About the Foundation of St Matthias

Rachel

Rachel was a recipient of a grant from the Foundation of St Matthias in 2023 to help fund a term study abroad at Yale Divinity School. This was part of her Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission which she completed at Westcott House, while training for ordained ministry in the Church of England.

Yale Divinity School is ecumenical, inter-faith and international and provided the opportunity to learn alongside people from different backgrounds and traditions, as well as being a place of world class scholarship. While at Yale Divinity School, Rachel took the following classes: History of Early Modern Christianity: áReformation to Enlightenment; Short Modern Fiction; Preaching for Introverts and Books of Common Prayer: Anglican Liturgy in History, Theology and Practice.

Rachel was thankful to the Foundation of St Matthias for enabling her to undertake this term study abroad. Rachel said that education happened both in the classroom and outside the classroom, in adapting to a new environment, having her horizons expanded and in encounters with those who are from different backgrounds, cultures and traditions – something she experienced in abundance during her time at Yale.

Jacob

Jacob is pursuing a Masters in Social Work at the University of Gloucester, with an aim to uplift individuals and communities by advocating for social justice, providing much-needed support, championing policy changes and empowering people to realise their full potential.

The Foundation of St Matthias’ funding support for his university fees has enabled him to focus on his studies and his commitment to making a tangible difference in society to help create a world where well-being is a right that is accessible to all.

Jacob’s commitment extends beyond his academic pursuits, as he is an active volunteer with his church and church community, specifically through his participation in youth groups. He wishes to embody the spirit of service and community that the Church of England upholds and is grateful for the Foundation’s financial support, as it has not only eased his financial burden but, “reaffirmed his commitment to his social mission and his faith”.

Madi

Madi was born and raised in Communist Romania and as one of 14 siblings’ opportunities to study weren’t open to her in the formative years. Also, as a female, at that time, theological study was not an option.

Since moving to the UK and becoming a member of a local church, Madi has developed a passion for ministry to the under 18s, enabling them to flourish in their Christian faith and understanding of the bible.

Through her studies Madi has been able to develop her own understanding and is in awe of the impact the Bible is having on every area of her life.

Due to the support of the Foundation of St Matthias, Madi will be able to complete a Certificate of Higher Education in Theology. Madi is already benefitting from her studies in her personal life, and this is also impacting those around her, especially the youth group she is leading.

Ted

Ted is undertaking a Masters degree in Vocal Performance at the Royal College of Music. As a Douglas and Hilda Simmons Scholar he aspires to extend beyond his pursuit as an opera soloist and leading worship in various church choirs.

His musical journey has seen him involved with several renowned church choirs, including Coventry Cathedral Choir and St John’s College Choir. Aided by his financial support from the St Matthias Foundation, Ted also holds a choral scholarship at St John’s Church, Hyde Park.

The generous support he has received in his studies has allowed him to immerse himself his pursuit of musical excellence, for which he is extremely grateful. Ted values the immense versatility of music and its ability to resonate with diverse audiences, specifically as “a liturgical tool that is capable of crossing boundaries and touching people from all walks of life.

Sarah

Sarah has recently completed a Pioneer Masters in Theology, Ministry and Mission with the Church Mission Society. Her goal is to reach out to young adults and guide them on their spiritual journey, using innovative methods to communicate the gospel in a rapidly changing world.

The Foundation’s financial aid has allowed her to focus on her studies and her mission to bring about positive spiritual change among young adults. She feels “bolstered in her commitment to her mission and her faith” and appreciates the privilege of working with young adults.

Serenna

Serenna is a Scottish flautist, pursuing a Master of Music in Performance at Royal College of Music, London. Having performed as a soloist across Scotland and participated in a range of ensembles, at both national and community levels, her musical interests include solo, orchestral, chamber, and baroque performance, with a deep commitment to making music accessible and meaningful within the community.

She is passionate about the role of music as a witness to the Gospel, as it creates space for encounter with God, brings peace, light and beauty by participating in God present work, and points forward to the perfection and harmony of the new creation to come. Her solo and group performance, as well as instrumental teaching, community outreach and participation in leading worship, is rooted in her calling to use music in the service of others.

The Foundation of St Matthias’ contribution towards her course fees was invaluable, allowing Serenna to complete and immerse herself in her studies, where she will have the opportunity to develop and refine the skills needed to serve with greater excellence in a musical vocation in the future.

Helen

Helen is Nigerian and is currently pursuing her PhD at Abertay University. A qualified lawyer, she also holds a Master’s degree in Global Security from Coventry University. Her academic work reflects both her professional background and her passion for addressing complex humanitarian issues.

Her PhD research focuses on the Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DDRR) of kidnapped women and children in the Sahel. Through her study, she seeks to give victims a platform to be heard and to shape reintegration policies that can help restore dignity, security, and hope to affected communities.

The Foundation of St Matthias has supported Helen throughout her journey, providing sponsorship from her first year of study right through to the final year of her PhD. The Foundation’s support has been instrumental in enabling her to pursue research that bridges academic insight with real-world impact, and Helen’s work now stands to benefit some of the most vulnerable groups in society.