Children and Young Families
We are delighted to have families with children as members of our congregation. Kids’ Club meets this morning in the hall with Red Balloon – the children go out after the Procession to the Crib and re-join their families in time for communion. Toilets with changing facilities are available near the entrance of the church.
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.
Morning Music Series
The Period of Cosmography
From January through to the start of Lent, our music will explore themes of stars and light to reflect the hope and joy of Epiphany and Candlemas. The title of this series, The Period of Cosmography, is taken from an anthem by Thomas Weelkes.
This week's anthem is Seek Him That Maketh the Seven Stars by Jonathan Dove and focuses on the theme of starlight. The organ part creates the image of a starry night sky with the sparkly right hand pattern. The refrain 'seek him' starts in devotional longing but eventually explodes into a joyful dance, finally coming to rest in serenity.
St John’s Late
St John’s Late returns for the winter and runs through to 19th February. Please note the dates and services below:
12th February, 6pm
Jazz Mass
The setting for this popular service is our favourite Little Jazz Mass by Bob Chilcott and the anthem will be Lost in the Stars by Kurt Weill.
19th February, 6pm
Compline
A quiet contemplative service by candlelight to complete the day. The anthem is Poulenc’s Tout Puissant from Quatre Petites Prières de Saint François d’Assise. The service is preceded by a light supper at 5pm. Please sign up on the sheet in the porch or let the office now if you would like to come for supper.
Palm Crosses for Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday falls this year on 22nd February. As usual there will be a said lunchtime service at 12.00 noon and a sung Eucharist at 6.00pm. If you still have your palm crosses from last year, bring them in and we will burn them to make this year’s ash.
LENT COURSE
ANOTHER STORY MUST BEGIN
A LENT COURSE BASED ON LES MISÈRABLES
A joint Lent course between St John’s, St Peter’s and St Mary Magdalene’s based on the film, the novel and the stage adaptation of Victor Hugo's Les Misèrables. Join us at on Wednesdays at 7pm for a light supper, followed by a short talk and lively discussion amongst friends both old and new. Through discussion of some of the themes and principal characters of this epic narrative, the course explores the grace of God, alongside our fallen state and opportunities for redemption. It asks us to reassess what we can do with our lives, both for ourselves and for those around us. The course will be hosted by St John’s.
1st March – Fantine and Cosette
Our fallen state and hope for the future
8th March – The Bishop of Digne
Judging others and formation by the unexpected
15th March – Jean Valjean
The response to our self-knowledge
22nd March – Javert
Choices and ability to respond
29th March - Redemption and Salvation
Transformation and fulfilment through sacrifice
Annual Vestry and Parochial Church Meeting
This year’s annual meetings take place on 26th March 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 8th March, after which it will be closed until the conclusion of the APCM. 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 at the back or from Bryan Sollenberger.
Activities for Children at St John’s
Red Balloon, who are co-ordinating our children’s ministry on Sunday mornings at St John’s, are expanding the programme of activities they offer.
Giggles and Gossip
Thursdays, 9.30-11am
Giggles & Gossip is aimed at parents with babies and toddlers. There will be soft play available and the club will also consist of crafts and a story time for the parents and children to take part in.
After School Group
Thursdays, 3.30-5pm
This group is not meeting this term but it is hoped it will start up again after Easter.
