Rev Wes Hampton - Minister

I am very pleased to become the minister at Wokingham Methodist Church from September 2025, having previously served in circuits in Hampshire, Kent, London and Essex, and Leicestershire.

I am married to Cherry, and we have two grown-up children who have fled the nest.  Cherry enjoys reading, the theatre, baking, and various craft activities.  In ministry I particularly value leading worship and preaching.  I like to watch sport, and in football I keenly follow the fortunes of Hastings United.

Dear Friends,

Welcome to this year’s reports from the various parts of the church.  It is good to bring together the range of our church life, and to see a picture of the church’s mission which is broader than any one person would otherwise be able to glimpse.

During the first six months of my time in Wokingham, I have begun to appreciate how much goes on here, and also to see how much more there is to do.  In the report from the minister last year, there was an acknowledgement that the church needs more people to come forward to take on key roles.  I can see that the need has not diminished.  Thank you to those who take on the responsibilities that come with an organization such as a church, including those whose work is rarely noticed, and to those who will take up the reins in the future.  There is still room for more to be involved.

One very noticeable feature of this church’s life over recent months is the number of our church community who have died.  We give thanks for the faithful witness and service of those who are no longer with us, as we trust God for their eternal care.  As Jesus told his disciples to “love one another” (John 13:34), we continue to make his love the hallmark of our care for those who are bereaved and, indeed, for all.

As we each read these reports, let us look for the ways in which we collectively are showing the love of Christ in the church and in the world.  May we be inspired by these accounts of what we are doing, so that God’s grace, mercy, and love may be seen through us all.

Wes