Dan Warnke’s First Mass
This morning we are celebrating Dan Warnke’s ministry among us here at St John’s as he presides at the Eucharist for the first time following his ordination as priest last Sunday at St Mary’s, Stoke Newington by the Bishop of London. We welcome all those who have come to support him this morning, along with his family and friends. To mark the occasion, Dan has invited The Very Reverend Professor Martyn Percy, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, to be our guest preacher.
Fizz Reception
Following the service this morning there will be a fizz reception at the back of church. Please do stay and have a glass of fizz with Dan and take the opportunity to congratulate him.
Sponsorship
A very big thank you to the many people who have contributed to sponsoring the cots of today’s service and festivities. If you haven’t yet contributed and would like to, please see Bryan after the service.
Barbecue
Following the fizz reception, our summer barbecue will begin at 12.15pm which, by kind invitation of the residents, takes place in the gardens behind the church. As is our custom, St John’s is providing the meat, drinks and dessert in return for a donation towards costs. Please enjoy the reception in order to give our chefs opportunity to get the barbecue set up. Do not proceed to the gardens until the announcement that all is ready. To get to the gardens, turn right as you leave the church and walk along Hyde Park Crescent and turn right again and pass either in front of Castleacre and you should find the walkway into the gardens To cover the costs, please make a donation of £5/adult and £2/child.
If you have brought a salad with you, please place it on the tables in the porch. These will then be taken over to the gardens by one of the barbecue team in time for the barbecue. If you have not indicated your intention to come to the barbecue, we have catered for a few extra so please do stay.
To help cover the costs we will be holding another one of our ever-popular raffles. Today’s prize is a bottle of champagne and some smoked salmon. Tickets are £2 per ticket, £5 for a strip of 5 tickets and £10 for 15 tickets. The draw will take place at 2pm.
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.
Slavery
This week our anthem will be ‘Summertime’ from the gritty and spirited ‘folk opera’ Porgy and Bess. Set in 1920s South Carolina within the haunting backdrop of slavery, the Gershwins’ musical is a thought-provoking tale that follows the trials of Bess, abandoned by her lover, and the kindness of the disabled beggar Porgy who comes to her aid. George Gershwin originally composed Porgy and Bess in 1935 to showcase the quality of the African-American operatic voice, which for the time was a radical pushed against the segregationist customs and laws of the day.
LGBT Racism
Equality Slavery
The Poor Civil Rights
Apartheid
Bible Book Club
10th July, 7.30pm
Bible book club meets once a month to read and to discuss the gospel reading for the coming Sunday and concludes with Compline. Meetings normally take place on the first Wednesday of the month – but this month the meeting is on the second Wednesday. For further information, speak to one of the clergy.
The Wednesday Club
24th July, 7.30pm
This group typically meets on the third Wednesday of the month (but this month only on the fourth Wednesday) in The Duke of Kendal 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.
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.
Volunteer with a Cheer!
One of the great strengths of St John’s is the involvement of so many volunteers. Nowhere is this truer than at our Sunday services. We are profoundly grateful to everyone who takes part on the various rotas and in other ways as needed but we are always on the lookout for others who would like to be involved. If you would be willing to read a lesson, lead our prayers, carry the cross & candles, prepare and serve tea & coffee or help out in other ways, Dan and Andre would love to speak with you.
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 on Thursday 18th July at 7.30pm. £48 per ticket. 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 £50 each, 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! 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.
An Evening with William Shawcross
CHANGE OF DATE
Tuesday 17th September 7.00pm at the Vicarage
Meet the Author Evening in aid of St John ‘s high roof works appeal: St John's is very fortunate that parishioner William Shawcross, recently retired chair of the Charities Commission, broadcaster (for BBC television he wrote and presented in 1995 the series Monarchy and in 2002, to tie-in with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, the series Queen and Country), author and historian has agreed to be the guest of honour at a Meet the Author Evening. All profits from this occasion will go towards the St John’s High Roof Works Appeal. The evening begins with a fizz and canapés reception from 7pm, followed at 7.30pm by the author’s talk on his 2009 book ‘The Queen Mother: The Official Biography’ and a question and answer session. Bring your copy if you would like the author to sign it! A two-course buffet supper with wine will then be served, with an opportunity to speak to William (and ask all those questions which you were too shy to ask earlier!). All this for £48, numbers are limited, with payment to Margaret please, 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
What a fantastic and enjoyably exhausting few days Year 6 had at Sayers Croft this week. Venturing off to the depths of Surrey, the Year 6 students had a great time on their residential trip, partaking in a variety of activities. Residential trips have been very successful this year with both Years 4 and 6 attending. With a clear focus being on developing a combination of social, emotional and independence skills, we look forward to a continuation of this program next year. Reception visited Fr Dan this week at St. John’s, Hyde Park as they took their chance to venture out in what has been glorious weather and the ‘real’ start to our London summer. Talking to the class about how Christians believe that Jesus rescues people, Fr Dan spoke about how places of worship offer people of any faith a place to think and be quiet. Years 3 and 4 witnessed another tremendous performance this week as they got see the Aesop’s Fables show currently running at the Unicorn Theatre. Trips to the theatre are a continuing important part of our curriculum as they offer insight into the world of the arts and an alternative way to comprehend narratives being studied in class.
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.
