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.
Anthems in Lent
Gospel is a music genre in Christian music. The creation, performance, significance and even the definition of gospel music varies according to culture and social context. It is composed and performed for many purposes, including aesthetic pleasure and religious or ceremonial purposes. The music usually has dominant vocals (often with strong use of harmony) with Christian lyrics. It can be traced to the early 17th century, with roots in the black oral tradition. Most of the churches relied on singing a cappella with hand clapping and foot stomping as rhythmic accompaniment.
Sunday evenings in Lent, 6.30pm
Reformation 500
2017 marks 500 years since Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany, sparking the Protestant Reformation all around Europe. Our five-week series of evening services are designed to introduce people to the most significant figures in the Reformation era: their experience, their ideas, their faith and how they expressed it in different ways in a key historical time that will define the future of each of the European countries forever.
Sunday, 12th March
Luther and Melanchthon: He Nailed It
The beginnings of the Reformation (Germany): What do the 95 Theses really mean? How could a small movement result in such a big revolution? What did Luther really believe?
Sunday, 19th March
Zwingli and Bullinger: The Sausage Affaire
Taking it one step further (Switzerland): Why did Zwingli have such an animosity against Luther and how did that affect the Reformation?
Sunday, 26th March
Calvin and Bucer: Saved By Beheading
A more radical approach (France): Why did the city leaders need a Reformed Church? Did the reformers really establish a Reformation Inquisition that condemned people to death?
Sunday, 2nd April
Cranmer and Henry VIII: A Match Made In Heaven
The Reformation in England: Why was the Reformation in England so peculiar? Would there have been a Reformation in England had King Henry not needed a divorce?
Lent Course – Hope after the Death of Liberalism?
Thinking the Future of a Post-Liberal Society
On Wednesday evenings (except for Thursday, 23rd March) in Lent we will again be joining with St George’s, Hanover Square and the Grosvenor Chapel for an exciting series of talks and discussions. This year we explore how, with the rise of nationalism, the future may look in a post-liberal society. Join us on Wednesdays at the Grosvenor Chapel, starting with a simple supper at 7:00, followed by a presentation and discussion. Each evening concludes with Compline.
St John’s is serving supper on 29th March. If you are willing to help, speak to Andre.
Wednesday, 15th March 2017
DISENFRANCHISEMENT
AND ALIENATION
Speaker: Sir Roger Scruton
Thursday, 23rd March 2017
SOCIAL DIVISIONS WITHIN OUR
SOCIETY: ‘GENTILE OR JEW’?
Speaker: The Rt. Hon. Lord Paul Boateng PC
Wednesday, 29th March 2017
WALLS AND BRIDGES
Speaker: The Rt. Rev’d. Jonathan Clark, Bishop of Croydon
Morning Prayer Thursdays in Lent - 9.30am
After the school drop-off, come to St John’s for a moment of quiet, reflection and prayer. During Lent we will be having a simple said morning prayer on Thursdays mornings. Speak to Robin or Antonio if you would like to know more.
Annual Vestry and Parochial Church Meeting
This year’s annual meetings take place on 2nd April immediately after the 10am service. The first step in preparation for these meetings is to revise the Electoral Roll. Accordingly, the Roll will be open until 16th March. Having your name entered on the Electoral Roll is an indication of your involvement in the life of the parish and entitles you to attend and take part in the annual meeting. It is also something that Church of England schools ask about when applying for a place. Forms are available from the table in the porch or from Bryan Sollenberger.
Bible Book Club
Bible book club meets once a month to read and to discuss the gospel reading for the coming Sunday and concludes with Compline. Meetings take place on the last Tuesday of the month – the next meeting is on 28th March. For further information, speak to one of the clergy.
Culture Vulture Ventures
The Purcell Club at Westminster Abbey
Saturday 18th March 2017 5.30pm
CVV have been on the waiting list for 3 years for this place on a musical tour of Westminster Abbey! Starting at 7.00pm, after the Abbey is closed to the public, the monthly tours are organised by the Purcell Club, a male voice group. The members, mostly Old Choristers of the Abbey, donate their time and give the income raised to charity. After a 2 course buffet supper in the Abbey’s Cellarium (drinks extra), we assemble in the Cloisters to be welcomed officially to the Abbey and then move to seats in the Nave, where the speaker describes the history and architecture of the Abbey in some detail. We then tour the Abbey, pausing at locations of interest while anthems and other pieces from the 16th to 21st century are sung.
On returning to the Nave a short piece is played by one of the Abbey organists to demonstrate the Abbey’s magnificent organ. The tour ends with the choir singing a piece of suitable solemnity, such as ‘The Kontakion for the Departed’, around the Unknown Warrior’s Grave. The evening concludes at approximately 9.15pm.
Meet at The Cellarium at 5.30pm. Tickets are £55. Cash or, preferably, cheques payable to ‘Margaret Legg’ to Margaret or one of the team please, to secure your place.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
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."
Calling All Teachers
The London Diocese is home to 20 of the best secondary schools in the capital, providing education for more than 20,000 young people across the city. Each school serves its own community in a distinct way but all share values deeply rooted in their Christian foundations and a belief that education is about rich human flourishing rather than simply academic achievement.
The London Diocesan Board for Schools (LDBS) is looking for teachers. If you are a teacher not presently working in a school or are a potential teacher – a recent graduate or looking for a career change – this could be the opportunity for you.
To find out more go to http://www.london.anglican.org/schools or contact the LDBS at:
kate.roskell@london.anglican.org Secondary Adviser, LDBS
penny.roberts@london.anglican.org Development Officer, LDBS
valentina.colussi@london.anglican.org Recruitment and Marketing Assistant, LDBS
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. Information about the playgroups can be found at www.HPPplaygroup.weebly.com and www.HPPrussian.weebly.com for the Russian speaking playgroup.
