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.
Volunteers for Kids’ Club
Marcus, our Red Balloon worker, needs volunteers to assist him in Kids’ Club on Sunday mornings. If you would like to help or for further information, please send him a message at mwalterspearce@rbf.org.uk.
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
PSALM 102
The anthems sung by the choir at the morning eucharist during Lent are taken from Psalm 102, which is part of the fourth of the five biblical books of Psalms and is one of the seven penitential psalms. In the original Hebrew the first verse introduces the psalm as "A prayer of the afflicted".
This morning's eight-part unaccompanied anthem Hear My Prayer is by the English composer Henry Purcell, 1659-95, from verse one of Psalm 102. It was written in the early 1680's. The piece has no respite from the carefully crafted dissonances from the start to the finish. The anthem was intended to be the opening of a larger work which was never completed
Walk in Their Footsteps
A Carol Service for Lent
Sunday, 12th March, 6pm
This seasonal service of music and readings explores the footsteps of those who came before us - Peter weeping, Joel rending his heart, the woman showing great love at Jesus’ feet, the tax-collector humbling himself and Mary believing at the tomb of Lazarus. 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
Mothering Sunday
Next Sunday, 19th March, we celebrate Mothering Sunday, when we give thanks for the many ways our mums have cared for and influenced us. The theme for this year is the variety of ways in which our mums clothe us. During the service our children will give flowers to every woman in the congregation while the choir sings Lakmé’s Flower Duet. We will also have a collection of dried and tinned foods in support of the food bank at St Matthew’s, Bayswater.
Lent Unlocked
Sunday, 19th March, 6pm
A new addition to our Lent season, Lent Unlocked will be a different kind of service, delving deeper into the theme we are exploring this year, Walk in Their Footsteps. Our guest speaker will be The Rev’d Thomas Sharp from Southwark Cathedral. We will be examining the truth that ‘we have strayed from thy ways like lost sheep’ and so look to figures in our scripture and tradition to commit together: let us walk in their footsteps. Weep with Peter, rend our hearts with Joel, show great love with the Woman Who Washed his Feet, humble ourselves with the Tax-Collector and believe with Mary. A great and hopefully slightly challenging service in church to complement our Lent carols. Do ask Georgina if you would like to know more.
Annual Vestry and Parochial Church Meeting
Our APCM this year is on Sunday, 26th March, immediately following the 10am service. This is the meeting where we receive the annual report and accounts and elect our churchwardens and members to the Parochial Church Council (PCC). This year we will be electing churchwardens, three members to the PCC and three representatives to the Deanery Synod. Nomination forms are available at the back of church. Completed forms can be given to Bryan Sollenberger.
Our thanks to Bryan Stephens, whose term on PCC comes to an end, and we are grateful for his contributions to the parish over his three years on the council. The vitality of a parish like St John’s is dependent on people being willing to give of their time and skills in leadership of the parish. We are as a community grateful for all that they have brought and shared. Please think carefully about whether you might have skills you can share by standing for PCC.
Easter Baptisms
Are you considering baptism? Easter is the perfect occasion and the dawn service at 6am on Easter Day is a great opportunity for it. This is a very special and unique service and there will be an opportunity for adults and children to be baptized as part of the Easter liturgy. If you are interested in being baptized at this service, please speak to one of the clergy as soon as possible.
Easter Breakfast
A cooked breakfast is served in the hall following the dawn service. Please sign up in the porch if you plan to stay for this. Anyone wishing to volunteer to organise the Easter breakfast would be very warmly welcomed by the Vicar (who will be coming off his Lenten diet).
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 Türkiye-Syria Earthquake Victims
There will be a bucket collection after this morning’s 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.
