Our Ministers and Staff

Minister

Rev. Dr Avril Hannah-Jones

I am the new minister at NBUC, inducted into this placement in September 2020. I was ordained in 2008 during a placement at Lancefield, Mount Macedon, Riddell’s Creek and Romsey; and then appointed Minister at Williamstown Uniting Church – Electra Street in 2013. Before I became a minister I studied for a PhD in history at the University of Melbourne, and for four years I was the Pastoral Care Coordinator at the residential college, Janet Clarke Hall.

My greatest joys as a minister are preaching and teaching; spending time with the very young and the very old; and taking funerals. I know that it is strange to enjoy funerals, but I have found that being able to support people as they grieve and help them to say goodbye to someone they love is one of the most satisfying parts of my ministry.

You can email me at avrilhj111@gmail.com. My weekly Reflections are available at www.revdocgeek.com.

Pastoral Assistant

Ms Luise Westwood

I am our congregation’s Pastoral Assistant. In partnership with our minister Rev Dr Avril Hannah-Jones, with the support of Church Elders and Pastoral Carers, I provide pastoral /spiritual care and support to the members of our congregation.

After completing 3 units of Clinical Pastoral Education I have recently commenced working as a Chaplain in a Uniting AgeWell facility, whilst commencing a period of discernment through the Presbytery of Yarra Yarra.

My qualifications are aged care based in residential and community settings: Graduate Certificate in Bereavement Counselling Methods and Community Services (Certificate 4) specialising in Diversional Therapy.

It is my passion to care for the elderly with grace, dignity and respect.

Contact Luise on Email: luisewestwood@hotmail.com