As I look back over the past year it has been for me a remarkable and rewarding time; a time of contrasts of new experiences; of looking at the parish through different eyes; of meeting people in my new role – people whom I have known for many years, but now who I am told perceive me in a different light.   Is this self-delusion?…..that is a danger, but I do feel a change and it has been and continues a humbling experience.

What am I writing about? Well many readers will know that I was ordained deacon last Michaelmas (September 2001) at Southwark Cathedral, with 20 other men and women from the diocese who had completed that part of their training for either stipendiary, non-stipendiary or in my case ordained local ministry (OLM).   Both stipendiary and non-stipendiary clergy do not expect to stay only in one parish during their ministry.  OLMs in contrast are trained specifically to meet the needs of their parish and are expected to remain there during their ministry.  OLMs are also non-stipendiary and will normally be in paid secular employment during the week as indeed I am.

This Michaelmas on 5th October those ordained deacon last year will be ordained priest.  Unlike the deaconing service, the priesting will take place in three locations – depending on the Episcopal area in which the priest is to serve.  There are three Episcopal areas, Kingston, Croydon and Woolwich.  St Mary’s is in the Kingston Episcopal area, and the nine deacons to be priested will meet for this wonderful service at Holy Trinity Church on Clapham Common.  Holy Trinity, Clapham has a special place for me – I used to pass this church in my childhood when visiting my grandparents who lived nearby in Old Town Clapham, and as a teenager until my mid twenties I lived in the adjacent parish of The Holy Spirit Clapham. In the 1960’s I recall sketching this rather grand Georgian church as part of my training as an architect.  In a geographical and emotional sense I am closing the circle.  But of course that is only a small part of a bigger picture. I shall be joining the world wide ministry of the Anglican Communion even though I shall be rooted at St Mary’s Merton.    

I am looking forward in great anticipation to serve the parish in areas in which as a deacon I have been unable to minister including celebrating the Eucharist, baptising and taking marriage services.  I have been constantly aware of and am grateful for the continued practical and spiritual support that I have received from the congregation and staff and in particular from Tom during the past year.  My hope is that I shall continue to serve you all in my ministry and with God’s help bring the good news of the Gospel to the parish.

To you all -thank you,

John Hillier

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