Passiontide Carols
Sunday 29th March, 6pm
This latest addition to our cycle of great carol services, which tell the events of the Christian year, takes place this evening, recalling the events leading up to Easter: Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, the betrayal of Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane and Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. Through inspirational readings and music by Handel, Cohen, Lloyd Webber, Messiaen and Barber, sung by the choir and accompanied by organ and orchestra, we will enter into these events as we prepare for our Easter celebrations.
Bible Book Club
1st April - 7.30pm
Into the Wilderness and the Shadow of the Cross
with C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien and The Inklings
This Lent our Bible Book Club is framed by two great moments in the story of Jesus. Having stepped with Christ into the desert of Matthew 4, where stones, spectacle and worldly power test his trust in the Father, we now stand beneath the Cross in Mark’s account of the crucifixion and witness where that refusal of power finally leads. Along the way we will be guided by the imaginative theology of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, drawing from the Lent book Wardrobes and Rings. The White Witch’s cold seduction, Edmund’s betrayal for comfort, the terrible beauty of the Ring that promises to do good while corrupting the heart and Frodo’s long obedience in a dark land all help us to see what temptation really is and why the way of Christ is so different. Come and discover how Middle Earth and Narnia illuminate the Gospel story. For more information please contact Alex: alex@stjohns-hydepark.com.
HOLY WEEK & EASTER 2025
Maundy Thursday, 2nd April, 6pm
A special sung mass commemorating the Last Supper takes place on the Thursday night before Easter. The mass setting is Missa Festiva by Peeters and the anthem is Messaien’s O Sacrum Convivium. The service concludes with a brief vigil.
Good Friday Children’s Workshop, 3rd April, 10am
A children’s activity morning is planned for Good Friday between 10am and 12 noon for children. Coffee, biscuits and hot cross buns will be available and we will build the Easter Garden. Volunteers are needed to help with the activities. A donation of £5 per child is requested (babies go free). If you can help, speak to Alex or Marcus.
Good Friday Liturgy of the Day, 3rd April, 2pm
Good Friday is one of the holiest days in the Christian year. This service of reflection and prayer, centred on the passion and death of our Lord, is led by our choral scholars and is based around Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ, Superstar.
Mrs Mops’ Easter Special! 4th April, 10am
Come join us in our special effort on Saturday morning before Easter to clean and to get the church ready for Easter. Please speak to one of the staff team if you are happy to don your housecoat and report for duty for a morning of hard work and fun. Many hands make light work: please help if you can.
Dawn Vigil and First Mass of Easter, 5th April, 5am
At 5am we meet in a darkened church for a Vigil of readings as we await the dawn and the resurrection of our Lord. This colourful and dramatic service incorporates the Service of Light, Renewal of Baptism Vows and the First Mass of Easter. There is a special treat this year as one of our violinists, Helen Sanders-Hewett, is being baptised and some of her musical friends will be supporting her by playing at this service. Well worth getting up for! The service is followed by breakfast and champagne. Please note by popular demand we are returning to the earlier starting time of 5am this year.
Easter Breakfast
A cooked breakfast and champagne are served in the hall following the dawn service. Please sign up in the porch if you plan to stay for this.
Easter Reception
Following the Festival Eucharist on Easter morning there will be a fizz reception with finger food. Please bring a plate of finger food to share and indicate what you will be able to bring on the sign-up sheet in the porch or on one of the clipboards.
St John's Lunch Club returns!
19th April, Kendal Street Kitchen after the morning service
St John's Lunch club returns with a visit to the Kendal Street Kitchen. They will be providing us with a menu for around £30 a head including a soft drink. It promises to be a great time as usual in this thriving, busy local restaurant. For further information please contact Alex: alex@stjohns-hydepark.com
Save the date - Parish Beetle Drive – 7th May
Join us for a parish beetle drive and pie & pea supper on the evening of 7th May in church. Whether you're a seasoned beetle player or completely new to the game, this promises to be a fun-filled evening; try your luck with the die and help us raise money for the refurbishment of St John's parish hall.
Tickets cost £20 per person (£10 for under 18s and/or students) and can be purchased from music@stjohns-hydepark.com or via Eventbrite (booking fees apply) at https://SJHP-Beetle-Drive.eventbrite.co.uk. For more information, speak to Harriet Miller.
Improvement Projects for St John’s
Vestry Renovation
Now that we have upgraded our vestments, we need to store them appropriately. We have obtained consent to refurbish and redecorate the upstairs vestry and to have a vestment chest made that can store the vestments appropriately. We have also ordered a wooden table and chairs so that the space can be used for small meetings and for the clergy to see people pastorally. The PCC set aside funds last year to cover the cost of these works. The works are underway and are running on time.
Hall Refurbishment
The hall was expanded around 1973 and, aside from a new kitchen in 1995 and new toilets in 2015, we have not invested much beyond routine maintenance in the space. A key asset for the local community, it is badly in need of upgrading. Paint Pots’ departure last year has given us an opportunity to carry out significant works to it while we locate a new tenant. We are currently seeking the advice of the Diocesan Advisory Committee and hope to begin the works later in the spring. The PCC has set aside some funds for this last year but there may be some fundraising events in support of this project.
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 will be held on 19th April.
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.
