6


‘What is your employer’s business?’ David Lloyd


I became a ‘Rev’ eight months ago


and although it is all still very new, I can’t help thinking that I have the best job in the world!


Often when I tell people that I am a curate they nod politely, as though I had just explained that my favourite hobby is licking used stamps. So what does a curate get up to during the week?


Well, for the record here are a few of the things that go on at St Mary’s:


I am still getting used to sometimes being called ‘father’ by people twice my age and my heart sinks when any online application form asks me: ‘what do you do for a living?’ (there is never enough space) or ‘what is your employer’s business?’ ... If only I knew the mind of God! (Romans 11.34)


Whenever I enter the word ‘curate’ into those car insurance renewal forms the computer finds ‘curator’. Tempting though it is to opt for the path of least resistance (especially if it lowers the premium), the church is more than a cultural heritage site, and my job is not to open and close the big brown doors and polish the pews each day.


There is football coaching on Saturday mornings for the young and energetic (with Maz the local PCSO and Nick our football coach); café-style parenting courses on a Wednesday morning;


stations on Monday afternoons; quiet contemplative prayer for the more traditional; fun family celebrations for the less traditional; baptisms, funerals, weddings, lunches, breakfasts, tea time gatherings for the elderly, popcorn, DVDs, discussion groups galore, music, youth groups and the occasional chance to work with the Hampton Groove Academy on something creative and fun.


If you are interested about getting involved in anything or simply coming along please don’t hesitate to get in touch.


I am constantly surprised at all the amazing things that go on through the contributions of so many volunteers at St Mary’s and, as it is Easter, this issue of the Parish Link is about celebration.


marriage preparation sessions; messy crafts, stories and songs on Tuesday mornings for toddlers and carers; care home visits and hymns with the elderly (always a chance to dust off the guitar); the toddler and carer drop-in play


So I want to say ‘thank you’ for the way that my family and I have been so enriched through the lives of everyone we have met here in Hampton. There haven’t been many times that I have longed for (except for the coffee) the office.


Julia’s Montessori Nursery School


in St Mary’s Church Hall, Hampton for 2½ - 5 year olds


Dedicated and qualified staff


High standard of care and early education using the Montessori Method


020 8641 3234


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