CAPTION: Building relationships through children’s centres, toddler groups, pre-schools, and primary schools
Helping the very young “start their journey of faith”
The Diocese of Exeter is pleased to announce that Clare Cooke has been appointed Mission Adviser for the Early Years (0-5) as part of our Mission and Ministry team.
Clare, a former teacher and Deputy Head, is currently Vice Chair of Governors of a federation of schools. She also runs Budding Bishops, a parent and toddler group in her village where she is working to grow discipleship in this rural community.
The Rev Preb. Philip Sourbut, Director of Mission and Ministry for the diocese, said: “We are delighted to welcome Clare to the Mission & Ministry team. She brings a wealth of experience to this important area of our work.”
Clare said: “It’s about bringing my real-life experience to the role and helping others grow their church communities. It is about making church and church-run activities exciting for very young children and helping them start their journey of faith.”
As part of her role, Clare will be responsible for supporting and helping to create fresh visions for churches wanting to grow their work with families of young children and helping churches to reflect on and develop their Under-5’s work, both with children and their parents.
Clare will also provide advice and resources for Mission Communities to build relationships with local families through children’s centres, toddler groups, pre-schools, and primary schools to help support the healthy development of children and their families a Christian context.
Clare lives in North Devon with her husband and 3 young children (aged 4, 6 & 7).