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 composed by Eric Barnum and sets text from Dante’s Paradiso. The Wheel That Moves the Sea and Stars tells the story of the creation. The piano part assumes the role of the wheel whilst the choir sings ‘Above, on high, there’s a light which makes the creator apparent to the creature’.

St John’s Late

Our final service in our winter series of Lates is Compline – a quiet contemplative service to complete the day. The service starts at 6 and is conducted in candlelight. 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.

Lead Us out of Darkness

A Carol Service for Lent

Sunday 12th March 6pm

This seasonal service of music and readings explores Lenten themes - the chaos of sin, the test of enduring temptation, self-examination to amend what we are, the expanse of God’s forgiveness and the call to holy living. Some of the musical selections for this service are Bach’s Ebarme Dich and Andante from Concerto in A Minor (BW1041), Walton’s Drop, Drop Slow Tears, Sorenson’s Search Me, O God and The Raising of Lazarus by Rachmaninov and features our choir, accompanied by strings & organ The service will be followed by a reception with hot cross buns.

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 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.

Appeal in aid of Turkey-Syria Earthquake Victims

For the next two Sundays there will be a bucket collection after the morning service to raise funds in support of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal. The DEC is an organisation which pools the resources of 15 leading UK aid agencies whose mission is to save, protect and rebuild lives through effective humanitarian response. You can also contribute by making a donation directly to our bank account:

Name: St John the Evangelist with St Michael & All Angels

Sort Code: 40-11-58

Account Number: 80108251

Please put DEC in the detail if you contribute electronically.