Rev Brenda Gutberlet, brendagutberlet@btinternet.com 01702 298135

Hello, I am the local person who was born and raised in Benfleet and who from early childhood attended Benfleet Methodist Church with my brothers and mother.  Most of my working life has been spent as a Registered Nurse and Midwife. This included working for many years in the National Health Service and latterly teaching nursing and finally working as a Registered Nurse at Fair Havens Hospice for many years. During the hospice years I also worked as a Lay Pastor at Canvey Methodist Church and as a Lay Chaplain on the hospice team. It was amazing to be called by God to train for the Methodist Ministry on an ecumenical course - and then to begin serving as a Minister in this circuit, initially with Canvey and New Road Churches.  Now I am working with the congregations and communities of Rochford, Hockley and Rayleigh - which are delightful and keeps me on my toes I have many hobbies and interests including Celtic studies, being a West Ham United supporter and I try to study a different branch of the natural world each year. I have two cats and below is a picture of OJ (Obadiah Job) who often accompanies me to meetings and committees. Prayer and worship need to be kept at the centre of our community life and a sanctified sense of humour close behind! It is a joy and hard work to be a Methodist Minister - whatever else the Christian life may be, it sure isn't boring

Brenda Gutberlet