About Us

The church St. John's is a quarter of a mile from the centre of Newcastle village, on a minor road to Whitcott Keysett, just off Offa's Dyke, with wonderful views over the upper Clun valley. It was built in 1848 by Edward Haycock on land given by the Earl of Powis. It has a hammer beam roof and lancet windows, pine pews, organ case and pulpit. The east window was designed by David Evans. It is in good repair, light and airy, warm and welcoming.It has an interesting lychgate which swivels in the middle like a turnstile. The churchyard us regularly maintained and is a credit to our church.

WorshipServices are shared with St Mary's Bettws on a regular basis alternating the venue each month. We have a joint family service which has been running for about 3 years, joint communion and a lay led evening prayer. Average size of congregation is 20 in Summer and 15 in Winter.

The children from the school are involved with the harvest and Christmas services when the church is full. The Mothering Sunday benefice service is held in Newcastle Community Centre again with a full attendance.

Electoral roll and parochial church council There are 30 on the electoral roll. The PCC has 6 member and they meet regularly.

FinancesThe church finances are sound and we pay our parish quota in full every year. Our biggest fund raisers are our coffee mornings held every month. They are well supported and are held sometimes in the community centre and sometimes in people's homes.

This last 12 months we have been busy fundraising for our roof to be repaired. The slates will be re used. we need to raise £40,000 so far we have raised just over £25,000.

Community outreachChurch members take on a number of rolls in the community. These include, chair of parish council, secretary to the Bettws WI and chair of school governors.

The community centre is used by the church for the Mothering Sunday service, a joint service with Bettws and Clun.