Leadership
Our leadership is made up of our Minister and Deacons who are all Trustees.
Russell Howes – Minister
I joined LEBC after 14 years leading a church in Shropshire. I first felt God was calling me into Christian ministry when I was studying in Bristol. And after being caught up in the London "7/7" bombings in 2005, I went off to train at Moorlands College.
I was baptised as a Christian when I was 15. Having experienced God's forgiveness and grace through my parents, I knew I needed to surrender my life to Jesus. And while I was a student, I was also overwhelmed by God's Holy Spirit filling my heart and life in new ways, to live and speak for Him.
I'm married to Helen and we have three children at local schools. We like taking our lovely Golden Retriever for walks, being over-competitive at Scrabble, and sampling local takeaways! I enjoy playing guitar, gardening, and annoying my kids with dad-jokes.
Julian Rowlandson – Church Secretary
Married to Fiona with three sons and five grandsons our family can be busy and chaotic!
We both grew up in Christian families and were baptised in our late teens. I have had the privilege of working in a number of Christian organisations which has prepared me, a little, for the role of Church Secretary at LEBC. We are relative newcomers to the church joining the congregation in 2022.
As a passionate sailor I like to spend anytime I can on the water and have recently discovered an enjoyment of cruising. Along with my enjoyment of sailing I am a trustee of the Venturers Norfolk Broads Cruise a Christian sailing holiday for young people from year 7 up. I served as commodore for 10 years before stepping down.
(Term of office - until 4/10/2024)
Stephen Newton - Treasurer
I am married to Alison and we have two adult children.
I grew up in a Christian family and for much of my life I was involved in church youth work.
We relocated to Lower Earley at the start of the school summer holidays 2007 due to a work relocation and our two children attended the holiday club. We have been at LEBC ever since.
When possible, I play Badminton and I also have an interest in politics.
(Term of office 1 year until 4/10/2024)
Rebecca Hogg - Deacon
I grew up attending church, became a Christian in my teens, and was baptised when I was 17. After finishing university in 2008 I moved to Lower Earley and started attending LEBC.
I have a passion for telling children and young people about Jesus, and my main involvement at church is with the children in Bright Sparks and Ignite.
During the week, I am an Acoustic Consultant and carry out noise and vibration testing on building services, both in the laboratory and on site.
I am married to Richard and we have a daughter. Most of my time is spent running around after a toddler, but I do enjoy going for walks, reading books, and playing board games when I get the chance.
(Term of office 3 years - until 4/10/2026)
Jacques Zeeman - Deacon
I am married with 3 kids (including twin daughters).
I'm fortunate to have grown up in a Christian home so I have been spending time in church since I can remember. I don't recall a specific date for giving my life to Christ but recall numerous times of recommitting to him.
My wife and I moved to the UK from South Africa in 2001 (the day after our wedding) and have been in Lower Earley ever since; joining LEBC in 2010.
Being South African I used to be a keen sportsman and viewer, but since the kids came along they tend to take precedence.
(Term of office 3 years - until 13/10/2024)
Jon Lloyd - Deacon
Having grown up in a Christian home and a small rural church, I decided to follow Jesus for myself when I was 10 and was baptised when I was 17.
I am married and have two energetic sons! I have a wide range of interests including sport (especially football and running), music and the natural world.
I am involved with the musical worship at LEBC and regularly pray for the people of Lower Earley on my frequent runs around the area.
(Term of office 3 years - until 5/10/2025)
Joe van de Merwe - Deacon
I was blessed to grow up in a Christian household where our parents encouraged us to explore a relationship with God.
Although God has been a constant in my life, I did feel led to commit myself to Him at age 14 after which I was baptised.
The journey has not been smooth, but it has been blessed.
I am married with 3 children and have been living in and around Lower Earley since 2001 after I relocated from South Africa.
(Term of office 3 years - until 5/10/2025)
Steve Wilson - Deacon
I became a Christian as a teenager at a summer camp in our village. Through upper school I had the support of a close group of Christian friends and was involved in youth work and church life during and after University.
Ruth and I have 3 married daughters, whose children keep us busy.
I am retired having worked for over 40 years as an electrical engineer and shift manager keeping the lights on with National Grid and SSEN.
We joined LEBC on moving back to the area in 1995. Our girls settled in quickly here and we have all have benefitted from, and contributed to the life, worship and teaching of the Church.
I volunteer with a car service to provide transport for those that cannot get to medical appointments and help with Mulberry Bush, TNT and the audio visual team in church week by week.
(Term of office 2 years - until 5/10/2024