Rev. Martin Cannam became vicar of St. Lawrence's in June 2000. Here he tells you about himself:

Dear Friends Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. My name is Martin Cannam. I am married to Sarah who is a G.P working part-time in a practice in Bradeley. Sarah and I were married in October 2000 just after I moved to Biddulph to start work as Vicar of St. Lawrence’s. We have a daughter Ellen and son Tim, both born in 2006.

I grew up in Staplehurst, Kent where I went to school, and to church with my parents. I decided to follow Jesus myself when I was 14 and at secondary school in Tonbridge. I first felt a call to ordained ministry in the Church of England during my time as a student, reading biology at Jesus College, Oxford. Having finished my degree I worked for two different churches as a Lay Assistant before returning to Oxford to complete my theological training. I served my Curacy at All Saints’, Childwall, Liverpool.

When I came to St. Lawrence's, I quoted the words: "I am a Christian with you, and a Vicar for you". I can't claim originality as this was a motto used by Augustine, fourth century Bishop of Hippo, but it sums up something of my understanding of ordained ministry. I might equally well have plagiarized another motto which expresses the desire to "see people saved, keep people saved, and help them to save others."

I believe that Jesus longs to reach out to all people today, and does so with the same love and compassion we read of in the Gospels. The Good News of Jesus is the best gift I have to offer anyone. And it is a gift, which by the grace of God is available to all who will receive it. Through Jesus we can have peace with God and new start in life, empowered by his Holy Spirit.

At St. Lawrence’s we aim to be a community of people who encourage and build one another up in faith, and who seek to share this Good News with our neighbours near and far. The church is formed around 4 congregations each offering a different style of worship that overflow into a wide variety of midweek groups and activities. Our desire is to “go and make disciples of Jesus” as we seek to connect in different ways with the people of Biddulph.

So, if you live in Biddulph or are passing through, please call into St. Lawrence’s one day soon. Otherwise feel free to contact me or the Church Office.

Yours in Christ’s service

Martin