Vicar of St John's (Eden Park), Beckenham

In consultation with the Patron, CPAS, we are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic and prayerful priest to be the next Vicar of this busy, welcoming church, ready to lead us in our vision: "To be a beacon of light and hope, building our lives on Jesus' love and transforming our communities".

 

Despite some recent challenges which have impacted morale, we know we have an exciting vision ahead of us and we are dreaming big!  In the past three years we have seen the opening of our community cafe, and our church halls are now used by more than 60 community groups!  We are optimistic about the future and eager to welcome the new leader that God has chosen to guide us in our next chapter.

 

Location: Eden Park is a suburb of leafy Beckenham in the London Borough of Bromley, benefiting from local shops and restaurants, good schools and easy rail links to Central London.  There are several large parks in the area, including the popular Kelsey Park.  Beckenham Town Centre is a mile away with a number of shops, cinema and a good selection of pubs & restaurants.  Bromley High Street is just 3 miles away. 

 

 

The church was built in the 1930's and has flexible seating in the nave to accommodate different service styles, concerts, exhibitions, etc.  The building also has a large hall, small kitchen, toilets, meeting rooms and the Parish Office.

 

Sunday worship is a more informal style, with a mix of songs and some hymns led by the worship band, and takes place at 10.30am.  (USA 80-90).  On the first Sunday we hold an All-Age Family Service which brings the whole church family (from youngest to oldest) to worship together.  Children are encouraged to attend age-based groups during worship on other Sundays.

 

A Midweek Communion service is held each Wednesday at 11.30am attended by around 15 adults.

 

The church halls complex was opened in 2016.  It is a fantastic facility for the church and community with a fully-fitted commercial kitchen, toilets, smaller hall, Green Bird Community Cafe.  There is also a self-contained child-friendly space with its own toilets, small kitchen and enclosed garden play area which is rented to a well-established pre-school.  The spacious church grounds recently won the Borough Council's best community garden award.

 

 

The Vicarage is a large, purpose-built house dating rom the 1930s and is adjacent to the church.  There are 3 reception rooms, and 5 bedrooms with a manageable-sized garden.

 

• * Able to confidently lead us in a variety of worship styles.
• * An effective preacher who can present the Gospel in an engaging and relatable way.
• * Theologically rooted and spiritually led.
• * Experienced at working with children, young people and families.
• * Compassionate and able to relate well to people of all ages.
• * Willing and able to build on our existing relationships within the Green Bird Community Cafe, local schools, a retirement home, as well as play a full part in our local community.
• * Able to inspire the church to achieve our goals and mission in our parish and local area.