Sam Bleby

Sam moved to St. Johns from Adelaide in September 2019 with his wife Hannah, and their 5 school-aged children. Originally a corporate lawyer with a law degree focusing on International Human Rights law, before going on to study theology at Ridley Bible College, graduating with a Masters of Divinity and Graduate Diploma in Bible & Ministry. Sam has worked in a number of churches in Adelaide, including most recently in church planting as part of the Grace Anglican Network. Aside from leading our churches at Cranbourne and Tooradin, Sam is also the Archdeacon of Frankston.

Outside of working in the church, Sam loves reading, running, hiking and wrangling his small army of children. He also lived in Papua New Guinea for a year, ask him about it!

Assistant Minister

Marinus Van Meerten

Marinus is our assistant minister overseeing our evening service and music ministry. Marinus is Dutch (direct but friendly!) and moved to Melbourne in 2020 to study at Ridley College and marry his Australian wife, Hannah. He loves serving God’s multicultural family and is working towards ordination in the Anglican church in the next few years. His son Samuel is the great joy of his life. He spends his spare time running, reading books, gardening and song-writing.

Assistant Minister – Kids and Families (part time)

Andrew Gray

Andrew has been involved in leadership and kids ministries since being a kid himself. He has been a leader with The Boys’ Brigade Victoria, Southern Cross Kids’ Camps, and CRU. Andrew is especially passionate about equipping young people with the tools needed to hold a strong faith and bring it into the new generation; as well as making sure that kids feel valued and respected as members of their church community. Andrew is currently studying at Ridley College and looking towards ordination. Andrew is married to his wife Lucy; among their shared hobbies are board games and RPGs, hiking and photography.

Associate Minister – Wednesday Service, Sunday Assistance and Pastoral Care (part time)

Alex Packett

Alex had long thought that he would be a minister but it was not until 2000 and at nearly 50 years of age that he was ordained in the Diocese of Melbourne.

He served his curacy at Mt Eliza and was subsequently appointed to Holy Trinity Church in Hastings where he was the priest for 14years.
That is not to say that God was not using him in other ways. For most of his adult life, he, together with his wife Pam, worked with The Leprosy Mission first in PNG and then in Tanzania and finally back in Victoria. During that time they had three children who have presented them with six grandchildren. Since retirement they have been engaged with several long term locums at churches across the region. With retirement looming they bought the worst house in the best street of Warneet and have spent the past 7 years renovating it! So he enjoys DIY both as a hobby and out of necessity.

Parish Administrator

9am-12:45pm Monday to Thursday

Elsie Matthew

Elsie, a dedicated member of St. John’s, Cranbourne since 2014, gratefully serves both church and community. With a Master’s in Hospital Administration and experience in Early Childhood Education, she passionately nurtures young minds. Family, including husband Bebin and sons Aaron and Andrew, remains her anchor, treasuring shared moments and laughter. Music, especially melodies from The Carpenters and Simon & Garfunkel, enriches her life. Elsie’s journey blends professional growth, family ties, and musical passion, reflecting her gratitude and dedication.

Priest in Charge – Casey Dinka Congregation

Honorary and much loved member – Cranbourne with Tooradin

Rev Peter Jongroor

Peter has his hands full running his own church community – the Casey Dinka Congregation, which meets Sunday afternoons at the Balla Balla Community Centre (7 – 9 Selandra BVLD, Clyde North). However, you will often find Peter worshipping among us on a Sunday morning and willingly giving a hand in any way he can, including leading communion services and prayers.