in British Methodism.

“I am passionate about seeing the local church energised and impacting people’s lives, bringing transformation and hope to many people. “

Gareth is married to Laura and has three children.

Jonny Libby • Lay Pastor

Jonny is the Lay Pastor at PMCH leading work amongst students and young adults, which includes being the Methodist Chaplain at the University of Plymouth. Jonny also has responsibility for the operational functions of the church.

"Having grown up in and around Plymouth Methodist Central Hall it is now my privilege to be a part of the staff team. Having accepted Christ as a teenager I can think of nothing more valuable than offering the hope I’ve found in him to others. What an honour to do this for a job!!


Sophie Horlock • Youth Pastor

Sophie works with our amazing team of volunteers to run our church-based youth programme, developing exciting ways to connect with the youth of the city.

"I have always been in and around Church since I was born but my faith really became my own when I was a teenager at a youth church that opened in my local area. Since then, my faith has been fundamental to who I am and my passion for seeing youth encouraged and empowered."

 

Amber Leach • Operations & Finance Officer

As our Operations & Finance Officer Amber oversees the day to day management of the church finances and operational management of the PMCH building. Amber has 10 years experience of running her own businesses. With a passion for efficiency and streamlining processes we are thrilled that she has joined the PMCH staff team.

“I am very excited about the role and using my gifts and talents to further the vision of PMCH to see the lives of people, communities and the city of Plymouth transformed and bring positive change to the entire city.”

Denise Libby • Under 11's Co-ordinator

Denise works with young families through Totstop - the toddler group, Messy Church and other activities for children.

“It is such privilege to be a part of the Children’s and youth team here at PMCH. I really feel part of a loving community and my heart is to extend that to all the families I have come to know through my work here. I just love to be alongside children and parents, having meaningful conversations and building friendships. My prayer is that everyone who comes through our doors will feel loved, part of a community and have the opportunity to know Jesus in their own lives. God always gives me opportunities to just listen and pray for families - there’s no other way I’d rather spend my time!! (except for a swim in the sea of course!!)”

Veronica Graham • Church Administrator

Previously youth administrator for Central Hall, working particularly with the 11-18 age group… Veronica is now doing church administration. This role involves administrative support for the ministry team, limited youth admin and maintaining safeguarding/DBS requirements for PMCH, as well as taking seeking grant funding where applicable.  

“I have a passion to share Jesus with everyone.Central Hall is an exciting church in which relationship with Jesus is a priority… I love being part of it either in my admin role or as a volunteer in the youth work.”

 

Morgan Preston • Ministry Placement Student

Morgan was previously heading up our Youth Ministry and has now taken on a Theology degree with Moorlands College. We are thrilled to have him on placement with us supporting our young adults ministry, along with responsibilities in wider pastoral and operational ministries.

"I have been part of PMCH for the majority of my life, growing up through all of our amazing children's and youth programs. It is a joy and privilege to be on the team here. I believe that everyone has a story of the transformation that Jesus as brought in their life and I am passionate about being able to equip everyone to be able to share that!"

Nic Courtney • Digital Worker

Over lockdown Nic has driven our online worship, re-designed our website and contributed hugely to our outreach online. We are excited to finally have her serving the church overseeing everything digital

“Over lockdown the church has been propelled forward digitally and we’ve had to think of new ways to make what we do more accessible. I’m so excited that we have the ability to livestream our services and reach more people. Being part of the team at PMCH is great, working towards this hybrid way of thinking and meeting with people where they are, online and in person.”

Graham Turner • Caretaker

If you’re visiting PMCH Graham will probably be one of the first people you see. Always there to ensure the doors are open, the lights are on and there is a warm welcome for all.

Mark Haydon • Foodbank Hub Lead

Mark is the newest member of the team at the Foodbank Hub which is a project of the Methodist Mission Circuit. The role involves the day-to-day management of the centre including responsibility for policies, procedures, health and safety and finances.

Back in 2012, Jesus met me while I was in a dark place. I was lost and seemly without hope. Battling drink and gambling. Yet the day Jesus came into my life He started a work of Freedom and recovery. Over the past years, I have seen Jesus heal and restore so many people. To now have the privilege to serve Him and my City, is a blessing beyond my biggest dreams.

Andrew Denham • Foodbank Hub Co-ordinator

Andrew joined the Plymouth Mission Circuit team in April 2020 in the role of Project Co-Ordinator Andrew’s background for over 20 years has been in Customer Service, however following changes to his employment and with a heart to serve and make a difference to others, he joined the team at the Oasis Project, where most of his time is allocated to the busy operation of the Plymouth Foodbank. 

“I feel so blessed and privileged to serve God in this special way, helping those who are in great need and look to Plymouth Foodbank Hub to find hope and support.”

Alex Lambert-Lea • PSPC Manager

Alex has been manager of the Plymouth Soft Play Cafe since October 2022, a role where he leads a large and dedicated team of staff and volunteers to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the café. He loves being out and about in the café getting to know the customers and is also a fully trained Barista who loves his coffee.

“I’m really excited to be back and serve in the Soft Play Café after initially joining the team as maternity cover. I grew up in Plymouth before moving away to Cardiff for university, and I’m now living back here with my wife and our two girls. In my spare time I love running, and have done races from 1-mile time trials up to 36-hour ultra marathons.”

Evelina Mazuru • DC Manager

Evelina is the Discover Café manager leading a team of volunteers to provide great food and a warm welcome to all that visit. Originally from Romania; Evelina first moved to the UK in 1996 with her family. 

“Apart from cooking, taking care of staff, doing paperwork and all the other things involved in managing the cafe, I also have the opportunity
to talk to customers, to pray with them, and to be involved in the lives of our staff and volunteers, it is a privilege to be part of their lives.”

Dave Martin • Pastoral Team

 Remaining in Plymouth following retirement as Superintendent Minister at PMCH, Dave has felt the freedom to serve in different ways – including joining the pastoral team.

“We originally arrived in Plymouth in 2006 and became part of the PMCH family even before I became minister here. It’s a wonderful opportunity now to be part of the team offering, love, care, support and encouragement to people on their journey of Christian discipleship.”

Judith Walker • Pastoral Team

Having worked in the church office for many years, Judith has now taken on some of our pastoral work, along with others. 

 “I’ve been part of the Central Hall church family for most of my life, so know and love a lot of folk who have a long association with PMCH, as well as those who have become part of our church family in more recent times.  I count myself privileged to be alongside people in different situations in their lives.”