A Message from Rev Mark Hammond

Dear friends at High Street and Batford Methodist Churches,

I am writing to share some important news with you.

After much prayer, reflection, conversation, and discernment, I have decided that the coming church year, from September 2026 to August 2027, will be my final year serving as your minister.

Having begun my ministry among you back in September 2013, this has not been an easy decision to make. Sally, Joseph, and I have made our home in Harpenden for many years now, and we have come to love this place and the people here very deeply. High Street and Batford have become much more than congregations we serve; you have become our church family. Together we have shared celebrations and sorrows, beginnings and endings, moments of growth, challenge, laughter, faith, and friendship. We will always treasure the years we have spent among you.

One of the strengths of the Methodist system is that changes in ministerial appointments are planned well in advance to enable a smooth and thoughtful transition. During the coming summer, the Circuit Invitations Committee will begin the process of seeking my successor, carefully and prayerfully following the procedures laid down by the Methodist Church. The hope is that by the end of January 2027 - and perhaps even earlier - we will know who will be invited to take up this ministry from September 2027.

Although this news may come as a surprise to some, I hope it will also reassure you that there is plenty of time for careful planning, prayerful discernment, and a good handover. There is no sense in which we are already saying goodbye. Far from it. We still have a whole year of ministry, worship, fellowship, mission, and service ahead of us, and I am committed to giving that year my full energy, attention, and love.

Change is never easy. Whenever one chapter comes to an end, there is inevitably a sense of sadness and uncertainty. Yet our faith reminds us that God is always leading us onward. The Church belongs not to any minister or church member but to Christ, and throughout its history the Spirit has continually renewed and reshaped the body of Christ for new seasons of discipleship and service.

So while there is sadness in this announcement, there is also excitement and anticipation. We look forward with hope to all that God will do among us during the coming year. We look forward to discovering what new opportunities and blessings lie ahead for High Street and Batford. And we look forward to seeing where God will lead the Hammond family in the next chapter of our journey.

Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to serve as your minister over these past thirteen years. It has been one of the greatest joys and honours of my life. I am profoundly grateful for your friendship, support, faithfulness, generosity, and love.

As we enter this next season together, let us continue to trust in the God who has guided us thus far and who will remain faithful in the years to come.

With love and every blessing,

Mark

Rev Mark Hammond