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.
Music from the Margins
“There is a tension between the centre and the periphery… We must get out of ourselves and go toward the periphery.” Pope Francis (2013)
This term our series is inspired by musical theatre with a focus on those often left at margins of society. Whether it’s the colour of their skin, their sexuality or their gender, our music takes into account the prophetic voice of those who challenge our culture’s dominant assumptions. We will hear from those at the margin to chart an alternative course towards the kind of human dignity and care of our neighbours that helps us all to flourish.
Equality
This week our anthem will be ‘Back to Before’ from the musical Ragtime, representing the rapidly changing ideals and cultural norms within America society during the early 20th century. Our protagonist ‘Mother’ befriends Sarah, a young African-American mother herself. In the absence of her husband, Mother takes the reigns in managing the entire household and leading the family business. Through this experience she awakens to new and expanded horizons that reach beyond societal expectations.
16 June The Poor
23 June Apartheid
30 June Racism
07 July Slavery
14 July Civil Rights
Whitsun Carols,
9th June 2019, 6pm
A unique musical service concluding our annual cycle of carol services which tell the events of the Christian year. At Whitsun Carols we commemorate the events from Easter to Pentecost, with readings and musical selections from the choir and guest musicians. the programme features music by Elgar, Hayes, Weir, Snyder, Vivaldi, Rutter and Goldsmith. A seasonal reception of Pimms and cucumber sandwiches will follow.
The Wednesday Club
19th June 2019, 7.30pm
This is a new group typically meeting on the third Wednesday of the month in a local pub to discuss everyday ethics and how the things we think and do relate to our understanding of God and faith. This promises to be a lively and generous discussion, so do come and join us! To sign up or for further information, speak to Dan.
Priesting of Dan Warnke
Sunday, 30th June, 4pm
This will be a very special day for Dan as he is priested at St Mary’s, Stoke Newington, Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 9ES. Do come along and support him. He will celebrate Holy Communion for the first time the following Sunday, 7th July, at the 10am service and we will have our summer barbecue after the service in the Raynham Gardens by kind permission of the residents. A map with directions is available in the porch.
St John’s Summer Barbecue
Sunday, 7th July
Our annual barbecue this year is on 7th July following the 10am service and is part of our celebration of Dan Warnke’s first Eucharist. Once again the residents of Raynham and Oxford and Cambridge Squares have kindly opened up their gardens to us. St John’s provides the meat and dessert, you provide a salad. Suggested donations of £5/person, £2/child. Please sign up in the porch, indicating how many will be in your party and what salad you will be bringing.
Diocese of London Appeal
Modern Day Slavery
In one of the wealthiest countries in the world, in a capital city heralded for its history and culture, modern slavery is thriving. Hundreds of people are trapped by domestic servitude, forced labour or sexual exploitation, all in plain sight of Londoners. Many more are at risk of falling through the cracks, hidden from the view of the authorities, charities and the church. Behind those statistics there are real people. This year’s Appeal will build on the work of the Clewer Initiative, part of the national church’s approach to eradicating modern day slavery, which was launched by Archbishop Justin in October 2017.
The Vicar and Churchwardens felt it appropriate to support this appeal. For the 4 Sundays through 16 June there will be opportunity to contribute via a bucket collection after the service. Please give as generously as you can.
St John’s Book Club
St John’s Book Club met recently and selected its next two books: The Noise of Time by Julian Barnes and Rabbit Run by John Updike. They will meet on 1st July to discuss The Noise of Time. For further information, please speak to Michael King.
Mid-week Services
St John’s isn’t just a church for Sunday! There are services at 5.30pm Monday to Thursday. Monday’s service is a eucharist and there is a said evensong Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Services take place in the sanctuary and are open to all.
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.
Culture Vulture Ventures
Fernando Montano Gala in aid of the Marine Conservation Society
18th July, 7.30pm
Our very own Fernando, soloist with the Royal Ballet Company, is staging a night of dance, opera and classical music at the Royal Academy of Music, NW1 5HT. This is part of his 'Dance for the Sea' project to help raise awareness of the problems caused by plastic in the ocean and is in aid of the Marine Conservation Society. Hosted by Sian Lloyd, guests include the Lithuanian mezzo-soprano Justina Gringyte, soon to play the title role in the ENO's production of Carmen at the London Coliseum. A limited number of VIP tickets are also available for the interval and post-show VIP drinks receptions at an additional cost, when Fernando and the cast will be present and ten unique underwater photos of Fernando and plastic by Robin Conway will be on display. Members of our congregation donated plastic and worked in the Parish Hall to create the backdrops and plastic art installations used! Prices to be announced shortly. To register your interest, speak to Lesley Gray or contact the Parish Office, 020 7262 1732, parishadmin@stjohns-hydepark.com.
Walk and Dine: Tuesday 23rd July 5.30pm
Blue Badge Guide Alison will take us on a private walk of 1 and 3/4 hours around the St James SW1 quarter, revealing the area’s hidden history, tucked away passages and royal connections, as well as showing us the requisite facilities needed for this to became a fashionable residential location in 17th and 18th century London. Friends and family are welcome to come on the walk. £10 per person.
Afterwards Andy Beverley has very kindly booked a limited number of supper places for us in the dining room at the Army and Navy Club, 36-39 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5JN, therag.co.uk. 2 courses (mains and dessert) inc. VAT and Service, drinks extra. The Club was founded in 1837 for former and serving Officers of the British and Commonwealth Armed Services and their immediate families. Supper places are limited, so first come first served! Walk only: £10, walk and supper £33. Meet outside Green Park tube station by the Diana Fountain (located within Green Park, at the tube station entrance/exit) at 5.15pm for a 5.30pm start. Payment to Margaret please - as always cheques preferred.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Children’s Community Choir
Thursdays, 4.10pm
The Children’s Community Choir is open for children 6 years old and above, sessions will be 30 minutes long and children will sing different genres of music. If you are interested in bringing your children along please let Robert know.
School Gate Gossip
The previous half term had finished with an amazing afternoon of dance as the whole school participated in and helped celebrate the heritage of country dancing in England during the traditional May Dance Festival. Each of the classes should be incredibly proud of their achievements; it was an excellent exhibition of colour, heritage and community spirit. Just before the break, four of our Year 6 students were accompanied by Mr Hewitt, as they partook in a regional heat of the Westminster Abbey Quiz. Competing against some of the area’s most prestigious schools, the team – for want of a more formal but equally exuberant term – ‘smashed it’ as they finished equal second and in contention to qualify for the final later in the year. What a superlative job! After a short break, the new half-term kicked off this week with Science Week, the school holding its first official science week since the implementation of the Cornerstones curriculum. Each class participated in a variety of science investigations and studies based around this year’s theme of ‘Journeys’. Finally, the PFA was very busy again with this term’s PFA Pub Evening on Thursday and the PFA Bake Sale on Friday. Huge Thanks to the PFA for all their ongoing and great support.
Stay and Play
A community playgroup meets weekly in St John’s on Thursday mornings from 10-11.30am. Come and stay for a play, a sing-song and to share stories over a cup of coffee. All children and babies are welcome (newborn to 5 years). Suggested donation: £2.
Church Camping
Epping Forest, 14-16 June
There are plans afoot for a camping trip to descend upon Debden House, Epping Forest in June (a number of plots have already been booked). If you're a happy camper and want to join in then you would be most welcome. Even if you don’t have a tent, but would like to go, please let either Samantha or Becky know and we’ll see what we can do – equally, if you do have a tent to lend then please do the same. Everyone is welcome, as would be some sunny weather! It’s easy to get there on the Central Line and we can arrange lifts to help get you to the site (about two miles from the station).
Wizard of Oz
3rd July, 7pm
Following the success of last year’s project based, on the music from Mary Poppins, St John's choral scholars in collaboration with St James and St John CofE Primary School and St George's Hanover Square CofE Primary School and a combo orchestra will be performing music from The Wizard of Oz – directed by St John's Director of Music, Robert Greenhill. Tickets (£5 per adult, children go free). Order yours today!
