Getting to know you…
Vicar of The Huntspills & Mark
Reverend Christine Judson
My name is Revd. Christine Judson, though ‘Rev Chris’ is a little easier, and ‘Chris’ is just fine.
Having thoroughly enjoyed being a Physics Teacher for many years, I trained for ministry at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, served my Curacy in Highbridge, and ministered in Portishead as Team Pastor, before moving to my current post.
In many ways it feels as though being a vicar makes sense of who I am, what I’ve done and experienced so far and who I am becoming. That said, I believe that being a vicar is more about depending on God than on myself. Leading services across the benefice, managing practical matters within the churches and parishes, and serving their communities is a privilege and a challenge!
I am enjoying getting to know people and the way things work here, and am looking forward to all that God has in store for us.
I believe that every person matters – no matter how young or old, whether members of the congregation or not, and regardless of their views on God. I am proud to be part of a church that is here to serve everyone – of any faith or none. We are not perfect (unlike the God we serve), but we are seeking to learn, to grow, and to become more like Jesus.
Please do contact me if you have any questions of thoughts to share, or come and join us – you’d be very welcome! c.judson@btinternet.com
Benefice Administrator
The Benefice Administrator assists in the smooth running of all the Churches in the benefice and co-ordinates the life of the 3 Parishes, working with the Rector, all the Churchwardens and Parochial Church Councils. The Benefice Administrator is the first point of contact for Baptisms and Weddings, arranging suitable dates. 07515478769 ehwhmchurch@outlook.com
Hi, I am Sara and I have lived in East Huntspill since 1988, having grown up in Mark. I am married to Chris, a dairy farmer and have 2 grown up children who both live locally.
I joined East Huntspill PCC in 1999 as Secretary. Over the years many other posts have been added: – Safeguarding Officer, Electoral Roll Officer, Health & Safety & Data Protection Officer. In November 2017 I took on the role of Benefice Administrator for The Benefice of the Huntspills and Mark.
The village, the community and rural life are very important to me.
Churchwardens
The office of Churchwarden is a vital and ancient part of the Church of England. Churchwardens have served the Church since its beginnings and are directly responsible to the Bishop. Churchwardens are lay officers who look after the affairs of the church, and who, are the legal representative of the Parish. Churchwardens liaise with the Archdeacon over matters to do with church life, governance, buildings and worship. Churchwardens are elected annually by the members of each Church.
Hi, I am Sue and I have lived in East Huntspill since I was 18 months old, having been born in Burnham. I am married to John; we have a small farm on the outskirts of the village. We have 2 children and 6 grandchildren. I have along association with East Huntspill Primary School, having been a School Governor for many years, a caretaker, cleaner and Lunchtime supervisor for 26 years. Lots of children have learnt music at the School with me, the highlight each year was teaching the Year 6’s to ring the handbells. As a child I attended Sunday School at All Saints, being confirmed in the Church. At various times I have been Sunday School teacher. I have been Church organist since I was 13 years old, a role that I have always enjoyed. I joined the PCC in the 1970’s and have been PCC Treasurer for many years, in the 1990’s I became Churchwarden. I am also All Saints representative on the Deanery Synod.
Hi, I am Joan Thompson, Churchwarden for Mark Church.
Assistant Churchwardens, West Huntspill
Hi, I am Janet, my husband, David, and I moved to West Huntspill to be near our family who were already living in the village. We were very pleased to find a welcoming congregation at St Peter and All Hallows and I do hope in my role as Assistant Churchwarden I can enhance that approach to everyone in the community. When The Friends of St Peter and All Hallows was formed I became the Membership Secretary and I have enjoyed meeting people who have historic connections with St Peter and All Hallows but now feel it’s time to put extra effort into helping more in running the Church.
Hi, I am Mark. I was born and live in West Huntspill. I’m the youngest of 13 siblings. I spent 10 years in the Army during the 70’s. My Church life started in the mid-80’s and I have been involved with St Peter & All Hallows Church ever since, being Deputy Churchwarden for a couple of years.
Hi, I am David. I joined St Peter and All Hallows Church when I moved from Jersey to West Huntspill in 1973. I was confirmed three years later and was a sideman until I started on the Tower Restoration and Reordering Project in 2015. I moved to West Huntspill to start the Haven Pottery, which I ran for 24 years, before teaching Ceramics at Strode College. I moved to Burnham-on-Sea in 1997 but continued to attend St Peter and All Hallows Church. I was churchwarden from 2016 to 2021, during the Covid pandemic. The Church has always been an important part of my life.
Deputy Churchwardens, Mark Church
Hi, we are Heather Popham and Karen Moncrieff , Deputy Churchwardens for Mark Church.
Lay Worship Assistants
Lay Worship Assistants contribute to the life of the church and their community by leading services. They might lead Morning and Evening Prayer, alternative non-Communion forms of worship, and assist clergy to lead Communion services.
Lay Worship Assistants are increasing the flexibility of worship within our churches. They improve the range and number of services that can be offered. They ensure that people can worship regularly in their own communities.
Lay Worship Assistants fulfil this role under the guidance of Rev Chris.
Hi, I am Mark. I was born and live in West Huntspill. I am the youngest of 13 siblings. I spent 10 years in the Army during the 70’s. My Church life started in the mid-80’s and I have been involved with Church services ever since. I take services at St Peter & All Hallows, West Huntspill and All Saints, East Huntspill.
Hi, I am Pat and I have been a Lay Worship Assistant for about several years. I am involved in producing the family service and morning worship each month. I enjoy interacting with other people. Planning and delivering a service is helped by my background in teaching.
Hi, I am Jon and I was appointed some 5 years ago as a Lay Worship Assistant and Parish Administrator for Mark. Along with my friend and colleague, Pat, I am involved in producing the first Sunday of the month Mark Morning Worship. As a retired teacher, I have enjoyed interacting with children. For some 20+ years I was Director of Mark`s Avalon Camps which gives a free holiday to 60+ disadvantaged children from Bristol. On retirement I became a Supply Teacher at Mark College for young people suffering from dyslexia. Planning and delivering the Morning Worship Service is helped by my background in teaching of some 30 years and Church attendance since childhood.
Lay Pastoral Assistants
Lay Pastoral Assistants offer care and listening support to members of the congregation and the community who may be unwell, lonely, bereaved, or going through troubled times. This is either by a home visit or on the telephone.
Some of our Lay Pastoral Assistants also have an area of special interest, such as supporting residents in care homes, visiting people in hospital, working with children or young people, in schools, or supporting christening families in their journey of faith. Some are also part of our home communion team.
Lay Pastoral Assistants work under the supervision of Rev Chris. They have taken part in a training course and have been commissioned at a special service.
Organist Sue Elsworth, East Huntspill
Join in the celebration and watch our short video as Sue recounts her time playing the All Saints’ church organ.
We would all like to send Sue a massive thank you for all her support over the years and we can’t wait to hear her play every Sunday!
Organist David Hill, West Huntspill
Watch a short interview with David Hill, organist.
David shares with us his background and some insight into how church organs work.
Click here for full length interview with David.
Website co-ordinator
The Webmaster is responsible for ensuring the benefice’s site displays relevant information, helpful links, details of community news, events and services as well as complying with our GDPR Policy and good internet practice.
Hi, I am Sabina and I moved to the village in 2015 and joined the All Saints Community Group. Over the years I have taken part in many fundraising events.
I enjoy computer design and in 2017 was asked to become Webmaster for the 3 Benefice websites. Since then there have been many changes especially the development of virtual and recorded services, which I have also enjoyed exploring. I feel very passionate about providing the community with opportunities to get together and how invaluable a website’s role is.