NEWS RELEASE
31 August 2012LW/jb01
Ordination of Deacons
8 September 2012
A former primary school teacher and keen musician, Julie Bowen from Barnehurstwill be ordaineda Deacon at a ceremony at Rochester Cathedral on 8 September 2012.
Julie, who will serve her curacy at St John the Evangelist, Bexley, became a primary school teacher in 1986, working in Londonand South Wales. During her work she has run successful sports teams and promoted music through festivals, lessons, choirs and instrumental groups.
Julie has also released two albums and has spent time touring around churches giving concerts. Her music is based on life and experiences; one of her songs is called ‘My Son’ and is about the loss of a child after Julie suffered a miscarriage. Julie said this chapter in her life has allowed her to minister to other people who had either lost a child through miscarriage or abortion.
Juliesaid, “I have never ceased to be amazed at what God does and how He organises our paths. St John’sChurch, Bexley, is the perfect place, so near to home yet in a different deanery to my husband who is Vicar of St Martin’s Church, Barnehurst. I am so privileged to be called to work in the village and among the people and families of Bexley. As Curate of St John’s Church I look forward to serving the community, to building new relationships and to being part of the family that is BexleyVillage. I look forward to meeting you all around the village and please come and introduce yourself to me for a chat.”
Julie is married to Garenth and they have two children, Joshua (15) and Gwyn (12).
ENDS
NOTES FOR EDITORS
- Image shows Julie Bowen.
- Clergy in the Church of England are generally ordained and serve as Deacons for one year before being ordained Priest. Once ordained priest, they can consecrate the bread and the wine at Holy Communion, pronounce absolution and give a blessing in the name of Christ.
- Julie studied for a Bachelor degree in Education at South Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education (now part of the University of Wales). Other qualifications include Threshold Standards for teachers (level 1) and IT training, both from DfES and Curriculum Coordination from University of East Anglia.
- Julie also has a certificate in Applied Christian Theology from KentUniversity and a foundation degree in The Theology of Christian Ministry from CanterburyChristChurchUniversity.
- Julie’s interests and hobbies include music (she has made two albums), photography, reading, writing poetry and walking, particularly in the Lake District.
CONTACT
Louise Whiffin: 01634 560000 or email:
Lindy Mackenzie: 01634 560000 or email:
Dicoesan Office, St. Nicholas' Church, Boley Hill, Rochester, Kent ME1 1SL Tel: 01634 560000
e-mail: or •
The Rochester Diocesan Society & Board of Finance is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 140565
Registered Office: Diocesan Office, St Nicholas Church, Boley Hill, Rochester, KentME1 1SL. Registered Charity No. 249339
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