Elders
John Merson - Elder
For almost 25 years John has been working as an Outreach Pastor but before that he was a fisherman, and an offshore oil worker. John is a founder and co-ordinator of the Lighthouse Support Centre. John recently received his Masters from Aberdeen University in “Ministry in an urban world” through his studies at ICC. He continues to have a huge passion for urban mission and fishing. He is married to his Danish wife Anna and they have 4 grown up children and a baby granddaughter.
Philip Merson - Elder
Philip is an accountant and has spent his working life in the offshore energy sector. Philip is responsible for finance and safeguarding as part of his role as an elder. Over the years Philip has organised many children's/teenager's camps, and family weekends with the aim of providing good value, fun-filled holidays for young people and adults in a safe Christian environment. He is married to Linda and has three grown up children and a baby granddaughter.
Matthew Laurenson - Elder
Matthew works in the energy industry and is married to Rebekah. They have 4 children (2 girls and 2 boys) and moved into the Tillydrone area 8 years ago to be involved in the church plant. Matthew chairs the Donside elder group, and has responsibility for overseeing the youth ministry in the church. He is also involved in project managing the current building renovation. Matthew is keen on football (is a secret Rangers supporter) and tries to get out for a run fairly regularly. He is originally from Shetland, where he helps run a summer football outreach up there every year.
Deacons
Colin Taylor
Colin was born and raised in Hartlepool in the North East of England (land of monkey hangers)! He is married to Joyce since 1991 and has 4 grown up children (including triplets!). Colin became a Christian in the year 2000, and serves as the chair of our deacons group.
Cliff Kitson
Cliff has lived in Aberdeen for the past 15 years, leaving 5 years ago to attend bible college at Tilsley College before returning. After completing 3 years at Tilsley College, he returned to Aberdeen in June 2018 and joined the Donside church plant. His family, though originally from Northern Ireland, have lived in Tillydrone for 13 years. Cliff is married to Morgane, whom he met at Bible college, and they live in the Donside area with their daughter.
Matthew Carson
Matthew is from Northern Ireland and works as a Cardiac Physiologist. He became a Christian at a youth summer camp, and continues to have a passion for youth work and evangelism. Matthew moved into the local area to be a part of the team that planted Donside, and counts it a privilege to have been involved since since the early days. He is excited to be a part of Donside Community Church and seeing how God will continue to move and change lives throughout the area over the years to come.
Matthew Hamilton
Matthew is married to Rebekah (yes that’s right we have two Matthew&Rebekah’s - confusing! They live in Tillydrone with their two sons. Matthew grew up in Newtownards and became a Christian at a young age. After finishing University he moved to Aberdeen two years ago to work as the youth worker for North East Scotland Youth for Christ. YFC work closely with the Lighthouse and their youth groups and within the local schools in Tilly. He enjoys fishing, walking, reading and watching movies… a bit of a Lord of the Rings geek!