The East of Eden Mission Community

The East of Eden Mission Community is an ecumenical group of churches which have mission at their heart. We are committed to sharing ministry and mission together as we seek to serve communities from Croglin to Culgaith and all the way up to Alston.

Meet the East of Eden Mission Community team

Revd Becky Richards

Mission Community Co-leader

Associate Priest

I was ordained priest in June 2014 and served my Curacy in St John’s, Stafford with the villages of Tixall and Ingestre, before returning to our home village of Cheswardine, North Shropshire, to be Team Rector of a benefice of 6 rural parishes which was recently extended to 8 churches. I am passionate about prayer, unity and mission. Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17 was for unity among believers which would be our greatest witness to the truth and beauty of the Good News. However, I believe that each church and parish has its own identity and calling. There can be unity and mutual support amidst this diversity. Alongside ministry, I love the outdoors; walking, gardening and being creative. My first career was in conservation as a Countryside Ranger.

I am married to Rob who is a GP and a Lay Reader. We have three grown-up children, Ellenor (married to Alex), Matthew (married to Saskia) and John, and 2 grandsons, Levi (21 months) and Tobin (6 weeks). Over the past few years our children have all migrated north; to Edinburgh, west Cumbria and Yorkshire. Here in the Eden Valley, we feel blessed to be nearer to them and able to see more of Grandchildren. For this reason, I have chosen a part-time post to enable me to pray, study and support the family.

Contact me via email or Telephone.

To contact Revd Becky, call  01768 639014 

Photo of Ros Watson

Revd Ros Watson

Mission Community Co-leader

Part time Supernumerary Minister

I’m Ros and I come into the area as a part-time active supernumerary presbyter. My eight churches are Alston, Gamblesby, Kirkoswald, Langwathby, Appleby, Dufton with Knock, Kings Meaburn and Warcop. I am excited about meeting everyone and, together, discerning what God has planned for us as we seek to serve God and spread the Good News of the Kingdom.

In my free time I am looking forward to exploring this beautiful part of the world and, in particular, the history and prehistoric features of the landscape.


To contact Revd Ros, call  017683 51244 or 07923 044709 or email her.

Revd Fiona Jenkins

Priest in Charge: Kirkoswald, Renwick, Great Salkeld and Lazonby

I’m a proud Geordie and have spent most of my life in rural northern England. My faith was nurtured by Methodist Sunday School, Durham cathedral and Christians of all denominations in the Dales, Lancashire and now Cumbria. Officially retired, I have the privilege of serving the EEMC until permanent clergy are appointed.

I live in Lazonby with my husband Stan, lurcher Bramble and cats Bart and Wilf. I enjoy riding, photography, textiles, gardening, reading … Above all, I rejoice in the amazing power of Jesus to change lives and inspire Christians to transform their communities.

To contact Revd Fiona, call 07725 404668 or email her.

Photo of Dean Lawson

Dean Lawson

Lay Minister

I grew up in and around Pendle, and found my faith as a teenager thanks to various churches in the area. I know firsthand the power that Christian unity can bring, and look forward to sharing in that more here!

I’m passionate about sharing faith through telling stories, and exploring the Bible stories through the eyes of those in them. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, playing games with friends, and being as colourful as I can be!

To contact Dean, you can call 07897 736024 or email: 

A safe, happy and welcoming environment.

The welfare of our community, including children and vulnerable adults, is an absolute priority. In the East of Eden Mission Community we promise to do all we can to create a safe, happy environment for everyone.

For more information on Safeguarding, including who to contact, visit our safeguarding page.