Andrew became a Christian through Crusaders, and after reading theology at university spent two years in Uganda as a volunteer teacher. He trained for the ordained ministry at Oak Hill Theological College, where he met his wife, Miriam who was the Principal's secretary; they were married in 1972. Andrew likes railways, photography and foreign travel! Miriam grew up in a clergy home - her father was a Keswick speaker - and is interested in interior design and home-making. They have two grown-up daughters: Jennie is teaching English as a foreign language in Prague, and Carrie works in Hong Kong in the human resources department of a big law firm. They served for 7 years at Christ Church, Clifton, in Bristol, having spent the previous 19 years in the West Midlands in two parishes - St Paul's, Leamington Spa and Knowle Parish Church.

Marc grew up in London and moved to Cheltenham in 2006 after working for churches in London and the Wirral. He is married to Sheryl and has two sons. Marc supports West Ham United and The England Cricket Team as well as being interested in new media and making short films. Marc is responsible for all the activities that take place in our church day by day as well as leading the staff team and PCC. "If you are thinking of joining our church family I would love to get to know you better, so do come and introduce yourself."

Mike was ordained in July 2006 having been 'Church Manager' for 4 1/2 years. He's still responsible for the church's administration but is following God's call into more pastoral ministry. After 25 years managing agri-businesses in the tropics he knows he has much to learn! His Christian commitment began at university, making him change from ‘biology’ to ‘agriculture’ and subsequently agricultural development. He has a lot of experience in ministry in cross-cultural situations. At St Mary’s with St Matthew’s his role is to make the fellowship hum(!) and continue to be a happy crowd where people meet God. Mike is married to Barbara and the father of Anna and Peter.

I came to Cheltenham in 2000 to study Film (theory and history) with Psychology in the University of Gloucestershire. My dissertation title was 'Exploring Cinematic Representations of Jesus Christ'. For over two years I played guitar and sang in a funk/rock band that gained a small but dedicated Cheltenham fan base. We sold almost 20 CD's (mostly to our families), and had fun at the Gloucester Guildhall. So far, rock stardom has eluded me, but I still write and record songs in my spare time. I am not into sport, but enjoy punk, jazz, fine ale, hats and horror films. I'm married to Rachel (who is lovely :-). I occasionally write for the CPAS publication CY (for children and youth workers). I am nice and Welsh, so please come and talk to me.

I took early retirement as Financial Director for a local Oil and Gas engineering company to use my lifetime skills in a more worthwhile less secular environment - hence my arrival at St Mary with St Matthew. I have worshipped at Highbury Congregational Church for 25 years, been Cheltenham Youth for Christ treasurer for 5 years and completed several audits for local churches and charities, have 5 engaging grand children to entertain and enjoy DIY, swimming and bridge. I will be delighted to meet you any morning in the Church Office in Clarence Street.

Brenda recently returned to (paid!) work after a lengthy period of being a mother (to Jessica and Jamie), an ex-pat wife (in the USA to Tony) and a student. She has a background in HR and computer software. She considers it a real privilege to have the opportunity of serving God through her work, and enjoys the daily flow of people and communications through the Church Office.

After spending 16 ½ years as a member of The Lee Abbey Community I arrived in Cheltenham in November 2006 to join the team at St. Mary with St. Matthew. I am excited as day by day we pray together seek to build one another up in the Christian faith, live community through the local church, share with one another all of which lie at the heart of my faith and lifestyle. In my spare time I take pleasure in relaxing with a book, doing cross stitch or watching a good film. I enjoy the countryside, particularly the Lake District and spending time with family and friends.