Who’s Who
Minister - Revd Paul Ireton
Rev Paul came to St John's in 2016. He is married to Jacqui and they have a daughter, Deborah. Please look at the Minister page to read more about Rev Paul.Ministry Team - Revd Gordon Percy
Gordon was born and raised in Woking, Surrey. He knew he had a call to ordination by the time he was 10 years old! He did his training at St John's College and Cranmer Hall in Durham before being ordained in Manchester in 1971. After his Curacy he moved to the Derby Diocese where he served in parishes for 23 years and as a Rural Dean for 7 of those years. He moved to Torquay in 1998 to become Rector of St Matthias' Church in Wellswood. He retired in 2012 and lives in Watcombe. He still ministers in other churches in the Diocese so we won't necessarily see Gordon every Sunday! His interests include walking his dog, music, singing, listening to Radio 4, theatre, quizzes, reading and visiting his children.Deanery Synod Representative
Vacancy.Church Warden
Vacancy.Church Warden
Vacancy.Prayer Ministry Co-Ordinator – Jenny L
Jenny is a Specialist MRI Radiographer and has lived in Shiphay for 34 years. She is a mother and grandmother and has been involved with St John’s for over 30 years. She has undertaken numerous responsibilities in the church, ranging from Sunday School work to being the Synod Representative and a member of the PCC. For many years she has co-ordinated the Prayer Ministry Team which is currently her main responsibility. Jenny is also actively involved with the Music Worship Team.Sacristan
The Church Sacristan duties are carried out by a team. The elements for communion services etc. They make sure that the correct altar frontals for the church year are in place, prepare for all aspects of worship services.Treasurer – Jill Richardson
Jill has lived in South Devon for 50 years, moving from Brixham to Torquay in 1997. Before taking early retirement at the end of 2011 and having qualified as a solicitor, she worked as a Legal Advisor in the local Magistrates’ Court. She has been a member of St John’s since Easter 2008. She has been on the Flower Team since Christmas 2012 and was appointed Treasurer in April 2017. She is married with a grown up daughter and son.Parish Administrator/Electoral Roll Officer – Sonia
Sonia is the administrator at St John’s where as the receptionist she shows a friendly face to the outside world. She responds to all enquiries, supports the Vicar and Church Wardens and deals with all the bookings for the Church Hall. She aims to make the church office a lively communications hub. She particularly enjoys preparing for marriages and baptisms. Sonia lives in Shiphay with her hushand and youngest daughter.Sunday School Leader – Paul
Paul is always available to teach and give support to any children who attend Sunday School. He has helpers and it’s always a joy to see the children arrive back in the main church ready to wave flags during the last song.Deputy Warden/Outreach Events/Flower Team Leader - Janet T
Janet's parents moved from Coventry after WW2 when Janet was 6 years old to open a hotel in Paignton. She attended Oldway Primary School and Torquay Girls' Grammar School before qualifying as a teacher. Janet and her husband taught in both primary and secondary schools in Devon and Somerset. During her career, Janet mentored Exeter University students and ran workshops for teachers. As a member of St John's Janet is a Deputy Warden, leads the Flower Team and assists with Monday Market. She also organises Lee Abbey visits and community events. Her other interests include theatre, travel, literature, history and arts and crafts.Other activities associated with the church include:
PCC membershipBible reading and Intercessions at Sunday services
Coffee Bar
Prayer Chain
Flower Arranging
Please see any church member for details of these and other activities.