We strive to be an inclusive, community-focussed church that seeks to help people from all backgrounds to encounter God in both traditional and contemporary ways, and to be a safe place to explore faith, ask questions, and grow as a follower of Jesus.
Rev’d kathryn
About us
Welcome
We’re really glad you’re interested in finding out more about us and our church community. We’re a church on a journey. Trusting that God’s love for us is real, our journey is to:
- Discover God’s love
- Nurture growth in God’s love
- Share God’s love
On this page you can meet some of us and learn how we work as a team. You can also follow the links to learn more about our vision and our mission.
Our story as a local church began in 1937 when the first wooden church was built to serve the, then new, Birchwood estate. Buildings have come and gone since then, but the real church is the people, and we’re still trying to follow Jesus and live out his values:
- Spirituality
- Inclusiveness
- Compassion
- Courage
- Generosity
Our Ministry team
kathryn alford
vicar & PCC
Kate Douglas
curate & PCC
Dave Gunn
reader & PCC
Kim Banham
churchwarden & PCC
ALEXANDER JABLONSKI
churchwarden, YOUTH GROUP & PCC
carole porter
children & young people leader
Other Parish Roles
dawn bennett
pcc secretary & PCC
Daniel Chitungo
Youth Group leader
Lynne fisher
treasurer, hall bookings & PCC
ROGER FISHER
CHOIR LEADER & PCC
andrew jablonski
assistant churchwarden & PCC
jan palfreman
electoral roll officer
nikki spencer
safeguarding officer & PCC
kate Wright
assistant Churchwarden & PCC
Other PCC Members
VALERIE CASAL
PCC MEMBER
aNGELA EDINBURGH
PCC MEMBER
CHRIS SAVAGE
PCC MEMBER
NIKKI SHILTON
PCC MEMBER
MAGGIE THOMAS
PCC MEMBER
pcc
The Parochial Church Council
The PCC is the key decision making body in a Church of England parish. It’s broadly responsible for:
- Ensuring the church plays its part in God’s mission through the development and pursuit of a vision for the parish
- Fulfilling the responsibilities of charity trustees
- Stewarding resources of buildings and equipment
- Being responsible for the finances of the church, including setting budgets, agreeing expenditure and releasing financial resources
- Fulfilling staffing responsibilities
- Ensuring all employees, volunteers and visitors are kept safe through risk management
- Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults
- Agreeing policy
- Linking the parish into the wider structures of the church
For more details about how our PCC operates, and who is on the PCC please read our PCC Handbook. You can read it online or download a copy.
read our pcc handbook 2024
In 2024 and 2025 we’re working hard to create more inclusive and engaging worship, to establish and resource small groups, and to build a pathway to friendship, faith and discipleship for young people.
Rev’d kathryn
Spirituality
Inclusion
Compassion
Courage
Generosity
What our members say
Testimonials
To me St Michael’s is a friendly welcoming church, with many ways to explore faith.
The services are inclusive, reflective and I always leave uplifted. Children and young people are made to feel welcome with Sunday club, and monthly All together worship, Youth Group and Messy Church. Being a church at the centre of the Birchwood community, St. Michael’s is the venue for many social events, such as quiz nights, fairs, rambles and lunches which for me are an important way to stay active and connected.
I love the way the church is open daily and I frequently enjoy a calm space to reflect and feel at peace.
carole
St Michael’s is friendly caring church with services to suit all, l love the social side as well which is open to all. The perfect family church for all ages
Kate
I love St Michael’s, it has been my spiritual home for the past 50 years. A welcoming church to everybody, including families and youth, with a lovely supportive congregation to help you through the happy and sad times. A Sunday Club, a thriving Messy Church and many social activities. We have a fantastic vicar to lead us faithfully and spiritually together with a wonderful choir to uplift us all. God is love and seeks our love through prayer and worship
