Safeguarding at St John’s
Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults is a priority at St John’s. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) carries out an annual review of the parish’s Safeguarding Policy and the current policy is available in the porch and on the parish website. Safeguarding concerns can be raised in the first instance with the Parish Safeguarding Officer, Mary Langford: safeguarding@stjohns-hydepark.com.
Epiphany Carols
18th January 2026, 6pm
From Wonder to Revelation
Join us for an evening of music, readings and reflection as we journey from wonder to revelation in our Epiphany Carol service. We trace the joy and mystery of the first Christmas through to the arrival of the Wise Men and the presentation of Christ in the temple. Through familiar carols and readings we explore how the newborn child revealed, to a few, is shown to be light for all nations. Music featured in this service is Lux Aurumque by Whitacre, God Is with Us by Tavener, Rutter’s Down by the Riverside, Bethlehem Down by Warlock, Menken’s Look for the Light (from the movie Spellbound), Nunc Dimittis by Rachmaninov & Melua and Grieg’s The Last Spring. The service will be followed by a reception of fizz and Galettes des Rois.
St John’s Late
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. They run at 6pm on Sunday evenings between Epiphany and Lent.
Jazz Mass
25th January, 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 A Little Jazz Mass by Chilcott and the anthem is Hayes’ arrangement of Wade in the Water.
1st February, 6.00pm
No service
Compline
8th February, 6.00pm
This ancient monastic service, in a candlelit church, is stunning in its simplicity. The service is sung and the anthem is Sicut Cervus by Palestrina. Sign up if you wish to join us for a soup and cheese supper beforehand in the hall at 5pm.
Choral Evensong
15th February,, 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 Aylwood with the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis by T A Walmsley in D minor.
St John’s New Organist
We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new organist – Jack Gonzalez-Harding. Jack will be assisting our Director of Music, Nick Miller and we welcomed him onto the staff team last Sunday morning. He is away this Sunday but will be in church next Sunday. Do take the opportunity to greet him over coffee.
Bible Book Club
The first meeting in 2026 of Bible Book Club will be on Wednesday, 4th February, at 7.30pm. Further information about the topic for discussion on this evening will be available nearer the time but you can also speak to Alex if you would like to attend or contact him on alex@stjohns-hydepark.com.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Book Club
Book Club are currently reading 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.
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 will be held on 25th January 2026.
