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ST JOHN’S CHURCH OFFERS WELCOME AND SUPPORT FOR SIDCUP COMMUNITY

It has been a testing time for many people in the COVID-19 pandemic. People have lost loved ones to the virus, some businesses have had to close their doors, and some people have suffered from poor mental health due to being isolated from friends and family.

In such a challenging environment, we are forced to remember what really matters: connection, love, support, faith. Reverend Cathy Knight-Scott, vicar at St John the Evangelist Church in Sidcup, says that the church is a source of support and friendship for members of the local community.

She says: “This is a church for all of the community. In lockdown, so many people struggled and the effects remain. Humans are sociable creatures; we’re not programmed to exist in isolation from one another. “Our church, which is just off Sidcup High Street, is a place where people of all faiths and none can find a home. We completed a building project during the first lockdown which has given us extensive new facilities. Thanks to this we were able to open a ‘Place of Welcome’ on Wednesday mornings – the doors are open to all with a warm welcome and free coffee, cake, chat and more.

“We also run a toddler group on Fridays and this is popular as a way for parents and carers to make connections with each other. We host different live music events with local musicians, and we have an active bell tower.

“There are various weekly services as well as many events marking important family occasions, such as christenings, weddings and civic ones too, like Remembrance Sunday.”

Cathy has been vicar here for the last four years, but her early career was radically different.

“I worked in the City for 21 years in various different roles; they included mathematical modelling, operations management, product management, then global learning. There are lots of opportunities in a large multinational! I also became a physics teacher for a short while.

“All of this was good but there was something lacking. I somehow felt God calling – which was weird as I was an atheist – and I started going to church. I found I wanted to help other people, to give something back in life.”

In 2017 Cathy completed a degree in ministerial theology with Durham University and became vicar of St John’s a year later.

“This church is central to the local community,” she says. “Every year we host numerous Christmas events and we’re involved with the local food bank helping people who’ve fallen on hard times. The vicar’s life is incredibly rewarding and I’m glad I made the career change.” SIDCUP Spotlight 13