A dear friend called us this morning with the news that Mark Ashton had died. Mark, the Vicar of St Andrew the Great (StAG) in Cambridge, was my vicar for more than eight years and married me to my husband. His ministry was hugely influential in my life as it was in the lives of countless others. When I looked around the room at the recent clergy wives’ conference I attended, I saw many who I knew had benefitted from Mark’s clear preaching and humble, energetic leadership.
It was so like Mark to die at a time when his congregation would have their minds turned to the resurrection of the dead. To point people to the Lord Jesus and the hope that is found in him. I’ve been thanking God for Mark’s life and praying for Fiona and the children, the congregation of StAG and the many others who loved Mark, knowing that our God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort (2 Cor 1v3).
I remember very clearly being interviewed by Mark in connection with my leadership of the youth group at the church. I was only 21 at the time, and even more strong-minded than I am now, so you will have to understand that Mark’s word to me went straight to the heart of the matter: ‘You’re proud’ he told me. He was the first person to tell me what I so needed to hear.
A few years later, at my wedding, Mark referred to that interview again. He advised the Vicar that he’d have to be strong to handle me. And he (correctly) told the congregation that at that interview ‘she spent two hours telling me how to run the church’. He knew me well and helped me to know myself and the Lord.
Recently I came across this YouTube clip of Mark talking about his final illness and explaining the gospel, clearly (and loudly) as ever – it makes me smile and helps me to remember why I’m grateful for his ministry:
Thank you so much, for this good and tender account. Like you and N Janet and I’d been praying for Mark & Fiona. In a wonderful way his death on Easter weekend helps me take Easter encouragement all the more. (And to think Cambridge won both the Goldies and the Boat Race as well!). Thanks again.
The trumpets will be sounding in heaven as God welcomes His faithful servant home. Like you I thank God for Mark’s ministry, which taught me so much during my student years. Thank you for a lovely reminder of the man that he was.
I was a member at Mark’s first church (Christ Church, Beckenham) as a curate in 1973-77 and will forever be indebted to his honest, straightalking ministry and encouragement to take on a position of eventual leadership in the then youth group.
Latterly, up until last month, we had been in email contact, initially concerning the passing of a mutual friend into God’s hands and since then covering a wide area of thoughts and memories.
I have listened to Mark’s sermons on MP3 files from StAG; the clear undiluted belief in his Lord Jesus and his passion for discipleship, continued to ring our as clearly as they had done 35 years earlier. God bless you Mark. Our love and best wishes go to Fiona and the family
Thank you for this reminder of a man whose humility and Godliness defined him…….
Welcome to the Vicarage and thank you Gavin, Claire and Mark for sharing your memories of Mark.
I was a member of St Stephens Church, Balham where Mark was a curate for numerous years. He was my youth leader and mentor. I was present at the ‘farewell’ party thrown for Mark in July 09 by members of St Stephens where he spoke about his illness and his excitement about joining his saviour and lord (do watch the youtube clip, its great!). It was an awesome occasion and i am thankful that i had the opportunity to say goodbye and to remember his lifetime commitment, sense of fun and humility.
Thank you for commenting Paulette – there are so many of us grateful to God for Mark’s ministry over so many years.