WHO'S WHO?
Staff and Leadership Teams
Rev Sam Cheesman
Rector
"It’s a real pleasure to introduce myself as the Rector here at St James’. Having first attended the church whilst working for the Diocese of Blackburn, I felt a real call to serve the Church and people here, and was delighted to be appointed to lead the staff team here full time in 2025.
I believe that coming into contact with the Risen Lord brings challenge and change, peace to those who are experiencing life’s storms and freedom to those held captive by the structures of this world and its addictions. In all things, and by His Spirit, He is seeking to show us what “life in all its fullness” looks like and that it comes only through relationship with Him. This belief drives me to want more people to come to know Jesus so outreach will always be a feature of my hopes for the Church.
Outside of ministry my passions are: traveling with my family, experiencing new cultures, walking very long walks and playing rugby. I still play at the local rugby club; retiring each summer and then putting the boots back in in September."
Graham Haldane
Church Warden
"My wife, Ruth, and I moved to Clitheroe in 2011, and love the local area. We have three sons (one late) and three granddaughters. Most of my professional career was as a health librarian, but I've also spent time as an associate pastor and as Clitheroe CAP Debt Centre Manager. Following retirement in 2023, I became one of our Church Wardens and am a volunteer for both CAP and the local Ribble Valley Foodbank. Within church, my key passion is to further develop pastoral care for all ages and to see individual and corporate prayer embedded across church life."
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Andrew Stevens
Church Warden
Andrew is Mr Practical, and can often be seeing either doing maintenance in the church building, making props for anything from Christmas services to children's activities, to helping practically in people's households. A regular volunteer with our youth activities and with the local Foodbank, he relaxes by cycling around the Ribble Valley and across the UK and beyond.
Helen Potts
Children and Families Minister
"Once upon a time I used to be a primary school teacher, but now I am privileged to be the Children’s and Families’ Minister here at St James’. Its my dream job! I love sharing God’s love and wonderful truths with children and families. I love supporting and encouraging families as they do faith together.
I also love being in God’s amazing creation, whether walking, resting or worshipping. I love baking and eating cake and most of all I love playing with my granddaughters."
Lucy Skelton
Youth Minister
"I've been working with young people since I was one myself (for about 20 years!) starting off as a young leader, then I took a gap year with a Christian Schoolswork Trust. I went on to study a BA in Youth and Community Work and Applied Theology where I worked for an Anglican church as their youth worker. Then for 11 and half years I led a team serving both primary and secondary schools on the south coast of England. I now find myself here at St James' serving the wonderful young people of Clitheroe. I love music (I'm a drummer), performing arts, running and cake (a good combination and best when served together). I am keen to see young people explore what Jesus has to offer them and journey with them as they find faith in Jesus for themselves."
Naomi Lynas
Operations Manager
"I was brought up in Somerset, but have spent most of my adult years up North - first in Manchester, then moving to Clitheroe in 2014. I'm married to Tim, and we have two sons. They keep us busy, but I can usually find time for a cup of tea and a good book. After 14 years as a teacher, I started working for St James in 2018. I am passionate about discipleship, the Bible and serving the community of St James."
Matt Wood
CAP Centre Manager
Originally from London, I have gradually moved further north over the last 30+ years back to my ancestral roots of Lancashire. I have two young children, and my wife Ellie is part of the worship team at St James’. In my spare time during the summer months, I like to go on long bike rides through the amazing scenery of the Ribble Valley and beyond. I am passionate about social justice and trying to bring the freedom of the Gospel to places in our community that are marginalised, isolated and experiencing poverty. Being able to get alongside people through the work of CAP and support them with debt and associated issues is a huge blessing. There are many parts of scripture that resonate with the ministry of CAP, one piece that is prevalent currently is: 'Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.' (Romans 12:15)
Peter Williams
Pastoral Lead
"Retired primary school headteacher, married to Anne, father of three adults and grandfather to two, I have been involved in the life of St James's Church for most of my adult life. It's been great to see the church grow and change as we've followed God's call to minister in the area over several decades, and I'm excited to see, and be involved with, that as we move into the future. I am still involved in the world of education as a school governor in three schools. I am currently one of the diocese' Assistant Wardens of licensed lay ministers (LLMs), and have a heart for seeing pastoral work grow as part of building The Kingdom here in Clitheroe."
Ruth Haldane
Discipleship Lead
"I have a passion for enabling people to grow in faith and reach their godly potential, and for living authentic everyday faith on the frontline. I am a wife, mum and grandma - all of which bring me joy. Lay ministry is also my passion; I was until recently Warden of Lay Ministry for Blackburn Diocese as well as working nationally as a Lay Ministry Consultant. Since retirement I have become Chair of Ribble Valley Gateway Trust and Whalley Abbey Governors."
Jonathan Berry
Worship Lead
"I believe that the very purpose of our existence is to worship our God with all of our being; and music offers a powerful and biblical way of facilitating this. The St James' worship team is striving to be an authentic, humble, discipleship community that nurtures God-given artistic gifts to inspire worship of Jesus Christ in a way that: Unites us with thte church universal (here on earth and in heaven); Engages the entire being (heart, soul, mind and strength); and Makes space for the transforming power of God's presence.
I am married to Janet and father Matthew. I love music, and when not playing, singing, or twiddling knobs in church, I am often playing jazz and function music for other groups. By day I am a software engineer, but love all things adventurous and outdoorsy: hikingk camping, skiing, running, bouldering, sailing and of course golf!"
Nick Shelley
Safeguarding Lead
"I married Rachel in 2022, and we live in Wilpshire with three children. I have been a part of St James’ Church for 10 years, taking on the Parish Safeguarding Officer role in November 2022. In my day job I work as a Clinical Psychologist, specialising in work with children who are in foster care, residential care or adopted."
Nick is the first point of contact for any safeguarding concern.
You can get in touch with Nick by email below or on 07547374386.