Carolling Collective
Several of our local pubs were treated to some amazing carols by our choir and volunteer carollers on 19th December. They sang their hearts out and shook some buckets vociferously, raising £518.87 for the food bank at St Matthew’s, Bayswater. This is by far the best result from our annual carol fund raising and a big well done to all who turned out for an evening of fun and generosity!
Church Flowers
Thank you to all those who have donated towards the cost of decorating the church for Christmas. Our thanks go also to Harry Patel, our florist, who has done a splendid job with his floral arrangements.
EPIPHANY
This morning we celebrate Epiphany - the arrival of the Magi, after their long journey following a star seeking Jesus. This is one of the oldest festivals of the Christian Church and, in the Eastern and Russian Orthodox Churches, is the equivalent of Christmas as it was in the Celtic Church until the mission of Augustine of Canterbury. There will be a procession of the Magi and Presentation of Gifts before the crib as part of the service. Afterwards, there will be a reception of fizz and finger food. Please stay for a glass and share in the celebrations with us.
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. The service will be followed by a reception of fizz and Galettes des Rois.
Bible Book Club
Bible Book Club returns in 2026. The first meeting 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 met recently and 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.
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.
