Who's Who in Greyfriars
& New Hope

I came to Greyfriars ten years ago from a parish in SE London.  Prior to that I was chaplain at St. Mark's Church, Versailles.  Over the past ten years it has been a joy to see the church reordered, the Centre ministry developed, the staff team expanded and the services full.  I am married with three children.

I joined the staff team at Greyfriars in May 2004 and am now the Curate with special responsibility for the small group community in the church. I am married to Kirstie who works for a doctors' practice and is involved on the pastoral support team at Greyfriars.  We are both passionate about helping others to find faith, and we have two grown up children, Tristan and Kylie, in their early twenties. I love watersports, particularly sailing, and 'boogie-boarding' in the surf.

Phil Cooke, Worship Pastor
Email: 

I moved to Reading in Feb 2002 having finished studies in Theology, Music & Worship at London Bible College.  Prior to that I was on the staff of St George's Wilton, Taunton, as well as working with a local homeless charity and as a Research Assistant on a Bristol University project. I'm married with two children.

I love working as Receptionist at the Centre, meeting all the different people who come in day by day, answering the telephone which never ceases to ring, dealing with all sorts of enquiries, helping with the Sunday Service sheets and whatever else needs doing - a bit like a 'Girl Friday', except from Monday to Friday.  I am also very involved with the children's work with my husband, Jonathan, who is currently one of the Church Wardens. We have two grown up children.

Jo Law, Coffee Shop Manager
  0118 951 6709

I have come to Greyfriars Coffee Shop from Nirvana Spa Health Club.  The thing I enjoy most about my job is working with the staff and the customers.  My aim is to produce interesting substantial meals and light snacks and to provide a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.  I also enjoy catering for small parties, business meetings and training days.  I am married to David and we live in Tilehurst with our dog Bonnie.  My likes are: Star Trek and Heavy Metal Music, my dislikes are Brussel sprouts and rude people!

I’ve been a member of Greyfriars since 1979 and have been involved in various areas of church life at different times over the years. I started working as Music Team Administrator in November 2002, and became the vicar's PA in 2007.  I’m married with two teenage sons. My husband and I lead one of the morning worship bands.

My husband and I joined Greyfriars in 2001 and I became a staff member in September 2006. Prior to that I was a community children's nurse. Now I care for the children (and the adult volunteers who serve them) of Greyfriars and New Hope. I love spending time with my husband Chris and our two children, now primary school age. I prefer being on the beach to anywhere else. My favourite foods are chocolate, peanut butter and cake! My favourite sport is swimming.

More than anything though, I love God who made us, cares for us and loves us more than we will ever know. He is so cool!

I came to Greyfriars in 1998 with my family.  I have lived in Reading since 1978 when I started at Reading University.  I am working with Pads Dolphin on Alpha and Small Groups administration.  I am married to Chris who is on the PCC and leads a group in Trekkers.  We have two grown-up children.

Jesus exploded into my life when I was at university in 1987, and has been sorting me out ever since! I am passionate about helping others get to know him, and my role is mainly in outreach to families through our Toddlers groups, and Alpha, parenting and marriage courses. I am in training for ordained ministry so can often be found with my head in a book, wrestling with complicated theological questions.

I am married to Simon and we have three boys, two of whom are now delighted to be taller than me. I am usually quite gentle except on the hockey pitch where I am ferociously competitive - and I play a mean game of Star Wars Monopoly!