Meet the team

Superintendent Reverend Darren Garfield

Hello, my name is Darren Garfield, and I’m really pleased to be part of the North Liverpool and South Sefton Circuit. I joined as Superintendent in September 2025 after spending many happy years in the Farnworth and Worsley Circuit in Greater Manchester. I’m married to Angela, and we have a son, Elliot.

I’m originally from Birmingham, where my mum still lives, and I have a twin brother Andrew and sister, Paula. I left home at 18 to spend a year working in the East End Mission in London. That experience deepened my sense of calling and commitment to ministry, which I first felt when I was just 17 years old. I then moved to Luton, where I volunteered at the Luton Industrial College, completed my local preacher studies, and continued helping at the college before going on to study music at Bretton Hall.

Over the years, I’ve served in a number of different circuits, beginning as a probationer minister in the Hinckley Circuit before moving to Yorkshire, where I served in Bradford and Leeds. From there, I crossed over to Manchester, and now to Liverpool – and I’m genuinely pleased to be part of such a wonderful and welcoming team. I’m really looking forward to all that we’ll share together in ministry and mission.

My passions include leading worship, offering pastoral care, encouraging children and young people, and engaging in schools’ work. Music has always been close to my heart, having studied it at Bretton. I love how music brings people together, lifting spirits and creating a sense of togetherness through song. Writing music, playing piano, and nurturing the gifts of others are all important to me, and I hope there will be opportunities in the months ahead to carry that on.

Reverend Jemima Strain

Hello, my name is Jemima Strain and I notice God in the world around: sunsets, strangers, friends, tiny babies, first steps, awesome older people, good food, rest, lyrics that get into your head, sports, swimming, kindness, crispy autumn leaves, laughter, tenderness, and sometimes the really raw and messy moments of life too. Somehow God is in it all. And I talk about it a lot 😊

I am a presbyteral minister serving in pastoral charge of the congregations at Fazakerley, Moor Lane (Crosby), and Birchdale Road (Waterloo). I joined the circuit in September 2024, and I am grateful to be part of such a diverse and faithful group of beautiful humans who make up our churches as we seek to share in God’s mission together.

Before coming to this circuit, I served in South Warwickshire, and prior to that in the Gornal and Sedgley Circuit in Dudley.

I am mother to two children, Samuel and Hugo, who are my joy and delight. I also seem to spend a disproportionate amount of time being a football mum.

I first sensed a call to preach when I was 16 and was given a note to preach. I fell in love with God then, and I still find myself wondering how different the world might look if we were more aware that we are “rooted and grounded in love.”

I’m probably a better human when I’ve been outside, swimming in open water, or stretching and moving my body. Life often feels busy and full, and I’d like to find ways to notice God more in the spaces, the pauses, the ordinary and to carve out breathing spaces along the way. Probably with a whole pile of other things happening in between.

Reverend Sue Edwards

Hi, my name is Sue. I am now a Supernumerary minister, but I was a minister in the Keswick and Cockermouth Circuit in Cumbria for 11 years, four of which I spent as Superintendent.

I retired in 2019 and returned to worship at Linacre Methodist Mission, which was my home church before candidating for ministry. I now try to involve myself in the outreach work that takes place at Linacre and preach on the North Liverpool and South Sefton plan and the Southport plan.

I have three children, all of whom grew up at Linacre. Helen is now a social worker living in Gloucester, and my twin sons, Simon and Graham, are both Methodist ministers. Simon is in Thornbury, near Bristol, and Graham is working at Cliff College as a Dean of one of the Faculties.

Joy Higham

Hello, my name is Joy Higham. In Feb 2025, I was appointed as the circuit safeguarding officer for the North Liverpool and South Sefton Circuit, which I undertake part-time.

My connection with safeguarding started when my parents fostered difficult teenagers. I then worked in Children’s homes for over 15 years, eventually managing two homes. I left this role in 2018, taking on paid ministry work as a church support worker which I continue to do 2 days per week. I am glad to have been able to get to know a number of people and to be a part of this circuit, and am happy to speak to any of you around the area of safeguarding.

I am also happy to talk about football (particularly Everton – though don’t hold it against me)! My other hobbies (when I have time away from church ministry & work) involve building Lego, doing jigsaws, spending time in the Lake District, and most importantly socialising with friends.

Alison Twist

Hi, I’m Alison Twist, part-time Children and Family Worker for the Circuit. I was appointed in 2016, but I have been worshipping in the Circuit for over 30 years! I met my husband through the 7th Liverpool Boys’ Brigade & Girls’ Association, and we have adult daughter who has previously worked for the wider Methodist Church.

My role is varied: at West Derby you will find me organising family activities such as Pumpkin Parties, Fish Finger Suppers, Make & Bakes, Easter ‘Eggstravaganzas’ and Intergenerational activities during December. At County, I organise school holiday activities for families (including a healthy lunch) and together, Karen and I run Little Acorns (a toddler group). At Kensington, you’ll find me spending time with the 26^th Liverpool Girls’ Brigade most Friday nights. I enjoy leading all-age worship and creating ‘At Home’ resources, alongside supporting families. Each year I organise taking a group of children and young people to 3Generate, the annual Methodist Children and Youth Assembly.

I volunteer as the ‘District Ambassador’ for the Liverpool + Missional Area of the Northwest England District.

I am a great believer that children and young people are not only the future of the church, but the present too!

Liz Shaw

Hello, my name is Liz Shaw, and I am the patient—though occasionally exasperated—architect of our preaching plan. When I’m not juggling the appointments of 17 preachers into just 4 Sundays, I dream of the day I can fully embrace the poem ‘When I Am Old, I Shall Wear Purple’—though I must admit, I’ve already started practising!

I have a passion for gardening, reading, writing short sketches, and spending time with my Grandchildren. Not necessarily in that order! I love to sing, although my style could be described as ‘enthusiastic but questionable.’

I strive to remain cheerful and keep smiling, no matter what life throws at me. Laughter is medicine for the soul.

Kim Bell

Hi, I’m Kim and I began my role as Circuit Administrator in September. I’ve attended Linacre Mission all my life, so it has been a real joy to work alongside everyone in the North Liverpool and South Sefton Circuit and getting more involved in the wonderful range of activities that take place across all our Churches.

I married my husband, Tim, at Linacre Mission in 2017, and together we have three beautiful children who keep us busy and bring us endless joy.

As Circuit Administrator, I help keep everything running smoothly across the North Liverpool and South Sefton Circuit. My days are wonderfully varied — from organising meetings and keeping records in order, to working with our Superintendent Reverend Darren organising choir rehearsals. I work mostly from home, however my inbox is always open and I love keeping everyone connected across our churches. It’s about communication, teamwork, and supporting the mission that makes our Circuit such a special community.