Our Minister
Rev. Janine Sim
St Mark's
Being in connection
I’m a mum to four grown-up children, share my home with two couch hippos masquerading as staffie dogs, and is married to very awesome and patient Ewen. I am passionate about creating inclusive, gentle spiritual spaces where people can be fully themselves. My ministry is shaped by years of trauma-informed and therapeutic work, a love of ritual and community, and a deep belief in deeds, not creeds.
Who I Am
Rev. Janine Sim
My journey
Alongside my ministry, I bring extensive experience in therapeutic and trauma-informed work. This deeply shapes how I listen, how I lead, and how I hold space — with care for nervous systems, lived experience, and the unseen stories people carry. My approach is grounded, consent-aware, and compassionate, with a deep respect for people’s pace, boundaries, and resilience. I’m neurodivergent and deeply relational, and I’m passionate about creating spiritual spaces that are inclusive, gentle, and real. I care about how faith is experienced in everyday life — especially for those who have felt marginalised, overwhelmed, or “not quite enough” in other settings.
I love thoughtful conversation, beautiful ritual, music, silence, laughter, and the kind of spirituality that can hold both grief and joy at the same time
My Calling
My calling is to build belonging.
That might look like:
- Leading inclusive, creative worship that speaks to both head and heart
- Walking alongside people through life’s thresholds — weddings, funerals, namings, and moments of transition
- Creating rituals that are meaningful without being dogmatic
- Supporting communities to grow in compassion, courage, and care
- Helping people reconnect with themselves, each other, and what feels sacred to them
I’m especially drawn to ministry that meets people where they are — in community halls, living rooms, outdoor spaces, and everyday moments — not just inside traditional church walls.
What Matters to Me
I believe:
- Everyone carries wisdom, dignity, and worth — we often already hold the answers within, and connection helps us find them
- Spirituality should never require you to leave parts of yourself at the door
- Community is both a refuge and a practice
- Love, justice, and kindness are spiritual acts
- The sacred shows up when we listen deeply — to ourselves, each other, and the world
Whether I’m leading worship, officiating a ceremony, or sharing a cup of tea and an honest conversation, my hope is always the same: that people leave feeling seen, steadied, and a little more at home in themselves.
St Mark's
A place called home
t Mark's Unitarian Church at Castle Terrace, Edinburgh, has been our meeting place for almost two hundred years. We also meet via Zoom and you can connect with us through social media (Facebook and Instagram).
We’d love you to come along to our time together in community any Sunday at 11.00am.