Meet Our Ministers and Worship Leaders
Rev
Dawn Brown
dawn.brown@methodist.org.uk Tel: 0191 581 6779
Rev Dawn Brown is the Minister at Trinity Methodist Church.
Dawn became a candidate for ministry in 1993 in the Methodist Church of South Africa and served as a pastoral assistant and youth pastor before being ordained in 1998. Subsequently, she served as a Minister in several locations in the Johannesburg area before accepting an invitation to minister in the UK here in our East Durham Circuit.
Pastoral work and engaging with people in a caring environment is Dawn's greatest passion. "I love bringing God's good news, not only through Preaching but in discovering our gifts and call to discipleship through day-to-day activities" she says.
Dawn is also keen on dancing and is a qualified Modern Freestyle Dance Teacher although having been blessed with three sons, family life keeps her and her husband very busy when they are not working.
Rev
Jenny Porterpryde
prydejenny2@gmail.com Tel: 07538 352 684
We are pleased to welcome Rev Jenny Porterpryde to Trinity as Superintendent of the East Durham Circuit of Methodist churches following the retirement of Rev Alf Waite.
Although born in Scotland, Jenny has ministered in the North East for many years. Since starting with us she is enjoying being much closer to the beach!
She loves preaching and leading worship and is passionate about almost any form of art or craft especially when it can be included in worship.
Jenny loves encouraging folk in their faith and leading small groups. She also enjoys being in the outdoors and enjoys walking with her dogs.
Local Preacher
Peter Walsham
Peter is a qualified RGN nurse and has recently retired from lecturing at Northumbria University having previously taught best practice and essential skills in the operating theatre within the NHS. A former Gateshead Harrier, he is a keen Newcastle United supporter. Peter completed his local preacher training in 1986, something which is augmented by his professional presentational skills as well as his piano playing.
Local Preacher
Bill Naylor
​
Bill is a Chartered Surveyor and has spent over 40 years advising on commercial property which he continues to do on a voluntary basis.
Having joined Trinity in 2013 he qualified as a Worship Leader in 2020 and having undertaken further theological training is now a qualified Local Preacher.
A keen hill walker and guitar player (although not at the same time), Bill has written both drama pieces and some new worship songs.
Worship Leader
Lena Nattrass
Lena was a teacher in Barmston Village Washington from the earliest days of the New Town. Lena who is a keen singer and member of Washington's operatic group, previously organised and ran our children's Sunday Club but her enthusiasm and passion for teaching continues to shine through in the services she leads.
Worship Leader
Gwyneth Walsham
Gwyneth was formerly a primary school worker and latterly a lecturer at Gateshead College, training level 2 and 3 teaching assistants, but who now enjoys being a Mam of two and Gran to three amazing grand-daughters. With a passion for dance and signing, Gwyneth often brings a new and vibrant visual experience to the services she leads.