Ministry Team

Rev. Dr Roger Chilton

Senior Minister

Roger has been the Rector (Senior Minister) at St. Swithuns since January 1996. He is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Parish and takes a particular interest in the two morning services as well as weddings and funerals. Prior to coming to Pymble, Roger was the Vicar (Rector) of the Parish of Walcha in the Armidale Diocese. Roger was a solicitor before studying for the ministry at Regent College in Vancouver, at Oxford University and Moore College, Sydney. Apart from his work at St. Swithuns, Roger is a Trustee of Moore College, a member of the Barker School Council, and also serves on the Boards of MCSI and the Bible Society NSW.

I find myself walking often past the house where I was born so I guess I am a local although I lived out of the area for many years. I love parish ministry and cannot think of a more worthwhile way of spending my life than in the Lord's service in the ordained ministry. More than this, our family has found a spiritual home here and all of us enjoy being part of the worshiping, praying and witnessing community of believers in Pymble.

St. Swithuns is a very special church because it comprises a diverse group of people who belong to Jesus Christ. We are glad to be known as evangelical Anglicans who are committed to the Bible and evangelism but also very conscious that we belong to the Anglican Church in this Diocese and worldwide. This is reflected in our commitment to mission and in the Anglican liturgical tradition of our services.

 




Rev. Craig Potter

Senior Assistant Minister

 

orpheus 022a

Craig joined the Ministry Team at St Swithun’s in January, 2009. He brings to our parish the benefits of his diverse professional experiences which include working as a Chaplain in the Australian Army with operational service in Afghanistan, Solomon Islands and in remote Aboriginal communities. Craig has also worked with the Anglican Youth Department, and in the parishes of  South Tamworth, Ashbury, and Blackheath Anglican Parish. Craig has served as chaplain to the NSW Police and the Volunteer Rescue Association. Craig began his working life as a Soldier/Tradesman and he has also been a fire-fighter with NSW Fire Brigade.

Craig has a Bachelor of Theology and Diplomas in Ministry, Evangelism and Public safety.

Craig and his wife Michelle believe that “Ministry is a lifestyle to which they are wholeheartedly committed”.

With the firsthand experience of parenting Rachael, Matthew and Robert, Craig and Michelle are ideally placed to focus on Family Ministry at St Swithun’s.

Michelle has a Diploma in Theology and has worked in Parish ministry. She has been involved with support to spouses of deployed soldiers and looking after their three children. She also held a position with Playgroup Queensland as a Regional Development Officer.

Craig has responsibilities across all four Sunday services with a special focus on our Family Service at 5pm.

Michelle and Craig love boating, good coffee and the outdoors!

 

 

  Michelle runs the St Swithun’s Church office, Monday through Thursday from 9:30am to 3:30pm.

Rev. Peter Taylor

Assistant Minister
Peter is an Assistant Minister and with a planning group has oversight of the Nightlife Congregation (7 pm service ).
Peter was Senior Minister at St Matthews West Pennant Hills for over 17 years and now works 3 days a week at St Swithuns.
He preaches regularly and with his wife Judy leads a bible study for young adults.

Peter says " I love growing tomatoes, sailing, touch footy, playing the drums and visiting my grandchildren"


Glen Elsegood

Youth Minister

Glen is currently studying a Diploma of Theology at Anglican Youthworks in Sydney’s south. He worked for the Crusader Union’s Summit outdoor education division for 3 years before joining the staff at St Swithun’s as their Youth Ministry Intern early in 2008. Glenjamin has a love of the outdoors, football (that’s soccer to the uninitiated) and his Xbox. He is married to the lovely Kate who is involved with the music ministry of the Nightlife evening congregation at St Swithun’s.

“Weekly I get to see young people come along and hear God’s great message of rescue, I love seeing their hearts and minds changed by His awesome grace- and then seeing them share this message with their world!”


Suzanne Gorham

Children's Minister

Suz joined the team at St Swithun's as the Children's Minister in January 2010. She is married to Nigel and has two gorgeous children,Oscar and Ruby. Suz trained and worked as a secondary teacher teaching English, Drama and Christian Studies, and has always been deeply involved in children's ministry at the churches she has attended. She is also passionate about both preaching and writing.

Suz has teaching qualifications, an Associate Degree in Theology and a Certificate in Preaching, and is currently studying Psychology as well.

She loves reading, learning, sunshine, the Muppets, and going to the gym and the beach.