Our Ministry Leaders

Revd Lorna Bantock
Revd Lorna BantockMinister
I have been a part of Witham URC for over 30 years now. In the mid 80’s I trained as a lay preacher but then felt a call to ministry where pastoral and preaching work could be combined. After training I was ordained and inducted to Witham URC in February 2003 as an SSM (self supporting minister).
My secular work is administration in a small business my husband I run called SAILSetc.

I am really excited by what God is doing as we see evidence of Him moving in people’s hearts and lives. It is a great privilege to be involved in God’s work here and a great joy!

Viv Sollis
Viv SollisChildren & Youth Pastor
I am originally from Cape Town in South Africa, but moved with my family to Britain when I turned seventeen. I trained to become a teacher and spent five years in secondary comprehensives in Hampshire and Oxfordshire teaching Religious Education. I have always felt a call to work with youth, but it became more obvious that teaching was not the way forward for me, and I felt that I needed to work with youth out of a school context. That’s where Witham URC came in! My husband and I moved to Essex where we married and I took the youth pastor position being offered, I have now been here for several years. I love the challenges and the joys of the job and its always exciting to see what God has in store for us.
Tracey Pepper
Tracey PepperChildren & Youth Pastor
more info soon
David Wellings
David WellingsElder - Discipleship
I have been a member of Witham United Reformed Church for over two decades and now serve as a Discipleship Elder. My life is anchored in the conviction that God is the centre of everything I do, shaping my perspective and approach to life. This deep‑rooted faith encourages me to speak openly about the gospel and the good news of Jesus Christ and His saving grace, inviting our fellowship to experience that transformative love.

In this role I seek to enable a deeper understanding of discipleship—helping people engage with Scripture, have a consistent prayer habit, and recognise God’s presence in the highs and lows of daily life. By listening with empathy and speaking with humility, I aim to create environments where questions are welcomed and faith can grow. Through encouragement and a genuine connection with God, I hope to inspire our fellowship to speak confidently about their faith, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide each conversation and share God’s love throughout our community and beyond.

Sarah Wellings
Sarah WellingsElder - Discipleship
As a passionate Discipleship Elder within the United Reformed Church, I am committed to helping people grow in faith, confidence, and Christian purpose. I believe discipleship is a joyful, lifelong journey, and I work to create spaces where individuals feel encouraged, valued, and inspired to explore their calling. Rooted in prayer, openness, and active listening, I seek to accompany others as they deepen their relationship with Christ and find fresh ways to live out the gospel each day.

I love nurturing a culture of curiosity and spiritual growth, using small-group conversations, creative resources, and one-to-one support to make faith vibrant and accessible. Blending tradition with innovation, I honour the URC’s heritage while embracing new ideas that help the church remain welcoming and relevant.

Above all, I am driven by a desire to see people flourish—growing in discipleship, serving with joy, and recognising God’s presence in their lives and communities.

Allwyn Rajkumar
Allwyn RajkumarElder
I am passionate about Jesus Christ and committed to serving God’s Kingdom with the gifts God has given me. With an IT background, I support Witham URC through worship projection, service setup, photography, and contributing to the church website. I enjoy using my skills creatively, even in areas where I’m still learning and growing.
I have been a member of Witham URC for four years and have served as an Elder for nearly a year. I am blessed with a supportive wife and three children. My desire is to honour Christ and help build up the church through faithful, wholehearted service.
Dr. Viola Vitcu-Zuokumor
Dr. Viola Vitcu-ZuokumorElder
Becoming an Elder at Witham United Reformed Church is a reminder to me of how far God’s Grace carries us. His Grace has anchored me through every season, and the power of the Gospel continues to shape how I live, love, and serve.
As an obstetrician and gynaecologist, I’ve seen both the fragility and strength of human life, which has deepened my desire to walk alongside others with compassion and hope.
I simply want to serve faithfully, love people well, and help create a church family where Christ is at the centre and everyone feels welcome.
I’m blessed with a great husband and two wonderful children.
Yvonne Egbuna
Yvonne EgbunaElder
Since becoming a member of the Witham URC in 2013, I have enjoyed volunteering in different capacities from singing in the band and leading prayers, to ushering people in on a Sunday morning and serving teas and coffees. I also write short articles for the Church magazine occasionally.

My secular job is in Human Resources, specifically Learning and Organisational Development and have done that in the NHS for the last 12 years.

I would describe myself as a follower of Jesus although I do not have a breath-taking sensational story of how I came to know the Lord- I was born into a Nigerian Christian home and have praised and prayed to God since I learnt to speak.

In the time I have been with the Witham URC, I have seen the church really evolve and go through lots of big and small changes, mirroring my own life’s journey. Nothing stays the same. I am excited to see what God has in store for us in the coming years and grateful to be a part of it.

I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me