We’re looking forward to welcoming Reverend Jimmy as our Curate to the Priory Parishes Churches. He has kindly written the following letter of introduction to give an insight into journey into ministry:
Hello! My name is James Anderson and I am shortly to be licensed by the Bishop of Colchester as your new Curate, supporting our vicar, Revd Sharon Guest. I am absolutely delighted to be joining the benefices of St Osyth and Great Bentley, Weeley and Little Clacton, and I thought I’d introduce myself.
People tend to call me Jimmy, or Father Jimmy, and I’m what’s known as a self-supporting minister, which means that alongside my part-time ministry here I also work full-time as the Bursar of Girton College in the University of Cambridge. It’s a varied and very fulfilling combination: one day I might be discussing the College’s investment strategy and the next celebrating the Eucharist, visiting parishioners or counting lolly sticks for children’s craft. It’s a huge privilege to have one foot in the world of higher education and the other firmly planted in parish life.
Ordained ministry been a long-held calling which I have found various excuses to resist – but as a very wise priest told me 35 years ago, “if he wants you, he’ll get you!” After training on the Eastern Region Ministry Course I was ordained deacon in 2025 and priest earlier this year, and I couldn’t be happier to be beginning this new chapter of ministry here in this beautiful part of Essex.
I’m very fortunate to share life and my home on the Green in Great Bentley with my beloved Astrid, whose love, wisdom and encouragement have sustained me throughout my journey to ordination, and who herself loves to share her vibrant Christian faith. Between us we have three wonderful daughters: Imogen, Freya andJay. My mother Linda also shares our home, having moved from Felixstowe to be with us. We also have a cat called Mr. Billy, a pug called Crackers and a cockapoo called William, all of whom constantly aim to persuade people that they deserve another treat and lots of fuss.
Outside church and work, I enjoy history, language-learning, cooking (especially Indian food), reading, walking and exploring old buildings. With churches as beautiful and historic as ours, I have a feeling I’m going to be very happy indeed.
Coming here also marks something of a change for me. My early ministry has been in inner London, where life moves fast, people come and go, and no two streets are quite the same. Now I’m exchanging the bustle of the city for villages, fields and the coast – a friend mischievously suggested I was moving from Rev to Dibley! But while the scenery may be different, people are wonderfully alike wherever you go. We all long to belong, to be known, to celebrate life’s joys and to find support when life becomes difficult.
That brings me to something I care deeply about. I believe the Church is here for everyone. It isn’t a club for the already convinced or the already perfect; it’s a home where every person should know they are welcome and loved. My prayer is that our churches will continue to be places of abundant hospitality, where there is always an open door, a listening ear, friendship to be found, and where, above all, people encounter the love of Jesus Christ. Whether you’ve worshipped in our churches for decades, have recently moved into the area, haven’t been to church for years, or are simply curious, I’d love to meet you.
So if you see me around, walking dogs with Astrid on the Green, or having a glass of something in the Plough or the Red Lion, please do come and say hello. I look forward to getting to know you, hearing your story, and sharing in the life of these wonderful communities as together we seek to love God and our neighbours.
With every blessing,
Fr Jimmy Anderson
Curate, Priory Parishes
