Martha completed her BA and MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission at St Mellitus. She is currently curate in the Parish of Hitchin and leader of The Hub Church, a fresh expression aimed at reaching those who don’t already go to church. Below she answers a few questions.

What have you been up to since leaving St Mellitus?

Since leaving St Mellitus I have been ordained (twice) and started my curacy in Hitchin. As I was already leading the Hub, I continued this alongside joining the clergy team in Hitchin. I spend my time split between leading the hub and serving in the more traditional models of church, so I get the best of both worlds. 

I also got a puppy (couldn’t not give him a mention). He’s become a great early morning walk buddy! 

  What are you passionate about for the future of the church? 

I am passionate about seeing the church full of life, full of people excited about following Jesus and full of the Holy Spirit. I believe that God wants to breathe new life into His church, and we should be prepared for this to look a bit different to what we expect. 

  What does advent mean to you?

Advent to me means a time of waiting. Waiting expectantly but also waiting patiently. I have been reflecting recently on Mary’s and Zechariah’s songs in Luke 1 and was struck by how they both refer to God being merciful and remembering the promises that he made to their ancestors. I can’t imagine having to wait for hundreds of years when it seemed like God was silent and waiting patiently isn’t one of my best qualities. So for me Advent is about entering into that space of waiting, reflecting on my own unfulfilled hopes and dreams and giving them to God, knowing he is faithful. It’s very easy to rush through this period and to the excitement of Christmas but I am reminded of Isaiah 40:31 

"those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,

    they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,

    they shall walk and not faint.”

So advent reminds me that waiting is part of the process and to embrace this time before the celebrations begin.  for me Advent is about entering into that space of waiting, reflecting on my own unfulfilled hopes and dreams and giving them to God, knowing he is faithful.

  What impacted you the most from your time at St Mellitus? 

I think what impacted me most about my time was the sense of humility. I love that Jesus is front and centre to everything that happens there. But also, that it can be expressed in many ways, and none is better or more important than the other. It taught me to cherish and respect different forms of worship. And to keep Jesus as number one! 

I think what impacted me most about my time was the sense of humility. I love that Jesus is front and centre to everything that happens there. 

Could you tell us a highlight and challenge from this year? 

A highlight would be getting to marry two of my friends in the summer. It was my first wedding and I was incredibly nervous, but was such a joy to be involved. Thankfully nothing went wrong. 

  A challenge would be journeying with people through the effects of COVID, lockdown and the pressure of getting back to ‘normal’. I think everyone has been impacted more than we realise and its taken its toll. I’ve needed to be more aware of my own capacity and learn to rest well! 

  3 Christmas traditions …

1. Getting a pair of socks and a chocolate orange in my stocking from my mum 
2. Going for a horse ride with my dad on Christmas morning 
3. Homemade quizzes with all the family after Christmas dinner