St John’s Late
Returning in November, St John’s Late services offer a friendly but contemplative space for those who’ve missed the morning, want to try something different or seek space for reflection.
Compline
9th November 6.00pm
This ancient monastic service, in a candlelit church, is stunning in its simplicity. The service is sung and the anthem is Hear My Prayer by K Briggs. Join us for supper beforehand in the hall at 5pm this evening.
Jazz Mass
16th November, 6.00pm
The atmosphere of a jazz club, great music and the beauty of the eucharist meet in this fantastic service with wine and nibbles available throughout. The setting is Jazz Missa Brevis by Gillthorpe and the anthem is Harbold’s Prayer for a Broken World.
Choral Evensong
23rd November, 6.00pm
This service is the foundation of English tradition, a gem in the crown of the prayer book and will be sung by our choral scholars. The setting for the responses is by Bernard Rose with the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis from Charles Wood’s Evening Service in F.
Advent 2025
Advent Carols
Sunday, 30th November 2025, 6pm
Today is our first evening service of advent with St John’s choir and orchestra, exploring the advent theme of ‘Both Sides Now’. Following the service, enjoy a reception of minced pies and mulled wine or spiced apple juice.
Christingle
Sunday, 7th December 2025, 4pm
A festive service for all the family that celebrates the light of Christ with the choir of St James and St John school. A wonderful way to mark the beginning of the Christmas season, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and hot chocolate served afterwards.
Nine Lessons and Carols
Sunday, 21st December 2025, 6pm
Our service of Nine Lessons and Carols starts our Christmas celebrations. This year we are pleased to have as our special guest the Bishop of London and next Archbishop of Canterbury, The Right Reverend Sarah Mullally. This will be her final visit to St John’s before taking over her new responsibilities at Lambeth Palace so do take this opportunity to wish Bishop Sarah well in her new role.
St John's Lunch Club
16th November 2025
The next Lunch Club will be held at the Duke of Kendal Pub after church on Sunday, 16th November. We’ve agreed a menu offering a roast dinner (with a vegetarian option), along with a hot or cold pudding and a soft drink, all for £29.50 (including service). Alcoholic drinks can be purchased directly from the bar if desired. If you would like to attend please contact Alex for more info: alex@stjohns-hydepark.com.
A Message from Kid's Club
16th November 2025
We're creating a nativity! Join us on Sunday the 16th November after church, in the hall, to create this year's nativity. If you're feeling crafty and creative, (or even if you just like drinking tea and providing inspirational chatter!), please join us and our merry makers to whip up the Creativity Nativity!
St Martin in-the-Fields’ Autumn Lecture Series
Here I Stand
St Martin in-the-Fields’ lecture series returns this autumn with inspirational speakers discussing those things for which they would be prepared to make a costly stand. We meet on the steps of St Martin’s at 6.30pm. After the lecture drinks are served in the crypt where we can discuss the evening together. There is a suggested donation of £10 for each event which can be made on the night. Please email Alex if you wish to attend: alex@stjohns-hydepark.com.
17th November, 7.00pm
Dame Mary Beard, preeminent British classicist
God with Us: Advent reflections in Words & Music at St Paul’s Cathedral
18th November, 6.30pm
A reflective and meditative evening of reflections by Dr Paula Gooder interspersed with music from the Choir of St Paul’s Cathedral. Alex will be outside the Cathedral at 6.15pm so we can enter and sit together. Tickets are free with an opportunity to make a donation on the night. Please email Alex for more information: alex@stjohns-hydepark.com.
Betty’s Big Birthday
During 2025 we are celebrating the 160th birthday of our wonderful Hill & Son organ named Betty and the tenth anniversary of her full rebuild by Nicholsons of Malvern. The finale of this will be in November on St Cecilia’s Day, when we host a recital by world-renowned organist Prof. Dr. Ian Tracey, organist at Liverpool Cathedral and to the City of Liverpool.
Saturday 22nd November, 5pm
Betty’s Big Birthday Bash!
Celebrity Organ Recital by Prof. Dr. Ian Tracey, followed by drinks, cake and merriment. Tickets £16 in advance (online or via the parish office) or £20 on the door.
Memorial Service for Lynda King Taylor
Wednesday, 26th November, 2pm
A memorial service for Lynda King Taylor has been arranged for Wednesday, 26th November, at 2pm. Lynda was a long-standing member of St Johns and the Hyde Park community. We invite all who knew or loved Lynda to join us for this time of shared remembrance, prayer and thanksgiving.
Consultation on the Appointment of the Next Bishop of London
The announcement on 3rd October that The Right Reverend Sarah Mullally is to become the next Archbishop of Canterbury set in motion to appoint her successor as Bishop of London. The first stage of this process is for the Vacancy in See Committee (‘see’ being a reference to the area of a bishop’s jurisdiction) to produce a Statement of Needs for the Diocese to discern the character, skills and other qualities which will be sought in the new bishop.
The Committee is eager to hear from a wide range of voices across the diocese, from interested groups to individuals. A consultation is available online at https://www.london.anglican.org/articles/help-shape-the-future-of-the-diocese-of-london/ where you will find information about the process as well as a link to a survey. You can also access the survey via the QR code:
Everyone and anyone connected to the mission and life of the Diocese is encouraged to complete the survey.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Refugee Drop-in Volunteers
St John’s hosts a monthly Sunday drop-in centre for refugees run by the West London Synagogue. This provides families with a hot meal, a shopping voucher and a contribution towards their transport, as well as signposting for other practical help. The drop-in centre normally takes place on the third Sunday of the month and they are always open to volunteers to assist them. If you would like to join the volunteer crew, please speak to the Vicar. The next drop-in centre is 16th November at 12.30pm.
Calling London - Coat Drive
Every year, Calling London collects thousands of warm coats and jackets and distributes them to over 30 charitable organisations across London, supporting the homeless, refugees, families in need, the elderly, and victims of domestic abuse. With demand higher than ever this year, every donation truly matters. From 20 October to 22 November, all Chestertons branches across London will serve as donation points for unwanted coats and jackets in both adults’ and children’s sizes. The closest drop off location to St John’s is 40 Connaught Street, W2 2AB.
For more information visit https://www.chestertons.co.uk/chestertons-coat-drive
Book Club
Book Club met recently selected their next book –Josephine Tey’s The Daughter of Time. This is a 1951 detective novel concerning a modern police officer's investigation into the alleged crimes of King Richard III of England. It was Tey’s last book published in her lifetime, shortly before her death. In 1990 it was voted number one in The Top 100 Crime Novels of All Time, a list compiled by the British Crime Writers' Association. Book club next meets on the 12th January 2026. For further information, speak to Irwin Nazareth.
