Rev Mark Greenwood (Pastor)

Originally from Derbyshire, Mark lived his childhood in Suffolk, where he was baptised at Maidstone
Road Baptist Church, Felixstowe. After studying at Sheffield University and training for church
ministry at Bristol Baptist College he moved to Brazil to work with BMS. There he engaged in Church
planting and local ministry, community development and training ministers and missionaries. He
returned to UK in 2014, at age 48, to become BMS Regional Team Leader for South America and
Sub-Saharan Africa. In this role Mark pastored and managed mission workers, and managed
partnerships with national bodies in both continents.
After leaving BMS in November 2022 Mark had some time off before enjoying six-months as a
consultant for the Oxford Centre for Mission Study (OCMS), remotely promoting a multilingual
publishing site through networks around the world.
Having met at Southall Baptist Church, Suzana and Mark married in 1994, in Brazil. They have a
daughter, Ana, 24, and a son, Edward, 26, married to their daughter-in-law, Rowan.
Mark loves cycling and football, cinema, music and speaking different languages.
Setting out on his ministry at Faringdon, Mark is looking forward to exploring the Bible and what it
means for us today, through small group study and interactive preaching; pastoral care and visits;
exploring faith with interested seekers, through Bible exploration and life witness; and contributing
to the life of the local community.

Gemma Ashton (Church Secretary)

Gemma moved to Shrivenham in 2010 and shortly after started attending FBC.  She is happily married to Mark  and has twin girls.  Gemma works part-time for the Armed Forces Christian Union.  Outside of work, she keeps busy running round after the children, baking cakes and attempting to keep fit!
Email: [email protected]

Richard Bolter (Elder)

Richard came to faith at Reading University whilst studying agriculture. Later he joined FBC in 1987 when starting farming the family Organic Dairy Farm nearby. He is married and has three children and two grandchildren. He enjoys running regularly, researching history and reading. He is a member of the Good News for Everyone (formerly Gideons UK) and enjoys the opportunities to share faith and give out copies of God’s word.

Michael Smedley (Treasurer and Deacon)

Michael originates from Swindon and has lived in Faringdon since the 1990’s. He has been a member of the church since 1993 and is married Libby and has two grown up sons, Dan, married to Helen with a daughter Esther, and Josh, married to Ruth.  Michael is a Chartered Surveyor and Arbitrator specialising  in property and estate management and currently works for Thames Water, he is also a trustee of the Baptist Building Fund.  Outside of work Michael enjoys cycling and running (slowly) and is a member of Gloucester Rugby club.
Email: [email protected]

Sharon Gerry (Elder)

Sharon moved to Faringdon as an infant in 1962 following which, she and her family became part of FBC.  Sharon attended the local schools until 1978 when  she went up to Liverpool to train as an Occupational Therapist, a profession that she has pursued in the NHS throughout her working life. Sharon is married to Tim and they have 3 grown up children and 4 lively Grandsons. Sharon and Tim have been active members of FBC since moving back to Faringdon in the mid eighties and are committed to serving God and the local community.   Sharon enjoys lots of creative activities, music, DIY, walking – gently, and more recently working on their allotment. Her passion is to share the love of Jesus with the people around her.

Andy Gathercole (Elder)

Andy is married to Elaine and they have four children and two grandchildren. Following 31 years living in Norwich he moved to Faringdon in 2021, after retiring as a paramedic. He soon became involved in leading services and other aspects of church life. Andy loves physical challenges having completed, amongst other things, Lands’ End – John O Groats (cycling) and the London Marathon – both a long time ago! He continues to enjoy walking, running and cycling and is attempting to learn to play the ukulele.