The Wednesday Club
24th July 2019, 7.30pm
This group meets on the fourth Wednesday this month (normally the third Wednesday) in The Duke of Kendal pub to discuss everyday ethics and how the things we think and do relate to our understanding of God and faith. This promises to be a lively and generous discussion, so do come and join us! To sign up or for further information, speak to Dan. There is no Wednesday Club in August.
Bible Book Club
Bible book club meets once a month to read and to discuss the gospel reading for the coming Sunday and concludes with Compline. Meetings normally take place on the first Wednesday of the month but there will be no meeting in August – the next meeting is on 4th September. For further information, speak to one of the clergy.
Mid-week Services
St John’s isn’t just a church for Sunday! There are services at 5.30pm Monday to Thursday. Monday’s service is a eucharist and there is a said evensong Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Services take place in the sanctuary and are open to all.
Volunteer with a Cheer!
One of the great strengths of St John’s is the involvement of so many volunteers. Nowhere is this truer than at our Sunday services. We are profoundly grateful to everyone who takes part on the various rotas and in other ways as needed but we are always on the lookout for others who would like to be involved. If you would be willing to read a lesson, lead our prayers, carry the cross & candles, prepare and serve tea & coffee or help out in other ways, Dan and Andre would love to speak with you.
Celebrate!
Marking a special birthday? Celebrating an anniversary? Wanting to remember that special person? St John’s can help! To honour a loved one or to commemorate a special event, you can sponsor some music or flowers, have fizz & refreshments after the service - there are lots of possibilities. If you would like to observe a special occasion or honour someone special, speak to Bryan Sollenberger.
Culture Vulture Ventures
Walk and Dine: Tuesday 23rd July 5.30pm
Blue Badge Guide Alison will take us on a private walk of 1 and 3/4 hours around the St James SW1 quarter, revealing the area’s hidden history, tucked away passages and royal connections, as well as showing us the requisite facilities needed for this to became a fashionable residential location in 17th and18th century London. Friends and family are welcome to come on the walk. £10 per person.
Afterwards we’ll repair to the dining room at the Army and Navy Club, 36-39 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5JN. 2 courses (mains and dessert) inc. VAT and service, drinks extra. Supper places are limited, so first come first served! Walk only: £10, walk and supper £33. Meet outside Green Park tube station by the Diana Fountain (located within Green Park, at the tube station entrance/exit) at 5.15pm for a 5.30pm start. Payment to Margaret please - as always cheques preferred.
An Evening with William Shawcross
CHANGE OF DATE
Tuesday 17th September 7.00pm at the Vicarage
Meet the Author Evening in aid of St John ‘s high roof works appeal: St John's is very fortunate that parishioner William Shawcross, recently retired chair of the Charities Commission, broadcaster, author and historian has agreed to be the guest of honour at a Meet the Author Evening. All profits from this occasion will go towards the St John’s High Roof Works Appeal. The evening begins with a fizz and canapé reception from 7pm, followed at 7.30pm by the author’s talk on his 2009 book ‘The Queen Mother: The Official Biography’ and a question and answer session. Bring your copy if you would like the author to sign it! A two-course buffet supper with wine will then be served, with an opportunity to speak to William (and ask all those questions which you were too shy to ask earlier!). All this for £48, numbers are limited, with payment to Margaret please, cheques preferred.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
School Gate Gossip
As is always the case at this time of the year, the last few weeks before the summer holidays are hyper-busy for our children and teachers at St. James and St. John. We had a wonderful Sport's Day at Paddington Recreation Ground in glorious sunshine and, despite smeltering heat, our children fought very hard to win a medal-rank. Tuesday saw a wonderful performance of year 6 in "Robin and the Sherwood Hoodies" (a humorous take of the old classic) for which the children had worked so hard and delivered very well. Many in the audience were spotted with tears of laughter in their eyes - a wonderful evening. On Friday we had the end of year and leavers’ service which was as expected a very emotional affair for year 6 children, year 6 parents and teachers and staff. We wish all our year 6 children a wonderful holiday and best of luck in their new schools in September. Tomorrow, we'll be having our end of year celebration here at St. John's. There will be performances by the children, we will present annual awards and most importantly the school community will be thanking Jean Burton for her years of service as a governor including many years as chair.
Stay and Play
A community playgroup meets weekly in St John’s on Thursday mornings from 10-11.30am. Come and stay for a play, a sing-song and to share stories over a cup of coffee. All children and babies are welcome (newborn to 5 years). Suggested donation: £2.
