Lots of people give willingly of their time and energy to help St Mary’s run smoothly. Much of this is done behind the scenes or informally, but some people have key areas of responsibility.

Vicar

Stuart Silk was licensed as vicar of St Mary’s in April 2023, and is also vicar of St John’s Barrow Island.  His primary responsibility is not to do everything in the church, but “to equip [God’s] people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians chapter 4, verse 12).

Before moving to Walney, Stuart served in two churches in West Sussex (way down south!)  He is married to Katherine and they have four sons aged 13 to 22.  He loves carpentry and building, and always has project on the go.

rev stuart silk vicar priest st marys church of england walney island cumbria

Stuart Silk

Vicar

Churchwardens

Churchwardens are the senior lay representatives of the parish.  The role of the churchwarden is extremely varied but generally involves management, maintenance and mission.  In co-operation with the vicar, churchwardens are generally responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the parish.

Denise Elvy st mary's church PCC

Denise Elvy

Churchwarden
Rhona Teale st marys church walney

Rhona Teale

Churchwarden

Parochial Church Council (PCC)

The PCC is the main decision maker of a church.  It has the responsibility, along with the vicar, to promote the mission of God in the parish.  The PCC is responsible for the finances and has ultimate responsibility for the care and maintenance of all church buildings and their contents.  PCC members are also trustees of a church’s charitable trust, and are subject to all charity law.

Roger Burns (Secretary)
Lee Castle
Mal Eacott
Sue Eacott
Denise Elvy (Churchwarden)
Jonathan Elvy
Oliver Harding

David Hollis (Treasurer)
Ged Pugh
Monica Pugh
Stuart Silk (Vicar)
Rhona Teale (Churchwarden)
Gordon Waker

St Marys PCC July 2026 walney island cumbria

Licensed Reader

Readers, also known as Licensed Lay Ministers, are lay people, called by God, trained and licensed by the Church to preach, lead services and assist in other areas of church life.  St Mary’s has one reader, who also serves occasionally in other churches in Barrow.

Jonathan Elvy st marys church walney

Jonathan Elvy

Licensed Reader

Church Cleaner

We have a part-time cleaner for both the church and St Mary's Centre.

Monica Pugh st marys church walney

Monica Pugh

Church Cleaner. Monica is also our St Mary's Centre Booking Volunteer.