Dog Collar Dinner
Friday, 18th September, 7pm
Tickets are now sold out! Philip will be in touch with those who have purchased tickets later this week.
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.
Shabbat of Welcome
Our friends at West London Synagogue warmly invite members of St John’s to their Shabbat of Welcome on Saturday 26 September at 11am. The service will celebrate Sukkot in their newly renovated sanctuary and will include a bat mitzvah and baby blessing. All ages are welcome. For security purposes, names must be provided in advance. If you would like to attend, please contact Alex at Alex@stjohns-hydepark.com.
Here I Stand Autumn Lectures
This autumn we will be attending three of the acclaimed Here I Stand lectures at St Martin in-the-Fields. The series brings together leading speakers to explore important questions of social justice, global responsibility, spirituality and human life. The remaining lectures are:
Monday, 5th October, 7pm
A Blaze of Light: St Hild with historian and broadcaster Janina Ramirez
Monday, 9th November, 7pm
In the City and the Country with Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse.
We meet outside at 6.45pm. Following each lecture, we will gather for drinks in the crypt and an opportunity to discuss the evening together. There is a suggested donation of £10 for each lecture, payable on the night via a retiring collection. For tickets, please contact Alex at alex@stjohns-hydepark.com
Bible Book Club
Wednesday, 7th October at 7.30pm
Giants in the Bible: Did they really exist?
From the mysterious Nephilim before the Flood to the terrifying Goliath, giants appear throughout the Bible. But who were they, and did they really exist?
This month we delve into one of the Bible’s strangest mysteries, exploring ancient texts, archaeology, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the extraordinary Book of Enoch.
Were they simply very tall people, ancient legends, or something altogether more mysterious?
Please contact Alex if you wish to attend: alex@stjohns-hydepark.com
Dates for your diary: 4th November and 3rd December (Advent Course), all 7.30pm.
Prom Concerts
Sunday, 27th September, 11.30am
Choral Scholar Showcase: meet and hear our wonderful new team of vocal students perform solo songs, opera and choral treats.
Sunday,11th October, 11.30am
Betty’s Birthday #BETTY161
Organ recital by Tammas Slater. Our new organist shows off his skills with music by Bach, Rawsthorne 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. Cyrill Ibrahim is “one of the most exciting pianists of his generation" according to The Daily Telegraph. He has performed for the King and Queen at Balmoral, at the British Embassy in Rome and has even played for Kim Kardashian. His debut album was featured on Radio 3 and Classic FM and he has been profiled in Tatler, Gentleman’s Journal and Attitude magazines. His programme will include Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and Chopin’s Heroic Polonaise alongside works by Philip Glass and others. www.cyrillibrahim.com
Sunday 17th January, 11.30am
Kieran Hughes, flautist & Robert Bottriell, pianist
Sunday 28th February, 11.30am
Master and Disciple II: Greenhill Returns
Solos and duets for piano and organ, performed by our illustrious Music Director Emeritus, Herr Robert Greenhill, and the artist formerly known as "Little Nicky".
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. 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.
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.
Not Dead Yet
We know that this is a sensitive subject and many people support assisted dying. However if you wish to write to your local MP, there are some response cards at the back of church.
