2025 has been a remarkable year for Hope Church, marked by significant growth, meaningful worship experiences, and deepened community connections. From launching our 2025-2027 Mission Action Plan to celebrating a transformative Church Weekend, God has been faithful in blessing our church family. With an average of 450 people engaged weekly across our various ministries, we are witnessing Hope Church flourish as one church in two locations.

Our Vision: Rebuild, Restore & Repair

In January, we launched our 2025-2027 Mission Action Plan with the theme Rebuild, Restore & Repair, grounded in Isaiah 58:6-12. This vision has guided our ministry throughout the year, shaping our goals and values as we seek to serve God and our community with renewed purpose.

Leadership & Governance

Our dedicated staff team has continued to demonstrate exceptional commitment and mutual support throughout 2025. We are grateful for their tireless efforts in advancing the Lord’s work in our parish and wider community.

Key team developments in 2025:

• Jo Minton, Vicar’s PA; continues to provide invaluable support to Claire, our Vicar, strengthening our administrative capacity

• Funmi, Operations Manager; joined us in this newly created role to streamline operations and free clergy for mission-focused ministry. This strategic addition has significantly strengthened our organizational effectiveness.

• Kirsty, Finance & Hall Hire Officer; works alongside Funmi to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and management of our financial operations and facility bookings

• Chris Kettle, Younger Generations Lead; took on expanded responsibilities and hours in September to develop youth ministry, oversee the younger generations team with Apprentice Chloe, Student Megan and Mahima’s Placement, and grow community youth work

• Amelia, Foodbank & Community Supermarket Lead joined us in September, succeeding Chris Brecht as Community Lead, bringing fresh energy to our vital community support ministries

• Vanessa, Community Connector; continues to excel in her ministry with older adults and asylum seekers, bringing wisdom, creativity, and compassion to every interaction

• Graham Neilson, Volunteer Buildings Manager; deserves special recognition for his unwavering dedication to the day-to-day management of both church locations. His commitment is invaluable to our operations

• Rev. Laura Woodhead, Curate; joined us in June 2025 in her training role, bringing wonderful gifts and a down-to-earth approach that has enriched our ministry tremendously

Parochial Church Council (PCC)

Our PCC has served with wisdom and insight throughout 2025, meeting six times to ensure strong governance across all areas of church life. Regular reports on finance, buildings, safeguarding, and vicar updates kept us aligned with our mission, while policy reviews ensured compliance and best practices.

Special thanks to Cas Manning and Mano Rathan (Churchwardens), Debbie Bainbridge (PCC Secretary), and Kalpana Shah (Treasurer). Their exceptional gifts, integrity, and hard work have been a tremendous blessing to our church family.

Worship & Services

Weekly Services

Throughout 2025, we maintained three weekly services, each offering unique opportunities for worship and spiritual growth:

Church@Ten

Our main Sunday morning service featured rich teaching series including Vision & Values, THE MANDATE (Isaiah 58), FAITH FULL, a powerful series on the Holy Spirit, and Integrity. August brought our popular Summer Sundays at The Movies series, followed by autumn explorations of REVIVAL and Wrestling in the Shadowlands. The year was enriched by meaningful takeovers: African, Asian, Kids, and Youth; each bringing unique perspectives to our worship. We also celebrated Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Pentecost, Remembrance, Christmas, and Easter with special services.

Deeper@Five

This contemplative evening service provided a space for deeper prayer, worship, study, and communion. We journeyed through the Beatitudes, heard inspiring testimonies, experienced Youth takeovers, and enjoyed precious prayer gatherings; all creating intimate encounters with the Holy Spirit.

Thursday Church

Our midweek service continues to thrive, offering worship before Community Coffee Morning and Foodbank. We’ve welcomed community members into this gathering, creating meaningful connections. Heartfelt thanks to Gena Smith, Rev. Laura Woodhead, Rev. Jonathan Rust, Wendy Fay, and the entire Thursday Church team for their beautiful service.

Festival Celebrations

Easter

Our Easter celebrations were profoundly moving. Palm Sunday set the tone, followed by a Maundy Thursday service with hand washing, and a powerful Good Friday funeral service for Jesus. Easter Day at our Good Shepherd location was spectacular with nearly 200 people, including many from the wider community, joining us for worship with our Community Choir and finishing with an Easter egg hunt in the garden!

Christmas

Over 500 people attended our special Christmas services, including Christingle with Nativity, Community Carols, Candlelit Carols, Christmas Eve Communion, and Christmas Day celebration (attended by our MP Seema Malhotra). Beyond worship services, we hosted festive parties at Playcafe, Hope Haven, Good Company, and Meadows Youth, while our Friday Youth Club enjoyed ice skating together at Hampton Court Palace.