Rev Kim Hurst – Superintendent Minister
I was born and brought up in Gateshead and initially trained in computing. I met Steve my husband when I was a minister in the Pickering Area, we have been married for over 20 years now and have a property in Scarborough.
Although I have been involved in the Methodist Church all my life, I made my own personal commitment to Christ at 18, in my 20’s I went to Cliff College for a year during which time I trained as a Methodist Local preacher. I did voluntary pastoral and youth work for many years and then became a Youth Worker for a Methodist Circuit. I have been a Minister now for almost 30 years.
My main interest outside of the church is animal related, we have had a large assortment of pets, all rescues, and we currently have an elderly cat that we have had since she was a kitten, having lost her sister during the Covid lockdown. We also support a variety of animal rescue charities
Naomi Hogan – Administrator
Helen McCormack – Pastoral & Development worker with older people
I have been employed full time by the Circuit and Zion, United Reformed Church since January 2019 as the Pastoral & Development Worker for older people with the main focus of my role to provide and encourage spiritual care. Underpinning the job role is everyone is made in the image of God and we all have value. Such principles clearly shape how we engage and journey alongside people.
I have worked both in the public and voluntary sector in a variety of roles. The common factor is that all my job roles have involved directly being with people.
I grew up in a family where going to church and learning about Jesus was important. When I was about 10, after watching an Easter TV programme around the life of Jesus, I realised what really mattered was ‘ Did I have a personal relationship with God? Did I know why Jesus had come to the earth?
Life hasn’t always been easy but following Jesus’ way can be tricky at times, but God is faithful and He’s helped me through.
Over the years I have attended a variety of denominations and I currently attend a CofE church with my family.
In my spare time I love being outdoors enjoying nature , attending Aquafit classes or getting lost in a good book
Julia Edwards – Treasurer
I was born in Southampton and have had a working life all within IT. I lived in Midlands for about 25 years before returning south in 2000 . I have 2 sons, daughter-in-law and grandson and when I retired I moved to Thirsk to be closer to my sons.
I have attended Baptist and Methodist churches and was Baptised aged 15. Over the years I have held various posts within the life of the church including Sunday School teacher, membership secretary, church council and deacon. My faith has sustained me over some of the worst periods of my life and I know the Lord has guided me along life’s way.
Relaxation is a combination of gardening, reading and craft (mainly knitting and cross stitch). Spending time with my family is very important.
Erik Matthews – Circuit steward.
I was born in Swindon Wiltshire and spent my early life in the South West attending a Methodist Church in Cheltenham in my teenage years. I am a qualified archaeologist and also Urban Planner and work for City of York Council as well as running a long term project for the owner of Hornby Castle near Bedale.
My faith journey has been quite complex as I was baptised into the Roman Catholic Church and spent my early life in the Church of England. I have attended Northallerton Methodist Church fully since 2019 but have been connected with it for much longer. I was a church steward there from 2021 to 2025 before taking up a role as a Circuit Steward and being a member of the Leadership team. My faith is unassuming and practical and I believe in representing Christ through practical example.
My archaeology is a major part of my relaxation and it takes up a large part of my life. I am a cat owner or should I say, I am owned by a cat who famously took part in a Yorkshire Building Society advertisement campaign in 2023/24 and sends me through the area of the Circuit and beyond to stock up on her favourite food!
Kathryn Walker – Circuit Steward
I am a retired Primary school teacher who likes to spend time walking, gardening and spending time with people, especially family and my 13year old grandson.
I have been a Christian since I was a child but my faith only grew when I understood the personal nature of the Holy Spirit. I was called to be a Local Preacher some 30 years ago and am LP Secretary. Being called to be a Circuit Steward is both daunting and exciting.
In my spare time I love to spend time in the garden, both working and relaxing. I do a lot of walking in my locality. I also enjoy reading and volunteer at Thirsk Library.
Rev Ruth Crompton – Leadership Team member
Hi my name is Ruth and I am a Yorkshire lass through and through and even after over 20 years in active Methodist Ministry God and the Church didn’t send me away from my home county.
Prior to becoming a Methodist Minister I was a State Registered Nurse and Midwife for over 20 years working both in hospital and in the community.
I sat down from Active ministry four years ago having served in three Circuits, as Superintendent in two or those and Co-Deputy Chair in my last Circuit. I still serve in a variety of ways. I am a Spiritual Accompanist, a Supervisor for the Methodist Church, lead Retreats and occasionally preach. God rooted in the creation is a vital aspect of my faith along with the fact that God is love.
My faith and relationship with God is an important aspect of my life along with my husband and family, relationships matter in so many ways. To relax I like to walk, we enjoy bird watching and our garden, having taken up vegetable growing in retirement. We also like the opportunity to travel.