Eldership
In the United Reformed Church, the Elders share responsibility, with the Minister of Word and Sacraments, for the spiritual well-being of the congregation. The Elders’ meeting is a distinctive and vital part of every URC, providing creative input on how we should work and grown in love as a faith community (and yes, that does sometimes mean discussing how best to use our resources or practical concerns) BUT always grounded in prayer. We are so thankful for their help and guidance to our churches. Our current Eldership are:
Alasdair Rust
In 2019 I graduated from Exeter University with an Hons Degree in Business Studies and I now work in Procurement for the NHS. I started attending Heavitree URC at the age of 5, when I joined the local Boys’ Brigade Company, the 10th Exeter. Since then, my fellowship journey has continued to guide me to the next step. In my spare time, outside of Church and Boys’ Brigade, I enjoy landscape photography and long distance running.
Janet Gray
I work as one of the URC’s Synod Pastoral advisers covering Cornwall, North Devon and Plymouth. I am married to Dick who is also the Synod treasurer and we have two sons, both of whom are married, and three grandchildren. One family live in Canada and the other in London. My hobbies are walking, bird watching, usually at the same time and researching my family history.
Peter Cox
I am a retired Mechanical Engineer and have two daughters and two grandchildren.
I have been involved with Heavitree URC for 6 years, 4 years as a church member and two and a half as a serving elder. My hobbies are golf and bowls (outdoor and indoor) and I also have an allotment. I belong to Friends of Heavitree where I drive patients to appointments and am a member of the Heavitree practice PPG.
Nigel Crane
My wife, Anne, and I became members of Heavitree & Pinhoe URC in 2020, just before the pandemic brought such huge change to our society. I have been an active church member all my life, and making music has always been important to me, both in a church setting and outside. Before retiring, I worked for the Environment Agency, in a number of pollution prevention roles. Alongside my involvement at the church, I work as a volunteer for the RSPB, as well as singing with and serving on the committee of Exeter Festival Chorus. I believe that we must act to protect the world and everything that is in it, otherwise we will fail in our duty to God, and will blight the future of our children.
Shirley Kelly
My church journey started at the age of two, attending the Sunday School at Glenorchy in Exmouth. I transferred to Heavitree after I moved to Exeter in 1982. As well as being an elder I facilitate the Eco-Church group, this being an area which I am passionate about. My job prior to retirement was as an Occupational Therapist in the NHS; I continue to use those skills in my volunteer role with Exeter Community Initiatives Transitions project. In my spare time I enjoy walking, yoga, reading and crafting.
Tony and Lucy Langmead
I’m Tony the current joint church secretary and have been a member at Heavitree for many years. Lucy and I married in 1975, and it wasn’t long before we were business partners too. Lucy is the current church Safeguarding Coordinator and over the years has been involved with much of the children’s work. We have two children and now a Granddaughter and are blessed to have them live nearby.
Pat Mortimore
You are here to defend the defenceless, to make sure that the underdog gets a fair break; Your job is to stand up for the powerless, and prosecute all those who exploit them.
Psalm 82 v 3 – 4 (The Message)
In the URC we believe that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and that it is underpinned by scripture as a command to “love one another as I have loved you”. We consider this commandment places a responsibility on church communities to act positively to safeguard the welfare of all those who may be vulnerable within the church community, by providing a welcoming environment, safe and free from harm.
To view our latest Safeguarding Policy click here.
Heavitree and Pinhoe United Reformed Church 