Revd Elise Peterson

Elise is originally from America but after a number of years in the UK, she now considers herself an ‘Ameri-Brit’ – definitely still American, but also just a bit British – and considers England home for the long term. Prior to moving to the UK in 2013 and embarking on a journey to ordination in the CofE, Elise spent more than fifteen years working in tech publishing and communications and lived most of her life in California before moving to Portland, Oregon.

She was ordained in September 2017 at Chelmsford Cathedral and served her curacy in the parish of Chigwell and Chigwell Row. In addition to ministry, she loves walking in the gorgeous English countryside and hiking in the mountains, reading a good novel or mystery, travelling around the British Isles and Europe (and of course, back to America), attempting to create a classic English garden, and spending time with friends and family.

Revd David & Jan Stainer

David is our Associate Minister at Rainham and Wennington. David is married to Jan, and they have two children and three grandchildren. Jan works in administration for two local Christian charities: Havering Street Pastors, who patrol in Romford & Hornchurch caring for people out and about during the night; and Hope4Havering who run the night shelter in the Borough and work with the homeless. David works at the Evangelical Alliance, a Christian charity that unites Christians to work together for unity and truth under the slogan, “better together”.

Rob Willoughby

Rob is one of Rainham’s two churchwardens.

Stephanie Bare

My name is Stephanie and I have the privilege of being one of four Church Wardens at Rainham & Wennington parish churches and always aim to do the best that I can, with God’s help. I am blessed with a supportive wonderful husband and two amazing children, I thank God always for the gift of family and pray that he will bless those who want to experience this with his favour. Continuously as I grow in my faith I ask God to open my minds eye and grant me understanding and unshakeable faith to always remain steadfast in my worship. I strive to always remember that when God makes a promise and I believe in faith, anticipate in hope & wait patiently, this will surely comes to pass.
Giving my life to Christ I can say was no challenge as I was raised in a Christian home with a mum who was on fire for God; my dad praise God joined her before his passing and I am grateful to God for this. I was able to accept and trust Him as my personal Lord and saviour very early on in my teens. My journey with God has been about understanding who He is, and how very much He loves each one of us and about who I am in Him, now that I am part of His family. I am still learning on this journey to this day, He continues to amaze and inspire me, demonstrating always that his name is a strong tower, when we believe and run into it, we will surely be safe.

Pat Sanders

Pat started attending RPC after a baptism course in 1985—having always had a faith, not being a church-goer. “My growth has been a slow process and at times it felt like two steps forward and ten back”. Pat’s mother always went to church and encouraged Pat to pray, but she was left to make up her own mind about church. “It wasn’t until I started to worship at Wennington Parish Church after several years of organising their shows, while still worshipping at RPC that I felt as if I had come home, and I feel that my faith has grown stronger since worshipping here. I love and enjoy worshipping and being with the family at Wennington”. Pat has served on the PCC at both Rainham and Wennington, and has been a Deanery Synod Representative and member of the Deanery Synod Standing Committee. Pat is currently in her second year serving as Churchwarden for Wennington.