THE AMERSHAM METHODIST CIRCUIT

Snapshot of the Revd. Preben Andersen,
Superintendant Minister of the Amersham Methodist Circuit

Born on November 20th, 1950 in Aarhus, Denmark, and domiciled in Britain since 1975, Preben is happily married to Margaret and they have three adult children and two grandchildren.

Preben started his ministry in North Devon where he served for eight years before coming here, and he is now in his fourth year in Buckinghamshire. He has entered his second year as Superintendent Minister.

In his "real"; (!) life, Preben went to university in Denmark where he obtained an MA degree in English and a BA degree in German. Languages have always been a hobby and love of his.

Upon arrival in the UK, he worked for a Danish marine paints company for eighteen years, first in London and then in South Wales. He also operated his own home-based translation agency for four years.

Other than languages, Preben counts walking the dogs, writing, reading and - yes - watching football on television amongst his many interests. He has written several poems, and even a couple of Icelandic Sagas (!), and is determined to write a book when he retires. One of his colleagues has already suggested a working title, i.e. Danish Past'ry!

At the moment he writes a Journal, which to him is an essential instrument for reflection as well as a means of pondering where the time goes, and in doing what! His late father always used to say, "Become a minister, son, they only work Sundays!"; Preben owes his spiritual journey and his first glimpse of God entirely to his parents-in-law, Dorothy and Ted, and to his beloved Margaret. Without their encouragement and support, he would not have found himself in the position he is now, and be able to look back and say, "There is no other work I could ever do".

He is said to have a wicked sense of humour and may at times seem a little peculiar, but as they say when you enter the ministry, "If you aren't mad now, you soon will be.";

Preben writes. "It is a privilege to be in this beautiful part of God's world and to serve the people of the churches here. And I am delighted that we now have a Circuit website up and running. May God bless you all, and be sure there is always a friendly welcome in any of our churches."

Preben can be contacted by email pwandersen@aol.com or telephone 01494 874386 (office) or 01494 871668 (home).

Revd. David Jebb

David is married and has two daughters.

David is passionate about Pastoral Ministry, evangelism, creative and contemporary worship styles, ministry among young and old, mission and sharing faith with the those who are on the edge and the beyond the fringe of 'church.' He enjoys developing goals together and working to become more effective for what God intends us to be; a 'purpose driven church' and 'new ways of being church' in 21st century.

He envisions developing all people - new believers as well as established believers - into functioning followers of Christ through people friendly worship services, special events, study and fellowship groups, and most important, small groups.

David is Minister of St.John's Methodist Church and Chesham Methodist Church. He isw also ACF Chaplain for the Buckinghamshire (the Rifles) Army Cadet Force and has been elected to serve in the Northampton Methodist District Executive panel.

David can be contacted by email david.jebb1@ntlworld.com or telephone 01494 433504.

Revd. Nigel Coke-Woods

Nigel Coke-Woods has Pastoral Care of our churches at Gerrards Cross, Prestwood and Lee Common.

Nigel was born in Shaftesbury, Dorset into an RAF family, growing up in Abingdon, Lyneham and Calne. He was converted as a teennager and became a member of the Methodist Church in Calne through its MAYC Youth Club. He was accredited as a Local Preacher in 1981 and studied theology in London, Birmingham and Bristol.

He worked as a psychiatric nurse and in the travel trade, before training for the ministry at Wesley College, Bristol in 1991. Nigel has served in the South-west Cumbria, Widnes, and the Sherborne and Yeovil Circuit where he was Superintendent. He is also a member of the Franciscan Third Order after being professed in 2004 at Hilfield Friary. He is married to Sylvia, who is an Anglican Priest, and they have two sons, Alex and Robbie. His hobbies include Apple computers, bird watching, occasional walks in the countryside, trips to the cinema, and listening to a wide range of music from rock and pop to jazz and classical.

Nigel's Spirituality is rooted in the Wesleys and Franciscanism in that he is catholic in mission with a real concern for the world. He does not like labels and belongs to no particular party or type, considering personal conversion as an ongoing journey. His ministry style is informal, open, collaborative and ecumenical, and what you say and who your are is important.

Nigels' webpage.

Nigel can be contacted by telephone 01753 884193.

Pam Sitford - Lay Worker

Pam Sitford was born in Highgate - North London - during an aid-raid. From a small child she attended the Methodist Mission Church 'Archway Central Hall' where in 1955 she was received into membership of the Methodist Church. In 1965, she married and moved away from London to Prestwood.

She joined the Methodist Church at Prestwood and very soon became involved in work both in the local church and the circuit.

Over the years, through her Circuit work especially with Young People and Network that she formed relationships with members of the other 7 churches in the circuit.
Pam can be contacted by email sitford@talktalk.net or telephone 01494 862439.