People
My role as Vicar is to lead and to encourage the Church. I am passionate about St John’s being a place where people Encounter God, Grow as a Team and Have an Impact in the Community. I love being a part of such a committed community of people and enjoy the diversity of our Church. I love Asian food, praying, music and living in London. I am married to Andrea and have two sons and a growing band of animals.
I grew up in London and then in Holland on Sea, Essex where, in my late teenage years, I was baptised on profession of faith. I studied music for my first degree and went on to complete a PhD in musicology at King’s College, London. Having trained to teach, I taught music at King Edward VI Chelmsford and later at Berkhamsted Collegiate School. In 2003, I went to Oxford to do a Master of Studies in Biblical Interpretation and then a research degree ‘Purity in Hebrews and Ephesians’. During this time, I was accepted for ordination training in the Church of England. My interests include practical music-making (organ, piano, double bass, guitar), hill walking, swimming, reading and travel.
Colin Cliff
Youth Co-ordinator
I am the full time youth co-ordinator at St John’s Church. I have the exciting privilege of accompanying the Children and Young People in the church as they live out their faith in all the areas of their lives. I
see my role as being here to equip and encourage them to live as Christians in the excitement and challenges of this part of their lives… and also to invent cheesy games and activities which they pretend not to enjoy!
I have completed a Youth and Community Work degree with the Centre for Youth Ministry, and before that trained as a model maker (!). I have a keen interest in photography and film, spend too much time on the computer, and also take great pleasure in supporting the mighty CAFC (Crewe Alexandra Football Club).
Hi, I’m married to Mike and have one grown up daughter called Lizzie. I was authorised as a Pastoral Assistant several years ago and have had a varied ministry in my Church in Sidcup fitting in as much as I can around my full time job as a teacher. I started working at St. John’s in September 2008 where I am involved in visiting the elderly and the housebound and in many different STEP groups, including Footprints, the Women’s Tuesday Morning Group, Pam’s Pantry, Boys’ Brigade and Make Your Mark. It is wonderful working in such an exciting and busy place with a very supportive team where everything is grounded in prayer. My vision is that through our varied ministries and activities all those who come to St John’s will be drawn closer to God.
Feyi Okuwa
Pastoral Assistant
I’ve just finished my A-levels at Beths Grammar School, and I have now taken up the role of Pastoral Assistant at St Johns for a year. I work along side Colin Cliff as a youth leader, working with the Children and Young People in the church as they explore their faith. Having been part of the Church and being a member Legacy the youth group for a number of years, I have a strong urge to serve the church as I decide the next steps in my life i.e. University etc.
I am also a long serving member of the St Johns Football Team, and a keen member of the Cycling Group.
Sue Redford
Office Manager and Church Administrator
I am 52 and married with two sons. I was married in St John’s Church 31 years ago and both David and Philip were christened at St John’s too. For over 30 years I have worked as a volunteer for the 7th and 2nd West Kent Boys Brigade Companies and enjoy youth work and camping. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to work at St John’s Church.
Brenda Webb
Care for the Elderly Co-ordinator
I am a lay reader. I trained for 3 years after I was widowed and was licensed in 1995 enabling me to lead and preach and to conduct funerals. My main involvement at St John’s is with the older people; running bible studies, leading services at local care homes and sheltered housing, assisting at the Mid-week Communion Service and taking communion to those who are housebound. Once a month I help at Pam’s Pantry. I am also a member of the Pastoral Team.
I have one daughter, Rebecca, and have lived in Blackheath since 1985. I am very fond of music, opera and theatre. I enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles and especially enjoy cryptic crosswords and sudokus. I also enjoy my weekly Home Group.
Andrew Beswetherick
Minister in Secular Employment
I am an ordained minister, currently working as a full time teacher as well as being here in the church. I teach children and young people who have severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties or are on the autistic spectrum in a special school. In St John’s I am involved in leading services and preaching, helping with the marriage preparation classes and helping lead the Cycling Group and Annual Pilgrimage.
I have been a member of St John’s since 1983 and have been ordained since 1990. St. John’s is a great place to be! I am married with 2 children and enjoy music, films, photography, trying to make films, reading and trying to race my bike faster than when I was young even though I am getting older!
I am a member of the ministry team at St John’s and a Reader in the Church of England. My background is in multi media education and training. I worked for many years for various government agencies in staff development. At St John’s I’m currently involved in hospital chaplaincy, funeral and bereavement work, involvement with a local estate and men’s ministries. I am married to Victoria and we have four daughters in their twenties. I enjoy playing classical guitar, writing and short breaks away from London with family and friends.
Parochial Church Council
The Parochial Church Council meets every month to discuss a variety of issues relating to the organization and ministry of St John’s. Our wardens are Neil Kennett-Brown and Elizabeth Fleetwood.
Pastoral Care
We also have a team of people who are involved in pastoral care. If you would like someone from this team to contact you then please email us.
