Meat the team

We have a committed team at Faringdon Baptist Church - you can read about the team below:

	Mark Greenwood (Minister) Mark joined Faringdon Baptist Church in November 2023, after 30 years working with BMS World Mission, including 22 years in Brazil and then a short period as a consultant for the Oxford Centre for Mission Study (OCMS). He loves cycling and football, cinema, music and speaking different languages. He enjoys exploring the Bible and what it means for us today, interactive preaching, pastoral care and visits, exploring faith with interested seekers and contributing to the life of the local community. Mark and his wife Suzana are pleased to be part of a vibrant, serving, witnessing church in Faringdon.
	Michael Smedley (Elder & Treasurer) Michael originates from Swindon and has lived in Faringdon since the 1990’s. He has been a member of the church since 1993 and is married Libby and has two grown up sons, Dan, married to Helen with a daughter Esther, and Josh, married to Ruth.  Michael is a Chartered Surveyor and Arbitrator specialising  in property and estate management and currently works for Thames Water, he is also a trustee of the Baptist Building Fund.  Outside of work Michael enjoys cycling and running (slowly) and is a member of Gloucester Rugby club.
	Sharon Gerry (Elder) Sharon moved to Faringdon as an infant in 1962 following which, she and her family became part of FBC.  Sharon attended the local schools until 1978 when  she went up to Liverpool to train as an Occupational Therapist, a profession that she has pursued in the NHS throughout her working life. Sharon is married to Tim and they have 3 grown up children and 4 lively Grandsons. Sharon and Tim have been active members of FBC since moving back to Faringdon in the mid eighties and are committed to serving God and the local community.   Sharon enjoys lots of creative activities, music, DIY, walking – gently, and more recently working on their allotment. Her passion is to share the love of Jesus with the people around her.
	Richard Boulter (Elder) Richard came to faith at Reading University whilst studying agriculture. Later he joined FBC in 1987 when starting farming the family Organic Dairy Farm nearby. He is married and has three children and two grandchildren. He enjoys running regularly, researching history and reading. He is a member of the Good News for Everyone (formerly Gideons UK) and enjoys the opportunities to share faith and give out copies of God's word.
	Andy Gathercole (Elder) Andy is married to Elaine and they have four children and two grandchildren. Following 31 years living in Norwich he moved to Faringdon in 2021, after retiring as a paramedic. He soon became involved in leading services and other aspects of church life. Andy loves physical challenges having completed, amongst other things, Lands’ End – John O Groats (cycling) and the London Marathon – both a long time ago! He continues to enjoy walking, running and cycling and is attempting to learn to play the ukulele.
	Gemma Ashton (Church Secretary) Gemma moved to Shrivenham in 2010 and shortly after started attending FBC.  She is happily married to Mark  and has twin girls.  Gemma works part-time for the Armed Forces Christian Union.  Outside of work, she keeps busy running round after the children, baking cakes and attempting to keep fit!