Our Team
OUR PASTOR
Pastor Jerry Smith hails originally from Canada, but has been living and working in the British Isles for over 13+ years now. He is happily married to Olivia, and has three crazy (but wonderful) kids. He loves Jesus, seeing new places, meeting new people, studying the Bible, and spending time with his family. He looks forward to helping the local church to be a blessing to its community and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with others.
FAVE BIBLE TEXT: Phil. 2:5-11 = Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross. 9 For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
OUR CHURCH CLERK
I am the Church Clerk. I was Widowed in 2019. I worked as an Auxiliary at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital but I am now retired.
I have a son Simon who lives in Scotland.
My eldest daughter Rosalynn (Rozzy) lives in Grantham with her husband Dean.
My youngest daughter Marilyn (Mazzy) lives in Kings Lynn with husband Mark.
I also have 8 Grandchildren 4 in Scotland and 4 in England.
In my spare time I enjoy cross stitching and listening to my Bible on Audio plus cooking for my family when they come to see me.
I enjoy my weekends as on Sabbath I love to see my Church family and sing Praises to my Lord. On Sundays, I enjoy seeing my friends or family if they are here in Norwich and having my Bible study on Sunday evenings on line.
My favourite Bible verse is Psalm 23 as this tells me how much our Lord loves each and everyone of us and is always with us.
As your Church Clerk I want to be able to do my job 100%
OUR ELDERS
"In my life God comes first. I am married to a lovely lady ... Lorene and God has blessed us with 3 wonderful boys. I am a civil engineer by profession. It's amazing how much engineering science proclaims God.
My duty as an church Elder is to support the Pastor (I believe I am the Pastor's arms, legs and eyes) only saying that I wok hand in hand with the Pastor for the church under Lord. As a Pastoral team we look at planning and carrying out the plans together with the church. As Elders we also support church departments/ministries so that office bearers are not left to overwork by themselves.
My wish is to be able to teach others but also to learn from others.
My favourite Bible passages are many. Isaiah 41 vs 10 is one of them. But in Service 1 Corinthians 2 vs 1-5 touches my heart as I go therefore with Matthew 28 vs 19-20.
Our Communication Lead
As the communication lead, one of my jobs is to ensure the smooth running of Sabbath Services and disseminating of information to help promote the programs of the church. I work hand and hand with the Pastor to inspire and bring encouragement and comfort to other members of the church when it is required. I also teach, preach and preside at worship services. I am also a member of the Audiovisual team and the Music Director.
I am a mother of 2 young adults and I am committed to helping both my children and our church members understand how to serve Christ in every facet of life, both in the church and in the world around them. I am also a Nurse.
I believe in the saying that the best sermon ever is how you live your life every day, particularly in the way you speak and act. Hence, I consider, my ministry to be offering my whole life in service to God. It is devoting all that I am to serving people in God's name. It is using all of my talents, gifts, training, and opportunities for God's work of building his church and uniting all things in Christ. It is living every moment for God, for His purposes and glory, at home and in the workplace, in the school and in the community, and everywhere else.
My favourite day is Friday. It is because it gives me hope knowing the next day is the Sabbath which the Lord has gifted to humankind. In it, I can rest and be assured of God's gift of love. I correlate Fridays to that blessed hope of Jesus' soon return to bring us back to that heavenly home which He has been preparing for us. Until then, I keep my eyes open for opportunities to love others, and I act on them.
My favourite Bible verse is found in Psalm 23, King James Version.
OUR CHILDREN’S MINISTRY LEADER
Children are a cherished part of our church community.
Jesus said: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14)
Our responsibility and mission is to raise the children in the way of the Lord. "Train the child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it" (Proverbs 22:6)
Children are "the apple of God's eyes." He wants us to treasure them and feed them with the word of God.
They are like little plants: we must sow the word of God in their hearts, water them faithfully and they will grow up towards the light, bearing good fruits.
OUR YOUTH LEADER
I’m 24 years old.
Originally from Grays Seventh Day Adventist Church, I came to Norwich in 2016 to start university. Whilst there I studied children’s nursing and met some amazing friends and people. Whilst here in Norwich I felt the Lord calling me to serve specifically in Norwich as a youth leader. Alongside being a youth leader and a nurse I serve as a lay preacher, preaching all over the BUC and even internationally.
My God-given goal is to encourage our university students and youth by working with a team to have Vespers and Bible studies. I also work alongside our Campus ministries leader to help the university students in their walks with Christ as well. I’m proud to serve such vibrant, God-driven, and amazing young people as their youth leader.
Isaiah 45:13 NKJV
“I have raised him up in righteousness, And I will direct all his ways; He shall build My city And let My exiles go free, Not for price nor reward,” Says the LORD of hosts.”
OUR MEN’s ministry leader
The Norwich Men's Ministry is a Fellowship of brothers who serve the Lord and are committed to supporting each other in a non-judgemental way. Our aim is to create a space where we can discuss the issues facing us as men and to enhance our spiritual enrichment, wellbeing and mutual support.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
OUR SABBATH SCHOOL LEADER
First time in the role! But even so, I am always trying to make the experience of Sabbath school something enjoyable and that makes you reflect on the lesson. If you are looking for a dynamic class full of interactive discussions come and be part of the experience!
I am also passionate about board games, team-building activities, and videogames. I have been dedicating a large part of my time to finding ways to share the gospel through media.
I think that God has filled us with talents very related to our passions (or hobbies), and we can always redirect them to serve God and people.
My favourite Bible verse is found in Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”