LATEST NEWS

We are pleased to announce that Revd James Hill has been appointed by the Bishop of Stepney as the next Priest-in-charge of St Stephen’s Canonbury. The patron and parish reps were fully involved in the recruitment decision and are excited to welcome Revd James to the parish of Canonbury. Revd James is an experienced, thoughtful, compassionate and gifted leader. He has been vicar of St Jude and St Paul Mildmay in Islington since 2019 and will continue as vicar in Mildmay alongside his priest-in-charge role in Canonbury. Prior to living in Islington, James ministered in Amsterdam and spent many of his younger years in Canada.

We are also pleased to announce that Revd Prakash Thankachan has been appointed as Associate priest for Mildmay and Canonbury and will work collegially alongside Revd James Hill to support the ministry and mission of both parishes. Revd Prakash was ordained in Calcutta, India in 2017. Prior to ordination he served communities in India as a project worker and is experienced in community development and reconciliation. He has been ministering in the Church of England as associate in two parishes in Stepney Area since 2022.

Both priests will be licenced to their new roles in early 2025, date to be confirmed and subject to safeguarding procedures being completed. Please pray for them and the PCCs of both parishes as they prepare for this new season of ministry. Please feel free to get in touch with PCC members if you have any further questions. 

 Andrea Farley-Moore writes…

I’ve lived in Dalston for the past three years and love the vibrant mix of people, cultures, food, shops and transport options! I’ve spent time in Tanzania and China which gave me new skills and enthusiasm for Asian and African cooking - the sights and sounds of the Kingsland Road conjure up lots of great memories of people and places. 

I grew up in Dartford and Canterbury and have moved house too many times…living in Sheffield, Cambridge, Birmingham, Pusan, Kowloon, Sutton, Blackheath, Deptford and Wakefield.

I enjoy walking my dog, cooking, reading, green spaces and living in London. 

I’m married to Peter and have two sons Hudson (25) and Sheffield (26) who both live in London. 

Over the years I’ve worked in teaching, criminal justice, media and NHS. Alongside my curacy I’ll be involved in training for Pastoral Assistants in London Diocese and part-time therapeutic work.

I became a Christian when I was 11years old. God has been faithful and seen me through many challenges. I’m looking forward to being part of what he’s doing in Mildmay and Canonbury and sharing the Christian journey together. 

The words of this hymn speak to me of Jesus great love for us and the strength he brings to our lives.

“How sweet the name of Jesus sounds 

in a believer's ear! 

It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds, 

and drives away our fear.”

(John Newton, 1779)

I’m looking forward to joining you as Curate from Sunday 29th June 2025. I’ll be ordained deacon at St Paul’s Cathedral on Saturday 28th and serving the parishes of Mildmay and Canonbury for the next 3 years (part-time 3 days per week).

We continue to hold services of either Morning Worship or Holy Communion at 11am each Sunday morning, to which you are warmly invited.  

With the management of COVID-19 moving to the same footing as all infectious diseases, we ask that you do not come to St Stephen’s buildings if you are unwell in any way that suggests any infection. This means staying at home if you have new symptoms such as: runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, cough, rash, headache, fever or upset stomach (and please stay away for 48 hours after any diarrhoea or vomiting).  

Please look after yourself, and seek medical help if you need it.  If you need any practical help, or wish to be included in the church prayers for those who are unwell, please contact the church office.  

We will continue to provide hand sanitiser as you enter the church.  Wearing face covering will be a matter of personal choice. The Government suggests that we continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet.