Hambledon has been very fortunate in its recent history to have a vicar living and working in the village. Even for many who rarely engage with regular worship there has been a sense of belonging to a community that has a spiritual hub and a spiritual lead.
Father David was in that role and had been given the additional responsibility of simultaneously managing Soberton and Netown parishes, a task he undertook with enthusiasm almost three years ago. Covid struck as did David’s own poor health and sadly he no longer feels that God wants him to continue parish work. We wish him and his family every blessing as they seek to find a way to use his many talents and serve in pastures new.
The Benefice, and as far as the reader is concerned, Hambledon Church is now in interregnum. This means that the running of the church passes to the Churchwardens, Helen Finch and Paul Quinn. They will be assisted internally by their Readers and the Parochial Church Council and externally by our Area Dean. In addition to the official team we now have a significant group of experienced helpers who manage day to day running. Even though she no longer wears the hat, Rachel Houlberg most notably, has made a huge contribution as warden over the past five years and continues to so.
Our new Bishop has the unenviable task of assessing available resources within the diocese and allocating them according to need. You may not therefore be surprised to hear that the structure of the church may look somewhat different in the coming years. Whilst it is possible that we can advertise for a vicar later this year, we should not take it as a given that we shall either have one living in the village or taking services every week in Hambledon.
Each and every one of us perhaps need to approach this interregnum with a different mindset to the previous one. Rather than see it as a waiting game, marking time and waiting for a vicar we should see it as an exciting opportunity to explore some new initiatives. A toddler group will be basing itself in the church and there has been some talk of getting a youth group underway again. We have a rich source of retired vicars who enjoy leading worship in Hambledon and can continue to take our eucharists.
During my spell as warden I became more aware than ever that St Peter and St Paul Hambledon means something different to each and every one of us. Some find their closeness to God in a quiet empty church, some as they arrange a flower display or as they clean the pews. For some it is at an early morning time of reflection or eucharist, for others it is in the voices of the choir or in the grandeur of the organ, There are those who come to hear God’s word through the words of the preacher and more who find their communion in the shared experience of festival services at Christmas Easter and Harvest. Whatever you are looking for, I know your wardens will do their best to facilitate it, but if you feel at times there is something missing then go back to your spiritual roots and look to God. Open a bible and remind yourself of some of those passages that set you off on your journey in the first place and in Hambledon cricket metaphor, keep your eye on the ball.
Paul Foster