NOTICES FOR 5 FEBRUARY 2023

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.

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:

5th February

No service

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.

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.

Mental Health First Aid Training

An excellent course on mental health first aid, provided by the Diocese of London, is being hosted by St John’s on Monday & Tuesday, 20 & 21 February. The cost of the course is covered by the Diocese and there are some places still available. Please speak to Bryan Sollenberger if you would like to attend.

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.