Rev'd Gavin Rushton

Network Leader & Church Leader in Washington

I am passionate about "preaching the gospel afresh to every generation" a charge I received at my ordination as a priest which means that although we're a Church of England church and we use the patterns of worship common in the CofE, things do look a little different to what you may typically expect!
 
Outside of church life I'm married to my wonderful wife Annie and we have two teenage children. I'm a big American Football fan, supporting the Miami Dolphins in the NFL and 'Ole Miss for college football.  I also enjoy working out at the gym and try to get there most days... often very early in the morning!

Rev'd Anita Burke

Planting Curate at Christ Church, New Seaham

Hi, I’m Anita, currently entering my third year of Curacy, having joined HFC in 2022.  I was attracted to HFC as there is a clearly defined remit to church plant detailed in the Curate Profile.  Since January 2024, under the direction of the Diocese, I have been based in Seaham revitalising and church planting at Christ Church.  Myself, my family and dogs love living in this area and we have been warmly welcomed by the local community.

Rob Cooper

Digital & Youth Lead

Hi, my name is Rob and I'm the Digital & Youth Lead. The digital part of my job involves leading our social media channels and livestreaming our church services, as well as leading worship. And on the youth side of things I'm a School Chaplain at Christ's College in Sunderland and help lead our TEN10 Project Bus!

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I'm originally from Nottingham, but moved up to the North-East for Uni where I completed a PhD in Mathematics before coming to work for Hope Family Church! I live with my wife, who's a youth worker, and our hyperactive spaniel who many have nicknamed 'the happiest dog in the world' and I'm a big gamer - both video games and role-playing games like D&D.

Holly Mason

Administrator

Hi, my name is Holly and I’m the administrator! My job involves handling many different tasks from keeping track of finances, to organising paperwork and answering phone calls. With so many different things to do I am most likely to be found in the office at my desk, so don’t be afraid to come and say hello if you have any questions!

When I am not working, I spend my free time with my older sister and my niece, going on various trips and days out in and around the North-East. Our favourite place to visit is Beamish Museum where I often put all the knowledge I gained studying History at university to use sharing interesting facts and teaching my niece more about the past.