We support schools in the parish through out the year with assemblies by Rev Sarah and the "Open the Book Team" Rev Sarah also helps with curriculum input for the primary RE syllabus.Christmas is a special time when we can extend hospitality to our schools and their parents as they bring their nativity services and Christingles to Church.Over the last six years this has grown from one reception class in one school to each school bringing at least one year group. We really enjoy seeing our beautiful building full of children and their loved ones getting into the festive spirit!
Over the summer we were out of our building to give the builders easy access to the church for Phase One of our refurbishment plans, putting in more sustainable heating, refurbishing our Postil Organ and adding more storage and a kitchen area.The works, though long have been a great success, and the church was ready just in time for Remembrance Sunday where we welcomed members of our community, plus scouts and guides from our sponsored groups.It was very special to be back in the building.We have since held our Church Fair and hosted a concert by our dear friends at Killingworth Community Choir.
For the next few months our worship is going to be on the move as we realise part of our Way Forward Project. Ensuring our building meets the needs of our growing congregation and of our wider community.Our Midweek service (new time 1:30 pm on a Thursday) and 8:30am service will be in the community hall (just a little further down West Lane)Our 10am Sunday morning service will be at 10am at Amberley Primary School.Everyone welcome to join us!
Welcome to St John'sThe church is the people, not the building so we thought you might like to meet the ministry team!Rev Sarah - Priest in Charge and Bishop's Advisor for Women's MinistryI first arrived in Killingworth in June 2016 and have been Priest in Charge since April 2022. I am interested in the dialogue between faith and science and also serve the Diocese as a Spiritual Director. I have been a member of The Iona Community for over 20 years. I am Married to Alun and we have four children two at university two still at school. My interests include drinking good coffee, making things with yarn and the MCU films, all of which provide interesting pointers in sermons.Rev Yvonne Gardner - Assistant Curate (Distinctive Deacon)I was ordained June 2025 as a permanent deacon, and has been part of St John's family for more than 30 years and it is a great privilege to return as curate. I am a retired nurse and after retirement began volunteering as a Hospital Chaplain at Northumbria Healthcare Trust, which I continue alongside my curacy. I have also trained as an Anna Chaplain. My family is really important to me and walking the dog, Rosie, gets me out an about in the parish so please say "Hi".Rev Alan Meighen - PTO and Airport ChaplainRetired Priest/Airport Chaplain, ex Litigation Solicitor, Scouser, Dad and Grandad, Husband to and carer for ‘she who must be obeyed’, San, one Persian cat -Candy, Toffee (Everton) supporter, MTh (Orthodox studies) so ‘into’ Icons, Jesus Prayer et al, ‘potty’ on Homer’s Odyssey and fan of Bond and Poirot, enjoy Tai Chi and v hot curries.Frances Pattison - ReaderI enjoy gardening, sewing and knitting. I have a particular interest in encouraging people to explore different ways in prayer . Hilary Elder - ReaderI am a Lay Reader who joined the parish in March 2023 with a special focus on young people and families in my ministry. When I'm not working in church I writes stories and poems for adults and children. When I'm not working at all I play viola and trombone (but not at the same time), runs (slowly) knits (mostly socks) and laughs as often as possible.
