Nathanael Hayler was announced as the next rector of Winchelsea, Icklesham and Pett at the weekend. The exact date for his licensing by the Bishop of Chichester is yet to be fixed, however Reverend Hayler is expected to move into the rectory early in the year – almost a year since Reverend Jonathan Meyer’s last service.
Writing in the Winchelsea Parish Magazine, he explained why he was looking forward to the move to Winchelsea.
Greetings from Northumberland!
It is a wonderful moment of rejoicing to offer this note of introduction as my appointment as the new rector of the churches in Winchelsea, Icklesham and Pett is announced.
It was back in July when my attention was first drawn to the profile you had carefully drawn up in search of a new incumbent. Since then, the journey from application to appointment has felt both exciting and unexpected.
May I offer thanks to those who have been part of the appointment process and all who have been keeping the cogs turning during the vacancy. Above all, these last few months have been showered in prayer. I hope this growing sense of prayerful anticipation continues as I prepare to move (quite literally) the length of the country to make my new home in East Sussex.
Although there will be plenty of time to get to know one another, for the curious among you, here is a little about me and how I’ve ended up on your doorstep.
Having been ordained in 2022 after training at Westcott House in Cambridge, I have served my curacy in a large multi-parish benefice on the Northumberland coastline. My time in this wonderful group of churches has deepened my passion for parish ministry amongst rural communities. I have thoroughly enjoyed life in these busy coastal villages, and have sought to create opportunities for the church to reach out and join in.
As a child of the manse, I have grown up in the Church in Wales and later found a home in the Church of England. I have enjoyed theological study with particular interests in early Christianity in Britain, the lives of the saints and Anglican ecclesiology.
I have a heart for seeing all people find a warm welcome in their local church and, beyond that, supporting all to share their faith with confidence. Genuine inclusion and generous hospitality are an essential part of my ministry, and I hope to build relationships that enable the flourishing of all in our life together.
In terms of hobbies and interests … you are unlikely to find a room in the rectory without a William Morris print. I love all things to do with the Arts and Crafts movement. This has guided me towards becoming a supporter of Heritage Crafts – a charitable scheme funding, promoting and supporting endangered crafts and artisan skills in the British Isles.
In my spare time, I enjoy baking and cooking. Please be assured that an invitation to the Rectory will likely include cake! With any time left, I’ll be found on the beach or rummaging in antique shops.
I will be moving into Winchelsea rectory with my beloved four-legged companion, Poppy. Poppy is a characterful four-year-old miniature schnauzer whom I brought home on my first day-off after ordination. Although she likes to grumble, Poppy is friendly and, once she knows you, will be excited to see you. Poppy loves to snaffle morsels of cake crumbs, but don’t be allured by her puppy eyes.
Looking ahead to my arrival with you early in 2026, I look forward to the opportunities to get to know you: to share in the ordinary (and extraordinary) moments of our life together, to hear your stories, and to discover how God is already at work among you.
I’m excited to celebrate and honour all that has shaped these communities and churches, and to be creative in exploring new ideas as we move and grow together. At the heart of it all, I hope to be a prayerful, warm, encouraging and visible presence in the parishes.
Please don’t hesitate to say “hello” and introduce yourself.
With gratitude and assurance of my prayers as you approach Advent and Christmas.
Nathanael
Image Credits: Nathanael Hayler .