St John's church is the parish church for Oakfield, Elmfield, Appley, East / Westhill Rd, Puckpool and Pondwell, extending from the railway line to Smallbrook, springvale to Tescos. We are very conscious of serving this area and its needs. We are very involved in our two church schools, Oakfield Primary and Bishop Lovett Middle. We also have a heavy involvement in the Preston Community Partnership, which seeks to build up a sense of community in the deprived parts of Oakfield/Elmfield. As a parish we managed to secure major funding for a community worker based in Preston Close.

Our church life is centred round the weekly Eucharist. The hymns are a mix of old and new. The children are very much part of church and they always tell us what they've been getting up to when they come into church at the end of the service. The Family Service  involves  them and the whole church family.

We have a number of House Groups which meet to discuss the Bible and share in worship and prayer. At the moment we have an  Emmaus nurture group involving Confirmation candidates and others. The whole church is involved in a programme at present called "Growing for God". We are very much aware of the needs of the wider world and church, supporting a priest in Ghana and subscribing to the World Development Movement.

Our church is a beautiful Victorian church (1843) whose glass is almost entirely stained glass. The effect is of a slightly dark but colourful and prayerful church. It is usually open Tues-Fri 9-5. Any problems with access,  consult the Vicar.

We also have a non-stipendiary Curate (Carol Davies) and a Reader. We involve lay people in every area of church life.   Do try us on a Sunday and stay for coffee (fairly traded!)    Hugh Wright 

The above is taken from:- http://www.wightchurches.co.uk/CofE/stjohns.htm for more details please click HERE