TAVISTOCK parish will be seeing a new face in the area’s churches after a new deacon was ordained this month.

Sue Tucker was ordained deacon to serve as assistant curate to the Benefice of St Eustachius, St Paul’s in Gulworthy and St Michael’s in Brentor at a special service at Exeter Cathedral on Sunday, September 11.

People from the three parishes travelled to Exeter to see her ordained along with 13 other candidates by the Lord Bishop of Exeter, Bishop Robert. That evening, at St Eustachius’ Church’s evensong service, she was warmly welcomed by the vicar, the Very Rev Dr Christopher Hardwick, who presented gifts of books and liturgical stoles from the parishes. A celebration party was held afterwards at the parish centre.

Sue, who has two children, 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild, will be working half-time as self-supporting assistant curate in the benefice. Retired herself, she is particularly keen to grow ministry with the elderly, people with dementia and the bereaved.

For 24 years Sue worshipped at St Mary the Virgin Church, Bickleigh, in the Benefice of Roborough and 16 years ago was licensed as a reader. Eight years later she became rural officer for the Diocese of Exeter, working closely with rural churches and networking with rural communities and farming organisations.

Sue had retired when she was encouraged by the then Bishop of Crediton, Bishop Bob, to become ordained. After a few ups and downs, she spent three months on placement with the West Dartmoor Mission Community and started her training in 2015.

It was a steep learning curve, as she had never written an academic essay before, but with great support from parishioners, she managed to pass all her exams.

She said: ‘I am delighted to be serving the people of the benefice. I feel this is the place God has called me to be.

‘It is hugely affirming being at St Eustachius’, St Paul’s and Christ Church and I pray that together we will all be on a wonderful journey as we truly become disciples of Christ.’