Is there someone in your church, worshipping community or church school who has delivered positive, Christ centred, change in your community? If so, we would love to hear their story and celebrate them!
On this page
October was Black History Month and this year's the theme was celebrating changemakers and we celebrated the achievements of change-makers in our diocese by sharing their stories. We have loved hearing about the changemakers in our schools, worshipping communities and other organisations and so we will be continuing to share their stories beyond October.
On this page you will find details of hpw you can tell us about a changemaker in your community and read about the changemakers in our Diocese.
Do you know a change-maker in your community?
Is there someone in your church, worshipping community or church school who has delivered positive, Christ centred, change in your community? If so, we would love to hear their story and celebrate them!
You can tell us about their achievements and their contributions by sending us either a short 60-second video or 150 words of written content.
The video or written piece needs to include the following:
- Your name.
- The name of the change-maker you are nominating
- The role of the change-maker and which parish/worshipping community/school/organisation they are part of.
- The reason they are being nominated, why they are a changemaker and examples of their achievements and work in the community.
- Please also supply a photograph, or photographs, of the change-maker you are nominating to accompany your video or written piece.
We have put together a Guidance note to help with your entry, this note includes tips for filming video.
Tell us about a change-maker: Submit an entry
Nominate somebody as a change-maker by using the form below:
Meet our change-makers
Aleishia Lewis
In this video we celebrate changemaker Canon Aleishia Lewis, headteacher of St. Mary's, Prittlewell, Church of England Primary School.
Marjorie Stanford
Alison Davies Churchwarden at St Andrew’s church in the Parish of Wickford and Runwell has told us the story of Change-maker, Marjorie Stanford:
Marjorie has been a devoted member of St Andrew’s church for thirty years spreading God’s love.
For twenty years Marjorie has been an avid campaigner for the women’s refuge. More recently, with Mothers Union, she has received a bronze award in recognition of her commitment and support for this worthy cause.
Marjorie is also a Pastoral Assistant, Verger and committee member. While also running a weekly community outreach group who meet for tea and biscuits to knit, sew and craft.
Every Friday night, Marjorie will also be baking her much loved cakes and renowned fruit scones. As every Saturday morning, she opens the doors to regulars for a Coffee Morning, who enjoy coming somewhere safe to be greeted with Marjorie’s warm heart and God’s grace.
Marjorie is renowned throughout our community, and this only touches the surface of her as a change maker.
Phillis Njuguna
Phillis Njuguna of St John's Church Epping has been nominated as a changemaker for her work setting up and running several “Thrive” groups that support survivors of domestic abuse across Essex.
Gail Hughes, Licensed Lay Minister at Priory Church of St Laurence -Blackmore, explains why she nominated Philis:
Survivors are supported by Phillis and her team who hold space, actively listen, provide domestic abuse awareness, refer women and their children to appropriate local support services and hold monthly wellness sessions which explore trauma-informed mindfulness techniques and grounding exercises.
Sessions encourage conversation and peer support. When women connect with others with similar experiences they are able to support and empower each other in recovery and reduce isolation.
Phillis facilitates the groups, shares her faith and equips survivors with tools to embark on new post-abuse lives in a mutually supportive environment.
Phillis is an Ordinand in Chelmsford Diocese and received the Citizen of the year award 2024 from Epping Forest District council. She’s real changemaker!
Revd Canon Dr. Christian Okeke
Revd Canon Dr. Christian Okeke has been nominated as a changemaker in his role as Parish Priest of St James' Church Harlow by Revd Dr Sheila Fernandes:
His leadership has been instrumental in bringing about positive changes in worship patterns, contributing significantly to the growth of the congregation.
Revd Christian has been deeply committed to nurturing young people, helping them to develop skills in teamwork and learning together. He has persistently encouraged the youth to embrace change and work towards achieving their full potential, especially in their educational pursuits.
As a leader, Revd Christian empowers the younger generation to express their true selves. His guidance fosters the development of their potential and leadership abilities, creating an environment where growth thrives.
With a clear vision for both the congregation and the wider community, Revd Christian inspires change that allows people to express their faith and engage more fully in worship.
I am pleased to nominate Revd Canon Dr. Christian Okeke as a Change Maker for his positive influence in the church. His leadership has made a real impact.
