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.
Heroes & Heroines in the Bible
Over 10 weeks after Easter, the anthems at the 10am morning services will be dedicated to Heroes & Heroines from the Bible. The series starts with Christ, the image of heroism to which all should aspire. The series then opens out to include the Virgin Mary, King David, the Queen of Sheba, Samson, Elijah, Noah, Esther and Moses. Slightly outside of the mould of ‘Hero’ though still extremely important to the narrative of scripture is Adam whose story is told in the musical, Children of Eden.
The Book of Esther relates the story of a Hebrew woman in Persia, born as Hadassah but known as Esther, who becomes queen of Persia and thwarts a genocide of her people. Esther is the only book in the Old testament that does not explicitly mention God. The chorus, Virtue, Truth and Innocence Shall Ever Be Her Sure Defence from Handel’s Esther comes at the beginning of the Oratorio which was written in 1732. It is thought to be the first English Oratorio.
Weekly Offering Envelopes
New sets of the coloured weekly offering envelopes are now available. These are a good way to give if you prefer to use cash and are valid for giving under Gift Aid. See Bryan Sollenberger if you would like a set.
St John’s Book Club
St John’s Book Club met last Monday and selected two short stories for their next discussion on 3rd July: Guy de Maupassant's 'Boule de Suif' and Somerset Maugham's ‘The Letter'. See Michael King for further information.
Whitsun Carols, 18th June 2017
A unique musical service at 6pm commemorating the events from Easter to Pentecost, with readings and musical selections from the choir and guest musicians. The service features music by Grieg, Bach, Hadley, Elgar and Puccini. A reception with the first of the summer Pimms will follow.
Sponsor a Window
As part of the works, we are delighted that we have been given permission to restore the clerestory windows and replace the frosted glass with clear glass, as would have been originally. The restoration of clear glass at this level should flood the ceiling with light and significantly enhance the building in all seasons as the light changes.
The cost of replacing the glass and restoring these windows is likely to be in the region of £28,000. There are 14 windows so that is £2,000 per window. We would be delighted if people would like to sponsor a window! If you are a UK taxpayer, after Gift Aid it’s only £1,600. If a full window is a bit much, then why not half a window, which would be £1,000 (or £800 with Gift Aid).
Donations can be made either to the Vicar or Bryan Sollenberger at the parish office.
St John’s Annual Barbecue
Summer is not quite here yet but we have faith! and are planning this year’s barbecue following the 10am service on 2nd July. As usual, St John’s provides the meat and desserts, you supply a salad and a donation: £5/adult, £2/ child. Please sign up after the service if you will be coming and indicate what kind of salad you will be bringing. Volunteers to help with setting up and barbecuing the meat are also needed – speak to Andre or to Bryan if you can help.
St John’s Family Camping Trip
14th – 16th July 2017
St John’s families are organising a camping trip in July again this year at Debden House. If you are interested in coming speak to Samantha Tear with some indication as to whether you are interested in coming for 1 or 2 nights. You can sign up by going to http://www.debdenhouse.com/campsite-epping-forest.html and booking a site near pitches 204 and 205.
Celebrate!
Marking a special birthday? Celebrating an anniversary? Wanting to remember that special person? St John’s can help! To honour a loved one or to commemorate a special event, you can sponsor some music or flowers, have fizz & refreshments after the service - there are lots of possibilities. If you would like to observe a special occasion or honour someone special, speak to Bryan Sollenberger.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
A Night of Hollywood Galmour
in aid of Children Change Colombia
Fernando Montano, Royal Ballet Soloist and member of the congregation, is organising 'A Night of Hollywood Glamour' at the Hippodrome Cabaret Theatre in aid of Children Change Colombia, one of our charities for 2016, on Sunday May 21st at 7.00pm. Guest artists also performing on the night include: Carolyn Rose (former ballerina, Ballet of Monte Carlo), Axel Zischka (European/World Same Sex ballroom dancing champion), Thorsten Dreyer (international ballroom dancer) and Jonathan Hill (leading international violinist, Les Miserables and other West End musicals).
Tickets can be booked on eventbrite or by calling the Hippodrome on 020 7549 0225. (Stalls: £65 + £2.62 fee, Balcony: £35+£2.76 fee). For more information go to: http://www.childrenchangecolombia.org/news/114/35/Fernando-Montano-presents-Hollywood-Classics/d,event-detail.
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."
Under Five’s Playgroups
Information about the weekly community playgroups that meet at St John’s can be found at www.HPPplaygroup.weebly.com for the Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning groups and www.HPPrussian.weebly.com for the Russian speaking playgroup on Wednesday mornings.
While the scaffolding is in church, the Wednesday afternoon playgroup will not meet. The Wednesday and Thursday morning groups will meet at the church at 9.45am and go to Hyde Park.
