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.
Summer Gloria!
This Summer we continue to alternate between a new Gloria sung to the tune Cwm Rhandda and accustomed folk tune Gloria sung to Ashgrove. Do sing along to them both at the tops of your voice!!
Theological College Student Placement
St John’s in exploring the possibility of hosting a theological college student on a mixed mode course with them spending half their time in theological college and the other half in a parish context for 2-3 years. This would require finding reasonably priced accommodation. If you might be able to help or have any ideas then please do speak to Steve the vicar.
Volunteer Opportunities
Intercessors Wanted
Ever thought of leading the prayers on a Sunday morning? New recruits are invited to join the rota of Intercessors. Having a diverse range of voices leading the prayers adds much to our worship and it’s not half as hard as you think. Full support is provided with a template for the framework plus lots of ideas. If you think you would like to read the prayers once a quarter and are interested to find out more then please have a word with Alex or Philip.
Hospitality Helpers
Could you help us offer a warm welcome after our Sunday service? Tea and coffee after the service are prepared and served by a team of volunteers, providing a valuable opportunity for fellowship and conversation. We are always pleased to welcome new helpers to join the rota. If you could spare some time to help occasionally, we would love to hear from you. If you are interested or would like to find out more, please speak to Jacqueline or Philip.
Dog Collar Dinner
Friday, 18th September, 7pm
Our biennial Dog Collar Dinner returns this year on the 18th September. Tickets are £30/person. Application forms are available on the table in the porch, please indicate how many tickets you would like and how you will be making payment. As this is a fundraiser to pay for the refurbishment of the parish hall, there will also be an opportunity to make a donation on top. The evening begins at 7pm and we will be making our way across 3 staff properties with a course at each; you are asked to bring a bottle with you to contribute to the evening. A more detailed itinerary will be available closer to the time.
Licensing of Deborah Marsh
Sunday, 20th September, 10am
We are very much looking forward to Deborah joining Team St John’s this coming autumn. Her licensing will take place during the morning service on Sunday, 20th September. Deborah will be taking up the house for duty post, living on Connaught Street and having a particular ministry within Culture Vulture Ventures.
Prom Concerts
Sunday, 13th September, 11.30am
Choral Scholar 2026/27 Showcase
Meet and hear this year’s group of wonderful vocal students as they start their time with us. Expect a range of song, opera and choral treats.
Sunday,11th October, 11.30am
Betty’s Birthday #BETTY161
Organ recital by Nick Miller. With music by Bach, Whitlock and Peeters.
Sunday, 1st November, 11.30am
Jenny Clark Memorial Concert
Cyrill Ibrahim, concert pianist
This year’s Jenny Clark Memorial Concert takes place on 1st November following the 10am service. Further details will be available shortly.
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 autumn. 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
New Life for our Cherished War Memorial
We are delighted to announce that St John’s has secured £650 pounds ‘seed money’ to begin the process of repairing the war memorial in our churchyard. Seventy-five percent was donated by the War Memorials Trust (WMT) and the remainder by an anonymous donor. In making the award, WMT Director, Frances Moreton, said it was “so important that communities come together and maintain these historic monuments to ensure that we never forget those who gave their lives for future generations”. She said the WMT was “delighted to be working with St John’s on this project, which is also supported by Historic England, to ensure that the repair is conducted according to best practice and with maximal involvement of the community”. If anyone wishes to know more or get involved in the project, please be in touch. In the initial phase, we have contracted a conservation-accredited surveyor to conduct a structural assessment, and once that is complete, we will create a schedule of works in order to go out to tender and finalise a contract with a specialist conservation firm. And of course, as we move to the actual repair phase, we will need to raise further funds. Our ambition is to begin work next year.
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. There is no drop-in centre in August with the next drop-in centre being on the 27th September.
St Johns Book Club
The next book club will be on 28th September 2026. The selected book is “Candide by Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet)”, a biting satire that critiques optimism, religion, and societal conventions with wit and humour. First published in 1759, this masterpiece remains a cornerstone of Enlightenment thought and a timeless work of philosophical fiction. Voltaire’s sharp prose and biting commentary make Candide a brilliant exploration of human nature and philosophy. The humour, irony and insights continue to resonate with readers, make it one of the most celebrated works of Western literature. For further information about the book club please contact Irwin Nazareth.”
