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Minister’s Memo
2008 was an outstanding year for me for many reasons.
It has been part of the vision of the church for many years to appoint someone to share in the mission work of the church. To that end we have budgeted a sum of money each year for more than ten years.
2008 saw the realisation of that vision with the appointment of Becky Hartwell as our Pastoral Assistant.
It has been great to welcome Becky and see the wonderful work she has been doing especially, but by no means exclusively, among the families and children of the church. Becky’s pastoral and leadership gifts have been appreciated by everyone. It has been a particular joy sharing with Becky in a shared ministry.
As we were preparing for Becky’s appointment, I reflected on the shape of my own pastoral ministry. It has been a delight to see the number of children and families in the church grow in recent years. Felicity has been very involved in that work and has enjoyed teaming up with Becky since her arrival. My own pastoral ministry very much focuses on those who are unwell, those who have been bereaved and the older members of our congregation. That has left me with very little time to offer and develop pastoral support for families. It is great seeing the way that Becky has taken that area of pastoral ministry forward.
I have always felt called to a preaching and pastoral ministry in a local church.  
In 2008 I have focused once again  on my teaching and preaching ministry, particularly developing the web site to include course material, sermons and other teaching material. I have had more funerals to do in the last year than I have had before. It is always humbling and a privilege to be able to offer support at such sad times. The presence of our pastoral assistant has certainly made this side to my ministry easier to cope with.
Having celebrated Scouting’s centenary at the World Jamboree in 2007 it was exciting to share in Highbury’s centenary celebrations of Scouting in 2008. I was particularly delighted to be able to be present when a plaque celebrating that centenary was attached to our original building in Grosvenor Street. The plaque now identifies that building as the first home of Highbury Congregational Church. To lead a parade up the Strand and along London Road with the Scout Group’s original 100 year old flag, and then to share in a packed Parade service was memorable. The centenary event was great fun, the centenary booklet a great read, and the Cubs camp a great experience (in spite of non-stop rain!). It was great to see the immense amount of work Felicity put into making it all happen.
The outstanding event of the year for me was my first visit to the Holy Land. It was wonderful sharing with 44 church leaders from such a rich variety of backgrounds in the church here. And even more wonderful meeting so many inspiring people working for reconciliation in Israel and in Palestine.