We are pleased to announce that the Reverend Lis Oglesby-Elong is to be the new vicar of the Parish of St Andrew's Biggleswade and will be starting with us on the 25th of September. The full text of the announcement from the Bishop of Bedford is below.
Liz has nearly 18 years experience as an ordained priest and has previously been incumbent of two parishes. Liz will be moving to the Parish with her husband Samuel and children Oscar and David. We look forward to welcoming her and her family into the Parish.
Full text of the announcement from Rt Reverend RIchard Atkinson, Bishop of Bedford:
I am delighted that we are now in a position to confirm that the Reverend Liz Oglesby-Elong is to be your new Vicar. Please could you announce this to the congregation at your church this Sunday, 13th June
Liz is currently serving her second Incumbency as Vicar of St Luke, Eltham Park, a church in the modern catholic tradition, in the Diocese of Southwark. She was ordained almost 18 years ago in Southwark Diocese, and served her curacy at St. Stephen’s, South Dulwich and her first incumbency at St. Michael and All Angels, Camberwell. Liz had previously been a Licenced Lay Worker for Children and Young People in the East End of London, and studied Theology at Roehampton Institute London and the University of Manchester. She trained for ministry at Westcott House Theological College, Cambridge and did pastoral placements in South Africa and Fulbourne Psychiatric Hospital. During her mainly urban and suburban ministry Liz has also served as an Area Dean, a School Chaplain and as a School Governor. Liz grew up in the Diocese of St. Albans and was confirmed in St. Albans Abbey in 1985. She walked the Easter Monday Pilgrimage many times in her tween-age years. Pilgrimages in subsequent years have led Liz to Iona, Taize and Walsingham. Liz describes herself theologically as ‘being Christ-Centred, with outward-focus’. She enjoys creative spirituality, retreats and quiet days, singing and music, prayer-walking and journaling.
In her spare time she relaxes by going swimming, vegetarian cooking, arts and crafts, watching films, walking and being outdoors, music and time with family and friends.
Liz is married to Samuel, who is from Cameroon, West Africa and they have two children Oscar, aged 9 and David, aged 4.
They are all delighted to be moving and Liz is both honoured and very excited to become the new Vicar of Biggleswade St Andrew. She is looking forward to getting to know you all, and discovering what God has in store ahead.
Liz will be Collated as your new Vicar at St Andrew’s by Bishop Alan on Saturday, 25th September at 3.00pm. In the meantime, you will remain very much in my prayers. Please do pray also for Liz and her family at this time of change and transition towards new beginnings with you in Biggleswade, in due course.
Thank you for all the hard work that you and others have given to the parish and the mission of the Church during the vacancy.