Self-Supporting Ministers (SSMs) in the diocese are assisted in their ministry by a team of clergy officers, one for each archdeaconry. SSM clergy officers are individuals who understand and support SSM ministry, meet regularly together with a member of the bishop’s staff to discuss matters of common concern and interest and link with the national Church on wider issues.
Getting support
The SSM Officers also provide the following support:
- Advice for SSM ministers and curates in each episcopal area concerning SSM ministry;
- Advice for incumbents and SSM ministers on the preparation of Ministry Agreements beyond curacy;
- Opportunities for meeting together;
- Occasional events for training and support.
SSM Officers
The Revd Margot Suter
Margot liaises, supports and encourages the ministry of SSMs representing their views and needs to senior staff. Her role includes liaising with other Area officers and promoting the availability of pastoral care of SSMs and encouraging SSM vocation. Margot is an Associate Priest at St Mary and All Saints Church, Beaconsfield.
07779 803 519
The Revd Janice MacDonald
Janice provides a link with diocesan and national SSM networks for SSMs in the local parishes Whilst the role is advisory in both directions, supporting SSMs is a key factor. Janice currently serves part-time in the North Newbury Benefice with a particular focus on St Mary’s, Speen; in her spare time she can be found at her son’s cricket club drinking tea and cheering them on.
01189 813 590
The Revd Marian Needham
Marian liaises with SSMs and with senior Diocesan staff and providing information, encouragement and support to both SSM and House for Duty clergy in Dorchester Archdeaconry. Marian was ordained in Chester Diocese serving there as an SSM before moving to an HfD post in Oxford Diocese. Now retired, she is part of the clergy team in the parish of Kidlington and Hampton Poyle, and enjoys keeping up her musical interests singing in a London choir.
07714 661 102
The Revd Mike Rayner
Mike runs running regular learning events, supporting SSMs (plus SSMs in training including curates), represents the views and needs of SSMs to senior staff, and works alongside the diocese’s vocations team to inform and encourage potential SSMs. In the rest of his life Mike is an Associate Minister at St Matthew’s Church in Oxford and a Professor of Population Health at the University of Oxford working on issues related to the healthiness and sustainability of foods, diets and food systems.
01865 289 244
More information about SSM ministry nationally can be found at the National Network of SSM Officers and Advisers.