Alison Martin managed to get some time with Stephanie to ask her for some thoughts on the year just gone, and the year to come.  This is the first of a series of articles that I hope will inform and interest you about church life.

There were 4 notable events that made 2008 special.
The first was in the form of Jessi. She started working for us as a volunteer in October 2007, leading and building a group of secondary aged children that became the Hambledon Youth Group. She began a mid-week group for junior children and arranged events including a summer BBQ. Her efforts have been so rewarding for the church that she was taken on as an employee this year. Her working time is split between St. Peter’s and the Trinity Trust. There has been a lot of interest in the Trust and Jessi’s role and we will include an article on this in 2009. It is unusual for a village church to have such a thriving children’s and young people’s ministry and I am delighted with this progress.
The second event was the weekend away. Putting this together involved the efforts of many people and the weekend itself was regarded as a great success. It will be the subject of another article in 2009.
Thirdly, Giles Carpenter, one of our Readers, left us to pursue full-time training at theological college. He is due to be ordained in 2010.
Finally, the new church rooms have increased in usage. They are particularly important for our children’s group and coffee mornings and for enabling us to have refreshments after services.
This brings me to the challenges for 2009. We need to justify all our efforts in building the extension by using it every single day. Please contact me with your ideas.
And that’s another challenge! I need administrative help. Is there anyone out there with PA and IT skills who could help with the logistics of my hectic ministry and make sense of my pile of mail? Even half a day’s work a week in my study at Mervil Bottom would transform my life and hopefully enhance that of the volunteer.
Other challenges, both for individuals and the community, include filling the preaching gap left by Giles and also covering the multiple tasks necessary to keep St.Peter’s functioning. We are a relatively small parish and there is a part that everyone can play.
I have been asked to explain how we as a village church fit into the greater scheme of Church of England life. I plan an article on this too in 2009.
So, we have a successful year behind us and a demanding one in front. Let’s do it together!

Stephanie Couvela, as told to Alison M