Our leadership
St Simon's is not about the work of the few, but about the community of the many. But should you come along, there will be one or two faces to look out for. Learn a little more about them below.
Rev. Matthew Holland
I am married to Jayne, who is a teacher at St.Luke's school. We have three children who are rapidly approaching adulthood.
I was ordained in 1979 shortly after we were married. We lived and worked in three different parishes in Sheffield, the last two on council estates and in the inner city. Although it was pretty rough, we feel that we have come out of those years with a great faith that God can do marvellous things with anyone, and in the most unpromising situations.
I guess that's why I am so keen on cell church, which is all about what God can do with small groups of people who are learning to be open and obedient to him, to love like he loved us and to to take risks in his service.
We came to St.Simon's in 1998 and we are so grateful for our new family here. I love preaching because I love the God I find in the Bible; but it's seeing ordinary people themselves becoming living, breathing messages from God that really thrills me.
In some ways I would like to see Portsmouth become more like the inner city, more street life, far fewer cars, a simpler lifestyle (just and sustainable) with more 'neighbouring' and sharing, but without the drugs and violence, and filled with Jesus! Our gospel is about transformed lives, transformed communities and the renewal of the creation itself.
What do we do apart from 'church'? Jayne and I love walking in the countryside. I like gardening and trying to paint pictures.