"This Wasn’t the Plan" - Meet Jody

Jody, in Banff National Park, Canada

Five years ago, I would never have guessed I’d end up working in a church again. In fact, I probably would have laughed at the idea. And yet here I am.

I’m a 50-something Canadian woman who has spent more than 25 years working in the corporate world. My career began in admin before moving into IT, and later into project work focused on business analysis, organisational change management, and strategy development. Along the way, I became a ProSci-certified Change Manager, working with people and organisations navigating growth, transition, and complexity.

In 2020, when COVID arrived, like many others, I shifted into remote work and moved further into learning and development. For several years, that was my full focus.

At the time, it all felt like I was on a relatively straightforward professional path. However, I’ve learned over the years that life – at least for me - is rarely straightforward and in 2023, everything changed.

Say Yes to Everything

In 2023, my family and I moved from Canada to the UK. Why? Honestly — why not. Life felt too short not to take the risk and try something new.

Jody with her family, on the Hove promenade

One of the first things I did when I arrived in Hove was join a local ladies’ choir that met at St Andrew’s Church on Monday nights. I had never sung in a choir before, but I was told (half jokingly, half seriously) to say yes to everything when starting a new life in a new country. So I did.

Then, in the autumn of 2024, my client work in Canada began to slow. Around the same time, I was at choir rehearsal when I heard St Andrew’s was looking for someone to help with admin a few hours a week. It sounded simple, practical, and like a good way to connect with the community.

I applied. I was offered the role. And I said yes...again.

That role, starting in January 2025, became something I genuinely looked forward to. There was something grounding about it — being part of a place that has quietly served its community for generations. Without really noticing it, I stopped feeling like I was working for the church and started feeling like I belonged in it.

When Closed Doors Open

Later that year, my Canadian client work slowed further, and uncertainty grew.

I knew St Andrew’s was looking for someone to step into a children’s and youth leadership role. That brought something unexpected back into view.

Before my corporate career, I trained in theology in Canada, was ordained as a minister, and worked as a youth and children’s pastor in my twenties. But after transitioning to corporate work, I had not expected to ever return to that world.

But as one chapter quietened, I began to wonder whether my earlier experience — combined with everything I had learned since — might actually be needed now.

After some reflection, I spoke with Rev. Dan. I was encouraged to apply for the role.

The rest as they say is history!

What Shapes How I Lead

It is from that combination of professional experience and personal journey that I step into this role.

For me, leadership and growth begins with curiosity and humility. Some of the most important growth in my life has come from being willing to ask hard questions, challenge assumptions, and stay open to learning even when it is uncomfortable.

I value excellence. Doing things thoughtfully, and always looking for ways to improve.

I also value wisdom, which for me is rooted in listening well and recognising that we never stop learning.

And I believe deeply in transformation — not instant change, but the kind that happens slowly through honesty, persistence, and grace.

But I think what I'm hoping for most, is to create a place where any child or young person can come and find safety and belonging - kids who have struggled, been bullied, are neurodivergent, are exploring their identity, are experiencing troubles at home, or don't 'fit in'. I think this is what all church groups should strive to be. Jesus always focussed on the outcast, people who were struggling, people who needed healing, people who didn't belong. I'm hoping that we can show the young people of Brighton and Hove (and their families) that they matter, to us, and to Jesus. If God created them, it's our job to love them for exactly who they are. Period!

Recent pic of StACY G Youth Group

Building on Strong Foundations

I am stepping into a community that already has massively strong foundations.

St Andrew’s has a long history of faith, care, service, and investment in children and young people. It is clear that many dedicated parents, leaders, volunteers, families, and children have already shaped something deeply meaningful here.

I am honoured and grateful to build on that, not replace it.

An Open Invitation

So, at the heart of everything I hope for is this:

I want you (kids, youth, and adults) to know that you matter here. You are welcome here. You belong here. We are not a perfect church, but we are working every day to be the best respresentation of Jesus, and Christianity that we can be. That's the best we can do. One of my favourite sayings is "when you know better, you do better", and I think this is who St Andrew's Church wants to be.

If you are looking for a community in Hove where this all makes sense to you, we would be glad to meet you.