Rev. Karen Hanford

Karen in Priest-in-Charge of Awsworth, Cossall and Trowell. She lives in Beeston and was ordained in 2017, having studied at St John’s College, Bramcote.  She is married to David and they have a son, Richard, who is also a Vicar.  Karen served her Curacy at St Leonard’s Wollaton and as Associate Minister in Stapleford Parish.

Before ordination Karen had worked as a Probation Officer, an Advisor with the Citizens Advice Bureau and as a Legal Secretary.

Karen and David enjoy hill walking and love heading off to the Lake District, North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales, as well as the Peak District, whenever time allows.

Karen says: “One of the greatest joys in ministry is seeing people come to faith and also growing in faith – stepping out and doing new things in response to God’s call”. Our aim is to “Grow in Faith Together”.

Photo of Brenda Brown

Revd Brenda Brown

Assistant Minister
Brenda was ordained as a Deacon to become a part time distinctive deacon to the parishes of Awsworth, Cossall and Trowell in July 2011. She was then fully ordained as a priest in November 2013, and continues to live in Awsworth.
Kirsten Whitehead

Kirsten Whitehead

Licensed Lay Minister
Kirsten has been attending St Helen's for over 20 years. She began leading services in 2019 and has since completed her training as a Licensed Lay Minister. Apart from leading services and preaching Kirsten is actively involved with the Eco-church team and the Grief cafe. Kirsten is married to Paul and they have 2 adult children. She works as a university lecturer.
Revd Paul Whitehead

Revd Paul Whitehead

Assistant Minister
I have been a part of Awsworth Cossall and Trowell Churches’ ministry team for over 20 years, although my primary ministry has been as chaplain. I spent over 10 years working locally as a part-time Anglican prison chaplain with my primary ministry, for just under 25 years, as a reservist chaplain in the British army. Having recently retired from chaplaincy I am now established in a more permanent role within the ministry team for the ACT churches. Having had many encounters with God throughout my life, my passion is seeing others encounter God afresh. For this reason prayer with healing and spiritual renewal have always been central to my chaplaincy and church based ministry. I am also part of the official Deliverance and Healing Ministry team for the Diocese of Southwell responsible for helping with other spiritual and psychic disturbances.

People who have previously served with the Benefice

Photo of Billy Nelson

 

Rev. Billy Nelson – joined us as a ‘retired’ minister in 2005 until 2025

Photo of Andy Lord

Revd Dr Andy Lord became Rector of the Benefice of Awsworth, Cossall and Trowell on 2nd October 2006. He left the Benefice to become Priest-in Charge of All Saints, Didcot and Bishop’s Advisor for Didcot Garden Town on 28th July 2019.