RECTOR: The Reverend Prebendary Stephen Stuckes was Licensed as the Rector of the Cuckmere Churches in July 2018.
Having been brought up in an Anglican family, Stephen is a ‘Cradle Anglican’ and recalls singing Midnight Mass with the church choir at the age of six! His love of music and musical training continued and he still enjoys singing and choral music to this day, as well as playing some ‘cello
and guitar.
Stephen became a Police Detective at just 21 years old, investigating crime whilst living in Bath. Following an experience of serious illness he took a change of direction and studied for a degree in Theology at Bristol. He then served in Parishes in Exmoor where he became Rural Dean with
some pastoral responsibility for 33 churches across the Deanery but primary responsibility for one. The reordering of the church in his time there was significant and the result was described by the Dean of Wells as ‘So beautiful’.
Stephen also held Diocesan responsibilities as a Director of the Board of Finance and member of the Bishop’s Council. He was elected Chair of the House of Clergy for the Diocese of Bath and Wells and was also made Prebendary (Non-residentiary Canon) of Wells Cathedral.
Following his many years of service in Exmoor, Stephen had opportunity to relocate, this time to Switzerland, where he was appointed as the Anglican Priest for Bern, the capital city. A treasured experience in many ways, and a place he could continue to indulge his love of the great outdoors by swimming in the fast-flowing River Aare!
From there he moved here to the Cuckmere Benefice, where he has spent the first two years establishing a Ministry Team, as well as engaging in the life of all 5 villages and their parishioners!
‘I have lived in such beautiful places’ he says, ‘so I knew that here I would be nourished by the landscape.’ He runs daily, swims when possible and is most often spotted in the village on his Brompton Bicycle!
He considers five churches an interesting challenge and is keen to see if all his experience can be put to good use!
Tel: 07811 647452
PASTORAL MINISTER: Kelly Ellis
Kelly joined the Ministry Team in 2019 as part-time paid Pastoral Lay Minister. She began a period of training and, in January 2020, Kelly was Commissioned by The Bishop of Chichester at the Cathedral in this role.
Kelly is married with two children who attend Alfriston School. She lives on the family farm in Litlington where they also run a Brewery.
As a child growing up in Tonbridge, she attended Church and was then baptised as a young adult after having moved to a Baptist Church in Crowthorne, Berkshire. She has been active as a Christian since that time and affirmed her faith by being confirmed in the Church of England in 2019.
Kelly’s background is in performing arts, having gained a diploma in musical theatre. She has performed in the U.K. and abroad in a variety of productions including the musicals ‘Starlight Express’ and ‘Grease’. She remembers fondly the wonderful theatre community where friendships were formed across differing cultures and sees this as perfect grounding for her role in ministry!
Since coming to live in the Cuckmere Valley she has been very active in Village and Church life, and has long felt drawn to a more committed ministry.
In her role as Pastoral Minister, Kelly has been able to deploy transferable skills from her previous life and work. She is qualified to teach dance and drama and this has been particularly helpful in encouraging our link with Alfriston School and in working with local families and children.
Kelly is very much inspired by the natural environment of the South Downs and it’s glorious coastline. As a committed ‘thalassophile’ she swims regularly and runs with her dog Molly! She also enjoys photography and the opportunity this allows to capture the beauty of the local environment which she so adores.
If you have any pastoral need or request, please don’t hesitate to contact her.
Email; pastoralminister@cuckmerechurches.org.uk
Mobile; 07903687705
CURATE: Damien Brennan
Damien was ordained in July 2022 and commenced as a
Curate in The Cuckmere benefice the following day.
Damien began a career in mental health nursing in 1987 and undertook further
training in cognitive therapy. He has worked in hospital and community settings
in London and Sussex and is the Mental Health Lead in a large community Trust
in Sussex, Damien has established and chairs the Trusts Religion,spirituality
and believes network which is a support and a resource for staff and patients providing and receiving care within the organisation, he also has responsibilities for overseeing the chaplaincy service. This is a role which he continues to fulfil in a part time capacity.
Damien trained in St Mellitus college in Kensington which has a commitment
to ‘generous orthodoxy’ a commitment to and acceptance all Christian
denominations . Damien has a background of worshipping in a range of different
church traditions and has attended Catholic, Baptist and free churches.
As a keen Bible student Damien has a passion to encourage people to engage
more deeply with scripture and to encounter the life giving and transforming
presence of God in new ways. As an accredited prayer minister he is also open
to praying with people who are seeking to deepen their spiritual awareness.
Curate@cuckmerechurches.org.uk
07815612101
