SDF Community Work

In Spring 2019, St Mark's Gillingham applied to the Diocese of Rochester for a five-year grant from the Church of England's then new Strategic Development Fund (SDF). The purpose of this fund is to enable parishes to expand their reach in ways they have not previously had the financial means to do so. In June 2019, it was announced that St Mark's had been successful in its bid.

The grant was enough to create three new, salaried job roles, which would be based at, but not limited to, St Mark's Gillingham.

Gospel Plant Leader - Since her appointment in October 2019, Mayowa Oyinloye, also known as MJPRAISE, has worked on some incredibly exciting initiatives. She is well-known in the community for her annual Let Loose! summer concerts in Gillingham High Street which has been running since 2015 and has used her musical prowess to evangelise in the community. Mayowa hosted monthly Gospel worship nights, Good Friday services, African Praise nights and New Year’s Eve services. She had run a number of community initiatives, including a community choir for Easter and Christmas events, weekly gospel-busking sessions and STREET2STREET CAROLS in different locations around Medway during advent. Her work also included a number of activities for children, including kid's mentoring sessions, where she engaged kids in dance, drama, and music as well as a children’s gospel choir. This SDF role finished in October 2024.

Community Missioner - Christine Cordle, is a former district nurse who has also previously worked for The Family Trust - bringing a wealth of children's and youth ministry experience to her new role. She engages with a wide range of local community groups and forms partnerships with local schools - even leading assemblies and workshops. She has established new Messy Churches and other brand new worshipping opportunities in Gillingham.  

Community Pastor - Our previous community pastor, Karen Turnbull, stepped down in January 2022 and so the position became vacant but with the funding secured for the appointment of someone new to fill the role and continue the work. 
Trevor Dyer has just been appointed to fill the role.  A key part of Trevor's role will be reaching out to the marginalised and isolated people in Gillingham.  He will support and grow the work of Open Church at St Mark's and St Augustine's churches and lead a team of volunteers in their own faith development.  Trevor will develop the warm hospitality of Open Church, offering various social activities and bringing hope and transformed lives to those who attend.  This role is an SDF/Church Army initiative.