An Introduction to our new Team Curate – Revd Sam Clayton

We are delighted to welcome Revd Sam Clayrton to The Headingley and All Hallows Team.

Sam will be joining us in July 2026 as Team Curate. Her ordination to the diaconate will be held on Saturday 4 July, 11am, at Bradford Cathedral. All are invited to come and support her at this service.

An introduction from Sam.

I have been happily married to my husband, Chris, for nearly 24 years, and together we have been blessed with two wonderful sons, Alexander and Daniel. Family life has always been at the heart of who I am, and it has shaped both my journey of faith and my sense of calling.

I came to faith at the age of 16, and from that moment, my relationship with God has continued to grow and deepen. Over the years, my faith has become stronger and more central to my life, guiding my decisions, sustaining me through challenges, and shaping my sense of purpose. For a long time, it has been evident—not only to me but also to others—that I have been called to ministry.

Throughout my career, I have primarily worked in nurseries and schools, supporting and nurturing children and young people. These roles have given me a deep appreciation for the importance of community, care, and encouragement in helping others flourish. In addition, I had the privilege of serving as a families worker in an inner-city church in Bradford, where I was able to walk alongside families in their faith journeys and experience the richness and diversity of church life in that context.

I was born in Bradford and lived there for many years before our family moved to Oxford for Chris’s training. More recently, we have moved to Horsforth, where Chris has taken up the incumbency post at St Margaret’s.

I am now about to complete my training at St Hild Theological College, and I am excited about what lies ahead. I look forward to being part of the church family across the Headingley and All Hallows team—getting to know you all, walking alongside you in your journeys with God, and seeing people grow in their faith.

God bless,
Sam

Winter Shelter For The Homeless

We are delighted to announce that from tonight, Monday 2nd February, we will be hosting a Winter Night Shelter for up to 15 homeless people for 7 nights!

The project is being run by Unity in Poverty Action, Leeds Street Outreach Service and Leeds Christian Community Trust and is being funded by Leeds City Council. Volunteers from our church community and beyond are coming together this week to make our church a welcoming space, spend time with our guests and cook/bake for them.

We would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to two local businesses for their gracious support this week. Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana – Headingley are providing pizzas for our guests and volunteers for an evening, & Spen Lane Cleaners Ltd will be laundering all the bedding during the week.

Try Alpha

The Alpha course is a 9-week long programme, in place for any individuals asking the big questions such as:

Does prayer work?
Is there life after death?
Is God real?

The intention behind this is to engage in open and honest conversations with new friends on the topic of faith and other crucial matters.

To find out more, please visit our Alpha page.

Introductory Message from Jo

Introductory message from Jo

We are excited to announce the appointment of a new curate, Jo Barrington, to The Headingley & All Hallows Team from 29^th June 2025.

Here’s an introductory message from Jo.

Hello!

I’m really looking forward to join your community for this next season. I am excited to join in with what God is doing amongst you in Headingley, and to get to know you all.

A clear thread through my life has been that I have known Jesus as my friend. I have taken great joy in seeing his kindness and love in my own life and in the lives of those around me. I have a heart to share this extravagant love to people who have discounted themselves from God and faith. To trust in God’s goodness and mercy is a continual learning exercise, and for me following God call on my life has led me to train for ordained ministry.

I have recently been reflecting on some words of Japanese theologian Kosuke Koyama – “strength is not strength unless it makes the weak strong.” I am consistently grateful for the strength of God, without which we cannot share the light of Christ with others. There is a ‘yes’ to be said each day as we trust that God will strengthen us in all we do, and I am encouraged that Christ’s mercy enables us to learn more of his love for us and share it with others. I know that Christ will be my strength as I make this move ‘up north’ to Leeds, and I am excited for the adventure ahead.

I’m moving to Leeds from Oxford, where I have spent the best part of a decade working and studying. I’ve had a career in branding and communications, whilst also moonlighting as a barista and a swimming teacher. I’ve spent the last few years studying for an undergraduate degree in Theology at Wycliffe Hall, and gaining ministry experience in a variety of churches.

Outside of work you’ll mostly find me outdoors, or on a hunt for some good coffee! I love the sunshine, time with friends, travel, photography and food. I’m looking forward to exploring the Dales, but even more I am looking forward to meeting you all and to serving and journeying in faith together.

In Christ,

Jo.

Jo will spend her first year at St Chad’s and with Rev Hannah, but she may be deployed across the team as the curacy progresses and as we discover where Jo can best learn and serve.

Donkeys at St Chad’s

On Palm Sunday we always remember how Jesus rode through Jerusalem on a donkey and how all the people shouted Hosannah to welcome Him. The ever-popular real donkeys were back at St Chad’s this year. Lots of delighted children got to take a ride up and down the church drive on the beautiful Marley and Tilly.

An Introduction to our new Team Curate – Revd Sam Clayton

An introduction from Sam.

Winter Shelter For The Homeless

Try Alpha

Introductory message from Jo

Donkeys at St Chad’s

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