About Us
History
St Mark's Shared church in its existing location was opened in 1982 and subsequently a new wing was added. It is a joint venture between the Church of England, Methodist and URC denominations. The church previously met in a hall in Saville Crescent and at that time St Mark's was part of Headley Parish - it is now a parish in its own right. As a LEP (Local Ecumenical Partnership), St Mark's welcomes people from a wide range of denominations or none. It is part of the Guildford Anglican diocese, the East Solent and Downs Methodist circuit and the Wessex URC synod. All meet together as a whole and united congregation. We all worship together and everyone is welcome.
Ministerial Team
Revd. Iain Robertson
I was licensed as Leader of St Marks on 12th October 2021. I am a west country boy, born and bred in the working class town of Shepton Mallet in Somerset. I became a Christian when I was 25. My conversion story is a powerful account of the loving Grace of God coming into the life of a troubled man. I have been in ministry now for 18 years and am married to Caroline.
Rob Jeffels
Church Warden
I have lived in Bordon for over 30 years and am married with two children and three grandchildren. I became a member of St Mark’s Church six years ago and have been one of the Church Warden’s for two years.
I am an RAF Forces Veteran, and I am also involved with the local Scouts, helping out with their various activities. I enjoy doing hands on tasks both inside and outside of the church, becoming somewhat of an expert in hedge trimming! In my spare time I enjoy walking, reading and playing golf.
Paul Ratcliffe
Church Warden
I moved to Bordon with my wife Erica in April 2022 having decided London living no longer suited us. We have been married for 6 years and felt a calling to Bordon after several visits.
We feel very settled here and part of the community which we want to impact positively. We have been attending St Marks since June last year and feel that this is our spiritual home and that the church led by our minister Iain Robertson has some bold plans for the future for the church and the wider community that we are excited to be a part of.
My background is that of a serving Police Officer from 1997-1993 and up until my retirement in 2020 I have worked at a senior level as a manager for local government Crime Reduction/Enforcement Teams.
Erica retired at the same time after 40+ years in the NHS laterly as a Community Nurse for Adults with Learning Disabilities.
We both have grown up Children and 7 grandchildren between us.
Joy Smith
Safeguarding Representative
I have grown up in Bordon and throughout my thirty years have seen many changes to life here. My family have attended St Marks on and off over my lifetime, and I now have found myself attending on a regular basis and calling it home. I have been a Christian for over twenty years and am very privileged to be surrounded by a family full of God's love. On my day to day I work within the Childcare sector, I am very blessed to have a job that I enjoy and is very rewarding. I have taken on the Safeguarding Representative role at St Marks from January 2024
Erica Ratcliffe
Community and Family Worker
I am the newly appointed Community and Family Worker at St Marks. I am a retired nurse for adults with a learning disability and additional mental health needs. I am passionate about empowering people to enable them to fulfil their potential. I worked for forty years in Surrey and around Richmond and Kingson. I have 3 children and 4 grandchildren, 2 of each. My husband and I moved to Bordon 2 years ago and we are loving exploring the beautiful Hampshire Countryside. I enjoy walking, cycling, reading, sewing, spending time in the garden and time with friends and family. I have been a Christian for 15 years and my faith is of pivotal importance to me.
Karen Booker
Church Treasurer
My husband and I moved to Bordon in January 2023 and I have been a member of the Church since April 2023.
I am a Fellow Member of Association of Accounting Technicians (FMAAT) and am a member of the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP). I am the Head of Transactional Finance for Dimensions which provides person-centered support for adults with learning disabilities and autism, right across the country. I have also written articles for various payroll related publications.
I am new to faith and have not only become the Church Treasurer, but am also a member of the Deanery Synod and Diocesan Synod, whilst also taking part in a two-year Foundation in Ministry course run by the Diocese. My aim is not to become involved in preaching, my focus is quelling my thirst for knowledge and learning more and more about the New Testament whilst being supported by Revd. Iain.