Back to School Sunday
7th September, 10am
Starting school is the first big step as our children grow up. On this morning we give a blessing to all children starting at a new school and there will also be a presentation of a St John’s pencil case to all children going into reception. All school age children will receive a commemorative St John’s wristband.
Bible Book Club
Tuesday 9th September at 7.30pm: Wisdom Literature
"Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad." – Miles Kington
What’s the difference between knowledge and wisdom? This one-hour Bible study invites us to explore that very question through three powerful books of the Old Testament: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job. From practical advice to philosophical reflection and spiritual wrestling, these texts reveal the richness of biblical wisdom and its relevance for our lives today. Please email Alex if you wish to attend: alex@stjohns-hydepark.com.
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.
15th September, 7.00pm
Rowan Williams, theologian, former Archbishop of Canterbury
6th October, 7.00pm
Mariana Mazzucato, world renowned economist
(The Christian Aid Annual Lecture)
17th November, 7.00pm
Dame Mary Beard, preeminent British classicist
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.
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.
Dates for your diary:
Sunday 28th September, 11.30am
Master & Disciple: Organ & Piano Duets
given by Robert Greenhill & Nick Miller
Free Admission
Friday 31st October, 7.30pm
Phantom of the Opera: Silent Film Screening
with live organ improvisation by Nick Miller.
Tickets £10 in advance or £15 on the door.
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.
Save the Date!
Two dates this autumn for your diaries:
St John’s Quiz Evening
Thursday, 23rd October, 7pm
Chris Cochran, landlord of The Victoria, returns to test our general knowledge.
Jenny Clark Memorial Concert
Sunday, 2nd November, 11.30am
This annual musical highlight will be held immediately following the 10am service on 2nd November. You don’t want to miss this!
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Refugee Drop-in Volunteers
The monthly drop-in centre run by the West London Synagogue and hosted by St John’s will not meet in August but returns on 28th September.
Book Club
Book club met recently and selected its next book – Transcription by Kate Atkinson: a British spy novel focussing on the career and activities of Juliet Armstrong throughout World War II and afterwards, beginning as a low-level transcriptionist for MI5 before rising through the ranks and moving to the BBC after the War. They will discuss this at 8pm on 1st September. For further information, please speak to Irwin Nazareth.
