Our Team
REV JAMES HUGHESDON - VICAR
Rev. James Hughesdon, is Vicar of St Mary Islington and Hope Church. He oversees the partnership between the churches as well as governance, operational and missional coordination.
James is an avid gardener, keen tea drinker as well an Arsenal fan.
CONTACT:
SONIA HOME - ASSOCIATE VICAR
Sonia is the lead clergy person for the Hope Church Congregation. She oversees Sunday worship, discipleship, prayer and mission.
Sonia loves to run and to spend time with friends - ideally at the same time! She also enjoys coffee and music.
CONTACT:
ABIE HEPWORTH - CURATE
Rev. Abie is the Curate serving both Hope Church and St Mary's Islington. She is passionate about nurturing communities built on Christ and helping people find home.
She loves running, stand up comedy, and diet coke.
CONTACT:
MARY ROBERTS - COMMUNITY OUTREACH MANAGER
Mary came to faith at Hope Church in 2008 and joined the staff team in June 2018. She oversees our Community Outreach and looks after the church office!
Mary loves to read, enjoys a hot chocolate whilst watching Arsenal (attending every ladies game!) and is currently studying Chaplaincy.
CONTACT:
HEATHER EBDEN - CHILDREN AND FAMILIES MINISTER
Heather joined the team in May 2026. She oversees Sunday’s children’s work, and supports children and families in their faith journeys. She is passionate about connecting children with God and nature.
Heather loves animals, nature and drinking Yorkshire tea. She often spends time enjoying photography and creative activities.
CONTACT:
JO HILLER - SENIOR PROPERTIES ADMINISTRATOR
Jo joined the team in 2021 helping to organise the maintenance of our church buildings and properties.
Jo has a large family, including four children; so don’t be surprised if you find her taking some well deserved time out by the coast!
CONTACT:
LAMAR HENRY - YOUTH OUTREACH WORKER
Lamar joined the team in August 2026. He oversees our Youth hub on a Wednesdays after school, giving the young people in the local area a safe, welcoming and inclusive space where they can build community, have fun and grow. Lamar is passionate about seeing the Kingdom of God come into the lives of young people.
Lamar loves X-Men and the A Song of Ice and Fire book series.
CONTACT:
ALISTAIR AHMADOV - VERGER
Alistair is the longest-serving member of our staff team, having joined us in 2002!
He came to the UK from Azerbaijan and has been making sure our buildings are clean and well-presented ever since.
Alistair loves history and swimming in the sea.
KEMI BURAIMOH - CHURCH WARDEN
BEN HUME-WRIGHT - CHURCH WARDEN
VERITY MYERS - LAY VICE CHAIR
RITA CHAMBERS - PCC
ANNA SKINNER - SAFEGUARDING TRUSTEE
BETH MILBURN - PCC
JOE DENNISS - TREASURER
FIONA CHUKWU - ASSISTANT TREASURER
There are spaces on our PCC! If you attend Hope regularly, and are a member of the Electoral Roll, then you might consider joining this wonderful group of volunteers who give their time and energy to steward the gifts of Hope in the service of God and our community in Islington. Get in touch if you are interested, the PCC would love to hear from you.
LICENSED LAY MINISTER : Roderick Jones
ELECTORAL ROLL OFFICER: Mary Roberts
PARISH SAFEGUARDIING OFFICER: Mary Roberts