The Trustees are very pleased to announce that David Scourfield will be the new Lead Chaplain starting at the beginning of July.
David introduces himself:
It is a privilege to be able to introduce myself as the next ‘Lead Chaplain’ for Watford Town Centre Chaplaincy, having been involved with the Chaplaincy for the best part of the last 11 years. I am looking forward to both renewing the many friendships I made with volunteers and supporters during this time and also to meeting all those that are currently involved in Chaplaincy/Street Angel work.
My professional career of 32 years has been as a Chartered Town Planner (somebody has to do it!) working in local government, the last 20 years as a senior manager. In fact my career started with Watford Council’s Planning team and then saw me move into a corporate regeneration team that coordinated community involvement in the central ward and town centre. So, once again I will find myself working with and alongside those in Watford’s Town Centre. How life comes full circle.
I am not actually a Watford lad. I was born and bred in Paddington and to this day my wife, Juliet, notices that I get ‘twitchy’ if I don’t regularly get into central London! My Roman Catholic upbringing sort of lapsed in my later teen years but I never lost a faith in God. I married Juliet (an early years teacher) 23 years ago at Leavesden Road Baptist church and was blessed with three wonderful children, who are now young adults. My son Toby (28) is a sales manager and with his wife Laura have given us three gorgeous Grandchildren – Niamh (11), Darcey (8) and Beau (4). My daughters Verity (22) and Orlagh (21) moved out of the family home last autumn and share a flat in Hendon so I guess that makes us ‘empty nesters’ but ones that are nevertheless content with life. Verity is a Registered Paediatric nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Orlagh is in the first year of a teach training degree. I should also say there are two dogs in the wider family and that, for some reason, my daughters think it appropriate to call me ‘Grand Doggy Dave’ whenever these four legged creatures are present!
To say I am looking forward to taking on the responsibility of Lead Chaplain is an understatement. It comes at another big change in my life. Back in March this year, in the space of 24 hours not only did I accept Tony’s offer of the Lead Chaplain position but I also found out that I had been approved by Bishop Alan for part time training as an ordinand in the Church of England, with ordination in May 2023, God willing. God’s timing never ceases to amaze me. At 55 I start the next phase of my life, this time well and truly focused on God and Kingdom work.
For those that know me, I am very much about ‘church without walls’ and bringing Jesus to people wherever they are found in need: the cafes and pubs, the nightclubs, our shops and the Atria centre, the High Street, bus stops and doorways. And of course our Churches. I join Watford Town Centre Chaplaincy to help Lead the organisation forward but in doing so will focus my time on energy on serving: it’s staff and volunteers, it’s Trustees and partners, the community of Watford, and most importantly to me, Jesus.
As Lead Chaplain I offer a prayer based on Aaron’s blessing
May the Lord make his face shine upon all those working with and for the Chaplaincy and may the Lord turn his face towards all of those living, working and visiting Watford, so to give us all his peace.
David