anglican communion,asylum,equality,evangelical,good news,liturgical,outreach,pcc,prayer,scripture,sunday school,tradition

My Passion
I believe the local church is called to be woven into the heart of its community. At St Martin’s,
I help with a weekly music dementia group, initiate outreach events such as pancake parties
and pub carols, and have helped establish Wild Church, a seasonal outdoor all ages activity.
I also run a walking group of around 80 people, most of whom are not regular churchgoers.
We visit a church on our route each time (many of your churches will have hosted us - thank
you!) and I have seen the quiet power of people walking alongside one another, building
friendships and finding community. It can open doors.
Following Jesus has taught me to be attentive to the people God puts in our path, particularly
in direct and often unexpected encounters. When a hotel for asylum seekers opened next
door to our church, I had the privilege of getting to know some of those staying there and
gaining a deeper appreciation of the obstacles and barriers many people face in life.
Alongside my church work, I am a trustee of a charitable trust supporting charities that seek
to change communities and restore broken lives through education, training and personal
development. I visit charities across the UK, both faith-based and secular, and am continually
inspired by people working tirelessly to create opportunities for those in need.
These experiences have given me a strong sense of the opportunities and
challenges facing the Church on the ground. I would bring that perspective to
Synod: listening to our parishes and communities, learning from one another, and
helping us to keep our focus on serving our neighbours, sharing the good news
and the hope we have in Christ.
Judy Young
Candidate for House of Laity, Guildford Diocese
Nominated by: Andrew French, Leatherhead Deanery
Gill Beckwith, Godalming Deanery & Diocesan Synod
About Me
I am a member of St Martin’s, where I am an occasional preacher, lead a monthly Bible study,
serve on the PCC and represent the parish on the Leatherhead Deanery Synod. I care deeply
about the Church being a cornerstone of its community and have a heart for outreach.
Professionally, I have worked as a stage manager for theatre, opera and large-scale public
events, bridging the gap between creative vision and delivery. I am good at understanding
what people need, seeing the bigger picture, bringing people together and finding practical
ways to make things happen.
I have been married to Toby for 28 years. We met as undergraduates at Edinburgh University,
where I studied Chemical Engineering, before I went on to RADA and a career in technical
theatre. We have two young adult children, and enjoy walking alongside them as they find
their way in life, seeing at first hand some of the challenges facing younger generations today.

My Faith Journey
My faith was formed in the Presbyterian tradition, growing up in Scotland
and continuing as a young adult in London. I also spent time in the USA and,
since moving to Surrey nearly 20 years ago, have been part of a wide range of Anglican
churches, both evangelical and more traditionally liturgical.
St Martin’s is now my church home. I was received into the Anglican Communion at Guildford
Cathedral in a wonderful service led by Bishop Andrew. I have since completed the
Foundations in Ministry programme and am developing my role as a Lay Associate Minister.
Across these different churches and traditions, Presbyterian and Anglican, Scottish,
American and English, my faith has grown through serving in many ways, from Sunday School
and refreshments to formal leadership. Through it all, knowing Jesus has remained central:
through Scripture, prayer and worship, seeking to follow him faithfully.
I love the rhythm of the liturgical year and the framework of the lectionary, whilst also
enjoying learning from other churches and traditions. I pursue further learning through
programmes and events offered in our own diocese and at Sarum College, striving to deepen
my own faith and understanding so that I can remain open, relevant and equipped to engage
with others and reach those who do not yet know what the Church has to offer.
My Commitment to Synod
At a time when many parishes face changing patterns of attendance, financial pressures and
difficult questions about sustainability, I believe passionately in finding ways for parish
churches and ordained clergy to remain a vital presence in our communities.
My professional life has involved turning shared ideas into practical action. I enjoy working
collaboratively, listening to different perspectives and finding common ground. I would bring
to Synod an understanding of the realities facing our churches, alongside a commitment to
build trust and enable healthy, thriving local churches.
I stand as part of the Together campaign and am deeply committed to equality for everyone,
at all levels and in all roles within the Church. On Synod, I would seek to listen to voices that
are sometimes overlooked, contribute thoughtfully to difficult conversations and help build a
Church where everyone fully belongs.
If you share my hope for a Church of England that is present in every community,
welcoming to everyone and confident in its calling, I’d be grateful for your vote.
You can also contact me by email: [email protected]
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105