Team at St. John's Blackheath

Our team

Rev Dr Eddie Scrase-FieldVicar

I became a Christian from a very young age having the great privilege of being brought up in a Christian home. Although I was born in Royston, Herts I have lived in many diﬀerent places, including Suﬀolk, Aberdeenshire, Ohio in the US, Carlisle, Manchester and York. I grew up on a farm and studied Agriculture as my first degree. I then trained as a research scientist in plant biochemistry and molecular biology and then worked for a government agency in the regulation of pesticides. During this period I was called and selected for ordination and trained at Ridley Hall Cambridge. I completed my curacy in the picturesque city of Carlisle, and then moved as Associate Minister at St Mary’s, Cheadle, near Manchester. To relax I enjoy spending time with my family, especially visiting coastal areas of the UK, and occasionally I also enjoy golf or even going for a run!

Chris HanningAssistant Minister (Curate)

Originally from Newbury in Berkshire, I came to London in 2006 and have lived here ever since – I love London’s incredible diversity and how Jesus Christ is good news for us all. I turned to Christ as Saviour and Lord while at university, having grown up in a Christian family. For several years I worked in healthcare publishing. Then I started full-time Christian ministry, first as a trainee, then later studying at Oak Hill College, before becoming ordained as a minister. I’m married to Charis and we moved to Blackheath in summer 2018 to join St John’s I love ball-chasing sports, exploring the countryside, eating food from around the world and playing the piano.

Andrew BeswetherickAssistant Curate

I am an ordained minister and am involved in leading services and preaching and helping lead the Cycling Group and Annual Pilgrimage. I have retired and previously worked in various special schools as a teacher of children and young people who have severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties or are on the autistic spectrum.

St. John’s is a great place to be! I have been a member of St John’s since 1983 and have been ordained since 1990. I am married to Jane and we have 2 married children. I enjoy music, films, photography, trying to make films, reading and trying to race my bike in short time trials even though I am getting older and slower!

Vanessa RatcliffeChurchwarden

I have been an active member of St. John’s since moving back to London from Shanghai in 2008. I am one of the Churwardens. It’s wonderful being part of St. John’s and the local community – the people are amazing and there’s always something fun going on. I have been part of the PCC for the past eight years and I’ve been involved in various projects such as our own version of Come Dine With Me and our church weekend away.

When not at church or work (during the day I’m involved in comms and media training) I enjoy going to the theatre, reading, art, eating great food with friends, riding my beloved Vespa and visiting new places.

Sam HartChurchwarden

I have been a member of St John’s since 2016 and am now also a Churchwarden. I live in the area with my wife Rebecca and daughter Annabel, which means that we bump into various members of St John’s whilst out and about in the busy and thriving community. It’s an exciting time to be part of St John’s as we seek to share the message of Jesus and fulfil our vision to grow.

During the week I work as a broker in the City. In my (increasingly small) amount of spare time I enjoy road cycling and have also been studying for a professional wine industry qualification.

Matt LockwoodYouth Worker

I’m Matt and am married to Hannah. I grew up in Suffolk and have been at St John’s since July 2015. I love spending time in fields, the gym and running Tough Mudder with my friends (other obstacle course races are available!).

I am responsible for the youth work at the church and the outreach to young people in our local community. You may also see me up the front of church from time to time.

I am always up for a chat.

Hannah MugenyiChildren’s Worker

I grew up in rural Derbyshire, so London is quite a change for me! I am thoroughly enjoying exploring Blackheath and getting to know the community (especially the children and young people). I have previously worked as a Children’s Worker and as a Children and Youth Worker in Newcastle upon Tyne. I have also volunteered at many different children’s camps and events, including in Finland where I lived for two years.

I decided to follow Jesus as a teenager and it is best and most important decision I have ever made. It’s a real privilege for me to have a job where I can help others to learn about who Jesus is, why He came and how to follow Him.

I enjoy dancing, any sort of craft activity and being outside, especially when the sun is shining.

Sue RedfordParish Worker

I was married at St. John’s 34 years ago to Charlie, with 2 sons, David and Philip who were christened at St John’s too, so feel very ‘at home’ working here! For 35 years I have worked as a volunteer for the 7th and 2nd West Kent Boys Brigade Companies and enjoy family life, youth work and camping. It’s great to serve the community here at St. John’s and enjoy the challenge and diversity each day brings when I am here.

Looking forward to giving you a warm welcome when you come along.

Wendy ParkerChurch Administrator

I moved to Blackheath from Aylesbury where I lived for 2 years, working as Head of Member Care and the PA to the CEO of a small international Christian charity. Before that I lived in East Africa for 5 ½ years working in International development.  I have experienced a huge contrast in culture and lifestyle as I have moved from one location to another, the purpose for me remains the same: to love and serve my local community with the gifts God has given me.

Charlotte ParrottStudent Youth Worker

I’m Charlotte I’m 25 years old and I’m your student youth worker. I moved to Blackheath from a small town called Haslemere in Surrey. I am studying at St Mellitus College doing a youth ministry and theology degree. I am in the second year of a three year course.

When I left school I went to college and earned my NVQ lvl 3 in Childcare and Education. I then worked in a nursery for four years and went on to nanny for a year while volunteering with the church youth group. I then had two gap years called DNA and DNA+ where I was my home churches assistant youth and children’s before St Johns.

I am involved in Legacy, Fishfood, Crunch and Messy Church :).

Rafael de LimaMinistry Trainee

My name is Rafael (Rafa) and I’m from Brazil. I’ve been living in the UK since the end of 2015, which was a remarkable year in my life, because it was when I came back to Christ, and it’s also when I finished my studies in Law. I moved to Italy and then the UK, where I planned to work for a while before returning to Brazil. But God changed those plans completely.

I worked as a waiter in a local coffee shop for just over a year. God really used it to bring the best and the worst out of me and showed me how to deal with that and how to be more humble. Thanks to this job, I started coming to St. John’s as well as to another local church called C.B.C.F. and drew closer and closer to our local community. After many months sharing my faith with those around me, I realised (a) how much I enjoy talking about Jesus and what He’s done for me and (b) that, even if it’s by faith we’re saved, I can still use my brain while talking about God and the Bible.

So after God closed that door, He blessed me by opening another one at St. John’s, where I’m now a ministry trainee and studying at Cornhill in Central London.

(PS: No, I don’t play football, nor do I speak Spanish or do samba. Sorry!)

Lay-ministers:Stephen Greenhall, Rosie Medhurst and Louis Alexander

Upcoming Events

Light Party

October 31 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Fireworks Refreshments

November 3 @ 8:30 pm

Centenary Concert

November 7 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

To War With God

November 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:45 pm

Sunday Services

8.30 AM

Holy Communion Service

Traditional Holy Communion using the Book of Common Prayer. Except during August each year.

10.30 AM

Family services

A friendly and welcoming service for all ages with children’s activities, Bible teaching and music. Communion Service once a month.

6:00 PM

Informal evening Service

An informal service where we seek space for encountering God and building community. Communion Service once a month. Coffee is served before the service.