Ipswich Circuit Superintendant

On September the first 2025 , I started as superintendent in the Ipswich circuit. So, just a little about myself…

I’m married to Luke who is also a minister, and he too is starting a new job on September 1st. He will be serving in the Tendring circuit. Believe it or not, after 35 years of marriage, we still want to live together!

And so we have decided to live in the Manningtree manse as it’s fairly central when you take both circuits into account.

We have a daughter, Laura who is married to Jamie. They have two children, Joshua and Noah, my beautiful grandsons. Laura is a minister as well, serving as a probationer in the Ely and Newmarket circuit. I grew up in East Yorkshire, in a little hamlet called Fitling, 12 miles east of Hull.

I am a farmer daughter, and if God hadn’t called me into ministry, I am convinced I would have still been driving tractors and milking cows.

But God had other plans.

I became a Christian when I was a child, and at 17 I knew that the Lord was calling me to preach so I started the local preachers’ studies. A year later I became a student at Cliff College where I studied for two years. After leaving collage I worked as a lay worker in the Methodist Church for many years. I eventually candidated in 2004 and entered circuit ministry in 2006.

I really don’t mind if you call me Viv or Vivienne. I answer to both. You choose.

We have a little cocker spaniel called Toffee, who’s a ball of energy! We have a Caravan, and we are looking forward to exploring the south over the next few years, God willing! I don’t like tea but I do like coffee! I like to play the piano when I get the chance, especially in worship. I’m not brilliant, but when the need arises, I do enjoy it.

My prayer life is vital. I need an hour in a morning, just me and Him! Without that I’m no good to anyone! I’m an early bird, not a night owl. I don’t function well at 9pm! I think it’s because of that that I really dislike late meetings! I like being with people and I like to laugh.

Finally, I am really looking forward to meeting you and working alongside you. It certainly feels like a new chapter for Luke and myself.

I think that’s enough for now but please can I ask that you remember us in your prayers as we continue to prepare for the move.

We have so much ‘stuff’ to box and transport the 92 miles down south! I think we may have entered the panic stage, but it will be right!

Until we meet in person, God bless – Rev Viv