The city of Norwich has welcomed a new face to its community, as Rev Sam Lees has been installed as the new vicar of Crossroads church in Earlham. This significant event was marked with a special service on August 19, attended by Bishop Ian, Archdeacon Keith, and Rural Dean Patrick, among many others. What made this occasion even more special was the presence of congregation members from Rev Sam’s previous church, Greenstead with St Anne in Colchester, where he had served for six years. It was a heartwarming display of support and camaraderie, as Rev Sam embarked on this new chapter in his life. As he begins his journey at Crossroads, he is filled with excitement and anticipation, eager to get to know the community and make a meaningful impact.
As Rev Sam settles into his new role, he is taking the time to get accustomed to his new surroundings. Originally from Essex, he describes himself as a “townie” and was surprised to find that Norfolk is less rural than he expected. However, he is thrilled to discover that Norwich offers the best of both worlds, with urban areas and green spaces in close proximity. This blend of environments is perfect for Rev Sam, who is looking forward to exploring the city and all it has to offer. In his first few weeks, he has already met many people, and is pleased to be able to dive into church life at Crossroads. With a strong foundation already in place, including good links with the student community and children’s work, Rev Sam is eager to build upon this and make a positive difference in the lives of those around him. His approach is to pace himself, taking the time to understand the needs of the community and identify areas where he can make a meaningful contribution.
Rev Sam’s journey to becoming a vicar is a truly inspiring one. His life took a dramatic turn at the age of 20, when he came to faith after a turbulent teenage period. During this time, he struggled with addiction and was involved in a lifestyle that was far removed from the values of the church. However, his mum’s commitment to the Christian faith had a profound impact on him. She attended a Methodist church, where she had a wedding blessing, and Sam and his younger siblings were baptized. Although Sam didn’t immediately change his ways, he eventually found himself struggling with addiction and feeling trapped. It was then that his mum’s prayers and Bible reading had a profound impact on him, and he woke up one morning free from addiction. This experience marked the beginning of his journey of discovery, as he began to explore the Christian faith and its teachings. From traveling as a Christian musician in lively Pentecostal settings to dreaming of becoming a Christian rapper, Rev Sam’s path to ministry was not a traditional one. Nevertheless, it was a journey that ultimately led him to be ordained into the Church of England, alongside his mum, who also followed a calling to ministry.
The arrival of Rev Sam and his family has brought a new wave of energy to Crossroads church. With five children, four of whom have recently started at new schools, the church’s children and youth work has received a significant boost. Rev Sam’s passion for community work and his desire to make a positive impact on the local estates is evident. He believes that the presence of the church is needed in the community, and he is eager to share the transforming love of Jesus with those around him. As he gets to know more people, both within the church and in the local community, Rev Sam is excited to explore the many opportunities that lie ahead. With his warm and approachable demeanor, he is quickly winning the hearts of those around him, and his infectious enthusiasm is inspiring others to get involved and make a difference.
As Rev Sam looks to the future, he is filled with a sense of purpose and enthusiasm. He is committed to building strong relationships with the community, listening to their needs, and responding in a way that is both meaningful and effective. His vision for Crossroads church is one of growth, outreach, and compassion, as he seeks to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for people from all walks of life. With his rich background in music and his experience as a Christian musician, Rev Sam is also eager to explore the role of worship and creativity in the life of the church. As he settles into his new role, he is surrounded by a supportive community, who are eager to see the impact that he will make. With his humble and gracious spirit, Rev Sam is poised to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around him, and his arrival at Crossroads church is a cause for celebration and joy.
In the days and weeks ahead, Rev Sam will continue to get to know the community, listening to their stories, and sharing his own. As he does so, he will be building bridges, fostering relationships, and creating opportunities for growth and transformation. With his passion for community work, his commitment to the Christian faith, and his infectious enthusiasm, Rev Sam is an inspiration to us all. As we welcome him to Crossroads church, we are reminded of the power of faith, hope, and love to transform lives and communities. Rev Sam’s story is a testament to the human spirit, with all its complexities and imperfections, and a reminder that we all have the capacity to make a positive difference in the world around us. As we look to the future, we are excited to see the impact that Rev Sam will make, and we are grateful for the gift of his presence in our community.
