Martyn Filsak

I've been serving as Local Lay Pastor in the circuit since 2019.  Some of you will have known me prior to that as I have been a local preacher in the Vale of Stour Circuit since its formation, and previously in the Stour Valley and Stour Vale circuits before mergers.  Some of you will have encountered me at Stargazing or other space-themed events that I have been involved in.  My membership is at the United Church, Lye.

My work experience elsewhere has been varied, and has included working as an administrator and training provider in Local Authority settings, an adult education tutor for statistics, maths and astronomy courses, and a Methodist Lay Worker in South Wales.  Before my first lay worker post I studied for a year at Cliff College.

I would like to run a series of studies on God and Science, looking at evidence from science, history, archaeology and biblical prophecy that backs up the story of our faith.  If this would be of interest in your church or home group, please contact me.

 

My responsibilities in the Vale of Stour Circuit have varied somewhat over the years depending on needs at the time.

Currently:

I have pastoral responsibilty for Amblecote Wordsley under the supervision of Rev Jem Hawkins, and (from 1st September 2026) for Wollaston and Birch Coppice under the supervision of Rev Rachel Moss.  I will assist Rev Rachel at Overend and elsewhere in the Circuit as required.  I'm also available to the Circuit as a flexible staff member as needs determine and as availability allows.

I help with particular initiatives at a church, community or circuit level, for example outreach, Bible study (currently running online Thursday evenings).  The Friday afternoon Bible discussion that was previously held at Wesley is now a housegroup.  If you wish to attend either of the study groups, please contact me for details.

STARGAZING NEWS: There was a partial eclipse of the Sun on the evening of 12th August 2026, which many of you will have seen.  I held an informal viewing party on the driveway of my home for my neighbours in the street and some people from the Circuit attended as well.  Proper approved eclipse glasses were available so that the Sun could be viewed safely.  Good views were enjoyed!  The partial eclipse of the Moon in the early morning of Friday 28th August 2026 was largely clouded out from this region.  I caught blurred glimpses of it through cloud, and could just about tell that the left hand portion of the Moon was in shadow, before the Moon disappeared behind cloud completely.

Contact

Availability

  • Day off : Monday