Staff and Leadership of EBC
Please find below an introduction to our church leaders and staff members.
Rev Martin Wright – Minister
Hi, I'm Martin,
I joined the Church to become their Minister in April 2022.
I was originally from the Midlands (not north) and have spent 6 great years in South Croydon, before feeling a call to Eastwood. I have lead and ran various projects ranging from the children's groups to detached youth work all the way to afternoon tea with the older members of church.
I hope to see God move in a way which sees our Church connecting with the local community. Seeking to serve, encourage and meet needs that God has called us too. We hope to demonstrate how much we are loved by God by how much we love the community of Eastwood.
I came to know Jesus on a mission to prove my wife wrong, that this 'Christian stuff' is a load of rubbish. However, 15 years on I think I can now admit I was wrong. Jesus has flipped my life around, has changed all things for the better and I am eternally thankful that, I am in him, and him in me.
If you wish to join us on a Sunday you will find a loving church, who is comfortable with all people, who seek to worship God in our hearts and not by perfection of the service. You will meet those who have known Jesus for years or just weeks, you will hear and see children laughing and running around like they own the place. We will preach Jesus who is here now, affecting and impacting our daily lives.
Contact: martin@eastwoodbaptist.org.uk
Val Statt - Church Secretary
Hi, I am Val Statt and currently hold the position of Church Secretary. I first started coming to Eastwood Baptist Church in 1998 and then with my husband Andy we became members shortly afterwards. My journey of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ began in 1985 when I responded to his invitation to let him into my heart.
Revelation Chapter 3 Verse 20.
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me”. We all can have an understanding of who God is and Jesus, but being a Christian to me is having a relationship with Jesus Christ and basically letting him lead my life. Not as some sort of robot but using all my gifts and talents to serve him. It is and continues to be a great journey and one I have never changed my mind about. We as a church welcome everyone to come and experience this relationship with Jesus and with us as a church family.
Prayer is an important part of the life of a Christian, and this is just talking with God, anytime anywhere. You don’t have to book a ‘time slot’. He has been with me through developing cancer and the loss of my dearest husband. Our church supported me too.
I love so much of God’s world especially nature, big and small weather it is a butterfly or a Giraffe. Together with mountains, valleys, waterfalls, parks, seaside and countryside. I am interested in space and amazed at what happens on the International Space Station. I love dogs, although I have not got one now I do look after family dogs when needed. I have two sons and four grandchildren and enjoy family time with them all. Music is wonderful, because it can meet whatever you need, quietness, and excitement, reflective and of course worship music. I have to admit that I am a lifelong fan of Cliff Richard.
Look forward to meeting you when you come and visit.
Contact: secretary@eastwoodbaptist.org.uk
Andrew Edwards – Treasurer
I joined EBC from Colchester Baptist church in 2015. Since then, I have helped with our Tea Service, Men’s' breakfast and Energize. I was elected as treasurer 3.5 years ago and I have just been re-elected for a further 3 years. I have 2 grown up children who are both married. In 2019 I became a grandad for the first time.
Contact: treasurer@eastwoodbaptist.org.uk
Jan Noble – Deacon
I joined Eastwood Baptist when my husband and I moved to Eastwood from London in 1976. We had 2 sons and now have 4 amazing grandchildren.
My passion is working with children, and I help lead most of our children’s groups, from Pinocchio’s to Energise.
Contact: jan@eastwoodbaptist.org.uk
Graham Back – Deacon
Hi there,
I have been at EBC for 10 years now, and have been involved in many things here, both in church and also in the local community. My wife (Val) and myself receive our church's pastoral and prayer requests. After 51 years of marriage, and with 3 children and 7 grandchildren of our own, our family and other experiences (many good, some not so good), have helped us to understand and help with many of the problems which are being experienced by our church family.
All blessings, Graham
Contact: graham@eastwoodbaptist.org.uk
Sharon Watkins – Deacon
Hello. My name is Sharon and I have recently joined the leadership team here at Eastwood Baptist Church. My family and I have lived in Eastwood for many years now. Until recently I was the head of Art at the fabulous FitzWimarc School in Rayleigh. Having been part of our church for many years I have been privileged to see how we have grown and become part of the Eastwood community. Our current project, that I am proud to coordinate, is the setting up of a food bank under the Trussell Trust supported Southend Food Bank scheme.
Contact: sharon@eastwoodbaptist.org.uk
Rosie Midson – Deacon
Hello, my name is Rosie and I have been a member of Eastwood Baptist church since 1980- during which time I have moved home 3 times and held 7 different posts in my professional career before retiring. Throughout my working life having the church as a place of worship and fellowship and Christian friendship was extremely important and now I am able to give more time to serving as part of the EBC family. I have several jobs to do within the church and I am the Designated Person For Safeguarding. One of my hobbies is cooking and baking as I enjoy feeding people physically as well as spiritually…… I like eating too!
Contact: rosie@eastwoodbaptist.org.uk
Christina Petrou – Deacon (Further info coming soon)
Hi l'm Christina, l joined Eastwood Baptist Church when my husband Chris and l moved from Seven Kings, Ilford (6 months before the pandemic) in January 2020. We have a son and daughter and 3 lovely grandchildren.
I gave my life to Christ when l was 31 and He has been my rock and guide ever since.
I have been involved with children's work for many years, especially early years.
I volunteer at Pinnochios and also Friday club and Energize, which I also enjoy.
I love singing, reading, gardening and going to the theatre.
I feel blessed to be part of the caring fellowship of Eastwood Baptist church.
All blessings Christina
Contact: christina@eastwoodbaptist.org.uk
Val Back – Deacon (Further info coming soon)
My name is Val Back and I am married to Graham who is also a Deacon, with 3 adult children and 7 grandchildren.
I am part of the Pastoral Team with my husband and together we send out prayer emails for those in need of prayer for any reason (big or small). We are very blessed to see God at work and although He doesn't always answer our prayers in the way we expect, it's always in the best way. I love the fact that God, who created all things, loves us enough to keep on teaching us, helping us grow, even when we're old and grey, and feel that we don't have much to offer.
We have a busy household as our daughter and 2 youngest grandchildren live with us alongside our cockapoo who we've had for the last 15 months. Our dog always makes me feel guilty when we leave her alone, even when it's only for half an hour, but she's lots of fun, especially when she has an attack of the zoomies!
Contact: val@eastwoodbaptist.org.uk