Welcome to St John's

The 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 Ministry

I 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 Chaplain

Retired 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 - Reader

I enjoy gardening, sewing and knitting. I have a particular interest in encouraging people to explore different ways in prayer .  

Hilary Elder - Reader

I 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.