Royal Thank You
A big thank you to Robert, Ben and the music team for some amazing music at last Sunday’s service. Thanks also go to everyone who brought a salad or dessert to contribute to last Sundays’ Big Lunch and who helped to create a feast fit for a king. Special thanks to those who poured and served drinks outside and served smoked salmon canapés and to Team Andre for stacking chairs, assembling furniture and setting tables. The Big Lunch at St John’s was another fantastic royal extravaganza!
Sung Eucharist for Ascension, 18th May, 6pm
The Ascension, coming 40 days after Christ’s resurrection, is the culmination of Easter, the season in which we celebrate the stories of the risen Christ. This year Ascension falls on Thursday, 18th May and we will celebrate it with a choral eucharist at 6pm. The choir will sing Haydn’s Missa Brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo mass setting and the anthem will be Rutter’s I Am with You Always.
Whitsun Carols, 21st May, 6pm
A unique musical service concluding our annual cycle of carol services which tell the events of the Christian year. At Whitsun Carols we commemorate the events from Easter to Pentecost, with readings and musical selections from the choir and guest musicians. The service will feature music by Mascagni, Anderson-Lopez, Gounod, Rutter and John Williams. A seasonal reception of Pimms and cucumber sandwiches will follow.
Memorial Service for Canon Thaddeus Birchard
Thaddeus was vicar here from 1980-2001. Those who remember Thaddeus will recall that he died suddenly last summer in Ghent and was buried there with a funeral service taking place.
As there has been no memorial service in London and a number of people at St John’s would like to celebrate Thaddeus’ life and to mark his contributions to St John’s, we have designated the parish eucharist on Sunday morning, 18 June, for this purpose. Please save the date - we are now in the process of planning the service.
Alex Norris
We are very much looking forward to Alex joining Team St John’s this coming summer. His licensing will take place during the morning service on Sunday, 2nd July. Alex will be licensed by the Archdeacon of Charing Cross acting as Commissionary for the Bishop of London.
This Sunday will be our summer jazz mass and will be followed by our summer barbecue in the gardens behind the church. More details to follow but save the date now!
Georgina Elsey
Georgina is going into the army! and her farewell service will take place on Sunday, 3rd September. This will be our opportunity to say good-bye to Georgina and to wish her well. Please make a special effort to be here as we celebrate and give thanks for her three years of ministry among us. Georgina will be entering the Army as a chaplain later that week.
You Know You Want to…
Do you get goosebumps/pimples listening to the opening hymn performed by our wonderful musicians while watching the Servers dutifully process up the centre aisle? Have you ever wondered what you would look like donning a hooded white alb? Are you interested in washing the Vicar’s hands with holy water before communion? If the answer is yes to any of these questions (or, even if you’re not sure), it’s time for you to become an Acolyte! No experience is required and we will be holding a training/refresher session in the coming months following the 10:00 am service. If you have any questions, please feel free to email our newly appointed Head Server, Bryan Stephens at bryan.m.stephens@gmail.com.
Giggles and Gossip
Thursdays, 9.30-11am
Giggles & Gossip, a playgroup for parents with babies and toddlers, meets on Thursday mornings. 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 for school children between reception and year six. Children will play drama, lead games and explore biblical stories. This is being organised through our local CofE Primary School, St James & St John. Please contact the school for further information or to register your child.
