Vision & Values

Revd Gareth Higgs

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

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!!

”

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. I believe the bible is a really exciting book that reveals amazing insights into an awesome God...who can literally change lives. Life will always have times when it's tough, really tough even, but God promises to be with us... I'm privileged to work with, and call friends, a church team who share this passion. 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.”

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.

Morgan Preston • Youth Worker

Morgan is PMCH’s Youth Worker. He is passionate about working with young people to help them explore faith and living out a life with Jesus at the centre.

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!!)”

Nic Courtney• Digital Worker

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Nic Courtney as our Digital Operations Worker for the next 12 months. Nic has driven our online worship, re-designed our website and contributed hugely to our outreach online in the past year, and so we are glad to have her serving the church formally for 12hrs a week

“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.”

Judith Walker • Pastoral Team Volunteer

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

 “My name’s Judith and 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 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.”

Rossella • Soft Play Supervisor

“I truly believe that God’s seed is in all of us, whether we choose to develop a relationship with him it’s a matter of free will. He doesn’t force us to love him, yet He loves us still and never gives up on us. Faith therefore is a journey we can take up with Him to be the best version of us we can be: love, compassion, forgiveness, gentleness… they are challenging spiritual skills to truly master in a whole life time! So you will find me trying my best to live by the Fruits of the Spirit both in my community and workplace. Having put all my trust in Him to take care of me and my family at a difficult time, I found myself becoming the Soft Play Café Supervisor at PMCH. I now serve Him by serving others with hard work, prayer, a compassionate word and a lot of cups of coffee!"

Andrew Denham • Co-Ordinator at the Oasis Project

Andrew joined the Plymouth Mission Circuit team in April 2020 in the role of Project Co-Ordinator at the Oasis Project, home of the Trussell Trust Plymouth Foodbank. 

He is married to Rossella with two children and has lived in Plymouth for the last 20 years. His journey of faith started at an early age within the United Reform Church, and following relocation to Plymouth has continued as a member of Plymouth Methodist Central Hall since 2007.

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 the Oasis Project and Plymouth Foodbank to find hope and support.”

Evelina Mazuru • Manager of Discovery Cafe

Discover Café manager leading a team of volunteers to provide great food and a warm welome 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.”

Maria Mills MBE • Project Manager at the Oasis Project

Maria is the project manager at the Oasis Project, home of The Plymouth Foodbank, which is a project of the Methodist Mission Circuit.  She started to work for the centre in 2007 after having a long career in retail. The role involves the day-to-day management of the centre including responsibility for policies, procedures, health and safety and finances. 

“I became a Christian 32 years ago and worship with the United Reformed Church. I am married to I Phil and I have two children and seven grandchildren. I offer pastoral support to both centre users and volunteers which means that this role is one that I describe as being alternately Martha and Mary I may be sweeping the floor one minute and praying with someone in the next.”