Farewell to Fran Bell as she begins ministry in Diocese of Newcastle

A fond farewell to Fran Bell

This summer, we bid a fond farewell to Fran Bell, who has served the Diocese of Lincoln with dedication and enthusiasm as our Church Development Officer.

After almost three decades in Lincolnshire and an interesting journey through various roles, Fran will be ordained deacon on 29 June in the Diocese of Newcastle, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her life of continued church service – this time in ordained ministry.

Years of service and growth

Fran came back to the Diocese in 2016, bringing with her a wealth of experience from her early career with West Lindsey District Council in Lincolnshire.

Over the years, she has held numerous planning posts, a memorable stint as the Diocesan Advisory Committee Secretary, and, most recently, brought her gifts and talents to the Church Buildings Team as Church Development Officer combining her love for people, places and heritage.

“I arrived in Lincolnshire as a single woman, and I leave as a wife and a mum to two daughters – along with so many memories of the people and parishes I’ve had the joy of working with.”

It’s a transformation shaped by Fran’s deep and abiding love for service, faith and deeper connections with the communities across the Diocese.

A champion of church development

Throughout her time with the Diocese, Fran’s passion for helping churches thrive has been evident. From securing grant funding and supporting major redordering projects to helping churches install new facilities and welcome their wider communities, Fran has been a tireless advocate churches as creative and sustainable sacred spaces.

“I have been struck by the various church projects I’ve had the pleasure of being part of making happen over the years. The funding sought, the connections made, the new facilities installed. It’s been quite a journey.”

Her work has helped open church doors both literally and figuratively – inviting new engagement and fresh possibilities for parishes across Greater Lincolnshire.

A new chapter in Newcastle

Fran and her family (including their beloved retired greyhound!) are now preparing to move to Northumberland, where she will be ordained deacon at the end of June and begin her curacy in Parish of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick.

It’s a place that is close to Fran’s heart. Years ago, during a family holiday, she first felt a quiet sense of calling while visiting a church in Alnwick. It was a moment that would grow into a call to ordained ministry.

It will also be closer to family, including her nonagenarian mother in law, her parents in Perthshire and her youngest brother, who is also a priest in the Diocese of Newcastle. 

Gratitute and blessings

We are immensely grateful for all that Fran has contributed to the life and works of the Diocese of Lincoln. Her wisdom, warmth and vision will be deeply missed by colleagues and clergy alike, especially her colleagues in the Church Buildings Team.

Fran, thank you. You go with our our prayers and our blessings for this exciting journey ahead of you. Congratulations to the Diocese of Newcastle for the gift of Fran’s presence and ministry!

Please join us in praying for all those being ordained in June, including Fran, for their families and for the communities in which they will serve.

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