Revd Canon Raymond Adams
Vicar
Raymond and his wife Alison came to Swindon with two small children and a baby intending to stay for seven years. That was in 1990! The congregation has changed a great deal since then, but there are still some people who can remember Raymond’s first sermon. (Though not necessarily what he actually said.)
A great deal has changed over that long period. Alison now teaches full-time at Haydon Wick Primary school, and remains very active in our worship group. And the baby is 23.
Raymond keeps his brain active by studying languages. He keeps it relaxed by fishing.
Raymond also chairs the Discipleship sub-team.
Sharon Mortimer
Church Warden, PCC Secretary, Electoral Roll Officer, Pastoral Care Team
Sharon and her husband Rod have been worshipping at St. John’s Church for over 34 years. She has three grown-up Sons, all married, and three delightful Granddaughters. She retired in 2017 but finds life busier than ever with her involvement in various areas of church life. Sharon has several roles within the church but her favourite is leading the Pastoral Care Team, as it gives her an opportunity to come alongside people. Sharon has been serving as one of the two churchwardens since April 2014. One of Sharon’s great loves is classical music, especially the opera.
Sam Opoka
Church Warden
Profile coming soon
Sam and his wife Patience have been members of St. John since 2012.
They live in Tawhill with their two younger children, whilst their other two, work and attend university in London.
Sam is a qualified accountant who currently works in Financial Services.
Sam attends PCC and also helps with the “counting” duties in church.
Rod Mortimer
Finance, Fabric & Governance Sub-team Chair
Rod is married to Sharon. They will celebrate their Ruby Wedding anniversary later this year, 2018. He has been worshiping at St John’s for nearly 35 years. He is a Retired Civil Servant. He previously served as Church Warden, until 5 years ago. Rod is Vice Chair of the PCC, also Chair of the Finance, Fabric and Governance Sub-committee. He finds it a privilege to serve the Church and St John’s in its mission. Like Sharon, he also enjoys going to the Opera.
James Bennett
Church Treasurer
“James has been Treasurer at St John’s since November 2018. The Treasurer works with the PCC to ensure that the Church manages its financial resources well.
James reports regularly to the PCC, Finance, Fabric and Governance sub-team and, at key points of the year, to the congregation about the financial affairs of St John’s.
James is originally from South Wales but has been a Swindonian for the last 16 years and lives locally with his young family”.
Lesley Mead
Mission, Outreach & Community Sub-team Chair
I am married with three grown-up children, including twins. I lived in California during the 1980’s and love to go back on trips now. I love travelling!
I have been a member of St. John’s for 25 years during which time I worked in Haydon Wick school for 12 years. I also taught Sunday school for the same period.
Now, I put my energies into helping run Pram Club on Mondays in church, during term time. I have a heart for families and children and love planning events centred around them.
I am heading up the Outreach team with a passion for seeing our church grow in this community.
My interests are Zumba, yoga, my Jack Russell terriers and cooking.
Lynda Gough
Pram Club
Lynda has always lived in Swindon. When her third son was four years old Pram Club was set up at St. John’s temporary church building in Churchfield, where Lynda attended as a mother 36 years ago! Lynda has been involved with Pram Club for over thirty years and now leads the Team. She enjoys Meeting all the baby’s and children’s carers.