OUR LOCATIONS
St Luke's Church Centre
Franklin Square, Harrogate
HG1 5EL
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St John's Church
Bilton Lane, Harrogate
HG1 3DT
Parish Office
St John's Church
Bilton Lane, Harrogate
HG1 3DT
T: 01423 565129
E: church@stjohnsandstlukes.org.uk
Parish Office Opening Times:
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9.30am-1.00pm
Tuesday 11.30am-1pm
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If you have any questions regarding baptisms or weddings; or would like to discuss anything with one of the clergy, make contact with one of them directly, or through the parish office to arrange a meeting.
WHO'S WHO
CLERGY
I'M AN ORIGINAL CATCHPHRASE
Simon Dowson - Team Rector
Simon is married to Fiona and has two adult children, two grandchildren and two dogs. He is passionate about church growth and wanting to see people come into an ever-greater awareness of God’s love and his good plans for them. He is a keen reader, walker, sports fan, and member of Harrogate Theatre Choir.
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To contact Simon email: simon.dowson@leeds.anglican.org
Laura Martin - Team Vicar
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Laura is married to Phil, and they have two teenage sons. Before training for ordination, she worked as a midwife in Leeds and then as an administrator at a busy primary school. She enjoys curling up with a good book, baking, getting out for long walks in the countryside and spending quality time with family and friends – preferably in a cosy café with a wedge of homemade cake! Laura has a heart for pastoral care, is passionate about people and wants everyone to know how precious they are to God.
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To contact Laura email: laura.martin@leeds.anglican.org
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young people's worker
Emma James - Young People's Worker
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Emma has lived in Harrogate for 19 years and worked as a primary school teacher for most of that time. She has also served as a volunteer children’s and youth leader at St Mark's Church in Harrogate for many years. Emma loves spending time with young people and is passionate about telling them about Jesus and encouraging them to find their own relationship with Him so they can be released into the person God made them to be. She feels very blessed to have the job of Young People's worker at SJSL.
Emma has three children and loves coffee, camping and....Christmas!
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To contact Emma email: youthwork@stjohnsandstlukes.org.uk
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION AND SAFEGUARDING
Gill Clarke - Parish Administrator and
Parish Safeguarding Officer
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Gill lives with her partner Greg, has three young children, a (rather grumpy) cat and an ever-growing number of chickens. Coming from a
life-long career in Retail Management, her Parish Administrator role now allows her a balanced family life. She enjoys reading, camping, latin and ballet dancing and going to live music events.
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To contact Gill email: church@stjohnsandstlukes.org.uk
Service LEADER
Jan Johnson - Reader
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CHURCHWARDENS
Alethea Fry - Churchwarden (St Luke's)
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Alethea is originally from the Midlands but has lived in Harrogate for almost 20 years. She has 2 teenagers and is married to Steve. When she is not working as a Podiatrist she can be found with a good book!
Jane Reichert - Churchwarden (St John's)
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Jane grew up at St John’s. She is a retired modern languages teacher but spent the last 16 years of her career as Safeguarding Lead in a Pupil Referral Unit. She has two grown up children, Thomas and Hannah. In her free time she enjoys walking, gardening, travelling, spending time with her children, and grandchild and adventures in her antiquated motorhome, Barney-Van.
Nigel Thompson - Churchwarden (St John's)
ORGANIST AND CHOIR MISTRESS
AT ST JOHN'S
Ruth Yarborough
Ruth was born in Bilton and into St John’s Church family. Ruth was a chorister with her Dad and sister and studied BA hons Music at St John’s College York where she was Choral Scholar at York Minster.
Ruth has a passion for singing as an important way to express her relationship with God.
Ruth works at Harrogate Ladies’ College as singing teacher and choir leader.