Meet the Team

Fr David Nixon, Team Rector

Fr David Nixon, Team Rector

Details

My name is David, and I was born and brought up in Worcestershire. I studied at St Stephen's House in Oxford, and have spent all my ministry as a deacon and priest in the diocese of Exeter, recently as Dean of Studies at South West Ministry Training Course. I am also an honorary research fellow in theology at Exeter University, and my academic interests focus particularly on marginalisation and vulnerability. I enjoy swimming as a relaxation.

The Revd Sarah Cumming

The Revd Sarah Cumming

Details

My name is Sarah Cumming and I joined St Thomas after being Ordained in September 2019. I have lived in Exeter for 21 years, which is the longest I've lived anywhere! I trained as a Primary School Teacher and will continue to teach part-time while working in this parish as an Assistant Priest. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, sewing and knitting, and chatting to friends over a cuppa.

Mr Philip Baker, Lay Reader

Mr Philip Baker, Lay Reader

Details

My name is Phil, I am a licensed Reader in the West Exe Ministry Team. I was born in Shorne in Kent, and attended school in Tonbridge. After spending two years in South Africa I started an 18 year career in Agriculture, working for the Potato Marketing Board in Kent and Devon. I was admitted to the Office of Reader and first licensed to Shorne Parish in 1978. I have been licensed to the West Exe Team since 2002. My interests include sailing, theatre and local government.

Fr Terry Litherland

Fr Terry Litherland

Details

I was one of the first Ordained Local Ministers in the Manchester Diocese in 1993, working as a self-supporting Priest in the Horwich & Rivington United Benefice (4 Parish Churches). My 'day job' was as a Carpenter & Joiner, for almost 50 years. I retired at 65, giving me time to take on other voluntary community roles. Having grown up in that community, it was an immense privilege to minister to families I had known all my life. Moving to Exeter to be near to family, it is now a great privilege to be Honorary Priest at St Thomas. My wife and I enjoy exploring this wonderful corner of England and, if it rains, I have always got plenty to read, crosswords to solve and Classic FM to 'lose myself' in.

The Revd Alison Whiting, Associate Priest

The Revd Alison Whiting, Associate Priest

Details

My name is Alison. I trained for the Priesthood and was ordained in the Salisbury diocese. I completed my curacy at St David's church, in Exeter. I have particular interests in chaplaincy and spirituality. During the week, I work full time as a speech and language therapist, with children and young people. In my spare time, I enjoy reading poetry and good quality novels, cycling (in good weather and without traffic!) and spending time by the sea.