THE congregation at St Michael’s Norton has welcomed a new curate-in-charge.

Reverend Jonathan Evans was licensed at a service at the CofE church on Maynard Avenue on Sunday November 13 by the Bishop of Dudley, Martin Gorick.

Jonathan grew up in Redditch and has worked as a ministry trainee in West Bromwich and Wolverhampton before being ordained in 2020.

He has served as assistant curate at Christ Church in Lye for the last two years.

Jonathan’s wife Naomi was previously a children and family worker but now owns her own business designing and selling greeting cards and giftware.

Jonathan, a graduate in accounting and finance, worked in Macclesfield as a store supervisor in a bakery before training to become a vicar.

His hobbies include all things sport – cricket, golf, and football and he’s a keen supporter of Aston Villa.

He said: “I very much look forward to working with the people of Norton, an area that is close to my heart. I hope to see the church be a thriving part of the local community, sharing the message of Christian hope.”

A Christmas card, to all the residents of Norton, will go out shortly welcoming people to visit St Michael’s for all the services planned around the Christmas period and also to give an opportunity to meet Jonathan and Naomi.