Stephen has been Vicar of Harlington for 25 years. He became a committed Christian in 1972 through the prayers of some loyal friends; completed a degree in Biochemistry at London University; then read theology in Cambridge for three years; after which he had the privilege of working in a fairly rough but loving part of the East End of London, and travelling to the poorest country in the world, Sierra Leone.

After ordination in 1978 came applying some of what he had learnt in rewarding youth and parish work in Waltham Abbey, Essex. In 1982 he was invited to share in some pioneering city centre ministry in Bedford, UK, which proved a very happy time: but nothing of all the preceding prepared him for the seemingly far harder task of sustaining a dormitory parish.

He has pulled his weight in the Diocese, serving on the Diocesan Liturgical Committee, Diocesan Pilgrimage Planning Group, Greenbelt Arts Festival worship subcommittee, and Archbishop’s Pilgrimage to Taizé planning. Top of the poll in the local council elections, he was elected chair of Highways & Lighting and worked hard to bring better relations between ‘church’ and ‘state’. The same interest has led to several years on the National Executive of the Clergy & Churchworkers’ Branch of Amicus. He combines parish ministry with being part of the Hospital Chaplaincy team and is a Judge’s Honorary Chaplain.
 

Robert is a Reader which means that he is an authorised lay minister of the Anglican Church, able to lead some services and preach at all of them. Readers are “licensed” by the Bishop of the diocese and are expected to help out in other churches, so you won’t see him every week at Harlington. Readers are voluntary; Robert works full-time at the University of East London where he is Head of Social Work Education. Before moving to higher education he worked for many years as a social worker and children's advocate.

Sadly Mindy passed away October 2010. Mindy was Revd Stephen Williams’ minder and attended services when she thought he needed keeping an eye on. Miss Mindy Williams B.A., R.K., was educated at the University of Life and was studying for a Masters Degree in Food Studies. She was keen on mountaineering. Mindy dragged her owner part of the way up Mont Blanc. Her favourite recipe was anything that contained breast of chicken. She was known to go to sleep during a service but insisted that it was not a result of the sermons! In fact on one occasion, at a Family Service, she was the advertised guest speaker. Revd. Steve was under the misapprehension that he made a decision to look after Mindy, but in fact the choosing was all the other way round. “You did not choose me, but I chose you”. She was an honorary member of the church's welcoming team and is greatly missed.

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