MINISTRY TEAM

REV MARK HAMMOND

I am the Minister here at High Street. I have had the privilege of leading this church since September 2013. We are passionate about seeing lives changed through the love of God and it is my pleasure to work alongside this great community. In my spare time I am a keen runner and avid reader.

I have been in church leadership for over two decades.  Before that, I practiced as a Chartered Surveyor. I trained for the ministry at Hartley Victoria College and the University of Manchester and later gained my Masters in Evangelism Studies at Cliff College. 

Together with the team here at High Street I am committed to ensuring that the church is inclusive to all and relevant in our community. I look forward to meeting you – do introduce yourself to me on a Sunday morning or drop me an email. 

DEACON SARAH WICKETT

I am an ordained Minister and I started serving at High Street alongside my presbyteral colleague Mark in 2020. In my spare time I love to cycle, swim and watch a good film.

I have been in church leadership since 2016. Before that, I was a primary school teacher for 25 years. My area of expertise was early years education.

I am member of the Methodist Diaconal Order, therefore part of a dispersed religious community. We follow “a rule of life”, which involves a commitment to intentional daily prayer, and careful stewardship of time and resources.

I look forward to meeting you – feel free to email me. 

LEWIS COX

I am the Worship and Communications Co-Ordinator at High Street and am part of the Ministry Team. I have attended and worshipped at High Street since a child, and have experienced first-hand the many ways the church has served the community and the many powerful ways people have met with God.

I am a Worship Leader and Local Preacher, alongside being a keen musician and sci-fi fan!

I am passionate about continuing to build a relevant and inclusive church where all can feel at home and able to meet with God.

Do feel free to say ‘Hello’ and/or email me!

RUTH LINDRIDGE

I am the Lead Youth Worker at High Street. Having seven years experience working as a Youth and Families Worker, it has been a delight and great fun to work with churches, families and young people. I care about young people encountering God, being empowered in their faith journey and finding encouragement and support along the way.

I like good walks, deep conversations and trying and learning new things.

Being a very friendly person, I would be delighted if you said hello.

WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?

We believe God entered this world 2000 years ago as Jesus - a man who walked this earth as we do now. He taught of and shared God’s love and fully identified himself with all who have ever found themselves on the wrong end of injustice, unkindness and hatred.

Although many questions remain, we believe because we keep experiencing the peace, power and presence of God as we seek to know and follow Jesus today.

First time?

You are very welcome!

Everyone is welcome to any of our acts of worship. We have a variety of styles, so why not see what is right for you?

Not sure what you believe?

It takes courage to explore what life might really be about. Lots of people are searching for a spiritual meaning that seems missing today. You won’t be alone. We do not have to wait until we have all the answers before coming to church.

What is a Methodist Church?

The first people to be called Methodists were friends in Oxford. They were serious about their faith and met regularly for Bible study, prayer and Holy Communion. This ‘methodical’ approach gave rise to the name. We are just one of 5,000 Methodist churches in Britain.

What happens in a Service?

Services are led by a minister, a local preacher or a worship leader. We have different styles, but all our services include

• Singing of hymns and songs both old and new

• Readings from the Bible in easily understood translations

• Prayers related to what’s going on in the world

• Preaching which applies the gospel of Jesus to life today

Some services include Holy Communion which recalls Jesus’ last supper with his friends before he was crucified. The bread is shared and the wine is drunk, though the wine in a Methodist church is non-alcoholic.