Diocesan News
Chief Executive of CLCGB appointed Connor Children’s Officer
Victoria Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of the Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade (CLCGB), has been appointed Children’s Ministry Development Officer for Connor Diocese.
Victoria is a familiar face in the diocese, having supported many diocesan and parish events organised by previous Children’s Officer Jill Hamilton.
She is married to Paul, and grew up in Holywood, Co Down, where she was a member of Holywood Baptist Church.
A past pupil of Sullivan Upper Grammar School, Victoria has a Degree in Human Nutrition and a Masters in Health Promotion, both from the University of Ulster.
She was appointed Development Officer at the CLCGB in 2014 and became the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer in 2019. During her time with the CLCGB, the organisation opened nine new CLCGB groups. Victoria also wrote and introduced a new Scripture course and introduced Junior Leaders’ Training for members aged 15–18 so they could go on to be adult leaders.
“Over the years, the organisation has grown and we have done a lot more competitions, events and online activities,” Victoria said. “We now have 1,000 members in Northern Ireland.”
Victoria’s faith developed from an early age, and when she finished university, she sensed God calling her to work for him full–time. The job of Development Officer with CLCGB was advertised soon after she graduated.
“God truly does know us better than we know ourselves, He knew that I would love this job and this organisation, that the people in it would become like family to me and that the role would suit me so well,” she said of the CLCGB.
“We have the most amazing volunteers, who are very dedicated and inspiring to work with. I love working with children all around Northern Ireland and telling them about God, and there are so many opportunities to do that in churches and Brigade groups.”
Victoria said she is looking forward to the move to Connor Diocese. “I am excited about building on the amazing work that Jill has done,” she said. “I am looking forward to being part of the diocesan team and to getting to know the volunteers and leaders and see what they need and go about meeting these needs.”
“Children’s mental health has been impacted over the last year, and we can help parents and leaders to support their children.
“I am excited about the opportunities that opening up from lockdown will bring. Having a blank slate will provide opportunities for change and for doing things differently. It will be good to support churches and help them bring in new volunteers.”
Victoria and Paul are members of Dundonald Elim Church, where Victoria is in the worship team. She loves music, travelling and dogs.
The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, said he was ‘delighted’ that Victoria had accepted the invitation to become Connor’s new Children’s Ministry Officer.
“I look forward to having her join the team of staff who serve the parishes of Connor Diocese,” Bishop George said. “Victoria is no stranger to the diocese, particularly through her work over the last six years leading the work of the Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade in the Church of Ireland.
“She brings a wealth of skills and resources to her new role and will be a blessing to those involved in the important ministry of making Jesus Christ known amongst the children of our parishes.”
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Connor
07766 103880
Mrs Karen Bushby
dco@connordiocese.org