On Saturday 5th July 2025, we were delighted to witness the ordination of Will Stevenette—son of our vicar, Revd Simon Stevenette—at Birmingham Cathedral. It was a deeply moving occasion, made even more special as Will gave his first communion to family, friends, and fellow congregants.

Below you’ll find a selection of photographs capturing moments from the service and joyful family celebrations afterwards, as well as Will’s personal reflection on his journey of faith, formation, and calling to ministry.

From Will:

When we moved as a family to Swindon I was 4 months old having just been baptised by my Grandpa, John in St Michael’s Burnett.. I thank God for all those who have inspired and taught me the Christian faith over the last 27 years. In particular I am so grateful to God for my parents, for my band of brothers, and the Christ church Swindon Christian family along with others churches I have been part of in Swindon growing up. I thank God for Lethbridge School, Commonweal School, 18th Swindon Scouts, and Swindon Town Football Club.

Looking back my Discipleship Training year, Soul Edge in Canada was life transforming. Through that I met my wife Elise. We were married in August in 2022. I moved to Birmingham to become a Student worjker at Gas Street Church 8 years ago. I had a year in the Lee abbey Missional Community in Aston. I also worked for the Birmingham Diocese in their Transforming People and Places Diocesan Vision where I worked with the Revd Guy Donegan -Cross, my Dad’s first Curate at Christ Church! It was an enormous privilege to become one of the leaders of the church plant Anchor Church five years ago which led to me becoming an Ordinand in the Birmingham Diocese. Over the last 3 years I have been studying under St Mellitis Nottingham with regular residential weekends at Swainwick.

Elise and I are overjoyed to move to our exciting curacy with Revd Canon Duncan Hill-Brown at St Philips and James Dorridge with Bentley Heath and St Thomas Nuthurst cum Lockley Heath.

Please pray for me. There are possibilities of sports chaplaincy in the parish- I wonder where I get that from? We look forward to welcoming Swindon friends and family to our new home in Widney Road where you will meet our new puppy Remy! Please be assured of my continues prayers for you.

Will Stevenette