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Our People.

At St Johns we strive to be an open and welcoming church to all, irrespective of age, gender, sexuality, race, relationship status, educational background, socio- economic status, country of birth – or of any other criteria by which people classify themselves.

The images and information below give a flavour of our congregation, by indicating the activities in which some of them are involved. It is solely to help visitors recognise and remember a few of our congregation and is not either hierarchical, or comprehensive.

Be assured of a warm welcome, whatever your background, or for whatever reason you come.

Rev. Keith Sandow.
Reverend Timothy Keith Sandow has served in the High Peak area since 2014. Revd. Keith studied at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia and has served in the British Methodist Church around Greater Manchester since 1999.
He leads many pilgrimages to Israel, Jordan and Turkey and enjoys facilitating Bible study courses and mindfulness sessions for those seeking to deepen their spiritual life. He has established many festivals and creative events through his ministry and endeavours to be a welcoming and inclusive minister to everyone.
Rev Keith is a fabulous cook, enjoys photography, travel and eating at local restaurants.
Contact Keith on 07717226888

Sheila Booth

Sheila Booth. Sheila leads a team of stewards; whose main responsibility is to ensure the smooth running of the Sunday services. Sheila is now retired after working in education. She is actively involved in some village organisations.

Stephen Jay

Stephen Jay- is a Local Preacher and works in higher education and has a love of nature. He regularly leads worship at St John's and encourages us to try new forms of worship.

Claire Crook

Claire Crook. These days Claire leads our monthly Messy Church (with help) and coordinates a team of people from several local churches who go into our local school with Open the Book presentations.

Steve Crook

Steve is one of the team of stewards and is helpful in many other ways, he is Claire's husband, His coffee making could teach Starbucks a few things! Both retired they work hard on their large garden and enjoy walking and travel.

Colin Smith

Colin Smith  - Colin is retired from preaching and from a working life wholly in education. He co-ordinates and sometimes leads our home group and is a published writer. Three of his books appear on our Resources page.

Irene Smith

Irene who is Colin's wife is our pastoral visitor and adopts a supporting role as needed in the life of the church. She has fulfilled many roles in the church, most recently as church treasurer, and for a considerable time before that as a Sunday school teacher

Sarah Ellson

Sarah Ellson- is an active member of our congregation, who helps with development ideas and Messy church. She is a member of a discussion group (called "Cress") which meets at the Mustard Seed cafe in Chapel en le Frith. When she's not busy working for a large law practise, she enjoys walking and spending time on her small-holding with husband James and her chickens.