Ministry Staff
Senior Minister: John Reid
I have been the senior minister at Mona Vale Anglican Church for just over 13 years. I have been married to Jenni for just over 30 years and we have two children: Joanna and James. Joanna is married to Tim and they have two daughters - Evelyn and Lucy, and they are a delight!
I was brought up in both England and Ireland, and although my parents would have described themselves as Christian, we really knew nothing about who Jesus really is. When I was at Sydney University in 1974 my grandfather died, and this got me thinking about what happens after death. I asked a friend to take me to church, and at that time made a commitment to Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.
I worked in the Shipping world for about 8 years and experienced a very different way of life. During that time I was also a volunteer in the youth ministry in my local church, and determined that full time ministry was the best place for me to serve our Lord.
I entered Moore College in 1983, married Jenni in 1984, and was Ordained into the Anglican Church in 1987. Jenni and I worked in Green Valley, south-west of Sydney for two years, and Keiraville just outside Wollongong for a further two years as assistant minister.
In 1990 the parish of Toongabbie invited me to become their senior minister, and we spent much of our time equipping the saints for ministry. We loved our time there and still enjoy great friendships from that time. In 1995 we moved to Cambridge Park, a parish with 4 centres and a different role in a large church. Towards the end of 2000 the Nominators from Mona Vale asked us to join our brothers and sisters here.
Mona Vale Anglican church is a very friendly group of people, we have worked hard together to understand what church is all about, and to practise that in all our relationships. I am fairly informal in style, and that suits the Northern Beaches approach to life and indeed our gatherings on Sundays. We have seen people come to faith in Christ and grow in their relationship with him. We continue to work together to impact our community and I am looking forward to many years of working with those who commit to our ethos of making a difference for eternity – together.
I have been the senior minister at Mona Vale Anglican Church for just over 13 years. I have been married to Jenni for just over 30 years and we have two children: Joanna and James. Joanna is married to Tim and they have two daughters - Evelyn and Lucy, and they are a delight!
I was brought up in both England and Ireland, and although my parents would have described themselves as Christian, we really knew nothing about who Jesus really is. When I was at Sydney University in 1974 my grandfather died, and this got me thinking about what happens after death. I asked a friend to take me to church, and at that time made a commitment to Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.
I worked in the Shipping world for about 8 years and experienced a very different way of life. During that time I was also a volunteer in the youth ministry in my local church, and determined that full time ministry was the best place for me to serve our Lord.
I entered Moore College in 1983, married Jenni in 1984, and was Ordained into the Anglican Church in 1987. Jenni and I worked in Green Valley, south-west of Sydney for two years, and Keiraville just outside Wollongong for a further two years as assistant minister.
In 1990 the parish of Toongabbie invited me to become their senior minister, and we spent much of our time equipping the saints for ministry. We loved our time there and still enjoy great friendships from that time. In 1995 we moved to Cambridge Park, a parish with 4 centres and a different role in a large church. Towards the end of 2000 the Nominators from Mona Vale asked us to join our brothers and sisters here.
Mona Vale Anglican church is a very friendly group of people, we have worked hard together to understand what church is all about, and to practise that in all our relationships. I am fairly informal in style, and that suits the Northern Beaches approach to life and indeed our gatherings on Sundays. We have seen people come to faith in Christ and grow in their relationship with him. We continue to work together to impact our community and I am looking forward to many years of working with those who commit to our ethos of making a difference for eternity – together.
Children's Minister: Heather Robinson
Although I’m technically a “grown up”, in many ways I’m just a child at heart and most things I loved as a child I still love today (e.g. reading, jigsaws, playing music, cricket, travel, photography, crossword puzzles). But most importantly, because I grew up in a Christian family, my love of Jesus began as a child and is one reason I’m passionate about teaching children to know Jesus.
Much of my growth happened at St Clement’s Mosman, through being part of Sunday School and kids’ club, then youth group and Bible study groups. The Children’s Worker encouraged me to attend training courses and as a young adult a couple of women spent time reading the Bible with me one-to-one. The time I lived in Tanzania (for 4 months in 2002 and a year in 2003/4) really helped me grow to trust God in all things. After returning I completed a Certificate in Christian Studies (and a Post Graduate Certificate in Special Education, having earlier completed a BEd (Early Childhood Education). Yet I'm still learning, and by God’s grace, growing.
My involvement in teaching children about Jesus began in year 7 when the junior Sunday School leader took me on as a helper. Over time I was given more responsibilities, as I was taught more. Ever since, I’ve been keen to see children and families grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus. I hope and pray God will continue to use me to invite more people to be His children, no matter what age they may be.
Although I’m technically a “grown up”, in many ways I’m just a child at heart and most things I loved as a child I still love today (e.g. reading, jigsaws, playing music, cricket, travel, photography, crossword puzzles). But most importantly, because I grew up in a Christian family, my love of Jesus began as a child and is one reason I’m passionate about teaching children to know Jesus.
Much of my growth happened at St Clement’s Mosman, through being part of Sunday School and kids’ club, then youth group and Bible study groups. The Children’s Worker encouraged me to attend training courses and as a young adult a couple of women spent time reading the Bible with me one-to-one. The time I lived in Tanzania (for 4 months in 2002 and a year in 2003/4) really helped me grow to trust God in all things. After returning I completed a Certificate in Christian Studies (and a Post Graduate Certificate in Special Education, having earlier completed a BEd (Early Childhood Education). Yet I'm still learning, and by God’s grace, growing.
My involvement in teaching children about Jesus began in year 7 when the junior Sunday School leader took me on as a helper. Over time I was given more responsibilities, as I was taught more. Ever since, I’ve been keen to see children and families grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus. I hope and pray God will continue to use me to invite more people to be His children, no matter what age they may be.
Ministries Co-ordinator: Mark Corbett-Jones
I have been at St John’s for over 21 years now. I have lived all my life on the Northern Beaches. I attended Sunday school till I was 9 and always considered myself a Christian. But in hindsight I was not because I was dealing with God on my terms not his. When I was 34 I returned to the church as a result of attending the Baptism Explained sessions with Rev. Ron Coleman. I realised the importance of the promises I was going to make and have been here ever since.
I worked as an IT professional for over 34 years. In my last role I also oversaw the company’s social engagement activity which brought me in contact with many fantastic charities including World Vision. I thought if ever I changed jobs, it would be great to do something with one of them – little did I know what was in store. In 2009 my company was looking to downsize, but rather than seek voluntary redundancy I left it in God’s hands. Three months later I was made redundant on a Thursday and on the following Sunday, St John’s announced a partnership with World Vision which just goes to show that God has a plan for us all.
I got married here at St John’s in 1989 to Sue and we have two boys – Ben age 22 doing mechanical engineering at the Uni of NSW and Shaun age 20 who is planning to join the NSW Police. I like surfing, skiing, playing touch football and golf.
I have been at St John’s for over 21 years now. I have lived all my life on the Northern Beaches. I attended Sunday school till I was 9 and always considered myself a Christian. But in hindsight I was not because I was dealing with God on my terms not his. When I was 34 I returned to the church as a result of attending the Baptism Explained sessions with Rev. Ron Coleman. I realised the importance of the promises I was going to make and have been here ever since.
I worked as an IT professional for over 34 years. In my last role I also oversaw the company’s social engagement activity which brought me in contact with many fantastic charities including World Vision. I thought if ever I changed jobs, it would be great to do something with one of them – little did I know what was in store. In 2009 my company was looking to downsize, but rather than seek voluntary redundancy I left it in God’s hands. Three months later I was made redundant on a Thursday and on the following Sunday, St John’s announced a partnership with World Vision which just goes to show that God has a plan for us all.
I got married here at St John’s in 1989 to Sue and we have two boys – Ben age 22 doing mechanical engineering at the Uni of NSW and Shaun age 20 who is planning to join the NSW Police. I like surfing, skiing, playing touch football and golf.