The Mustard Seed Team is Growing!

Two Associate Programme Leaders are to join the Mustard Seed team, supporting the development of its programme, and leading the Stepping Up learning communities growing across Hull, Middlesbrough and our coastal communities.

Liz Holdsworth and Angela Bailey join Programme Leader Heather Black in the Diocese of York’s project growing disciples in places where life is tough; part of the Diocesan Goal to ‘Reach those we currently don't’.

Stepping Up is the first step for a parish to be involved with the Mustard Seed Programme. Lay people from several parishes in a Deanery come together once a week to grow as disciples of Jesus, exploring what mission looks like in their parish and supporting each other to Step Up into what God is calling them to do in local mission. The vision is for each Mustard Seed parish to create a place of welcome, hospitality and support where people can be listened to and receive support with the challenges they face and also have opportunity to explore faith.

Heather Black, programme leader said:

“I am delighted to welcome Angela and Liz into the Mustard Seed team; they are a great gift to us. They both bring years of experience and skills, and share a huge passion to work with local lay people. I am looking forward to working with them, in serving the churches and communities along the edge of our Diocese, where people face many challenges and life is tough.”

Liz Holdsworth

Liz grew up in Hull and now lives in Bridlington. She has worked in teaching and adult learning, as well as helping run a small family business, and most recently working for the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. She was Director of Training, and Director of Mission and Development in the Diocese of Peterborough, and is also a Training Partner with Bridge Builders, which specialises in conflict transformation and mediation.

Liz is married to Ian and they have four adult daughters and two grandchildren. She loves meeting new friends and hearing their stories, and enjoys walking, reading, art and sci-fi in all its forms.

Liz says “I am passionate about lay ministry and taking the good news into the world and our everyday lives. I am very excited about joining the Mustard Seed team, and working alongside churches in the East Riding.”

The Revd Canon Angela Bailey

Angela is well known in the Diocese; she has taught in York School of Ministry in Beverley and more recently in Middlesbrough, and in the Diocesan Training Team particularly in Cleveland Archdeaconry. She has been involved in Recognised Parish Assistant training from the outset, and enjoys helping parishes develop their ministry and mission.

Angela served as a Vicar near Beverley and as a Mental Health Chaplain in Hull and the East Riding, and previously was a University chaplain in Hull and a deaconess in Kent. She lives in Bridlington and enjoys walking and running on our wonderful coast.

Angela says “I am really glad to have the chance be a part of this work with Mustard Seed, working with people who are Stepping Up, answering the call to follow in the way of Jesus and serve in their neighbourhood. We are already seeing stories of new things happening and people gaining confidence as disciples. Helping people learn what they want to learn for their Christian life is my passion.”