July saw the end of all 3 of our trustees’ term of office. We owe a great debt of gratitude to Clive Baggallay, Colin Gabell and Rod Harvey (and previously Andy Vincett) who have undertaken the work of establishing the Love Southend CIO since its registration. The initial phases of setting up a charity involves a lot of work, and we are so grateful to these folk in their diligence in doing so – and tackling some of the challenges on the way! Thank you all.
Attracting the services of new trustees is not always easy, but we are delighted to say that Syrie Cox, Barry Goddard and Mike Wright have agreed to take up the reins. A short introduction to each of them follows. We are tremendously grateful to you all for your willingness to serve in this legally essential way what God has called Love Southend to make possible. Mike has agreed to be Chair of Trustees, and although no longer on the board, Clive will continue to fulfil the treasurer responsibilities.
Syrie Cox – is the CEO of a housing, education and youth work charity. She is a visionary in God’s kingdom and has comprehensive experience of the demands and challenges of running a Christian organisation. She is committed to the vision and values of Love Southend. She champions Christians and Christian organisations collaborating in serving the community, not vying for scarce resources. She is a member of the ‘Loving Southend in Prayer’ WhatsApp group.
Barry Goddard – has been a follower of Jesus Christ for 40+ years, is an active member of The Wellspring Church Southend and Chair of Trustees for Hope three16, a Supported Housing Charity operating in Southend-on-Sea. Barry is passionate about seeing the Kingdom of God expressed through The Church flowing together to reach out, serve and minister to the community and glorify God in the process. Barry is married to Debbie who together have two grown up children.
Mike Wright – Mike has been involved in church leadership in Southend since moving to the city in 1985, and for some years before that in Kent. Mike retired from full time church ministry in January of this year, and prior to that stepping down was a long-standing member of the Love Southend Servant Team. Mike is in full support of the vison and values of Love Southend. As well as serving in his local church family at Leigh Elim Mike continues to actively engage with LS activities. He is part of the ‘Loving Southend in Prayer WhatsApp’ group and continues to be a member of the Servant Team ‘unity’ sub-group. Mike is married to Jenny who together have three grown up children, and eight grandchildren.
We pray God’s wisdom and discernment as they fulfil their responsibilities, and together with them, the Servant Team recognise that:
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Psalms 127:1