Hearing the Service
St John’s has an Induction Loop System so if you have a hearing aid, please switch it to the ’T’ setting.
Prayer in Opera
During the operatic bel canto (beautiful singing) era of the 18th and 19th centuries, prayer scenes were featured with increasing frequency. The popularity was rooted in a Romantic trend towards utilizing religious ceremony for dramatic effect, and none so prevalent as the heroine’s pleading in tragic operas. Besides experimentation with musical form, some composers used the prayers to experiment with orchestration, using solo instruments to accompany the singers.
Deh Tu di un’Umile Preghiera – Maria Stuarda – G. Donizetti
Maria Stuarda by Donizetti was composed in 1835. This morning’s aria and chorus is from Act 2 towards the end of opera before Mary, Queen of Scots, is beheaded. She calls the people gathered to a final prayer "Ah! May Thou hear the sound of our humble prayer" and, together, she and the crowd pray for God's mercy.
St John’s Late
Returning this evening, St John’s Late services offer a friendly but contemplative space for those who’ve missed the morning, want to try something different or need space for reflection.
Jazz Mass
6th November, 6.30pm
The atmosphere of a jazz club, great music and the beauty of the eucharist meet in this fantastic service with wine and nibbles available throughout. The setting is Todd’s Missa Brevis and the anthem is Post from Heaven by Przystaniak. This is a popular service so come early to get a good seat.
Compline
13th November, 8.00pm
preceded by a lightsupper at 7.00pm
This ancient monastic service, in a candlelit church, is stunning in its simplicity. The service is sung and the choir sing the anthem François d’Assise by Poulenc. Sign up if you wish to join us for supper.
Evensong for Christ the King
20th November, 6.30pm
This service is the foundation of English tradition, a gem in the crown of the prayer book. The setting for the responses is by Rose with the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis from Howell’s Colleguim Regale. The anthem will be Let All the World from Vaughan Williams’ 5 Mystical Songs.
Save Betty Recital Series
The next recital in this series sponsored by the Heritage Lottery Fund will be on Saturday, 19th November, at 5pm. We are especially pleased that our own magician of the manuals and prestidigitator of the pedals, Nick Miller, will be giving this recital.
Autumn Lecture Series
Who is my neighbour? The Ethics of Global Relationships
This term we make use of some of the best of the Capital’s Lecture Series by attending St Martin-in-the-Fields on Monday evenings. After the lectures, we meet at a local restaurant and discuss the evening’s subject further. The final lecture in this year’s series takes place on Monday week.
14th November, 7pm
My Neighbours, God’s Gift
The Reverend Dr Sam Wells, Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields
Advent Carols 2016
Advent Sunday is on 27th November this year and our Advent carol service is at 6pm that evening. This service always features some fantastic music and this year will be no different, with Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata (1st movement), In the Beginning from Haydn’s Creation, You Are the Light of the World from Godspell, Take That’s Rule the World and pieces by Dove, Vaughan Williams and John Williams. There will be mulled wine and homemade mince pies after.
Advent Course
Christian Basics Explored
This year our Advent Course on Christian basics will take the form of an open shared conversation around some wintery nibbles. We will meet on four successive Tuesdays, starting 22nd of November, at 7:30pm at the curate’s house. Using Rowan William’s book Being Christian, we will explore our modern understanding[s] of four pillars of Christianity: Baptism, Scripture, the Eucharist and Prayer. For more information and to get a book, please contact Antonio.
St John’s Book Club
St John’s Book Club is currently reading Eyrie by Tim Winton. They will meet to discuss this book on 28th November. See Michael King for further information.
Help Robin Get to Church
Robin Plummer lives in Cato Street and needs help getting to and from church. Would you be willing to help him? There is a rota and you would be expected to help Robin approximately one Sunday every other month. Robin is particularly fond of riding in fast cars although he is also very happy to walk to church.
St James and St John School
This is our school; a school with a proud history and an aspirational future. St. James & St. John School provides both academic and personal development for every child, underpinned by Christian values. To quote Ofsted: "This is a good school. It is strongly supported by parents and carers. The strong provision for development of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural qualities ensures that pupils are kind to new arrivals and respect one another's values. Progress in English and mathematics is good and this reflects the good teaching and curriculum."
St James & St John Christmas Stall
Our school children have made Christmas cards for a competition and the best 10 have been printed for sale. Also, the children have made Christmas decorations and all sorts of arts & crafts for sale. On the 13th November after the 10am service these will be available in church. All proceeds go to the PFA.
Under Five’s Playgroups
An international playgroup aimed at Russian speakers meets in St John’s on Wednesdays at 10am. Other playgroups meet on Wednesdays at 3.45pm and Thursdays at 10am. Suggested donation for all groups: £2.
Children’s Community Choir
On Wednesdays at 4.30pm during term times Robert Greenhill, St John’s Director of Music, is conducting a Children’s Community Choir for children 6 years old and above. Sessions are 30 minutes long and children explore singing with movement and games as they engage with different genres of music. If you are interested in bringing your children along please let Robert, Robin or Antonio know.
HPEA AGM
The Annual General Meeting of the Hyde Park Estate Association will be held this Tuesday, 8th November, in St John’s at 7pm. Kay Buxton, Chief Executive of the Marble Arch and Paddington Business Improvement Districts, will be the guest speaker. As well as the formal agenda there will be opportunity to raise and discuss issues of concern in our local area.
